I {heart} Italian

#6 on my list is to eat at Da Vinci's Italian Restaurant. This is a restaurant that was about 2-3 miles from our home for about 3 years. We now live 1 hour away. I have always said I wanted to eat there. I honestly don't know how we didn't for so many years.

Yesterday Dr. Hubby, Manga Dork and I went in town to pick up last minute stuff for Cutie's birthday party. While out we decided to eat at Da Vinci's restaurant so I could mark it off my list. I had a mini German pizza {Italian sausage and sauerkraut smothered in fresh mozzarella cheese} for an appetizer. Then I had a salad, garlic bread with mozzarella, and lasagna....yummy!

Dr. Hubby had some gross smelling onion soup and a salad and Manga Dork had cheese and beef raviolis. They also shared a shrimp cocktail.

I am glad I finally ate there. Great food and ambiance.

I will definitely be back...hopefully it won't take another 7-8 years...lol.

Another # marked off!

Dear January,

Dear January,

I just looked at the calendar. Your time is almost up. You have only 3 more days to curse my world with your snowstorms...dark dreary days...cabin fever...and post-holiday blues. You have turned me into someone I really dislike...I am moody...super sensitive...bored...lazy...messy...and the list could go on an on {but I don't want to scare all my bloggy friends away}.

While watching the intensely educational show For The Love of Ray J yesterday I learned something quite profound. Ms. Berry was talking to Snoop Dog and she explained how she wanted to be there for Ray at the end of the day...when he comes home tired and in need of a place to unwind from all the chaos. I had one of Oprah's "A-Ha Moments." I want to be that for Dr. Hubby. He deserves it. He works ridiculous hours {830ish to 9 or 10ish}. I want our home and family to be a haven for him. A place he actually looks forward to coming home to...

I took a look around our home...January chaos and laziness.
I took a look at the kids...still bouncing off the walls at 8pm.
I took a look at myself...ummmm...I don't want to scare you...let's just say that I usually change from one pair of pjs to another pair! LOL!

What happens when he comes home? I am usually fighting the littles to get in bed...begging Manga Dork to quit texting and get in the shower...he has to wash a spoon cause there are none clean for him to eat his nightly bowl of cereal with...then I run off to take a shower and put on fresh pjs...

AND thanks to January I usually have one crying time each night. Then he worries about me because when I am blue I am B.L.U.E.

That is one of the downfalls of being a really upbeat smiley laughy person...you freak people out when you are feeling down.

I want to be better AND I love nothing better than a fresh start...so you have 3 more days January! Then comes February and my little project to make our home a place that blesses my husband at the end of the day. {I think I just heard a liberal woman hit the floor...lol}

I love February...with it's hearts and love and reds and pinks and purples!

Your days are numbered {literally} January.

Sincerely,
Scrappy Girl

Croppin' Out Of My Comfort Zone

Yesterday I made a phone call that I had been putting off...

It was not a negative phone call. As a matter of fact, it was a phone call that hopefully will lead to F.U.N, but it took me out of my comfort zone. I am all about staying in my nice safe comfort zone...even if I am unhappy.

Hosting a crop in my schoolhouse is on my "35 Things" list...I am going to stretch it to a higher level. I called our local library and rented their room {a steal at $10}. I need to make some scrappy friends...actually I could use some friends that don't live in my computer {not that I don't cherish and appreciate each one of you}.

In the past I went to a Stampin' Up consultant's home for a monthly workshop. I looked forward to each one and it was hard to wait a whole month between each one. Well, last summer I didn't hear from the consultant. I called to get the new catalog in September. She acted like she wasn't sure if there was one. I asked if she was planning any workshops. She stuttered around saying "maybe in October." Well, in December I met one of the other girls who attended the workshops in a craft store. She said she missed me at the workshops. They had been meeting every month. After she left I took my cart over and cried in the adhesive aisle.

I don't know what I did. My work was up to par with everyone...even better than some. I enjoyed the time I spent in her home. I ordered ALOT from her...my mom was even her 2nd highest customer in 2008.

Well, I need to move on. I hope to get scrappers from our little town to come together...I won't be surprised if the SU consultant calls to sign up.

Wish me luck with this new adventure...

I Found

I found my scrapbooking mojo...this is the first layout I completed in 2010. It is for a scraplift challenge at Scrap Sisters Studio. It also gives you an idea of how "behind" I am with my scrapping...this was Wild Child's 2nd birthday party...she turns 5 in March!

I found valentine chocolate suckers at Walmart like the ones I bought for Halloween and decorated. Beware...while they are cute...they taste like plastic. Yuck! I found this out AFTER the parties. Oops!

