Homeade Kahlua

Round one is on me :)

5 c. sugar
2/3 c. or 10 tbsp. instant coffee
4 tbsp. pure vanilla extract
1 qt. vodka

Mix sugar and coffee together. Add 4 cups boiling water and stir until dissolved. Cool completely while stirring. Add 4 tablespoons pure vanilla and 1 quart cheap vodka, stir well and bottle.

6 extra strength tylenol, 2 aspirins and 2 muscle relaxers later...

I still have a pinched nerve...I woke yesterday in total agony...how do people LIVE like this? my right side was and is sooo sore...must be a pinched nerve from sleeping wrong or something...the day before I had a really stiff neck but now is just agony...but the drugs have helped take the edge off. I can certainly empathise with anyone that lives with cronic back pain...it takes a lot out of you just to move about...you don't realize how much you take those muscles for granted until they are locked up on you and leave you totally incapacitated.

Today is better but it certainly has opened my eyes to appreciate good health more

I'm Feeling a little crabby today...

Cancer - Symbol of The Crab
Cancer is an Water signSymbol: The Crab Planet: The Moon Style: Cardinal Birthstone: Pearl Color: Silver Flower: Larkspur Virtue: Caring Key Characteristic:Emotional and Loving Intuitive and Imaginative Shrewd and Cautious Protective and Sympathetic butChangeable and Moody Overemotional and Touchy Clinging and Unable to let go

The Cancerian character is the least clear-cut of all those associated with the signs of the zodiac. It can range from the timid, dull, shy and withdrawn to the most brilliant, and famous Cancerians are to be found through the whole range of human activity. It is a fundamentally conservative and home-loving nature, appreciating the nest like quality of a secure base to which the male can retire when he needs a respite from the stresses of life, and in which the Cancerian woman can exercise her strong maternal instincts. The latter tends to like and to have a large family. `Nest like' is an appropriate adjective for the Cancerian home, for its inhabitants tend to favor the dark, mysterious but comfortable type of house which has something of the air of a den about it, a place which belongs to the family rather than existing as a showcase to impress visitors.

As the fourth sign of the zodiac, Cancer represents the fourth stage in the evolution of man and his place in the universe. In Cancer the need is not one of individual survival as it was in the first three signs. Here, it is eternal survival through perpetuation of the species. It is the sign of fertility and nurture, and Cancerians have strong identification with these matters in one form or another. It doesn't mean all of them are good cooks or efficient housekeepers, but they all want to feel part of a family. They enjoy feeding others as much as they enjoy feeding themselves. They are also ready to supply emotional nurturing by "mothering" everyone who appears to be in need. When upset, they tend to use food as consolation, which in turn, results in problems with excess weight. As an offshoot of their sense of familial relationships, they often develop an interest in genealogy and history in general. Cancer will find their greatest security within the structure of a family setting due to the maternal side and the need to protect those in his or her charge. There is a homey feel about Cancer that draws the other signs; You have the ability to attune to the moods of others quickly or to change their moods to suit yours; you should not underestimate your effect on people and you should learn to use this ability wisely and not just for personal gain. Cancerians react emotionally to everything they experience in life. That is, before they take physical action, before they sort out the practicality of what they are doing, and before they reason things out intellectually, they must express their feelings. They wear their hearts on their sleeves. Many Cancerians succeed in life because their genuine concern for the welfare of others inspires loyalty as well as cooperation. The Moon, celestial guardian of human emotions, rules Cancer. The biggest struggle for Cancerians is to avoid becoming prisoners of their own emotions. Though they can be outwardly gregarious, they are shy and secretive about their personal matters. However, once they feel comfortable in a situation or relationship, they relax and completely open up even to the point of dominating the situation. Not usually ones to suffer in silence, they have to make an effort not to inflict their moods and endless recitations of their feelings or emotional troubles on others. Once they learn to keep excess emotions in control, their intuition can be remarkably accurate. Their emotional insecurity makes them want to hang on to things. They hate to throw anything away, and many end up avid collectors, conservators, and savers of string. It is equally difficult for them to give up on failed relationships, and still harder for them to learn the difference between caring and possessiveness. When they receive criticism, even constructive criticism, they tend to take it as a personal indictment instead of using it to attain personal growth and maturity. The CANCER lover is extremely romantic and passionate people. They enjoy all the traditional rituals of wooing and winning a sweetheart and usually opt for marriage or a long-term relationship. They make loyal mates and will champion their spouse's career and expect the same in return. These individuals are intensely attuned to the needs and wants of their partner; they are exceptionally sensitive lovers. A CANCERIAN never gets enough love and approval; they always need more. It is very easy to fall in love with this loyal, devoted, affectionate, and protective Moonchild. The CANCER friend with their gentle and caring spirit, CANCERIANS are the ones to whom others turn with problems, worries and life choice concerns. Despite their ability to support and nurture their pals, they do not make friends easily. This may be because they take friendship seriously and don't bother to indulge superficial associations. They are often shy people who wait for friendships to develop instead of actively pursuing them. In general, CANCER likes friends who will support his or her emotional and financial needs when necessary and CANCER will reciprocate. Cancer colors are white, silver, and pale yellow. Vulnerable parts of the body are the breasts and stomach. Stomach aches, food allergies, and hysterics are the usual afflictions of Cancerians. Cancer rules silver, and the ruby as well as the pearl are considered Cancerian birthstones. The surroundings of a beautiful piece of silver are reflected in its shiny polished surface. Similarly, the emotionally sensitive nature of Cancerians tends to reflect the people and circumstances surrounding them. The ruby, a variety of corundum, is one of the hardest minerals known, while the pearl is soft and easily scratched. These gems uniquely illustrate the two contrasting sides of the Cancerian personality; hard and determined as well as soft and vulnerable. Cancerian flowers are the water lily (lotus), iris, poppy (white), carnation (white) and southern magnolia Cancer governs the chest, breasts, elbows, stomach and digestion, womb and female reproductive organs. Cancer, which can affect any part of the body, is sometimes said to have taken its name from this sign, which can therefore afflict its subjects with imperfections anywhere. This is incorrect, however, the derivation of cancer being the Latin cancer meaning gangrene as well as crab. nevertheless, Cancerians are said to be liable to breast cancer and to suffer from pleurisy, dropsy, piles and varicose veins. The excitability mentioned above can lead to weak digestion, gastritis and other stomach ills, and there is a tendency to coughs and weakness of vision.

