Obtainable Goals...

Thanks to Sammi for this

2009-12-19T09:27:00.001-05:00

	Garth Brooks - The Gift .mp3

	Found at bee mp3 search engine

FOBTY 10/8/09

2009-10-13T18:13:00.000-05:00

You Are Pumpkin Soup

You are warm and happy. You feel truly blessed, and you are content with all the little things in your life.

You live slowly and deliberately. You take the time to notice every joy and be grateful for every small bit of happiness.

You never let an autumn pass without sitting back and reflecting on how amazing the changing of the seasons is.

Every smell, sight, and taste makes you thankful to be alive another year. Life is pretty darn amazing.

What Pumpkin Treat Are You?

Blogthings: Discover the Parts of Your Personality that Have Been Hiding

FOBTY 9/10/09

2009-09-10T18:46:00.002-05:00

Todays episode of From Our Blog To Yours is all about sports. I am not a huge sports fan. Truthfully, there is only one sport I enjoy. And that is baseball. And not just any baseball. It has to be RED SOX baseball!
I started watching baseball about 5 years ago. It just so happened to be a Yankees/ Sox game. And I decided that, although Derek Jeter is a hottie, I do not like the Yankees. I fell madly in ove with Jason Varitek. It was so appealing to me that this one person knew what was happening in every corner of the field. He was so on the ball. I then noticed how much I like Kevin Millar. He would be standing at first base heckling the batter that just got there. It was amusing to watch. So I became obsessed. My husband would call me to see what I was doing. Watching the Sox. He would come home. What was I doing? Watching the Sox. It got crazy. I planned my life around the schedule, which was hanging on my fridge. The sound of baseball played in my dreams. Life went on like that for a while. Then I started school. That really messed up the start of baseball season. I missed weeks of baseball and could not catch up. Now I watch an occassional game. I have a more healthy, realistic love of the Sox. My homework gets done. But my laundry doesn't get folded. That is usually what I did to pass the time.

FOBTY 9/3/09

2009-09-05T07:55:00.002-05:00

Here are 5 Guirky questions

1. Do you wash your own car or do you go to a car wash?
I go to the car wash, the hose at this apartment is off a pipe in our storage room. It leaks all over all of our stuff. And no matter how many times it blows, the landlord never really fixes it. So we go to the carwash.

2. Are you wearing socks right now?
No,I am feverish and so I have very little on.

3. Where were you 3 hours ago?
In my bed sleeping.

4. Do you have laundry waiting to be done?
Always! There are 7 of us, so the laundry is always waiting.

5. Can you pick objects up with your toes?
I can! I can pinch with them too. It is great when the kids want to wrestle.

FOBTY 8/27/09

2009-08-29T06:35:00.002-05:00

Around Thanksgiving, Andy and I started walking. We would go to the track at Ellis. It seemed a bit far to go, but it is lit, and the one here in Thompson is not. We started off at about 5 laps, then worked our way up. We used to bring all te kids and they would run, or cheer, or pass a football. Then they started getting bored with the whole process.
This spring we decided that we would leave them home and have Amanda babysit while we walked. But I did not feel comfortable going all the way to Ellis while they were here. So we started walking at our track. We do 6 miles a day and it takes us about 45 minutes.
Andy is on a very strict diet because he is diabetic. His diabetes was way out of controll. He was over 400 lbs. And his sugar was like a roller coaster. Since November he has been put on new insulin because his numbers are more managable. He has lost 136 lbs. I, on the other hand, have lost 18. And I am at a stand still. I am sure I could cut out some sugar. I do like to have a Pop Tart every now and then. I like a Cherry Pepsi on occasion. And I have been known to buy a Peanut Butter Cup from time to time.But I don't think that would really make a difference. I hardly ever eat. Everyone says that is my problem. My body stores the energy because it doesn't know when I will feed it again. So I think my next plan of attack is to force myself to have 3 meals a day.
In the mean time, I can see the 18 lbs. And I feel better. I have more energy. I sweat like a pig when we walk, so I know it is doung something. And my skin is so much better. I know that is not something you would expect, but the sweating has cleaned out my pores. Not that I had horrible skin, people remark on my complexion. But it is so much nicer!
I have started doing crunches to tone up my tummy. I do sets of 40, I usually do it 3 times a day. I also lift 5 lb weights to tone my arms. I love the fact that the puff between my armpit and my bra has dissappeared. It really makes me happy.
So that is my regimen. Walk 6 miles a day. Lift 5lb weights to tone. And crunch! crunch! crunch!

FOBTY 8/13/09

2009-08-20T10:43:00.002-05:00

So , the two songs I just can't get enough of? hmmmmmmmmm
Well, I think the best money I have spent all summer was on Daughtry's "Leave Thbis Town" I am madly in love with "What I Meant To Say", I have declared it my anthem. And the other CD I bought was Jason Aldean's "Wide Open." "Crazy Town" is so much fun, and all of my kids sing it at the top of their lungs. Haha.

FOBTY 7/23/09

2009-07-23T17:56:00.001-05:00

You Like Names That Are Classic and Timeless

You prefer quality names that have stood the test of time.

You don't like anything that's trendy today and outdated next year.

Names are important to you, and naming someone should not be an social experiment.

You are the type most likely to name someone after a family member.

Some female names you might like: Andrea, Elizabeth, Hannah, Julia, Marie, Nicole, and Victoria

Some male names you might like: Aaron, Benjamin, Christopher, Jonathan, Matthew, Thomas, and Zachary

What Kind of Names Do You Like?

FOBTY 7/10/09

2009-07-17T11:56:00.002-05:00

I find it interesting that I missed this one last week. I can't for the life of me think that I was doing anthing good on Friday. See, it has been raining forever. And it makes me want to stay in bed and waste my day on Facebook. We have only had 2 days this year that the temperature got above 80 degrees. The last one was April 28th. It has been humid. It has rained almost every day at some point. It has lightening and thundered almost every day. That is bad because Natalie and Derek HATE storms. This ,amoung other things, has made me pretty cranky.
Today, we planned to go to the zoo. But the friends we were going with had drama. I can't stand drama. And I was not feeling the zoo. I am really glad I didn't go. It is hot and humid. The change of climate made my check engine light come on. Every time there is a drastic change the stupid light comes on. It makes me crazy. The dealership says it is some sensor that would cost me a ton to fix. And I really don't have it so.... when the weather changes the light comes on. Just to indicate how cruddy the weather has been, the last time the light came on was February.

FOBTY 7/16/09

2009-07-16T11:26:00.001-05:00

You Should Spend Your Summer in Europe

You're in to almost all forms of culture - art, music, architecture, food...

And spending a summer at the beach sounds pretty darn boring to you.

So head off to Europe, where you can have your tiramisu (and even eat it on the beach!)

Where Should You Spend Your Summer?

FOBTY 7/2/09

2009-07-02T09:52:00.001-05:00

You Are a Green Smoothie

You are a conscientious, health oriented person. You like fresh, whole foods.

You have an open mind about life. You enjoy all sorts of things, and you're not picky.

In fact, you believe the best things in life tend to be underrated or a bit intimidating.

You are bold and daring. You enjoy taking risks and living life to the fullest.

What Flavor Smoothie Are You?

FOBTY 6/25/09

2009-06-25T04:49:00.001-05:00

You Are a One Piece Swimsuit

You are a bit conservative and traditional.

And you are not at the beach to put your body on display!

You are a low maintenance person. You like to look good, but you're not vain.

Your taste tends to be sophisticated. You always opt for classy over trashy.

What Kind of Swimsuit Are You?

FOBTY 6/18/09

2009-06-18T09:01:00.001-05:00

Your Gift is Sensitivity

You are easily moved, and you have a strong emotional reaction to almost everything.

Your sensitivity helps you get a lot out of life. You appreciate every moment more.

It's hard for you to divorce yourself from your feelings. You notice every little thing around you.

You're the type of person who finds empathy and compassion easy.

What's Your Gift?

FOBTY 6/11/09

2009-06-11T11:45:00.001-05:00

You Are Sour

You may be sour, but you're not a downer. You're actually quite lively.

You are strongly opinionated, and compromise doesn't come easily to you.

When you are able to get along with others, you provide a good counterbalance.

You bring energy and a fresh outlook. You make sweet things even sweeter.

What Taste Are You?

FOBTY 6/04/09

2009-06-07T06:16:00.002-05:00

FOr this week's episode of From Our Blog To Yours we are going to the zoo! When I was in California visitin Judy a few years back, we went to the LA Zoo. That was an experience. 7 children and 2 husbands was not as fun as it sounds. LOL! But I think the timing was right because Natalie was 18 months and she loved the monkeys. I loved the giraffes.
I am thinking that Natalie has some recollection of the trip because she just loves the zoo. She is always asking me if the zoo is open. Her preschool went to Southwick zoo as a final field trip. Derek just sulked. But Natalie chased the chipmunks. It was so funny. One ran right into the aligator pit to escape her! Southwick has a Deer park which is awesome. You walk in and wander around and the deer come right up to you.
Sometimes we go to The Roger Williams Park Zoo. We had a family membership 2 years back and I am thinking I will invest again. Natalie has already started with her " is the zoo open today?" talk!

