Did I ever mention I love chocolate?? Chocolate.com review

Yes, I love chocolate. I love milk chocolate. I love dark chocolate. I even love white chocolate. So you can imagine that I jumped at the chance to taste and review some great selections from Chocolate.com.

Jembrana Hancrafted Dark Chocolate 70% Cacao Minimum by Amano Artisan Chocolate

I received my "happy package" on Monday and couldn't wait to see what was in the box. The first was an amazing bar of 70% Dark Chocolate from Amano. I will admit that even though I will eat any and all chocolate I do prefer milk chocolate and rarely buy dark. This bar has converted me. It is deep and rich, and so flavorful. This is the kind of chocolate that you eat slowly and savor. Let it melt on your tongue and enjoy the rich flavor. I would buy this candy bar to enjoy as an everyday treat.

Jennifer- Marzipan/Pistachio Truffles by Knipschildt Chocolatier

Next in the box were Marzipan/pistachio truffles from Knipschildt Chocolatier. My first reaction when I saw them was that I couldn't wait to try one. They are enrobed in dark chocolate and have a dusting of pistachios on top. So far, so good. I love pistachios. I love dark chocolate. But I have to say that these left me a little disappointed. They weren't bad, but they weren't that good either. The flavor of the filling was almost bland. The dark chocolate covering the truffle was great. A very strong and slightly sweet chocolate that would be great alone or with a stronger flavored filling, but it was just overwhelming with the pistachio filling.

Chocolate Truffle Bar from Chocolate.com

The last item in my box was the one that made me the happiest. Happy because of the description. Happy because it is beautifully hand-painted. Happy because of how wonderful it tastes. And Happy because there is enough of it to last me nearly a week. OK, let me explain. Imagine a 5 inch long truffle. Shaped into a long pyramid and hand painted. Filled with milk, dark, and white chocolate infused with hazelnut puree and caramel.

Are you drooling yet??

This is what the card on the package says "Double Hazelnut Caramel. A hand-painted truffle with contrasting tiers of milk chocolate flavored with hazelnut puree, white chocolate infused with caramel and dark chocolate with a hint of ground hazelnut. "

YUM!

The directions say to cut slices off to enjoy. Enjoy.....yes I am! The inside of the truffle is nearly as pretty as the outside. It would be awesome for serving at a party. But way more important than looks is the taste. Soft, creamy and perfect. Hazelnuts and chocolate go together perfectly. There is no other way to describe it. And caramel....who doesn't like caramel?? This caramel melts in your mouth and isn't overly sweet like kiddy caramels. I am sure my kids would enjoy this if given the chance but NO.....this is mommy's chocolate and mommy ain't sharing!

Anyone looking for some new and interesting chocolates....go to Chocolate.com

Anyone looking for some great gift ideas....go to Chocolate.com

Anyone wanting to blog about chocolate.....go to Chocolate.com

Thank you Chocolate.com for making me one very happy woman this week. You are the Best!!

Do you think he would trade bodies with me for just one day??

I went to a doctors appointment yesterday. It was just a visit to my PCP to ask a few things, discuss some other medication options and get a flu shot. I left mad. Why is it that all my doctors except one (and the second opinion rheumy) downplay fibromyalgia? Why? Is it because they haven't had much experience with it or it is because they are hard-headed nincompoops?? At this point I think it is the latter. Let me explain what happened yesterday.....



We were discussing how this past month (since my surgery) has been really rough on me. I have been in a bad flare and even my pain meds are not working like they should. We also were discussing how I cannot tell if my new medicine Savella is working or not because of this flare. In all his wisdom he tells me that I am a "special"case and so much worse then anyone else with Fibro......Oh REALLY?!?!?! I think not. I know of many other fibro patients who spend their days and nights in pain. They try treatment after treatment and none seems to help as much as the doctors believe it will. So I am NOT special or worse, I am just a normal fibro patient.



Please...any and all Fibro readers out there please back me up on this. Thanks!!!

It's been a WHOLE year!

Today is a very special day to me.

It is an anniversary that I never thought I would see...EVER.

As of today I have been one whole year without a seizure. YES! Since I started having them in 2004 I haven't been more than 6-8 months in between. Sometimes only a day or a week in between. So you can see this is a big accomplishment for me and I am so Thankful.

