B handmade

new blog

2011-04-22T18:30:00.001-05:00

This blog is going away soon. Check out my new blog.
bhandmadecrafts.blogspot.com

Say NO to soda pop

2011-02-01T11:36:00.000-06:00

I have been trying really hard to do no soda pop, specifically Diet Coke. I went cold turkey for about 3 months and did great and no longer have the need to grab when everytime I get in the car. I still have one once in a while, when we are out to dinner on a special occasion. But, reading this article made me shiver, I don't let the kids have moutain dew but it's made me think about what I do let them have. What are your thoughts?

http://thestradtnerfamily.com/findingournewnormal/?p=188

I'm not as crazy as I thought I was!!

2011-01-31T10:42:00.000-06:00

So, after 5+ years of symptoms and Dr's telling me I just have anxiety and I need to calm down and relax, I have an answer, well sort of. I am so happy to have a new pcm who listened to me and my symptoms and my family history and didn't blow it off. I have masses in both sides of my thyroid, which can explain alot of my symptoms, woo hoo. Haven't been in to the endocrinologist yet, so not sure what they will do, but Nate says it should be an easy fix. I know Dr's are busy and they see patient's all day long who complain too them, but sometimes those patients are telling the truth and not exaggerating. And, that's there job. I hear so many people compaining about their PCM especially in the army where it is always changing, so my piece of advice? don't give up, listen to your body, and if you feel something isn't normal, then keep questioning things, it might take 5+ yrs.......

Spicy Black Bean Soup

2011-01-11T08:41:00.000-06:00

My life is so crazy and so I don't resort to fast food and cold cereal most nights of the week I do alot of freezer cooking. This recipe was a winner, which means it is healthy, easy, inexpensive and the kids all ate it. The spiciness comes from the salsa, I used mild because the kids don't do spice but I think next time I will do medium. I used a bag of dried black beans, and broth I made from the thanksgiving turkey. We served it with tortilla chips and cheese. Enjoy!!

SPICY BLACK BEAN SOUP

Freezer Recipe
2 16-oz black beans, drained and rinsed
1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
1 chunky medium salsa
1 tsp ground cumin

Combine ingredients in a blender, and blend until the soup is your desired consistency.
Freeze as a batch or in single serving sizes.
On cooking day:
Defrost soup, and heat in saucepan over low heat. Serve immediately.

CHECK THIS OUT!

2010-12-02T11:04:00.000-06:00

Check out this bed my sister found. How awesome is that. I think my parents need to retrofit one of the bedrooms up stairs with beds like this so that all the grandkids can come visit. I might just need to file this away for when we buy a house.

I'm Back!!

2010-11-28T15:21:00.001-06:00

Wow, I've been blogger absent for a while, but I'm back. I'm kind of over the "keeping up with the Jones's" and "knowing everything that everybody's kids are doing" But, I am in the crafty mood, so I am going to be on craft overload. Fist things first, I need to make one of these hanging tents.

Has anyone made one? or have any suggestions for me?

What have you been crafting lately?
What is your favorite craft sites/blogs?

New Favorite Blogs

2010-02-04T06:19:00.002-06:00

Check this out:

Game Board Storage

That's about all I have time for right know, life is too busy!!

UPDATE-August

2009-10-02T20:32:00.007-05:00

We went to Florida to visit Uncle Joel, Aunt Kelly, Rhiannon, Aunt Sarah, Uncle Josh, Olivia & Brody.

Addie was so happy, while we were on a ride, Aunt Kelly let her play in a fountain.
We were so tired, the whole gange, minus Becky taking the picture.
Caving with Uncle Joel.

Addie turned 2.

and went on her first date with Logan. This is Addie and Logan, he would drive up to our house in his jeep and wait for Addie, she would climb in and they would drive all over the grass in between our houses without saying a word to each other. Too cute!!

Alison turned 5 the day before dad came home. She got to have a party at the swimming pool.

Daddy came home from 14 months in Iraq. (we had to get up at 4am so we were all tired)

Which stinky tired solider is dad? they had a flight from Kuwait to Germany and then straight to Killeen so when they got here they had to go through customs and do other army stuff at the airport, then the big white buses brought them to the gym where we were all waiting. Natalie and the battalion commanders daughter waiting for their daddy's. Addie loves the swimming pool. She was upset she had to get out to eat cake and she wanted to follow the bigger kids (including Alison) and jump off the diving board in the deep end. Hmmm, maybe next year!!