FOBTY 5/28/09

2009-05-31T14:53:00.002-05:00

This Thursday I am going to The 2009 National Conference for College Women Student Leaders.It is the first time I have ever gone anywhere without my family. I am nervous and excited. I am leaving Thursday morning and coming back Saturday night. On Friday night I will be headed into Washington D.C. I have never been and I am looking forward to it. Brittney, the other woman from my school, and I plan to spend a little time in D.C. while we are there. She is engaged. And soon enough she will probably be in my position of not being able to just wander. So we plan to make the most of it.
In July, my son Bryan will be going to D.C. on a school trip. And depending on how my little trip goes, we may want to drive down and spend some time exploring as a family.
Other than that, we have no travel plans. We are pretty broke and I don't see that changing anytime soon. So day trips will be the extent of our summer travel. We will go to Newport, RI a lot. We like to walk Bellevue and tour the mansions. We like to go to Brenton Park and fly kites. We will also be renewing our Zoo membership. The kids love zoo days. And I plan to make several beach trips this summer. I was always intimidated by the thought of 5 kids at the ocean. But last summer we went a few times. The big kids are big enough and can swim so I don't have to worry about them much. And the little ones like to play in the sand and don't care much for the water. So we go cool off then head back to the sand toys. It all works out just fine.
Those, and a few cookouts are my summer plans!

FOBTY 5/20/09

2009-05-25T15:28:00.003-05:00

May has been a busy month. Bryan went to New York City on a field trip. It seems that this is the month for field trips. Sara has had 2 and Natalie and Derek have already been on one. Mother's day was fun. We went to Newport and flew kites at Brenton Point. It is one of my favorite things to do and has sort of become a tradition. Then we went to IHOP for lunch. I love the Chicken Florentine Crepe. It is one of those things I would never make at home. So it is worth the trip.
School is over for me for the semester. I had my last final on Tuesday, May 19th.I am relieved that finals are over, but I am sad that the semester isdone. I hate tests but I love school. I feel like I am just going to spend the next 3 months cleaning and listening to tantrums and getting nothing accomplished and no credit for anything I do. I hope that feeling goes away.
On the bright side, it is spring. The weather has been just lovely. And there is this huge tree in front of the house. I don't know what kind of tree it is. But it currently has these lovely flowers on it. Have a look.

Looky Here!

2009-05-18T18:42:00.000-05:00

I love Digideb!

FOBTY 5/13/09

2009-05-14T20:09:00.002-05:00

So, for this week's episode of From Our Blog to Yours I am supposed to take a blog things quiz about my star wars name. And I hope the lovely Miss Lizzy will forgive me. But I can't bring myself to fill out the quiz. Now, I love "Star Wars" as much as the next guy, but I think it is a bad idea to put my first and last name, and my mother's maiden name, and the city I was born in on a form. That just seems to be too many security/ identity questions for my taste.
So, as an alternative, and I hope i still get my sweet reward, I will tell you that I have a photo, somewhere in my memere's belongings, of me in star wars underoos. I was the only girl on my street. So you know that when we all played, I was Daisy Duke or Princess Leia. And I swung from many a rope into some neighborhood boy's arms. And my daughter makes me smile by making wookie noises. True story!

FOBTY 5/07/09

2009-05-07T15:25:00.001-05:00

You Are Spring Cleaning

You are an organized and efficient person. You don't like messes or chaos.

You like simple, high quality things. You don't have room for clutter in your life.

You believe that everyone deserves a clean slate from time to time... including you.

You tend to see a lot of opportunities in life, and you take advantage of them.

What Part of Spring Are You?

FOBTY 4/23/09

2009-04-28T06:25:00.003-05:00

For this week's installment of FOBTY I am going green! I have to be honest. As a family of 7 we generate plenty of waste. And I can't realy carpool because every seat in my van is full. I don't recycle much because we don't drink soda, and plastic water bottles are not recycleable here. So! What am I doing for my environment? Well, I like to plant flowers. Those create pollen that breeds other flowers that bees use to produce honey. So I guess that is good. I also spend my day shutting off things that we are not using. Like, I shut off the printers and I unplug the cell phone chargers when we are not using them. I shut off lights and open the blinds.
But realistically the main thing I do for the environment is go paperless. I have stopped buying paper scrapbook supplies. I have gone digi. I still have my paper because it would be wasteful to throw it away. But I buy no more. I also do all my homework on my computer so there is no paper waste. And rather than writing letters to people or getting paper bills I do all my communicating digitally!
That is my big contribution. Maybe I will try harder next year?

FOBTY 4/16/09

2009-04-16T10:17:00.002-05:00

These may be hard economic times for everyone, but things have really always been tight for me. I grew up poor. And each time I get a little bit ahead I have some life circumstance that changes. Ex: Marriage, child, another child, buy house, buy car, get divorced, get remarried....
You get the picture. So, even though I am tecnically poor, I have more than I had before.
As a general rule in life, I am cheap when it comes to myself. I set myself a budget of $15 a week for kits, and most weeks I don't buy any. I allow myself 3 iced coffees a week. I don't always get them. I am truly cheap. Plus, my husband believes that he is entitled to have what he wants when he wants it. And we can't both live like that or we will be homeless.
So, the only thing I can't give up is dining out. Back in a day, we ate out 3 or 4 times a week. Now I try to limit it to once. Feeding 7 people McDonalds costs about $35 so we don't do that anymore. If I am spending that much I will spend $15 more and get a real dinner at a real resturant. So that is our normal Friday night thing. I would say I can't give up karaoke night, but I hardly ever go now. I have class all day and I am usually too tired. ANd it wouldn't count becuase I don't drink, I just sing. So it is a free night of fun.

FOBTY 4/10/09

2009-04-10T08:04:00.001-05:00

This is pretty funny. It is the only candy I like besides Peanut Butter Cups.

You Are a Cadbury Creme Egg

You're the type that stole little brother's easter basket so that you could have MORE CANDY!

What Easter Candy Are You?

FOBTY 4/2/09

2009-04-02T19:45:00.003-05:00

For today's episode of From Our Blog to Yours I am going to show you the 5 TV shows that I have watched every episode of.
First, is the ever popular

Then

I also enjoy

And I would be lying if I said I haven't seen every episode of

And an old classic

Because my life s an open book

2009-03-31T16:48:00.001-05:00

FOBTY 3/26/09

2009-03-26T06:47:00.000-05:00

You Are Facebook

You are social, outgoing, and excited to connect to your friends.

You are interested in your friends' lives, and you enjoy adding your opinion to the mix.

While you enjoy sharing online, you don't want everyone to know your business.

You value your privacy. Your life is an open book to those you know but not to strangers.

Are You Facebook, MySpace, or Twitter?

Help Wanted?

2009-03-19T11:09:00.003-05:00

I have had the hardest time trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up. I live in this world of denial, where it is acceptable that I don't have a job because I have kids. And with the economy being what it is, and our history being what it is, well, I don't put a whole lot of effort into job hunting. But a few months ago I put in an application at the elementary school to be a substitute paraprofessional. I figure I could fill in when they need help and make a little cash. I am certainly qualified to help out in the classroom. I hadn't heard anything for a while. And with all the snow days and vacations it was a good thing I didn't have a job. But I find myself quite depressed on the days I don't have school.I can't even count how many days I have napped in the past month. It does not meke me feel very good about myself. So I talked to Joy last month about tutoring at the college. She was all for it. I filled out the application and I thought that would be a great idea. I think that tutoring math will certainly enlighten me as to weather I can cut it as a math teacher or not.
Well, on Monday I went to Judy's. We went to burlington coat factory to get curtains for her living room. While we were there my cell rang. It was the school nurse saying I needed to come get Natalie. She was not acting herself. Personally, I like that quality. Anyhow, I went to pick her up. As I was waiting in the office, Deb, the secretary said she was short substitutes and needed to scedule my interview. So yesterday I met with the principal (who was my chorus teacher in middle school) We chatted for a bit, she asked some what if questions and said she would call me when I needed to meet with HR. Mind you, I worked at the school cafeteria 2 years ago, so I don't need to do all the preliminary paperwork. So, I could be working as early as next week.
Then I got an email today from the Leaning Center at the College. They have 2 people signed up for tutoring and I am the only tutor who has the qualifications to tutor those classes. So, it looks like I will be working 2 jobs! Isn't that always the way? Feast to famine (and then back again)
So, I think that I am going to be overwhelmed, but in a god way for a changed. I like it when I am thinking. I like helping out. And I like making my own money. Ever since we lost the house there is this accusation in the air. One time it reared it's ugly head. The words were said. And I can't pretend like I didn't hear them.
Someday, I will be making enough money to support myself. It started out that way. And I liked it better that way. I know it will be a while before I am making a regular paycheck. But this is a start. And it will help me figure out if I want to be a teacher, before I get my degree. If that doesn;t work out, I think I may look into nursing.

FOBTY 3/19/09

2009-03-19T06:27:00.001-05:00

You Are Vanilla

You are a delightful, friendly person. You are optimistic about life and people.

You are enthusiastic and energetic. You enjoy everything you do.

You are cooperative and flexible. You get along with people from many walks of life.

You're not a show off. Instead, you're more likely to help other people shine.

Are You Chocolate or Vanilla?

I am shocked by that! NOT

FOBTY 3/12/09

2009-03-14T07:00:00.002-05:00

So, for today's edition of From Our Blog To Yours I am supposed to write about my favorite Girl Scout Cookie. And I am quick to admit that I love me some Samoas.That is pretty funny since I don't really like coconut, or chocolate. But I dolike Samoas. Maybe it is the caramel that makes it all right. I used to have a troup leader that would hunt me down to sell me cookies. But she gave it up this year because of all the goings on in her family. And since I avoid the stores like a plague, I have not had a single Samoa this spring.

