Senseless Tragedy!

My heart is broken right now. My thoughts and prayers are with the families involved in this senseless tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut.
I am completely floored that someone could open fire on a bunch of children.
A bunch of very small children.
My baby just turned 5 on Tuesday, these kids were in that age group.
While I will pray for the shooters family, I honest hope the shooter rots in hell.
20+ families sent their children to school this morning, expecting them to have a good day at school today. Those families are now being told their child will never be coming home again. I can't even begin to imagine how those families feel.
I am with the rest of the country awaiting answers...
I will update more later......

Sometimes Life Is Funny

http://tv.yahoo.com/news/ashton-kutcher-tops-our-list-of-the-highest-paid-tv-actors.html


Charlie Sheen has been replaced as the number one paid actor, by none other than Ashton Kutcher. The very same person who replaced him on sitcom "Two and A Half Men".


Personally I am a Charlie Sheen fan. I have not watched "Two and A Half Men" since Kutcher has been a part of the cast. However, I will go out of my way to catch one of the reruns with Sheen in it.

Lack of Parenting.

    What in the world is up with some parents these days?? Between going to the store, watching TV, or just reading the news on "Yahoo" I can't help but notice that some people should have a license to even think about having kids.
    So my questions for today are,
  1) Do pre-teen kids really need tattoos? No
  2) Should a person be able to give their own child a tattoo? Again No
  3) Why are there 8-9 year old girls at Wal-Mart with no shoes on??
And don't even get me started about "Honey BooBoo".

Sore Throat Remedy

I have coughed so much that now not only do I have a nasty headache, but I have a sore throat as well.Tonight I have found a solution that works for me. Coffee/Hot chocolate/ Sprinkle of Coffeemate creamer. It's not quite as painful now to swallow, and the caffeine is working on my headache. Promise to update more later, going to enjoy my drink!

Finally Feeling at Home

Well this past Saturday we technically said good-bye to hotel living. I say technically because even though we are now in a 2 bedroom apartment, the building we are living in is named The Kirk Hotel. They do offer nightly rates, however, they are looking for more long term guests.
We love this place. The staff is all super friendly. They serve a hot breakfast 5 days a week, getting ready to try Saturdays as well. This is the most pet and kid friendly place I think we have ever been. Chase loves being able to spend time with all of the dogs. He also loves getting to watch cartoons on the big screen TV downstairs.
The downside?? It's a walk up. No elevator. Why do I say this is a downside, because it has shown me just how out of shape I really am. Going up and down the stairs several times a day has a way of pointing that out. So now I'm working on losing a few pounds and getting into better shape.

I am so glad we decided to do this. I have always loved this building, and now I am in my favorite apartment in the building. I can't wait for the first good snowfall so I can just sit in the living room and watch it come down. Plus we have one hell of a view of the mountains.

Glade(TM)

As all of my 12 (YAY! Hi new follower) readers know, I am a BzzAgent, what this means is I occasionally get picked to receive samples, coupons, etc to try out, and then give my opinion on (And we all know I have an opinion about everything. LOL).
This BzzCampaign is one of the best I have laid eyes on lately. They are giving me a Glade Fragrance Mist, AND, not or AND an oil diffuser. They also gave me a ton of big money saving coupons, the products are for me, however, the remaining coupons are up for grabs. I have several of each item left, Just drop me a line. Right now these products are available in 4 difference fragrance combinations. My choice in scents was Cotton and Italian Mandarin. I guess next trip to the store I'll have to buy a different one, not because I don't
like this one. But because I can't wait to smell the others in action.










Disclaimer: I am a BzzAgent, I was given these coupons as a Thank You for trying out the product.

UNREAL(TM) Candy

Trying Unreal(TM) candy was a nice experience. It's nice to know that people are making candy, without all of the not so great for us stuff in it. Also, as a plus my son likes it. To me that is definitely something to talk about in my book.



Disclaimer: I am a BzzAgent and I was given coupons to try this product.

