Time Has Passed & It's Almost Time Again.. (Picture-filled post!)

Now you are probably sitting here, reading that title and wondering, "what in the world is this chick talking about with this wacky riddle?!".

On November 18th, my oldest of the three kids had turned twelve years old. Yes, she is one more year closer to the dreaded tag known as "teenager". All in all though, with her maturity level (both mentally, as well as physically) she is more like a fourteen year old.

I'm thirty-five. She is twelve. I am 100 pounds on the nose. She last weighed in at 98. I am five feet tall. She is too. I don't have a set of "boobage". She does.

Basically, if you were to ask her thoughts about all this "you're as tall as your Mama" talk, that may just be what she would do to me after snickering. Like she did in the doctor's office when he asked how old I was, when discussing reading glasses.

As for the second part of the answer to my awesome riddle-title...

The youngest of the three "angels" of mine will be turning seven years old on Monday. Hard to believe. Already, seven years have just up and flown past like a speeding NASCAR racer doing 250 on the inside stretch.

In many ways she is taking after her big sister. She looks up to her (especially being that Big Sissy is about a foot and a half or so taller than her lol) and severely misses her when my oldest has to go on bi-weekly visits with her biological father.

Both of my girls have shown me (albeit the hard way) just what all it had taken my parents to raise me. Raging hormones, attitudes, "Princess-tude".

And thank God, the oldest (who now wears makeup), puts it on and still looks natural, but accentuates her features. Especially those beautiful blue eyes of her's.

At the end of the day, no matter how old they get, and no matter how tall they grow, they will ALWAYS be the apple of their Daddy's eye. My husband may not be my oldest's biological father with not a shred of DNA shared between them, but she is HIS, and he will tell you that to your face.

The little one is so wrapped around her Dad's finger, it's not funny. Okay. It is. But geez! And I thought that I got away with "murder" as a kid. Wrong. I kind of wish I could do that "Freaky Friday" thing and trade places with her for about 24 hours and enjoy some of the (tons of) freedom that she gets.

This past Summer's trip to Richmond has been one of the best I think that we have enjoyed as a family. And now, with all three of my kids growing up, and inching ever so much closer to being teens and "big kids", I find myself reflecting more on the Summers past, when the kids were so innocent, that it never seemed like we as parents would have to deal with more than scraped knees and the occasional "she/he took my toy".

To those of you with "young" (as in under the age of eight years old), take my advice and heed it well. Cherish EVERY single moment with your child(ren). Relish in each hug and kiss (yes, even the open-mouthed baby ones!). Enjoy the fanciness of every tea party and doll playtime.

The young years fly by faster than a Santa Ana wind.

300th Post Celebration..Though I Know No One Really Cares. (Link-Up Provided!)

Seeing as of late, my posts are a bit of a dud. Even ones that I let people USE me to link up and hope to gain more readers themselves. I'm just a glutton for punishment I guess.

It's been a ride thus far, to say the least. And with the 300th post I think I am going to post some links to my personal all-time favorite posts, maybe add a couple of videos, and place up a few pictures.

Thanks to all of you that have been loyal readers during all 300 pieces, that date back to November of 2009 here on Blogger. And welcome to all my new friends/readers.

And just because I am feeling ultra-generous, I think I'll let you all LINK UP with this post (below) as a way to show my appreciation.

Let's see, I think I will list a few of my all-time fave posts first. Sound like a plan? And feel free (especially my new friends) to click on them and read them. Don't be shy!

The One That Started It All

A Poem To A Baby Never Held

For Me, April Is More That Just About Easter

Followers, Carnivals And My Being Myself

100 Posts Ago

A Big Loss

Did you have fun reading all these? I hope so.

Now, on to the Video portion of the party. Here's a few songs that I just LOVE and love to sing or dance to. In no particular "love it!" order..













Now that you are all pumped up and raring to go, feel like seeing a few pictures? Yeah, I'm gonna be random. And the first three should tell you the kind of guys I like to see on the boob-tube. (=

Well, that's it (for now). Thanks for coming on over and celebrating with me. I hope you had fun reading, watching, looking and listening. Come on by my pace anytime. I love having friends over.

Now, just scroll a bit further down here and ADD YOUR BLOG link to my post here and let's see if I can get ya hooked up. Consider it my "Thank You!" present from me to you, for your generosity and support. Have a great day!

Have a "Hoppy" Friday, Friends!!

