Ann Again...and again

Thought Of The Day

2012-02-27T10:52:00.005-08:00

So true.

(Sharing from the Pinterest pages of Karen Finn.)

Home Office

2012-02-27T10:11:00.001-08:00

Now that my girls are at the age of wanting access to the computer not only for playing interactive games, but for necessary school work as well, we have found that our dining room table has gone from a gathering place for eating our meals to a haven for laptops. Dining room table for actual "dining"? Not so much. This space looks like it should be in an office, not a home.

I've found some pretty nifty looking laptop storage units that would make me much happier for the placement of our laptops than our dining room table. And if I accent them just right, perhaps they can look like a nice sidebar, or buffet table. Some candle sticks, a little knickknack here and there, who knows.

I'm truly beginning to see the need for laptop carts in the home. The first time I saw a laptop cart was in my husband office and it looked like a true piece of office equipment, but I think the manufacturing companies saw the need for home functioning carts and are making pieces with soft woods and rounded corners, more of a "homey" vibe. What could be next? Our dining room chairs just might become ergonomically designed ;->

Rain Or Shine

2012-02-27T09:45:00.000-08:00

A typical saying about living in the Pacific Northwest is "Don't like the weather? Wait 5 minutes." And those words could not have been truer than for the way Mother Nature was having us change our plans this past weekend. We wanted to get our girls into the fresh air, away from the screens of television and computer and go for a little hike, but the one minute sunny/next minute showers was too much of a deterrent. Oh well.

We're lucky in that we have a good space in our basement for indoor games. We've had some intense PingPong sessions however, foosball is becoming a new favorite for us so we decided to look into classic foosball tables to add to our "play room" downstairs.

There are so many activities you can do when you live in the Pacific N.W. that we've begun to acquire all kinds of equipment. We have a corner for our camping equipment, (which hasn't been used much lately because I have this "thing" for running water and indoor plumbing ;-> ) and swimming pool toys. Just the array of pool floats rafts foam 2 inch can take up quite a bit of space. We have the remains of my Katie’s softball playing days in another corner. A great bat and an Easton Pro Series 11 3/4" infield baseball glove epg51bw which she just had to have, yet now waits for her lonely in the corner. Someday the rain will subside and we'll get back outside and throw the ball around. Someday soon, we hope!

Another Opening, Another Show

2012-02-25T14:26:00.001-08:00

Yeah! My husband's Opening Night was a success!

He played against type and was Virgil the nerdy looking Kindergarten Teacher posing as a Pharmacist (because he thought it sounded more exciting ;-> ) in the play "Let's Murder Marsha". It's a pretty goofy play with lots of silly misunderstandings, screams, entrances and exits, but it was a good time. I especially enjoyed the fact that Rob didn't have to kiss anyone this time. (yeah!)

As soon as I get a pic of Rob as "Virgil" I'll post it - hysterical!

Keep Out!

2012-02-24T08:28:00.000-08:00

My girls share a room and they've just about had it with that arrangement. We have a little house and do the best with what we've got but there is space upstairs, yes, the attic, that just needs a little tender loving care and I think it would make a great bedroom.

With my girls in the early Teenage years I know that privacy is important so I've tried to get items for them that would help in the area of "Keep Out!" I found some cute personal children's lockers that were just the right size for a small bedroom. They could decorate them any way they wanted, and this solution helped, but they may be feeling they need more than kids lockers and this stage of their lives.

I remember my bedroom as my own little safe haven from whatever was bothering me in the big World outside. I would play my radio and sing, dance, draw - whatever I wanted to do in my space. I completely get that my girls want their own rooms. This may be a bigger privacy project then finding lockers for kids at this point. How much is sheet rock these days? ;->

Pests

2012-02-23T10:11:00.001-08:00

With the weather becoming warmer more little "creatures" are visiting the inside of my home and I don't like it! Yesterday I found a massive (perhaps I'm exaggerating) spider on the wall next to my sleeping daughter and now we need to be careful that we don't leave a spill of something sweet on the kitchen counter or little ants, I believe they're Sugar Ants, will make a path directly to it, and make sure to tell all their creepy, crawly little friends. I'm tired of it!

We've tried various forms of deterrent for the ants but nothing has really come through. We've used bait that is supposed to draw the ant in, make them enjoy what they're eating so much that they take some back to their hang-out to share with their friends, all the while not realizing that they are sharing poison. Bwaa-ha-ha *evil laugh* away the ants go! Well, that's what's supposed to happen, but it hasn't done the trick.