UPDATE-June & July

2009-10-02T19:59:00.012-05:00

My Dad has been bugging me to update the blog. We have been so busy, here is a little of what has been going on. (blogger is acting wierd so the pictures may be out of order)

We spent alot of time getting ready for the soldiers of the 41st Fires Brigade 2-20 Field Artillery to come home. We are very proud to be the first BCB (battle combat battalion-or something like that) to come home with no casualties or serious injuries in 6 years)

Aunt Sarah, Olivia & Brody came to visit, we spent a day at BLORA playing in the lake and going on the water slides.

Sam turned 11Brody and Olivia played outside as much as they could, their mom doesn't let them play outside because there are bugs in Tallahassee (?)

Our friends took us to the Drive-In and we saw Harry Potter

Adopt-A-Soldier

2009-06-13T13:14:00.005-05:00

Thank You so much to all of you who donated to our Adopt A Soldier fund. This is just a reminder that we really need your help. We have a end of June cut off so we can get all the supplies before the soldiers start coming home a few weeks later. Feel free to share this info with your friends. We need to raise over $3000 (and were not even half way there yet) to be able to provide some basic comfort items for these guys and gals. Again, to those of you who have donated THANK YOU SO MUCH. Below is a copy of the email I sent out to family and friends. We really need your help. Becky!!

Hello Everybody! We just hit the 1 yr mark of our soldiers being in Iraq. We are so excited to be starting the countdown to redeployment (coming home). We are starting to plan our Welcome Home festivties. Part of that is taking care of the single soldiers. Did you know the first 24-48 hours the only items a single soldier has are the ones they carried with them? It takes 6 weeks + to get the rest of their belongings that that they had in Iraq (they are shipped back on a boat), or to be able to access storage. Have you been wondering what you can do to support a soldier? For as little as $15 you can put a smile on the face of a hero!This $15 will go towards sheets, toiletries & goodies for the single soldiers barracks. Those last few days before they come home, we, the family members, go and make the bed's and get the barracks ready for the return. For those single soldiers, returning from deployment doesn't necessarily mean going home, it means returning to an empty barrack at Fort Hood. If you would like to Adopt a single soldier, you may do so by pay pal (http://www.railgunnerfamily.com/220/index.html), mail a check to the unit, or mail a check to me. If you have any questions, please ask. This would also be a great time to have kids draw pictures, write letters we could place in the barracks. This is such an exciting time for the soldiers and the families. Thank you for all the letters, emails, care packages and prayers in behalf of all of the soldiers.
Becky!!
www.41stfiresbrigade.comwww.hood.army.mil/41stfires

Gary Sinise & the Lt. Dan Band rock The Hood

2009-06-01T19:14:00.004-05:00

Saturday night I was so lucky to attend a concert held here at Fort Hood sponsored by the USO. Gary Sinise, star is CSI-NY & Forrest Gump does amazing work with the USO supporting our troops. He has a band that he plays in and they do free concerts for the troops and their families. I was really lucky to be able to attend with some great friends (who's husbands are also currently deployed). I was also lucky enough to have a friend babysit 3 of my 4 kids. Addie found a little friend to hang and dance with during the concert. It was an amazing experience the energy there was crazy. The only thing that could've made it any better was if Nate was here. Sorry to all of you that thought they were getting crank phone calls, it was just me, Denise & Janie teasing you with the music. Single GirlsHe came down the aisle right in front of us.

Too bad he got swarmed by a group of deploying soldiers. Look at that ice cream cone.Addie & her boyfriend dancing to the music.What can I say? Gary Sinise Rocks

The Comanding General of Fort Hood

Rick Lynch & his wife Sarah

Military Spouse Appreciation Day!!

2009-05-10T09:53:00.004-05:00

The Quiet Hero by Kathleen Mills

She wakes very early, he's leaving today, she will stand tall and proud as he's walking away.

He glances back warmly at his children and his wife,

knowing they will bravely carry on with their life.

