Happy New Year!

Just look at the last post. Over a year ago. That should give you a good indication of how my year went. I'm so glad to have that MOFO behind me I can't even begin to tell you. Oh hell no, it was NOT just last year but it all started with the vacation in May 2014. 

The sewer flood in June when we returned that lasted until the beginning of December. I can't even go there. And they say leave the past behind.  And so I am. 

Happy new year everybody! I'm looking forward to this one. 🎉😘❤️

She's Pissed at Me!

This may be a little TMI but I am still blown away by what this sweet little white puffball just pulled on me.

I'm sitting on my thrown, the one in the bathroom, when she walks in as she usually does. It's quite the norm for her to follow me around and she drinks water from the tub. That's another story in itself. So it's been a few days for the laundry and I had a pile on the floor. I'm kinda watching her as she climbs on the pile. I'm thinking she must se a spider since we've had 3 a day to kill!  Her head is kinda cocked to the side and I suddenly see her lift her leg just a bit...kinda like a dainty boy peeing. She gets up and leaves and takes off. Now I'm not so sure thinking either that bug is running fast or she just ......oh no I THINK I see a wet spot on that shirt belonging to, well I'd better not say or KiKi May have a shorter life. Anyway, I finish my business and go to the pile and I'll be damned if that little shit head didn't piss for sure! I'd actually been saying to her " what a good girl. Get it!" as she pissed away and interrupted my free time to potty which by the way never happens alone here. 

So.......ya think she is pissed at the kids, pissed at me or thinks she is to go into the bathroom too? Wish I could make her wear that shirt! 

If Only Cameras Were In Waiting Rooms………..

Lana Martin
lanakynd@gmail.com

Chocolate Winter

I gotta share my little daytime "happy hour" with anyone that's a chocolate lover .
In the past, Ive gone to McDonald's and had their "chocolate coffee" and we all know what that is.
Cafe Escapes is making a great Cafe Mocha that is just as good, although I love much more  than McD's.  I add a little whipped topping on the top and if I'm really pushing it, chocolate syrup on the top and enjoy my little break during nap time for the little people.  Only 2 points if you're doing the food diets that count.  Although I got mine for free, I have already indulged on another box.

Thankful For My Chaos

Thanksgiving has come and almost gone.  This year I finally felt what I think my Mom felt all those years she'd pin me down and let me know I was expected to be where she was for Thanksgiving.  When you come from a broken family it's always a struggle to keep everyone happy, especially if you have a significant other.  Being the matriarchy of the family now, I finally get it.  It was a 2 day process, but I gotta say it was totally worth the time, fat ass balloon feet and cocoa coma I've been in since dinner.......haha, I'm allergic to chocolate but I'd still pump it in my veins!

I'm trying hard to remember back as far as I can to my first Thanksgiving.  I remember lots of holiday meals but the one I remember first was when we lived a bit more north in Cincinnati.  Pisgah, or West Chester, was still new and my parents had recently reconciled.  That alone can make a kid thankful.  We'd moved into a bigger and newer home and things were just good, or so I thought at the time.  I'm glad they let me just THINK!

My Dad's family was there, my 2 brothers, 2 sisters and I can't remember who all but we were together.  I think it was the time I got caught feeding the dogs spaghetti.  We had 2 white poodles and I didn't want to finish my food so I gave it to them.  Mom asked me if I'd fed the dogs and I said "NO!" not realizing their noses were red from the sauce.  Just like my Mom to make the table colorful!!!

So yesterday, I started cooking for today.  I started making my Aunt Shirley's chocolate cake recipe because it's just like my Mom's and I couldn't get Mom's right.  Just talking to my Aunt Shirley the night before was the start of the family flashbacks.  Flood of good memories came.  When I got going on the cake I put some old music on.  The stuff that came on the clock radio in the morning when I would jump in Mom and Dad's bed in the night.  Remember those old clock radios?  One good oldie after another came on.  Is there really a bad oldie anyway?  I caught myself dancing to a few of them and caught the kids laughing!  After about 12 hours I called it a day and went to bed thinking like my parents...........need to get up early and put that bird in!

Got up today thinking about the rest of the food needed to get in the oven and how I was going to loosen my sore feet.  Note to self........need carpet on the tiles if cooking over 3 hours!  Nonetheless, I got up and put my cheesecloth on the bird and finished up all the veggies.  

It's funny how the kids come in about the last 15 minutes to help finish the meal.  I don't know if it's because they can't wait any longer or if they're cutting to the chase to get to the dessert!  Having 6 of my kids home and the bigger 3 helping in the kitchen was different.  All of a sudden I had some help and I'd seen the reaping of my work.  It was an all together different feeling.  

Here is where it all came back to me.  Reminded me of when my sisters and I would sit with Mom or ourselves around a table and just start talking about everything.  Oh......and that chocolate cake would be there in the middle.  That same cake my Mom would make at every dinner.  Same one my aunts would make.  Same one my sisters would get caught shoving in their big mouths!  We'd usually take pics when the one eating wasn't looking.  That was our thing. We'd go as far as breaking in the bathroom and trying to get nude pics of the other.  Body image issues go as far back as the 1970's in my family .....haha!