I think I need to get some serious pest control with www.pestcontrol.us. I don't want to go through another Spring season with these leggy creatures. Why can't they just play outside with the rest of nature and leave my cookies alone?

Not Cool!

2012-02-22T10:27:00.001-08:00

You know what's not cool? Going into your daughter's bedroom to wake her up for school and seeing a LARGE spider on the wall next to her bed.

Another part of this "not cool" scenario is subtlety grabbing a tissue and, with teeth clenched, smooshing the large thing against the wall.

Part three of "not cool" is saying, 'I'll be right back' and heading into a room with better light to show your husband and...

there's nothing in the tissue.

Next phase of "not cool" is returning to the bedroom to look on the body pillow next to your daughter, who by now is saying, "What's going on? Is there a spider?" and finding the large black lump on the pillow, so you grab it with the tissue again and you feel it move (you think). So, with all the clear-headed thinking you have after being awake for 5 minutes, you pick-up the large pillow and throw it across the room.

The finale of "not cool" is going to look at the pillow and not finding the enormous black spider. You pick-up the pillow and don't see it. You look on the ground around it and don't see it. You pull the bed away from the wall to see if the gigantic, leggy thing is cowering under misplaced socks and you don't see it.

*poof* It's gone.

I didn't make up this spider that was hanging out on the wall next to my girl. I know I saw it. I know it. Now where the hell is it?!?

Looking Into Things

2012-02-21T18:52:00.002-08:00

There are times when you need to make a change with things you take for granted. I keep seeing commercials telling me that if I switch to this company I could save such and such. Or, that if I change from this business to that one, my offerings will expand like crazy. It's rare that I believe any of those promptings but recently we needed to really look over the numbers in our good ol' bank account and we discovered that a change wasn't only something to think about, it was in our best interest, literally.

Making changes to your home owners insurance might be a little off-putting but once you start the process, just by speaking with a representative by phone, it's amazing how your fears can be calmed and questions can be answered. I wasn't even sure if I knew what the right questions were to ask, and I said that to the Prime Insurance Agency representative, and they were incredibly patient with me. Nice.

Once we were in the process of one change we looked into what was available to us in auto insurance and found we could make a substantial savings by making a move to a different company. I couldn’t believe it. Our old company had been very nice to us however, in this economy, saving money really makes a big difference and not only does the decrease in cost sit well with us, the way we’ve been well taken care of by this new company reassures us that we’ve made the right decision. Change isn’t always easy, but it can be a good idea, especially for your pocket book!

Will She? Or Won't She?

2012-02-21T10:29:00.000-08:00

My 14 y/o was very honest with me and shared that her friends want her to flunk the high school placement test she's taking tomorrow so that she will have to attend the high school they're going to, instead of the school that we've been working so hard to get her into.

I get it. I'm not angry. I just hope that her action of telling me shows she isn't planning on doing it. She told me in a calm way, she wasn't whining about having to take the test, or stressing about the possibility of going to a school where she won't know anyone. (Well, there have to be at least one or two kids from her class attending. I mean, come on.) I'm trying to figure out how to support my girl toward this positive direction and have her see, have her feel that this is what's best for her.

I'm not being a snob. I know my daughter and this smaller school is a better fit. I'm not entirely sure she's convinced thought. What do I say? What do I do?

(*and, well, in complete disclosure, I am a tiny bit of a snob. there I said it ;-> )

Taking Matters Into Our Own Hands

2012-02-21T04:30:00.000-08:00

I was surprised when I went to put gas in the van the other day. I thought gas prices were steadily going down? Well, the prices had gone up at this particular station and that annoyed me. My daughter and I were on our way to shop for new tennis shoes so she asked what the pricing was all about. Oh geez. If someone my age struggles to understand all that goes into the cost of a barrel of oil how can I explain it to my 11 year old?

It made me think of a book I read to a 6 year old the other day while being a volunteer reader at school, this story was about a child who loved dinosaurs and thought about the fact that they lived in his back yard millions of years ago. Yeah. Dinosaurs lived in our backyards. So my daughter and I talked about that, let our imaginations run wild and came up with a massive plan to find some drilling rigs for sale and put them in our backyard. We actually found some on-line that would be just the right size.

Hey, the neighbors may not go for it at first but if I cut them in on a sweet deal on gasoline maybe that will change their minds.

So True

2012-02-20T10:30:00.000-08:00

Our little house is holding two of each of these animals right now. Their personality differences are amazing.