Come One, Come All

'It's the greatest show on Earth'

Ok, it may not have been the greatest show, there were no elephants or tigers or men being blown out of a cannon...just a three ring circus of dancers, acrobats and magicians that put on a really good show...I don't think part of the show included falling off (the trapezest fell twice) an acrobat on a ball fell from a pretty lofty perch and twisted her ankle but she got right back on with a smile...the show must go on...we were pretty close to the floor so when the lights went down I could make out her sillouette...she was limping off...there was a tiger...just one...and it was in a tiny enclosure that they rolled out for pictures...$10 a picture in which the tiger was mostly hidden...the guy kept waking up the tiger who just looked like he wanted to sleep...she gave me such a forlorn look when they rolled her by...

Ok the kids had a really GREAT time...there was a kid about Jared's age that was the hit of the show...he was an adorable clown...the kiddos got those annoyingly adorable light guns and princess wands to wave throughout the show...by the time we got to our driveway we were hoping the batteries were wound down too...it was after 10 when we got home...the kids crashed right away and the first thing Jaiden said upon waking this morning "I like the CIRCUS!" And that after all is what its all about.

Its still in the 20s and snow is on the ground. When Daddy asked Jaiden if she wanted to go outside she said "NO its too COLD!" Then of course she forgot 5 min later and went to the door asking to go outside...

Good Morning from SNOWY Minnesota

Anyone up for coffee and a chat out on the deck this morning?

It's going to take a truckload of Chocolate to take the edge off this...

Yes, snow in APRIL...it is April isn't it? Not December...February maybe?....am I in a time warp of winter....round and round and round we go...when it ends God only knows

TGIF

Yay! Its Friday!

Another week down....another week closer....to WHAT?...that is the question...I'm not sure the answer to that anymore...hubs and I had the big F discussion last night...the FUTURE...what does our future hold? What are our future plans??? We had hoped that he would be retiring in June of 2009...and getting the heck out of dodge (aka Grand Forks) moving to Dallas (or anyplace that is warm) but the way things are right now there is NO WAY that is going to happen...meaning that if he stays in he will undoubtedly get deployed in the near future...in 22 years he's seen 24/7 pushed to the max...he's done a remote in Korea...and now he may be looking at a deployment too...thats life in the military for ya...we will stay here so Cody has a chance to graduate...in 2010...then what? ....right now its a BIG FAT mystery...and I have never been one for mysteries...I like to plan things out MY WAY of course and have them work out PRECISELY to my measure...that aint a happining here...I have to cool my jets and let GOD take the reins...letgoandlletGodletgoandletGodletgoandletGod....

Happy Friday Everyone! Hope everyone has a great weekend...its supposed to be (and is) very cold, mucky and windy here this weekend. There is a school carnival happening tonight, Jared's first soccer game on Saturday, and THE CIRCUS is in town so we may go check that out too...

Have you read this?

**** (Four out of 5 stars)

I am currently reading "For All Their Lives" by Fern Michaels...I can't seem to stop reading it....I've even read the last few pages (a very BAD habit of mine) and I still can't put it down...I was up late reading last night...only a few more chapters to go...it has many twists and turns so its always like reading a new story...I will do a full review when I finish it but was curious to know if anyone else out there had any thoughts on it....

TWISTED...if I could only give one word to describe this story I would have to say it is twisted...not in a bad way though...more like in a rainbow lollipop kinda way....the many mini stories in this novel twist and turn and then come back together as a whole in the end....I did not like the ending...maybe partially because I'd already read the last chapter...it didn't leave any closure...there should have been some closure there...the last chapter left me wanting more to happen...for true love to prevail...guess thats the romantic in me but that IS why I read fiction...to have a non reality get away

I will post more in the comments section but I do not want to give the story away to anyone that hasn't read it yet and would like to...its one of those stories that is hard to put down

Happy Administrative Professionals Day!

*Update
On Friday the boss came to me and asked "Do you know that this is Administrative Professionals Week?" Well I wanted to slap him up side the forhead and say "Well DUH!" but I constrained myself and gave him what I hoped was a nice polite smile and then he said "pick a place ANYPLACE and I will treat you to lunch...(pause) How about Boston's" Me: "Oh, I thought you said anyplace I wanted...anyplace in the WORLD?" He laughed..."just think it over and let me know..." Then he goes into a meeting for an hour or so...comes out "Have you picked a place yet" Me: "well how about the RED PEPPER? or maybe Pizza? We could order in...have it delivered" Boss: "Well what about BOSTON'S?" ME "Well I'd really like something a little spicy today" Boss "What about Boston's?" ME: "Ok, I'll think about it...." Time goes by...I'm getting REALLY hungry...the boss is still in his meeting...finally comes out and announces that he is taking me to Boston's and is bringing our guest visitor and a few other coworkers along...ME: "whatever I'm just hungry lets go" At Bostons I had HOT WING PIZZA!!! OMG It was soooo good! So I got my spicy pizza fix and the boss got Boston's...back at the office he gave me a card and some crazed looking figurine from Halmark...I know I should forgive him and forget that he forgot and then tried pathetically to redeme himself but geesh this thing (whatever it is) scares me...now it sits on my desk (where else could I put it?) a constant reminder that my boss is CLUELESS...I just have to laugh about it....

To all the office workers out there, I hope you have had a wonderful day!!! Today I realized something new - hubs and I aare both celebrating being Administrative Professionals since he is now a commanders exec...so today when neither of our bosses acknowledged us we could sympathise with each other ;)

Happy Earth Day

Since it's Earth Day today I thought I'd try to find some interesting tips on recycling to share and these are some interesting tidbits that I came across...hope you find them useful too! I love to get tips on how to reuse or recycle so if you have any that's not on this list please share!