I will thank the Lord very much; I will praise Him in front of many people

Psalm 109:30

Today and this weekend

Today is the 9th Anniversary of when Hubby and I ran off and eloped. I highly recommend it. No wedding stress and SO much cheaper. Love you Hubby!!!

I had to take R to the pediatrician this morning. It is day three of a fever, etc.....turns out both ears are infected. His right ear is so bad that the doctor was shocked it wasnt leaking (ew!). So we stopped to pick up antibiotics and ear drops before heading home to nap in the living room. We are both exhausted.

Tomorrow (if R is feeling better) we are heading down to the Dover Speedway. We are true rednecks and go watch the cars ride in circles. And we love it.

Well, I guess I should go work on cleaning the kitchen and then making dinner. No fancy Anniversary dinner out for us....oh no! (sniff, sniff)

Oh wait! I was such a dork last night. I cried off and on throughout the ENTIRE Greys Anatomy season opener. It wasnt like it was a shock....I knew it was coming. So why all the stupid tears?? Ugh.

Thats all I have for now.....Go enjoy your weekend!!

YAWN.....

R is sick. Fever and earache sick. He had me up until midnight and back up at 5. Currently he is passed out on the couch next to me while I listen to Barney and wait for J to get up for school. I do believe today is going to be a LONG day. I have some errands to run and then we will be home for a much needed nap.

Hmmmm.....I swear I had some other things to write but they left my brain that quickly. I guess that is what sleep deprivation will do to you, right?

This and That

Happy Wednesday Everyone. It is raining here.....blah. Yesterday I went to my very first MOPS meeting and loved it. So did R. In fact he cried all the way home because he wanted to stay and play longer. For anyone who doesn't know, MOPS is a Christian based programs for moms called Mothers of Preschoolers. They provide fun for the kids while we have Mom time. And we all know that moms needs some of that precious mom-time.

Last night was the first soccer game for the boys. J played goalie, and did very well. That was his favorite position from last year and he loves it. R played....and by played I mean played everything BUT soccer. I don't think he even realized there was a game going on. It is both cute and a little frustrating. Frustrating because we have to keep telling him to stay on the field, to NOT lay in the grass in front of the goal, etc.

I finished "The Shack" last night. I would highly recommend this book to everyone. I cried alot while reading it(happy and sad tears) and I am almost sad that it is done. I think this may be one of those books that I keep so I can read again later.

I put some things on Craiglist and so far, so good. Someone is coming this afternoon to buy our bike trailer and we have someone coming on Sunday to buy our double jogging stroller. I hope they don't fall through. I have to say that working with Craigslist is so much easier than ebay. Plus it is free and ebay isn't. Enough said.

We have a new favorite place for grocery shopping. It is Aldi Markets. OH MY! We took a notebook and wrote down prices for anything that we were buying or that we may buy in the future. Then did the same at Walmart, since they were the cheapest place. After we got home I compared all the prices and Aldi beat the pants off of Walmart. Insanely cheap prices! Most of the items are store brands, which we normally buy anyway. And I compared to the Walmart Great Value brand prices....not brand names. And Aldi Still beat them. So we love, love, love Aldi.

Friday is Hubby and my 9th Anniversary. Saturday we are heading down to Dover with the kids to the racetrack. We sold our Sunday tickets but kept our Saturday tickets. So far the weather is showing a very nice day......low 70's and sunny. Can't ask for better than that!

Bad Day....send prayers

I have had a rough day....actually a rough couple of days. And I am not above asking for prayers.....so please send some my way. Thanks!!!

Does anyone out there attend MOPS? I am going to a MOPS meeting for the first time tomorrow morning and I am really excited. So is R, because he knows he will be meeting some new playmates in the morning. I will let you know how it goes.

I read this today....and I know that God wanted me to hear it loud and clear!

I begged the Lord three times to take this problem away from me. But he said to me "My grace is enough for you. When you are weak, my power is made perfect in you". So I am very happy to brag about my weaknesses. Then Christ's power can live in me. For this reason I am happy when I have weaknesses, insults, hard times, sufferings and all kinds of troubles for Christ. Because when I am weak, then I am truly strong. 2 Corinthians 12:8-10

If God is Good ....Book Review

If God is Good... Faith in the Midst of Suffering and Evil

By Randy Alcorn

Many people today question the existence of God. These people all seem to lean towards the same thought process that if there was a God, why would he allow so much evil and suffering that happens in our world. Violence, Neglect, Disease....you name it, it happens. And not just to bad people. We constantly hear of sick children or of accidents that take the lives of parents leaving children orphans. There is violent crime that shakes families to the core. So where is God in all this. Right smack in the middle. Hoping you will reach out to him during these dark times.