I found these adorable "hard" suckers at Walmart. They are $1 each, and the message is very pretty.

I nearly jumped up and down in the aisle when I found these marshmallow cupcake suckers...SO CUTE! I bought 3...but I don't think I can bear to see someone eat them...lol. These would be perfect for a birthday party too.

Congrats to the Saints who are Super Bowl Bound!

Who will you cheer for at the Super Bowl, Colts or Saints?

Do you have a party? or attend one?

Weekend Ramblings

This week at TOPS I lost 5.25 pounds...which is exactly what I wanted to lose. Combined with the 4.75 pounds I kept off from my loss this summer it equals a total of 10 pounds lost towards my 100 pound goal.

This week our guinea pigs welcomed a new baby. Wild Child named it "Pam."

My schoolhouse is organized and I only need to do a couple more things before I can say it is "finished." It felt good to sit and create this past week. These are ATCs I made for a swap at Scrap Sisters Studio...the theme is Hello Kitty and the letters represent the first names of the recipients.

Have a great weekend!

Yes...I Know "L" Is Missing...

ABC's of me {I accidentally deleted "L" and was too lazy to go back to where I copied this}

A - Age: 35
B - Bed size: King!
C - Chore you hate: I HATE anything that falls under the category "chores."
D - Dog's name: Annie Louise
E - Essential start your day item: My computer and a Diet Dr. Pepper
F - Favorite color: orange
G - Gold or Silver: gold
H - Height: 5ft 1"
I - Instruments you play(ed): piano {barely}
J - Job title: housewife....sahm
K - Kids: Manga Dork (14) Wild Child (4) Cutie (3)
M - Mum's name: Ruby
N - Nicknames: My dad called me "Scooger" as a child.
O - Overnight hospital stay other than birth: Sulfa Allergy and T&A both in my elementary years
P - Pet Peeve: Hear people eating loudly...can't stand for someone to look at my ears
Q - Quote from a movie:
R - Right or left handed: Right
S - Siblings: Lil Sis
T - Time you wake up: 7am...wake up Dr. Hubby and Manga Dork 8:10 to get little one ready for preschool
U- Underwear: Cotton granny panties
V - Vegetable you dislike: Brussel Sprouts
W - Ways you drink your coffee: Coffee is for old people
X-rays you've had: teeth, ankle, abdomen
Y - Yummy food you make: I rarely cook...and if I do it is not anything special to list here.
Z - Zoo favorite : Water show...dolphins...shamu....otters...so cute!

Go Ahead...You Know You've Been Wondering

Time for a new Ask Scrappy...

go ahead ask me that question you have been dying to know the answer to...

You've Never Had It So Random...On A Tuesday In January

I still hate January.

{Bachelor Spoiler}Why does Jake the Bachelor seem a little "schmoo" on this season. I thought he was gonna cry on that bridge. Thank God he sent home "one on one time" obsessed girl...she frightened me.

American Idol...love cancer guy in first episode...he set off my "Mormon radar." Why? He said he had to return from a "mission" to be treated for cancer...and he is from Utah. I also like the black guy who takes care of his momma...he's a little reminiscent of Charles Grigsby from the Ruben/Clay season {I think that is the one}. And I totally agree...if your pants are on the ground...you look like a fool...priceless.

New episode of Vampire Diaries this Thursday.

I am addicted to Desperate Housewives...I've even brought Manga Dork and Dr. Hubby along for the ride...although he will completely deny it and look at you like you have lost your mind...just ask him about his "hulu search." heehee

We saw Avatar in 3D for date night this past weekend...very interesting...love the forest at night. My feet won't touch the floor in those new fancy reclining seats...my knee was killing me. A woman {thought for sure I was sitting in front of a kid} kicked my seat the entire movie. I thought the movie was a little long.

My computer was attacked yesterday and I am using Manga Dork's laptop...so pictures will be limited for awhile.

How did Lifetime celebrate Martin Luther King Day? With a day full of Jennifer Aniston movies! I would like to speak to the person in charge...I want to know the relevance.

Hope everyone is having a great week.

What random thought or question is roaming around inside your head?

The Verdict Is In

Thursday night at TOPS {Taking Off Pounds Sensibly} I hopped on the scale...well, actually I slowly crept onto it...and my weight was 226.25. I have kept off 4.75 pounds of the 25 I lost over the summer. Yikes!

I guess I thought it was so much fun that I would do it again!

I have 44 weeks to lose 95.25 pounds...that is 2.17 pounds per week. It is doable...and not that unhealthy of an amount....BUT I am going to have to work my butt off {literally}.