Recycling Tips...How To Reuse Everyday Objects

Uses For Everyday Objects

Best reuses for a fabric softener sheet:
Keep drawers and luggage fresh. Wipe the lint screen of your dryer. Clean lint and pet hair off furniture. Eliminate static cling in skirts by rubbing on pantyhose.
Use old Christmas cards as Christmas tags by simply cutting out the design on the card.
Recycle old cards by using the front panel as a post card.
Plastic soda bottle uses: Make a disposable funnel from the top half Cut a scoop from the bottom half, Or use the bottom half as a plant "greenhouse."
Best use for an empty pump top handsoap dispenser: Fill with liquid soap detergent.
Store onions in old pantyhose or nylons.
If your fan belt snaps, use a pair of pantyhose as a substitute. Cut to fit.

Uses For Old Newspaper
Protect carseats from muddy or wet clothing
Put into loose shoes to tighten
Stuff in leather shoes to preserve shape
Stuff in wet shoes overnight to dry and deordorize.
Crumple and place in suitcase for couple of weeks to remove stale odors.
Use as mat when polishing shoes
Stuff hats to keep their shape
Stuff leather handbags in storage
Wrap around candle bottoms so they'll fit holders tighter
Cover store windows when remodeling
Dampen and spread over window-panes before painting
Use to dry and polish window after washing
Stuff under doors and in cracks to stop cold wind fromcoming in.
Use as a bounce reflector when taking flash photographs or use to reflect sunlight into shadow areas.
Start fires
Sharpen pencils by rubbing the point on newspaper
Spread out between garden rows to discourage weeds
Use to wrap green tomatoes to ripen
Cover plants during a frost
Use as a mat for wet darkroom photographs
Put under car wheels when stuck in snow, mud or sand
Shred and use for packing breakables
Wrap and store Christmas tree ornaments
Crumple (no colors) and place in plastic containers to eliminate odors

The Bear's Den

Jared asked me yesterday "Mom, why don't I have a blog?" uh oh...Me thinking for a moment trying to think up something good...."well son, ....You haven't helped me to make you one yet"

So we spent an hour or so making Jared a blog...please go check it out and leave "the bear" a bit of love. Thank You SOOOOOO much!

Its a chicken and dumpling kinda day...cold and overcast...the chicken is in the pot simmering now...it smells yummy...want to come for dinner?

*Momma says all I need is chicken, water, flour and a little milk + salt and pepper...I'll let ya'll know how it turns out :)

Nicole,
if you drove 12 hours to get here, I'd make sure to make you a fresh pot! :)

Berry good day :)

Its a beautiful sunshiney day, blue skies and not a cloud in sight....the temps are warming up...it was above FREEZING this morning! YAY! After dropping Cody off at work, Jaiden and I took our shovels to work...we are replanting STRAWBERRIES today :) Hard work but it is very refreshing...and rewarding!

Hubs just called....they are on their way home with their brand new toy, a new 4 wheeler! They should be home later tonight...maybe we will have another nice day of sunshine to enjoy it before the storms come next week...

ok, Jaiden just woke from her morning nap...we will grab some lunch and head back outdoors...have a wonderful day! PS I loaded a video onto Jaiden's page last night so go check it out...dare you not to smile!

A Moment of Silence please.....

It was a sad day in the greenhouse today...the tomatoes...which I have watched grow over the past 6 weeks...from mere tiny seeds and were over 2 feet tall and thriving...have now met their demise...somehow in the night the power must have surged and blown a fuse...the powere outlet is dead and so are my babies...I think I am still in shock...please please please do not say "You can plant more" I know...hubs has already told me that...its not the same...these were my first...they were special...and they were litterally vaporized by the cold...it dipped into the 20s last night...I can't think of a single reason to like the cold anymore...

as a bit of therapy, Jaiden and I spent the latter afternoon re-planting strawberry plants...hubs had moved them into a new bed the other day and they were a bit high up in the air as he'd just taken them, root and all and put them on top of the new bed...so Jaiden and I painstakingly dug holes and planted them, covered them up snug as a bug and then J babe gave them...and herself a really good soaking...we were quite mucky when we were done but it was very refreshing to dig back into the dirt again and feel and see life emerging from the tiny budlets of the strawberries...we are due for more cold weather next week...this afternoon was warm enough for a tshirt...crazy weather! I guess that must explain my variance in mood...below freezing to over 100 in one day (temp in the greenhouse)...who or what could possibly adapt to that? I was just IN the greenhouse yesterday afternoon and the temps read 98 degrees...it felt sooo good! My babies were thriving...life was good for them...yet another reminder of how delicate the balance between life and death...

TGIF

Yay! It's Friday!!!! I don't know why this has been such a LONG week and I am so glad that Friday is here...and I'm dreading going to work...just want to stay home and veg...ever have those kinda days? I seem to be having them a lot lately...sure hope this funk goes away soon...I am going to try to go see a doc next week....I just feel so out of my element...don't know how to kick this feeling aside and move on already...I'm so tired of being tired and boring...I bore myself...thanks for visting and checking in on us! Hubs leaves today to go pick up "wheeler" #2...so it will be a quiet weekend in our house...Jared is going with...Cody works...its just me and J babe :) I think we'll go shopping!

Have a wonderful day!

*Mid-day update...I am taking off EARLY :) and going shopping! Gotta find some fresh new threads for spring...Kohls here I come!

*Evening update...I didn't make it to Kohls yet...but after the day I've had today I am thinking of hitting it in the am...instead I stopped off at the nearest thrift shop on the way home...I've got boxes and boxes of donations sitting in my closet but somehow I always manage to "forget" to load them up and take them in...but I always seem to be able to find more to bring home...anyway I found some really cute springtime outfits, new work pants, sweaters and lots more...I just kept piling it in the buggey...it was one of those days I tell ya...but even with all the goodies that I got I only spent around $50 and I am set now for summer :) So sorting and washing the new goodies has helped take the edge off of the complete horror that I felt when I opened the greenhouse door this afternoon...and the really good thing about pre-used items? they've already been shrunk to my size...so when I buy them I KNOW when I wash them they aren't going to suddenly stop fitting perfectly the way they did when I purchased them...I hate that!

the ride of life...

