Win a Free Handbag!

Go here: www.handbagplanet.com to enter to win a free handbag! All you need is an email address, but you can blog, tweet, and invite friends for more entries!

Just Add Laughter

Well, people. It's time. I couldn't wait until Monday to start using my beautiful new blog!

So, if you're here, then you obviously want to read about my life. My life as a Pirate is slowing changing into one that revolves around my family. I'm not even spending as much time on the computer now. Isn't it CRAZY? HAHA. I blame it on Summer, and the fact that my kids are here ALL THE TIME. I wish I could have gotten Big Sis into that Girl Scout Camp.

Speaking of Girl Scouts, when school starts, I'll be heading a Brownie Troop, along with working. So if you follow me on MySpace, don't expect much from me in the way of messages or anything. If you have my email address at Gmail, please use it.

Otherwise, check out my new blog, Just Add Laughter. That's where you'll find me. And pics of the girls and reviews on books I've read and just basic updates on my life. What I love is that I can send pics from my cell phone straight to my blog, so I can even update when I'm not able to get to a computer!

So, I'm going to say farewell to A Pirate's Life for Me. I will probably link back to it every once in a while. And all my blog posts are staying put, forever archived in the Blogger directory. I've gotta say, it's been fun, but not as much fun as I'm about to have.

So, go check out my pretty new blog. The layout is from Leelou Blogs. I love it. It fits my outlook on life perfectly! See you there!!!

My Poor Girls

Big Sis asked to call her Dad right now. She called him, and he finally answered. He rarely answers when she calls. It's sad really.

So they talked. Big Sis asked how he was doing, and how "step-mom" is doing. They're not married yet, but that's what Big Sis calls her.

Then Little Sis got to talk to him. She takes it the worst when she finally talks to him. She handed the phone back to Big Sis, and said, in her pitiful little voice, "I miss my Daddy."

*sigh* It's so hard. Big Sis hasn't seen him since December 2006. She spent a week with him, when she was supposed to spend two weeks. Little Sis hasn't seen him since he brought down the divorce papers in November 2006. She saw him a total of about 45 minutes. He wouldn't even take her on the carousel at the mall!

I just wish he would either step up and be the dad they want him to be, or disappear. After he pays all his child support, of course. It breaks my heart that he doesn't want to talk to them. He never calls, and didn't even answer the phone when they called him on Father's Day.

Flashback Friday .. take 2

Ok, so LVBelle, my Disney and Blogging Buddy, at Monkey Memories posted her own Friday Flashback in response to mine from earlier. She posted a pic of her as a kid at Disneyland, then showed how her pic was in a Happiest Faces on Earth montage at Disneyland!

Well, I have one to share, too, and I just can't wait until NEXT Friday. So, here it is. Alex and I went to California Adventure on March 17, 2004. We had a 2nd day on our Two-fer (this was before we were APers) and I took her. It was a blast! She was just getting the hang of potty training, so I didn't need much more than a little backpack for her with a Pull-Up and a change of shorts. She did great that day!

Here she is on King Triton's Carousel!

When Disneyland put out the word to send in your happiest memories from Disneyland, that is one of the ones I sent in. I sent in a few, mostly of Alex. She was in several montages, but they were all up high, or she was cut off because she was in the bottom or side of the montage. BUT, she was clear as day in the Cinderella one in Fantasyland, near it's a small world. She thought it was awesome that she had her picture at Disneyland, and that she was on Cinderella!

Flashback Friday

While I was organizing my filing cabinet and scrapbooking stuff, I found a pic of my best friend, Christina and me at Knott's Berry Farm. It was probably taken about 7th or 8th grade. Possibly 9th...but it was before we transferred from Dana Jr. High to San Pedro High School. I was going to post it here, but now, I can't seem to find it. I love my filing system. Seems my filing cabinet likes to make my pictures disappear.

But, I have this one, from the last day of 9th grade at Dana Jr. High. It was 1995. Like my blond hair? What about my Lion King lunchbox? HAHA. I was so kewl.

I apologize for the quality. I don't have a scanner, so I had to take a pic of the pic.



Christina passed away on September 2, 2006. I hadn't talked to her much since high school, since I moved away in 10th grade. We would write letters to each other every once in a while. In Feb 2006, I was heading to Disneyland on a trip with my girls and my mom and sister. I called Christina to meet up for lunch while we were there. It was great. We had lunch at Rainforest Cafe. After she passed, it was very hard for me to go back to RFC. I went back in April 2007, and the whole time I was there, I could think of nothing but Christina and the last time we saw each other.

My message for Friday is this: Tell those you care about how much they mean to you TODAY. Right NOW. Because you never know when they'll be called Home. Christina was only 26. She didn't have cancer or something else where we could prepare for her passing. She was in a freak accident. No one ever saw it coming. Don't wait until tomorrow to tell your friends and family you love them. Because tomorrow may never come.

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen Ways to Know You are Obsessed with Disney (NOT that that's a BAD thing!)

1. All your ring tones on your phone are Disney songs!
2. You know the exact number of miles from your front door to Disneyland.
3. You know the names of the Cast Members at Disneyland and The Disney Store.
4. All your friends, and friends of friends, come to you to ask you questions about Disney movies and Disneyland.
5. Your kids can beat you at the Disney Trivia game, but you give them a run for your money!
6. Every event in your life can be summed up with a quote from a Disney movie or ride.
7. You know all the words to Pirates of the Caribbean song (from the ride) and the Stretch Room spiel from the Haunted Mansion (Welcome, Foolish Mortals).
8. You've won an award for being a Know-it-all at Disney Trivia.
9. You have every edition of "The Unoffical Guide to Disneyland" from 1998 to 2007 and you order the Disney Vacation Planning Video to watch on Family Movie Night.
10. You have a bigger collection of Disney VHS from when you were a kid than you have Disney DVDs!
11. You make plans to meet up with perfect strangers at Disneyland every year on July 17.
12. You have a Disney "Mom and Dad" -- friends who are wise enough to be your parents, but they go on Disney trips with you, instead of telling you to clean your room!
13. You know where all the hidden Mickeys are at Disneyland, and you treat your kids to surprises by putting Hidden Mickeys in your house!