I Put My Name On Things

2012-02-20T10:24:00.000-08:00

I've been having so much fun with my Scentsy business that the fact my 1-year anniversary is quickly approaching stuns me. Where has the time gone? I've been in the direct sales game for years with other companies so I've learned what works best for me and my personality when it comes to how I want to "sell". I don't sell in others homes, my house is the store front basically, but I still feel it's necessary to use promotional products to add an element of fun to my parties. (And my Scentsy gatherings are parties, let me tell ya'!).

Something I find incredibly useful is a keychain that has a little light on the end. I dread standing by my car when it's dark out, poking around my car door trying to find the lock to match my key. I think most of us would like to have a little something to light our way, and if it happens to be a keychain that's promotional materials, I don't think anyone would mind.

I've had wonderful customer service from Branders.com. Their selection is extensive, from bags and totes to fishing and camping supplies. They brand just about everything! I had fun creating my own mug. If you want to make sure the items you choose to support your business are made in the US, they have a specific category of items to promote your campaign. They have shown excellent communication during the ordering process and I am so pleased with their follow up to my satisfaction as well. If you’re looking for ways to promote your business look into Branders.com.

Spots There?

2012-02-18T16:52:00.000-08:00

While administering medicine to my daughter, for the cold that's on its second go-‘round in this house, I looked at my hands and became very confused. Where did these age spots come from? When did the skin on my hands start to look so old? Were these really my hands?? This could only mean one thing, time to find a new lotion and potion.

I have to confess I love shopping for skin care products. Next to browsing the laundry aisle (ah, the smells!) I could spend hours looking over the bottles that claim to erase fine lines, diminish acne spots, and cleanse my skin like no other product before. I love checking out beauty products. I believe this all began while visiting my grandmother and I become enamored with her jar of Jergen’s face cream. The label looked wonderful and I loved the smell.

So now I’m in search of a lotion that will help these tired hands of mine. I’ve heard good things about Murad and I’d like to see what they have to offer. They include samples with every order which is very enticing. I don’t mind my age, I just want to look the best I can no matter how many years I have under my belt.

More Dirt?

2012-02-18T16:12:00.000-08:00

Just when I think we are done with having piles of dirt in our driveway, my husband sees a sign that states "Free Dirt" stuck into a huge pile of soil and his eyes begin to glaze over with dreams of adding on to our backyard yet again. We live on a bluff and with each rainy season we seem to lose an inch or two of our yard to tiny avalanches. My husband loves the idea of replacing what Mother Nature has relocated but, after the huge undertaking last summer, he would appreciate some big machinery rather than just a wheel barrow and some shovels.

Do we really need to add more dirt to our backyard to help brace our space? I’m not entirely sure. This could just be an elaborate ploy by Rob to get my blessing for him to play in the dirt with the boys. (The "boys” in this case being the neighbors who are also looking for an excuse to play in the dirt ;->). One thing is for sure, if such large amounts of dirt are going to be moved again we need machinery, like JCB backhoes. The lifting and moving of dirt may be good exercise but I bet driving machinery is more fun.

Family Interview Done

2012-02-17T09:31:00.000-08:00

So, we had the Family Interview last night and I think it went well. Famous last words, right? (slight back story here) I didn't bribe them with cookies, donuts or latte's but I did answer enthusiastically when they asked how I felt about volunteering. 'Yes!', I said. 'I'm all about volunteering! My husband and I have been very active in our children's school's since the beginning!' *breathe Ann, breathe*

I think I might have said, 'Whatever you need. I'm there to help.' Did I actually say that? I'm not entirely clear, my mind was becoming a blur at that point. "Impress, Impress" kept going through my head. I need to settle down. I really want this to work out but I need to relax.

Her placement test is next week. Which vitamin is it that increasing brain function? ;->

Not Used To A Little One

2012-02-16T15:00:00.000-08:00

Just when I think I'm done with this whole "pet" thing along comes a pair of eyes that melt my heart and in comes another fluffy body into our home. Let's see, that makes it two cats and two dogs. I'm such a sucker.

Now, this recent four-legged friend is only visiting for a while. The plan is to have my dad take adorable little Vinnie to live with him. The fact is that my dad wasn't ready for a dog just yet so I'm “Vinnie Sitting” for a couple of weeks. My youngest daughter is having a great time but my nerves weren't prepared. There are so many nooks and crannies for this mini labradoodle to get into. I need some gates.

Our lovely Chocolate Lab. Benny is so big we don't need to worry about him getting under our feet in the kitchen but with this new little one we do. I've checked out KidCoGateShop.com and found some designs that are just what we need. They provide guidance on what size and style of gate is right for you and the prices are good too.

Once I get things in place I’ll feel much better, and little Vinnie will be much safer.