USADA to strip Lance Armstrong of 7 Tour titles

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/usada-strip-lance-armstrong-7-tour-titles-031949504--spt.html


Check out this link.
I am beyond disgusted with this decision from the USADA. Lance Armstrong is a hero for so many. His fans, cancer survivors, people who are currently fighting that dreaded disease, and countless others. He has passed EVERY drug test he has been made to take. Not only during his 7 Tour wins, but during countless other races, and events. These people have lost their minds. This man, this athlete, this cancer survivor, will ALWAYS be the best cyclist the world has ever seen. He managed to do something that HAS NEVER been done before. Winning the Tour de France 7 times, IN A ROW! That's amazing.
I honestly don't blame him for saying enough is enough. He has fought these charges for years. He has beaten these charges time and time again. The proof is in the drug tests he has passed. Just because the morons at the USADA refuse to see it doesn't make it any less true.
I hope with everything inside me that the USADA is blocked in their attempt to strip his Tour titles. However, even if they are successful his true fans will ALWAYS know what he accomplished!!! I know I will, and I promise to share that knowledge with my children, and God permitting with my grandchildren.
This man has done so much to help so many. He doesn't deserve to be treated like this.

A Quick Update

Wanted to take time to update my loyal followers (all 11 of you LOL) about the happenings around here. We have moved to Salt Lake City, Utah. Jerry was offered a job that we just couldn't pass up. I can honestly admit that moving across country is both exciting and overwhelming. We are 1850 miles away from the families. Which is a downer. However, we are out here with some really great friends.
Chase is adapting well, as usual. I'm really glad that he takes things in stride as well as he does. He is honestly the most easy going kid I have ever met. He was great on the drive, he never complained once. He rode with me for a lot of the drive, but he rode with Jerry some as well.
I am happy to report that I made it all the way to Wal-Mart and back by myself today. Without getting lost. Those who know me, know I hate driving in big cities. I don't do it if I can get out of it.

My poor blog

My poor, long-suffering blog. Unfortunately my blog takes a backseat to.........well everything. I find myself sitting down to write, and then I get distracted. It doesn't take a lot to distract me the hubby, the kiddo, something shiny.....Or I end up with a case of blogger's cramp. I have 90 million different things I want to blog about, and I sit down at my keyboard. Suddenly my mind is a blank page. I have no idea where all of the ideas have gone, except of course they are not magically entered into my blog. They are just gone. Until I get started on something else I need to do, then all of a sudden the blog ideas are all back, right where they were supposed to be. Still not on my blog, but luckily back where I can think about them. Until I sit back down at my keyboard again, then the nasty cycle starts over.

My blog today is dedicated to potty training...As moms/dads we've all been there. The kiddo is just about 100% day time potty trained. I say almost because he is his mother's child, and sometimes he gets distracted.  Ah well accidents happen. Luckily for me they are few and far between. Once we have this down I'll worry about nighttime. He sleeps so heavy that he doesn't wake up to go, and when he gets woke up he's ready to be up for the duration. Unfortunately that doesn't work for me. I need sleep, or I'm known to get slightly (don't giggle that's not nice) grumpy. At least we're making progress in the right direction.

Other happenings include the fact that most nights the kiddo sleeps in his own bed. Definitely a win for the grown ups. Now when he does try and get in bed with us, we can send him back to his own room. Not only does he go back to his room, he actually gets in his bed, and goes back to sleep. WINNING!! There is nothing like trying to share a bed with a 4 1/2 year old bed hog. I'm glad he's finally grown out of the need to sleep with us every night.

Something A Little Different

Today I'm talking books. One particular series specifically. One of the three best series of books I've ever read. I'm talking about the "Scarpetta" series by Patricia Cornwell. I absolutely love this series of books.

They are about a woman forensic pathologist and her life. Covering her personal life, as well as the cases she handles as the Chief Medical Examiner for the state of Virginia and beyond.

As of right now there are 19 books in the series. I have found this is a series of books I can read over and over again, and never get tired of.

Check it out.

I would like to give a shout out to a new Blogger. She is a super great person, with an awful lot to say. She is also a very dear friend of mine. So please click the link provided and check her out. I know all of my awesome readers will give her the same support you have given me!!

http://whinymommy.blogspot.com/ 

Changes

Change happens. I am looking forward to the new job. The hours will be better than they were at the other dealership. Getting off at 6pm ensures more time for the family. It also means he will get to come to several of Jean-Luc's ball games. First game was last night, it didn't go the way we hoped it would. We lost 2-10. Practice tonight at 7pm. Next game Thursday night at 7 pm in ValleyHead. Fingers crossed it goes better.

Finally got all the furniture in Chase's room, and got it straightened up. Let's see if it stays that way. I'm not holding my breath, that child has issues with his room being clean. Now to get our closet straightened out. That's a job within itself.

