My Cabbage Patch Kid!

I still have my Original Cabbage Patch Kid from back in 1982. I was 12 years old when I got her and my mom was one of the many that fought the crowds just to get her for me. They were the big rage back in the day and I got one!

Isn't she just the cutest thing? I had forgotten that I even had her until a few months ago, we were cleaning out our old bedrooms at my parents house and I found my baby! I took her home, cleaned her up, washed her clothes, and now I have her on display.

The only sad thing about it is, I don't have the box or her adoption papers, so I don't know/remember what her name was. I do remember it was something that didn't really go together (her first and middle name) but I loved her anyway.

Now the funny thing is, if I remember correctly, most parents tried to get dolls that resembled their child as closely as possible. My sisters doll had blonde hair and blue eyes. Mine, well she looked like me not so much!! Red hair and green eyes were the furthest from how I looked....with my dark brown hair and brown eyes. I didn't seem to mind, and I still don't. She is one of the very few 'toys' that I still have from my childhood.

Yet ANOTHER Contest...yippee!

Can you feel my excitement?

Second post in a row, and I usually don't even post on weekends, but I had to make an exception!

The girls over at SITS are having another great giveaway! This time it's for an original Brighton handbag worth $175. Too cool.

So all you have to do is go over there, follow there very simple instructions and keep those fingers crossed.

That simple!

Have a great weekend!

A Recipe Blog!

I am excited to introduce to you a new and wonderful blogging experience!

The girls over at The Secret Is In The Sauce have now come up with a fantastic new blog that is sure to be a hit. Saucy Eats is the name of this one and will include some recipes, crafty solutions, household remedies, and so much more.

So go on over, grab the little button thingamajiggy and post it on your blog (like I did!). Then send them your favorite recipes (like I will) and when your recipe, tip or whatever is featured, they will link back to your blog.

How cool is that?

I tell you, I have never had so much fun in the blogging world, and now it will include FOOD too? What more could a girl ask for??

Check it out now!

Guilty (or not so guilty) Pleasures

I love to eat! That is just a given.... and I ain't afraid to admit it :)

Laurie over at TipJunkie is 'blogging of' a Guilty Pleasure Snack Game and I figured, why not? I'll bite....not literally, mind you, but I am up for a game today.

What is my guilty pleasure, you ask? Well, the better question would be what is not my guilty pleasure? I love snacks of all sorts, that's for sure and I have a hard time saying no to anything that contains the least amount of sugar in it.

Here is a list, just to name a few, in no particular order:

1. Little Debbie snack cakes....any and just about all of them appeal to me.

2. Dr. Pepper is my drink of choice, although I really really try not to drink too much of it because of the caffeine.

3. The vanilla ice cream cones that they serve at the local sno cone place. "Uh, kids you wanna go get a sno cone?"

4. Sunflower seeds~ They are bad for me, all that salt mixed with my high blood pressure don't mix well together. I love to put on a DVD and eat away.

5. CHOCOLATE! Last but certainly not least, my all time favorite guilty pleasure of all time. I don't care what form it comes in :cake, candy, brownies, etc. You name it.... My name is Amy and I'm a chocoholic!

I think I just gained a pound or two making this list :)

That Darn Remote Control

For the millionth time in forever, somebody lost the remote control.

Again!

I just don't get it. I mean, you pick it up and you point it at the TV and do what you gotta do with it and then you put the darn thing back where it was.

Sounds easy doesn't it? It would be, but kids don't make anything easy!

I just purchased this new remote control, with all it's pretty colorful buttons and silver finish. This thing has buttons that will never be used, because I really have no clue what they are for! Just try clearing from the screen whatever it is that pops up when you push the wrong one.

Our last one had been lost, beat up, thrown around, and had things popping off of it. At some point, it had also been used as a weapon in one of many arguments going on at the time. So it goes without saying...we needed a new one!

Our remote controls can be found in some very peculiar places, mind you. Here is a list of places where they have been found, when in all actuality, we weren't even looking for it there:

The recliner.....buried down deep inside of the cushion.