FOBTY 3/05/09

2009-03-05T00:47:00.000-05:00

Your Iris Says You're Very Spiritual

You are incredibly hopeful and courageous.

Even when you've been challenged in life, you have faith that everything will work out.

Your feelings run deep, and you are a very grateful person.

You are very effected by the world around you. You are thankful for the life you lead.

What Do The Flowers You Pick Say About You?

FOBTY 2/26/09

2009-02-26T06:17:00.002-05:00

Today's episode of "From Our Blog To Yours" isbrought to you by the number 2/29! Hahaha! The challenge was to post some random birthday trivia. And given the fact that it is february, the shortest month of the year, I decided to focus on thos poor children who only get 1 birthday every 4 years. YES PEOPLE, I am talking about leap year babies. Did you know there is a website just for these peole? Here, take a look! And it is sad, really. You know how Disney let's you register for a free admission on your birthday? Well, up until recently they did not acknowledge February 29th as a valid day! Poor leap year babies :(

FOBTY 2/19/09

2009-02-19T16:31:00.000-05:00

You Are a Romantic

You have the mind of an artist, even if you haven't developed the talent yet.

Expressive and aware, you enjoy finding new ways to share your feelings.

You often feel like you don't fit in - especially in traditional environments.

You have big dreams. The problem is putting those dreams into action.

Your strength: Your vivid imagination

Your weakness: Fear of failure

Your power color: Coral

Your power symbol: Oval

Your power month: November

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

FOBTY 2/12/09

2009-02-12T09:34:00.001-05:00

I could have told you that!

Your Word is "Think"

You see life as an amazing mix of possibilities, ideas, and fascinations.

And sometimes you feel like you don't have enough time to take it all in.

You love learning. Whether you're in school or not, you're probably immersed in several subjects right now.

When you're not learning, you're busy reflecting. You think a lot about the people you know and the things you've experienced.

What's Your Word?

FOBTY 02/05/09

2009-02-05T13:28:00.002-05:00

Today's From Our blog To Yours is about birthdays. I can't really say I have had a most memorable birthday. That is not to say that I don't have good ones. But I just don't make a big deal about them. We do have a tradition in our house. On your birthday you get your pick for dinner. And it could be anything. If you want me to make pancakes, I do. If you want to go somewhere, we do. Last year Amanda wanted maccaroni and cheese. So that is what we did. It is kind of funny. You could say, "let's go to Maine and get lobster" and we would. But my kids pick Friendly's or ask for lasagna. It is just what we do.
We always have cake. But we don't do parties anymore. I hate waiting for RSVP's. I hate trying to arrange a party around everyone else's lives. So now family just drops by sometime during birthday week. And the kids get to have a friend sleep over that weekend. That is all.

FOBTY 01/29/09

2009-01-29T15:36:00.002-05:00

You Probably Won't Keep Your New Year's Resolution

Something isn't quite right with the resolution you've selected. Maybe it's time for a different one?

Will You Keep Your New Year's Resolution?

But this is no big surprise. I can't keep it because I never make one.

Catching Up

2009-01-24T23:44:00.004-05:00

It has been a while since I posted anything real on here. So, I will start with the new apartment. I find that I really love it here. I thought I would feel strange since I have always owned my home. But it is all good.Our water heater died last week and I didn't have to come up with the money to fix it. The kitchen drain is clogged (has been since we moved) and they called a plummer. It is so nice not to worry.This was the first year in God only knows how long that I was in no rush to take down the Christmas tree.
Christmas was okay. It is so much work then it is over in a flash. Everyone seemed to like thier gifts. There was a lot of stress though. Andy was worried because his company was laying off on Friday before Christmas. He was safe in this round. PHEW!
His family came for Christmas, but he and Lena were having a disagreement. and it was the first time we met her boyfriend. It is always awkward meeting the replacement guy. I don't think I said 15 words to him all day. I just always hang out with Kyle and Brian at Christmas. It is nice to catch up, since they are at college and probably won't be moving back here when it is done. I love my nephews. I am glad that I got to watch them grow up. it was one of the perks in marrying Andy. They are fun to know.
This has been a true winter. It is freezing, all the time. It has snowed at least every week since December started. I used to hate it. It doesn't seem to bother me this year. I like the snow. I like letting the kids out to play. I like watching Misty dive into it and disapear!
And I started back to school this week. I am taking Calculus I, Concepts of Chemistry, Drama (lit not theater) Intro to Humanities, and Medical Terminology. So it should be an interesting semester. I have so much to do, and I am not sure how to arrange my time yet. I guess I will figure it out. I always do!

So, that is all I can think of right now. I will be back!

FOBTY 01/22/09

2009-01-24T23:34:00.002-05:00

From Our Blog To Yours is all about cupcakes?!? Now, I know that for most of the girls this would be easy. But I do not care for cupcakes that much. I like cakes. real cakes that you cut in eighths and serve with a fork and plate. And I like muffins. I especially like pumpkin muffins. I even like quick bread. Banana bread is my favorite. But cupcakes? 1 cupcake leaves me feeling like I did not get enough. And 2 cupcakse makes me feel like a slob. So, I guess I am not a fan of cupcakes. And now I feel bad about that. If I HAD TO CHOOSE, I would want butter pecan with buttercream frosting(and a lot of it)

FOBTY 1/13/09

2009-01-15T07:30:00.000-05:00

You Are a Discount Shopper

You love to get things as cheaply as possible. You live for sales.

It's partially because you like to save money, but it's also because you like the thrill of finding a fabulous deal.

Of all the types, you tend to shop frequently but rarely by. You keep an eye on prices.

Brand names are not that important to you. You know how to have style without collecting designer tags.

What Kind of Shopper Are You?

FOBTY 1/08/09

2009-01-08T07:41:00.002-05:00

Your Snow Test Says You're Agreeable

You feel like something good will happen to you eventually, but not soon.

You don't really like to work, unless work feels like play. You only are successful when you are doing what you love.

You are a cooperative, agreeable person. You enjoy the company of others, and you enjoy compromising for the good of the group.

Your biggest worry in your life is your financial security. You think about money a lot.

When it comes time to relax, you really indulge. You are all about your favorite comforts.

The Snow Test

No Resolututions For Me

2009-01-02T18:36:00.002-05:00

I have never made a New Year's Resolution. I think that is so odd. But, I wake up every day and try to figure what I need to do to fix my life. I usually can't figure that out though lol!
I have decided that I need to be more organized. This move was a real eye opener. Right now I know where everything is, and I like it. So my goal is to keep it up. Put my stuff away and make the kids do it too. We lost a box of dvd players and remotes in the move and I just found it in the basement in another box. So now it has a place.
I also need to be more forgiving. I had a beautiful day with my dad the Friday before Christmas. And it was awkward. We were not close during my childhood. But when my first marriage ended I went to work for him. We got very close. Then the company closed. Life moved on. He was not happy that I was remarrying. We drifted apart. Then we had a fight about my brother. He gave my brother something that was not his to give and was intended for me. It had no monitary value, but it was important to me. And I decided not to let him hurt me like that again. So while we were Christmas shopping for my kids he told me he has Cancer for the third time. I never knew about the first two times. And I am not ready to be one of those people who lives life regretting never saying "I'm sorry" or "I forgive you"
So that is it, more organized and more forgiving. And I think I can handle that.

What Color is Hopeful?

2008-11-14T15:41:00.002-05:00

I was looking at the new Digidare and they want me to scrap in the theme of the emotion in my home right now. What color is hopeful? For so long now, our family has been drowning. My husband and I made a terrible decision a few years back. We sold our 2 family house and bought a single family. We wanted to not have neighbors on the other side of the wall. We wanted privacy in our back yard. We wanted a newer home with better insulation and a newer furnace. We wanted everything. What we got was a house with a lot of small problems that we could not affoed to fix. What we got was a variable rate hidden in fine print. What we got was horrible neighbors that tease my son relentlessly.
We moved here when my twins were 1. I had just had my thyroid removed. So between the post pardom and the hormone imbalance and leaving my home that my babies were born in, I slipped into a deep depression. My husband quickly followed. We buried ourselves in unneccesary debt trying to feel better. By the end of my first year here, my husband had a girlfriend and I kicked him out of the house. It was a horrible time. And even though my husband and I worked things out, it was too late for the house. We were in forclosure. We worked out a deal with the morgage company. We borrowed $5000 and bailed out. But there were stipulations and misconceptions. When direct deposit had a glitch, we bounced our payment and were sent back into foreclosure. We put our house up for sale. We had an offer in April '07. The morgage company deliberated on the sale for 10 months. By that time, the buyer purchased a different house. But it had been idle in the courts for so long that they needed to file again. So we are in foreclosure for the 3rd time. With legal fees and late fees (they will no longer accept any payments form us) we need $47,000 to restore our loan. That is not possible.
Our state has a foreclosure mediation program. The morgage company had to give a mediation period before they can proceed with the forclosure. So we went through that process. We filed for Emergency Morgage Assistance throught the state but were not qualified because we did not lose 25% of our income this year. So, we have been searching for a place to live. We have been looking for 2 years to try and find a decent place that we could afford that would take the 7 of us. Well, WE FOUND IT!!!
I was very honest about our situation, much to my husband's dismay. He was sure we would lose out on this amazing place because I said we were in foreclosure. Instead, the couple picked us, because of my honesty. They even gave us the bigger apartment at a lower rent and reduced security deposit. And the place is gorgeous, and BIG and I don;t have to move away. I have lived in this town my whole life. Thus my kids have as well. So everyone is happy. My husband was pissy at first. He wanted to get out of this town and start over somewhere else. But he has realized that the rest of us would be miserable anywhere else. And he thinks this place is amazing too. So that was the beginning of my hopefullness.
We signed our lease on Wednesday. So I went to heat assistance today. We were granted $1200 in heat assistance this winter. That is such a relief. There is 100 gallons in the tank when we move in. Then I get my tank filled twice by the heat assistance program. So, I will be warm this winter. More hopeful.
So I contacted the electric company to move my service. And we qualify for Nustart where they will forgive my past electric bill as long as I maintain a budget. This is like the light at the end of a long dark tunnel. I need to tighten my belt a bit and curb our spending habits. But there is a reason to do it now. I can say no because I have to. I just feel like a great weight is being lifted. It is terrible that I had to lose my house to have that. And it is far from over. I have contacted an attorney to file Deed in lieu of forclosure. But for the first time in a long time, I feel like I have started to take controll of my life. I feel hopeful.