I have to be honest this book is not something I would have normally read on my own. I am so thankful that Waterbrook Multnomah offered it to me for a review. Reading this book opened my eyes to how others view evil and suffering and how they form their opinions. Of course I went into this book already having an opinion. Which was (and still is) that God is with us, even on our darkest days, even when you don't think he is there. He is. And always will be.

In the book, Mr. Alcorn explained the thought process from both sides, the non-believers and the believers. I think doing this really validated his message. Which was that God does allow in a sense that he does not stop all evil from occurring. He is able, but chooses to step back and hopefully allow those bad situations to bring you closer to Him. He does not orchestrate these bad things to happen, but he does allow free will. Free will along with Satan's influence causes havoc in our world.

I want to thank Waterbrook Multnomah for allowing me to read and review this book. It has really touched me and opened my eyes on this subject. I also would like to thank Randy Alcorn for writing such a thought provoking book. I will be watching to see what he writes next.

If you are interested in finding more information on this book or buying this book, click HERE.

Book Winner!

I went to Random.org and let them pick a number, and the winner is

#7

Katie @the Baby Factory

http://johnstonbabyfactory.blogspot.com/

Congrats Katie!!!

Pray for Addison

Please stop and take a moment to pray for Addison. She is in surgery RIGHT NOW. Please pray she has no complications and everything goes well. Then pray a few prayers for her parents. They need them too.
Thanks!!!

Look what I did!

I did it.

I went and got all my hair chopped off. AND Hubby said it looked "OK". I will take that as a compliment! LOL For anyone who knows my Hubby they know that is HUGE. Hubby HATES short hair on women, especially his wife. To be fair, I showed him a picture of what I wanted done before I went for my haircut. He also said that picture was "OK".

So what do you think?

P.S. Dont forget to enter my Book Giveaway!

Mornings and why I dont mind being Sick

This week is National Invisible Illness week, so I wanted to continue to support this by sharing a little bit more of myself.

Being sick is not something I would have chosen for myself. Of course not. Who would? But while I wouldn't choose this, I do try to accept it and live the best that I can. I struggle daily. Really, really struggle. I get up....no wait, that sounds too easy. I lay in bed and pray my body will support myself if and when I roll out of bed. After that painful (not at all graceful) roll I try desperately to stand up straight. Nope. Didn't happen today, yesterday or any day in the foreseeable future. So there I stand, hunched over waiting to see if I can manage that first step. That first step is nearly indescribable. Between EVERY joint being stiff and sore and EVERY muscle screaming in pain with the slightest movement....each and every one of those steps is a big event. But thankfully I can hold onto the door knob and then the bathroom counter to give myself support and make it to the toilet. Aaahh....sitting again. Guess what happens next? Yep....up I go, hunched over and hanging on to stuff for dear life. At this point I can see what type of day I will have. Some days after that initial battle of getting out of bed and then off the toilet I will start to loosen up. The pain will ease. I said EASE, not go away. The pain is a constant part of my life now. Good days are judged by less pain......Bad days, of course, depend on how bad my pain and fatigue are. Anyway, back to what I was saying....at this point I can see if my body is planning to cooperate or not. When it does, I have the "luxury" of being able to get breakfast for the boys AND clean up the kitchen afterwards. Yeah....most days aren't like that. Most days are closer to the Bad end of the spectrum and I can only manage to dish out some cold cereal or honeybun before I hobble to the couch. Maybe later I can get up and get those breakfast dishes done....and maybe not. I am learning to be OK with this, because I HAVE to be OK with this. It isn't going away......ever.
This was an example of a typical morning for me. The day does not get much better. Some days are.....and some are WAY worse. Hubby has found me on the top step crying my eyes out because I physically could not move another inch. The pain was too intense. My muscles were so weak. I just couldn't do it. Unfortunately my life is starting to be filled with more and more of these days. Even with new meds and treatments, I still struggle. I don't cry like I used to, I know that crying leads to headaches and that wont help anything.
What I have done is to trust God. I trust God that this is his plan. This is what He wants for me, and I need to find his Grace in it. I could speculate on how or why. I could complain that God doesn't love me. I could turn away from God.
But I don't. And I won't....EVER. Because I know God. I love Him and He loves me. I find comfort in praying, in reading the Bible and in talking with other "sick" people. I do NOT get mad.....or ask WHY ME?!? The real question is Why Not Me?? Maybe I am sick because it has brought me closer to Jesus. In fact I believe that....that one reason I am sick is because God knew it would bring me closer to Him. And I wouldn't change that.
2 Corinthians 7:10 The kind of sorrow that God wants makes people change their hearts and lives. This leads to salvation, and you cannot be sorry for that.
Illness happens. You can't pick or choose. You can't opt-out. But you can be Thankful that you are who you are, and that God is with you no matter what your situation is. He gives Peace, all you have to do is ask for it.
I asked and I received. Thank you Jesus!