Life Happens

   As so often seems to be the case, life happens and my blog suffers for it. Between school, Chase being sick, and baseball practice it seems like there is never enough time for everything.
   The 3rd nine week grading period just ended. According to the school website it looks like Jean'-Luc will be bringing home 1 A, 1 B, and 2 C's. Definitely an improvement.
   Last week we had baseball practice on two nights. This week we have practice three nights. Coach decided they need more batting practice, so practice is at 4 tomorrow. The only catch to that is he doesn't get off the bus until 4:10. We told the coach tonight he'll be late, but he'll be there.
   Chase is over his bug, thank goodness. He's a lot like Jerry, he hardly ever gets sick, but when he does, he does.
   We're going to Enterprise this weekend to help my mom empty her storage unit. Should be fun. I'm happy we're getting a chance to go see the family. She is sending us home with all kinds of goodies.

Craptastic Weather

My heart goes out to every single victim of the craptastic weather we have been going through the last several days. I absolutely hate tornado season, and I am definitely not happy that it decided to start a month early this year. Mother Nature is apparently PMSing, and I really wish she would stop. People have lost their lives, their homes, their everything. Some of the places hit hardest by the storms in the last couple of days are predicted to get snow in the next couple of days. That is just crazy.

OMG People seriously suck

   I read this this morning. I have to say I hope these people rot in hell. OMG that poor child. I understand a child should be punished for lying. I have kids of my own, who are punished for lying. But how in the name of all that is holy do you make a child run for 3 hours?? Because they lied about eating a candy bar??

2 charged in death of Ala girl forced to run

By JAY REEVES | Associated Press – 6 hrs ago

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ATTALLA, Ala. (AP) — Roger Simpson said he looked down the road and saw a little girl running outside her home but didn't give it another thought. Police, however, said the man witnessed a murder in progress.

Authorities say 9-year-old Savannah Hardin died after being forced to run for three hours as punishment for having lied to her grandmother about eating candy bars. Severely dehydrated, the girl had a seizure and died days later. Now, her grandmother and stepmother who police say meted out the punishment were taken to jail Wednesday and face murder charges.

Witnesses told deputies Savannah was told to run and not allowed to stop for three hours on Friday, an Etowah County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman said. The girl's stepmother, 27-year-old Jessica Mae Hardin, called police at 6:45 p.m., telling them Savannah was having a seizure and was unresponsive.

Simpson said he saw a little girl running at around 4 p.m., but didn't see anybody chasing or coercing her.

"I saw her running down there, that's what I told the detectives," Simpson said from his home on a hill overlooking the Hardins. "But I don't see how that would kill her."

Authorities are still trying to determine whether Savannah was forced to run by physical coercion or by verbal commands. Deputies were told the girl was made to run after lying to her grandmother, 46-year-old Joyce Hardin Garrard, about having eaten the candy, sheriff's office spokeswoman Natalie Barton said.

Savannah Hardin died Monday at Children's Hospital in Birmingham, according to a news release from the sheriff's office. The sheriff's release said an autopsy report showed the girl was extremely dehydrated and had a very low sodium level. A state pathologist ruled it a homicide.

The sheriff's office received calls from concerned citizens who witnessed the girl running. No other details were released, but an official with the local volunteer fire department said rescuers thought something seemed odd when they responded to a call about the child.

"One of the ones who were down there said he didn't feel like everything was right," said Ruby Ward, vice president of the Mountainboro Volunteer Fire Department.

Gail Denny and her husband Phil, live just up a dirt road from the home. They've known the family since they moved to the area in northeastern Alabama seven years ago.

The couple said they were used to seeing Savannah and other neighborhood children out waiting on the school bus in the morning. Gail Denny said her grandson had a crush on Savannah.

"My grandson asked her to be his girlfriend on Valentine's Day, and she said 'yes,'" she said before dissolving into tears. She left a candle and stuffed animal outside the girl's home Wednesday night, saying a prayer as she paused beside the road.

The trailer where Savannah lived was surrounded by a wooden fence, playground equipment and toys. Neighbors say they never saw children playing in the yard.

They told The Associated Press that Garrard owned a lot of property along the road and much of her family lived in homes on that property.

"It seems like a very happy extended family around here," Denny said. "There are mothers, grandmothers, kids. It sounds like a punishment that got out of hand."