FOBTY 10/30/08

2008-10-30T11:31:00.001-05:00

What Your Cute Monster Says About You

You are a very natural, real person. You're comfortable with who you are - and your spirit truly shines through.

You are free of inhibitions and hang ups. Because of this freedom, you tend to be very creative.

Your inner demon is greed. You can't help but lust after wealth and shiny objects.

People think you're cute because you are so lively. Your natural glow makes you charming.

The Cute Monster Test

FOBTY 10/24/08

2008-10-24T18:13:00.002-05:00

What Your Jack-o-Lantern Says

You are a gleeful, exuberant person.

You enjoy a good party, and you even enjoy a good brawl.

This Halloween, there is no question what you should be... a pirate!

The candy you should give out: peanut butter cups

The Jack-o-Lantern Quiz

I can live with these results.

2008-10-16T10:04:00.002-05:00

FOBTY 10/06/08

2008-10-16T06:28:00.001-05:00

Halloween Candy Quiz

You are a Pumpkin Cookie

Like the pumpkin cookie you are both sensible and always welcome

Find out which Halloween Candy you are at Quizopolis.com

Andy!

2008-10-09T14:56:00.003-05:00

I saw this on Chels' Blog. So I thought I would tell you about my honey!

What is his name?
Andrew, but he is honey to me.

How long have you been married?
6 years.

How long did you date?
2 and a half years, but we have been friends since high school.

How old is he?
He's 33 for a few more weeks.

Who eats more sweets?
He is diabetic. I used to be a sugar junkie. But now I hardly ever have sugar and he is a sweetie. So, him.

Who said I love you first?
Most likely him, he is a romantic. But I loved him as a friend forever, so it may have been me. ???

Who is taller?
He is. I'm shorty

Who can sing better?
He is pretty good, but I am better. I love that he sings with me.

Who does the laundry?
It has always been me, but now we make Amanda do it, she needs to learn life skills.(She's 14)

Who sleeps on the right side of the bed?
That is tricky. Are we in the bed or looking at it? In it, me. Looking at it, him.

Who mows the lawn?
Him, I don't even know how to start the mower, and he likes it that way.

Who cooks dinner?
Both. I have been cooking since I was 6. So he lets me off the hook and we team up. Good deal for me.

Who pays the bills?
I do, with his money.

Who drives?
He does. I mean, we both do, but if we are together it is him.

Who is more stubborn?
Me!

Who kissed who first?
He did. and it freaked me out because we had been friends for years. But I love kissing him.

Who asked who out first?
nobody, we just happened.

Who proposed?
He did at the mall.

Who has more siblings?
Him, he is the younges of 5, I am the youngest of 2

Who wears the pants?
Depends on who you ask. I say he does, he says I do. The kids are torn, if they want snacks he is boss, if they want to go somewhere I am.
Now you go!

FOBTY 10/09/08

2008-10-09T14:36:00.002-05:00

Your Ice Cream Personality:

You are an incredibly modest person. You don't feel comfortable bragging about yourself... or even receiving complements.

You have a wild reputation, but you're not as wild as you seem. You take risks, but only measured risks.

You are a somewhat open minded person, but deep down you're fairly conservative. You don't like trying new things very much. And if you do find something new you like, you stick with it.

You are a natural multitasker. You feel alive when you're doing more than one thing at a time.

You are fun loving and sweet. You tend to enjoy joking around and teasing people.

The Ice Cream Personality Test

But if you know me at all you know I can't eat ice cream!

FOBTY 10/03/08

2008-10-02T14:13:00.003-05:00

It is very funny that the new FOBTY is about fast food, because I just got back from Taco Bell. Honey had to go in to work at 2:30 this morning. So he got home at 1:00 today. And we were hungry, so we went to Taco Bell. It is just about the only place we can take our family to eat for less than $30. I got hooked about 6 years ago when I was a bookkeeper in Rhode Island. There were no Taco Bells around here. Now they are everywhere. I am a fan of the grilled stuffed burrito. I can't ever finish it. Maybe that's why I like it. Taco Bell is really the only fast food I like. Well, that is a lie, our Taco Bell is also a KFC. And I do like KFC. But other than that, I hate fast food. McDonalds makes me so sick, and it smells nasty. Burger King is yummy, but as Derek says, it makes me "fart stinky". And nobody wants that. So that is about it. I like Taco Bell.

FOBTY 9/25/08

2008-09-25T14:16:00.001-05:00

Well I never knew!
34 words

Typingtest

FOBTY 9/18/08

2008-09-18T09:40:00.000-05:00

You Could Be a Vampire... If You Had To

Like most people, the thought of being a vampire has crossed your mind. But you're not sure if you'd do it, even if you could.

Living forever doesn't sound half bad, if you could live forever with the people you love the most.

But do vampires even love? And would the vampire version of you even be you?

It's all too much to contemplate. Luckily, the chances of you ever becoming a vampire are astronomically low.

What you would like best about being a vampire: Living forever

What you would like least about being a vampire: Blood stained teeth

Could You Be a Vampire?

FOBTY 9/11/08

2008-09-11T13:07:00.001-05:00

You Are 73% Real

You know who you are, and you're pretty darn comfortable with yourself.

Like everyone, you struggle with the parts of yourself that aren't so great...

But you're good at accepting who you are and not dwelling on your faults.

As a result, you're confident, optimistic, and very real.

How Real Are You?

Busy week

2008-09-04T12:30:00.002-05:00

Ok. I will start off with this weeks installment of From our Blog to yours.
I am a Crayola genius. I named 64 Crayola colors with 22 mistakes. I am ashamed of myself. Check it out!
Onto the next matter of business, SCHOOLS BACK!!!!
Natalie and Dereke started Kindergarden on Tuesday. They have full day school now. Derek hates the idea that he will have to nap. I am not sure why, because he is always so much happier after a nap. He took his Mickey blanket to sleep with. So I hope this will make nap seem like a better idea. Natalie seems okay with the whole transition.
Sara started middle school. She was doing pretty good over the summer. We didn't fight as much. But for the last few weeks she has been back to herself. Tantrums, arguments, generally impossible. So, I am glad that she is back at school. And I hope she finds her niche this year so she can setttle a bit.
Bryan is in 8th Grade. He started the school year off with a bang. He got on the wrong bus home. It took an hour for him to get here and we live 1/4 mile from the school. I had an appointment in Norwich at 1:00 so I was not even here to go get him, had that been an option.
And Miss Amanda started High school. She was so nervous. There is this boy, shocking tight? She liked him in elementary school. Last year he would tease her about, well everything. So she, being a child, figured he hated her. He tried IMing her over the summer but she alway blew him off because he was "mean" to her. So on the first day of school she found that they were in most of the same classes. And he pronounced that he was going to be her best frien and he had her back this year. So I expect that this e=will be a theme for the next few months anyhow. I will update regularly.
And Andy and I are in school too. He is going to fire inspector school. He has classes 3 days a week. I also have classes 3 days a week. I applied for a job, and I am still looking. That has not left me much time to scrap. That makes me sad. But Precalculus makes me happy. I have 2 friends in my class. Charly is an old friend, her brother and sister are friends with Amanda and Bryan, so I have known her since she was 13 and I was 23. I always related more to her than I did to her mother. Her mom was sort of a whirlwind. Her life was chaos and I had enough of my own problems. But Charly was smart and funny and she wanted to talk to me. So we have been friends for a while. I was so happy when I went to the college bookstore and found that we were in the same class. She came over last week and we hung out for 4 hours and caught up. I reall haven't spent much time with thier family since the twins were born. I mean, we would myspace or facebook, and we were always happy to bump into each other, but we never visited anymore. So it was really good to catch up. It was like meeting someone and really hitting it off, without having to tell them your whole story because she already knows it. But she is not 13 anymore, she is 24 with a child and an ex-husband. It was fun.
My other friend is Senica. She is more of an aquaintance. When I was in high school I "went out" with her husband. But it was very short lived. I was not a big dater. Did not want to be slutty. Had a lot of resposibility at home, so not much partying. So we talked a lot and kissed a few times. Well, when we started hanging around with some old friends from school, Bob and Senica were friends with some of our friends. So we do New Years Eve and July 4th together every year. We have an occasional cookout where we both attend. At the last thing we went to together, she took some amazing pictures of my kids. We became myspace buddies,blah blah blah. So I am hoping that sitting together and struggling through a class together will add something to our relationship. We both have twins. We both love our cameras. I just would really like to find something to talk about. KWIM?
Okay, I am off to do homework. CYA!

