This week's Thursday 13 will be the last for the year...since it's New Year's Eve and all. So in honor of the end of another year, this week's 13 is (in no particular order)...
13 reasons 2009 rocked:
13. Holidays. This was the first set of holidays that Madylinn actually participated. It was so much fun to take crazy pictures, dress her up, and watch her have a good time.
12. My friends. 2009 brought new friends, and allowed me to have a great time with old friends.
11. Swimming/Boating. This was the first year Mady got to go swimming at her Pappy's house, and the first time she got to ride on our boat. It was so cute to watch her.
10. 1999. This year was my 10 year high school reunion (wow, am i old!). It was a great time, seeing old friends and looking back on good times.
9. Halloween. This was our first family Halloween. It took a bit of convincing, but i managed to get Frank to dress up with Mady and I, and we entered the parade...and we actually won something!!
8. Shelly's wedding. It's always fun to get together with great friends and drink and celebrate...and what better an occasion than a wedding, and one that was far overdue at that...lol, love you Shell!
7. First birthdays. This year, my little baby turned 1. It was bittersweet. She had such a great time, but it was very sad to realize how fast the time went by.
6. Pregnancy. This year, my best friend found out she is going to be having a baby! It's very exciting news, and she can't wait. Neither can i!!
5. Random firsts. This year brought a bunch of random firsts for Madylinn. Her first tooth, her first steps, her first word, her first plane ride, her first vacation, etc.
4. Ocean City. This summer, we made a family vacation to Ocean City, MD. It was so much fun playing in the sand, swimming in the ocean, and all of it with Mady.
3. Alaska. This fall, we made another family vacation to Alaska on a cruise. It was so beautiful and so much fun. It was Mady's first plane ride and cruise, and she had a great time. We would definately take that cruise again.
2. My family. I love each and every one of them, and it wouldn't have been nearly as great a year without them.
1. Reuniting. Frank and his brother Brad are talking again. It was 2 1/2 long years, and i'm very glad it's over now. They are close again, and Mady has a wonderful Uncle that loves her very much. I couldn't be happier, and neither could Frank. It's so cute.
Happy New Year everyone!!! Make 2010 memorable.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Monday, December 28, 2009
Christmas at The Stiffies...
I don't know about all of you, but Christmas at our house this year was wonderful. It was full of friends, family, and lots and lots of toys. Here is a little recap for you all to enjoy...
After opening presents, we made sure to get a few cute family picture
We started our festivities on Christmas Eve. Mady was, of course, as excited as a 1 year old can be.
After a restful day at home, we got ready and made our way to Aunt Marian's for our traditional Christmas Even dinner. After dinner, Mady was surprised to see that Santa had come to Aunt Marian's house early for her!
Before bed, Mady made sure we hung out Santa's magic key so he could get into the house (since we don't have a chimney)
And of course, the milk and cookies for Santa and the carrot for Rudolph!
Mady conked out for the night, and Mommy and Daddy went to midnight mass. Don't worry, Grammy sat at the house with Mady while we were gone.
The next morning, Mady saw that Santa had come to our house overnight and had left her lots and lots and lots of gifts!
She had fun playing with everything and opening her gifts.
After opening presents, we made sure to get a few cute family picture
Grammy and Pap Grindstaff came over for lunch, and we all had a great time with them. Then we went up to visit PapPap and Great-Grammy Gallagher, to see what Santa brought them.
Then we came back home to prepare for dinner with Aunt Marian, Uncle Jack, Grammy and Pappy.
Mady must have been a really good girl, because once the day way over, she had made out like a little bandit!
Thank you to everyone who made our Christmas a wonderful day.
All our love, The Stiffies
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Thursday thirteen...
In honor of Christmas, this weeks Thursday 13 is (in no particular order):
13 reasons i'm blessed this Christmas:
1. My daughter Madylinn. She is by far the best thing that has ever happened to me. She has made being a first time mom the easiest job it can possibly be. To me, she is perfect, and i couldn't ask for better. She is, and always will be, number 1 on my list.
2. My family. They are always there for me, to support me, to help me, to keep me grounded. I am lucky to have each and every one of you. Thank you.
3. My marriage family. They are part of my regular family now, but i felt they needed their own post as well. They have all accepted me as a part of the family, and they always make me feel welcome. I couldn't ask for a better "extended" family, and i love you all.
4. My job. Especially this time of year, when so many people have no jobs and no income. I am truly blessed to have a job, and especially a job that i love so much. I may complain sometimes, about going to work, or working late, but it really isn't all that bad in the end. And my job gives me so much more time with my daughter than any other job would.
5. My house. I may complain about where i live, but at least i have a house. There have been so many fires lately, and people who's houses have been re-possessed, i am lucky to have a warm place to spend the cold nights.
6. My town/area. I know not many people love this area, but i feel lucky to have grown up here and to live here now. This is a low-crime area. There are great traditions. There are nice people. I never had to be afraid to walk home to/from school, or to play outside with my friends. I grew up with good morals and good values. I got a good education. I was part of some thrilling sporting events. I have wonderful memories. And i hope wherever we end up, my kids can have the same.
7. My friends. I have some of the best friends you could ask for. They are always there to support me, to be a shoulder to lean on, an ear to listen.
8. My faith. It really gives me meaning for the season, as opposed to having nothing. My faith has grown so much in the last few years, and i'm lucky to have a wonderful church and such a caring and giving priest to celebrate with every week.
9. My dogs. I may complain about them, sometimes more than others...but they are always happy to see me, they always love me, and all they want is to be where we are, spending time with us.
10. My dad. I know, it doesn't seem fair to give him his own number and not everyone else. But it's different. After coming so close to losing him this past year, it makes me even more greatful that he is here. And in a way, this post isn't just for him, but for everyone. It makes me appreciate every day i wake up, just a little bit more.
11. For the people who aren't here this holiday season. Don't get me wrong, i'm not saying we are blessed to NOT have them, but more like we are blessed to have known them and had them in our lives. We wouldn't be who we are without them, and it's nice to be able to sit back and reflect on the memories we have with them and smile.
12. Our things. Not in the selfish way, but in the "we don't NEED anything" way. We have food and clothes, our daughter has toys and clothes and diapers. There are so many people who don't have basic things, i am just truly blessed to have what we need everyday.
13. My hubby. We may argue, we may fight, but who doesn't?! At the end of the day, we love each other, and we have each other, no matter what happens. Very few people find their true love, i guess we're just some of the lucky few.
13 reasons i'm blessed this Christmas:
1. My daughter Madylinn. She is by far the best thing that has ever happened to me. She has made being a first time mom the easiest job it can possibly be. To me, she is perfect, and i couldn't ask for better. She is, and always will be, number 1 on my list.
2. My family. They are always there for me, to support me, to help me, to keep me grounded. I am lucky to have each and every one of you. Thank you.
3. My marriage family. They are part of my regular family now, but i felt they needed their own post as well. They have all accepted me as a part of the family, and they always make me feel welcome. I couldn't ask for a better "extended" family, and i love you all.
4. My job. Especially this time of year, when so many people have no jobs and no income. I am truly blessed to have a job, and especially a job that i love so much. I may complain sometimes, about going to work, or working late, but it really isn't all that bad in the end. And my job gives me so much more time with my daughter than any other job would.
5. My house. I may complain about where i live, but at least i have a house. There have been so many fires lately, and people who's houses have been re-possessed, i am lucky to have a warm place to spend the cold nights.
6. My town/area. I know not many people love this area, but i feel lucky to have grown up here and to live here now. This is a low-crime area. There are great traditions. There are nice people. I never had to be afraid to walk home to/from school, or to play outside with my friends. I grew up with good morals and good values. I got a good education. I was part of some thrilling sporting events. I have wonderful memories. And i hope wherever we end up, my kids can have the same.
7. My friends. I have some of the best friends you could ask for. They are always there to support me, to be a shoulder to lean on, an ear to listen.
8. My faith. It really gives me meaning for the season, as opposed to having nothing. My faith has grown so much in the last few years, and i'm lucky to have a wonderful church and such a caring and giving priest to celebrate with every week.
9. My dogs. I may complain about them, sometimes more than others...but they are always happy to see me, they always love me, and all they want is to be where we are, spending time with us.
10. My dad. I know, it doesn't seem fair to give him his own number and not everyone else. But it's different. After coming so close to losing him this past year, it makes me even more greatful that he is here. And in a way, this post isn't just for him, but for everyone. It makes me appreciate every day i wake up, just a little bit more.
11. For the people who aren't here this holiday season. Don't get me wrong, i'm not saying we are blessed to NOT have them, but more like we are blessed to have known them and had them in our lives. We wouldn't be who we are without them, and it's nice to be able to sit back and reflect on the memories we have with them and smile.
12. Our things. Not in the selfish way, but in the "we don't NEED anything" way. We have food and clothes, our daughter has toys and clothes and diapers. There are so many people who don't have basic things, i am just truly blessed to have what we need everyday.
13. My hubby. We may argue, we may fight, but who doesn't?! At the end of the day, we love each other, and we have each other, no matter what happens. Very few people find their true love, i guess we're just some of the lucky few.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Mime girl speak-eth...