Garrard and Jessica Mae Hardin are being held in the Etowah County Detention Center, each on a $500,000 cash bond.

Court records show that Robert Hardin filed for divorce in August of 2010. In his complaint, he asserted his wife was bi-polar and had alcoholic tendencies. He accused her previously of having run off with the couple's own child. In her response, Jessica denied all of Robert's allegations.

Five months after filing for divorce, the two asked a judge to dismiss their case.

Savannah Hardin was a third-grader at Carlisle Elementary School. Superintendent Alan Cosby said her desk had been turned into a makeshift memorial where her classmates could leave notes and mementos. He said counselors and social workers were made available for students.

"This is obviously a very tragic, devastating, heartbreaking situation," Cosby said. "Nothing like this has ever happened before."

Life at home

   We went and signed Jean'-Luc up for baseball tonight. It's nice to see him taking an interest in something. He's excited about playing.
   We're thinking about signing Chase up for Wee Ball next month. It's for kids who are still too little for T-Ball. We'll see what happens. I know Jean'-Luc is probably going to have practice at least 2 nights a week, plus games. Going to make for an interesting schedule around here.
   They'll call sometime in the next few days I guess to let us know what team he'll be on. School pictures are tomorrow.

Looking forward to a quiet Sunday at home.

   I am looking forward to spending a nice, quiet Sunday at home with my hubby and kiddos. I still feel like crap after having that tooth pulled Thursday. Plus I still have that dog gone cough. I seriously need to figure out how to make it leave. I've coughed my way into a migraine. I hate when that happens. I hate being sick. I always have. It seems like now it's worse. Seems like the older I get, the longer it takes me to recover. Having a tooth pulled on top of it was probably not the smartest move I've ever made, but the pain was to the point of unbearable. Still have pain, but it's a different kind of pain. I know the pain from having it pulled will be gone in the next day or so. As long as I remember not to chew on that side.

   School is out Monday so I have to figure out how to entertain Jean'-Luc all day. I think I'll let him and Chase play on the Wii. It worked for me for most of today. I love seeing them get along. Makes life easier on me.

Random thoughts and other musings.

   I am sitting here writing this while the feeling slowly creeps back into my face. I had a tooth pulled this morning. I was extremely impressed with my dentist. He made sure I was comfortable, and it took him almost no time to get the tooth out. Always a plus in my book. I have had more than one tooth extracted that didn't want to leave my mouth. Those are the worst. Those are also the worst to heal from. I am keeping my fingers crossed that since it didn't really put up a terrible fight, it will heal quickly.

   I think Chase is still trying  to get over his cold. It's 12:00 pm and he's still asleep. I know with him being sick rest and sleep is the best thing for him. I told Jerry I'm just going to let him sleep until he wakes up. He should be in a good mood when that finally happens. I know I'm still trying to recover from my bout with that cold. Most of my symptoms are gone with the exception of this lingering nasty cough. I hate coughing.

   I seriously need to spend more time on my blog. It seems like I do good for a bit, then I let it fall to the wayside. I don't like that. I created this blog to keep track of everything. Seems like more often than not I don't blog, but I do write religiously in my paper journal. Go figure. Definitely something I need to work on.

   Jean'-Luc is showing steady improvement with his school work. Occasionally it's a fight to get him to do his homework, but at least his grades are showing the effort that is being made. His English teacher is amazing. I really like her a lot. His packet (grammar, spelling, and reading worksheets for the week) accidentally got thrown away, by him, before his teacher saw it. Instead of sending him to the office for an incomplete assignment like she could have, she sent it home with him to be redone. I appreciate that more than she will ever know, I know she didn't have to give him the second chance. Luckily she told me on the phone when we talked last week that since she realizes Jerry and I are caring, involved parents she will help us get him on track anyway she can. So far she has kept her word.

   I am married  to such an amazing man. Even after 8 years together the little things he does for me continues to surprise me. I know that's a good thing. I am reminded on a daily basis what a lucky lady I am. I thank the dear Lord everyday that he made that awesome man all mine. I look forward to us spending many, many, many more years together. I can't wait to see what happens. The ride so far has been amazing, and it just keeps getting better. Even though I didn't think it was possible I love him more with every passing day. He completes me in ways I never could have imagined.

   Wow this post is longer than I would have believed. I guess that's why I don't blog on pain meds. LOL. More later from this Funny Farm that is our life.