Tip Junkie's Featured Website!

I was reading Tip Junkie this morning, and as part of their 20 Days Birthday Giveaway, they are featuring a pretty awesome website today!!

Doodle Bugs Stationary has the CUTEST stuff!!! Tip Junkie is giving away a $20 gift certificate, so go over there and sign up for the contest! I want to buy one of everything on the site, the stuff is so cute!

Take a look!

I'm Moving!

Just my blog is moving. I'm not moving again!

Starting Monday, July 14, 2008, my new blog address will be http://justaddlaughter.blogspot.com/

Right now, there's no blogs on it, but it's all set up, so feel free to add it to your blog list.

Take a look. Let me know what you think!

Ten on Tuesday

So, here's the first of my daily ideas. I actually did a search for it.

10 favorite movie characters (in no particular order)

1. Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean Trilogy
2. Dory from Finding Nemo
3. Giselle from Enchanted
4. Edward Bloom from Big Fish
5. Obi-Wan Kenobi from Star Wars Prequels
6. Satine from Moulin Rouge
7. Christian from Moulin Rouge (are you seeing a Ewan McGregor pattern here??)
8. Robin of Loxley from Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves
9. Forrest Gump
10. Princess Mia from Princess Diaries

These movies are usually ones I can watch over and over, and I'm sure I've left out a few characters...like Lucy Whitmore from 50 First Dates or some of Adam Sandler's characters.

So, what are YOUR 10 favorite movie characters?

Six Words Memoir Meme

Tena from I Love My Punky Monkey's tagged me with the "Six Words Memoir Meme".
Here are the rules:
1) Write your own six word memoir
2) Post it on your blog and include a visual illustration if you’d like
3) Link to the person that tagged you in your post, and to the original post if possible so we can track it as it travels across the blogosphere
4) Tag at least five more blogs with links
5) Don’t forget to leave a comment on the tagged blogs with an invitation to play!

Ok..this was a little difficult. There's a line from a song by Sheryl Crow that I love, and remind myself to live by when things get tough. So, I'm going to try and condense it to make my six words:

Want what you've got, not want.

Okay here are the five people I am tagging:

1. LVBelle at monkey memories
2. Jenni at Jiggity Jigg
3. threeundertwo at Lit and Laundry
4. Kira at Although Life May Choose The Music, I Choose The Dance
5. MrsElderP at Pedroza's Place

Independence Day Weekend!

We had Honey's daughter, E, this weekend, which is always fun! My girls were all over her, and the poor baby didn't know what to do about it! Of course, Little Sis had some problems sharing her toys and being asked to be the "big sister" and letting E use the toys. Little Sis is used to being, well, the little sister, so it's going to take some getting used to!

Here are some pics from the weekend:

Here are Big Sis and E dancing to the new CD I burned for them over the weekend. Honey gave them a CD Boom Box for their room, since Grandma gave the girls a bunch of cassette tapes (remember those??)

Here are the girls watching "Monsters, Inc." E asked to watch it, and then fell asleep. But, it was perfect. Dinner was ready by the time the movie was over, and E woke up right as the girls were finishing their dinner, so she was able to take her time and eat.

Here's E sleeping. She's so adorable!

Here's Little Sis watching the movie with all her babies.

Here's Big Sis being bored with the movie. She's been asking to watch "High School Musical," but the DVD is missing from the case. I have it on my list to replace it next time I get a chance. "Cars" is missing, too. :(

Currently reading

I am currently re-reading The Da Vinci Code. I love love this book. I'm at the point where Langdon just went into the Louvre. I have to remember that this book is fiction. After I read it the first time, I researched the Knights Templar and all that other stuff in the book. If you've seen the movie, but haven't read the book, I highly suggest you read the book. It is so very much better.

Random Acts of Kindness

Today, I had to go to the post office to mail out a few more books for Paper Back Swap. Before I could do that, though, I had to go to Calico's to print up the labels, since both printers at home are out of ink.

The girls were being very good, so I told them that I would buy them a cup of fro-yo to share while I finished taping up the books. I guess while they were in line to order, the AT&T Guy in front of us heard and bought them each a cup of fro-yo! The guy behind the counter told me the now-long-gone AT&T guy paid for it!

The girls were pleasantly surprised, and since I had only planned on buying one cup, I was able to enjoy some, too!

I mailed out four books: Diary of a Mad Bride, Something Blue, Heaven Scent, and Pride and Prejudice. I also received a movie from the Disney Movie Club. It was Enchanted! I already have TWO copies of Enchanted! So, I have to go back to the post office tomorrow to mail it back!

And, oh yeah...it's hot as H-E-Double Hockey Sticks out there...and humid as a bathroom where someone's taking a hot-water-only shower!

Gotta love Mondays!

Scrapbooking

So, I love the idea of scrapbooking. Looking at pictures and displaying them in fun and creative ways.

When Big Sis "graduated" from Kindergarten, my dad and step mom gave us a pre-made "school days" scrapbook. I find it absolutely adorable, but I can't find the pics I took of Alex's first day of 1st grade. I'm sure it's on my computer, so I'll probably upload it to Walmart.com and have it printed out.

Anyway, here are some pics of the first few pages where I've actually done something.

This is the front cover. Originally, it had a black background with white words that said "School Days" but I changed it to say "Class of 2019."

Oh, um.....2019??

This is the first page. I'm thinking I'll put a picture of Big Sis in Preschool on the yellow background, and her Senior pic in the green.
I just have to find the preschool pic on my computer!!

Here's the Kindergrten page. I'm sure I have another pic of her in Kinder (probably one from her promotion ceremony) that I'll put in the green at the top.

First Grade! I know I have a picture of her on her first day that will go in the blue. I even think it's in black and white. And the second set of pics, the "character pose" that was taken in the later part of the school year will go in the bus.

Second grade. She'll start on August 19. I will put a first day pic on the blue, and her school pic on the yellow. I will wait until the end of the year to make it final, just in case I have other fun pics to add. Especially since she'll be starting Girl Scouts this year!!

New Contest at SITS!