Well, after great anticipation, our little mime is now officially saying words. She actually has them pretty down pat, if i must say so (and hear so) myself. Her first official word was "dada". Not that i'm not happy that she's talking and all, but why does her first word have to be dada?! I'm the one that plays with her, works with her, pretty much does EVERYTHING with her...and how does she repay me?!?! By saying dada first!!!!!! But i'm not bitter.
Her second official word is "hi". She learned this one pretty quickly once we started. She likes to wave to people, and say hi. It's quite cute actually, even when she does it to strangers. hahaha.
And her latest word is "ball". Well, it kinda comes out more like "bbbaaaaa", but she points to the ball, and i know what she means. It counts people!!
I'm so proud of my little talker!
Her second official word is "hi". She learned this one pretty quickly once we started. She likes to wave to people, and say hi. It's quite cute actually, even when she does it to strangers. hahaha.
And her latest word is "ball". Well, it kinda comes out more like "bbbaaaaa", but she points to the ball, and i know what she means. It counts people!!
I'm so proud of my little talker!
Monday, December 21, 2009
Ho, Ho, Ho...
So Saturday, Frank and I decided to brave our way to the mall to try to finish up our Christmas shopping. We knew there was a storm coming, but there just wasn't any other time we could go, so out we went. After spending the whole morning shopping, and re-charging over a delicious Applebee's lunch, we went back to the mall for the ever daunting task of...dum dum dum...pictures with Santa!! While waiting in a rather long line, Mady must have thought she was Miss America. She was waving at people as they went past, and she even blew some people kisses! It was quite funny to see all the people stop, smile, wave, and even blow kisses back at her. And she would just laugh and move on to the next person. We finally made our way to the front of the line, and then it was our turn with Santa. This guy was a good Santa too. He looked genuinely jolly and his belly was very much similar to a bowl full of jelly. And his beard was real to boot! We put Mady down on his lap, and walked over to where we would be out of the picture. That's where it all started. She gave us the confused look, like we were going to leave her with this guy she's only seen in pictures. Then, she realized we were just going to take her picture, so she got all pouty and started looking down like she was shy. Then, out came the boo boo lip. She didn't cry, she just stuck out that lip a mile long. The lady that was taking the pictures was really good though, and she managed to get her to look up and to at least not pout. We did NOT get a smiling picture, but a not crying one will suffice for this year at least. As soon as i get one scanned, i'll be posting it for you all to see.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Thursday thirteen...
I know, it's friday not thursday...but this has been a very busy week for me! My days are all messed up and running in to each other. But don't they always say, better late than never?! :)
My Thursday thirteen for this week is (in no particular order):
13 things i hate about my commute to work
1. Slow drivers. These people are really slow. They are people who insist on going 20 in a 45! Seriously?! If you want to "sight see", then find another road to snail upon, and stop getting in my way!!
2. Road kill. It's like playing frogger everyday. Weaving here to miss roadkill, bobbing there to miss it. Everyone on that road looks like they just left the bar with a nice buzz tied on!
3. Repeated songs. I don't just mean hearing one song, maybe twice. I mean hearing the same song about 5 times on just about every station! It's so annoying! Radio stations really know how to kill your favorite songs, really quickly.
4. The length. I drive around 40-45 min one way every day. It's enough to drive you insane. At this point, i'd be willing to live in a box to get closer to my job and out of where we are right now.
5. Trucks. Not just regular trucks, but those really extra big ones with the tires that are bigger than my car. They kick up so much dirt, i can't hardly see the road in front of me.
6. Buses. In the Line Mountain School district, everyone is so spread out that the buses have to stop, litterally, every 100 feet to drop off 1 kid! It's honest to God, stop, go, stop, go, stop, go, stop, go. You have to either beat the buses out of the school, or wait about 45min until they are gone so you can have a safe ride.
7. Construction. It never fails, and it's all the time. They have you sitting in line for about 10+min, and then when they finally let you through, they aren't even working! Seriously?! What the heck was i even sitting there for this whole time?!
8. Gas prices. My drive is 30 miles one way. I'm lucky right now that i have a car that's good on gas, but i'm getting ready to trade my car in for something new, and i'm not so sure i'll be this lucky next time. And gas isn't cheap ya know. It adds up quick!
9. Lack of gas stations. I should re-phrase this one. There are 3 gas stations between Trevorton and the school, and they are all "cash only" gas stations. This is not good for me, since i only carry my card with me most of the time.
10. No passing zones. There is seriously 1 passing zone from the manor to Trevorton. If you don't get ahead of the slow drivers there, you are screwed for a long time. It's very frustrating....very!!!
11. Spotty cell phone service. There are 2 or 3 places on my commute where i don't get any service what-so-ever. Most of the time, i get good service, it's just those few areas that scare me.
12. Weather differences. Line Mountain might as well be in another country than where i live! It can be warmish and sunny when i leave my house, and freezing and rainy when i get to work. It's ridiculous
13. Slow people. I know what you're thinking, this was #1. Well, i hate them so much, i have chosen to make them another number as well! They just really kill me!!!!!!!!!
My Thursday thirteen for this week is (in no particular order):
13 things i hate about my commute to work
1. Slow drivers. These people are really slow. They are people who insist on going 20 in a 45! Seriously?! If you want to "sight see", then find another road to snail upon, and stop getting in my way!!
2. Road kill. It's like playing frogger everyday. Weaving here to miss roadkill, bobbing there to miss it. Everyone on that road looks like they just left the bar with a nice buzz tied on!
3. Repeated songs. I don't just mean hearing one song, maybe twice. I mean hearing the same song about 5 times on just about every station! It's so annoying! Radio stations really know how to kill your favorite songs, really quickly.
4. The length. I drive around 40-45 min one way every day. It's enough to drive you insane. At this point, i'd be willing to live in a box to get closer to my job and out of where we are right now.
5. Trucks. Not just regular trucks, but those really extra big ones with the tires that are bigger than my car. They kick up so much dirt, i can't hardly see the road in front of me.
6. Buses. In the Line Mountain School district, everyone is so spread out that the buses have to stop, litterally, every 100 feet to drop off 1 kid! It's honest to God, stop, go, stop, go, stop, go, stop, go. You have to either beat the buses out of the school, or wait about 45min until they are gone so you can have a safe ride.
7. Construction. It never fails, and it's all the time. They have you sitting in line for about 10+min, and then when they finally let you through, they aren't even working! Seriously?! What the heck was i even sitting there for this whole time?!
8. Gas prices. My drive is 30 miles one way. I'm lucky right now that i have a car that's good on gas, but i'm getting ready to trade my car in for something new, and i'm not so sure i'll be this lucky next time. And gas isn't cheap ya know. It adds up quick!
9. Lack of gas stations. I should re-phrase this one. There are 3 gas stations between Trevorton and the school, and they are all "cash only" gas stations. This is not good for me, since i only carry my card with me most of the time.
10. No passing zones. There is seriously 1 passing zone from the manor to Trevorton. If you don't get ahead of the slow drivers there, you are screwed for a long time. It's very frustrating....very!!!
11. Spotty cell phone service. There are 2 or 3 places on my commute where i don't get any service what-so-ever. Most of the time, i get good service, it's just those few areas that scare me.
12. Weather differences. Line Mountain might as well be in another country than where i live! It can be warmish and sunny when i leave my house, and freezing and rainy when i get to work. It's ridiculous
13. Slow people. I know what you're thinking, this was #1. Well, i hate them so much, i have chosen to make them another number as well! They just really kill me!!!!!!!!!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Bah Humbug!!!
So here it is, December 15th, and i'm still not done Christmas shopping. I've finished for most people, but there are just a few people that i am having such a hard time shopping for! The hardest of them all is my dad. What in the world can you buy him?! He has pretty much everything, and i know this for a fact because I was the one who bought it all for him! He really doesn't need anything. He has all the TVs, IPod touches, sneakers, hoodies, computers...everything...that you could need! I am at such a loss this year. And i know how much money he spends on us, so i can't just show up with a gift card and be like "Here's your present, Merry Christmas!" Any ideas on what to get the hardest man in the world to buy for would be greatly appreciated. Greatly.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Thursday 13...
This past wednesday was my mom's birthday. So, in honor of her birthday, my Thursday 13 iiiissss.....13 reasons why i love my mom!
Here they are, in no particular order...
1. I love my mom because...she can fix ANYTHING! She is so much smarter than i am. I always say, i'm gonna have to have her teach me that one day.
2. I love my mom because...she is technologically challenged. It's takes her forever to change with the times, and to pick it up. It's kinda funny actually.
3. I love my mom because...she is always there for me, whether it be 1am or 1pm, if i need something, she is there to help or to give it to me. I hope i can be there for my daughter that way.
4. I love my mom because...she is an awesome cook. I love food, and i'm sure it never hurt that my mom's home cooking was the best ever. I've tried to learn her recipies so i can make them, but they just never taste as good as when she makes them for me.
5. I love my mom because...she would throw me the best birthday parties EVER when i was a kid. All the other kids would be totally jealous. And she would (i can't believe i'm going to admit this somewhere where people can actually read it and look at it and use it against me) make my cabbage patch kid an outfit that matched the one i was going to wear. All the kids were jealous, and i loved it...at the time. Now i look back, slightly embarrased, but still laughing.