Here we go again...my life is a roller coaster....I should have known on Tuesday that the slowly escalading joy was the up up up prior to the down down down...Wednesday was a dreary rainy morning...and so my mood followed suit....I can't explain it...I wanted my Mom to cook me some good ole Chicken and Dumplings and make everything all better again...I asked her for the recipe but I don't kow if I can recreate them the way she does them...hers are the very best

towards midday the sun came out...but my energy was steadly decreasing...I went out with the kids and TRIED to enjoy the afternoon sun...I tried to get joy from just being in the greenhouse...but it wouldn't come...I didn't want to play...Jared couldn't coax me into it that time...I didn't want to eat...hubs made dinner which I passed on for a cup of hot blueberry tea w/honey...my throat was scratchy and raw too that didn't help...after dinner I played a quick game of penguin pileup...can't remember the name of it but he did most of the dice rolling himself...went to bed early and read...I'm reading For All Their Lives by Fern Michaels (good read so far)...

Today is a much better day I think...although the temps are BELOW FREEZING...I didn't even check on the plants in the greenhouse today...part of me just doesn't want to know if they survived or not...I'm so sick of this weather....I just want to sit outside without being cold...without wearing a jacket and being cold...so tired of being cold

I hope everyone is having a great day, sorry to be so boring and blah today...it will get better...I just wish that my mood and energy levels didn't depend upon the weather

Since I'm the bearer of the blahs today I will share something that is always a hit - my momma's recipe for chicken and dumplins...in a little note she wrote me yesterday :) Enjoy!

"Hi - Sorry you don't feel so good - when I feel a sore throat coming on I grab an aspirin - maybe a good bowl ful of chicken & dumplins might do you good - They're real easy to make - just getting them stiff enough is the secret - but I have my big bowl of flour - make a hole in the center & use a cup of water - that's all - of course I use self rising flour - & stir it till you get enough flour worked into a big ball then knead it with your hands till it gets stiff & smooth - no gobs of flour on the bottom-then put some flour on the cabinet ; I like to use freezer paper to roll it on - & roll it as thin as you can get it - then cut it in strips & put them in the rolling hot juice - season with pepper & most of the time 2 or 3 bullion cubes - when it gets done I put just a little milk in it - RLs mama told me that - & I like them that way - Good Luck - if they're not pretty the first time try again "

BE THANKFUL
Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire. If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don't know something, for it gives you the opportunity to learn.
Be thankful for the difficult times. During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations, because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for your mistakes. They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you're tired and weary, because it means you've made a difference.
It's easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can become your blessings.

Its a GORGEOUS day out here today in GRAND FORKS...the temps are supposed to reach the 70s! Its a bit blustery so it doesn't feel all that warm but the sky is blue and it's a sun shiny day! and how bout them RED SOCKS! whoop whoop! Cody was in a very good mood today...he was up late last night watching Boston whup up on the Yanks...and he is delirious about the story of the Ortiz jersey being cemented into the new Yankee stadium...he thinks the guy that did it should be immortalized forever...what a fan...

Thoughts to ponder....

I've been doing a lot of thinking lately...thinking about the fig tree prompted me to start thinking about Eve for some weird reason...so my thoughts have been centered around the Garden of Eden...a place where Adam and Eve had everything they could possibly need right within reach...a place of peace and harmony....so I've been wondering... how did the serpent get into the garden? and why was Eve inticed to eat from a tree with a serpent in it...I don't know Eve but if it were me I wouldn't go anywhere NEAR a tree with a snake in it....and how did the snake entice her? Was she a serpent whisperer? Did beasts and humans converse back in those days???

Genesis 3
"1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'?"
2 The woman said to the serpent, "We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, 3 but God did say, 'You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.' " 4 "You will not surely die," the serpent said to the woman. 5 "For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."

Upon further study, I am finding that the word "enticed" is a quite liberal (broad) figment of speech...have you ever been enticed to do something that you were told you must not do? I know I struggle with this a lot...There are often times when I am "enticed" to do things that take me away from the things that I really should be doing...the internet is my serpent...it entices me to not be as productive at work...it takes me away from my family at home...when I am told that I can't do something...that is exactly the thing I want to do more than anything...is this human nature? Why must we have these "serpents" in our paths? God provides us with everything in life that we need...but we need a lot of intervention when it comes to steering clear of the things we shouldn't partake in....those trees full of seductive serpents tend to plant themselves in front of us all too often.... and take our minds away from the garden...where we already have everything we need

Every rose has it's thorns...

I know this will both date me and degrade me but I have a confession...I am a long time fan of the rock band POISON and I've been watching ROCK O LoVE II...the reality tv show...full of drama and bad stuff that warps the mind I know...but the finali was last night and we tuned in just in time to see the outcome...I am glad Brett didn't choose the bimbett but sorta surprised because that is his type...so I checked out the web today for more information...looks like Ambre (the girl he chose) is an actress...she played the goodie good girl role very well....she looks just like any of the other tramps on her myspace...sigh...oh well...just a part of me was hoping that she really was a good girl and would turn his life around for the better and maybe he would settle down and stop acting like a wanna be rocker that is past his prime...he is having a serious mid-life crisis thing going on right now...or is it that some men just never grow up? I have a brother that is very much like that and cannot seem to find happiness with just one woman...its so sad...but mostly in a selfish kinda way becuz I really do want a sister...one that is around for more than a month or two...and I'd just LOVE being an Auntie...but he has no ties to the one child that he produced from a ten minute marriage...yes, my family tree is a bit broken up...