The back of the toilet in the bathroom! Please! Was someone SO afraid that anyone would change their favorite channel that they had to 'guard' this thing with their life and take it to use the restroom? Ughh!

The kitchen counter. No, the television is nowhere near here, but I guess that much needed snack took over the ability to lay it down and retreat to the cabinets.

The trash can. When my oldest daughter was a baby, everything went there.

The toy box....go figure!

**This next one takes the cake**

The girls' dresser drawer!! I mean, what the heck were you thinking?? Who did this? Of course, nobody knows, I guess it 'controlled' it's way in here all by it's little self.

Another issue that I have with the remote is a man's need to have that darn thing in his possession at all times. I am just getting into a show (most times, one I never would have wanted to see anyway, he made me watch it) and then *CLICK CLICK* ~ the dude changes the channel! Not to mention the fact that he has to have the volume turned up so loud, the neighbors can hear it. Sometimes I hide it...."Oh, it must be lost again"...hee hee!

This little device that most people these days just can't live without, was created to make our lives easier, not cause stress and frustration.
Bring me back to the days when I was young and energetic and getting up to turn the channel was no bid deal. Take me back to a time when we had fewer channels, but much more to watch.

I wouldn't 'remotely' be upset!!

Lifehouse Rocks!

We recently saw Lifehouse in concert. We being me, my 2 girls, my boyfriend, and his 2 kids. The show was at a waterpark, where admission to the concert was free. I mentioned in an earlier blog that I would post some pictures soon, and lo and behold, I am way behind on my posting. * I hate being a procrastinator*

The show was awesome, I love their music, and since the concert I've bought 3 of their Cd's. I would suggest to anyone who loves music, to give them a listen, because they are way cool!

Sprucing Up!

I am so loving this!

Since yesterday and the day before, I've been really getting into this blog-a-mania. From posting, to reading and adding more subscriptions, I am even more hooked now. I think I am getting addicted :)

I finally found a site that has FREE layouts for blogs and it is so cool! Check out LeeLou Blogs for some really great layouts. All you have to do is grab the little box and advertise it on your page and you can use the HTML for free. I have looked around at some other sites that specifically design blog layouts just for you, but they fell a little over my budget. One day when I become a famous blogger, I'll get one of those........yeah right! :p

Another 'fun' thing I've been hunting for is those little 'buttons' along side my fellow blogger friends pages and I've gotten some really cool ideas with those also. I am still working on everything, so keep checking back to see what's new!

If anyone has any cool sites they'd like to share, I'd be thrilled to hear from you. One thing I have found that is neat, is the signature that some of these peeps have included when they sign off at the end of a post. I would love to learn how to make one for myself.

No Shame Is A Shame...

I would like to start off by saying that I in no way have a perfect body. I never have, and I sure never will. Sadly, it's a fact that I have come to accept. Don't laugh, it's true. However, I have always been tall and thin, but still, no perfection. I do wear a D cup bra, if you consider that to be a good thing....I do. Again, don't laugh....ha!

I can sit here and go on endlessly about all of my flaws, but this is not my intentions today. **Maybe it's an idea for a future blog** Anyhooooo..

We have frequented a waterpark this summer and last summer too, and this particular place draws people from all walks of life. From young kids with their parents, to young teenagers and adults, to older married couples. There are many of these people that walk around in just a bathing suit. Obviously, duh, it's a waterpark, for crying out loud.

Don't get me wrong, I am not here to criticize. I know that not everyone can have a body like a supermodel. (Although I would kill to get one) BUT PEOPLE!! Some of you need to cover up some of that nasty stuff! I know that lots of persons have unsightly stomach bulges, some of which are women, who also have horrible stretch marks left over from the pregnancies of those darling children they are dragging along behind them in the hot sweltering sun. Not to mention, the large sagging breasts that can no longer be held securely in place by a stretched out bikini that they bought when they were barely out of high school!