6. I love my mom because...she would never play real board games with me, she only wanted to play Trivial Pursuit all the time. At the time, i just wanted to play a game so i didn't care. For a while, i was mad because, Trivial Pursuit was NOT a fun game for a kid who wasn't born when over half of the answer happened. But now, i guess it wasn't that that bad. I am kinda smart, after all.
7. I love my mom because...every year for Christmas, she makes me pecan teabiscuits, my absolute favorite cookie that only she knows how to make. It doesn't matter if she's busy, or if money is tight, she always makes me my cookies. I gotta learn that recipie one day.
8. I love my mom because...she always went overboard for Christmas. I know what you're thinking, this sounds a bit selfish. I don't mean it that way. I mean, she always made sure i got what i wanted, even if it meant spending more than she should have. We always had a huge tree and lots of presents. But secretly, if i didn't get as many presents each year, i would have been ok, mostly because she puts so much time and effort into buying my stuff and making it extra special.
9. I love my mom because...she has read every book in the public library. Ok, maybe not every book, but i would definately say 80% of them (there is a children's section, lol). I'm not a book person, but i know that if i ever really wanted to start, i could ask her the best ones in a category and she would tell me. It's a kinda nerdy quality, "Hey, my mom's read every book EVER!", but it makes her her! So it's ok. I still like to tease her about it though.
10. I love my mom because...every Halloween, she would humor me and my crazy ideas for costumes. She would either help me find it, or make it for me if we couldn't find it. She never laughed at me, or told me i had a stupid idea, she just went along with it. And every year, i looked so awesome!
11. I love my mom because...she can't hold her liquor. Well, she can hold it, just not much of it. She is a lightweight, a cheap date. It's funny. And the drinks have to be "fruity" and "taste good". That's how you know she's a lightweight. After enough drinks, everything starts to taste the same, that's why it's so easy to keep drinking!
12. I love my mom because...she was a picture-a-holic. Maybe that's where i get it from. I think there are well over 5000 pictures of me from when i was little. Every special event, every holiday, every present for that matter. I will never be able to say "I can't remember (insert event here)", because there are undoubtedly 50 pictures from that very day!
13. I love my mom because...she is my mom, what other reason really matters?! I love you mom! Happy Birthday!!
Here they are, in no particular order...
1. I love my mom because...she can fix ANYTHING! She is so much smarter than i am. I always say, i'm gonna have to have her teach me that one day.
2. I love my mom because...she is technologically challenged. It's takes her forever to change with the times, and to pick it up. It's kinda funny actually.
3. I love my mom because...she is always there for me, whether it be 1am or 1pm, if i need something, she is there to help or to give it to me. I hope i can be there for my daughter that way.
4. I love my mom because...she is an awesome cook. I love food, and i'm sure it never hurt that my mom's home cooking was the best ever. I've tried to learn her recipies so i can make them, but they just never taste as good as when she makes them for me.
5. I love my mom because...she would throw me the best birthday parties EVER when i was a kid. All the other kids would be totally jealous. And she would (i can't believe i'm going to admit this somewhere where people can actually read it and look at it and use it against me) make my cabbage patch kid an outfit that matched the one i was going to wear. All the kids were jealous, and i loved it...at the time. Now i look back, slightly embarrased, but still laughing.
6. I love my mom because...she would never play real board games with me, she only wanted to play Trivial Pursuit all the time. At the time, i just wanted to play a game so i didn't care. For a while, i was mad because, Trivial Pursuit was NOT a fun game for a kid who wasn't born when over half of the answer happened. But now, i guess it wasn't that that bad. I am kinda smart, after all.
7. I love my mom because...every year for Christmas, she makes me pecan teabiscuits, my absolute favorite cookie that only she knows how to make. It doesn't matter if she's busy, or if money is tight, she always makes me my cookies. I gotta learn that recipie one day.
8. I love my mom because...she always went overboard for Christmas. I know what you're thinking, this sounds a bit selfish. I don't mean it that way. I mean, she always made sure i got what i wanted, even if it meant spending more than she should have. We always had a huge tree and lots of presents. But secretly, if i didn't get as many presents each year, i would have been ok, mostly because she puts so much time and effort into buying my stuff and making it extra special.
9. I love my mom because...she has read every book in the public library. Ok, maybe not every book, but i would definately say 80% of them (there is a children's section, lol). I'm not a book person, but i know that if i ever really wanted to start, i could ask her the best ones in a category and she would tell me. It's a kinda nerdy quality, "Hey, my mom's read every book EVER!", but it makes her her! So it's ok. I still like to tease her about it though.
10. I love my mom because...every Halloween, she would humor me and my crazy ideas for costumes. She would either help me find it, or make it for me if we couldn't find it. She never laughed at me, or told me i had a stupid idea, she just went along with it. And every year, i looked so awesome!
11. I love my mom because...she can't hold her liquor. Well, she can hold it, just not much of it. She is a lightweight, a cheap date. It's funny. And the drinks have to be "fruity" and "taste good". That's how you know she's a lightweight. After enough drinks, everything starts to taste the same, that's why it's so easy to keep drinking!
12. I love my mom because...she was a picture-a-holic. Maybe that's where i get it from. I think there are well over 5000 pictures of me from when i was little. Every special event, every holiday, every present for that matter. I will never be able to say "I can't remember (insert event here)", because there are undoubtedly 50 pictures from that very day!
13. I love my mom because...she is my mom, what other reason really matters?! I love you mom! Happy Birthday!!
Monday, December 7, 2009
It's beginning to look (and smell) alot like Xmas...
With Christmas fast approaching, i knew i needed to get my butt in gear and get everything going that needs to be done. The first of many things on that list, is get a tree. This is one of my favorite parts of the season. We always go to our favorite tree place, we get a bow saw, we trudge through the snow and the cold until we find the perfect tree, then we (and by we i usually mean Frank) cut it down and get it shaken and wrapped and take it home. Then i decorate it with all the pretty lights and ornaments we have.
Well, this year, there are 3 of us going tree hunting. It actually wasn't as hard as i thought it might be...it was actually pretty fun! We bundled up, since it had snowed about a foot the previous day, and we made our annual trek to Snyder's tree farm. My mom and Gary followed us this year. They decided to go with a real tree (horray!) rather than the nice, but still artificial one, they put up last year. Once there, we set off in search of the perfect tree. We wanted one that wasn't as big as years past, mostly so we have room to walk through our computer room without having to shuffle sideways. To achieve this goal, we took the measuring tape with us. Now, keep in mind, we've tried this feat every year now, and we still end up with a ginourmous tree in our house. So we trudged around for about 30min, and we finally found the perfect tree. Frank started the cut, like usual, then i took my turn. I usually only cut about 1/3 of it and then i'm tired, but this year i managed to cut 3/4 of the tree!! I am so proud of myself. When we got home, we rearranged the room and got the tree up...but we didn't get the decorations on it yet, i was way too tired once we were done.
While i was waiting for Frank to get the tree anchored to the wall and get it straightened out, i made my way to the kitchen to start the Christmas cookies. I usually make lots and lots of chocolate chip cookies, mostly because that's Frank's favorite type. I always make sure i have at least 1 batch in the fridge, ready to go. I baked 1 batch last night, and they are almost gone already!
Then i tried to get our Christmas card pictures done and out of the way. I'm not sure how they came out yet, but i guess we'll see soon!
Well, this year, there are 3 of us going tree hunting. It actually wasn't as hard as i thought it might be...it was actually pretty fun! We bundled up, since it had snowed about a foot the previous day, and we made our annual trek to Snyder's tree farm. My mom and Gary followed us this year. They decided to go with a real tree (horray!) rather than the nice, but still artificial one, they put up last year. Once there, we set off in search of the perfect tree. We wanted one that wasn't as big as years past, mostly so we have room to walk through our computer room without having to shuffle sideways. To achieve this goal, we took the measuring tape with us. Now, keep in mind, we've tried this feat every year now, and we still end up with a ginourmous tree in our house. So we trudged around for about 30min, and we finally found the perfect tree. Frank started the cut, like usual, then i took my turn. I usually only cut about 1/3 of it and then i'm tired, but this year i managed to cut 3/4 of the tree!! I am so proud of myself. When we got home, we rearranged the room and got the tree up...but we didn't get the decorations on it yet, i was way too tired once we were done.
While i was waiting for Frank to get the tree anchored to the wall and get it straightened out, i made my way to the kitchen to start the Christmas cookies. I usually make lots and lots of chocolate chip cookies, mostly because that's Frank's favorite type. I always make sure i have at least 1 batch in the fridge, ready to go. I baked 1 batch last night, and they are almost gone already!
Then i tried to get our Christmas card pictures done and out of the way. I'm not sure how they came out yet, but i guess we'll see soon!
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Thursday 13...
So, after so browsing around other blogs, i stumbled upon something i thought would be fun to try. It's called Thursday 13. Every thursday, you make a list of 13 things...anything really. It could be 13 of your favorite shows, 13 of your favorite recipies...you see where i'm going with this, right?
So this week, to kick off my new favorite thing for Thursday's, i bring you:
Stacey's 13 life lessons
1. Never pass up an opportunity to pee. This is one of the most important things anyone can learn. I found this lesson to be MOST valuable when i was pregnant, as there were days when i felt i could pee every 10 minutes.