Random thoughts

What a crazy week, and it is only Tuesday. I am going to skip right over Kanye West's initial screw up and jump to Taylor Swift. Did anyone see how gracefully she handled all the questions about Sunday nights AWFUL and disrespectful outburst? If not, here it is....


THAT right there is amazing. Yes, Taylor Swift is amazing. I really enjoyed her music before this, but I am even more of a fan now. Do you know of any other teenagers who would handle a situation like that with so much grace? No hate, no anger. Someone raised that girl right!

I went for my post-surgical check up with the surgeon yesterday and with my GYN today. Both visits went well and both said I can be done my restrictions in 2 weeks.

J lost his first tooth today. And by lost I mean LOST. He didn't even know it came out and has no idea where it went. I suppose he swallowed it at some point. It has been loose for awhile and I knew it would be coming out soon. I am just glad it happened at school. Because there are two things that as I mom, I have trouble with....one is snot and the other is teeth. Loose teeth, teeth coming out. AWFUL! Give me puke or a splinter any day but not snot or teeth. (BTW, I had to reassure him that the Tooth Fairy will still come without his tooth)

This scripture has been in my head all day:
But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31

To me this means that God will give me the strength to finish everything that he has planned for me each day. And I need to listen to Him and know when it is time to rest and to let everything else go. Good thinking, huh??

You Were Born For This Blog Tour and Giveaway!

"You Were Born for This, 7 Keys to a Life of Predicable Miracles" by Bruce Wilkinson is the most recent title shipped to me by Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing. The book summary sent to me stated:

His New York Times phenomenon The Prayer of Jabez changed how millions pray. Now Bruce Wilkinson wants to change what they do next.

Anyone can do a good deed, but some good works can only happen by a direct intervention from God. Around the world these acts are called miracles—not that even religious people expect to see one any time soon. But what would happen if millions of ordinary people walked out each morning expecting God to deliver a miracle through them to a person in need? You Were Born for This starts with the dramatic premise that everyone at all times is in need of a miracle, and that God is ready to meet those needs supernaturally through ordinary people who are willing to learn how Heaven works.

In the straightforward, story-driven, highly motivating style for which he is known, Wilkinson describes how anyone can help others experience miracles in such universally significant arenas of life as finances, practical help, relationships, purpose, and spiritual growth.

After reading this description I was so excited to start the book. Afterall, who wouldn't want to see more miracles in life, right?

Bruce Wilkinson delivers in this awesome book. Besides the step by step guide on how to change your mindset to be ready to deliver God sent miracles....he also mixes in plenty of heart-warming stories of miracles that he has either heard of or has been involved in delivering. His guide for preparing yourself for this God given task is easy to follow and understand. I imagine that Mr. Wilkinson has a truly blessed life with so many blessing flowing near to him.

If you would also like to read this book you can either 1) buy it from HERE or you can 2) WIN a copy by entering my Giveaway!!

All you need to do is leave me a comment. I will draw a winner Saturday Sept 19th. Good Luck!!

Things you need to know....

I have posted in the past about my illnesses but I wanted to do it again to help bring attention to National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week. So here is a list of questions off the NICIAW website......