So, have you been reading The Secret is in the Sauce? Last week, that had that adorable purse for their giveaway. I didn't win, darn it.

But, this week, they're giving away a $100 gift card to Target! Hello??? I know what I could do with $100 at Target. I need new clothes! What could you do with it?

So, go over there, comment on their blog with the give away, then link back to their blog on your blog!

Oh, and if you win...buy me something! :)

Fireworks for you...

I am very sad I won't be at Disneyland tomorrow, like I was last year. In fact, the only fireworks I'll be seeing are on TV! No fireworks in town, except for the (shhhhh) illegal sparklers I bought for the girls.

So, here are some fireworks for you to enjoy!!! Sit back and relax and enjoy the next 17 minutes of bliss......

Thursday..

So, I'm trying to come up with daily themes for my blogs, so even if I have nothing to write about, I have something to write about!

I've seen "Wordless Wednesdays" listed more than once. This is actually a great idea! Can someone explain a little more? A personal pic? Or can I add a funny or thought-provoking graphic that I've found on the internet?

Today's SITS Featured Blogger does a "Tirade Tuesdays" where she vents. I love that idea, but the idea of keeping notes throughout the week on what ticks me off just doesn't sound like me. If something ticks me off on Saturday, I'm going to write about it on Saturday. What other "Tuesday" themes should I consider?

What about the rest of the week? Ideas? Anyone? It would mainly be for the weekdays, but some ideas for the weekends would be much appreciated!

On another note, have you all read The Secret is in the Sauce? Awesome blog! They're doing 6 weeks of giveaways, and they're only on their 2nd week! Go read it! Also, Tip Junkie is doing 20 days of give aways. This weekend (they're extending it because of the holiday!) they're giving away a gift certificate to purchase a custom blog layout. Go check these blogs out!

One last thought....my girls come home today!!!! I'm so excited to see them! I've got the stuff I brought up yesterday unpacked, I just have to put it away. Once the girls get here, I'll put a DVD on in my room and work on my filing cabinet. That's going to be the biggest job for me!

Currently watching: Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest. Oh, how I love Johnny Depp! :)

Today....

...will be BUSY.

It's not even 7am. I've been up since 5. I finished "Something Blue" (more on this later) this morning. I've finished my homework that's due today. In about 20 minutes, I'll be leaving to go back to the old house to finish packing up the rest of my stuff, and to clean.

I have to pick up my paycheck today, too, and deposit that into the bank. Pay car payment and rent. Buy groceries.

My mid-term is at 6pm. I'm nervous beyond belief. I took this class last semester, and while I'm having an easier time with it this semester, I bombed the mid-term last time. I have an A in the class, so I'm not too scared, but I would love to KEEP my A!

Ok, so like I mentioned before, I finished Something Blue. I started it yesterday morning when I woke up, and finished it this morning, at 5:30.

What a fabulous book! I can't remember much of "Something Borrowed," but the first couple of chapters gives enough background information that I was able to enjoy the book. I felt like I *was* Darcy through the whole thing. About half way through, I was expecting an ending fitting for the Darcy we meet at the beginning, but was very pleasantly surprised by the ending Emily Giffin wrote.

I highly recommed this book! It's on both my BC and PBS bookshelves. If you want it, let me know, and I'd be more than happy to mail it off to you! Just a fair warning, though...keep some tissues handy for the last 3 chapters!

So, this will be the last blog from me today, unless I send something via my cell phone. Wish my luck on my mid-term this evening.

Oh, yeah....my girls will be home TOMORROW!!!!!!!!

Thinking...

I've been thinking of giving my Blog a major overhaul.

since I've been blogging more, I was thinking about changing the name, which means I have to change the web address.

I'll give a heads up when I do this, so don't worry...but I need to get creative. Threeundertwo, LVBelle, Kira, Tena...help! LOL Give me ideas!!!

Ok, now I'm going to close Blogger and turn on iTunes so I can get some work done here around the house! I also need to eat lunch because I'm hungry!!!

July??

Ok, where did the first six months go? Boy, does time fly!

So, today, I've unpacked another kitchen box and got stuff put away in the girls' bathroom. I still have their suitcases on my coffee table, which have clothes they didn't take to grandma's, so I need to put those away too. I'm still looking for the box with the hangers in it!

I woke up today at 10. Of course, I didn't go to bed until after 1:30, so it's not like I got a whole heck of a lot of sleep...8.5 hours, typical for me. Once the girls come home, I'll be getting up between 7 and 8am.

Honey went into work at 5am this morning, so he'll be home at 1:30. At 10, I got the text messages from Weather.com saying it was already 101 degrees outside! I know what some of you are thinking...if I'm waking at 10, and it's already 101 outside, HOW am I supposed to be doing my C25K workout? Umm...that's a good question! I don't have an answer.

Also, as you can see, I've spruced up my blog a bit. I was playing around with it last night. I've added some new blogs to my blog list. Two of note are The Secret is in the Sauce which is having some giveaways on their blog. Check it out. I know some of you who read my blog would be great on their featured blog list. Also check out Tip Junkie, who is also having giveaways every day for 20 days! Make sure you tell them I sent you!

So, take a look around. I've added some new stuff, switched some stuff around....let me know what you think! I have one question for Tena, though. How did you get your page all spiffy? Did you pay for a membership? How did you do that? Ok...that was three questions. Sorry.

Mom Blog Network

Are you ready for another blog from me? I guess I'm trying to break some kind of record tonight..I just don't know what it is!

So, I've been checking all my favorite blogs for fun stuff to do with it. Tena's Blog has a link to the Mom Blog Network. So I added my blog to it, so now, my dear, wonderful reader, you should click that fun little icon to vote for my blog. And, if you happen to add your blog, let me know, and I'll be more than happy to return the favor!!

30 minutes left of June....I wonder how many more blogs I'll be posting?

To Be Read...

Yes, I know. I've posted, like, a million blogs today. What can I say? Honey's been sleeping for hours, I miss my girls, and I'm watching a movie. I'm bored.

So, here's my To Be Read list for the rest of the summer (ok, maybe that's being a bit ambitious...let's say before the end of the year).