2. Everyone seems normal, until you get to know them.
3. If you woke up breathing, congratulations! You have another chance! Don't blow it.
4. Learn to pick your battles. Ask yourself "Will this matter in a year/month/week/day?"
5. You only need 2 tools: WD 40 and tape. If it doesn't move and it should, use WD 40. If it moves and it shouldn't, use the tape.
6. The 5 most important words for a healthy relationship are "I appologize" and "You are right". But don't just say them to say them, you actually have to mean them.
7. If he/she says you are too good for them, BELIEVE THEM!! And never let anyone put you down, for any reason. There is a lid for every pot out there, sometimes it just takes a while to find it.
8. Never give yourself a haircut after 8 beers, or 3 margarita's, or 5 shots. Let's face it, how about you just never give yourself a trim/haircut. We already know it's going to come out badly, so save yourself the hat wearing for a month.
9. Be really good to your family and/or your friends. You never know when you're going to need them to empty your bedpan, or wipe drool from your chin.
10. When you make a mistake, say your sorry right away. The longer you wait, the harder it's going to be to get back where you started. And don't just say you're sorry to say it, you really have to mean it.
11. Living well is really the best revenge. Being miserable because of a bad or former relationship just might mean that the other person was right about you.
12. If you are going to be able to look back at something and laugh about it, you might as well laugh about it now.
13. Work is good, but it's not that important. Money is great, but you can't take it (or anything else for that matter) with you. Statistics show that most people don't live to spend everything they've saved. Some people don't even live to retire! Anything we have, isn't really ours, we just borrow it while we're here...even our kids. So live well, laugh often and love much. And don't sweat the small stuff!
So this week, to kick off my new favorite thing for Thursday's, i bring you:
Stacey's 13 life lessons
1. Never pass up an opportunity to pee. This is one of the most important things anyone can learn. I found this lesson to be MOST valuable when i was pregnant, as there were days when i felt i could pee every 10 minutes.
2. Everyone seems normal, until you get to know them.
3. If you woke up breathing, congratulations! You have another chance! Don't blow it.
4. Learn to pick your battles. Ask yourself "Will this matter in a year/month/week/day?"
5. You only need 2 tools: WD 40 and tape. If it doesn't move and it should, use WD 40. If it moves and it shouldn't, use the tape.
6. The 5 most important words for a healthy relationship are "I appologize" and "You are right". But don't just say them to say them, you actually have to mean them.
7. If he/she says you are too good for them, BELIEVE THEM!! And never let anyone put you down, for any reason. There is a lid for every pot out there, sometimes it just takes a while to find it.
8. Never give yourself a haircut after 8 beers, or 3 margarita's, or 5 shots. Let's face it, how about you just never give yourself a trim/haircut. We already know it's going to come out badly, so save yourself the hat wearing for a month.
9. Be really good to your family and/or your friends. You never know when you're going to need them to empty your bedpan, or wipe drool from your chin.
10. When you make a mistake, say your sorry right away. The longer you wait, the harder it's going to be to get back where you started. And don't just say you're sorry to say it, you really have to mean it.
11. Living well is really the best revenge. Being miserable because of a bad or former relationship just might mean that the other person was right about you.
12. If you are going to be able to look back at something and laugh about it, you might as well laugh about it now.
13. Work is good, but it's not that important. Money is great, but you can't take it (or anything else for that matter) with you. Statistics show that most people don't live to spend everything they've saved. Some people don't even live to retire! Anything we have, isn't really ours, we just borrow it while we're here...even our kids. So live well, laugh often and love much. And don't sweat the small stuff!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Looks...
Why is it that men don't care as much about their looks as women do?
Women work and try and strive to be skinny. They eat healthy, they diet and they exercise all year long so they look good in swimsuits, so they look sexy in dresses, so they don't gain too much weight at the holidays. They strive to look the way they did in high school. And why do they do this? So men will think they are sexy.
Men couldn't care less. They eat what they want, at any time of the day. They rarely exercise, they never diet, and they eat fatty foods like they're nothing! They think their beer-bellies are sexy, hanging over their swim trunks. The bigger the belly the funnier! They eat double helpings of desert at the holidays, too. And they couldn't care less about looking like they did in high school. Dieting is a bad word to them.
So why is it so different? Why can't women get fat and not care at all, and men have to work and worry and suffer to look sexy for us girls! Sometimes i really get mad about this, especially when i'm trying to eat healthy and exercise to try to lose all the baby weight and my wonderful husband sits on the couch eating cheesesteaks and french fries and saying to me "Why do you need to go running?! Sit here with me...eat!"
All this stemmed from our Wii fit. It gave us a Wii age and a BMI rating. I was normal. Frank was obese. He just laughed...didn't care. WTF!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Women work and try and strive to be skinny. They eat healthy, they diet and they exercise all year long so they look good in swimsuits, so they look sexy in dresses, so they don't gain too much weight at the holidays. They strive to look the way they did in high school. And why do they do this? So men will think they are sexy.
Men couldn't care less. They eat what they want, at any time of the day. They rarely exercise, they never diet, and they eat fatty foods like they're nothing! They think their beer-bellies are sexy, hanging over their swim trunks. The bigger the belly the funnier! They eat double helpings of desert at the holidays, too. And they couldn't care less about looking like they did in high school. Dieting is a bad word to them.
So why is it so different? Why can't women get fat and not care at all, and men have to work and worry and suffer to look sexy for us girls! Sometimes i really get mad about this, especially when i'm trying to eat healthy and exercise to try to lose all the baby weight and my wonderful husband sits on the couch eating cheesesteaks and french fries and saying to me "Why do you need to go running?! Sit here with me...eat!"
All this stemmed from our Wii fit. It gave us a Wii age and a BMI rating. I was normal. Frank was obese. He just laughed...didn't care. WTF!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Decorations...
So it's that time of year again. It's time for the Christmas decorations to come out of the attic and get put up around the house. This brings me great angst. Why, you may ask? I know what you're thinking. It's Christmas time, it's supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year. Well, it is for the most part. EXCEPT for the part where i have to hand the lights up. That is what gets me, and it does it every year.
The first big step is to untangle the lights. I have no idea how they get so tangled up in a matter of 11 months. I put them in there ever so carefully, gently in fact. But somehow they come out in knots and wrapped around each other, all just to tick me off. Then, i have to test all the lights out before i hang them up. I never used to test them, until one year i hung up all my lights and half of them didn't work...and it was the MIDDLE half of some of the strands! So now i've learned to test all the lights before they get hung up anywhere. Well, this year, the lights decided to work when i tested them, but then stop working when i went to hang them up! It was really testing my patience. My final gripe about the lights is that i have to go around and clean all my windows 2x before i hang the lights, otherwise the suction cups don't stick and i spend the entire holiday season re-hanging the suction cups and lights in every single window. That one really gets me. Even when i clean the darn windows, sometimes those stupid suction cups don't stick. Instead of looking like nicely decorated windows, they look like giant holiday x's!
And every year i have to make sure the front of my house looks nice, and i usually like to add something to it to make it better than it was the previous year. We've managed to go from just plain lights around the windows and posts, to lights on the fence, to red ribbon on the posts too to make them look like candy canes, to green realistic garland and bows around the window too, to now the "tree-like" garland ALSO around the posts. I haven't hit that "too much" point yet, at least i don't think so.
The final step here at the Stiffie household is to get the Christmas tree. We have to have a real tree every year, per my orders. None of that fake tree stuff here! We make our family pilgramage to the tree farm and we cut down our own tree that we hunt for hours to find. This year, Mady gets to join in the fun of the annual tree cutting. We've agreed to get a "slightly" smaller tree this year, mostly so Mady doesn't feel the need to pull it down. We do tie it to the wall every year, so you think we would feel safer. I guess we'll have to see how that goes when we get to it, but somehow i'm thinking we're gonna end up with a huge tree that gets pulled down at least once. LOL
The first big step is to untangle the lights. I have no idea how they get so tangled up in a matter of 11 months. I put them in there ever so carefully, gently in fact. But somehow they come out in knots and wrapped around each other, all just to tick me off. Then, i have to test all the lights out before i hang them up. I never used to test them, until one year i hung up all my lights and half of them didn't work...and it was the MIDDLE half of some of the strands! So now i've learned to test all the lights before they get hung up anywhere. Well, this year, the lights decided to work when i tested them, but then stop working when i went to hang them up! It was really testing my patience. My final gripe about the lights is that i have to go around and clean all my windows 2x before i hang the lights, otherwise the suction cups don't stick and i spend the entire holiday season re-hanging the suction cups and lights in every single window. That one really gets me. Even when i clean the darn windows, sometimes those stupid suction cups don't stick. Instead of looking like nicely decorated windows, they look like giant holiday x's!
And every year i have to make sure the front of my house looks nice, and i usually like to add something to it to make it better than it was the previous year. We've managed to go from just plain lights around the windows and posts, to lights on the fence, to red ribbon on the posts too to make them look like candy canes, to green realistic garland and bows around the window too, to now the "tree-like" garland ALSO around the posts. I haven't hit that "too much" point yet, at least i don't think so.