Well, after today, I will have some "quality" time with my kids. I can't wait! The fights. The arguments, the not wanting to get off the DS. The wanting to DAILY go to McDonald's (after swooning to me and pleading cases as to why they HAVE TO go to my personal hell).

Yes, friends, it is looming upon me and all of the city schools (but one, which an all-year-around school). SPRING BREAK!!!!

But today, it's volunteering day at school. I get to "hide" the eggs for the PC named "Spring Egg Hunt" and prep everything for the "Spring Break Party" later in the afternoon. Otherwise, it's an easy-peasy kinda day. Which usually is not an easy day, filled with reading groups, copying papers, and other fun things.

I enjoy it though. All of it. It makes me feel "hoppy". Get it? "Hoppy"??...Yeah okay. I may have lost you there.

Anywho, speaking of "hoppy", why don't you, my dear reader, join in on my Blog Hop/Link Up and add yourself to the linky tool list (BELOW)..Just follow the directions and have a wonderful day, my friends!

200 Posts!?.. And A "We Need To Talk" Moment.

Now that the blog series is over, I can move on to other topics. Aren't you just ecstatic?

One thing that has happened since starting the "25 Days Of Christmas" posts is that I have reached (and gone beyond at this point) writing 200 posts!!





Exciting, isn't it? I've so far posted about all kinds of things from my son who has many mental disorders, to my life as a Stay-At-Home Mom and Wife, and all kinds of other things in between.

Today though, I am once again going to touch upon a very sensitive topic. One that never takes a break and is a battle for millions around the world, not just in the United States every single day. It doesn't care if it's Christmas time or Summer time.

Abuse.

Not just one kind, but all forms of abuse. Child abuse. Domestic Violence. Sexual abuse. Verbal, emotional and mental abuse.

If you wish to read about my personal, first hand experience with being in an abusive relationship, then I urge you to READ HERE.

As of today, over on FaceBook, I have "re-started" a page that I had running under a different name. Seeing as the site's new format no longer allows for name changes, I had to start fresh and delete the old page.

It is called Bring REAL Awareness To Abuse.

You can either click on the page's title above, or click on the page's "Like" box above at the top of this blog's page.

There, you will find tips, facts, statistics and information for how to get help. It's still just starting out. And I am also relying on the page's members to be active and participate as well.

Abuse in any form is not a laughing matter. It never rests. So, bringing forth awareness and information in how to watch for signs of abuse and how to find help shouldn't take a back seat, either.

But also please note (within the page)..

*Some pictures that might be posted could very well be GRAPHIC in nature as to "drive home" the realities of what REALLY happens when a child is abused.

*These pictures could either be posted by the page owner or via the page's members.

*VIEWER DISCRETION OF PHOTOS IS ADVISED! And admittance of MINORS below a certain age (13 years) will NOT be allowed.


Dedicated to all of those that "died young" at the hands of an abuser...

25 Days of Christmas (Day 9, 10 & 11)

Yes, I have three days in one post to do for the "25 Days Of Christmas" series, seeing as I have been WAY too busy to get anything done this past week.

First up, Day 9...More Christmas Decorating; The Outdoors Edition. In pictures mind you.

                  The newest edition (up to that point) was the Skiing Santa.

                      Yes, his arms REALLY DO move as if he really is skiing!

                        Meet our newest and latest edition to the Yard Deco Family...18 Ft. Frosty the Snowman!


Now, for "Day 10"... "Christmas" (Holiday/Winter) Party Planning... Wanna Trade Places?


School. The place where young minds go to learn and grow socially. And a place for a Room Mother to dread planning parties for twenty-two children aging between five and six years old.

Yep, that time again to plan another party. We have to call it Winter Holiday party of course, seeing we HAVE TO BE all PC about it.

And let me tell ya right here and now, I have some of the BEST parents to work with this year. In the three years since moving to this school and taking responsibility as "Head Parent" in the classrooms of my kids, I have NEVER seen as much devotion to and willingness to help and support myself and the kids in the class as I have in Skyler's Kindergarten classroom.

We're going to have craft time, Christmas music, all kinds of goodies to eat, pass out Christmas cards and presents, and goody bags filled with candy and trinkets. These kids are going to have a WONDERFUL time. I'd say that this will be  one of the best parties I have ever put together or have seen for a classroom to have.


Last, but most certainly NOT least..."Day 11", A TRUE Christmas Miracle.


As many of my FaceBook Friends know, we in our area have been passing around and getting other friends from all over the USA to share an Amber Alert about 12-year-old Brittney Smith. Her mother was found dead in their home, and that the live-in boyfriend who is 32, took Brittney and ran off.

