Update

HOLA!!!!!!!!!
We survived Thanksgiving at our house. 31 of my family members (there are SEVERAL more who didn't make it) came on Saturday. There was TONS of food and great company!
Friday, we had Thanksgiving with my in-laws and they dropped a HUGE bomb! We knew they are planning an Alaskan cruise for FIL's retirement in '08 but they asked DS to join them on their driving portion to & from Vancouver and for DH & I and his brother & SIL to join them for the cruise. We were very surprised! DS is going for sure. We are still thinking about it. Now, before you all go getting crazy on me, here's the reasoning for thinking about it: We were planning on Hawaii for our 10 year anniversary next year but if we go to Alaska, Hawaii will not happen. So, DH is going with my MIL on Friday to talk with the travel agent.
We have our Christmas tree up & decorated. Ok, BOTH of the trees are up and decorated. We have most of our shopping done and wrapped. I have some sewing left to do and a couple of small gifts to buy.
I hope you all had a wonderful holiday!

I've Been Tagged

6 weird things about me (from Shootin the Poop - link to the right)

1. I love to travel but hate to fly.
2. I like to eat Cool Whip out of the container.
3. I enjoy getting dressed up once in a while, even if it means wearing pantyhose.
4. I think I am a better on-line friend than an in real life friend, for whatever reason...
5. I enjoy working 2 jobs (most of the time) - I feel like I have too much free time if I'm not working.
6. I can't usually sit and watch TV or a movie for more than an hour.

Tag to: La, Aimee, Holly, Jane and Brianna

Vegas "album"

If you are interested, here's the link to our favorite Vegas photos:

http://new.photos.yahoo.com/scrapperjen2003/album/576460762351818784

Images of Vegas

These are just a few of the pictures we took. I am working on getting them into an on-line album and will add a link when I do.

Hello!

Adventures in Las Vegas

Ok, sort of adventures....
I have a little time here at work this afternoon, so I'll see if I can recount our trip.

First, the weather was INCREDIBLE!!!!! 70s and sunny every day and the evenings were 50s and clear. I loved it - I really tried to put it in my suitcase and bring it home....oh well, maybe my wonderful friend Bri will mail me some! :D

We flew out on Friday night and got in late (10 p.m. Las Vegas) on a rough flight that felt like a 5 year old landed it - it was rough. We got our rental car (by the way, NOT a necessity if you are visiting!) and drove to the MGM. We got checked in and went to our room that we paid a small fortune for, opened the shades and, you guessed it - a wall! At that hour, we were too tired to care so we went downstairs to walk around for a while and went to bed about 1:30.

DH got up about 6 the next morning and showered. I had a headache so I decided to sleep for a little longer while he went down to the casino.

A sidenote....if you stay at the MGM and are into contemporary - stay in the West Wing. If you're not - get a standard room!

Ok, sorry, back to my recounting of the tale.... I got up a little after 7 and took a shower and felt better. I got dressed and went downstairs to see if I could find him - ah ha! At the video blackjack machine.... We went to McD's for breakfast and called home to see how the kids were. They were good, not that we expected any different - grandma was there! We went upstairs to get my purse and headed out. We walked down one side of Las Vegas Blvd. all the way to Treasure Island, stopping and at least putting a dollar in each of the casinos, checking out the shops, hotel lobbies, etc., and back to the MGM - so we were gone all day.

We got back and checked to see if our "new" room was ready - yes. So, we went up and packed up and moved up to the 14th floor - same type of room, but with a fabulous view of the Strip. We took a short nap and got ready to go out. We went to see Ka - if you have a chance to see this show - do, it is fantastic! We went to dinner at craftsteak in our hotel - very expensive but very good. We changed and went out for another walk. We walked to Paris and went up in the Eiffel Tower - what an amazing view! I think we finally crawled into bed about 2.

Sunday we got up and drove out to Hoover Dam. THAT is impressive! It is so amazing how big it is! We stopped at the Hard Rock Hotel, Circus Circus and Rio while we had the car out and had lunch at Sonic (a treat since we don't have one around here). We went back to MGM, put the car back, changed rooms again to a standard room and went to Mandalay Bay, Luxor, Hooters and Excalibur. Then, walked down to watch the fountains at Bellagio, and the pirates at Treasure Island. We started to walk back to our hotel but DH decided it was too early to go back. So, we got the bus to Fremont Street. We were pretty disappointed in that, so we weren't there long and headed back, got McDonald's to take to our room, watched Men In Black before we fell asleep.