30 Things About My Invisible Illness You May Not Know

1. The illnesses I live with are: Sjogrens and Fibromyalgia

2. I was diagnosed with it in the year: 2006

3. But I had symptoms since: 2006....I was one of the lucky ones who didn't spend 5 or more years without a true diagnosis. My neurologist knew right away that I had Fibromyalgia and my PCP found the Sjogrens pretty quick too.

4. The biggest adjustment I’ve had to make is: Adjusting to the limitations my body has, and how to continue to get through the day while I am in pain. It is hard when you know that you have a lot of stuff that needs to be done and your body will only cooperate to do a few of those things.

5. Most people assume: I am just lazy.

6. The hardest part about mornings are: Moving. Seriously, between feeling like I haven't slept, stiffness and pain... just getting up and moving is HARD.

7. My favorite medical TV show is: I like all the blood and guts ER shows.

8. A gadget I couldn’t live without is: Cordless telephone. If I didn't have one I would miss most calls because most days I can't move that fast.

9. The hardest part about nights are: Nights always seem to be worse for me. I think it is because I push through so much during the day and when I finally stop to rest all that pain comes flooding at me.

10. Each day I take __ pills. (No comments, please) 13 pills (more than that if you count pain killers). Except on Saturdays when I take 20 (methotrexate is only taken one day a week).

11. Regarding alternative treatments I: Haven't tried any, I guess I don't know too much about them.

12. If I had to choose between an invisible illness or visible I would choose: Invisible. I hate my disease and how it limits me but I am also ashamed of it and I am glad most people have no idea what I am going through.

13. Regarding working and career: I used to have one, but not right now. There is no way I could function all day at a job. They would fire me for falling asleep at my desk or for taking too many days off.

14. People would be surprised to know: That things that seem small to them are huge to me. Like taking a shower, that drains my energy. So planning anything after a shower is not an option. I need to rest afterwards. The same goes for household chores. I can't do the dishes and turn around and run the sweeper. Nope...it just can't happen that way. AND another thing that might surprise people is That even some of my closest friends have no idea how sick I really am. I am just too ashamed to let them know.

15. The hardest thing to accept about my new reality has been: that this is PERMANENT. Forever is a long, long time to feel crappy and hurt like Hell.

16. Something I never thought I couldn't do with my illness that I did was: This is hard. I can't think of anything I have done that my diseases would have prevented. I guess I better get out there and start trying new stuff, right?

17. The commercials about my illness: Fibro has commercials and I hate them. It seems like it is the "new" thing to have.....which makes me think people assume I jumped on the commercial bandwagon. But I had it before those commercials came out. And Sjogrens doesn't have any commercials. But I would love to see one....and see if anyone pronounced it correctly.

18. Something I really miss doing since I was diagnosed is: Riding my bicycle. I finally got the bike I always wanted and then got sick. That depresses me.

19. It was really hard to have to give up: My independence. Well, it isn't completely gone but on bad days I need lots of help.

20. A new hobby I have taken up since my diagnosis is: Blogging!

21. If I could have one day of feeling normal again I would: Play and Run with my boys. I would do everything they asked and enjoy every second of having an able body to do it with.

22. My illness has taught me: To slow down. And that being with family and friends is what is important.

23. Want to know a secret? One thing people say that gets under my skin is: Are you really THAT bad??

24. But I love it when people: Accept me as I am, Sickness and all.

25. My favorite motto, scripture, quote that gets me through tough times is: But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds, declares the LORD. Jeremiah 30:17

26. When someone is diagnosed I’d like to tell them: Tell your doctor how your feeling, TRUTHFULLY. If your hurting, tell them. If you are tired, tell them . And if they wont listen, get new doctors.

27. Something that has surprised me about living with an illness is: How people judge you so harshly and don't believe you since you look ok. It is very frustrating. But I guess I can't complain too much since I spend most of my time hiding my illnesses. BUT those times when people have found out and dismisses it as nothing really upset me.

28. The nicest thing someone did for me when I wasn’t feeling well was: Say it was OK to cancel or change plans at the last minute. (thanks Amy! You are the BEST!!)

29. I’m involved with Invisible Illness Week because: I think more people need to know that just because someone looks OK on the outside, they may be suffering on the inside. Don't judge!

30. The fact that you read this list makes me feel: Thankful. I hope that it helps to change the way you see other people.