Me Talk Pretty

2012-02-16T09:42:00.000-08:00

Here we are, another step closer in the process of getting my 8th grader into a better high school in our area. Tonight is the Family Interview and *gulp* I'm not nervous. Nope. Cool as a cucumber. *breathe*

I've never been through a process like this so I don't know what to expect. Should I tell them that I will bring them fresh donuts every week if she gets in? Donuts everyday?! I will, really. How about coffee? Latte's? Heck, I'll be their dry cleaning courier if they want.

What's making me more anxious about this process is that I now know my daughter wants to go to this school. In the beginning I wasn't so sure because a majority of her friends in class are going to the local high school and that's all she talked about over the summer. But feelings have changed, like I hoped they would, and she's ready for this new experience.

Oh man. Interviews. I hope my brain works. Where's my Tension Tamer tea. A xanax sounds good too

;->

Oops

2012-02-14T13:53:00.000-08:00

For the first time in my children's lives, I forgot to make Valentine's.

Now, if getting "crafty" was a unique experience for me this wouldn't be such a big deal, but I make things. I mean, I like to work with paper and glue and glitter and all that kind of stuff (I was a Stampin Up! Demonstrator for 6 years). The fact that I looked at the calendar yesterday, noticed the date of February 13th, then realized that not one red heart had been stamped, not one letter of "Happy Valentine's Day" had been cut with my lovely Cricut, startled me.

When I picked up my girls after school I asked them if they wanted to hand out Valentine cards/candy they said, "Of course!". This was another example of how my actions get taken for granted. They assumed I had already put things together and went into a little panic about what to do. My days are busy in different ways now. I'm doing work in other areas and their need to step it up in the responsibility area is increasing.

I guess we're all going through some growing-pains.

Future Steel Buildings

2012-02-14T13:46:00.000-08:00

When I think of remodeling our house I get overwhelmed. Our house is older and is in need of a make-over, that's for sure, but when I look at our ideas for what we would like then we compare those ideas to what it would cost, it boggles my mind! How do people do this?

There's a part of me that thinks, ‘Why not just start all over? I’ve seen those future steelbuildings, why not just put something ready made on our space?’ But then a strange part of me thinks my house can actually pick-up on my thoughts and that’s when something in our home usually starts falling apart. Too many Steven King books? Perhaps ;->

We do need a remodel. I can see how wonderful our space could be. I don’t know if we have the patience for remolding though. I’ve heard how major home re-do’s can really put families under a lot of stress. Hey, that’s another good reason for those future steel buildings. They are ready made, so maybe we could avoid some tension. Now, if only they came in a nice, cozy Craftsman style.

Daydream

2012-02-14T09:12:00.000-08:00

Time to step into the "Daydream Machine" and check-out places I would rather be. I visited Hamptons Rentals and was immediately transported to sunny days, with the ocean breeze blowing through my hair. I found luxury rentals in Amagansett and Southampton that would suit the needs for a small family or a large group. The information and images available on this site can help turn my day dream into a reality.

Cutest Puppy Ever

2012-02-13T10:18:00.000-08:00

Meet Vinnie

Oh, I probably shouldn't give him the title of "Cutest Puppy Ever". But, come on, he is pretty darn cute!

1 yr. old Vinnie is staying with us for a few days and it's such a change from our big boy Benny.

Benny and Maddy (cat) basking in the sunshine

(Yeah, our little house is holding two dogs with names that are way too similar.) I think Vinnie is a mini Labradoodle. I need to clarify that.

We'll see how long this "pet sitting" will last. The goal is to have Vinnie become a little buddy for my dad, who became widowed a year and a half ago. The two have met and liked each other very much. Now it's time for dad to sit with the idea of this new arrangement for a couple of weeks. I'm sure it's going to be fine. Rather, I'm sure it's going to be great. Vinnie will hang out at the Harrison house until my dad is ready.

They're going to make a great team.

To The Book Store

2012-02-13T09:35:00.000-08:00

I should be grateful that my daughter enjoys reading so much. I am. The only part about this love of books that doesn't sit well with me is that she goes through them so quickly that I can't keep up with the demand. We have a sweet, little neighborhood Library, however it doesn't always have either the next book in the series that she's reading or she can't find something that interests her at the moment. I'm happy that she loves to read but the constant request to go to a book store fills me, or rather our bank account, with dread.

I really hate turning down a trip to a book store. We have some incredible shops in our city and I do love to visit them, but "hanging out" in a book store just doesn't appeal to me as much as it once did. I'm sure that feeling will come back, but I can't relax when I'm there. While she's perusing the book shelves I keep thinking about all of the things that need to get done. I remember spending hours at my favorite book seller. Ahh... I'm sure I'll return to those times again, just not right now.