FOBTY 8/28

2008-08-28T18:12:00.002-05:00

I am so psyched! I found out that the science class I was registered for does not transfer to Eastern. So I decided to night to go online to see what other class I wanted to take. I was tickled pink when because the class I wanted that was full last week now has 1 opening. So I immediately dropped Science and enrolled in Computer Graphics!!!!!!

Your Common Spelling Mistake Score: 80% Correct

Your spelling is excellent.

You don't fall for common spelling pitfalls, and you spell almost everything correctly.

Do You Make Common Spelling Mistakes?

I have some ISSUES!!!

2008-08-24T22:20:00.005-05:00

So, I guess that it is a bad thing when I am manic. I have been on this roll for a while now. When school got out, I started doing 1000 peice jigsaw puzzles. I did about 5 of them. Then I got tired of my neck hurting and my legs falling asleep. So I started reading. I read a book every night for about 3 weeks. I went through about 9 books. Then I started paper scrapping. Some layouts I just tweeked. Some, I totally re-did. And I did a whole lot of new ones. But, as usual, the kids like to get all involved with my scrap stuff and it gets on my nerves. (and Some of the pictures I wasnted were stuck in my pc) So I started messing around with some of my pictures in PSE4 again. I wanted the colors to pop when I printed them. Well that led to an addiction to SNAPFISH. I love uploading and getting a package in the mail. I know I could do 1 hour at Wallyworld. But then I have to spend 1 hour at wallyworld and that means I spend a LOT of money on a LOT of stuff.(and I am usually stressed by the time I get home)So, while playing around with PSE4, I wanted to scrap. But I have no good kits. All old stuff, ,ostly freebies. So I started looking around at the shops I used to like. The designs are so graphic and not realistic. I want my scrapbok to look like a scrapbook, not a magazine. But THE SWEET SHOPPE is more my style. So, I have been shopping. God Bless Andy, because he doesn't seem to mind that $10 a week is going to little graphics folders in my laptop. He actually enjoys what I do. And he doesn't feel bad if he has to work a little late because he knows I am scrapping, which means I am happy. So let me show you what I got!

Now let me show you what I have done with them!

From Our Blog to Yours

2008-08-21T16:24:00.000-05:00

You Were the Brainy Kid

In high school, you were acing AP classes or hanging out in the computer lab.

You may have been a bit of a geek back then, but now you're a total success!

Who Were You In High School?

FOBTY what accent do I have?

2008-08-14T14:00:00.003-05:00

What American accent do you have? Your Result: The Northeast Judging by how you talk you are probably from north Jersey, New York City, Connecticut or Rhode Island. Chances are, if you are from New York City (and not those other places) people would probably be able to tell if they actually heard you speak.
Philadelphia
The Inland North
The Midland
The South
Boston
The West
North Central
What American accent do you have? Quiz Created on GoToQuiz

This is pretty good because I come from Connecticut, born and raised!
And since I am here, my newest layout.

Credits: Andrea Burns "Wild Rumpus" and Font is 2Peas Blessings

FOBTY Grease

2008-08-07T14:57:00.001-05:00

So I took the Grease a quiz and I thought I did not know anything about Grease but I was wrong!
I am an expert!

I have correctly answered 13 of 15 questions.

On average, 313 of users who took the quiz gave 11.57 right answers

Try it here
http://www.allthetests.com/quiz25/quizpu.php?testid=1215894286

From Our Blog to Yours

2008-08-02T15:02:00.003-05:00

The challenge is to post the layout that makes me happy. But I found it very hard to narrow it down to one.
I love 34 truths because it was so fun to make the list and I crack up when I read it.

Credits:
Sugar Free Challenge # 48 @ Sweet Shoppe
Carrie Stephen's Booty paper
Michelle Coleman's
Wild Sorbet flower & Thankful Heart Topper
Stamped numbers from Scrapartist splash Colab.
Font DC Make A Wish

I love Joyous because I scraplifted for the first time and I love the kit and photo (subject) so much.

Credits:
For the SDD Shutterbug #18 Challenge
Scraplift of http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/inspiration/showphoto.php?photo=46829&cat=fav
By FlirtatiousBrat
Everything from "Just Too Funky" From MandaBean & Zoe Pearn
Font Cool Dots

I love Faith because it practically made itself. It just happened and it got the most comments in any of my galleries.

Credits:
Andrea Burns Digichick Sample
Sara Carling twine & glass
Font:
Beyond Wonderland

And I love Turn that frown upside down because.. Well look at it!

Credits:
Carrie Stephens Booty Surprise & Inflorescence
Michele Coleman Hand stamped alpha

I love Sweet Shoppe!

2008-07-27T22:57:00.003-05:00

I have been a little manic I think. I was doing 1000 piece puzzles for a while. Then my neck and back started to hurt. So, I bought some trashy romance novels to read. I was on a roll, reading about a book every day and a half. But I am missing the first book of the series and I don't want to read the end before i read the beginning. So I started paper scrapping. That was fun! I like what i have done. But when I run out of ideas I look at the online galleries. So I started digi-scrapping again. I fell madly in-love with a few dozen kits at Sweet Shoppe. I have done 4 layouts in the past few days. So I think I am a little manic.

Anyway, here is a post for From our blog to your challenge

You Are Electronic Music

You are energetic and expressive. You love feeling alive.

You never get sick of your favorite things - they're what makes life special.

You don't take tradition or conventions too seriously. You live for the future.

You enjoy remixes and re-interpretations of things. Life is about making improvements.

What Kind of Music Are You?

I didn’t think it would feel like this :(

2008-05-12T23:30:00.001-05:00

Saturday was my last Composition class. I struggled SO much in that class. I would try and try to do my writing. Somehow it always got done on Friday night. I never felt like I was doing it right. Then, I would get my papers back and my grades were good. Well, Friday night I was up until 1AM writing my research paper. I was not procrastinating, I was blocked. It finally all came out on the paper when I had no choice but to do it or fail. Then it occurred to me that I had to present my argument. Oops, forgot that part. So I wrote a prompt for myself. You know, I didn't even look at it when I got up there. I just said what I thought, what I learned and how they went together. She seemed pleased with my presentation. I was so relieved when that class was over.

I came home and did my Algebra work. I am excited to be going on to Pre-calculus! Amanda says I am a Math Geek. I am flattered. So, I am sad that this class is over. It has been fun. I love my teacher. But I am looking forward to a new challenge. I have one more class on Wednesday and I am done.

Tonight was my Sign Language final. I left class last week because I was sick. So I had to do a presentation of a song or a story or a joke. I chose to do "You are my sunshine." Megan tried to play it for me on her laptop but it had different lyrics. So I just sang as I signed. I cannot believe that I felt free enough to sing in front of twenty some odd people I barely know. But I feel like I do know them. I feel like they are my friends. And suddenly, I felt sad. Sad that is was over. This particular group of people in this particular class was the most amazing experience I have ever had. I feel like I just lost something, and I didn't think it would feel like this.

A bunch of us are petitioning the Dean for a Sign 2 class. I truly hope it happens. I have never enjoyed anything as much as being in that classroom full of friends.

Just Updating

2008-05-07T12:16:00.001-05:00

First, how do you like my font? I don't know if I have ever mentioned how much I enjoy fonts. On Blogger you have very few choices. But If I write out my blog in Microsoft Word I can use any font I have in my computer.( and I have A LOT!) then I post and my blog looks all pretty. This one is called Joyful Juliana. I wish I could tell you where I got it. But I find them everywhere.

Next, I was going through my previous posts and I realized I have some loose ends. Remember when I lost my license? Well, I found it! I was getting gas one day and I had lost a cd case. So I got out of the van and went around to the passenger side. I pulled out the drawer under the seat and the case had slid over the top and back under. I was so glad I found it. As I sat back down in the driver's seat, and went to buckle-up (it's the law) I saw my license!!! It was stuck between the receiver part of the seat belt and the seat. I was so euphorically happy. I might as well have won the lottery. I hate losing things. My life is so cluttered and chaotic. So losing things is a big issue. I get OCD and can't sleep. So that was a good day.

Also, Bryan is healing up nicely. He had a sling on his arm on that Wednesday. By Friday, his shoulder was so low that he needed a strap to hold it up. It was sort of like wearing a bra where you start off the day with it right and then by noon you are pulling it back into the right spot. He got the Doctor's permission to take off the strap and the sling about 2 weeks ago. He is much happier. He has a few scars on his head where his hair will never grow back. His side scarred pretty badly. But he is feeling well. So that is a good thing.

Moving on, Andy is still waiting to hear from the state. They have accepted his rescind of resignation. Now they need to "find a spot for him." The company he works for now is offering severance packages. We will not know until the month whether he has a job there or not. There is a lot of uncertainty in our house right now. Even so, my biggest anxiety is a research paper that is due on Saturday. It seems so much harder than anything else going on. I am not quite sure what that says about me. But who cares?

So, that is all for now. I have to go work on that research paper. Have a great day! It is beautiful outside.

What Color Is God's Car?

