My Husband's Created a MONSTER!!

How did he do that? By having me shop around. Online.

I have officially fallen head over heels in LOVE with online shopping.

And now also add bidding on Ebay, too!

God almighty, he may have caused an addiction to start. Especially where Ebay's concerned. Some of the "Buy Now" prices just blow my mind. Books for only ninety-nine CENTS? Ka-pow, baby!

And I have noticed with the major brand, big-box stores like Target and Walmart, the online prices are BETTER than the in-store prices. It's really crazy.

The only thing that I wish that I had done different with ordering from Walmart was that I should have gone ahead and had all of the items shipped to my home and just pay the shipping fee. But, instead I had them FREE shipped from "site to store". And even though most of everything that I had ordered has been shipped out to the store, not everything is arriving at once.

Which makes me and Walmart close BFFs this Christmas season. I am going to see so much of my store, I think I may actually end up puking smiley faces, eventually.

So from now on, if I make orders from ANY big retail chain store, this chick is going to suck it up and pay that shipping fee to have it shipped to my house.

As for Ebay, I'll wait until next month and maybe order a few books for myself and the kids. Or even bid on them.

Thanks hubby! You have created a online retail shopping monster.

Thought I'd Update

Hello, Readers! Thought I'd pop in for a few moments and let you all know that I am always thinking of you guys and I hope that the Summertime is treating you and your family all well.

Any plans this year? Or have you already taken trips that you decided on?

Well, so far, so good here in my world. Summer days are bit muggy lately, so it makes for awful hot days. My son is enjoying his Day Treatment Camp time (goes Monday through Thursday, during the day, only).

My oldest who is going in to Middle School this Fall has made ALL Advanced courses, and was accepted/invited to attend a "gifted program" school for her grade range, where they have science labs such as a Lazerarium, Terrariums with different exotic pets (including an iguana and a couple of bearded dragons) and a "hands on" petting fish tank.

My youngest is starting first grade and is pretty apprehensive. But I know she will adjust quickly once she really gets to know her teacher (who is a LOVELY lady who LOVES her job and her students).

Here's a few pictures of some recent past adventures of Summer... And of how big our Bearded Dragon, Gobi is getting since I last posted about him.

Well, soon, we will have LOTS more pictures coming, thanks to our annual trek to King's Dominion coming up. Talk to you all again soon. I can't wait to be back on here more regularly. I'm still on my "hiatus", but wanted to let you all know that I'm still alive and am enjoying myself. Have a great rest of the Summer and I'll "read" you all again very soon.

KFC, I Give You Props!

Yep. I'm singing praises to world-famous chicken extraordinaire, Kentucky Fried Chicken. At least for the one that is right up the street from us. And believe me, I don't do this with ANY business that often. Even the grocery chain my husband works for. That should say something.

Earlier in the day, I decided to get myself and the kiddies out of the house. It was not too hot at that point. And I needed to go to Kmart to shop for a birthday and then to our family-owned (no, not MY family, silly!), local-based pet shop. Seeing as I don't drive, Kmart and that pet store, which I DO favor over PetSmart, are the closest for me to walk to. And actually, I favor walking over driving, in all honesty.

We were all hungry (okay, three of the four, seeing as my son whined per usual about where we are going) and so I suggested going to KFC first and chow down. Which is exactly what we did.

I placed my order with a new lackey trainee (unbeknown to me until AFTER the fact, mind you). Simply it was TWO number sevens, a KIDS popcorn chicken meal and an order of mac and cheese with a small drink on the side.

Well, I don't know if their day before we planted our butts in the seats was just short of shitty in having customer relations. But when the (REALLY) nice lady said it will be a few minutes to FRESHLY cook our number seven meat and the popcorn chicken, for our trouble, she *THREW IN FOR FREE* an order of chicken strips, a large order of potato wedges (three small orders in one) and a couple of FREE single serve mashed taters.

To say I was beside myself I think was an understatement. In fact, it's a wonder I didn't hear "ka-ching!" as my mouth dropped to the floor like a fast-opening cash drawer.

Maybe it's because I didn't go all postal over the fact that we had to do this thing in life called "wait" for our food as it was being *freshly* prepared. Or was it because I didn't go off like a half-cocked bitch because the "newbie" messed up and instead placed the order as a *FAMILY SIZE* popcorn chicken, and NOT a "Kids Meal" (in which the lady gave me back the *DIFFERENCE* of price for on her own!)? Either way, I was (more than) pleasantly surprised.

I have had some pretty low-down and crappy service in my time at different venues. And I have had five-star service inside of two-star places. But today, Kentucky Fried Chicken here up the street from me *REALLY* pulled out all the stops and totally won me over.