So as I sat outside chatting with my girls with the sun beating on my face, waiting for a little room in my stomach, I had all those feeling again I had years ago when we were all together.  I guess that means I am starting the process all over again with my girls.  I can't wait until they get the same feeling I have today.  It's all  over a grateful and thankful feeling like no other.  For that I also have to thank God.  Without Him, I'd never have my Mom and Dad to which this all started.  My Mom always taught me where it all started......prayer and thanking God, even if it seemed like a bad time it was a blessing.  

thank God for TECHNOLOGY!

Dog Treats or Goldfish

I bought some new dog treats that look just like the kids' Goldfish crackers. They are supposed to be healthy. I'm just wondering if they're as good as Goldfish because it looks as if the kids may have grabbed some. I'm not sure if they have any to the neighbor kids but I see crumbs all around the front door. CANNOT wait to ask this question later today: Who ate the dog treats or Goldfish?

sweltering heat!

it's so hot out we got Popsicles in the pool.

Happy Father's Day To You Too

I had a great Father's Day today.  After treating myself to coffee and the kids to donuts, I called my father and talked for over an hour.  I only get to see him once a year so a quality phone call is huge for me.  Maybe not so much for him due to the noise of all the girls ranting and screaming in the background but he puts up with me as he always has.  He thought me sending a cell phone so we could stay in touch was for him but secretly it's so I can talk to him any time of the day I want. ;) He's been a great father and grandfather to my kids and I.


I also got the kids together with their dad and did my best to keep all happy.  I think it worked because I'm actually able to blog right as 3 are asleep on the sofa.  He comes to see the kids and they love when he can get them to sleep.  A rare break for me and I'll take it any way I can get it.  Maybe that's why I keep praying for a manny.


This brings me to saying I hope some of the moms out there had a great FATHER'S DAY!  Some of you are fathers too.  Just because you aren't called DAD doesn't mean you aren't the one doing all the things a dad should, would or could if you had/wanted it.  It takes a village, right? I hope the friends that step in as father figures had a great day too.  I know there are quite a few men and women that play that role too for kids in need.  Thank you whoever you are.


HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!!!!

Long Ass Day

My 2 youngest have kicked my butt today. They've gone from wrestling naked biting each other while I was on the phone with the bank in one hand and my sick 17 yod on the other. Not like they were screaming, thank God, because the school counselor called in between that?! ARE YOU SHITTEN ME KIDS? You found my white out again and painted each other? Dear God..... give me the strength because it's all in my day!!! And to think, I get the kindergartener in 10 minutes:):):)

my own Garnier Test

one from April 2011

one from April 2012

confidence

look at the confidence she exudes after sneaking in my lipstick ;) never mind she is in trouble .........it's worth it to Mandy ;)

Ebates.com

Nice getting paid to shop!
no BS! check it out!!!
http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=ayHTMJkyoF%2F2iw8f3epCzA%3D%3D

slippers a stylen

http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=yxFkLOGryeNPx69DcgdWtA%3D%3D

check these out! I paid $7 and they're normally $29- and it was free shipping.
sign up at Ebates.com and put in JC Penney as the store and see if you can beat that! Received standard shipping in 2 days. seriously was easier and I didn't have to use gas or pay for a sitter but MOST importantly I will get a check in a few weeks .....or less because I used Ebates ;) I know you guys think I'm crazy but for the past 2 years I been working this. My stress level is better and all my stuff will be delivered to my door cheaper ;) and a check will follow ;)

Why I Love Ebates.com

I started to get the stuff last night I needed to finish the teacher's gifts. Not only was the traffic a big ass turn off but so was the sale ads- I got to Kroger and started all over because what I just spent 30 minutes getting was cheaper there! I LOVE returns- (JFK-just f'n kidding)
needless to say- between no gas usage, mostly free shipping but more importantly A CHECK sent back to me for shopping is why I should have done this earlier through EBATES! I'm getting smarter.....as my dumb ass brother says lol- JK Randy, love you ;)

Stay Out Of My Stuff!

After many years of sharing my cosmetics with all my girls just to apply my own in peace, I realize I've given them a license to destroy and help themselves to whatever.  Now it's my turn.....I'm going to salvage what I can and start looking for the deals. ;)

Estee Lauder Michael Kors Special Offer

Michael Kors Cosmetic bag with lots of color!

purchase worth $170.00 but-

                                             $39.50 with any fragrance purchase at Dillards

Estee Lauder/Michael Kors Special

Estée Lauder Blockbuster Color Stylist Special

Nice deal to get in on and they have some left.  If you don't like everything in here, you can always wrap and gift to someone.  Makes nice stocking stuffers and it's a value worth over $340.00  My mother would always buy these sets for me as a teen to get me started on good makeup.  Nice ;) and more than just a gift.