Find out more about National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week and the 5-day free virtual conference with 20 speakers Sept 14-18, 2009 at www.invisibleillness.com

No easy answers

My heart broke a little tonight.

It isn't that I don't think about it, because I do. But I honestly NEVER thought about how or when I would need to explain it to my kids.

I am talking about this...

Tomorrow we are attending the 9/11 Memorial Service at J's school. I had started to tell him that we were going to be there and why and he interrupted me to tell me about the book the teacher read to them. It was about a fire boat that helped when the planes hit the Twin Towers. Then the questions started. The first questions were from me, asking about the book. They were followed by questions about how it happened and why. He was so curious. And I wanted to give him honest answers without scaring the crap out of him. So I carefully weighed every word and explained as much as I felt a 5 year old could handle. And I cried. I cried for all the lives lost. I cried for all the families of the victims. And I cried for my son, who lost a little bit of innocence tonight.

A Fairy Tale....or a complaint, you decide

A long time ago a wonderful prince named Sir Petty fell in love with Lady Labonte. They shared a love of all things Nascar and spent two weekends a year at the Dover Races. On Dover race weekends there are 3 races, one on Friday, one on Saturday and the big race on Sunday. At first Sir Petty would drive Lady Labonte back and forth daily, over 120 miles round trip daily (3 days in a row)....in traffic. This got old quick so Sir Petty and Lady Labonte bought an old (used and abused) travel trailer to take to the track on race weekends. Not only was this more convenient for the royal couple, but it was cheaper too. No more daily parking rates and gas guzzling. Plus it meant no more mornings being up before the sun to try and beat the traffic. Those race weekends were so special to the couple. It was their alone time (because Lady Labonte's son didn't like Nascar and stayed at his dads house on those weekends). Not much changed through the years except for a new travel trailer to replace the old one. THEN the royal couple had their first prince. Because Sir Petty has trust issues he decided that they no longer needed to go to the races....except for a quick shopping trip, with new Prince in tow. Eventually the royal couple had another prince, thus giving Sir Petty even more reason why any and all race tickets should be sold. Last spring, the princes were finally old enough to go to the track AND actually go in. Sir Petty planned to take Lady Labonte and the two princes to the Friday race since it is a shorter race and less crowded. Their royal outing was overthrown by a huge rainstorm which caused the Royal family to need to go back to the track the following day. This also gave way to the Princes attending the Saturday race. Which is longer and more crowded. Much to Sir Petty's amazement the older prince LOVED it. He was entranced and watched the entire race. The smaller prince lost interested but played nicely on the seat next to him. This made Lady Labonte happy. Very happy because she missed the long weekends at the track. Staying in the camper, with no long commute to or fro. This gave her hope....and plans for the future.
This is where the story remains. At a stand still. Sir Petty is not convinced that he should take his royal family down to the track for the entire weekend. Even though they have tickets for both Saturday and Sunday races. AND have had no luck selling the Sunday tickets. Lady Labonte suggested that Sir Petty take the oldest prince to the Sunday race since there are only 2 tickets. While she and the younger prince stay at the camper.

So what do you think? Is Lady Labonte right? Should the royal family reinstate their Dover weekend trips? Or should they just attend one day and try to sell the Sunday tickets.

And if you agree with Sir Petty.....would you like to buy two Dover tickets?

Changes

Oh Boy! So many changes in such a short amount of time. Most importantly is that J started his first day of kindergarten this morning. And yes, I cried when he left. He was all smiles and at least waved to us once he was on the bus. Me and R both started to cry about the same time....we both missed him right away. As I am writing this I only have 2 hours to go until I can hold him and hug him again. Apparently Hubby is just as anxious as I am with J going to school. Neither one of us really trusts other people with our kids (that is normal, right???) so sending him with a strange bus driver to go to a school full of other strangers is nearly panic inducing. We were discussing all our worries and fears last night when I mentioned a fear I have that really freaked Hubby out....What if he gets on the wrong bus home? I know! It could happen, and WE.WOULD.FREAK! Thankfully our school district is small and only has two buses. So we at least know where to find him if he does get on the wrong bus.