Her strength and her courage only one understands,

he is walking away with her heart in his hands.

For he knows that without it he would be lost,

but they both know freedom comes at a cost.

She walks away holding her children so close,

swallowing tears for the one she loves the most.

This quiet hero does not walk into war,

she Soldiers alone behind her front door.

She will move through her life, the wind at her back,

determined to keep her family on track.

Her tears fall in silence as she lies in her bed,

her fear is right there, but nothing is said.

She will ask that no medals be pinned on her chest,

her husband's safe return her only request.

Few understand her commitment, her life;

She is the quiet hero, the brave Soldier's wife.

I was lucky enough to attend a Military Spouse Appreciation Day program on friday with a bunch of great Military Spouses. What an examplel they are to me. It was empowering to be in a room full of women from all ages and all lengths of time of military service-from a few months to 20+ years. These women are the true hero's. Plus, the energy in a room full of women when you feed them fruit & chocolate, free bracelets, and goodie bags is out of this world. Too bad they can't bottle that and sell it. What a fun morning.

Jan Bethancourt-the author of "Be Empowered-Eat chocolate" spoke to us. She was great. Her little stories remind you of how lucky you are.

It was nice to hear from Mrs. Sarah Lynch (General Lynch's wife) and hear a little about her life as a military spouse and see that she has gone through the same things that other spouses go through. (20 moves in 26 years? )

I also want to aknowledge the Gold Star Families, especially the spouses. They are the true hero's to me. This past year a sweet friend at church lost her husband while he was in Iraq. I admit I didn't know her very well but wish I could've gotten to know her better. She is the true hero to me. I have heard so many examples of how it was his time to go, but, that doesn't lessen the fact that she must go on, raising 4 little kids without him. What an inspiration to us all.

R&R April 2009

2009-04-27T22:05:00.005-05:00

R&R-rest and relaxation

We had a great 18 days with Nate. It went by too quick but we are glad to be counting down the weeks, or trash days as our friends say. We are happy to report Nate arrived back at the FOB with no troubles. Funny how they can get them to Iraq with no trouble, quick, no stops, but coming home is another story.

We did so much fun stuff, and also lot's of hanging around and relaxing. The kids were mad because I didn't let them stay home the whole time, like some of our neighbors got to do. We did pull them out a few days.

We went to the Great Wolf Lodge near Dallas. It was a blast, I would love to go with a 3rd adult to watch Addie and Alison so that I could've gone on some slides with Nate. I think we will probably go there again.

Grandma Becky (Nate's mom) came from Twin Falls and stayed with the kids so that Nate and I could go to San Antonio. We stayed right on the riverwalk, visited the Alamo, which is where Nate's Grandma Foster met his Grandpa to get married, but the times got messed up and she had to sleep on a bench all night alone, they did meet up because they know have 17 kids. We also visited Fort Sam Houston which is where Nate went to OBC (officer basic course) and where we hope to go next for a Emergency/trauma medical residency. They have a really neat medical museum with lot's of old medical equipment, but we got there about 3 min. before they closed. Luckily some others had gone in right before us so we got to look around for a few moments. I really liked San Antonio.

Our sweet little Natalie got baptized. At our church the kids get baptized when they are 8 and Natalie has been waiting patiently since christmas. We told her she could get baptized them when Grandpa & Grandma were here but she wanted to wait til daddy was home. We tried to get a nice family picture, but, well , you know how that goes.......

We miss daddy so much, it was hard the night before to see Sam crying, not being able to sleep because he didn't want Dad to leave. But, we are also so proud of what he is doing. We are also so proud of all the other men and women who serve our country and their countries. Nate has alot of multi national troops at the FOB that he interacts with. What a sacrifice they are all making.