For a week, there has been a nation-wide manhunt for Jeff Easley and his hostage, Brittney. They were last seen on a WalMart video surveillance tape leaving the store with a ton of groceries and a tent that was purchased with Tina Smith's (mom) credit card.

Last night, it was reported that Brittney Smith was FOUND, as was Jeff Easley. Best of all, she is ALIVE and to the furthest of knowing, doing well and doesn't look to be injured. They were spotted by a store clerk over 2,700 miles away from here, in San Francisco.

Not many children are lucky to be found alive and unharmed. Being just two weeks shy of Christmas, this is truly a Christmas Miracle.

Welcome home, Brittney! It's good that you can be home and be here for your mother's funeral. I'm very sorry for your loss. Losing your brother was horrible enough.

My thoughts and prayers are with Brittney and her grandmother, who apparently will be the one taking her in, after the loss of HER only child.













                       

25 Days of Christmas (Day 2)

For this installment, I wish to share my favorite Christmas themed movies and television shows. A couple are traditional that all of us as a family (as in myself, my husband and our kids) watch every year.

First up is... "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation".

I don't care how many times I have seen this one, I laugh until I cry EVERY single time that I watch it. You can't get a more dysfunctional and diverse family as the Griswold's. Plus it is nice to see my cousin Mae Questel, who was the ORIGINAL model and voice for Betty Boop as the crazy, "not-all-there" aunt.

Clark really knows how to put on a show of lights for Christmas to!! Especially when it blinds the neighbors and causes a neighborhood-wide power surge.


Next up is... "Home Alone".

This is no ordinary kid. After being left behind when the rest of his family leaves for Christmas vacation, a couple of burglars invade the home in the hopes of getting some goods. Only their enemy, a ten year old boy is proven to be way too smart for the bumbling pair.

Again, no matter how many times that I have watched "Home Alone" (or it's sequel) you just can't NOT laugh at the stupidity of two grown men being outwitted by a little kid with some of the BEST booby traps I have EVER seen made, and not getting killed in the process.


Now, let's move on to... "The Muppet's; A Christmas Carol".

With a kid-friendly twist on the Charles Dickens classic, this would be a family crowd pleaser. If you love the Muppets (I have since they were on the "Muppet Show"), then I can say you will certainly enjoy the antics and comedy that goes in to setting Scrooge straight.


Now for a family tradition.... "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas".

This has been a timeless classic for me to view since I was a small child. Now, I carry along the tradition in my home, with my children. It's one of those times where I share a bit about my mom with my kids and give them a small taste of what my holidays were like with her.

And I swear to you, my youngest, when put in a Santa hat and pink jammies, is a dead ringer for Cindy Lou Who!


Another classic for my time, and more along my enjoyment is... "Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol" (featuring the late George C. Scott).

I'll be the first to admit, I am not the black and white, golden age movies kind of girl. Only a few b&w movies will I watch. And those, I can count on one hand. And as for classics such as Mr. Scott's portrayal of Ebeneezer Scrooge, he ALMOST got ranked with the classics that I really don't care to see.

That is, until my dad forced me to watch it one year as a teen. I loved it from that point on. Sure it started a bit slow. But the acting, the effects (for it's time) and the cast selection, as well as how they screen played the story grabbed me in, and I was hooked for life.

I'm thinking that I am starting to see a trend here...


Last, but most certainly not least, and yet another family show that my kids watch with me every year is... "A Charlie Brown Christmas".

How can you NOT love Charlie Brown's heart, caring and warmth in finding the "perfect" Christmas tree? All of his friends (Linus, Marcy, Peppermint Patty, etc.) all claim that Charlie Brown will do as he always does... screw up.

In the end, yeah, they are kind of correct. He does screw up. He gets the scrawniest, littlest, weakest tree because there were no other "good" trees available on Christmas. But in the end the gang learned a valuable lesson.

Less is more. It's the meaning, not the actual thing that counts. And something ugly can in turn be one of the most beautiful things of all.

So, there ends my Christmas time favorite movies and shows. Feel free to add your list as well to the comments. Or better yet, try jumping in and doing a "25 Days Of Christmas" with me! It's not too late to join in the fun.

See you all tomorrow!

25 Days of Christmas (Day 1)

And so it begins. Time to break out the holly and the lights. Time to place Santa and nativity in the yards.