                                                                             $57.50 with any perfume purchase at Dillards 

Estee Lauder Blockbuster Color Special 

Victory of Light Expo

I spent a weekend with the kids partaking the many dimensions of http://www.victoryoflight.com/ Victory of Light Expo . I've had the pleasere of this for the past few years and I can't tell you the excitement the girls and I get when the mail comes with the info inside for the upcoming show. It's always a priority to make it there and hopefully for the entire weekend. Seriously, since I love my STAYCATIONS and can't muster the money to take the kids away and leave the dogs, maybe I should just reserve a weekend at CoCo Key across the street?!
This sort of thing has been one of my passions for as long as I can remember. I've been drawn to this type of mental healing and positive flow of energy. I can't tell you how many times I was a gypsy or crytyal ball reader as a kid for Halloween. I must have used the same skirt my mom made me for a few years. Strips of different kinds of material and some little heels we bought in New Orleans on a trip to visit my uncle Robert. Ahhh, the good ol' days that leave the ever lasting impressions. Almost like my free spirit attitude in high school was perceived and deemed a questionable label like many other things people are undeducated about or a feared deep down for the same reason. For me, it was just a problem with committing to anything other than a travel size product or huge carry-all bag. Now, it's a matter of my cell phone and lip balm. Bringing my kids are a given :)

I set out specifically to go to a seminar called Channeling Your Spirit Guides. It was written to be in room 101. Now if anyone knows me, I've got this pretty much planned and mapped out but by the time I get anywhere with all my girls, I'm running..........and tunnel vision is all I have going for me. Well.... and a little speed in my step ;) So quickly, along with my good friend Denise, 5 of my girls ages 12-2 yrs., we grab a back row seat praying............"Dear God, please let the kids be good and if they're not, please let us sneak out quickly!"
About 10 minutes into the seminar, Denise and I look at each other. OMG! I think we're in the wrong room! Turns out wrong seminar-right room. There are no accidents! Besides, the kids were being extraordinarily good! So we just go with it. A little more talk and the meditation CD comes on. No....are you kidding me? How we gonna do this? Anyone with kids knows things can change faster than a blink of an eye but again, we just go with it.

Before I know it, everyone is in their own world and all is very quiet. It's peaceful and the kids are calm and sitting still. The baby, on my lap, is about asleep, AGAIN! She'd already had a nap in the car right before we got there so this is highly irregular. I'm doing my best to relax, and doing well, but I'm certainly ready to spring up out of there should someone start up I can't wind back down! My oldest was starting to poke the back of the chair that belonged to the man in front of us. She didn't realize he could feel every time she stretched or moved and I'm not sure how long she did this....ooooopppps! All is going well and we're winding down to getting back in reality ;( when my 4 year old falls asleep........standing up! This went on for quite some time until it was completely time to wake at which her hands were just moving and she was so peaceful. I guess she just wasn't ready to get back to the REAL WORLD...LOL! It didn't take me long to purchase the CD. We've tried our own meditation routine at home but this guided one was a huge success. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for anyone!
We brought our lunch so we went to the car and ate. It was just an all round peaceful day. There were several seminars we wanted to go to but it's just impossible to do them all and with kids knowing all the items for sale, especially the jewelry, I didn't stand a chance. I carefully picked the next seminars and was fortunate to get another great ones, Ron Muskopf. I'm posting the pic of him with the lights on the side that look like their crosses.....but they're just ordinary old lights. He was very down to earth and funny with his knowlege he shared. The kids enjoyed it too!
Face painting was a huge hit and very reasonable. The ladies were so personable and freindly. Mostly everyone there is someone I'd love to know or spend time with because we all have the same agenda. It's just that vibe and you'd have to know it to understand but it doesn't take long to figure out a good feeling. I can remember my ex flipping a bit about the whoe PSYCHIC thing since he grew up Catholic. It made the experience for me an everlasting impression on how it can be if you have that fear of the unknow but now I think even he has learned what makes you feel good can't be all that bad!

We packed up and went home saying how we couldn't wait to go again........tomorrow! I knew I was on my own though. However, I have a babysitter, Alyssa, that loves doing the things we do so we called her and made a plan to go, shop and face paint while I go to another seminar. I was wanting badly to see Victor Paruta in his Psychic Seminar. Again, I ran down and mapped my escape from the kids so I could go. Alyssa came running blocker for me and grabbed a front row seat! Unbelievable...me, a front row seat and no kids?! I'm telling ya, the weekend was a slamming one for me. I taped the whole seminar and by the time I was finished, the kids had another round of face painting!


On our way out we stopped by a Tarot Angel card reader ;) Always nice to end the show with a little deep stuff just to connect all the dots before going home to wonder what it was you were planning to do all along this lifetime. I have to say every year gets better and better and I'm looking forward to the next show already. Thanks Mr. Victor Paruta for putting this whole thing together.....now next time could you please pick me for the FREE READING?! ;) Better yet, teach me how to do it myself!

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check out our photos!

5 of my girls - on any given day but this day Halloween :~}