Another sidenote....if you don't want mind chaos - Circus Circus is fine. I had just relaxed enough at that point with no kids with us that it undid that. Kids were EVERYWHERE!!!!!!! I was very ready to go back to the "grown up" world after about 15 minutes. Don't get me wrong, I love kids but when I hadn't had to worry about them for 36 hours, it was a huge shock!

We got up yesterday and ate doughnuts sitting on the back of the couch, looking out the window at the Strip. I started crying - I couldn't believe it was over and that we were coming home that night. I wanted to stay longer. I was relaxed, I wasn't worried about the kids and how they were doing, where they were, would they behave that day. It was just DH & I - it was SO nice! We've never had that! So, we packed, checked out, did some shopping and gambling. We got gas in the rental, had lunch at Jack in the Box and stopped to take pictures of the "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign. Then, onto the airport, and home.

We had a smooth flight back but a really rough landing. Then, we waited - I am not kidding - 45 minutes for our luggage. So, we finally rolled into bed at home just after 1 a.m.

Some of my "must dos" to anyone going - the Bellagio fountains, go up in the Eiffel Tower, the fountains at Ceasears Palace, outside New York, New York is a display of t-shirts of all the NY fire department units that they all signed - it is REALLY cool and caused a lump in my throat, the pirate show, Parasol Up, Parasol Down at Wynn, and the Bellagio Conservatory. I'm sure I could come up with a million more things and I KNOW there was lots we didn't see!

Just for reference - there is more to tell but some things just can't be described - they have to be seen to be believed! ; )

Back to reality.....I'll try to get pictures posted in the next couple of days.

HELLO!!!!!!

We're back! It is 9 a.m. - I am at work....

We got home about 1 a.m. so I'm pooped! I have some catch up to do at work and work tonight. I will post our adventures probably later tonight or tomorrow and pictures in a few days.

Bri - I waved! :D

I hope you all had a great weekend and just wanted to let you know we're back in Illinois....(sniff, sniff)

Ok, fellow bloggers....

I am signing off for the weekend.
I hope you all have wonderful weekends.

I will check in later next week.
Have a great weekend!

HUGS~

Tag - you're it!!!!!!

Let's see your answers to the following questions:
Have fun with these!


one. I am ____ CRAZY!
two. ____ knows me best MY HUSBAND
three. I feel ____ STRESSED
four. the most important thing in my life is _____ MY FAMILY
five. I always carry ____ MY CELL PHONE
six. I think ____ I AM READY FOR VACATION
seven. I’m at my happiest when ___ I'M HOME
eight. on a Monday morning, you can find me ___ HUNCHED OVER MY COMPUTER TRYING TO WAKE UP
nine. my favorite food ingredient is ___ SUGAR
ten. my eyes ___ ARE GREEN
eleven. my favorite material possession is ____ MY BOOKS
twelve. to relax, I like to ___ SCRAP OR READ
thirteen. the town I live in is ___ IN THE MIDDLE OF CORNFIELDS
fourteen. my worst habit is ___ PICKING MY FINGERNAILS
fifteen. my guilty pleasure is ___ STARBUCKS
sixteen. when I look at someone, the first thing I see is ___ THEIR FACE
seventeen. I think ___ A LOT OF THINGS....
eighteen. I can live without ___ LIVER AND ONIONS
nineteen. I wish I had ___ ENOUGH MONEY TO GET OUT OF DEBT
twenty. my life is ___ INTERESTING!

Tuesday Tidbits

Greetings! 3 more days until we leave....woo hoo!!!!!! Of course, do you think I'm packed....hahahahaha!!!!!! I work tonight, Wednesday and Thursday nights. Hmmm......I wonder when everything will get done.