Especially the one lady. She never got huffy, rolled her eyes, or even "debated" with me over ANYTHING. She quickly and proficiently corrected my order, gave me back money I was due, apologized and ensured that my family's dining experience was well worth the visit.

And it was.

New Look For The New Year! Come Take A Peek.

Well, at least this one isn't too complicated to work with. While I have loved the unique design of my blog that I have had for some time now, thanks to CheapskateMom, I felt it was time for a change and to freshen things up a bit to coincide with the new year starting.

As most of my friends know, I am a coffee fanatic. So what better theme to choose than to log on to find a hot, fresh-looking, steamy cup of joe?

At some point today (with the help from my daughter, Hayley) I will be doing the first installment of the Bible Q&A series (that will take place on Wed.'s and Sun.'s). I will be typing out the question and answer WORD FOR WORD from the book, "500 Questions And Answers From The Bible"...If some answers are VERY long (as like with the first post), then I will give my *personal* statements/views on the answers within the COMMENT section.

So with that all said, I shall be back later on today or this evening. Until then, I hope you all like the new look and have a great Wednesday.

A "Chew It Over With Twix" moment & A Special Memory.

You know kids. They are some of the most free-spirited, care-free people that you will ever meet in this old world.

And believe me when I say that I have three kids that certainly fit the bill. Primarily my youngest, Skyler, who will be turning six years old tomorrow *cries*.

Skyler had decided that last night, Dad's surprise trip to the McDonald's that has a play area was her "Birthday Dinner" (we each get to choose to eat where we wish to for our birthday). So be it. No biggie there.

As Skyler and I sat together in the two-person booth (by her request), while Bryce (her big brother) and Scott (my husband) sat at the table adjacent to us near the middle of the aisle, Skyler and I began a conversation that she started.

The very first thing out of my (soon to be) six year old's mouth is, "Mama, can I drive when I'm ten?". Quickly I replied that driving will not be a skill she will learn until she is sixteen, so she has another ten years to go. To which she stated that this time frame would take "forever".

But then without missing a beat, and with such a straight face, that she would be an awesome Poker player one day, Skyler suddenly blurts out, "Can I have a baby when I'm SIXTEEN?".

I swear that the crickets started chirping. And the look on my face I'm certain was beyond priceless. And in that brief moment, I honestly had the "chew it over with Twix" dude pop in my head with that freaking slogan.

After the shock of hearing that question, I (in what seemed like an eternity) suddenly shot back with, "No! Not until you are AT LEAST eighteen. That's the safety rule".

The gloomiest look came upon her face. And in the aftermath, I honestly had to bite my tongue as to be able to keep a straight face and not laugh manically at what just happened.

Well folks, it doesn't stop there, though. Later on after getting home, I decided to lay on the couch with my (old school) Walkman listening to all kinds of different tunes.

I'd turned to one station where the DJ was talking live to a little boy of maybe ten to twelve years old that had called in with embarrassing stories. And boy dandy was it a good one!

He said that one evening, his mom and he were out doing some Christmas shopping, and in the midst of it all, stopped and bought a couple of Chocolate Ice Cream cones. Afterward, they got back on road along the Interstate.

Suddenly, she felt the urge to go to the bathroom. And I'm not talking tinkling here, people. This woman had to G-O! So, she pulls off the Interstate and goes to (of all places) Kroger (my husband works for the grocery chain).

The little boy says that after getting to the parking lot, his mother jumps out and makes a beeline for Kroger's front doors, only to turn right back around and get back in.

All she says to her son is...

"Too late".

Yes. Your assumption is correct. The woman crapped her pants. So they get back on the freeway and head the rest of the way home.

After listening to this hilarious story unfold, it suddenly sprang to mind of the time when I was about fourteen or fifteen, riding in the car with my dad. We were in fact on the way home from doing some errands. Suddenly, he had the urge to pass gas.

But he knew that if he were to do so, then there would be one hell of a mess to clean up. So, needless to say, being a man in true form, he held it in with all of his might.

But all the holding in the world, even at no more than five minutes away from our house, was going to do. Nope.

Instead, he unwillingly let one rip. And that was all that she wrote. And of course it HAD to be on a cold day where you don't want to roll the windows down.

Next thing I know, my dad is sitting in the driver's seat, squirming like a baby in a car carrier. Then the odor hits me like a slap in the face. I literally must have turned in to Kermit the Frog, because man did I feel ill. And hence, I had to freeze my ass off thanks to needing FRESH air.

I asked my father if he felt better. When I heard the word "no" I about wanted to smack him. That's when he let me know that sadly he didn't make it (at the two minute mark of almost being home). Next thing I know, I'm sitting there almost having an Asthma attack from laughing so hard, that I start crying streams of tears and trying my best to breath.