In alphabetical order:

1. Angels & Demons by Dan Brown -- I've read The Da Vinci Code already. I've been told this one's pretty good, and that if I enjoyed TDVC, that I'd enjoy A&D.

2. The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown -- yes, I know I just said I've read it. But I'd like to read it again, probably before I read Angels & Demons.

3. Dead Ringer by Lisa Scottoline -- Never heard of the book or the author. But while I was unpacking, I found it, in hard cover. I suppose I should read it before Swapping it, since I probably spent good money on it! Don't worry, you'll get a review once I'm finished.

4. The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold -- I think I've read this one before. But again, I found the hard cover while unpacking, so I figure I should read it.

5. Lucky by Alice Sebold -- this is apparently a true story about Alice Sebold's attack while she was in college. I've not read this one, but it looks interesting!

6. Naked Prey by John Sandford -- Another hard cover book I found while unpacking. No idea what it's about, but I'll read it anyway!

7. The Regulators by Richard Bachman -- ok, this is Stephen King using a pseudonym. I know I've read it before, but that was back in high school. So, I'll read it again. This one will probably stay in my permanent collection.

8. Something Blue by Emily Giffin -- this is the one I'm reading right now. Well, will start reading as soon as I can get off of the computer long enough to actually read it! See this post if you want to know more about it.

Also, I would like to re-read the Harry Potter books, starting with Order of the Phoenix. "Half Blood Prince" is scheduled to come out in theaters November 21, 2008, so I want to re-read it before that! And when Deathly Hallows came out, I read through it so fast because I wanted to know what happened!

So, who wants to start taking bets that I won't finish them all before New Year's Eve?

Why is it...?

That when you own a movie on DVD, you never watch it, but when it comes on TV, you will sit through it, commercials and all?

I'm doing that right now, with "Walk The Line." I own the DVD, and wanted to watch it the other night, but didn't. I watched "Ghost Ship" instead.

But it's on FX right now, DVD on TV, and I'm watching it. Everyone knows I hate commercials, so why am I watching it on TV? No idea. I love the soundtrack, though. I even have it on my iPod. I pride myself that I have Johnny Cash songs on my iPod, but then I have to remind myself that Johnny's not the one singing! Reese Witherspoon has a great voice, though. I like her. She's so cute!

I do this with a lot of movies. "Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl" is the popular one. "50 First Dates" is another. Both are shown on USA Network often, and I'll watch them, and record them on my DVR (*sigh* I miss my DVR), and watch them...when I OWN THE DVD!

What's wrong with this picture?

ABC

I wasn't tagged, but threeundertwo posted this a couple days ago and I'm bored and "Walk The Line" just isn't doing it for me. Love Joaquin's voice, though......ok...here we go!


A is for age: 28...less than a year and a half until I'm 30! EEEK...but, that 30th birthday is going to be FAB because I'm celebrating with LPers!
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B is for burger of choice: mmm......burgers....Whisky River BBQ Burger from Red Robin...no lettuce or tomatoes (ok, bop me on the head...shoulda had a V-8)
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C is for what kind of car you drive: Well, I'm not able to drive it much now..the alternator's out on it. But it's a 2002 Ford Focus.
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D is for your dog's name: I don't have a dog. But if I did, I'd name him....umm....I dunno
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E is for essential item you use everyday: the computer. But really, it would have to be soap..I can't go more than 24 hours without a shower...and I can't sleep if I haven't taken one. TMI? Sorry.
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F is for favorite TV show at the moment: Well, since most everything's in reruns, I don't have one at the moment. I need to remember to set the VCR (*sigh* I miss my DVR) to record The Bill Engvall Show. During the reglar season, it's CSI, Survivor, Law & Order: SVU...oh, and let's not forget Adam & Jamie on Mythbusters!
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G is for favorite game: anything that I can play with my girls. Disney Trivia Game is one they can usually beat me at...but that's because they play with the Kids' Cards, and I stack the deck to put the ones I know they don't know at the back of the deck! What a nice mommy, huh?
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H is for Home State: California, baby!
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I is for instruments you play: I played the flute in high school. And get this...not only did I found the flute at my grandma's and take it home, but while I was unpacking, I found my music!! So, if I get bored, guess what I'm doing? Oh, and I took a music class last semester, so I can play the flutaphone, too.
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J is for favorite juice: plain ol' orange juice...but it HAS to be "fresh squeezed." Not that I have to see it squeezed, but it has to say "fresh squeezed" on the container. Like Tropicana. I can't stand Minute Maid. Yuck.
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K is for whose butt you'd like to kick: my brother's. *sigh*
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L is for last restaurant at which you ate: hmm.....I think it would have to be Calico's..but we didn't eat there...we had pizza delivered. Does that count??
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M is for your favorite Muppet: are we talking classic Muppets? Or Sesame Street? Oh, well...either way, it's Kermit.
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N is for Number of Piercing: 2 in each ear...but I rarely wear earrings. Unless they're my Pirate Earrings.
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O is for overnight hospital stays: Two...one when I had each of my girls. Then, I stayed overnight with Big Sis when she was admitted in June 2006 for dehydration.
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P is for people you were with today: Just myself, mostly, until Honey came home, then we spent a little time together. But he's gotta go in to work at 5am, so he went to bed at like, 5.
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Q is for what you do with your quiet time: Blog. Read. Play on LaughingPlace. Oh, yeah, and lately, I've been unpacking.
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R is for biggest regret: right now, it's letting my girls spend 3 weeks at grandma's!!!
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S is for status: Happily taken. :)
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T is for time you woke up today: 11am. Won't be able to do that once the girls get home, though!
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U is for what you consider unique about yourself: umm............ummm............can't think of something witty and unique to say LOL
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V is for vegetable you love: corn...peas....potatoes....raw carrots....
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W is for worst habit: Like most of you who read my blog, it would have to be spending too much time on the computer. And watching too much TV.
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X is for x-rays you've had: dental, wrist...I think that's about it
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Y is for yummy food you ate today: not much...I had a mini pizza, a peanut butter and honey sandwich, and an egg salad sandwich. And iced tea...lots of iced tea.
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Z is for zodiac: Sagittarius. Because cool people were born in December :)

House, School, and stuff

So, thanks to Tena (I love my punky monkeys), I added a new blog to my blog list. It's called The Secret is in the Sauce (SITS). They do fun give aways and stuff! This week's is a genuine Brighton handbag retailed at $175. It's cute, no?