The final step here at the Stiffie household is to get the Christmas tree. We have to have a real tree every year, per my orders. None of that fake tree stuff here! We make our family pilgramage to the tree farm and we cut down our own tree that we hunt for hours to find. This year, Mady gets to join in the fun of the annual tree cutting. We've agreed to get a "slightly" smaller tree this year, mostly so Mady doesn't feel the need to pull it down. We do tie it to the wall every year, so you think we would feel safer. I guess we'll have to see how that goes when we get to it, but somehow i'm thinking we're gonna end up with a huge tree that gets pulled down at least once. LOL
Saturday, November 28, 2009
And the winner is...
#9 Colleen, who said..."I'd pick two february birthstone charms, one march, one June, one September, and one December, so I'd have one for each of my kids, my husband and myself. Then, if I find out I win before I know whether I'm pregnant or not, I'll pick the autism awareness crystal ribbon as my eighth. But if I already know that I'm pregnant, I'll get another birthstone one for the month the baby will be due."
Congrats! I'll be emailing you very soon.
Congrats! I'll be emailing you very soon.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Last chance...
Hurry now, this is your last chance to enter for the charm bracelet giveaway! The contest will be closed as of 12am November, 28, 2009.
I will be drawing the winner tomorrow morning and i will be emailing the winner shortly after.
Good luck!
I will be drawing the winner tomorrow morning and i will be emailing the winner shortly after.
Good luck!
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Update...
So, as many of you now know, we put a bid in on the house we were looking at. We still don't know if they accepted our bid or not yet. As most of you know, the couple selling the house is getting a divorce, and they aren't speaking to each other...so everything that comes in has to go to both lawyers first, then to the people individually, then back to the lawyers, and back to the realtor and back to us. It's such a huge hastle! And the lady doesn't want to sell, so she is making this as difficult as possible. I understand her point of view, living in a house 23 years, raising your family there, blah blah blah. But now, this is your life. You have no choice but to move...and why not sell it to a nice young couple who want to raise a family there themselves! C'mon lady!
So when it came right down to it, we had to offer full price or we knew we had no shot in hell to get the house. So after a bit of soul searching, and some asking of advice from trusted people, i decided it was worth it and i wanted to do it. BUT. I wanted to throw some things in to the contract and see if we could get them, since she didn't want to negotiate a price at all, not even $1. I know she's probably going to say no, but i figured it couldn't hurt to at least ask. We asked for the fridge, not because we want it (we are going to get a new one), but because Frank wanted a fridge for the garage. We asked for the area rugs, since they are fairly new and most places have carpet...and they are kinda expensive to buy new. We asked for the swing in the backyard, because it just goes there, and i love it. We asked for all the ceiling fans...they were in the contract anyway, but we wanted to make sure they would all stay. We asked for the window treatments, because they look good with the house and i like them a lot. And of course we asked for the garage door openers, because who would want a remote garage door opener for a garage that isnt even their's anymore. I didn't think it was too too much to ask, but i guess we'll find out tomorrow!
Hopefully by this time tomorrow, we will be new home owners!
So when it came right down to it, we had to offer full price or we knew we had no shot in hell to get the house. So after a bit of soul searching, and some asking of advice from trusted people, i decided it was worth it and i wanted to do it. BUT. I wanted to throw some things in to the contract and see if we could get them, since she didn't want to negotiate a price at all, not even $1. I know she's probably going to say no, but i figured it couldn't hurt to at least ask. We asked for the fridge, not because we want it (we are going to get a new one), but because Frank wanted a fridge for the garage. We asked for the area rugs, since they are fairly new and most places have carpet...and they are kinda expensive to buy new. We asked for the swing in the backyard, because it just goes there, and i love it. We asked for all the ceiling fans...they were in the contract anyway, but we wanted to make sure they would all stay. We asked for the window treatments, because they look good with the house and i like them a lot. And of course we asked for the garage door openers, because who would want a remote garage door opener for a garage that isnt even their's anymore. I didn't think it was too too much to ask, but i guess we'll find out tomorrow!
Hopefully by this time tomorrow, we will be new home owners!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Charm Factory bracelet giveaway!!
I am ever so excited to be bringing you this awesome giveaway, just in time for the holidays! I know all my fans and stalkers will love this product as much as I do. And the best part is, I will be loading you up with all kinds of bling bling, lol.
When I first received this product in the mail, I was surprised at how light it was. I immediately torn into it, since I knew what it was going to be. As I opened the box, I was pleasantly surprised with what was in front of me. It was the coolest bracelet ever, all because it was designed and made just for me! I tore it out of the box and put it on right away.
The first thing I noticed was how easy it was to put on. I’m not the most coordinated person when it comes to, well, anything. So when I realized that I had to try to put this on myself, I was a bit worried. But the clasp is big enough the get your fingers on, and it was very easy to clasp together. The next thing I noticed was that it was really light. Most charm bracelets are kinda heavy, especially once you get more than one charm on there. Not this one! And each of the charms was really well made and super cute too! I got to pick each one of the 8 of them, so the bracelet itself is like a mini story of me! They have just about anything you can think of charm wise, from words and phrases to paw prints to flip flops! So you can tell your mini you story too!
So I talked to Angie over at the Charm factory, and she was nice enough to offer to give a customized bracelet to one lucky Stiffie reader. That’s one bracelet and 8 charms! It’s an amazing deal. I know what you’re thinking, enough blabbering already, let’s get to the giveaway already! How do you win?! Well, it’s easy. First things first. You have to go over to the Charm Factory website and pick out what 8 charms you would want on your bracelet if you win, and make that your first comment. That’s mandatory. If you don’t do that, you can’t win. Now I know what you’re thinking, how are you gonna win with only one entry?! Well, that’s easy, you can earn more than 1 entry! Here’s what you have to do.
Extra Entries:
Follow my blog publicly (yes, I will check)
Follow me on twitter @TheStiffies
Tweet about this giveaway and included a link to my blog page (no more than 2 tweets a day)
Blog about this giveaway. Include a link to my blog and to Charm Factory
Become a facebook fan of Charm Factory
Become of facebook fan of me
The contest will be over on November 27, so get your entries in now!
When I first received this product in the mail, I was surprised at how light it was. I immediately torn into it, since I knew what it was going to be. As I opened the box, I was pleasantly surprised with what was in front of me. It was the coolest bracelet ever, all because it was designed and made just for me! I tore it out of the box and put it on right away.
The first thing I noticed was how easy it was to put on. I’m not the most coordinated person when it comes to, well, anything. So when I realized that I had to try to put this on myself, I was a bit worried. But the clasp is big enough the get your fingers on, and it was very easy to clasp together. The next thing I noticed was that it was really light. Most charm bracelets are kinda heavy, especially once you get more than one charm on there. Not this one! And each of the charms was really well made and super cute too! I got to pick each one of the 8 of them, so the bracelet itself is like a mini story of me! They have just about anything you can think of charm wise, from words and phrases to paw prints to flip flops! So you can tell your mini you story too!
So I talked to Angie over at the Charm factory, and she was nice enough to offer to give a customized bracelet to one lucky Stiffie reader. That’s one bracelet and 8 charms! It’s an amazing deal. I know what you’re thinking, enough blabbering already, let’s get to the giveaway already! How do you win?! Well, it’s easy. First things first. You have to go over to the Charm Factory website and pick out what 8 charms you would want on your bracelet if you win, and make that your first comment. That’s mandatory. If you don’t do that, you can’t win. Now I know what you’re thinking, how are you gonna win with only one entry?! Well, that’s easy, you can earn more than 1 entry! Here’s what you have to do.
Extra Entries:
Follow my blog publicly (yes, I will check)
Follow me on twitter @TheStiffies
Tweet about this giveaway and included a link to my blog page (no more than 2 tweets a day)
Blog about this giveaway. Include a link to my blog and to Charm Factory
Become a facebook fan of Charm Factory
Become of facebook fan of me
The contest will be over on November 27, so get your entries in now!
Monday, November 16, 2009
A small thing...
It may seem small and insignificant, but its a huge step for me.
It's taken me 13 months, but i can finally say that...I can fit in to EVERY SINGLE thing in my closet again!
I've been at my pre-pregnancy weight for about 2 months now, but when i look in the mirror, it still doesn't quite look like me. But even though i was down with my weight, i still had a few pair of pants that either didn't want to button, or were tight. Well, yesterday, the last pair of those pants went on no problem. Yes, some of those pants are tight, but they were tight before, so i don't count it as a bad thing.
My next goal is to make all those tighter pants loose.
It's taken me 13 months, but i can finally say that...I can fit in to EVERY SINGLE thing in my closet again!
I've been at my pre-pregnancy weight for about 2 months now, but when i look in the mirror, it still doesn't quite look like me. But even though i was down with my weight, i still had a few pair of pants that either didn't want to button, or were tight. Well, yesterday, the last pair of those pants went on no problem. Yes, some of those pants are tight, but they were tight before, so i don't count it as a bad thing.
My next goal is to make all those tighter pants loose.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
A morning update...
So i had plans to have lunch with my best friend this morning. Needless to say those plans are no longer. Why, you may ask? Because she is seriously sick. Morning sickness strikes again. Boy am i glad i only had 1 or 2 days of morning sickness when i was pregnant. It doesn't even SOUND fun! I really feel bad for her. I hope it goes away soon.