Every time that my dad asked me to stop, I would only laugh harder. When we got home, he rushed in and showered. I was the lucky sucker (and as my "punishment" according to him for laughing)that got to take his crap-filled, streaked undies (they just HAD TO BE tighty-whities that day) and pants out to the garage and prep them for washing.

To this day, once in a blue moon that memory will hit me and I will just burst out in laughter. Or it comes to me from hearing some other poor soul's tale of incontinence, like it did for me last night.

When my father is long gone, that will be one of the happiest, funniest and most embarrassing moments that I will cherish for the rest of my days. Right next to Skyler's outrageous baby question.

First Day of School...In pictures.

This is going to be pretty much, a picture-filled post. So, be prepared, and don't say that I didn't warn you! (=

Yesterday it was the first day back to school for most of my area. Including the city, as well as one county next to us. Another county above us started back LAST week (had to make up for time lost from last year's Winter Storm). 

I'd been waiting for the day to come for a good part of the Summer. Now, don't get me wrong here. I love my kids. I love spending time with them. What I don't love was the CONSTANT bickering, fighting, not cleaning up after themselves, eating me out of house and home, and thinking that I could take them places EVERY single day.

So, as their vacation ended, with having to board the bus for school, my vacation started, and I am now slowly getting my sanity back once more.

Here's some pictures from the start of the day...

As you can see, Hayley is not very happy. Why? Because I was *all* smiles as I took this picture as I hummed "Aud Lang Syne" (the 'Happy New Year' song).

Weebles was making the wait for the school bus a tab bit less excruciating.

"Where in the heck is that danged school bus? I'm ready to get them out of here FINALLY and get some peace and quiet!"... Don't worry Weebles, Mommy was thinking the exact same thing.

Weebles gave Bryce one last "kiss and hug" before the bus started up to the house.

This mom's a happy camper now! The bus is just about to start up from the corner street behind me. I saw the kids getting on, and knew we were next in less than a minute.

Here it comes! Skyler I think was the ONLY one out of the bunch to be THAT excited.

Run on to the bus my children!!...I even yelled out 'Happy New (School) Year!!' as they were boarding the bus. Not a tear shed, either. I was more than ready and happy to see them go.

...And off they go! On their two-minute ride up the street to school.

Then right after, I had to walk up to the school and take care of some minor business concerning a couple of the kids. While there, I was able to get a few pictures of my nephew, who is also, along with Skyler, starting Kindergarten.

Isn't he just handsome?? In his white polo shirt, khaki pants, and holding on tight to the bag, and having his big-boy back-pack on his shoulders.

All in all, the first day of school went quiet well for most of the students and the staff. I'm glad that they are back in class. And now, old friends can reconnect, and new friendships and bonds can be formed. I so can't wait to start volunteering. I'm looking forward to this being a great school year!

It's (almost) that time again!!

I can see it in my head.

They get dressed in their khaki pants, polo shirts and their new school shoes. Bags are all packed and ready to go. A filling breakfast to boot (before dressing, of course).

But, alas, I have a month to go. That's okay. I can somehow wait. I've gone this long. But it will be SO nice sending them off to school once more.

The only part I don't like is that there is the fact of knowing that this is Hayley's last year in Elementary School. Here in Virginia, you go in to Middle (Jr. High) School at the Sixth Grade mark. And for me, that's a HARD pill, to swallow. Knowing that at this time next year, my "baby" will be in with the "big kid" crowd.

In the coming weeks, I will start shopping for them. Hitting the sales. Like the 24-count Crayola Crayons for twenty-five cents a box! And all three kids need them.

And for being in the Fifth Grade this year, Hayley is the CHEAPEST (between the older two, who are one grade apart) to buy for, surprisingly. Bryce (knowing from last year) will be the most expensive. And with Skyler, I might get away with being the cheapest of all three.

Please, don't get me wrong. I love my kids. I love being with them. And I certainly love doing things with them. But my patience and my sanity are waring thin. As is theirs with one another and with me. I've done what I can to keep them active and have fun. I plan on us all going next month, before school starts, up to the Blue Ridge Parkway and take a day for hiking and a picnic.

And of course, once everyone is settled in to school, then I will be filling out (once again) the paperwork to volunteer at school between one and three days per week. It gets me out of the house, involved with the school, lets me stay on top of school-related topics/problems and lets me enrich children's lives.

Though, I try hard to not 'work' in any of my kids' classes, if optional. With exception to some light filing and being a Room Parent (if needed).

So, on August 17th, I shall be marching down to the school (that is a five minute walk from my house) and register the kids. Although I had already PRE-REGISTERED Skyler before the 2009-2010 school year let out.