Again, I have no intentions of being mean here, but I just want to be realistic! This is your body that you are exposing to hundreds of strangers, and it ain't a purdy sight! You all have just as much right to be there as me or anyone else for that matter, but come on.....cover it up! I have a small pudgy stomach that I jokingly tell my youngest daughter she left behind some of her baby fat in, and she was supposed to take that with her. My D cup size boobs are securely bound in a not too used swimsuit that does not expose much more than what is left to the imagination.

The men, well the men are not so bad. For some reason I believe that a man with a big belly is a little less sickening than a woman who lets it all hang out. Not always an attractive attribute, but still!

All I am saying is that, have a little respect you waterpark go-ers, and take the time to choose a water playing outfit with some thought and consideration to the peeps who may be peeping at you. :)

A Cool Contest!

If I didn't manage to 'sell' you on my last blog post about this wonderful site called "The Secret Is In The Sauce", then you definitely will wanna check this baby out!

A contest is going on and they are giving away some cool prizes, so if you wanna get readers to your site, and find some new peeps to read about, and win some great things, then check this out!

Right now, don't be shy, I mean it....... :)

The Secret Is In The Sauce!

I am such a lurker!

I lurk everywhere.

Message boards, myspace pages, blogs, webpages.....the list goes on.

Well, I found, thru a fellow blogger, this neat blog site that really rocks, and I wanted to share it.

The Secret Is In The Sauce is so cool that I cannot even describe it myself.....you gotta run over there and see for yourself!

Now!

Go!

What the heck are you waiting for.....it rocks!

And don't be a lurker like I was for so long, follow the instructions and get yourself commenting away!

Hurry!

The Bachelorette

I would never have been able to do this show. Plain and simple. Too much drama and heartache. I can't stand it. DeAnna, you should have just got on the internet and found a guy.

Personally, I don't have a clue, at this point, who she may choose. It's down to the final 4, and it's anybodies guess, really.

Sean went home last night, and I was just starting to like him. I liked how they showed the way he took care of himself and something about him just attracted me to him in a wierd sort of way. I was not too keen however, on how 'close' he was to his mom.....Granted, it's not ME here who is choosing a husband, but I still get an opinion on these fellows, don't I?

Twilly needed to go a long time ago. He just didn't have that pizazz, if you will.....'nuf said 'bout him.

So that leaves the final few!

Jeremy: He's got a body that is easy on the eyes, but that's where it ends for me, and that's not what it's all about. End of story for him.

Jessie: As bad as I have always wanted to be "Jessies Girl"....he wouldn't be the answer to that wish. I just can't get past the hair, the way he dresses, and his ways.

Graham: He is something to think about, I will admit, but it seems the issue of his never having been in a long relationship would bother me for two different reasons, and I couldn't go there. Plus, I am not a fan of facial hair.

Jason: I would definitely love to see DeAnna end up with him. He is definitely a winner, if you ask me. He's sincere, and honest, down to Earth, and it doesn't seem like he feels he has to do anything to prove to the world what he's all about.

With all of that being said, I know she has some big decisions to make, and I wouldn't want to be in her shoes. No thanks. However, it's fun to watch and they are all easily judged by anyone who has no clue what these people are going thru. I hope she finds whatever it is that she is looking for.

Pssst..... DeAnna....pick *****!!

Pet Peeves Galore

I have quite a few pet peeves and I hate to complain. I really dont' want to gripe. I've held it in for so long now that, at moments, I could bust. And I do! I blow up and everyone thinks that I am NUTS!! Do ya hear me?? Nuts!