Talking to her, though, did make a part of me really miss being pregnant. The excitement of hearing the heartbeat for the first time, the joy of feeling the baby kick for the first time, and just the awesomeness of growing a little person inside of you. Now don't get ahead of yourselves, this is NOT a message or a clue or anything. Don't get me wrong, it's all awesome and stuff, but i'm totally not ready for another baby just yet. We need to get a bigger house before we can have another baby, that's for sure. We are looking for that house right now though. I think Frank is more anxious to get the new house and have another baby right now than i am...but i also think that is because he hates living in town, and he doesn't have to be the one that actually carries the baby for 9 months. But he wants kids 1-1 1/2 years apart, and i want kids 2-3 years apart. Looks like i win :)
Talking to her, though, did make a part of me really miss being pregnant. The excitement of hearing the heartbeat for the first time, the joy of feeling the baby kick for the first time, and just the awesomeness of growing a little person inside of you. Now don't get ahead of yourselves, this is NOT a message or a clue or anything. Don't get me wrong, it's all awesome and stuff, but i'm totally not ready for another baby just yet. We need to get a bigger house before we can have another baby, that's for sure. We are looking for that house right now though. I think Frank is more anxious to get the new house and have another baby right now than i am...but i also think that is because he hates living in town, and he doesn't have to be the one that actually carries the baby for 9 months. But he wants kids 1-1 1/2 years apart, and i want kids 2-3 years apart. Looks like i win :)
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Tonight i'm gonna party like it's 1999...
Saturday night was my 10 year high school reunion. It was the first time in 10 years that i really started to feel my age. That all changed by Sunday morning...well, maybe Sunday night.
I wasn't sure i was going to go to my reunion at first. There are always those people that you really just don't want to see ever again, and you'd be happy. Well, i figured there was going to be more people there that i WANTED to see than i didn't, so i sent in my response.
Of course, in typical Stacey fashion, i missed the bus over to the reunion. So Frank drove me over. Why didn't he stay, you ask? It wasn't all my fault. True, i didn't want to have to sit and babysit him all night long while he looked uncomfortable around people he didn't know...but he was ok with staying home! He hates being around people he doesnt know, especially in large groups. He actually seemed quite happy to stay home.
Upon arriving at the reunion, i knew immediately that i made the right choice in going. I was greeted by people i haven't seen in what seems like forever, and it was like we didn't miss a beat. We picked right up where we all left off in high school, except more mature (yes, i'm saying i'm mature...don't be surprised).
Our room was very elegant and fancy. And of course, it was all decked out in red, white and black.
There was a great food spread, which included all kinds of appetizers, cakes, cookies and candy. And you guessed it, all in red, white and black!
There was a great food spread, which included all kinds of appetizers, cakes, cookies and candy. And you guessed it, all in red, white and black!
After a great dinner, we had a band ~Deuce~ perform for the remainder of the night. They were quite good, but it was so much better when our classmate Terry got up and performed. He has his own band, and they are really popular and quite good.
You would think it was our senior prom again, how we all got along.
It was most appropriate that Terry play our class song, and we all got together and sang along.
After a long night of drinking, we all got back on the bus to make the trek home. But, in typical Mount Carmel (and class of 99) fashion, we weren't done yet. We had the bus driver drop us off at the Pine Burr Inn, where we continued drinking and partying until we could all barely stand.
It really turned out to be a great time, and i'm so glad that i went afterall. Thanks for the memories 99. We really are the best class of the century.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Looking to buy a bridge...
If anyone out there has a bridge that they want to sell, i'm sure my husband would be willing to buy it.
My hubby is the most naive person i know. The house he wants is $105,000. The person selling it is going through a divorce. Supposedly they have to sell it for what they owe on it. Ok, i get that. But these people have lived there for over 15 years now. I don't care how many renovations you do to a house, there is no way that you could still owe over $100,000 on a house you've lived in for over 15 years. No way!
Frank thinks it's a great deal, and we should just offer the $105,000 AND to pay the closing costs ourselves. I think he's out of his tiny little mind! If i did that, i would feel like i was being taken for a fool. Frank swears that the house and the garage are worth way more than that, and that we'd be getting such a great deal. If someone isn't willing to negotiate, even a little bit, i'm not going to be taken for a fool. And i'm not even totally in love with the house. I feel like there is so much work that needs to be done upstairs. The only thing i really love is the back porch and back yard. Frank just wants to garage, i know it.
How can i justify spending THAT much money on a house i don't LOVE?!
My hubby is the most naive person i know. The house he wants is $105,000. The person selling it is going through a divorce. Supposedly they have to sell it for what they owe on it. Ok, i get that. But these people have lived there for over 15 years now. I don't care how many renovations you do to a house, there is no way that you could still owe over $100,000 on a house you've lived in for over 15 years. No way!
Frank thinks it's a great deal, and we should just offer the $105,000 AND to pay the closing costs ourselves. I think he's out of his tiny little mind! If i did that, i would feel like i was being taken for a fool. Frank swears that the house and the garage are worth way more than that, and that we'd be getting such a great deal. If someone isn't willing to negotiate, even a little bit, i'm not going to be taken for a fool. And i'm not even totally in love with the house. I feel like there is so much work that needs to be done upstairs. The only thing i really love is the back porch and back yard. Frank just wants to garage, i know it.
How can i justify spending THAT much money on a house i don't LOVE?!
Stress stress stress...
I never figured building and buying houses would be this stressful. When we moved in here, i knew it wasn't going to be forever, but i never thought it would be this hard to get out!
First we decided we were going to buy a house (3 years ago). We went and looked at a few, and found one we thought we liked. We went through practically the whole process, and finally decided that the house just wasn't right for us. So we stayed put. Then, after we had Madylinn, we decided that building a house was a great idea, especially since the market was down and it was mostly a builders market. We've been going through the process for about 6-9 months now, and it's very stressful. Now, Frank has decided that since he can't have everything he wants in a house, he wants to buy one again...and live there for 5 or 6 years, sell that and THEN build our house. He's so determined to buy a house that he's already found one, looked at it online, took me to a personal showing, and put in an offer! I'm not totally sure that this is the best house ever, and i'm definately not sure it's worth what they're asking for it...but he's sure. I think he's only sure because he wants the huge 3 car garage that comes with the house. I guess i have some thinking to do, and some arguing to do...and who knows, maybe even some moving to do.
First we decided we were going to buy a house (3 years ago). We went and looked at a few, and found one we thought we liked. We went through practically the whole process, and finally decided that the house just wasn't right for us. So we stayed put. Then, after we had Madylinn, we decided that building a house was a great idea, especially since the market was down and it was mostly a builders market. We've been going through the process for about 6-9 months now, and it's very stressful. Now, Frank has decided that since he can't have everything he wants in a house, he wants to buy one again...and live there for 5 or 6 years, sell that and THEN build our house. He's so determined to buy a house that he's already found one, looked at it online, took me to a personal showing, and put in an offer! I'm not totally sure that this is the best house ever, and i'm definately not sure it's worth what they're asking for it...but he's sure. I think he's only sure because he wants the huge 3 car garage that comes with the house. I guess i have some thinking to do, and some arguing to do...and who knows, maybe even some moving to do.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Pondering the future...
I quite often catch myself staring at Madylinn. I know what you're thinking, you see her everyday, what is there to stare at? Well actually, there is lots to stare at, and to think about for that matter.
I often wonder, who will Mady be? Will she be famous, will she be happy? Will she be tall, or short? Will she be an athlete, or a bookworm? Will she have her blond hair and blue eyes forever? Will she skinny, average, fat? Will she be smart? Will she be motivated? Will she be independent? Will she want to go to college?
I have so many questions, and it will take what seems like forever to get my answers. I may not like all the answers i get, and i may be pleasantly surprised by some of them...but i will accept them all. I guess for now, all i can do is stare at her and wonder...and enjoy every minute i have with her. The minutes seem to go too fast lately. Can't we just freeze time for a while?
I often wonder, who will Mady be? Will she be famous, will she be happy? Will she be tall, or short? Will she be an athlete, or a bookworm? Will she have her blond hair and blue eyes forever? Will she skinny, average, fat? Will she be smart? Will she be motivated? Will she be independent? Will she want to go to college?
I have so many questions, and it will take what seems like forever to get my answers. I may not like all the answers i get, and i may be pleasantly surprised by some of them...but i will accept them all. I guess for now, all i can do is stare at her and wonder...and enjoy every minute i have with her. The minutes seem to go too fast lately. Can't we just freeze time for a while?
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Spook-tastic Halloween...
If you didn't know already, we were "Old MacDonald's farm". Frank was the farmer, i was the cow, Mady was the chick and Dakota was the piggy.
Here is Mady doin her chicken dance, lol.
We entered in the Kulpmont Halloween parade this year. We were classified as a small group...i guess the dog put us over, ha ha ha. It was really fun to walk in the parade and see all the other really good costumes. I was pretty jealous that i didn't think of some of those things, but there is always next year. We did, however, win a prize for our efforts. I'm not sure what it is yet though, as we can't go pick it up until Thursday night. I'm thinking it's a gift certificate to a local restaurant, but that works for us! We love food!! Frank vows that we are going to start making floats and dressing up and riding on them in the parades. Sounds good to me, but we'll see!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Why didn't I think of that?!?!