2008-05-01T11:19:00.003-05:00

Sometimes it is not easy having 5 kids. Sometimes it is not easy having conversations with two four-year-olds at the same time. While scrapbooking a few months ago, my twins were curious about the pictures my husband took immediately after they were born. They were curious about the pictures of my big huge belly. Little did I think the conversations that followed would become a part of our daily dialogue.
It started out with "Derek was on top and Natalie was on the bottom and she was stuck." So Dr. Cooper had to take them out. Now, instead of him being the dreaded Doctor who gives shots, he is the nice man who saved Natalie because she was stuck.
Then it was "Where did we live before we were in your tummy?" So I explained that they lived in heaven with God and the other angels. Then God decided that I needed a Natalie and a Derek. So he sent them to live with me. There were a slew of other questions to follow.
Today, I am trying so very hard to work on my research paper for Composition. I got the twins off the bus and went to McDonald's to get them lunch. I came home and set them up at the dining room table. I then sat down at my laptop to continue my work. And it began!
Derek: Where does God live?
Mommy: In Heaven
Natalie: How do you get there?
Mommy: You have to be a very good person and live a long life, then you go to Heaven
Derek: We were in Heaven and God gave us to you. He didn't want us anymore?
Mommy: He thought that I needed 2 more angels.
Natalie(in a silly deep voice): Heather needs 2 angels.
Derek: What color is his car?
Mommy: I don't know

Now I am laughing and the whole thing just gets silly. Never think that what you say doesn't matter. Some people take you very literally and never forget a thing.

When your baby grows up

2008-04-26T18:09:00.007-05:00

For the past few years Amanda and I have been taking these pictures. We have a nice weather day where we sort of look at each other and grab the tripod. They always turn out to be my favorite pictures.
2006

2007

Today was not a nice weather day. But it is her semiformal dance tonight. So I went to class today and she went to her father's house. Then she came home and we did her all up. I waxed her eyebrows and gave her a peel off face mask. She took a bath and then we did her hair. I put make-up on her. She yelled at me that she didn't want blush! No lipgloss! Why no black eyeliner?! Then when I was done, she grabbed the tripod.

Now, I know that she looks very tall but she is wearing some mighty fabulous heels in this one. She was all clingy all day. Then we got to the school and she jumped outof the minivan and ran. No looking back. This is what happens when your baby grows up. She is beautiful, and charming, and opinionated, and she only needs me once in a while. I love this girl.

Ouch!!!

2008-04-03T14:48:00.004-05:00

Yesterday afternoon my son, Bryan was walking the dog. He had been out there for a little bit and I heard him yell. I sent Amanda out to check on him. She ran back in the house panicked. "Mom, you need to come out now!" So I ran out of the house and Bryan stumbles up the front lawn yelling "What happened? I don't know what happened." He was so incoherent. I got him in the house on the step. He sat on my lap screaming as I called 911. He had road burn on his head and it was all swollen. When Amanda found him he was unconscious. So I got him up the stairs and I was on the floor trying to breathe. I had him saying his ABC's. The ambulance got here. He had no recollection of anything. I couldn't go in the ambulance with him because the twins were asleep and Sara was getting off the bus. I had to wait for Joe, my father-in-law to get here. He stayed with the kids. Andy was on his way to the hospital from work. Scott heard the call on his scanner so he came to the house and rode in the ambulance with Bryan. I left as soon as Joe got here. Bryan has a concussion. He broke his clavicle. He has road burn on both sides of his head, all over his back and down his side. Apparently, he had Misty on the dog run cable instead of a leash. He went to unhook her after she did her thing. She heard the click and bolted for the house. But the cable was still hooked and she knocked him over. His head hit first, then his shoulder. By then, he was unconscious and she dragged him. She realized something was wrong. She went back to him, and stayed with him until Amanda got there. I took pictures and they are below. Don't look if you don't like grossness.

<

P.S. If this entry seems chaotic it is simply because that is how I remember it. Andy is my husband. Scott is my ex husband, Bryan's father. Amanda is my oldest daughter.

The Galaxy Song by Clint Black

2008-03-26T08:44:00.009-05:00

When you’re feeling inside out and insecure,and life keeps getting you down.
When all life’s daily worries hurry through your head. You don’t want to even get up.
You just lie around in bed. When you feel you just can’t take it anymore and you wonder what on earth it is all for your love life’s like a war zone, your tv’s on the blink it’s enough to drive a drinking man to stop and take a THINK!

Just remember that you standing on a planet that’s evolving,revolving at 900 miles an hour. It’s orbiting at 19 miles a second, so it’s reckoned, a sun that is the source of all our power. The sun and you and me and all the stars that we can see are moving at a million miles a day in an outer spiral orb, at 40 thousand miles an hour,of the galaxy we call the milky way.

Our galaxy itself contains a hundred billion stars. It’s a 100 thousand light years side to side. It bulges in the middle 16 thousand light years thick, but out by us it’s just 3 thousand light years wide. We’re 30 thousand light years from galactic central point.We go round every 200 million years.And our galaxy is only one of millions of billions in this amazing and expanding universe.

Our universe itself keeps on expanding and expanding in all of the directions it can whiz. As fast as it can go, the speed of light you know, 12 million miles a minute,
and that’s the fastest speed there is! So, remember when you’re feeling very small and insecure how amazingly unlikely is your birth. And pray that there’s intelligent life somewhere up in space,
‘cause i’m afraid that we’ve been cheated here on earth!

I love this song. It is silly and educational and plays in my head when I need to remember that sort of stuff to help my kids do their homework. I had a problem using Vista. I couldn't get You Tube to add my blog so I could post. I went back to my old laptop today to add my blog to You Tube. Now I can post videos to my blog and I am very happy. I am just curious why I could add my blog on XP but not on Vista???

Life is Changing

2008-03-13T06:39:00.001-05:00

Last year my husband, Andy switched jobs. This caused me a lot of anxiety. He was a dispatcher for the state police. The benefits were awesome. He hated the fact that he worked nights. He hated bi-weekly paychecks. He wanted to be a career firefighter. He had been a volunteer firefighter for 15+ years. He has a part time job as a fire service instructor through the CT. Fire Academy. While teaching a class for them, he was offered a job. The money was supposed to be better. It is the same. Sounds like a good idea. Get to be what you wanted to be when you grow up and get paid well to do it. Well, the benefits stink! We have huge co-pays on our insurance. He is salary, so he works mad hours and gets paid the same as if he took time off. He has all this sick time and vacation time but has too much responsibility to take any of it. And then there is the gas. He travels over 60 miles a day. We are spending a small fortune on gas. Not to mention the mileage. We leased our vehicles because he only traveled 15 miles back and forth to the troop. We are so over our miles. There was supposed to be a company car and a gas card that never came through.

Now, I tried to be a supportive wife. But when he left the state he was an employee in good standing. The granted him one year to rescind his resignation. That year is up on 3-17. So yesterday, he called me and asked me to pull out the paperwork to go back. I asked him what happened. He supposedly loves his job so much. In the fall, they ordered the chief on administrative leave. So there is some chaos and a shift in responsibilities. He has been uneasy for a while but he doesn't want to quit. He loves his work. The thought occurred to him that he is passing up an opportunity for stability. And since that is strongly lacking in our lives right now, he put in his paperwork to go back to the state. So now we are keeping our fingers crossed that his position is still open and he doesn't have to travel to a different troop. As far as human resources can tell, he will go right back as long as the Commissioner signs off on his paperwork. So think happy thoughts for me.

On a different note, school is great! I can honestly say that I LOVE ALGEBRA! It is disgusting, I know. But it makes me happy in a way I can't even describe. So, my poor family has to deal with me bragging about my incredibly algebraic mind. They also have to put up with me practicing sign language all the time. They all seem to enjoy that. Derek has trouble writing. He can fingerspell his name though. I showed him once. He does it all the time. All of my kids know the alphabet, please, thank you and mom and dad. So funny! As much as I love algebra, Sign is my favorite class. It is the only class I have that is social. I know everyone's name. I know things about them. It is so much fun! Then there is computer class. I really enjoy working with Office 2007. I could be a salesperson for Microsoft. I love this program. It is so user friendly. I had Office 2000. Good stuff. But this is amazing! I never knew half of what Office could do. It is all at your fingertips in the form of a ribbon.

These classes were all going really well. I had all high 80's and 90's. In algebra my average is over 100. But then there is composition. I have to tell you, this class is such a struggle. I had an essay to write on the myth of the American Family. I just couldn't seem to make my thoughts connect. The night before it was due I was still slugging it out. I turned in my essay and kept my fingers crossed. The instructor posted grades on Monday. I GOT AN A-. I was literally jumping up and down as I text messaged my husband. I was giddy. Amanda, my oldest, was terribly unimpressed. "I get A- all the time" Well La-Ti-Da! I didn't know what the heck I was doing. I am proud of me. That is the end of my story.

I need to get cracking.

2008-03-05T20:49:00.001-05:00

I have had the longest few weeks. My kids were on vacation a few weeks back. Sunday night Derek woke up vomiting. So I got about 2 minutes of sleep that night. I got everyone ready in the morning to go back to school. Derek was feeling better so his teacher (angel that she is) let him stay. I had so much homework to do it was not even funny. Monday is my long day. I have class until 9:30 pm. I will be honest, half way through sign Language class I was silly tired. I may have made a few inappropriate comments. Tuesday was fine. I got home from school and it began. Bryan starts vomiting. Three hours later Sara starts. First thing Wednesday morning Natalie starts. Everyone stayed home but Amanda. I stayed home from class that night. As I sent my kids off to bed, the fever hit me. It is absolutely amazing to me how much laundry my family generates on a regular day. It is ridiculous how much they generate when they are sick. So when you consider the homework, and the laundry, and the disinfecting, and the shoveling out, I was spent!

I also lost my driver's license. I called every place where I can imagine I lost it. No luck. So I firmly believe that my twins took it and hid it. Friday morning I went to the DMV to get a replacement. $30 and they gave me the same picture! I did my hair and I looked good! They gave me the same picture!

