Thursday, May 1, 2008

I’m moving

I see that I do still get some hits here, so just to let those of you who still come visit (more often than I do) I’ve moved.  Here’s my new blog: http://frenchysstampinblog.blogspot.com/
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Wednesday, January 2, 2008

Happy New Year!

Yesterday, Kai and I cleaned his room.  I told him that if he did a good job helping me that I would get him some of those cars wall decals, so we got some of those and put them on his wall.  I put his toddler bed into storage since he hasn’t been using it and set up his new little desk where it was.
I meant to get my room purged and organized – didn’t happen.  But, we did get the Xmas decorations put away, which feels good.  And, I got the laundry all caught up. 
I love the new year – it is a great chance to start fresh.  I realize it’s not really a fresh start, I’m stil here at the same job, my problems haven’t gone away, etc.  But, it is a chance to adopt a new attitude.  It is a starting point. 
I don’t make new years resolutions.  But, I do try to adopt changes in my life that will help me accomplish the things I want.  Even if they’re just small things that you change, like getting up at a commercial and going out to switch the laundry from washer to dryer when you REALLY don’t feel like it, it makes a difference.  It all adds up.
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Wednesday, December 19, 2007

I’ve got the powah!

When a huge ice storm hit Kansas last week we lost power for 4 1/2 days.  Now, that isn’t really the problem.  The problem was that since we had no electricty, our electric thermostat did not turn our gas heater on – so no heat.  OMG – so cold!  I’ve never been that cold!  We couldn’t cook, so we went to a restaurant every night to enjoy the warmth for a while.  We went home at bedtime.  We were in a house with huge blankets and warm clothes.  We all got sick.  I can’t imagine what life must be like for the homeless.  I mean, it’s just not something I’ve given that much thought to before.  But, I can tell you that I will never take these simple everyday things for granted again. 
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Monday, December 10, 2007

Snowed in

OK – actually we were iced in.  Saturday wasn’t bad.  It sleeted again that night and Lil called and said not to come to church – we weren’t having choir.  So, we stayed home all day.
Saturday, I decided I was tired of looking at our poor lightless tree.  the cord was damaged somehow and the lights didn’t work.  So, I went to Hobby Lobby, where I bought the tree to see if they had another like it.  No such luck, so I bought lights, a pretty snowflake tree topper and some glass balls to make some more ornaments.  We unstrung the lights on the tree (if you’ve never unstrung a prelit tree, it’s a PITA) and put the new lights on – not enough.  So, another journey to Hobby Lobby for another package.  And, a stop by Bogey’s on the way home.  It was their 20th anniversary, so they had 99 cent burgers and fries.  Their regular size fries are HUGE.  Well, the tree could still use some more lights at the top and in the middle.  It’s one of those tall skinny trees – I never thought it would need so many lights.  But, at least it has some – it looks so much better.  I curled basic grey figgy pudding paper and filled the ornaments that I bought.  Now I just need to find ribbon to match them and tie a bow then I can hang them on the tree with the bigger ones like them that I made a couple of years ago. 
WHen I’m at home in cold weather like this I like to spend my time in the kitchen.  I made hash for Gage and me for breakfast yesterday, biscuits and ham gravy for lunch, triple chip cookies, fudge and cherry bomb chicken.  I made the chicken differently this time.  Instead of grilling it, I cut it into pieces before marinating it and stir fried it.  I cooked it in peanut oil, thinking it would add flavor.  It was still a little bland, so I added a little brown sugar, more garlic and cayenne pepper.  MMMMM – yummy.  Served it with rice and frozen egg rolls.  The boys LOVED it.  Gage said my Chinese cooking is ALMOST as good as Hunan – ok, it’s not.  Hunan is just SO good.  It’s this little hole in the wall place that is always empty, but has AWESOME food.  I figure they must have a good delivery and take our business since they’ve been opened for so long.  Wish it was here instead of Wichita. 
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Thursday, December 6, 2007