Daddy's Home

2009-04-05T20:01:00.001-05:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Pictures courtesy of Aunt Colleen
and
Dana of www.photosoftheheart.org

RUMORS

2009-03-28T20:41:00.002-05:00

I have been told so many times not to believe anything anyone tells you in the Army. Nate has always been on a 15 month tour, but there has been lot's of talk of coming home at 12 months. I guess the rumors have gotten pretty bad because the Brigade Commander, Col. Francey actually sent out a letter stating that they are not coming home in June (which would be 12 months). I went to a really good VTC with the Battallion command team and Lt. Col. Bush did a good job of talking about reasons and also about their mission and what is going on there in Wasit Province. There is alot of really good work going on and the soldiers are doing an amazing job. I guess I'm not too upset, of course I wanted them to come home in June, especially since other units have been getting sent home early, but I still have leave to look forward too (he leaves to come home in 5 days). It does make planning for summer vacation hard, since there is a possiblity they could come home during the summer (look-here I go already more rumors-but those were Lt. Col Bush's words). So, keep praying for all the troops and don't believe everything (or anything, hee hee) you hear on the news. Everytime Natalie hears Obama she comes running to me, "Mom the soldiers are coming home early, Obama said so"

WHEN MOM'S SICK

2009-03-19T11:39:00.002-05:00

When mom's sick-kids get to eat pizza rolls, strawberries and root beer floats for dinner
When mom's sick-Addie learns to color on the walls
When mom's sick-the kids get to watch movies and play computer all day long (I have Barbie Diamond Castle memorized)
When mom's sick-nobody has to get dressed, take bath's, comb their hair, or anything
When mom's sick-the house is a disaster and nobody does their chores

When mom get's better-everybody better watch out, there will be alot of work to do (approximately 2 weeks til daddy comes home)

Anniversary Gift

2009-03-16T15:37:00.001-05:00

On March 23 Nate and I will celebrate our 13th wedding anniversary. He won't be home on leave til 2 weeks later, but I really want to come up with the perfect gift for him, so any ideas? I want to know what your favorite, coolest, personalized gifts for your hubby have been?

What do you think?

2009-03-09T07:53:00.002-05:00

While walking the halls of church with my crying child I overheard a friend talking to a lady from another ward. Christina (oops-she won't care I used her name) mentioned she is moving in a week and asked this other lady if she was on facebook. The other lady said "Oh no, our Bishop has advised us not to" I was just wondering what you thought? what would you do if your Bishop advised you not to be on Facebook/My Space/ Blog's? My Bishop hasn't done this, his wife is on Facebook/Blog's so I don't think I am in danger (hee hee), but what if he did? Would I follow his advice? Would you? just curious......

My Little Terror

2009-02-15T20:05:00.003-06:00

I love this girl but she is making it hard for me to keep my house clean (that and I am just not motivated) Under the computer desk with the box of markers

Yes that is crayola on her lips, hands, and floor!

(one of the rare moments I am glad for the Army's ugly industrial tile all through my house)
This was right after I had scrubbed and mopped the kitchen and it is a brand new box of cereal.
(the rest of the box is on the floor)

VIDEO'S FROM IRAQ

2009-02-09T12:50:00.006-06:00

Here are some video's Nate's brigade put together. There aren't any pictures of Nate in them, but maybe it will make the war a little more personal and real. These men and women are people that we know and work with that are protecting our freedom as we speak. Amazing people.......

QUILTS

2009-02-02T16:33:00.004-06:00

In 2008 I had a goal of making a large quilt for each of the kids beds. Well, I didn't quite get them all done. Hopefully I will get them all done in 2009.

A block from Addie's quilt another block from Addie's quilt

(I love these crazy quilt patterns. My friend Merrie got me hooked, they are from Buggy Barn Quilts and they are so much fun)

Close up of Natalie's (this is another crazy quilt from Buggy Barn)

Natalie's-I just have to finish the binding.

Alison's-the only one I got completely done

Sam's-which was so much harder than it looks, or maybe it does look hard, thanks Mom for sewing it, she basically spent her whole 10 days of christmas vacation visiting us sewing this quilt top.

GATTILAND

2009-01-23T08:54:00.006-06:00

The kids had tuesday out of school (teacher work day) so we headed to Round Rock (Austin) to Gattiland. Ate too much pizza, spent too much money, you girls rock! The Girls!
Bumper Cars

Sam

Natalie

Alison & Addison

Adelaide-in the car

Alison & Natalie

(do you like Ali's outfit? I told her to get dressed and she said "I am dressed mom", she also has pink rainboots on!

Adelaide, not liking the merry go round

The little girls!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NATALIE!