After I went to the DMV I went for a mammogram. It seems there is a lump in my breast. It was an interesting experience. They sent me for an ultrasound too. The results came back NORMAL. I am not quite sure what that means. How can any lump be normal? So I go back to the Doctor next week so he can explain it. In the mean time, I realized that I had all of these blog entries to write and I need to get cracking.

This Blog Is Useful

2008-01-31T20:47:00.001-05:00

Tonight I was at Computer class. Part of my final assignment is to create a blog. I have to post at least 10 times. They have to be meaningful posts. They must be grammatically correct and at least 300 words. I am allowed to use this blog that I have already created. Since my classmates will be allowed to read my posts, I will try to be a little more formal. So let me introduce myself. I am Heather. I am married to a career firefighter. I have 5 children.

The little ones are twins. Natalie & Derek are 4 years old. Bryan is 12. Sara is 10. Amanda is 13. Then there is the dog. Her name is Misty.
I started this blog a while back. I love to scrapbook. I have been doing it for 5 years. After the twins were born, it became very difficult to scrapbook. I would just get on a roll and someone would cry. Then I would have to pick everything up. If you have kids you know that paper and scissors left out are fair game. Since scrapbook supplies are not free, I would just give up. So I bought Adobe Photoshop elements. I can manipulate my pictures and work in layers. There is an entire community of people like me. A lot of those people are graphic designers. They do what is called digiscrap. They design "papers" and "elements" that you can download in a zipped file. You then extract the files. You open up a .jpg or .png or .psd file in Photoshop. Then you can use thier digital art to create scrapbook pages. It is much neater to scrapbook without scissors and glue. So for a few years I did all of my scrapbooking on the computer. It is fun and it keeps your creative mind working. At some point last summer I decided I missed the mess. I like the feeling of paper and glossy photo. No matter what quality printer you have ( and I have a good one) it is not the same as having all of your textures at your fingertips. Don't get me wrong. I still like to digitally scrap my pages. I still print them. Instead of being done at that point, I used that digital page as inspiration for a paper page. So if anyone is interested in trying, I can point you in the direction of some reputable sites. some are better than others. Now, I am not sure if I have reached 300 words or not, but I am signung off. I will be back.

Let me tell you about school

2008-01-30T15:41:00.001-05:00

So, I went to register. I had taken a basic skills assessment exam. I did exceptionally well. I don't need to take any prerequisite math or english. That puts me on a faster track. So the student advisor suggested I switch to Liberal arts major if I plan to transfer to a 4 year program. The credits carry over better. So I took Intermediate Algebra, Composition, Intro to Computer software and Printmaking.Printmaking was a fine art credit. It was the only one at night. I wanted to take photography as my fine art but it is a day class. Intro to computer software was my first class. The teacher was generous, very comforting. Day 2 I had Algebra. I was in love. Instantly and totally in love. I have such fond memeories of high school math. It made my brain so happy. 2 for 2. Headed to Printmaking. OMG!!! Everything was dirty. There were no desks or tables to put stuff down. There was Middle aged gigantic man obsessed with terpentine. There was dark and moody girl who cuts herself. There was prom queen girl. There was "I have done this for years and it is all so boring" girl... Anyway, the teacher starts running off lists of things we will need. And the dollar signs start chinging. I hated this class. Made me miserable. Couldn't sleep. So I got up the next day and dropped the class. So I needed to pick up another class. I took sign language. I had composition on Saturday. This should be hard for me. I can write like this on my blog. I don't know how to write properly. So this will be work for me. But I look forward to learning how. I have to leave for Algebra class. I will post more later.

Now I've gone and done it!

2008-01-15T14:08:00.000-05:00

That's right! I applied to college. I went through the chore of applying for financial aid first. I did that in August. Then I chickened out. So I applied last week. I got my MMR titer. My immunity is low so I got a booster today. I went to the school to bring that info. They have to remove the health hold on my account. This afternoon I will go back and register for classes. I am hoping to take 4 classes this semester. I am having trouble deciding what I want to be wheen I grow up. I will major in eary childhood education or Human services. A human services degree will allow me to get a bachelors as a special education teacher. Early Childhood will get me into the school system faster. I can work as a paraproffesional until I get my teaching degree. So for the next few months I will be taking night classes. Then next semester, when Natalie and Derek start full day school in the fall, I can take day classes. Boring post, I know. I will be more interesting when I know what classes I am taking.

Paper! Get your Paper!

2007-09-20T06:33:00.001-05:00

Well I am sure from my lack of comments in my galleries that no one has missed me. I haven't done a digital layout in a while. I still feel the need to check my favorite blogs everyday. I also need to browse the galleries for inspiration every day. But I have been printing my favorites and putting them in a 3 ring binder. Then I go through and make notes on why I like them. I have made many spur of the moment trips to Michaels or A.C. Moore to grab supplies. Yes! I am paper scrapping again! I need to feel my layouts. I have even gone so far as to paper scrap my digitals. I am contimplating the hybrid thing. Some of my favorite papers are trapped on my laptop. Some of my real papers are missing something. So my goal for today is to play with my digital stuff and my real stuff. I also want to stitch some of my photos together so I can get them printed small. 2 in 1 sort of deal. I have realized that if I want to do multiple photo layouts I need a 2 page spread. So I need to get smaller photos so I can keep it on 1 page. Mission for today!

On another note, I should probably mention that Derek was up all night with a croupy cough. He has a birth defect called Laryngomalacia. His larynx did not harden as an infant and he makes this horrible raspy noise. Sounds like he is snoring all the time. So when he started with the barky cough last night I was worried. Have a call in to the doctor. Hoping to get some medicine for his nebulizer to help him out if it happens again tonight.

Anyhow,did I mention that my friends and I went to Jimmy Buffet? He was at Gillette Stadium. We tailgated. Let me tell you! That in itself was quite the party! So here are some pictures.

Don't I just look evil? (It is the lack of makeup.It was so hot it melted!)

Judy, Me, Amie, Suzie and Sue !

Did I mention it was SOOOO hot?

So I will do my best to check back in regularly. I like to be able to look back and see what I was doing.

Windows Live Writer

2007-08-01T16:52:00.001-05:00

So I was reading somewhere that there was this free download for windows live writer. So I rushed to the windows site to download it. Now here I am trying it out. Let's see. I do believe I am in love. And since I am here I might as well throw in a picture. Or not. I need to set up an online whatever. Look into that later.

I could pass 8th grade math and other useless quizzes

2007-07-20T19:32:00.000-05:00

You Passed 8th Grade Math

Congratulations, you got 10/10 correct!

Could You Pass 8th Grade Math?

I must tell you I am so proud of myself. I must find a hobby.

You Have A Type B+ Personality

You're a pro at going with the flow
You love to kick back and take in everything life has to offer
A total joy to be around, people crave your stability.

While you're totally laid back, you can have bouts of hyperactivity.
Get into a project you love, and you won't stop until it's done
You're passionate - just selective about your passions

Do You Have a Type A Personality?

Party Pooper!

2007-06-28T22:01:00.000-05:00

So, I was just reading my older posts and came to tha conclusion that I am a party pooper. I didn't really need to read them to know that though. Let's see, what is new? Judy got home on Monday. She came over on Tuesday. We went to the DMV to get her license changed from Caliornia to Connectucut. 45 minute ride in 2 cars with 7 kids for them to say her hospital birth certificate was not adequate. So we went to Friendly's for lunch and came home. Wednesday she came to hang out for a while. Then she took my 3 older kids to her house to go in the pool. So I went to the sattelite DMV to renew my registration. Then I went to pick up my new pool. So it is here and we just need to set it up. Then I went out for drinks with the girls. I have decided to get over my anxiety (funny girl) and just do it. Any it. Stop worrying all the time and live. We went to a little pizza place where they serve Alcohol. We were getting looks rom the other patrons for being loud. There are 5 of us and we only see each other twice a year. Well we left there and went to another place which was way too stuffy or my taste. So we left there and went to Cooper's which has aways been a busy place. It was dead. So we went to a pool hall. They had loud music and karaoke. We had way too much to drink and sang realy badly. It was fun.

L-R Lisa, Me, Sue, Judy, Suzi

Then we came home... at 1:30 this morning. So honey say"did you have a good time?" yes where did you go? list. He was not happy about the last one. Apparently under investigation for trafficing. Oh well. Guess I can't hang out there again. So now we are supposed to go out again on Friday for Sue's birthday. Sue is also my cousin. But I can't drink again. I woke up at 6:00 when Andy left for work and I was still drunk. Made for a long day. My SIL came over to give haircuts today so we all look groomed now. Other than that not much is happening here. Post again later.

I LOVE THIS SPORT!!!

2007-06-25T08:34:00.000-05:00

My father in law picked Bryan up at 6:00 yesterday morning. He (FIL) races dirtbikes on the weekends. Bryan was so excited. He got to help work on the bikes and he got an autograph from John Dowd who is famous in Motocross. The rest of us were supposed to go to the New England Fire Chiefs Expo at the Big E but Andy decided not to. That didn't break any hearts. So we headed up to Central Village to watch the races.

Amanda did not seem thrilled about the idea at first. I took about 5 minutes for her to exclaim "I LOVE THIS SPORT!" Apparently this is eyecandy to a 13 year old girl! There was this one kid checking her out the whole time. I find this amusing because I get to witness it. I am not as afraid of 13 as I should be. She is so pretty, and she has such a fantastic body. It worries me a lot. But then again, I am with her 96% of the time. The other 4% is scarey.