So, I went to the resale shop last night and found a pair of jeans - that fit!!!!!!! I tried on almost 20 pairs before I found them. I walked back to the rack feeling pretty depressed and there they were, under the heavenly glow of light. I knew, just knew it. I tried them on and perfect. Now, shorts, no. Apparently, shorts makers feel that everyone is 16 and has stick legs. Excuse me, but if I wanted to wear shorts that short, I would just wear my underwear - thank you!!

I checked my order on line yesterday and they have cancelled it. Whatever! They have lost my business.

Tomorrow is our 9th anniversary. I finished DH's card last night - sssshhhhhh!!!! I can't believe it's been 9 years. I guess a blizzard brings as much good luck as rain. : )

Thank you to all who stop by here - I love seeing you! I'll try to blog one more time before we leave.

TTFN........

DS in DC

Here's the crazy kid and a few of his almost 200 pictures....

Hey, Halloween!

Finally, a Halloween picture - here's Glinda!


DS didn't go trick or treating - sorry!

Surprise!

I had a HELL of an afternoon on Friday. I was never so glad to see a Friday end!

I worked at the library all day on Saturday. It was pretty busy and we had a few different groups meeting there. The basement is under construction so things are all weird there and parts are closed up. It's supposed to be done by the end of this week.

When I got home from work on Saturday, my DH had a suitcase packed and said "Let's go". He had booked a night at a hotel for us and DD. We stayed at a Homewood Suites and did some shopping at Woodfield Mall.

We did Build a Bear for DD. She thought that was cool and "Pinky" has been her new best friend. She was SO good - it was a really late night on Saturday and a busy day yesterday.

I was reminded why I HATE (I do mean that in the strongest sense of the word) clothes shopping. I need a new pair of jeans. Well, the problem is, apparently I have a funny body shape. If a pair fit great in the hips, it was about 6" too big around the waist. (I know no one feels bad for me but it's aggravating!) Does everyone but me have the same size waist and hips? Just curious.... It was just so frustrating and then I just gave up because I was near tears so I'm just going to wear what I have for a while.

DS got home from DC last night. It sounds like he had a great time and I can't wait to hear more of his stories tonight. I quick glanced through the pictures he took last night and they look great!

So, happy Monday! I hope you all have a great day!

The Saga Continues....

I called yesterday afternoon to check on my order - still have the incorrect info. Now, I admit, I wasn't very friendly with the girl on the phone but come on, it's been 4 days!!!!!!!!! She ASSURED me she would personally check on it today and make sure it gets shipped and will e-mail me. I have my doubts, but we'll see. I am about 99% sure that I won't have my stuff before we leave, which ticks me off!!!!!!

DS left for DC yesterday morning. We haven't heard from him but they have a PACKED itinerary. I can't wait to hear about it!

DD is driving us CRAZY about going to the Grand Californian and "Disneytown". UGH - May is a REALLY long way away. I wish we hadn't said anything to her about it at all.

I hope you all have a great weekend!

A vent & a story

Sorry, I know some of you have probably heard this.

Customer service....I worked in banks that EMPHASIZED and coached customer service like a religion. I am so disappointed when I get the "service" that is USUALLY provided.

I placed an order on-line on Sunday. I got an e-mail from the company on Monday saying that my card couldn't be authorized, so I called. I had entered the wrong expiration date - my fault, no problem. I gave her ALL my card information. She assured me the order would be shipped that day.

Today (Wednesday), I get ANOTHER e-mail saying my card can't be authorized and I have 2 days to clarify it or they will cancel my order. So, I call my bank to see what the problem is. They tell me it is for an incorrect number. I call the company. They have not changed any of the information I gave the girl on Monday. ARGH!!!!!!!!! I tell the girl that it was supposed to have been changed on Monday and I was hoping to have my order by the time we left on vacation. She took my info and said she would give it to her supervisor.

Stay tuned....


In other "news" - I DID vote yesterday. It was an agonizing process. I had to take DD with me so that was an adventure in in itself. She LOUDLY proclaimed as we walked in that the people were "hiding". Everyone in the place was rolling.... So I get my ballot and take her in the booth with me and she insists that she wants to "play your game with you". I explain quietly that it is for big people and that it's not a game, it's voting. She looked at me and said "We are boating?" and begins to sing "Row Row Row your Boat". UGH!!!!!!! I am ready to die of embarassment at this point because she is NOT quiet. When I finally finished, everyone in the place was watching us and a few of the ladies were crying they were laughing so hard. I'll probably have my voters card revoked.