If I do need to go to a book store I try to find discounts, and/or coupons, on-line before we head out. Every little bit helps I always say, and when it comes to saving on new releases, or the much anticipated next book in the series, I will scour the internet to see who is sharing a good deal. I've found all kinds of sites that share coupon codes. My fellow bibliophiles, I'm sure you would love to come across how you can save when you find a Barnes & Noble discount.

I know that I could order on-line, but I really enjoy that feeling of being surrounded by shelves of books and I believe my daughter does too. And, I'm holding off on the Kindle and Nook situation. I just can't bring myself to it. Have you heard someone say, "Wow, that book was a real finger-flipper!"? It just doesn't hold the same weight as hearing "it was a real page-turner". Yeah. That sounds much better. I love the look, feel, even smell of books. Honest to goodness paper. Now, if I could just find more discounts to keep up with my daughter's love of reading we'll be good to go. (To the bookstore, that is ;-> )

Virtual Girls Night Out - Go Chris Mann!

2012-02-10T12:31:00.000-08:00

I got tired of suggesting to my girls that they should do something else besides t.v. watching and computer games. "Mom", they remind me, "we go outside and play with our friends too!". Well, not often enough. So, I headed to Michael's (it's a craft store in our area. do you have it too? I love it!) to become inspired. I picked up some latch hook designs, one cat, one dog and sat with my girls to learn/teach how to make their soon-to-be pillow or wall hanging. My hope is for a new project a week. We'll see how this goes. For now though, let's have a little break and take part in our Virtual Girls Night Out!

*The VGNO is for those who want to party "virtually" with other bloggers. Get on your fuzzy slippers, make yourself a cocktail, and have fun! Leave a comment to let us know you've stopped by. Happy VGNO!*

Time For Some Tunes!

As a member of the One2One Network I was introduced to the wonderful voice, and personality, of Chris Mann years ago. He's very talented (and very funny). He was prepping his followers to watch The Voice for his audition, so I did, and I cried. He was fantastic. He has a beautiful, powerful voice with so much emotion that it carries you away. So romantic. Check him out:

Chris Mann "Because We Believe"

I get teary. Go Chris. Go Team Xtina! Hear more from Chris on ChrisMannMusic's Channel (click here).

Time For A Cocktail!

Kiss On The Lips

Ingredients:

1 - 1 1/2 oz peach schnapps
4 - 6 oz frozen mango mix
1 tbsp grenadine syrup

Directions:

The mango mix should be blended with crushed ice first then with the schnapps. Pour the schnapps and mango mix into a cocktail glass with the grenadine already placed at the bottom.

Sounds delicious! Cheers!

Time For The Traveling Heart-Shaped Rock Project!

We're still pluggin' right along with our little "gem". Most recently it had a visit at Renee's place "Renee's Reviews" in Washington State;

and it should be arriving at Kim's little corner of the blogosphere, "Spice World" in Wesley Chapel, FL any moment now. To read more about this blog hop/photo project, or to take part, please visit: The Traveling Heart-Shaped Rock Project. (Or, click here). It's fun!!!

Have fun at our Virtual Girls Night Out blog buddies! Leave a comment, if you like ;->

Quote Of The Day

2012-02-09T10:14:00.000-08:00

This is one of my goals.

(*Found on Pinterest: Jade Steckly)

Don't Make Me Go In There

2012-02-09T10:04:00.000-08:00

The garage. No! Please, don't make me go in there!

No matter how many efforts have been made to organize our little garage we manage to fill what ever vacant space we've created with piles of... well, "stuff". I do believe the air of Spring Cleaning will be upon us soon and I'm hopeful that we can get that space in order. (I just saw an episode of "The Amanda's" on Bravo so I'm inspired :-> )

I'm looking into some garage cabinets and steel storage cabinets. What doesn't make it into the garage storage cabinet will most likely be placed in the steel cabinet in the back - isn't that how it goes? I have an idea of placing work benches around the cabinet in the back yard to make it look like a more useful space than just a box to hold tools. That's one idea anyway.

For the garage, I would love to see all of these interesting bits and pieces that keep acquiring on the, figuratively speaking, "work bench" be placed in a sleek looking cabinet. I've seen enough episodes of Clean House to know cleaning up any space is possible, so our garage can't be a lost cause. We just need Arrow spacemaker storage cabinets to make it so. And we will. Really. *fingers crossed* Now, where's that "Honey Do" list?