Now that I have two extra kids living in my house, plus the two that live here permanently, and share space with a parent that has different ways of seeing things than I do, those peeves couldn't get any 'peevier'....I doubt that is a word, but I was trying to be comical :)

One thing that I can not stand is to have lights or tvs on and nobody in the room using them. I mean, I have walked into the house and the living room television is on, blaring no doubt, and there is not a soul to be found anywhere. Grrrrr.... I walk into a brightly lit room and lo and behold, it's completely and utterly empty...again, grrrr! WTF people?? Why can't you just flip down that little switch in which you took very little effort to turn up when you entered the room? All you have to do is turn it down into the 'off' position. I mean, it's not a very tedious endeavor. You did it just moments ago, you can't be so tired as to make me believe you can't do it again, just in the opposite direction!

I realize that probably very little difference is going to be made on the impact of my electric bill. A few cents here, a few cents there.....but hell, it's my money! However little it may be!

All I am saying is this.......IF you turned it ON, then you can darn well turn it OFF!!

Whew! I feel so much better now.

No Pets!

I have always been the type to not want any kind of pet inside the house. I don't like the mess, the smell or the trouble. Well, I may be getting a kitten. My kids have been asking for some sort of pet and of all there is out there, a cat will be the easier and cheaper of the choices.

My boyfriend has a cat that had kittens about 6 weeks ago and they are getting to the point of eating on their own and getting around. We may take it home within the next week or two. I won't have it in the house 24 hours a day though. My initial plan was to have it in the house only part time. I think bringing it inside in the evening and then letting it out during the day will be our best bet.

I took a pic of it/him this weekend and I wanted to share it here.....I couldn't resist how cute it was sleeping like that! :)

Fun Time..

We are going away for the weekend. It's so nice to get away sometimes. Nothing fancy. Just heading off to the boyfriends house for a couple days. There is a water park not far from where he lives, and we will occupy the kids with wet fun and wild rides all day......thennnn, tomorrow evening is a concert (free with admission to the park) Lifehouse!! I am so looking forward to seeing them live! A Rick friend of mine has seen them and recommended that I not pass this one up! So, since I love most of their music, we will be there. I am really looking forward to it.
Hopefully I will have a few photos to share.......... have a great weekend!

Be Careful What You Wish For....

I have always wanted a full-time at-home job with all the perks. No sitter needed, work as I please, take off when I want, etc. etc. You get the picture. Well, this picture is not exactly what I always envisioned, but it'll do for now.....I suppose. I am going to be taking care of my boyfriends kids for the summer. He has two, a boy and a girl. They will all be living with me this summer (God save me!) and he has offered to pay me every week for this life-altering endeavor.

As it is, my boyfriend has been staying with me for the last few months, since his job has brought him closer to where I live. He actually lives about 100 miles from me. So anyway, I will have my two girls and his two children every day to contend with, but at the same time, I will still be bringing in some much needed extra money. So for now, I guess you can say everything is working out for the best at the moment.

Happy Summer Everyone!

Summer is here.....

Finally! School is out and as one thing comes to an end, yet another begins. Summer that is!

I actually don't really have an inkling what this summer holds for us, but I am at a point to where it does not matter. The hustle and bustle of getting up and out of the house on time is at a stand still and it's such a relief!

This weekend I saw "Sex and the City" the movie....it was Awesome! I never watched the show when it originally aired on HBO, but last year I saw all 6 seasons courtesy of Netflix. I enjoyed each and every episode. The movie was somewhat more of a closure as to how the series had ended. Granted, there were a few slight disappointments for me, but overall I really enjoyed it. Any show that can make me laugh and cry is a winner in my book.

With another season brings new ailments to this household. I brought my youngest young 'un to the doc last week....fever, cough, sore throat...and she's on antibiotics :( As for dear 'ole mom here, I have sinus headache, sneezing, runny/stuff nose. Fun! Fun!

I am on a mission. A job hunt. For now, it seems promising, and I have one little jobventure on the forefront....an after hours twice a week office cleaning job, so thats a start. The babysitting that I was doing previously, for a teacher...has ended for the summer, and I decided not to continue that in the fall. Soooo, it's off to work I go, and hopefully something permanent and more within my ideas of a dream job will come my way.

For now, it's off to be lazy a while before those out of school kiddos start yelling for some lunch!