I hope you all have a great day!

YESSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

{picture me on one knee doing the fist pump}

I finished my 4 week Self Challenge and I lost 1" around my hips!!!!!!!!!!!! I am ecstatic! I started another 4 weeks for toning so hopefully our trip & Thanksgiving eating won't ruin everything....

Just wanted to share my excitiment!

Other Weekend Stuff

#1: See post below this....

#2: 11 more days until DH & I leave for Vegas - woo hoo!!!!!!!! I am really excited.

#3: We booked our Disneyland/L.A. trip for May. We just have to get our air when it gets closer. Look out, Mickey, here we come....

#4: I got 2 more doll outfits done.

#5: I got 3 scrapbook layouts done.

#6: Our Thanksgiving plans are coming together. The perks of having a big family, everyone is willing to bring whatever if you host...

Have a SUPER week!

Exciting news!

Sorry no pictures posted yet.... (I know, I know - I still have to post Halloween)

My DS was in his first karate tournament since becoming a Jr. Black Belt yesterday. He took 1st in open hand forms and 2nd in weapons forms. He looked fantastic and had a good time (the most important thing).

I will REALLY try to get pictures posted this week of everything - sorry!

I hope you all had a great weekend and have good Monday!

To my readers....

I love your comments and reading your blogs! Please keep visiting and keep posting to yours! I have to say - I have some FABULOUS blogging friends - thank you for being so wonderful!!!!!!

A question for you.
What is your favorite movie, TV and/or Broadway soundtrack?

I enjoy them and am always looking for different ones to listen to.


Have a GREAT Friday and wonderful weekend.

That's it....

I am SO tired of being in scrapbook swaps and things not "being right" - I quit!!!!! It's so frustrating and humiliating!!!!!!! ARGH! In this case, the hostess was VERY kind about my not meeing all the specifications so I can not fault her for that but man....

I was in a swap a couple of months ago where the hostess sent my items back to me because they were not up their standards. Boy, you want to talk about HUMILIATING!!!!!!

Ok, I'm done.... pity party over!

I hope you are all having a good week - it's Thursday - so here comes the weekend! Have a good one!

MAJOR breakthrough!

Yes, for those of you who aren't parents, you probably won't be quite as impressed.

BUT, DD had a little chat about her "new diapers" we bought at the store the other night. She was so excited about them and I told her I was tired of buying diapers for her and wanted to buy her big girl panties. She just said "yeah" and walked away.

This morning, she was dry when I got her dressed. I asked if she wanted to go potty and got the usual "No thank you". I asked her 2 more times getting the same response. So, she was sitting on my DH's lap and she said, "I need to go potty in the big potty". So, we went running in there and lo and behold - TA DA!!!!!!!!

So, she got lots of hugs and high fives and of course, a couple of M & Ms. I am REALLY hoping that this is the start of it.....

Happy November!

Hello!!!!
Happy November!

16 days until we leave for Vegas! Woo hoo! I am SO excited! Of course, we have to get DS ready for his trip first and HE is so excited!

Trick or treating was good last night. VERY cold but good. It was about 40 with a cool breeze. DD refused her coat or pants. She was FREEZING after 20 minutes but wanted "more trick or treat", so we made it around the block. (She did wear her mittens) You know what REALLY annoys me? The high school kids that don't dress up and don't say thank you - ARGH! I just want to trip them on their way down the step. SERIOUSLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have set a goal to complete 10 scrapbook layouts this month. We'll see if that happens... I have hardly touched that stuff and I miss my scrapping.

I also have sewing to finish up for Christmas. That will be here before we know it.

I signed up for National Novel Writing Month but have a feeling that nothing will come of that. My outline and ideas are there but seeing as how we have a crazy November, I don't think it'll happen. Maybe I'll make it a personal goal to work on it.

I got on the treadmill last night for 30 minutes and got up to do Pilates this morning (that kicked my butt). WHOA!

I hope you all have a great day and a WONDERFUL November!