Then, on August 23rd, starts a brand new school year. And as much as I want them to get on that bus, I can guarantee that it may be a bit hard to see them go off once more to learn and grow. For that will be the end of another fun-filled Summer and another year of their childhood gone forever.

Extreme Blog Makeover....Thanks to Angel and to Tamara.

First off, I need to thank my sweet friend, Angel over at Angel Believes (http://singedwingangel.blogspot.com/). She had apparently won a contest that gave her a new blog button and header from Tamara (Cheapskatemom over at http://proudtobecheap.blogspot.com/). And knowing she was already getting a set up from someone else, she decided to let me have the new blog button and header.

After Tamara and I had communicated (A LOT), she got to work. Not only did I get fitted with a new header and Blog Button, but a COMPLETE overhaul. Button, header, a feed, a counter and a whole new overall look (background and all). She decided that with the color schemes, and the way I was already set up, along with what I lacked (and really wanted, but didn't know how to get them), that she would entirely redo my page for me.

I've gone semi-retro, brighter and with more attractive colors, a "happy" looking header that is inviting (as is the blog button). And at the bottom of the posts, it says, "__ People Have Made Me Happy".

I LOVE IT!

Tamara is a true artist when it comes to blog page set-ups. She has a true gift. And I cannot thank her, or Angel enough for the opportunity to receive such a BEAUTIFUL page.,,,Again, thank you to BOTH LADIES! A million to infinity times over.

Pride...The seemingly IMPOSSIBLE became POSSIBLE.

As many of my readers know, my son has not had it easy. He has had to persevere over some huge hurdles, bumps and stub his toe here and there along his way in what we call 'life'.

This school year, he has been in the Third Grade. And because of that, Bryce had to take his very first SOL testing this year. The four primary subjects were covered. Math, Reading, Social Studies, and Science.

SOL stands for the Standards Of Learning test, that is Federally mandated for all PUBLIC schools, starting with third grade students to take. It shows their aptitude, their ability of general knowledge, and basis the individual school's Federal Grant money and accreditation.


On top of all of that, my oldest Hayley, who is getting ready to move on to the Fifth Grade, also had her second year of SOL Testing. I have yet to receive their scores. Most likely today, being it is the last day of school, and the scores are with the report cards.

Knowing both of my children's strengths and weaknesses, I can pretty much peg which ones that they did very well on. I know that both of them had passed ALL required SOL's. And I know that because they each were awarded a Hummer Limo ride (where *I* even rode with Hayley).

Hayley is very in tune with Social Studies, so I am quite sure that she is somewhere in the 550 range. Same with the Reading portion of the tests.

Bryce on the other hand, would have the scores mainly in Reading and in Science. He is very interested in Scientific methods, astronomy, animal biology, and how the world spins around (in general).

Yesterday, both of them had their last End-Of-6-Weeks Awards, plus the End-Of-The-Year awards. After seeing Bryce make the A/B Honor Roll for the last 6-week-period, and after seeing him gain other awards, one new award was added for the Third Grade Class this year, pertaining to the SOL's. Being that it is those student's first time, not knowing what to expect, certain students were awarded and recognized for a PERFECT score of the highest possible number...600 on any given subject area. It could have been in one area, or in all four.

Bryce's teacher went last with her portion of the awards for Grade Three, being it was all done by alphabetical order within each grade area. As I sat there, listening, I heard one or two subjects called out before the one. If no one had gotten a perfect 600 in a subject, it was skipped.

Then, the teacher says, "In Science, we have ONE perfect score in the subject of Science. That 600 goes to...BRYCE C.!!". At first I honestly could NOT believe that I just heard my son's name being called for a PERFECT score of a 600 in Science. I can guarantee that I must have stood there, with my jaw dropped and a look of pure shock on my face.

After all was said and done, I went to the Principal's office and just sat there and cried. The shock wore off. And right then, I realized that all the struggling, all of the battling, all of the HARD work from both myself and Bryce himself were showing in a HUGE way, that it has all paid off. And it has shown me that I had indeed picked the right teacher for the job of teaching him this year.

She has been NOTHING short of kind, cooperative, caring, patient and had a wonderful willingness to work with Bryce, and with us (or his doctors). She is of a (now) rare breed of teachers. She CARES about the kids that she is teaching. She CARES about the parents. She most of all, LOVES those kids, and what she does. You don't find many like that anymore.

Both his teacher and I have NOT had the easiest year when it came to Bryce. We both struggled and did the best we could. But ultimately, it was up to him in the end, as to succeeding or not. And with the two of us working together, we pulled off a miracle...

My baby got top honors in a subject no other 3rd Grade Student pulled it off. That alone speaks for its self.