And also, my first series in the Blogosphere begins. I can only hope that it will make jolly for my readers (with a tear or two trickling down your cheek from time to time).

Today, I'm touching on "Memories of Christmases Past".

When I was little Christmas was a big deal in my home, and within the extended family.

We decorated throughout the house. Hung Mistletoe, garland, lights and such. The tree was decked out in all kinds of ornaments, with any of my school-made-by-hand crafts at the forefront of the tree.

All the neighborhood kids would come over each year to our home for a Christmas Party, and Santa (who changed looks every year) would take gift requests from us children.

Then, we would also visit my Aunt (Mom's sister) and Uncle. Some of my Grandma's sisters would travel to California to spend time with one another and with their nieces and nephews. And there was my cousin Don, who stood at almost seven feet tall. He would hoist me on his shoulders and I could touch my head to the ceiling without even trying or "reaching" for it.

Sadly, pretty much most of them are now dead. Don fell victim to Lou Gehrig's Disease. All of my Great Aunts have passed due to old age or health problems. My Uncle is now gone, thanks to cancer.

But those family gatherings fell apart after my Grandmother's death. And even more so, after Mom's passing. Gone were the days of smiles, love and laughter.

Even in my home. Christmas was never really the same. Much more quiet and reserved. My family is gone now for the most part. All I have left is my Dad. And he is almost 3,000 miles from here.

Sure, I have my husband. I have his side of the family. And yes, we do Christmas big on that end these days. But it's not the same thing. They aren't MY family. Yes, I am "married in" and a part of the family.But still, it doesn't have the same... "meaning" as sharing the love, laughter and holidays, as it does with YOUR family. YOUR loved ones.

So, I am ensuring that the few traditions that my Mom had for me (as an only child) are passed along through me to my kids. Such as the yearly viewing of "How The Grinch Stole Christmas" and "Merry Christmas Charlie Brown". As well as hanging the hand-made ornaments from my kids on the tree.

Plus, I have an ornament (and wish to add to them, seeing as the kids have grown greatly and their tastes have changed) for each of my children of cartoon characters that they enjoyed when little. And of course, I hang their "Baby's First Christmas" ornaments.

When I have grandkids, I hope to pass along the tradition to my kids to do the same.

I may no longer have the family I once did due to several heartbreaking circumstances that plagued us when I was young, but I still have my memories of beautiful Christmas times with my family when we were all happy and loved one another (seemingly) unconditionally.

And no one, family, friend or foe can take those times away from me.

Energy... I "had" it.

Sometimes, I will sit on our living room side porch outside. As I do, I will see the kids playing, running around and chasing one another.

And this is after a full day at school learning from their books, learning social skills and playing outside on the playground.

My children are normally on a school day up no later than 7:30 in the morning. They are on the go all day long at school. Then, they have to come home and change, do their homework and sometimes also do a couple of chores.

Still though, even after all of that, they manage to find the time and the energy to be active and energetic. And knowing them as well as I do, if one is slacking and not moving or talking much, then they have got to be sick with something.

This past week, since about Monday, it's been go here and there, do this and that for me. With barely any time for myself to sit and rest. In fact TODAY is my only real day "off" and not do a single thing. For the most part.

I've been readying for my oldest's upcoming birthday party (she turned 11 TODAY, but the party is Sunday), had gone on a trip with her class Tuesday, helped with a Staff Breakfast at school yesterday and then stayed for most of the day to help in the K class and with my weekly Art classes, being that I will be out of town with my son and his class tomorrow on another field trip.

Add in the get together for early Thanksgiving dinner with my FIL's side of the family and the party on Sunday, there's just no stopping or slowing down.

But it all caught up to me yesterday evening. I was so dead tired, that when I went to "snuggle" with my (soon to be) six year old (who's party will be the following Sunday) in bed, I fell asleep and was snoozing as soon as my head hit her pillow.

Now, I did get up about an hour later, thanks to her snoring. I moved in to MY bed downstairs and drifted right back off to sleep. And apparently, my husband let our other two children sleep on the Family Room couch downstairs. What a surprise to wake up to.

But it's safe to say that one, I went to be extremely early (which is highly unusual, and being it was 8:30). And two, I slept a good oh, ten hours almost straight. Neither of which I think I have honestly done in YEARS like that.

The more that I think of it, I have a feeling that in (less than) a week's time, I have given the Energizer Bunny a run for his moola. Although, I certainly now know, thanks to my body telling me so, I am not as young as I used to be and that age TRULY IS catching up to me. As is the arthritis and tendinitis in my knees.