Another one bites the dust

The music world, and Hollywood lost another great today. Whitney Houston was found dead at the Beverly Hills Hilton. She was 48 years old. Police are investigating. My heart goes out to her family, friends, and fans. She will be greatly missed, and may she R.I.P.

Whitney Houston 1963 - 2012

Happy Birthday to Me

Yesterday (2-10) was my 32nd birthday. I had a fabulous day. My husband bought me a new Citizen watch, I love it. He got me a Cookie Cake with purple (fave color) icing. I love that he actually takes the time to put thought into my present.
Also in other happy news I received word that I have been picked to participate in another Sample Share by Crowdtap. This one is for Old Navy. I am so very excited to have been chosen for this opportunity. Pictures to follow after I go shopping. =)
Jean'-Luc got progress reports on Thursday. I am happy to report 1 A (Science), 2 B's (Social Studies & English), and 1 C (Math). The C in Math is up from a D so we are very proud of the hard work he has put in.

 My gorgeous cake.

 My very special watch.

Risingtaste.com

Today while checking my e-mail I came across a very nice surprise. I would like to take this opportunity to share the surprise with you.
Check out http://risingtaste.com/. Use coupon code  (coupon: blogspot2012). Gives you a 5% discount on all orders. 
Please comment and let me know what you think.


From what I have seen of the site, there are several items I would like. I'm probably going to order soon. Enjoy the discount, and happy shopping.

Family Time

Spending time with my family is one thing that always makes me smile. The entire house smells like chili. My first attempt at making it on my own, and it smells divine. Tastes pretty good too, if I do say so myself.
The kids are playing with Chase's firetruck. We're watching "Hook". Robin Williams does a fantastic job as Peter Pan, and Dustin Hoffman makes a wonderful Captain Hook. If you've never seen it I would definitely recommend it. It's a great kids movie. The next movie I'm planning for Movie Night is "Muppet Treasure Island", if I can ever catch it on at a decent hour.
I love being able to share movies, books, and other things that I enjoyed with my kids. It's nice being able to pass that along to them. Earlier Jean'-Luc read 3 books to Chase. One of them was "If You Give A Pig A Party" it's a sequel (kinda) to "If You Give A Mouse A Cookie". I love seeing them spend time together. Plus it gives Chase story time, and Jean'-Luc reading practice all at the same time. Also, right now in his spare time, he's reading "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone".
Very proud of Jean'-Luc. His hard work paid off this week. He got a 100 on his reading test, and a 100 on his grammar test. Can't wait to see what he does on his science and social studies tests this coming week.
My life is so very blessed right now. I have a husband I adore who I know adores me as well, great kids, and we're all healthy. Who could ask for more? Not me. Right now I'm a very happy lady.

Time Flies

I know people say "Time flies when you're having fun", but time flies regardless. Three years has passed in what seems to be the blink of an eye. We laid my dad to rest three years ago today. At times it doesn't feel like it's only been three years, it seems like longer. Then on days like today it feels like yesterday. There is a new country song out now that makes me cry every time I hear it. "If Heaven Wasn't So Far Away". It definitely fits perfectly. While my older boys will always have the memories of their "PaPa", Chase won't. That is so unfair to me. However, I promise to keep his memory alive sharing stories, and memories with the munchkin. At least he'll know his PaPa that way, and of course through the pictures I have that I treasure.

Changes

Life this week has brought some changes to our household. One of those being major. My 12 year old Stepson Jean'-Luc has moved in with us. He needed a change. Things are slowly getting back to normal. He starts school here tomorrow. I know he's nervous, and I can't blame him. It's hard being pulled from the only school you've ever known. Not to mention an entire state. I think he'll do okay. Time will tell. However, he is a joy to be around, and his baby brother is beyond thrilled. Right now it sounds as if there is a herd of elephants in my dining room. Hard to believe it's just the two of them.

Great New Product

Listerine Total Care Zero Mouthwash
This product is unbelievable. It does a fantastic job, it makes my mouth feel wonderful for hours after use. There is no alcohol in it so it is not as intense as other mouthwashes. My only complaint is the fact that the taste does leave a lot to be desired. However, I will continue to use the product.

**Disclaimer**
I was chosen to take part in a Sample Share sponsored by Crowdtap. As part of this Sample Share I was provided with the product. The opinions I shared here are mine and mine alone. Crowdtap in no way influenced my opinion.