So, I've gotten about 95% of my stuff moved into the new house. The girls' bunk beds are up and made (and probably the only time they'll be made to my standards, I'm sure). My computer's hooked up in their room. I'm going to backup all my pictures and other files, then they'll be able to play games on it. There's no internet on it, but I have some games they'll find fun.

Also, school's going good. I got my pre-mid-term grade report and I have a B. However, I was given an online assignment, and it wasn't available for me to finish, and she has it listed as missing. So, I'm working on getting her to fix it. But a B is good...my mid-term is on Wednesday at 6pm.

Update: Just like I thought, I should have been excused from the assignment, since it wasn't an option for me to do it! So, I now have an A!! YAY!!! :)

My girls will be home on Friday! I can't wait. I miss them terribly and have been having problems sleeping because of it. Now that their room is ready for them, I'm missing them even more. But on Friday, after they get here, we'll do something fun if we don't have a place to go. No fireworks in town and the ones you can purchase are banned in San Diego county. So, if we don't have one of Honey's friend's houses to go to, we'll probably BBQ and go swimming, or watch some movies and play some games. Then, like is tradition, we'll watch the fireworks on ABC from WDW and Disneyland!

More books posted!

I just added a bunch of new books to both my Bookcrossing.com bookshelf and my Paperback Swap bookshelf.

If the book is in my To Be Read pile, I don't list it on PBS until after I'm done reading. If you see a book on either list and want it, let me know! I'd be happy to send it to you (unless, of course, it's on my "Permanent Collection" list).

Take a look!

Where I'd Rather Be...

My little weather thing over there --------->
says it's 109 here in Borrego Springs, and 78 in Anaheim. 31 degrees?????

So, where I'd rather be right now?


Disneyland. Sitting next to the Rivers of America, enjoying a Dole Whip Float, listening to the music of New Orleans Square, watching the Mark Twain Riverboat pass by.

*sigh*

18 more days.....

Just finished: "Anyone But You"

What a great book! It's about Nina, a 40-year-old divorcee who wants nothing more than to get a dog. So she finds Fred. Fred then finds Alex, a 30-year-old ER doc who lives downstairs. It's funny, romantic, and sexy. I highly recommend it. It's not a huge book, I probably could have finished it in one day if given the chance. Maybe in just a couple of hours.

It's up on my Paperback swap bookshelf. If you want it, let me know! I have the option to "Mail It To A Friend." I don't know if this will give me a credit for another book, though! If you are a member of Paperback Swap, let me know, and I'll add you as a friend!

Up Next: "Something Blue" by Emily Giffin. I read "Something Borrowed" a couple of years ago, but I've started the first chapter, and it seems to give some background as to what happened before. But I love the idea: Woman cheats on man, so man cheats with woman's best friend. Then Woman gets mad. Just like a woman, huh? Double standards! LOL

Once I'm finished, I'll post a review. This one's not on Paperback Swap yet, because I'm afraid if I post it now, that someone will want it, and I want to read it! If you want it when I'm done, let me know, and I won't post it, I'll just send it to you.

Off to finish homework! Then, I have to unpack.

Have a great day!

Front Yard Visitors

So, last Saturday morning, I was getting ready to go back to the old house to do some packing. When we went out the front door, this is what we found.

Yep. They had just made themselves at home in the shade of our front yard!! I just wish that my girls had been home to see it! We haven't seen them lately, but the way they were just relaxing makes us think that they will be back. Honey's been busy cleaning up the front yard, so there is very little debris anymore. Now the bunnies have a place to relax!

Just a Plug...

Ok, I just read the BEST blog entry so far this week!

So, I'm plugging threeundertwo's blog entry for today: How to Make Chex Mix.

She's got a way with words. Read it!

BOOKS!

So, I've decided that in addition to blogging about my kids, C25K, and everything else, I'm going to start blogging about the books I'm reading. I haven't started reading anything fun since summer started, but I just pulled a pile of books out of the "stuff" I already have at the new house. I registered them at Bookcrossing, where you can catch and release books into the wild so others can enjoy them, too! You can check out my bookshelf by clicking HERE.



First book to be read:



Anyone But You by Jennifer Crusie. I've read some of JC's work, and I enjoy it a lot! So, I'm expecting to get this book done in the next couple of days, especially since I'm not finding anything exciting on TV during the day! :)






So, take a look at my Bookshelf on Bookcrossing. I have added the link to Bookcrossing AND Paperback Swap to the right side of my blog for your convenience! If you have any book recommendations, let me know. Also, if you register your own books on Bookcrossing, we can swap them!

A Meme for Monday

So, I was tagged for this meme. I'm sitting here, with it already being 100 outside at 10:30am, watching "The Other Sister" on FX, and wanting something yummy for breakfast.

Four jobs I've had:
1. Customer service rep at a teacher supply store. I started in high school, 1997, and lasted 2 years. This was the longest job I've had, and the one I loved the most.

2. Clerk Typist at IVROP. I also enjoyed the job, when I actually had work to do. I paid out the checks for gas reimbursement for CalWorks participants who had a job.

3. AVID Tutor. Gotta love working with the high schoolers. It kept my determination to teach, but to teach elementary school, so I can get to them before high school! LOL

4. The best job of all: Mommy. My 24/7 job I've held for 6.5 years... that right now, I'm on vacation from (kids at grandma's) and I'm going out of my MIND!


Four movies I could watch over and over:
1. 50 Frirst Dates. I watched this again yesterday on USA. I can't get enough...Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore are so cute together. :)

2. Any of the Harry Potter movies. On TV or DVD, I will sit through the entire 3 hours of each movie :)

3. Any of the Pirates movies (DUH, right?). Johnny Depp as Jack Sparrow...need I say more?

4. It's hard for me to think of a 4th movie, because there are lots of movies I'll sit and watch when they're on TV, but don't own on DVD: Where the Heart Is and Steel Magnolias are two that come to mind.