Dear Lord! I *am* turning in to my father. (cries)

Memoir Monday w/Travis...The Parent Edition.

Got a memorable moment in your life that you wish to share? Then, click on the linky above, grab a button and share it with us with a Memoir Monday post!


Kids. They bring joy to your life. They let you live on, even after you are gone, being that you are a part of them. They give you unconditional love.

But they can be your worst nightmare as well. Attitudes, lying to your face, getting in to the junk food at all hours, waking you up at an ungodly hour of the morning to watch Saturday Morning Cartoons..Oh wait! That was me. My bad. Sorry, Dad.

My life BEFORE kids was much calmer. Sure I dealt with some real assholes in my time, being I have worked retail for most of my adult life (until the last kiddie came along). But having kids and dealing with them 24/7 makes you realize that dealing with the assholes of retail-society pales NOTHING in comparison, then having to deal with your own kids.

Back before my brood, I was able to stay up until four-AM, sleep in until noon, eat and cook whenever I wanted to. I would get drunk with my friends.

I even remember back in the day, out-drinking a MALE buddy with Jose Cuervo shots. Seven of them to be precise. He puked over the banister railing of the apartment complex I lived in. My poor neighbors. Talk about a surprise present.

Myself? Let's just say I got off easy. No! Not THAT kind of "got off". Get your minds out the ditch, would ya?? I meant that I had basically NO hangover, what-so-EVER! Just a slight belly ache. Otherwise, no pounding, blinding headache. No barfing on the bathroom floor, because I missed the toilet in a blinding haze of post-party rapture. Just a need for a couple Alkaseltzers, and I was good to go.

These days, I rarely get to go anywhere without AT LEAST one to two of three kids in tow. I don't get "mommy time" even while I sit my ass on the toilet! Plus, if I drink, it's ONE beer. And that is AFTER the kids are asleep. My hair now has more gray in it than a bird has feathers. My sanity is only now somewhat in tact...It doesn't help that the creatures I call my children are still on Summer Vacation.

But that changes in THREE WEEKS! Yes, I am actually counting down the weeks. And that last week, I'm gonna be counting down the days, as to remind the kiddies that I will regain my sanity the moment that I shove them under...er, I mean shove them ON TO the school bus.

Ah! What a life!! Both pre-kid, and today. I wouldn't trade them for anything. But I do miss my old, pre-kid life of pure independence.

100th Blog Post Bash!....Come celebrate with me. Something for EVERYONE!!!!

Welcome to this post and to the celebration of this wonderful milestone. Today, I am writing my 100'th post for the blog page.

I've written about all kinds of things. From being (at times) an unhappy housewife, caring for my kids (mainly my son who is disabled), to my experiences of being a Transplant Recipient, and so many other things in between. And honestly, it's hard to choose just a few things to post links for where those writings come in to play on here.

First and foremost though, I wish to thank every single one of my readers. Here on Blogger, on Facebook, Networked Blogs, my Followers in all the above forums, as well as my "casual" readers. You each have endowed me with your wisdom, your sage advice, your support, your love, and most importantly, your friendship. Thank you to each and every one of you.

Here are some links to my favorite PAST posts...

http://pr0udmom0f3.blogspot.com/2009/11/he-who-hath-not-commited-sin-shall-cast.html

http://pr0udmom0f3.blogspot.com/2009/12/since-you-left.html

http://pr0udmom0f3.blogspot.com/2010/01/lil-miss-independent.html

http://pr0udmom0f3.blogspot.com/2010/02/smile.html

http://pr0udmom0f3.blogspot.com/2010/03/friendship-101-right-way-and-wrong-way.html

http://pr0udmom0f3.blogspot.com/2010/04/mean-girlsthe-realities-from-someone.html

http://pr0udmom0f3.blogspot.com/2010/05/tween-scene-per-my-exdperiences.html

Have fun reading some of (what I think is) my greatest works of writing! I think that from each of those, you will take something with you to carry and ponder on for a while. Now, to the picture section of the post. Here are some of my favorite pictures.

So....How about those, huh? I gave you all a little bit of everything on that selection. Shall we now move on to our next section of this 100th Post Blog Bash? Alright, then! Here we go!!