SUNday :)

Today is such a gorgeous day!!! We've been outside with NO JACKET most of the day today, it's been so awesome just to feel the warmth again. My guinie pig tomatoes survived the night in the greenhouse so we adjusted the site of the greenhouse a bit - moved it to a sunnier location and then I've moved the entire motherload outside...talk about TRUST...I've sent all my babies into the big bad outdoors...will they make it? Stay tuned to see...its supposed to be a mild week...but the temps dipped below freezing last night so maybe I'm just a bit doubtful...we are heating the greenhouse just to be on the safe side but I forgot the one really important step of transitioning them...hardening them off...oops! They've been in a 70+ degree house since they were born...er seeded and then I put them out in the coooold drafty greenhouse overnight when the temps were sooo cold...I'm a bad mommy gardener!

On our way to Menards today we "ran into" our neighbors so we had a nice lunch together at Perkins...it was so much better than our trip to Denny's the other night...the food was so much more fullfilling...I finally got my blueberry pancakes that I've been craving for weeks...and after lunch we went to Lowe's and I got two blueberry bushes...so I have high hopes of making my very own home grown blueberry pancakes someday :) My greenhouse is looking pretty and "green" already! I just hope it can stay that way...I've never been very good at growing things...this has been a learning experience...although by default I think I should have inherited some of my Mom and Dad's green thumb...maybe I'm not a forest green yet...more like celery but I am "growing" in knowledge and faith as I learn more about these Northern conditions...way outside of my "growing zone" ....or comfort zone too for that matter. I miss figs...we had a nice fig tree in our backyard when I was a young girl that I had a treehouse in...I would climb up into my "nest" and eat figs and just comtemplate life...it was glorious...just sitting there surrounded by the green leaves and quite hidden from the world...just me and God...me dreaming the big dreams of going places and seeing new things...God planting seeds in my heart that all I really needed was that quiet place and to just listen for a while...being in a garden is very refreshing to me...It reminds me to slow down...and just listen

Yesterday started out to be a very interesting day...snow in April? That just can't be....but yes it did snow for several hours and left a good bit of snow on the ground...the nice wet soft fluffy stuff that just entices one to make snowballs ;) Well, about midday the snow had stopped falling and had started melting...so my illusions of snowballs and snowmen were quickly fading away...as leave the office at 4:15 and head for my car I start hearing....whoosh..shlosh...all around me...but I look around and there's not a soul in sight...then I turn and see one of my coworkers hunkered behind an electrical box (he can't hide he's like 6'7 and looks like a linebacker) we'd agreed to a snowball fight but I had to finish some things up and didn't think he was still around...anyway needless to say we got in a few missles...which I missed pathetically and he's a pretty big target so as I reach down to get more ammo....boosh! right upside the head! Hair drenched, neck freezing where tiny bits of snowball remained I head home....with the biggest smile I've had on my face all week...

We took the kids out to Denny's for dinner...since the snow had mostly melted and the wind was kicking up too much for a ride on the "wheeeler" (as Jaiden calls it) ...it was a nice quiet evening...the kids got cool rocket cups with their happy meals and we enjoyed our outing...the meal was another story...it was ok but not great and I could have done better at home...I would like to find a restaurant that serves home cooked meals without spending a fortune in the process....I miss Cracker Barrel...and Sonic... it's not a home cooked meal but its sooo good and was always our families favorite treat

Today is unbelievably gorgeous! The sun is shining and the temps are in the low 50s....if it weren't for the wind blowing out of the north...it would be...almost springlike!

Have a great weekend!

Snow Day

This photo was taken on our drive through South Dakota...coming home...the drive was like this for the entire state...soon as we crossed the state line it was clear again...I thought this would be the last snow we saw this year....

Today we wake to softly falling snow...there was about 2 inches on the ground...Chloe (our Boston terrier) was buried up to her knees when I let her out to do her business...its beautiful...but its also APRIL...I am thinking of calling an unofficial snow day and letting the kids stay home...its been a LONG winter and this area never has snow days...nor do they clear the roads...so we are faced with driving in it if we do go out...

Jammie day

I am having one of those days when I just didn't feel like getting out of bed...yesterday we had a great time...riding the 4wheeler around and then it started to get colder...this morning is downright chilly again and it feels more like latter fall than mid spring...what's up with this weather anyway??? I take full responsibility of course...I know its got to be my fault...after all I did say it....I guess I should watch what I say out loud....yes...its affirmative I should just stick to blogging where I can edit and delete...but yes I did say it....I told Hubs that I would move to Minnesota...when ach e double ell froze over....that is why its cold here...yep its all my fault...so I beg forgiveness from all of those that are suffering for my slip of tongue

We are all jammied up in our winter jams and ready for a long nights slumber...Nighty Night!

Hope everyone sleeps warmly tonight

PS...I did get out of bed today...and I did go to work...they are still talking about sNOOOOw so that makes going to work not so fun...like my day is ever fun...my goodness I have been very moody lately haven't I? hopefully it will pass soon... please keep visiting :) I'm trying to shake it off...I don't like to be in the blahs...I don't like this feeling of being all alone

Never Choke in a restaurant in the South

Two hillbillies walk into a bar.

While having a shot of whisky, they talk about their moonshine operation. Suddenly, a woman at a nearby table, who is eating a sandwich, begins to cough. And, after a minute or so, it becomes apparent that she is in real distress.

One of the hillbillies looks at her and says, 'Kin ya swallar?'

The woman shakes her head no.Then he asks, 'Kin ya breathe?'The woman begins to turn blue and shakes her head no.The hillbilly walks over to the woman, lifts up her dress s, yanks down her drawers and quickly gives her right butt cheek a lick with his tongue. The woman is so shocked that she has a violent spasm and the obstruction flies out of her mouth.

As she begins to breathe again, the Hillbilly walks slowly back to the bar. His partner sa ys, 'Ya know, I'd heerd of that there 'Hind Lick Maneuver' but I ain't niver seed nobody do it!'

Happy Birthday Jared!!!