Wish me luck.

{For those of you wondering...TOPS is a group that meets weekly similar to Weight Watchers. They are international. The price is around $25 to join and then around 50 cents to $1 per week dues. There is no specific diet though they recommend food exchanges.}

You Are What You Eat?!

I guess that means I am easy, fast, and cheap! LOL!

Today is the day I have decided to go back to TOPS. On my "35 Things I Want To Do While I Am 35" list I put that I want to reach my goal weight. I started TOPS last June at 231 {I can't believe I just typed that for all to see}...I want to be 131. That is 100 pounds. I am not sure where I am right now, but I do know I am not all the way back to start. I have 44 weeks to work on marking off that item on my list. Wish me luck.

I am nervous.
{btw...for anyone who is confused...that is NOT me in the picture...image from photobucket}

Oh January...

...you do it to me every year. You begin with excitement...confetti...cheering...a happy kiss...my MIL shooting a gun into the air from my front porch {insert eye roll} causing me to threaten the kids if they dare try to go outside with her. I love putting the new calendar on the fridge...so pretty and lacking all my writing in the sometimes too small squares. I love a new beginning...

Then January 12th or so rolls around. I find myself overwhelmed...depressed...bored. My house is a disaster and I am so tired of all the mess...the fighting...the crying...the whining. I feel I have lost control of everything. I have a very short fuse. I yell...I cry...I send all the tension straight to my back muscles! {Ouch}

I have so many things going around in my head right now...so many things I want to change or fix...so many things that seem out of control...but most of all I keep thinking...

I hate January.

Squeakin' Awesome!

Yesterday we took the 3 girls to see The Squeakuel. It was SO cute and FUN! If you have kids and/or are a "kid at heart" you should go to this movie!

The Chipettes help make this squeakuel better than the original...and that doesn't happen often.

The girls left the movie chattering and singing. They all want to see it again. Notice the Chipettes tshirts on the littles...Mom of the Year here I come...lol! However, I am sure points will be deducted for the lack of coats in the 20 degree temperature just so mom can see their shirts! Oops!

Have you seen The Squeakuel?

Where Are You Jimmy Buffet?...Beach Boys?...Frankie Avalon?

All this snow has me dreaming of the beach and SUMMER! Don't get me wrong...I enjoy the sparkly flakes and rosy red cheeks BUT after 8 days I have had my fill. We have 10-12 inches and I have not been off the farm since last Saturday! Today it is 21 degrees, but there is a side note that says it will feel like 11. Brrr...

What are you looking forward to doing this summer?
How many inches of snow do you have?

I Am Nice, Mean & Baby-fied

I am a woman of many moods and emotions...and I can change them quickly. Some may say I am a drama queen...one person has even told me {to my face} that I thrive on chaos {he is lucky I still need his paycheck}. Just joking. Kinda.




Well, it has snowed here all week so far...and the forecast says it is gonna keep on snowing. Cabin fever is starting to set in. For the last 2 days I have been super nice and let Dr. Hubby drive my Escalade to work. It was in the garage and I wasn't gonna be going out.


Well, after 2 days of being in the house with my 3 girls who were already bored and excited to return to school...I am ready to explode. I told Dr. Hubby I wanted my car to be able to drive down the hill to my scrappy schoolhouse. So he had to go out in the cold snow this morning and uncover his truck so he could drive to work. In my defense, he could have parked the Escalade outside last night and brought his truck in the garage...just sayin'.

Now for the baby-fied part. Night before last I was taking a pizza out of the oven with my farberware rubber potholders...I was also talking on the phone to Dr. Hubby. When I grabbed the stone with my red holder my thumb was over top of the little hole in it! Yep, I now have a perfectly round blister on the tip of my left thumb.

I am telling you it really really hurt. I cried when I did it. I broke down and sobbed when Dr. Hubby got home. I had to go to sleep with an ice pack. It reminded me of the time I was helping Manga Dork put together a cardboard castle for homeschool group. I used the glue gun to put moss on...I pushed it down with my fingertips...I had to sleep with popsicles in the plastic pouches on my hands.

It also made me think of NieNie. Here I was whining and sobbing over a blister the size of a plain M&M. NieNie is having surgery this week...please keep her in your prayers. She is an amazing woman. Her address is also on her blog if you want to send her a little something to brighten her days after surgery.

Happy Wednesday Bloggy Friends!