Dec. 6

Good morning – long vacation this time.  But, I’m back.  Reggie, the man I’ve been seeing, and I had the exclusivity talk last night.  We are both divorced and ok, well, old and aren’t even sure what kind of title to give our relationship.  We finally decided that the word we were looking for was committed.  So, we are no committed to each other.  Exciting, but still kind of scary, at least for me.  He is really such a sweet guy – why do I still fear that somehow he reip the rug out from under me and I’ll find out that he’s not really what I thought he was.  I know he would be hurt if he knew I felt like that in the back of my mind; I just have a hard time trusting men.  But, that’s not fair to him.  I have to be in this relationship wholeheartedly and have faith (and risk being hurt) or let him go and find someone who can do that for him.
So – on to the journaling prompts.  Here’s todays first one and it is a doosey (yeah, I have no idea how to spell that, but you know what I mean, right??).  What do you think of your children?  WOW – what a question.  OK – all of my children are very intelligent and have the potential to do just about anything.  However, I fear that they may not live up to that potential.  Of course, Kai is too young to make predictions.  But, with Emma, the way she thinks of Jerry.  I know she’s only 14, but in my mind I can fast forward to 18 and I’m afraid that she make the mistake of marrying very young.  I really hope she doesn’t do that.  I hope that she focuses on getting a degree and making a future for herself instead of limiting her options (yes, the way I did).  My other fear about Emma is that the thing with Jerry will go South and she will spiral into a depression again.  I love her.  I want her to be happy.  I wish she was that kind of person, but she’s not – she’s a very pessimistic person.  She’s also funny, sweet, snotty at times, cute and goofy (and proud of it, although she’d call it wierd, because somehow, that’s more cool).  Right now I’m not as worried about Gage.  He’s not doing as well in Jr. High as he did in Elementary school, but it is an adjustment.  He is a good kid.  He loses his temper sometimes, but he appologizes for his mistakes and he means it.  He honestly feels bad when he does things he shouldn’t.  He’s is so darn smart – but also lazy (I can identify and don’t we always hate the flaws in our children that they got from us?).  I can totally see him making a complete success of his life by finding someway to succeed by doing as little as possible so he can spend the rest of his life having fun.  What else do I think of Gage?  Man, he’s noisy!  He and Kai together – I would say that they could bring a house down with their noise, but ours is still standing.  There have been times that I’ve thought the ceiling would come down, though!  So – noisy, smart, but lazy – he’s also funny, he has a great sense of humor and he LOVES to laugh.  He’s sweet – some girl will have to thank me for raising such a sweet, self-reliant guy someday.   And, he’s also goofy – my chowder – wow is he goofy, but good natured.  So…Kai:  well, he’s still little, and like I said harder to predict.  But, what I think of him right now?  Too smart for his own good sometimes, too daring for his own good sometimes, sweet and also goofy – do we see a trend here?  Kai is a happy kid.  I hope he doesn’t lose that.  His smile can literally make someones day.  He is just such a fun little guy. 

Do you think holidays just serve the purposes of commercial interests? Could you do without certain ones?  There’s no doubt that the holidays do help the stores make big bucks.  But, I love the holidays and I don’t believe that they’re just about the things we buy.  The year I was pregnant with Kai, I really didn’t feel good.  For the first time in a long time I just didn’t want to do anything about the holidays and it didn’t feel like Christmas to me.  About the only time I felt like it was Christmas time was at church.  Even with the Christmas muzak all around me, the decorations everywhere and constant commercials telling me what great gifts I could get for my loved ones bombarding me – the only place I felt Christmas was at church.  I think that was one of the best feelings I’ve ever had about Christmas.  Now that I’m feeling better I am more into the decorating and buying.  But, I have changed over the years.  I used to get the kids tons of gifts.  Then I read about people who got their kids 3 gifts because that’s how many Jesus got.  Well, now I get one for each child.  I think it makes it more special (not to mention more affordable).  So, for me, Christmas is about the birth of Jesus and family.  Family is a huge priority for me, so anything that promotes that is something I love.  As for the rest of the holidays: New Years Eve – that’s one I guess I could do without.  I don’t do much now adays.  I rent a movie, eat something special for dinner, but usually spend it by myself, which is fine with me.  I used to love New years – I brand new, fresh, clean journal, the top 100 billboard countdown, then later, parties.  Now I just like staying at home, doing a little reflecting on the past year, thinking about the new start offered by the new year.  It is kind of nice to have a somewhat fresh slate (if no where other than in your head) to start things anew.  Valentines day is ok – I’ve been alone for the last several and even when I was with Darryl I don’t think he ever did anything for me on Valentines, but I’m not bitter about Valentines day.   I’m lucky to have a lot of people in my life who love me and who I love.  St. Patricks – that one I could do without.  I don’t care for corned beef, cabbage, soda bread or green beer and I don’t like being pinched – even though green is my favorite color.  Easter is another one of those Jesus holidays for me.  It amazes me not only that Jesus was willing to die for me and everyone else, but that God gave his son for the world.  I’ve read, as I’m sure many of you have, the email about the disease that is killing almost everyone in the world.  The govt. has everyone come to be tested for antibodies and they find what they need to create a vaccine in your sons blood.  Unfortunately, they need it all.  To save the world, your son must die.  The email goes on to say that a weekly celebration to thank your son for his sacrifice was soon ignored by many, choosing to stay home and sleep in or watch a football game.  In other words, the email puts you in God’s shoes.  So, back to the subject – I could not do without the miracle that is Easter.  Mothers day and Fathers day are important to me, because I happen to have two of the best darn parents in the world and any day that reminds me to tell them that is needed.  4th of July – is supposed to be a celebration of our independence.  Do those of us living in 2007 really have a concept of that?  I mean, I know we’re at war right now and we’re grateful for our freedom and thankful to those who are fighting for it.  But, we don’t know what it’s like NOT to be free.  I think it’s something we can’t help but take for granted because we’ve never experience life any other way (thank goodness).  So, I guess for me, 4th of July is more about family and food.  So, I guess I hit on all the major holidays and gave my opinion.  I guess I’ve decided that higher meaning or not – I like those holidays – especially the ones that get me a day off work and allow me to spend time with my family.