Pool Party!

2007-06-20T21:50:00.001-05:00

A few weeks ago we took the pool cover off only to discover that the pool was empty. There were many tears in the liner.

We were unsure of our intentions. We did not know if we wanted to replace the liner or buy a new pool or leave it until we had an offer on the house and then let it be a bargaining tool in the sale of the house. We have decided to refinance and stay for a little while longer at least. So we tried to patch the liner. All was going well until, after filling for 3 days we started losing water. Apparently we missed a tear. So we bought a liner.We went out to start taking off the to rails this afternoon. The screws were rusted on. Well ,I guess we will need to go to the hardware store tomorrow. Got the top rail off on 1 side and found that the plates you screw the screws into was rotted away. Great, where do we find those?

Proceed to take off the rails to pull out the liner. We really want to get this pool open soon. As we pull of the second rail the pool wall collapses. down falls the liner. One entire wall is rotted clear through. Many need patches.

As my M-I-L was here visiting the grandbabies, I said "wanna babysit?" So Andy and I drove to the pool place and bought a new pool. Not my intention, but with 5 kids I am certainly not going to the beach all summer. So in 7-10 days we will have a pool party. My in-laws and my neighbors will be over to help put up a new pool. In the meantime, we have a bit of a mess in the back yard.

So, as for the rest of life, my BFF Judy will be home for good on Monday!!!! That is so good for me because my life is so much more when she is around. I feel my anxiety creeping in again. Today I had to return some suplies for my husband. I had to go to Bradley Airport. It is about 6 highway changes and about an hour ride. I had all the kids. School got out Monday. I swear to God, I bit off all my fingernails and my skin was itching. I felt like I was being pinged by something. Very frustrating. I called to make an appointment with my Doctor.
Anyhow, I am going to take some pictures of the heap of pool tomorrow morning and post. Sweet Dreams!

How much do I love Carrie Stephens?

2007-05-19T18:24:00.000-05:00

Credits:Carrie Stephens Booty Surprise and Inflorescence

Michele Coleman Hand stamped alpha

This was Amanda and Derek at the zoo on Mother's Day. I really can't remember why he was pouting but he is so cute when he does. I think my amusement at this sight might be setting a bad precident. The fact that Amanda pouted back and he didn't crack .... I am very afraid.

Little girl and monsters

2007-04-19T07:57:00.001-05:00

This cracks me up! I play it and all my kids laugh so hard. The fact that I have two three year olds makes this even funnier to me

I never blog!

2007-03-26T16:53:00.000-05:00

I am apparently very bad at this. I read other peoples blogs every day. Somehow I just never take the time to update mine. I guess I figure no one reads it. If you read my blog will you please leave a little comment so I know you care? I can't even remember what has happened since the last time I blogged. Life is a bustle of activity here.

My DH Andy got a new job. He used to be a dispatcher for the CT state police. He worked midnights. He hated midnights. Since everyone else had seniority, he was always going to work nights. He also teaches part time for the Ct fire academy. So he was teaching a class at a very big fire department when the chief pulled him aside and offered him a job. He is now a Captain in charge of training. It has been a week. He seems to like it. He thinks I see him more now that he works days. He is crazy!! He used to work nights and then he would run errands with me in the morning. He would go to sleep when he got tired. He would wake up at 10:00. We would watch Law & Order and he would leave. But if I need him in the middle of the day, he was here. If I wanted to run to the corner to get milk I didn't have to pack up all the kids to do it. I expected him to come home and tell me all about his day. He hardly speaks at all. We have dinner. We watch Jeopardy and put the kids to bed. I am hoping life will settle a little.

I am so bored. I am also nervous. We are in a very bad place financially. I am going to talk to a lawyer tomorrow and see what my options are. I am hoping for the best. Not betting on it though.

My best friend lives in California. She has been struggling with her marriage for years now. She wants to move home to Connecticut and he won't leave California. They have nothing in common. But they have 2 kids. She came home in February for a visit. when she went back, she filed for divorce. I am not quite sure what her reasoning was. I guess she is just really homesick and tired of going back to a lonely life. She is living in a hotel. She moves into a 1 bedroom apartment on Wednesday. All she wants is to come home with her kids. I wish I could be there. I can't wait until the waiting game is over and she can come home.

Credits: Kate Hatfield music doodle, doodle paper heartAnne deJong doodle ABCMeredith Fenwick Ledger paper, Out There paper and ASPCA star border.

I am in a scrapping funk. Can't seem to scrap a page to save my life. My laptop died in December. My husband ran out and bought me a new one immediately. All of my stuff was stuck in my old laptop. I pulled the hard drive and bought a case for it. I have access to all my stuff but I just can't seem to do it. I did the Digidare about music. I enjoyed it very much. I just need to start taking pictures. Then I will get in the mood. Anywho, I am going to get off this thing for now, Leave me a comment.

One of those days.

2006-11-28T16:56:00.000-05:00

credits:
Carrie Stephens Portobello
Ronnie McCray Appalatian Mountains
sue Nunes Grandma's Kitchen
Gina Miller Scratchy Paint Alpha

So this morning I went to my Scrapartist gallery and I saw that my ""Unconditional Love" layout had been replaced with another layout with the same name. It was a layout of someones dogs. I reported the problem and got an email back saying

"heatherdumas,I'm sorry, but the photo you submitted to Scrapartist.com, titled"Unconditional Love", has been deleted. Some reasons for photo deletions include:-Images that were partially uploaded/incomplete-Broken images-Extremely poor quality/images (impossible to make out the image itself)-Images that did not conform to our published site contribution and usage guidelines such as offensive imagesIf you would like to submit another photo, please return to our photo upload form:http://www.scrapartist.com/gallery/uploadphoto.phpThanks,The Scrapartist.com Teamhttp://www.scrapartist.com "
I am in a bit of a downward spiral right now. My bills are piled up, I can't catch a break. I can't see any light at the end of the tunnel.
My twins are so fresh right now. They have picked up some choice words and soap isn't working.
My son, Bryan is such a handful. He is so disorganized. He has a lot of social issues. He has a bad habit of irritating other kids and they pick on him because he has such a harsh reaction. We have big problems with the other boys in our neighborhood. He can't even take the bus home because he came home bleeding last spring. He is such an easy target. I get so stressed.
I had a blowout with my father this weekend. He gave away something that my grandmother gave to me. He knew it was important to me and I was waiting for it. Then when he asked me if I was upset with him I said I was. There was this whole thing where he told me to shut up and I hung up on him. This is not the first time he has ruined my holidays but it will be the last. I have given up on him ever being the father I need him to be. My husband was so sweet. He hugged me and just let me cry.
I hate the holidays. There is all this work and planning. No one seems to appreciate any of it. I am feeling a large amount of bitterness right now. Last year was the worst Christmas ever. Who am I kidding, it was the worst year ever. This year has been good to my marriage but bad for every other area of my life. I don't feel as bad as last year, but today I want to run away. I am sure that tomorrow I will not even remember why I was so negative today. I will just pray to win the Powerball . Then I can move away from this horrible little town. I have been here my whole life and it used to make me feel connected to something. It actually made me feel closer to my grandmother. But I need to let go of it.
I need to find some happy. anyone know where it is?

Busy! Busy! Busy!

2006-11-17T21:58:00.000-05:00

So, last weekend we had Bryan's birthday party. His actual birthday was on Monday, November 6th. There was no school on Friday due to Veterans day. So he had a few friends over. No one wanted to do what anyone else wanted to do. This party could not have been any more boring. Where are all the fun people at? Then on Saturday we had my husband's family over to celebrate his birthday which was on Sunday. My kids all hung out in their rooms. Again I ask, Where are all the fun people at? I cleaned my house 3 times for what?
Well, Sunday it poured. And my kitchen cieling leaked. What did I do about it? I went to the Christmas Tree Shop and bought candy canes for my front yard. Then I came home and Andy went to bed. He works midnights for the state police. I watched some "Desperate Housewives" and talked to my wife on the phone. In case you don't know me, I have a best friend named Judy. She lives in California. We talk at least twice a day, everyday since 1997. We have never faught about anything. We are so close that our husbands say that we are wives. Anyhow, the phone beeps and it is my MIL saying that Andy's brother was in an accident and they are out of town. Can he call work to see what is happening. So he does and apparently he was the passenger, the driver has a suspended licence, no insurance and they hit a house! Minor injuries. That is a good thing. Crazy!
So, Monday the kids went back to school, I went back to work. Came home feeling horrible, emotionally and physically. I felt like my boss hated me (irrational, since we don't even see each other.) Bryan got 2 detentions for not turning his work in. This is an ongoing problem. He is the most disorganized person I know. So then I bring him back to school and we clean out his desk and talk to all of his teachers. Spend hours doing homework and arguing about why he has to do it now. It is so much fun to be the mom.
Tuesday I get flu like sick. Achy feverish mess. Luckily my boss said I was off Wednesday and Thursday because they were half days. Tried to take a nap but the twins wanted none of that. So Andy and I put up our Christmas lights. Last year there was snow on the ground. This year it was 70 and humid. Welcome to New England!

I went back to work today and all the kids were asking why I was gone. I didn't think anyone would notice. It was pretty nice. After work I went to lunch with one of the girls. It was nice to do something with someone. Anyone else feel like your househld is the entire world? Sometimes I just want to talk to someone else. Someone who's underwear is still a mystery.
All in all today was a good day. I will try to post some pictures and maybe do a layout this weekend. Hope all is well on your end.