2009-01-18T11:59:00.005-06:00

The big brother, Sam, checking out his little sister.
Momma and her baby girl.

So alert!

Christmas Eve!

8 years old

I know I am a little behind, but Happy Birthday to my sweet, sassy Natalie. On Christmas, Natalie turned 8. We celebrated with cake and a trip to the park in the afternoon to play with her new pink softball bat, mitt, and ball. (that is what she asked for). Natalie is a joy, she is strong willed, hard to deal with and full of questions. Nate says she came out with her eyes open, ready for the world. I'm just not sure the world is ready for her. She is smart, sassy, funny, cute, she loves to read and torture her big brother. Sam always got in trouble when Natalie was really the one who should have. I wasn't due til the 27th and because of health issues the Dr. didn't think I would go into labor, but surprise, christmas afternoon my water broke and a few quick hours later she was born. I have to say, she was the easiest delivery, considering she is the only one I wasn't induced with (that doesn't mean I liked it, ha ha). At times she is very difficult, but we love her anyway. Happy Birthday to my sweet Natalie. We love you!

Yah! She finally did it

2008-12-16T22:41:00.003-06:00

ok-most of you won't care about this, but those of you here in texas, Christina finally started a blog!! Yah, know we can follow her adventures in Germany!

Everybody better hide, or at least start checking their caller id, because once the DuWors leave, I will need someone to hang out with.

http://duworsfamilyadventures.blogspot.com

6 Months

2008-12-07T20:42:00.002-06:00

So, Nate's officially been gone for 6 months know. Only 9 more to go. Wow, that sounds like a long time. How grateful I am for my husband and his relativley safe job and location. But, my heart aches after the death of a friends husband while in Iraq. My heart aches after the death of my sister-in-law, even thought that was a few years ago. Nate and I still talk about Kirsten. It makes 9 months, or even 15 months not seem so long. I'm surrounded by people saying how strong I am, and how strong the soldiers and families are to do this. The real hero's and the strong ones are the ones that keep going after such a tragic loss.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-05T22:17:00.003-06:00

I thought I would pass out the first gift of the season, and since it has been wickedly cold here in Texas and the tile in my house (yes, the whole house, who does that but the military because they don't want to clean and replace carpet) is freezing my feet I think I need to make these for myself and all my dear friends that I love.
I received this as an email from more than one person and I just couldn't resist. Amie B. should we make these to sell on Etsy?

Missing Dad

2008-12-03T22:10:00.002-06:00

The kids miss dad horribly, but they are pretty good sports. Sam and Natalie are busy with sports, school, scouts, etc. But Alison just doesn't quite understand. Here are some of the cute things she has said:

after we went to the post office to mail Nate's christmas box-"I wish I was a box so I could get mailed to Iraq to be with Dad"
"Dad would be so surprised if I was in his box"

Normally, this is what I hear all the way to gymnastics
"Why do they send dad to Iraq for sooooo long"
"Why does dad have to be in the Army?"
"Why does dad have to kill the bad people?" (don't worry I explain to her that is not what he is doing)

PROMOTION!!

2008-12-02T22:50:00.002-06:00

Yah! Yesterday Nate got promoted to Captain. The Battalion was nice enough to set up a VTC (video conference) so I pulled the kids out of school and we all got to get see Dad get promoted. Then they kicked everyone out of the room and we got to spend some time talking to him. Addie kept running up to the screen, trying to touch it. Since the internet sucks where Nate is, this is the first time we have got to see him, besides a few pictures. It really boosted our spirits.

We have officially made it to six months since Nate left. I have been told not to count down til he comes up, count up, so that is what we are doing. He get's to come home in April for R&R and we are so excited. The time has seemed to go by pretty fast, I am worried for January after the excitement of the holidays has warn off. I bet the spring will drag on and on and on. As of right know the tour is still 15 months, with them returning in Sept. We won't know until March or April if it will get shortened to 12 months.