Four places I have lived:
1. Omaha, NE -- I was about 6 and that's where my sister was born.

2. Grand Forks, ND -- Again, I was a kid, but man, thinking about the snow makes this heat a little more bareable.

3. Vallejo, CA -- where I was when my kids were born.

4. Imperial Valley, CA -- Niland, Calipat, El Centro, Westmorland -- I moved there after my divorce, and MAN, I am so glad I'm out of there! :)


Four TV shows I like:
1. Survivor -- it's like a train wreck...I can't stop watching it!

2. The Amazing Race -- I would love to do this show...to travel all over the world. With my luck, though, I'd be eliminated after the first leg :P

3. Friends -- gotta catch the reruns! If I were to get all the seasons on DVD, I would watch them constantly!

4. Desperate Housewives -- I love catching up with the women of Whisteria Lane...sometimes, my life is better, and sometimes, it's an escape from my crappy life!


Four Favorite Foods:
1. threeundertwo mentioned sourdough bread. I would have to agree. I could definitely use some fresh, hot sourdough bread right now :)

2. Pizza -- it's so versitile...and a great way to get my kids to eat veggies!

3. Mexican food -- mmm...I think I'll run to the taco shop for lunch :)

4. Italian food -- dang....now I'm really hungry!!!


Four Places I Would Rather Be:
1. Disneyland -- I'd get some Mexican food and a margarita from DCA!

2. San Francisco -- right on the wharf...I'm sure it's not over 100 degrees on the water!

3. San Diego -- closer than SF, and still probably not as hot :)

4. WDW -- while it's hot and humid, it's still Disney!


Four People I'm Tagging:
Hmm....since I was tagged by an LPer, and she tagged two other LPers on my list, too, I guess I'm going to have to hit up my other friends.

1. I Love my Punky Monkey's

2. Mommy to 2 Princesses

and, oh, what the heck...I'm tagging you anyway

3. monkey memories

4. Although Life May Choose the Music, I Choose the Dance

Couch to 5K ... update

Ok, so I've been slacking on my C25K workout. It's just that it's so HOT and I have to workout outside because I have no treadmill.

However, I have been swimming daily. That counts for something, right? I have my calendar set up so my official C25K workout starts Sunday, but I'm going to do Week 1 this week, too, to acclimate myself to the heat.

Now, have you read about my walk for Autism? You can get to my Walk Page by clicking the graphic on the top right of my blog page. You can check out how much I've raised or you can join my team! Keep reading here for updates on my workouts.

So, if you're doing the C25K workout, maybe you can join Team EJ 2008. It's in November in San Diego, so it won't be too hot! :)

I'm Walking for Autism!

I am participating in Walk Now for Autism to help find a cure for autism. Autism is the second most common developmental disorder in the United States affecting one in every 150 children born today. Despite some promising discoveries, the cause of autism is unknown and a cure does not exist. Research is crucial. Every 20 minutes another child is diagnosed with autism. Not only must we find ways to improve the quality of life for children and adults with autism, but we also must find a cure, and soon.

Walk Now for Autism is our chance to make a difference in the fight against autism by raising money for autism research and heightening public awareness. Please join me in my fight as I raise $500 to help fund essential research. I will be walking on November 8, 2008 and would like you to support those affected by autism. You can donate to Walk Now for Autism and join my team online through my webpage by clicking on the logo at the top of the page. Donations can also be mailed to Autism Speaks using the donation form located on my page or send me a check made out to Autism Speaks. My team name is TEAM EJ 2008; please note this on your check and the donation form.

Please join me in my fight against autism. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of the more than 1 million Americans living with autism today.

Sincerely,
Jaime

You can also visit my MySpace page specifically for my Autism Walk by clicking HERE.

FINALLY! Pics of the House!

How much have you been waiting to see these pics?? Remember, the house is a work in progress. We've been working on getting pet odors out, and we're not completely moved in yet (obviously). Tomorrow, Honey's stuff is being moved in, and Friday, my stuff is being moved in.

This is the girls' room. The glass door goes out into the playroom, which will be storage for a while, until the weather gets cooler.

This is from the inside of the girls' room. Their closet doors are mirrors!

This is our bedroom. While it looks small, that is a Cal King bed, and there are 2 full closets.

This is one of our closets and the door to our bathroom. Under that window will be my dresser.

This is our living room. I was standing right next to the front door.

This is the dining room and the "bar" that connects to the kitchen.

This is the kitchen. While it's not pretty, I love how much space is there! Next to the fridge is the "bar."

This is taken from inside the kitchen (see the oven?). That's the laundry room. The doors were in the girls' room (we have them off so we can load in the washer and dryer).

This is the hallway. Girls' room on the left. Bathroom on the right. Our bedroom straight ahead.

Backyard Visitor

This little guy kept running across Honey's back porch this morning. The lizard is probably only about 4 inches long, including his tail. He was just outside the back door, on the welcome mat. :) Isn't he cute? I'm going to miss him, because he will run across every morning!!

Text Books

The price of textbooks is horrendous.

I am re-taking an English class that I didn't manage to finish last semester. Last semester, we had to do a Reading Lab ever two weeks, but it was free. This semester, I had to buy an access code. WTH? $35.

Then, I had to buy my text book. The instructor wants the 9th edition. The bookstore has only NEW 9th editions, or USED 8th editions. The new is $77, the used is $55. So, I buy the used, and figure that they can't be that different, since the 8th edition is bigger than the 9th edition.

THEN, we have to have a vocabulary book. Every week, we have to study 10 words, then do a quiz, which is timed. Luckily, that was only $15 used.

My grand total was $118. I had a $100 gift card from the financial aid office, and $9 left over from last semester. So, I only had to pay $9 out of my own pocket, but seriously! The cost is outrageous!!

I was going to take an Art class, too, just something to broaden my horizons. THAT book was $90!!!! USED!! Umm, yeah, I won't be taking that class!!