Not A Book Worm in 2009

The Perfect Christmas by Debbie Macomber (****)
Gatecrasher by Madeline Wickham (***) (2 many "F words")
Summer on Blossom Street by Debbie Macomber (****)
Mommywood by Tori Spelling (**)
Candyland by Candy Spelling (*)
sTORI Telling by Tori Spelling (**)

How pathetic is that list?! I am hoping to get into books more in 2010. I guarantee that is the least number of books I have ever read in one year.

In 2010 I hope to read these that are currently sitting on my bookshelf:

Dear John by Nicholas Sparks (before the movie in February)
Twenties Girl by Sophie Kinsella
The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks
The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks
It Happened One Night by Lisa Dale

What is the best book you read in 2009?
What book are you gonna read in 2010?

Everything A Man Won't Do...A Woman Can Do Without Him!

For the little ones' 2009 birthdays BIL & SIL bought them this Mini Market for their playroom at the schoolhouse. I have been wanting them to get a play kitchen ever since.

This Christmas they received the Sizzlin' Kitchen from FIL & MIL. I promised them I would have it put together this weekend. Well, there wasn't a man in sight willing to help me.

So I did it all by myself. Those things are not easy...the screws had to be screwed into places where there were no premade holes. My arms got so sore, and I wanted to quit several times. I am glad I didn't...

cause these smiles and giggles were well worth the effort! They love it!

Do you have trouble finding help putting things together?

Do you have an item laying around because no one will give you some help putting it together?

Disney On Ice

On Saturday we attended Disney On Ice. I think I was even more excited than the kids. Wild Child cried and wanted to stay with her mama...and don't even get me started on the teen's attitude about going.

We got there right on time...the lights lowered...the music began...and Goofy came on the ice. The kids were glued to their seats.

I love Beauty and the Beast. I think it was my favorite act of the show. Cutie Patootie spent the first half with her face buried in her dad's arms. She is so tenderhearted. Wild Child was adorable to watch...her big blue eyes were wide and her hands were clasped at her chest.

The skaters jumped and twirled...I couldn't get anyone to budge from their seats for the intermission bathroom break.

The finale was awesome as the princes carried their princesses in a circle.

I didn't want it to end...

EVERYONE enjoyed the show. We came home with 3 $10 Stitch snow cone cups and 3 light up toys ($50). Yikes! It was a great event!

I {heart} Disney!

Handmade Happiness

Last year Lil Sis made these 6 Mary Engelbreit ornaments for me for Christmas. I was amazed at the detail and the time she had to put into such cute creations. I loved them! I couldn't bear to put them in the storage totes so I put them in my computer desk drawer and occasionally through the year I would bring out the box and look at them.

I love handmade gifts. I love that someone took the time to create something special that they just know I am going to love. So I was really excited when Lil Sis hinted that she was making something for me this year, but wasn't sure she would get it done. She had even purchased a "back up gift."

Well, on Christmas evening she presented me with a large box with this inside...

I was shocked! She had made me the matching tree skirt to my treasured 6 ornaments. Oh my goodness the time...the effort...THE DETAIL! Pictures do not even come close to doing it justice.

The stitching is perfect..

She had to make several of the same ornaments to attach to the skirt.

She is so talented and I am one lucky girl to be the recipient of such beautiful handwork. The only problem is...it won't fit in my computer drawer. I am buying a special plastic tote box for it and the ornaments today. I can't wait til Christmas 2010!

~~Thank you so much Lil Sis. It means the world to me that you spent the time making something so beautiful for me. You were not the only one crying on the way home. I miss you so much...and now I am crying on my keyboard.~~

We're off to Disney on Ice today!

Happy Weekend!

Lady In Waiting...Not Anymore!

We toasted in the New Year last night with a party at our home with all the family here on the farm. We played partini, the game of things, and apples to apples. At times we laughed til tears ran down our cheeks. It was fun.

I love new beginnings. I am looking forward to working on my "35 Things" list this year. I was trying to remember what I was doing on New Year's Eve 2000. Oh yeah...it pretty much sucked. Dr. Hubby and I stayed at FIL/MIL's home while everyone went to the hospital for the birth of a cousin. We thought they would come home. I had the party ready...we waited...and waited...and the ball dropped...and we went to bed.

One thing that drives me nuts about get-togethers here on the farm is that usually BIL/SIL are rudely late...not 5 or 10 minutes...we are talking 30-45! We usually wait on them to get here before we eat of start celebrating.

Well, last night I decided to start this decade off a little differently. No more waiting. We had already eaten before they walked through the door. Funny thing is...I don't think they even cared. Oh well...made me feel alot better!

btw...my camera is not broken...just the lens. I am substituting the 55-200 until I can find a new one.

Happy 2010!
What was your resolution?