My friend Juanita just had a first birthday party for her son Tristan, and at the party they had a balloon guy making balloon animals for the kids. Why didn't I think of that?! He did some of the coolest things, and it was just awesome! I am totally having him for Mady's next birthday, and maybe even my own!! 
Mady's monkey
Mommy's ducky
Mady's monkey
Mommy's duckyMonday, October 26, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
What's good for the goose...
This saying is very prevelent in our house these days. Since Mady's first birthday, she has been eating "big girl" food, which is really just food that Frank and I eat. Knowing that she is going to be eating what we eat, when we eat and how we eat, i made an executive decision. We are going to eat better so we can set a good example for Madylinn. This wasn't exactly easy for us. Not that we eat that bad all the time, but we don't always eat as healthy as we should. Well, we've started to now. And i make sure that Mady does too, at every meal. She eats lots of fruit and veggies, and balanced meals every day. And the days when Frank and I decide we are going to eat UN-healthy, we bought Mady her own toddler dinners so she can still have a balanced meal. But for the most part, it's making us eat healthier too, which is a good thing overall. We all, also, sit down at the dinner table together and eat all our meals. It's really nice. You would think we were a family, lol.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Still searching, and searching, and searching...
That's right, i've looked practically everywhere, and i still can't find rain boots in a size 3 for Madylinn! It seems the smallest size they make is a size 5, and they call that the infant and say it is for pre-walkers. I don't know about you, but MY infant/toddler is NOT a size 5, and she has been walking for 3 months now. I can't even find snow boots in her size. What am i supposed to do when the snow comes around?
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Shots...
We had Mady's 1 year appointment with the doctor yesterday. She is growing like a little weed, but not as fast as i thought she was. She is 19lbs 6oz and 29 1/4 inches tall. Frank thinks she needs to be eating more, and of course he won't listen to me when i talk, so i had the doctor set him straight. He told him that she will eat when and what she wants, and it probably won't be a lot since she is a little girl and has a little tummy. He still doesn't believe me that she is fine. I guess he wants her to be a blimp by her 2nd birthday. Mady also had her first dose of the seasonal flu shot yesterday. She has to go back in 4 weeks for the other dose. It makes me feel better to know she has it, since so many people are sick right around now. I'm still not totally sure about the H1N1 shot thought. I know our ped says it's recommended, but it's so new and it hasn't been totally tested or anything yet. I just don't want to expose her to something i don't know that much about. I wish i knew the right thing to do. Hopefully i'll figure it out before they have the shots available.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Husband for sale...
That's right, you read that correctly...
Husband for sale - Newly reduced price!
32 years old, high mileage, needs oil changed frequently, built in GPS (but it doesn't always work and it won't stop to ask for directions), gear shift tends to stick (isn't sure if it wants to Park, Reverse or Drive...usually just Parks on the couch), valves need tightening (they tend to leak from the nose and mouth), no need for refilling the gas tank (he comes fully loaded)
No refunds, all sales final
Husband for sale - Newly reduced price!
32 years old, high mileage, needs oil changed frequently, built in GPS (but it doesn't always work and it won't stop to ask for directions), gear shift tends to stick (isn't sure if it wants to Park, Reverse or Drive...usually just Parks on the couch), valves need tightening (they tend to leak from the nose and mouth), no need for refilling the gas tank (he comes fully loaded)
No refunds, all sales final
Saturday, October 10, 2009
What a day...
Well, today was the big day. Mady's first birthday. It was a very happy and very sad day for me. Where does the time go so fast, and is there a person i can contact to get it back?
Today started out as hectic as it ended. Once i woke up, it was right to work for me. Finishing baking and decorating the cake, making the food, getting everything packed in to the car, and showering and getting ready to go for the day. Once Mady got up, it was break time, whether we had time or not. We sang to her and watched her open her presents from us. It was awesome. And yes, i did cry.
After Mady had her breakfast, we were on the go again. Once we got the car all packed up, we made our way over to the hall to start setting up. In my typical fashion, i was just finishing up when people starting arriving. I did, however, manage to make the cake meet my standards, which is more than i thought i would be able to do. It didn't quite look like the picture, but i was happy with it none the less. And my centerpieces didn't work like i thought they would either, but i re-configured it and made it work in a different way.
After everyone ate, we sang happy birthday to my little princess. She actually got in to her cake too, which i was happy about. I know what you're thinking, how could you be happy about that, but i was. She made up her mind that it was her cake and she was going to enjoy it and eat it, and she did...and boy what a mess she made!
Then we started on presents. Everyone was so generous, it was wonderful. Thank you to everyone, not only for the presents, but for being there to help us celebrate our little girl's first birthday. Having everyone we love and care about there made it an even more special day for us. Mady loved having all the kids there to play with, and she enjoyed having people she knew around her on her special day.
Once we got home, we had to take everything out of the boxes so Princess Mady could play with it (of course...she wasn't happy until she tried everything out). Then she got her cup of milk and sat on her new chair and drank it. It was too precious.
I will post pictures soon, when i get a chance to get them all off the camera. And i will be posting a 1 year video too, whenever i can get a chance to make it and not cry a river in the process.
Thank you again to everyone. We love you all very much.
Today started out as hectic as it ended. Once i woke up, it was right to work for me. Finishing baking and decorating the cake, making the food, getting everything packed in to the car, and showering and getting ready to go for the day. Once Mady got up, it was break time, whether we had time or not. We sang to her and watched her open her presents from us. It was awesome. And yes, i did cry.
After Mady had her breakfast, we were on the go again. Once we got the car all packed up, we made our way over to the hall to start setting up. In my typical fashion, i was just finishing up when people starting arriving. I did, however, manage to make the cake meet my standards, which is more than i thought i would be able to do. It didn't quite look like the picture, but i was happy with it none the less. And my centerpieces didn't work like i thought they would either, but i re-configured it and made it work in a different way.
After everyone ate, we sang happy birthday to my little princess. She actually got in to her cake too, which i was happy about. I know what you're thinking, how could you be happy about that, but i was. She made up her mind that it was her cake and she was going to enjoy it and eat it, and she did...and boy what a mess she made!
Then we started on presents. Everyone was so generous, it was wonderful. Thank you to everyone, not only for the presents, but for being there to help us celebrate our little girl's first birthday. Having everyone we love and care about there made it an even more special day for us. Mady loved having all the kids there to play with, and she enjoyed having people she knew around her on her special day.
Once we got home, we had to take everything out of the boxes so Princess Mady could play with it (of course...she wasn't happy until she tried everything out). Then she got her cup of milk and sat on her new chair and drank it. It was too precious.
I will post pictures soon, when i get a chance to get them all off the camera. And i will be posting a 1 year video too, whenever i can get a chance to make it and not cry a river in the process.
Thank you again to everyone. We love you all very much.
Friday, October 9, 2009
The final countdown...
I am in the home stretch now, i can see the finish line. That's what i was thinking one year ago today, when i went in to the hospital to be induced. Little did i know what i was in store for.
This morning, i started baking Madylinn's birthday cake. I'm trying to do everything "just right", so i'm making her a princess castle birthday cake. It's a lot harder than i thought, and it's going to take much longer than i thought as well. I'm about half way done now, and i can honestly say that it doesn't really look like the picture. Oh well, at least it will taste yummy, lol.
I also spent last night and this morning working on gift bags for the kids and centerpieces and decorations for the party. Frank told me i was being over-ambitious. I figure, even though she isn't going to remember this party, she WILL be able to look at the pictures one day and see how much work i put in to it. Plus, she's only going to be 1 one time, so i might as well do it right. What if i never have another girl, just all boys? I'll never get the opportunity to plan a princess party and spoil my little girl. So here i am, trying to do it all now. Hahaha, i hope it all turns out ok looking. Guess we'll see tomorrow afternoon!
This morning, i started baking Madylinn's birthday cake. I'm trying to do everything "just right", so i'm making her a princess castle birthday cake. It's a lot harder than i thought, and it's going to take much longer than i thought as well. I'm about half way done now, and i can honestly say that it doesn't really look like the picture. Oh well, at least it will taste yummy, lol.
I also spent last night and this morning working on gift bags for the kids and centerpieces and decorations for the party. Frank told me i was being over-ambitious. I figure, even though she isn't going to remember this party, she WILL be able to look at the pictures one day and see how much work i put in to it. Plus, she's only going to be 1 one time, so i might as well do it right. What if i never have another girl, just all boys? I'll never get the opportunity to plan a princess party and spoil my little girl. So here i am, trying to do it all now. Hahaha, i hope it all turns out ok looking. Guess we'll see tomorrow afternoon!
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
What did we even buy?