Another change is that there will be no more pictures of the boys on my blog (or facebook). Apparently me putting pictures of them online has been upsetting Hubby for a long, long time. I respect his wishes....I just wish he would have TOLD me earlier instead of letting his anger of the issue boil into a huge issue. I am not a mind-reader. Anyhow...from now on only pictures without the boys will be posted. Pictures with the boys will be emailed only to family and close friends.

I only have today and tomorrow left with my Mom taking care of the house. My parents leave on Thursday to head back to AZ. Boo! Right now my house is picked up, laundry is done and kitchen is clean. By monday Im sure it will be a disaster around here. I still have all my restrictions for a few more weeks....no lifting, pushing, pulling, picking up, vacumming, etc.
Wish me luck....or send me a maid. Otherwise things will be getting real ugly real quick.

Happy Labor Day!

I hope everyone has a safe and fun holiday.

Grumble, Grumble

I chose that title because it covers BOTH topics of my post. My complaining and our Dinner (actually my stomach rumbling).
I will start with Dinner, cause it is going to be AWESOME. Hubby has been rocking the smoker all day. He is making Ribs, chicken and sausage. All smoked to perfection. We are also having Crabs!!! YUM. I made coleslaw and deviled eggs to go with our feast. I sure hope Mom and Dad have lots of room in their tummys because we are going to feast like Kings tonight!!

On to the complaining. I hurt. Not so much from the surgery but from my Sjogrens and Fibro. Yesterday was awful and today isn't much better. I am very thankful for my non-stop prescription for Percocet but HATE HATE HATE that I need them. I also hate that this stupid disease(s) practically run my life. We have been talking about making a trip to FL after my parents move, and all these plans are wrapped around me. How I will feel and how my limitations will effect our trip. UGH! I don't want to be sick! I want to be normal!!!!
Sorry...sometimes I need to do that. Does it help? No, not much...but it is better than letting it swim around in my head and infect my moods permanently.

How are you enjoying your Holiday weekend? Whatever you do...keep if fun and keep it safe!

Friday nonsense

This post has no real theme or message....just a bunch of nonsense that is in my head and needs to come out. Random things I suppose.

-I am really enjoying the visit with my parents. Its great having them here. And Mom ROCKS! She is doing everything and not letting me do much of anything. Yay Mom!

-Soccer practice started last night. Both J and R are playing this year and are on the same team, thankfully. I LOVE watching the little ones play. It is so cute.

-Our weather has been great. The temps are lower and so is the humidity. I wish it was like this year round.

-We went to the Back to School picnic yesterday. It was nice. J got to pick out his seat in the Kindergarten room and see some of the the fun stuff he will be doing soon. They also had lots of games and prizes and food. Crabs and hotdogs actually. Not too shabby for a school picnic, huh??

-Looks like my parents will be moving from AZ to FL next spring. That means we will most likely be traveling down there next year. I have been on the Disney site and am SHOCKED at how expensive it is, and unless someone can direct me to some miracle site that has extremely reduced prices then my kiddos will have to get their fill of Mickey off the TV.

-I 100% agree with EM on THIS. You really should check it out, and besides that EM has nice CANS.

-Does anyone else do Swagbucks? I signed up and forgot about it until recently. But I am making a conscience effort to earn more "bucks", which will help to support my growing MP3 download habit. (If you plan to sign up, please do so under me so that I will get more credits. Thanks!!)

Pictures

Dad with R

Dad with J
J and his lego creation
R with his cake
Dad and Poppop

R's "puppy" birthday cake
Mom, Poppop and Dad

Weekend

Are there any people in your life that take you WAY back to a happy time in your life? Or ones that make you happy and laugh constantly, no matter what else is going on around you? I am lucky to be blessed with a friend like this and even more blessed that she is back in my life. I just spent the weekend laughing NON-STOP. Even my kids laughed all weekend. MA is just fun to be around. Hubby enjoyed her visit too, but not as much as I did.....because (unfortunately for him) we have a lot of "inside" jokes. Even if we try to explain, he just doesn't get it.

So needless to say, this was the BEST weekend I have had in years. And now I am sad because she is back in VA and I miss her already. But I do have a very nice distraction. My parents are here now. We picked them up at the airport yesterday afternoon. Mom has been super busy doing all the stuff I shouldn't be doing now that Hubby went back to work. She keeps telling me to sit down and relax. And telling me how stubborn I am, lol. Who Me?!?