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Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Nov.20

OK – I’m in a VERY pissy mood.  So, the journaling prompt that I got today is a good one – it is also somewhat in the spirit of thanksgiving. 

10 things I like about _____________:
10 things I like about my mom -
1.  She would do anything for the people she loves
2.  She is a very hard worker (I wish I was more like her)
3.  She is the one person that I can talk to about almost anything
4.  I know she’ll always love me no matter what
5.  She says funny things and laughs with us when we tease her
6.  She’s the most generous person I know
7.  She’s given me an example of what a good marriage should be
8.  She makes AWESOME scallopped potatoes.
9.  She’s always there for me.
10.  She is the most unselfish person I know.

Most of the traits I admire in my mom have to do with unconditional love - my mom is the epitomy of unconditional love.  I know that she will always love me, always be there for me.  I am truly blessed to have her in my life.

What makes you special?  Write a piece that explains three things about you that make you a VERY unique person.  I almost skipped over this piece and went on to the next one this morning because I’m not feeling very special at all today.  But, then I decided that’s exactly why I should do this today.  Do I have my faults??  Oh, yeah, you bet.  Do I admit them?  Well, I DO have a hard time admitting them.  But, I also have a hard time looking realistically at the positive things about me.  So, here we go: 1)  I strive to be a good person.  I stand up for my beliefs and try to live as someone I can respect.  2)  I am talented.  When I got divorced my attorney urged me to get a degree to become a dental hygenist because they make good money.  I hate having my mouth worked on and working on other people’s would gross me out.  Yeah, but they make good money – he said – and you don’t have any skills.  I told him I had lots of skills – they just aren’t marketable.  Later it occurred to me  – yeah, that didn’t sound the way I meant it to. 
I meant that I am an awesome singer.  I had SO much confindence in my singing abilities before college.  When I came to college Neal broke me down.  Despite the fact that other people validated me – I was looking for it from him.  Despite the fact that he was my judge at contest and had given me a good rating then.  Even to this day I still wish for his approval.  I guess he was the first person I ever met that didn’t just think I was the bomb when it came to singing.  Even though I saw the people that he picked as his pets were merely mediocre when compared with some of the rest of us – I wanted his approval.  I do have more confidence in the last few years since Lil has become choir director at church again.  She is very good for my ego and she’s very good for my talent because she makes me work hard.
I meant that I’m good at crafts.  I’m good at baking and cooking.  I have a lot of talents – I just don’t have a degree.
3)  Family is very important to me.  I love my family.  I am grateful for my family.  I think my family is awesome.  Yes, we have problems, what family doesn’t.  But, we all pull together and make things work.

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Friday, November 2, 2007

Nov. 2

How do you feel about the holidays?  I love the holidays – all of them.  It puts the focus where it belongs all of the time – on your family.  And, they’re magical – all of them.  There’s so much excitement and fun – that’s what the holidays are about.

Name 5 things in your freezer – 1) cooked chicken, 2) frozen egg rolls, 3) sausage, 4) ham, 5) chicken and noodles.


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Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Happy Halloween