Bear's birthday isn't until May 9th but he got an early birthday present tonight...Isn't it soooo cool! This is our first 4 wheeler..we are all excited! We have another one (bigger one) being uncrated and we'll pick it up in a few weeks...then we can ride together...Jared, Jaiden and I had a blast on it this evening though...cruisin the neighborhood and the fields by our house...so fun! It is already out of commission though :( Jared hit the fence in the first 5 min and bent a front axle...didn't notice it until we'd parked it for the night...and I was driving it around with the parking brake on...that in addition to the guy at the store not being able to get it to start on the first few tries...something was loose...not a great start for sure...but the guys at the store live just across the coolie from us so maybe they will do house calls and come check on it...they did pop it into their pickup and brought it home for us which was very nice...this is a great neighborhood

awww shucks!

I was just informed by a coworker that we have more snow on the way....

Time to go away to the Happy Place in my mind...:)

Thanks for the good vibes...:)

My day got considerably better at 4:03 pm :)

I don't know why but the Toby Keith song "I Love this Bar" came to mind and well, it did put a great big smile upon my face...no I didn't go to the bar after work...I came home...got dinner ready (hot dogs, mac&cheese and peas) then we went out and talked to our neighbors...that is a first for me...the weather is starting to warm up again...:)...its 29 this morning but its going to warm up eventually...Hubs put up my greenhouse for me yesterday...soon as it stays above 50 I can move my plants...or I could just buy a heater for out there...we played on the trampoline...boy I need to get in shape...when I told Jared that I needed to get into shape PRIOR to jumping on the tramp..."Mom jumping on the tramp WILL get you in shape..." oh the ever logical child...so I bounced...weeeee...and we bounced....weeee...Jaiden loves for me to hold her while we bounce...she squeals in delight!...it is refreshing to play....gotta do that more often....just noticed Jaiden is getting soooo heavy....she's close to 30 lbs now...during our road trip I didn't get to hold her much....so my muscles are weak I suppose - she is one great workout!

It's time to get ready for work now....it was not a BAD day yesterday... just a typical day...most days are good...its just when my mood is lousy that I have a bad day...I need to work on that...I'm sure everyone would love to get paid to do the things they love....doesn't always happen that way....it could be a lot worse....so onward with the day :)

Happy Wednesday!!! We're halfway to FRIDAY already!

Rambles of the day

Today I woke in a very crabby mood...I am finding it hard to get motivated...I think I need to find a new job...I work in a small enclosure and I feel trapped by paperwork...endless paperwork...day after day after day...the same paperwork...bills...budget...time and attendance...travel requests...I sit here on my bum and take care of paperwork...I would much rather be taking care of real people...I dislike paperwork...I dislike numbers...I dislike sitting in one place for too long...I need to move around...interact with PEOPLE...feel like I am accomplishing something...these pieces of paper do not talk to me...or tell me if I am doing a good job...the work gets done...I suppose it gets done correctly since nobody stops by to tell me otherwise...people pass by...people say hello...people move on to do the things they do...I plug on...more paperwork to do...the old saying comes to mind...you made your bed now you have to lie in it...it was my idea to come here...to be closer to my husbands family...it was me who accepted this job at the beginning of summer...I put myself into this box...it is I who must find a way to make the best of it...but why do I feel like I am spinning in a cirlce but getting nowhere?

Does having music on this page slow down the load time??? ...just wondering...please let me know if it does

I've always wanted a Corvette...

Today my wish was granted! Jared is so excited that he is going to be a soccer player! He is counting the days, weeks...even hours until the first practice begins....they start practice next Tuesday. His team is the CORVETTES...isn't that a coool name for a soccer team!

On a "side" note, it is very interesting to see each day what my ad is going to read...it goes off the things that I write about...the other day I'm not sure what I was writing about but it had an ad for womens girdles or something like that...too funny! I like the interaction I suppose...my site is pretty boring otherwise. I wish I could be a great motivational writer and make everyone smile or laugh but for now I'm just plain old me...with really great kids!

Something to smile about :)

Radar at 534 pm Sunday evening, note how there is no snow in Grand Forks.

It seems that this weekends unusual cold temps brought something more along with it...here in Grand Forks we experienced cold but didn't get any of the snow...in fact the guys were outside playing baseball in the backyard last night (not for very long since it was below freezing)





I am now the proud owner of my very first GREENHOUSE :) It is still in a box in my SUV but when the weather warms up Hubs has promised to put it together for me. It is 8'x6'x6'...I wonder how many tomatoes that will hold...I planted some red bell pepper and petunias on Saturday...the tomatoes are now sitting on my coffee table in the living room...they have outgrown the growing station. I counted them up and out of the 72 seeds that were planted 69 of them are now healthy plants...they are starting to get pretty scrappy looking though and need to be planted and staked...I sure hope it warms up soon

6 Miles South of Bemidji

Significant Snow Event April 5-6, 2008



...A SIGNIFICANT SNOW EVENT AFFECTS PORTIONS OFSOUTHEAST NORTH DAKOTA INTO WEST CENTRAL MINNESOTA...A FAIRLY NARROW BAND OF VERY HEAVY SNOW HAS OCCURRED IN THE PAST 24HOURS FROM EXTREME SOUTHEAST NORTH DAKOTA INTO BELTRAMI COUNTY. GENERALSNOW AMOUNTS RANGE FROM 5 TO 10 INCHES...WITH LOCALLY HIGHER AMOUNTS.THE HIGHEST SNOW TOTALS ARE IN HUBBARD COUNTY AND SOUTHERN BELTRAMICOUNTY...WHERE A FEW EXTREME SNOW AMOUNTS AROUND 2 FEET HAVEBEEN REPORTED. IN ADDITION...TREES ARE STARTING TO FAIL UNDER THEWEIGHT OF THE HEAVY WET SNOW HERE...SO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS.BELOW IS A SUMMARY OF SNOW TOTALS FOR THIS SNOW EVENT SO FAR AS OF7 PM SUNDAY.