Since i had a busy week last week, being at the hospital everyday with my dad, i didn't really have time to shop for birthday presents for Madylinn. I know, i know, i feel like a bad parent! So i decided to go shopping this morning to get her some things. I had no idea what to get for a 1 year old, this is the first one i can remember buying for in quite some time, so i had Frank and Mady come with me. We went to Harrisburg to Babies "R" Us and Toys "R" Us to see what we could find. We started at Toys "R" Us, and we found lots of cute things. The problem was, they were either not advanced enough for her, or way too advanced for her. And i know it's bragging, or maybe just being a mom in general, but i definately think Mady is very advanced for her age. She had a tea party with my dad the other day, and actually understood the concept of pouring the tea and drinking it from the cup! Anyway, back on topic. My dad also gave us money to buy her some things, since he is still in the recovery phase and doesn't want to go too far from home. So we bought a ton of stuff from Toys "R" Us, and i actually think she is going to like it all! Then we proceeded to Babies "R" Us. The main reason we were going there was to buy her her new "big girl" carseat. I've had it picked out forever now, i've just been waiting for the coupon in the mail so i could get the 15% off, lol. The one i wanted rear-faces to 40lbs, which is 5lbs more than the other seats on the market. That 5lbs means a lot to me...it could mean saving her life, god forbid. It forward-faces the same as the other seats. It's really cute too, not that i was picking it specifically for it's cuteness, but that fact doesn't hurt. When we got in the store, we took the trial version of the seat out to the car to try it out to make sure we liked it. It fit really nicely in the backseat of the Yukon, so that was the final piece of the puzzle, and we got it. Now, we just need to install it. I think i am going to make Frank take it to the state police to make sure it's installed correctly.
Now, i just have to finish buying all the decorations and i'm ready to go for Mady's first birthday! It's a lot of work, planning a first birthday party...or any party for that matter. And the worst part about it all is, she isn't going to remember ANYTHING about it!!
Now, i just have to finish buying all the decorations and i'm ready to go for Mady's first birthday! It's a lot of work, planning a first birthday party...or any party for that matter. And the worst part about it all is, she isn't going to remember ANYTHING about it!!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Thank you...
I just wanted to say thank you to everyone for your concern and prayers for my dad. He was discharged yesterday, and he's happy to be out of "prison", lol. Now it is my mission to try and get him to take it easy and eat better. I hope it won't be too difficult, as he is determined to do what he has to do to be around for when Mady's grows up.
I always thought i had my priorities pretty straight, and that i knew what i was doing. But it takes something serious to happen to make you stop and realize you need to slow down and enjoy things more, because it could all be taken away from you in the blink of an eye, without warning.
I always thought i had my priorities pretty straight, and that i knew what i was doing. But it takes something serious to happen to make you stop and realize you need to slow down and enjoy things more, because it could all be taken away from you in the blink of an eye, without warning.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
A rough day...
Yesterday, my father went to the hospital with a mild heart attack. It was especially weird because he didn't have any heart pain, just a pain in his upper stomach area, which he originally thought was indigestion. He said he woke up with pressure, like an air bubble or something, and it lasted about 20min and went away. He didn't think anything of it so he got ready and went to work. Well, he was at work and the pain came back, so he went up to the nurse. She took his blood pressure and said it was kinda high, so she recommended that he go to the hospital and get it checked out. Well, he is very much like me, so he said no, that he would wait a while and see how he felt. Well, he felt better so he went back to work. Not so surprisingly, the pain came back, so he went back down to the nurse and she gave him 2 Nitro pills this time. She made him call me to take him to get checked. Well, in the 10min it took me to get dressed and get down there, they called the ambulance to be sure he was ok. They took him to Geisinger right away. Once there, they did about a million tests, and sure enough, it was a heart attack. They scheduled him for surgery to determine the blockage and take the necessary steps right away. While in there, they found that he had a major blockage, which means that it's good he got there when he did because if he would have waited another day, he might not have made it. They ended up putting a stint in his heart, which opened up the artery and let the blood flow freely. He is now resting in the cardiac intensive care unit to make sure his heart is strong enough to go home. We're hoping he will be in a regular room very soon though, so he can have more than 2 visitors at a time. Thank God for the nurse making him go to the hospital. He is very stubborn and would never listen to me, and i don't know what i would do without him in my life right now.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Yo quero Taco Bell?!
Why is it that i can go to Taco Bell and eat 2 taco's and be happy...but when i make taco's at home, i can eat 6 of them? Do i make them differently, like with air instead of beef or something?
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Messy messy...
Mady is slowly transitioning herself over to adult food. She eats her own things, but then she wants to try what we have on our plates. I'm totally fine with this, but Frank is having a hard time. He thinks she should eat all of her own food and her bottle first, and then if she is still a bit hungry, she could have a bite or two of ours. He doesn't realize that it doesn't work like that. She wants to eat our food when she wants it, and her food will come later when she feels like it. She knows what she wants, who are we to tell her no to what we have...especially if it isn't bad for her. He is also crabby that when she eats our food, she uses her hands and gets messy. He freaks out!! Kids are going to get messy. They are going to get messier before they get cleaner, but he doesn't get that either. After lunch today, her hands and face were dirty, and he was sooo pissy! It's how she learns! Is this a man thing, or just my OCD hubby thing?
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Life is fragile...
I would really appreciate it if everyone took just 1 minute out of their busy lives to say a little prayer for my friend Meagen and her family.
Last night, they were on their way home from their grandfathers viewing when a drunk driver crossed the road at full speed and crashed into their explorer head on. Meagen's dad was killed, her mom has a broken back and a chance of being paralyzed, and her 2 sisters are in medically induced coma's right now. Thankfully (if there is a reason to be thankful in this whole situation), Meagen only has a broken leg and some bruises.
This is just a tragic situation that could have been avoided with one person not deciding to drink while driving. I am devastated for her loss and what is going on with her family right now.
Please, take a moment to say a little prayer
Please, take a moment to hug your family
Please, take a moment to think before you drink
Please, take a moment and tell someone you love them
Last night, they were on their way home from their grandfathers viewing when a drunk driver crossed the road at full speed and crashed into their explorer head on. Meagen's dad was killed, her mom has a broken back and a chance of being paralyzed, and her 2 sisters are in medically induced coma's right now. Thankfully (if there is a reason to be thankful in this whole situation), Meagen only has a broken leg and some bruises.
This is just a tragic situation that could have been avoided with one person not deciding to drink while driving. I am devastated for her loss and what is going on with her family right now.
Please, take a moment to say a little prayer
Please, take a moment to hug your family
Please, take a moment to think before you drink
Please, take a moment and tell someone you love them
Friday, September 18, 2009
Alaska, day 8
The last day of our cruise, day 8, took us to Whittier.
Whittier is a small town of about 250 people. Yes, you read that right, only 250 people live there. And, no joke, they all live in this apartment building.
Traffic waiting in line to go through the tunnel
After we left Whittier, we went to a tour of the Portage Glacier.
The small boat we were on got us very close to the glacier. It was breath taking.
The Portage Glacier, up close
The Portage Glacier on the way out
Ice chunk floating in the water 
After that part of the tour, we got back on the bus and made our way to some wild animals :) We saw Elk...
Adult Moose...
Brown bears...
This bear liked me :)
Us with the Bison
She was going insane!!
Whittier is a small town of about 250 people. Yes, you read that right, only 250 people live there. And, no joke, they all live in this apartment building.
Whittier is a unique town, as there are only 2 ways in and out: Either on the water or through the tunnel. The tunnel opens on the hour for the people on the Whittier side, and on the half hour for the other side. And it only stays open for 15min and then you have to wait for the next opening an hour later. So you better not be late getting in line, lol.
Traffic waiting in line to go through the tunnelAfter we left Whittier, we went to a tour of the Portage Glacier.
The small boat we were on got us very close to the glacier. It was breath taking.
The Portage Glacier, up close
The Portage Glacier on the way out
Ice chunk floating in the water 
After that part of the tour, we got back on the bus and made our way to some wild animals :) We saw Elk...
Adult Moose...
Cute, not-so-little, baby moose...
Brown bears...
and Grizzley bears...
This bear liked me :)There were so many animals there, it was great...
Us with the BisonWe then all got back on the bus and we were taken to Anchorage, where we got to walk around, shop and browse throughout town. It was a nice, clean town...and we got some great deals there too, lol. Then we made our way, via shuttle bus, to the airport. This was a HUGE mess. Frank, being the smarty pants that he is, remembered what crap we had to go through the first time at the airport in Philly with Mady's boarding pass, so he said something right away. At first they argued with us, that since she didn't have her own seat, she didn't need a boarding pass. Well, after a few minutes arguing and a phone call to the security area, they finally said we were right. I wish we were wrong. The process of printing out a boarding pass for an infant that doesn't even have a seat took longer than the flight was going to! How hard is it to print out a piece of paper that says "it's ok for this baby to get on the plane". Holy crap people. Litterally 45min later, we were finally ready to go. Mady was pissy too, as she was in the stroller the whole time and totally ready to get down and run around.
She was going insane!!
The flight home was a long, overnight flight, and then a shorter early morning one...
Frank fell asleep with the baby...
So i ate his breakfast cookie :)
All in all, our Alaskan cruise was a wonderful time! I am so happy that we did it, and i will always remember the things i saw there. And i'm so glad that we took Mady too, because one day she will be able to look back on these pictures and see what a wonderful time we had.
Thank you all for sharing in our vacation with us, via pictures. I hope you enjoyed seeing our life for a few days. I hope to be able to share many many more vacations and experiences with you all very soon.
Love,
The Stiffies
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