Describe your cooking skills as a newlywed:  Well, this is appropriate for Halloween, since they were pretty scary.  Yeah, I had taken 8th grade home ec and I’d made some stuff – I wasn’t completely helpless.  And, I’d learned more when  I was in college – I even made such a good lasagne, that one of my classmates had me help her make one for her boyfriend. 
When we got married we lived in a one bedroom apartment.  It had a nice sized living room, a decent bedroom, a “dressing room” that led into a tiny bathroom, but it had a really little kitchen.  At one end was a door that was about the size of a closet.  Rather than opening like a doorway, it was cabinets.  That’s where most of my cookware and dry good were stored.  Next to the cabinet we had a small kitchen table, which was just about the only counter space other than maybe a foot and a half on either side of the sink.  Then we had a small fridge and stove and at the far end of the kitchen, a sink with a couple of small cabinets and drawers  - where I had our plates, glasses and flatware.  Above the stove on the wall was a pegboard where I hung utinsels and pot holders.  And, even though it was tiny – I really loved that kitchen (I’ve missed that big ol’ pantry door since we moved).  A couple of things that I distinctly remember making when we first got married was taco pizza and chicken fettucini alfredo.  I’m sure I made other things, but those are the two that I remember the best. I also loved to bake.  I made cookies that we took on our honeymoon trip for road snacks.  Once, for my sister’s birthday I made something called chocolate raspberry decadence – I was kind of disappointed in it.  It was such a PITA and while it was good, it was basically a glorified brownie. 
We moved shortly after we got married.  Our new house had a slightly bigger kitchen, with a little more cuonter space and a separate dining room.  I don’t really remember the food much from there.
The 3rd place we lived together was a house that we bought.  The kitchen was very nice.  I loved cooking.  I was a SAHM and would do my chores in the morning and spend the afternoon cooking and baking.  I made homemade bread and rolls, desserts and meals.  I even learned to make jelly and jam – which I loved to do.  Marc, more often than not worked during the dinner hour, so the kids and I would take a basket of food up to him.  While most of his co-workers were having a candy bar or chips, he had homemade food – they’re jealousy was kind of a compliment to me. 
Now my kitchen could be bigger - but it’s not bad.  I still enjoy baking and cooking.  Although there are nights I just dont’ feel like it.  I really get into it this time of year when it starts getting colder.  I love to make homemade soups with bread for dinner.  And, I love to bake – which I can do and enjoy the oven heating up the house when it’s chilly.  Now, I’ve evolved into a pretty good cook – just ask my big ol’ boy Gage.  So, I guess that’s more than just touching on the early years – it’s more like my journey to becoming a good cook.

What are you afraid of?  I’m afraid of heights.  My hands and my feet get tingly and my stomach feels like it drops into my feet when I’m up high.  We went to Colorado’s Royal Gorge in high school and one of my friends went over the chain and out so far that the end of his feet were handing over the edge.  I almost cried – I was so mad at him!  Even writing about it now makes me feel sick.  I read an article the other day about a 4 year old who fell into the Grand Canyon.  That is my worst nightmare.  I’ve had dreams where my children are falling off something high and I’m trying to catch them.  Ugh!!!

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Thursday, October 25, 2007

Oct. 25

My favorite song is…Escape, by Gwen Stefani.  I have songs that when I hear them, they just put me in a good mood.  This is my good mood song right now.  I just can’t help but sing along with it.

Is your family life the way you imagined it would be? If not, what can you do to change it?  My family life is absolutely not the way I thought it would be.  I NEVER dreamed that I’d get divorced.  I realize that most people don’t get married thinking they’ll get divorced, but for me, it was just not an option.  And, I thought I’d get to stay home with my kids until I was ready to finish my degree and go to work.  Well, that didn’t happen.  So, what could I do to change it?  Well, I’m sure there are some things I could do to change my family life, but I don’t want to.  I’m happy with the way things are.  I like being on my own – just me and the boys.  I like the break that work gives me (sometimes).  My life is definitely not perfect – but it’s pretty darn good!

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Thursday, October 18, 2007

Oct. 18

What do you feel right now?  Right now I feel a lot of things.  I’m happy that Kai slept until 6:30 this morning – I had a nice time with him this morning because I was a little more rested than I have been.  I’m glad that my scrapbook room is finally coming together, but wish I could have stayed home and finished organizing and cleaning it today.  I’m wishing my kitchen were clean – it is SUCH a mess.  I didn’t even get anything out for dinner because there’s no way I can cook in there until it is clean.  I’m kind of itchy and wishing I would have washed this new bra before I wore it :)
I’m missing Suki.  I’m glad (and proud) that Gage has all of his grades up now!  I’m full – Kai and I split a chicken biscuit and chocolate milk on the way to work/school.  My feet kind of hurt – I’m not used to wearing these shoes – I’ve been wearing my croc mary janes all summer.  And, lastly, I’m feeling LAZY – I was so tempted to take a “mental health” day and stay home in my sweats and organize and clean.  Now, if I can only get myself to do that on the weekend (ok my excuse is that it’s harder to do with the kids around).

Describe a favorite childhood friend and something you did with her or him.  Cathie has been my best friend since second grade.  She is a fabulous person.  She always sees the best in everyone and is nice to everyone.  I have SO many memories of us together growing up simply because we were ALWAYS together.  One memory that comes to mind right now is one time when we went down her alley.  I was barefoot and found out pretty quickly that there were stickers in the alley.  OUCH!  So, Cathie gave me one of her shoes and we leaned on each other and sort of tried to hop down the alley.  Well, we both got stickers and when we got to her house we doctored our feet a little.  So, you’ve heard of a friend who’ll give your the shirt off their back - how about one of the shoes off their feet when there’s stickers?

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