MINNESOTA SNOW (INCHES)6 S BEMIDJI 2310 N PARK RAPIDS 20PARK RAPIDS 19BEMIDJI 14WADENA 12BAGLEY 85E FERGUS FALLS 7.25N BAGLEY 6.5ADA 45NE WASKISH 4.5FERTILE 2NORTH DAKOTAFARGO 4.73E FORMAN 4.0LISBON 3.5





THIS SNOW EVENT PRODUCED A FAIRLY NARROW BAND OF VERY HEAVY SNOW. THERE WAS NO SNOW IN THE GRAND FORKS AREA...CONTRASTED WITH ABOUT 5 INCHES IN FARGO AS OF SUNDAY EVENING. BELOW IS A PICTURE FROM 6 MILES SOUTH OF BEMIDJI OF 2 FEET OF SNOW. THERE IS ALSO A RADAR PICTURE INDICATING THE BANDED NATURE OF THE SNOW AND THE SHARP CUTOFF FROM SNOW TO NO SNOW. LASTLY...AN ESTIMATION OF TOTAL SNOW ACCUMULATION SHOWS THIS SNOW BAND.

Snow total estimate as of 7pm Sunday April 6.

Observations....

Nothing to talk about really at the moment, just wanted to say HI! Obama, Oprah and Hilary were in Grand Forks last night...there was a crowd of college kids walking to the Alerus Center as I was heading home yesterday. Hotels were booked for 40 miles...I am not into politics but nothing ever happens around here so this has been just a little bit interesting...wonder what they thought when they woke up this morning to temps in the 30s?

*This pansy is just a simple photo that I snapped as we were finishing our tour of the Garvin Gardens in Hot Springs last week...but the more I look at it the more I see. If you look closely you may can see not just a flower but - an angel, a butterfly, hearts...what do YOU see?

Pansies are also a reminder of Jaiden's newest favorite song. She comes to us and says "Ashes Ashes" so we have to play "Ring around the rosie a pocket full of posies, ashes, ashes, we all FALL down" (Falling down is not so easy anymore so I just kinda hunker down instead since I know there will be many more rounds before she tires of playing)

Have a LOVEly day!!!

150 Random Thoughts

150 Things

1. I was born under the sign of the Crab in the year of the Boar
2. I hope I am not a bore but I am very often a crab
3. My name is Kimberly but I think that its to girly for me
4. I like the name Kim but I always wanted to change it to Kelly
5. I was named after Lucy's daughter
6. I Love Lucy...I really do
7. I've always been a very quiet person
8. writing has always been my outlet
9. I am the only daughter in a family of 3 older brothers
10. My oldest brother was killed in a motorcycle accident
11. He was only days away from turning 19
12. I was only 3 but I remember he used to scoop me up and throw me into the air
13. I've always loved to fly
14. I'm kinda afraid of heights though
15. I prefer to have my feet on something solid
16. I've always wanted to hang glide
17. and travel to Italy
18. just to watch a Tuscan sunset
19. I love God with all my heart
20. sometimes I wonder if He is angry at me
21. I wonder why my dreams have become my distant reality
22. I always wanted to marry a cowboy
23. and have a dozen children
24. a houseful of animals
25. I love chaos and muss
26. painting is also an outlet
27. I am a daydreamer and a romantic
28. sunsets make me cry
29. just the thought of the day coming to a close
30. makes me wonder if I've accomplished all that I could have
31. I work in an office
32. I really hate to be indoors
33. outside in the warm sunshine with my bare feet in the dirt is my favorite place in the world
34. I will turn 37 on July 6th
35. being in my 30s has made me do a lot of thinking about my life...
36. being 36 has not been all bad
37. I'm learning to appreciate my life more
38. I am a good friend
39. although its hard for me to really open up, I like to listen
40. once a friend, always a friend
41. last week I saw my best friend again after 20 years apart
42. it was almost like we'd never been apart
43. except i live 1400 miles away
44. I used to walk 3.5 miles down a country road to get to her house and then we would walk back together to my house
45. unless her brother drove us
46. I had a huge crush on her brother
47. I never spoke a word to him, I was always too tongue tied in his presence
48. I am not a morning person
49. I've got the greatest kids in the world
50. My husband is my best friend
51. we've got totally opposite personalities
52. sometimes I wonder why we are together and how we've been so happy for over 15 years
53. love doesn't always make sense
54. He is not a cowboy, and hadn't ever been on a horse until he met me
55. the first present he bought me was a Breyer horse
56. He stole my heart the moment I laid eyes on him
57. we've been together ever since
58. the greatest part of being in love is being loved in return
59. even when you drive each other crazy
60. sometimes its annoying when he cleans up behind me
61. sometimes I like to make messes
62. just to annoy him
63. sometimes I wish he would just accept me for who I am
64. I would love to have a cat
65. but instead we have one dog
66. I do like dogs just fine, but I love cats
67. I had a persian cat named Baxter
68. He was my baby and loved to lay in my arms like a child
69. he died on March 14, 1997...
70. I let him outside and the neighbors dogs attacked him in our yard
71. I found him just inches from where he could have been safe... torn to bits
72. I've never forgiven myself for letting him out
73. I miss him so much
74. March 14 is my stepdaughter Sarah's birthday
75. I have 2 stepchildren
76. I am their wicked stepmother
77. ...they do not like me at all
78. I do not get along well with my inlaws
79. I do not like the smell of cigarette smoke
80. My stepdad died from lung cancer when I was 9
81. my father in law died of lung cancer last year
82. I love to laugh
83. I haven't laughed in a long time the way I did when I was home with my family
84. I think I have some serious issues
85. I need to pray more and worry less
86. I know things happen according to the Master's plan
87. someday I'll know why my dreams are still dreams
88. sometimes I wonder what it would be like to join a gypsy train and travel the world
89. I'd love to travel the world with just a napsak
90. I think I would have been a flower child if I'd been born in the 60s
91. I love to garden
92. growing things makes me feel closer to God
93. I feel His touch when I sit in the sunlight
94. I am thankful that I am free to believe
95. I am proud of my country but dislike politicians and media
96. I think W is a good man
97. I wish we could all get along better as a nation
98. political mudslinging makes me sick
99. we need a good man with morals to lead our country
100. there are very few of them to be found in political circles
101. we need to pray for the ones that are
102. they need our prayers
103. our friends need our prayers
104. I wish I could be a better friendf
105. I wish I could be a better mother and wife
106. sometimes I think I am doing alright
107. other times I need to hear it
108. sometimes I like to be surrounded by friends
109. I think that I must be pretty lame
110. because when I am with friends I usually do not say a thing
111. I love to shop
112. chocolate is my favorite food
113. my new favorite drink is white chocolate caramel cappuchino
114. I found it in a truck stop and now I don't know if I'll ever find it again...
115. that was the one highlight to my drive through South Dakota
116. in a blizzard
117. reminds me of Paris
118. I drove home in a blizzard
119. we spent about one hour in Disneyland
120. the only thing we got to see was the Lion King Show...came out and couldn't see for the snow so we decided to call it a done deal and head home...8 hours later made it home...next day NO Snow!
121. I really do not have a fondness for snow
122. I love warm weather
123. I'd rather be hot than cold
124. I love Red Hots
125. Cinnamon is one of my favorite flavors and smells
126. the smell of peaches makes me think of home
127. my mother is always canning something
128. she taught me to love growing things
129. my mom is a strong and virile woman
130. but she is wearing out before her time
130. she is 74
131. in my eyes she will never grow old
132. she has fought many battles and survived
133. She is a 5 year survivor of breast cancer
134. She has fed, clothed and sheltered many lost sheep
135. My mom is my hero
136. I never thought I'd ever want to be like her
137. I wanted to be an orphan as a child
138. my dream of adoption began when I first watched orphan Annie
139. my mom and dad divorced when I was 8
140. I said I would never put my childen through that and then I met someone with an ex wife and two children...
141. love overcomes all obstacles
142. love is patient - even when we are not
143. love is kind and it can heal our inner wounds
144. even those we inflict upon ourselves
145. forgiveness is a wonderful gift
146. wisdom is priceless
147. I would rather die happy than rich
148. I do not like to be alone but sometimes I feel alone in a crowd
149. I wish my friends would talk to me more
150. I need to find inner peace, I will try to pray more to become a better person