I have been on campus since about 1:30pm, and it's now 4:35, and my orientation for my English class is at 6pm. So, I've been busy catching up on LaughingPlace and listening to the podcasts. But, I'M BORED! HAHA

I did start the first assignment, though. Aren't I playing the School Nerd? :P

My Workout Yesterday (C25K W1 D1)

Ok, so I didn't do the "C25K" workout yesterday. BUT, I did swim laps in the pool, did some pull ups on the ladder in the deep end, "ran" the width of the pool in the shallow end (that right there was hard core!!), and then, I also helped Honey move some of his stuff over to the new house. I helped load the couch and the Cal King mattress into the trailer, and then, I helped unload it into the new house. I got a good upper body and cardio workout yesterday!

So, while I didn't alternate the jogging and running, I did do something.

A Day in the Life...

So, on my LaughingPlace.com Message Board there are some of us doing a project called "A Day in the Life of LP." Yesterday, those participating carried around their cameras all day and took pictures of what happened during their day. I didn't start taking pictures until after I arrived in Borrego Springs, when Honey and I went for our sunset walk after dinner. Here are the pictures that didn't make the cut.

Behind Honey's apartment. Nothing but desert....

The mountains that seperate Borrego Springs from the Coachella Valley and Imperial Valley.

Honey exploring the desert. There is a lot of debris back there.

The last of the wild flowers. This one didn't make the cut because the house behind it is in focus. I was using Honey's camera, so I was getting used to the settings.

More wild flowers. Again, not completely in focus, plus, the flash went off, making everything else seem darker.

Check out LVBelle's pics that didn't make her cut...she's much better with the camera than I am!

First workout?

Well, I've already screwed up my first workout.

Today was my first day of summer that I was actually able to sleep in, and I did. I didn't wake up until 10am, and it's already 102 degrees outside! There is NO WAY I am going to run/walk in that heat, which is why I decided to work out early in the morning.

So, I'll make it up tomorrow morning, OR, I'll do a workout in the pool today, which will still get my heart rate up, but at least I'm staying cool.

New feature!

So, my Couch to 5K workout starts tomorrow at 7am! I have my Google calendar all set up to send me a text message to my phone at 6:30am to get my butt out of bed! AND, you get to peek in on my calendar...see it below! I'll add fun stuff when it comes up, but for now, it's for my Couch to 5K workouts!

I figure 7am is cool enough outside (well, hopefully not above 80!) and the sun's not too high to burn me.

So, look for my blog update starting tomorrow...I'm going Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday (days Honey works and leaves just before 7am!)

Wish me luck! Now I just have to remember to pack my workout clothes when I go to Honey's! :)

My Babies!!

My babies are gone to grandma's for the summer! My grandparents came and picked them up about 20 minutes ago. The girls were excited and even helped pack up the trunk! I'll probably see them in a couple weeks for the 4th, I need to plan something special. By then, we'll be all moved into the new house, too! Look for pictures from the inside in the next couple days!! :)

Busy Day!

Whew...today was one for the record books!

The girls and I woke up at about 8am. I fed the kids waffles, and folded some laundry I put on the line last night. At 8:30, it was already getting hot. Not warm...HOT. I did the breakfast dishes then started packing. I pulled some stuff from the laundry room, and then packed up the book case. Here's a packing hint: Do not put ALL the books from a book case into a standard storage bin. It's too heavy, especially when those books are text books!

Anyway, I finished that, then my honey called and said he was on his way. I finished getting the kids and myself dressed, and was brushing hair as he came to the door. Can you believe today was the first time he's ever stepped foot in my house?? Thanks to my brother, I wasn't embarrassed. :P

So we left. I checked the mail, and thankfully, my new debit card was in the mail. So we went to Walmart first, so honey could do his shopping and I could stop at the bank branch inside the store to activate my ATM card. We did some shopping, and I ended up spending $26 -- razors, toilet paper, trash bags, 3 bottles of water, a 12-pack of Coke Zero Vanilla, and more, but I can't think of it.

After Walmart, we went to Sizzler for lunch. What a great big lunch it was, too. I had a HUGE salad and some of the hot stuff from the salad bar (onion rings, corn poppers) and then some ice cream. Big sis even finished all her chicken strips and hers and my ice cream!

After Sizzler, we went to the mall. I had to exchange Big Sis' capris that the zipper broke. Unfortunately, I didn't have a receipt and they had already been washed a few times, but they exchanged them with no questions. I got one size bigger for Big Sis because they didn't have her size! 7 regular and 8 slim are the same in the waist, but longer in the legs. No problem, since they're capris, and she can roll them!

After the mall, we went to Home Depot so honey could get us a ceiling fan for our bedroom. Quick trip.

After Home Depot, I left to pick up my brother from Walmart (he took the bus in) and honey went to pick up the trailer from his friend's. We're borrowing it to make my move easier and quicker. By the time I got my brother and took him to his next stop, honey had already picked up the trailer and went to the mattress store to buy a bed frame for our new Cal King bed!

We then headed to the grocery store so honey could pick up his cold items, then headed back to my house. After we loaded up the stuff I packed up this morning, and we all cooled down a bit honey and I went to Circle K to get him a drink for the ride home and to fill up my 5-gallon water bottle for the cooler.

So, the reason why it was such a hectic day...it was 107 degrees outside, and I can't run my a/c when it's hot! My alternator gets over heated when the a/c is on, and stops charging my battery, making me stall. Wonderful, right? Thankfully, the girls are going to grandma's tomorrow for a few weeks, so I can live with no a/c when I'm driving.

My orientations for my online classes are on Monday, and after that, I'm going to honey's house, and won't be back down unless we're packing and moving. So, my car will get a nice break. And my drive up on Monday will be at night, since my last orientation ends at 8pm.

So, that was my Friday. Busy, huh? It's now almost 10:30, and I'm wide awake and enjoying the quiet!! :)

Happy birthday to Tena's little 'J', who turned 3 today! :)

What's wrong with this Blog?

So, I frequently post on a message board, LaughingPlace. My LP friend and blogging buddy, LVBelle (check out MonkeyMemories to read her blog), posts a "would you rather" subject every day.

Anyway, I'm writing this blog in response to that topic. Would you rather...have needles for leg hair or have flares shoot out your nose every time you say a certain word. See if you can figure out what word it is, based on this blog.