Would you care to see who's blogs I totally go gaga for? Sure, I love to read all my blog selections. But a few stand out from the crowd.

http://singedwingangel.blogspot.com/  (life through my eyes of love..laughter..christianity)

http://chasingawaysaltwater.blogspot.com/ (A MEMOIR)

http://davebuttoned.blogspot.com/ (The World According To Dave)

http://fisherofstories.blogspot.com/ (I Like To Fish)

The links above I HIGHLY recommend that you CLICK THEM! You have a wide range of thought, emotion, seriousness, as well as comedy and drama within those four choices. And lookie! I made it even without even trying. Two guys and two gals. Cool!

Now, I think that we pretty much covered everything for this festive occasion.. Oh! I almost forgot! We shall have a MUSIC VIDEO. Just because. No reason. Maybe even two of them. Why not! It's my party and I'll post what I want too, that's why.

Well ladies and gents, this ends the 100th Blog Post Bash! Thanks for attending. And thanks for all of your support, as well as your friendships. You all mean the world to me in unique ways. Here is to ANOTHER 100 POSTS!

I'm about to hit 100!

No, not in my age, you goofball! Although, at times, it certainly feels like I am climbing the Age Ladder quicker than I would care to. Having bad knees that look like I have eggs in place of cartilage, a bad back that's seen more needles than a needle cushion, hip joints that crack more than Rice Crispies and a head that likes to get migraines as big as a Hiroshima bomb blast, it's a wonder people still think I'm a teenager that is BABYSITTING my three kids. That's a whole other story for another time.

I've been posting here on Blogger for some time now. And since starting, I have had a total of (now) five blogs. But, I have cut down to two. This main one will be for pretty much everything I wish to talk about. But, I also have my latest (and last) creation, http://paranormel.blogspot.com/. ParanorMel is a blog about my views and thoughts, beliefs, as well as my experiences with the Paranormal. Mainly hauntings and ghosts/spirits. Feel free to check it out! I even have a Facebook Fan Page, http://www.facebook.com/pages/ParanorMel/121130397908207?v=photos&ref=sgm#!/pages/ParanorMel/121130397908207 for ParanorMel.

But, here is another bonus, if you are a Facebook member! I also have a Fan Page for THIS blog as well. Lemme guess. You want the link, huh? Here it is! http://www.facebook.com/pages/ParanorMel/121130397908207?v=photos&ref=sgm#!/pages/The-Not-Always-Happy-Homemaker-Diary/107802929255760.

Okay, now as for my upcoming 100th post for 'The (Not Always) Happy Homemaker Diary... I'm thinking of taking and posting a couple of links to pasts posts, that I feel was some of my best work. And maybe even show case a few picture. Plus, add in some links to my FAVORITE bloggers here at BlogSpot that I follow. Ya know, just make it a fun, blow-out bash kind of post that has a bit of everything in it.

My blogging on this site started back in November of last year. And between ALL my blogs, I have written probably closer to 200 posts, combined. But my main 'love' is THIS page right here. And this is the one that I plan on using the most. So, join me in celebrating 100 posts here at TNAHHD. Be on the lookout! You never know when my 100th entry will show up!

What a Week it Was!! Vacation, redecorating and partying...Oh My!!

It was nice. It was not-so-nice. It was everything in between. It was my husband's first of three week's worth of vacation time for this year.

We had fun spending time alone. For the most part. He did A LOT of work both inside, as well as outside the house. Mainly painting the living room, the dining area and the bathroom. As well as placing border up in all three of said rooms as well. We did a "Rustic Country" theme in the living room area. Then, a "Country Modern" type theme in the dining area. We then went "all out" in the bathroom with the Lighthouses theme. It was started months ago with a bath mat and outside shower curtain....Now we got the rest of it done.

How? By spending more money than we REALLY wanted too! The cost of the three rolls of border and the coordinating paint came to a whopping $162.00 freaking bucks!! The paint was only like 40. But the border did us in, being we had to go to a Specialty shop.

Then, we went and bought some flowers for the back yard, as well as noticed that some of our Perennial flowers have sprung alive again (like the one by my basement foyer area).

Sure there were some arguments and spats. What else would you think would happen to a couple stuck together 24/7 for a whole week. Add in a kid's birthday party and it can be so stressful that the Devil himself would stay away. Especially being that I have been PMSing and just HAD TO "start" the day of my son's party.

Plus toss in getting his gift that we had to hunt down, getting the last minute stuff for it, setting it up, seeing that basically almost no one showed that was invited from both family and friends from school that were invited to attend (note to self...only invite the ONE and only kid from school that showed up out of 12 invited next year and any other CLOSE buddies of his).

Yep, it was a wild ride to say the least.

Here are a few pics from the past week....Party and home.