Beauty surrounds us

Every where we look

Spring season

I love to rise

And hear the birds sing

God created beauty

In the sky

On land

In the ocean

Ever so deep and high

Daylight peeks and sunlight

Evening falls and twilight

Nighttime stars everywhere

Some nights the moon is bright

Where ever you are

Thank you Lord

For all your gifts

They are worth

More than gold

You blessed us with a soul

Enjoying every day

A bike ride in the park

Or roller skating

Even just a stroll

I love this life

Swimming at the beach

Sunning in the yard

Planting pretty flowers

Filling the bird bath

Watching frogs jump

Listening to the crickets

Seeing lightning bugs

A scent of roses

Taste a strand of mint

Listening to your voice

Blessings all around

Thank you Lord

For all you keep

Grand mountains

Valleys so low

You've carried me through life

And made my life worth living

There are no words to tell you

How much I Love You So

*My Mom shared this poem with me today. I hope it makes you smile too :) Blessings!

Kim

Cut from the same cloth?

Today was my first day back at work...I expected my plants to be all brown and withered but they were alive! I saw green when I walked in the door :) then I turned the corner of my desk and saw the pile of paper on my desk...uGH! a weeks worth of work to catch up on and my boss standing right there to give me even more...oh well, I pasted on a smile and faced the day as bravely as I could.

Jaiden is still not feeling her normal totally perky self today so Hubs took her into the doctor - he didn't give her anything but sent home collection containers for stool samples...ugh! Whatever it is surely will work its way through her system before we have to do that and make the trip back to the doctor to have them tell us that it needs to work itself through her system....no I am not a big fan of going to the doctor and usually research a symptom to death before I set foot into a clinic. Not a fav place in my book...

Anyway, the day was busy but SUNNY and it got to the 50s today!!! YAY! I don't know why but when I got home I got into a nasty funk. Guess cause no matter how nice it LOOKED outside it still was COLD...when I walked over to pick Jaiden up from Ms M's the ground was all squishy from the snow meltage...ug My tomato plants have grown beyond their space and need to be planted in the ground or set outside...I just don't have room enough for all of them indoors but I don't know what to do with them. Any ideas? To excape the funk I went for a walk in wally world and wound up purchasing some daffodil bulbs which I am going to try to force in a pot...I have never tried this - anyone know how to get bulbs to flower inside?

Funny but weird story...for the past MONTH (minus the week that I was on my trip) I have been wearing the same exact color as one of my coworkers...we sat beside each other at a staff meeting last month and noticed it for the first time...our shirts were made of the same cloth! Different color but same cloth and pattern (stripes) ...then EVERY SINGLE DAY thereafter this person has worn the same color that I have! I even wore pink one day knowing that this person (an older gentleman) would NEVER wear pink - HE WORE PINK!!! Today, my first day of work back in a week I chose a GOLD shirt - not something that I would normally wear - it has a beige vest over it and wouldn't you know it...my coworker was wearing a beige shirt today!!! We are pals so we get a good laugh about it but if I didn't know he was a really nice person I would be totally creeped out by now. We have become the office entertainment....Now I wonder what he will be wearing tommorow...? This gentleman is also a Louisiana native...which makes me wonder if maybe we are not related somehow???

Spring Road Trip

On the wings of Angels....

We arrived home last night around 10:30pm. It felt soooo good to wake up in my own bed again that for a moment I thought I was dreaming... actually, in my dreams I was still driving down the highway! LOL

Its a sunny day here in Grand Forks and the snow has just about all melted away...its only 28 degrees so I don't think we will see spring anytime soon yet but it does feel good to be home again.

I need to give Jaiden a bath and get her ready for morning nap... I will update on our trip as soon as I can.

Oh, the ENTIRE STATE of South Dakota was in a blizzard (winter storm) last night...we flew through it going 75-80 mph and didn't get blown off the road, it felt like we were floating above the layer of ice blowing around on the road so I know we were being surrounded by Angels. Thank YOU so much for your prayers!