So, I'm sitting here watching "Are you smarter than a 5th grader?" I really enjoy this show. I tend to feel smart, especially when I know answer to question person gets wrong. I didn't hear question last guy got wrong, but I probably would have known answer. I think it's cool that if show asks a question a classroom sent in, school gets a new computer lab. And have I mentioned how much Jeff Foxworthy looks like my dad? And he reminds me of him, too. Kind of redneck-ish and geeky. My dad even has mustache and glasses!!

Question: "How many adjectives are in following sentence: 'Sierra runs down the hill.'" (KABOOM!) Guy said 1, but answer is, in fact, 0. And 5th grader Mackenzie got it right...thank goodness for Save!!

So, have you figured out word that makes flares shoot out my nose?

WHOO-HOO!!!!

So yeah, I'm still sick, but....

I just checked my grades for the Spring semester. I already knew I got As in my Geology and Music classes, and was just waiting on my History class. I was afraid I was going to get a D or worse because I missed a huge assignment, which was the same as a test. I must have aced my Final because I GOT A C!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yeah, baby!!

Only 4 more classes to take...2 English classes, another History class, and a Math class! :)

UGHHHH

So, I'm sick again. I can't figure out exactly what it is...allergies? sinus infection? cold? So I'm miserable because I'm taking meds that aren't working!

I woke up Monday morning with a slight sore throat, and it's gotten progressively worse since then. Last night, I was stuffy, and that may have just been allergies, but then this morning, it was pretty bad. And I had really weird dreams last night, so I know I'm sick.

I've been napping all day today, but not easily, since my kids don't know how to sit quietly and read or watch TV. Luckily, things will quiet down later this evening, and I can go to bed early.

This is really bad timing, since my kids leave for grandma's on Saturday and I have class on Monday! I was sick at the start of last semester, too. Go figure. I also have a lot more packing to get done, I have some done, but not enough to really have made a dent in what needs to be done.
Well, I'm going back to bed.

A Meme

Ok, so I read Tena's Blog, and she had this posted. She called it a Meme, but in the world of MySpace, it's a survey. Maybe Miss Tena can tell me why it's called a Meme. So, here we go. Anyone who knows me on MySpace knows I ♥ Surveys.
----------------------------------------------
In your ENTIRE life, have you ever...

gone on a blind date? Nope
skipped school? Only once...and I got a detention for it!
watched someone die? Fortunately, I have never seen someone die. I've been very close to seeing someone die, but she survived (thankfully) and has been going strong for another 2 and a half years (I love you, mi bisabula!)
been to Canada? yes
been to Mexico? yes
Florida? Yes, but only twice, and both times, I was fortunate enough to have visited WDW!
been on a plane? Yes! It's the best way to travel!
been lost? I never get lost...I only start adventures!
been on the opposite side of the country? I've been all over the country!!
gone to Washington, DC? nope...never had the chance
swam in the ocean? yes...but only in the Atlantic...I don't like the Pacific
had your booze taken away by the cops? Nope
cried yourself to sleep? Yes, of course...what woman hasn't??
played cops and robbers? yes
played dolls? yes
recently colored with crayons? Yes, but, like Tena, I prefer the brand new crayons...the kids get the dull ones, since they break them anyway!
sang Karaoke? yes!
paid for a meal with coins only? Yes, I have...thank goodness for the Dollar Menu!
done something you told yourself you wouldn't? yes...do I have to say what?
cheated on an exam? Nope
made prank phone calls? duh!!
laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose? Not out the nose, but I have spit it all over the computer screen!!
caught a snowflake on your tongue? yes
danced in the rain? Nope
written a letter to Santa Claus? yes
been kissed under the mistletoe? Nope :(
watched the sunrise with someone you care about? No
been arrested? Nope
blown bubbles? Yes! I love blowing bubbles! It's very relaxing!
gone ice-skating? Once..I got hurt and said never again!
been skinny dipping outdoors? Nope
had a nickname? Too many
been to Africa? nope
eaten cookies for dinner? Duh!
been on TV? Yes
stolen any traffic signs? Nope
been in a car accident? Yes...but only one was "my" fault, according to the insurance.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
What is your....
mother's name? Annie
favorite drink? Iced Tea
favorite alcohol? Smirnoff Green Apple
birthplace? Huntington Beach
favorite vacation spot? Disneyland...anyone who knows me would know this answer!
favorite salad dressing? Ranch or Italian
favorite pie? Pecan
favorite number? 13
favorite movie? I have too many to list here!
favorite holiday? Christmas
favorite food? Mexican and Italian
favorite day of the week? Saturday..that seems to be the only day Jim and I have off together!
favorite brand of body wash? Whatever is on sale and smells
favorite toothpaste? Crest
favorite smell? My kids after a bath
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Do you have any...
tattoos? Yes..I have 2...and I want one or 2 more
body piercings? just my ears
Do you drive a 2-door or 4-door vehicle? 4 doors
What do you do to relax? watch TV, play on the computer, read
How do you see yourself in 10 years? like Tena, with teenage...GIRLS!!!!

Nanny 911

So, I found out that they are showing reruns of "Nanny 911" on CMT. I've started recording them, looking for ideas on how to implement a good reward/consequence program for our new household (since apparently, I let them run wild).

Well, unlike "Supernanny," they really don't show how to deal with the children! How am I supposed to learn how to handle my demon-children if I can't see what to do??

Seriously, they're not that bad. I've actually downloaded the Duggar Family's House Guidelines from their website. I've already gone over them with Big Sis, and she broke one of them tonight, by throwing a Boo Boo Bear (you know, the freezer bear that they put on their owies?) at Little Sis and hitting her in the eye. I don't have a set of consequences yet, since they're going to grandma's this weekend, and we're going to be moving, what's the point in starting something new that they'll have to relearn anyway? (Ok, that was a very weird sentence, grammatically.) So, once Jim and I get moved into the new house, we'll work together to create the rules and consequences. Both girls will both have a set of chores they will be required to do every day and week, and rewards for doing them.

So, off to watch more "Nanny 911."