We spent thanksgiving at home with friends. We had a untraditional thanksgiving feast, IKEA meatballs, lingonberries, veggies, mashed potatoes and chocolate cream pie. My favorite meal! (and I didn't take any pictures)

41st Fires Brigade Make a Difference Day II

2008-11-24T15:46:00.004-06:00

Our Brigade is collecting kids clothes and shoes to send to the kids in Iraq in the Wasit Province, which is where they are deployed to. The families, especially out in the outlying areas, are so poor. Nate says you never see kids with shoes on. It is starting to get cold and over the next few months it will get quite cold. So, if anyone has any used clothes (especially sweatshirts, shoes, long sleeves) they are getting rid of and would like to donate them we would love it. If you are in the area, you can bring them to me or to the Brigade directly, which is across from the Bennett clinic, take them upstairs to the FRC. If not, you can send them to me, or the address listed in the flyer. It costs about $11 to send a flat rate small box to Iraq, but the box is big enough to fit some clothes. They will go to good use and help to build trust in the Iraq communities.

**We need them by about Dec. 15, so we can get them in the mail**

What part of Thanksgiving are you?

2008-11-23T20:16:00.001-06:00

I stole this off of N's blog. Thanks N.

You Are Mashed Potatoes

Ordinary, comforting, and more than a little predictable

You're the glue that holds everyone together.

What Part of Thanksgiving Are You?

Catch Up

2008-11-16T08:06:00.004-06:00

I am so worn out from sick kids. It seems like someone has been sick non stop for the last month. Currently Sam is throwing up. So, here is a bunch of pictures of things we have done that I don't have energy to post about.

Yah! we made it through another soccer season. Natalie made a goal during her last game.

Addie takes after her dad. She pushed the highchair over to the window, climbed up then sat in the window sill and pushed the highchair away. This is how I found her.

Sam's soccer picture. I was so unhappy with the soccer pictures that It ook my own. We played soccer on post this year and the kids had a great time.

The Shilo Inn has adopted our Battalion. They had the kids come and make cookies and then they mailed them to the soldiers in Iraq. The kids had a blast.

We convinced our friend Heather and her son Brayden to go to the circus with us. The clown freaked the kids out. Then Natalie and Sam were tortured all night by the announcer who was advertising all the souvenirs I wasn't going to buy. We will just say it wasn't one of the best nights.

Halloween! We went to the trunk or treat at churh on halloween. Natalie was princess Leah, Sam I'm not sure, Ali and Addie were ballerinas.

I guess she was tired.

We are very excited. Cousin Matt has two new brothers. Rob & Colleen (becky's sister) are in the process of adopting two adorable little boys. They look like they fit into the family perfectly!!

My little Sam

2008-11-13T10:13:00.003-06:00

I am having a hard time believing my little Sam is 10 1/2. After reading some funny toilet stories from friends, I thought i would share my funny pictures of Sam asleep. He would sleep anywhere and everywhere as you can see from these pictures. Sam is such a sweet guy. The other day he threw a piece of paper at me a few minutes after me having a big meltdown, I said, "what is this? He just said, "it's for you" and I opened it, it said "I love you"

He is about 4 1/2 in these pictures. So cute......

The Schwan's Man

2008-11-02T20:29:00.001-06:00

So, I didn't get much response about Dream Dinners, what about Schwan's?
Anybody order from the Schwan's man? and I don't mean the ice cream, ha ha, anybody ever order any food?

DREAM DINNERS

2008-10-29T20:36:00.002-05:00

I have a friend who keeps inviting me to go to dream dinners with you, but everytime I look at their menu, there isn't enough options I think my kids would eat. Maybe if Nate was home and not deployed I would invest in some nice meals for him. But, anyway, I was thinking I would just make some freezer meals we would like. The problem is so many recipes you find aren't very healthy and I'm in a rut, sooooo......

What is your favorite freezer, crock pot, bulk recipes?
Have you tried Dream Dinners or a similiar place? What is your opinion?

Help me, so my kids don't have to eat hot dog pizza, ha ha, just kidding, we used to eat that as kids, remember Sarah?

Primary Program

2008-10-27T13:54:00.004-05:00

I love these girls. They impress me so much. They have more guts at age 7 & 8 then I do at 34. This is from the practic on saturday, since I don't think it is pc to video tape in the chapel, although when I asked our new bishop a few weeks ago (before he was bishop-just a counselor) he said something like "don't tell anyone you asked me" ha ha

COUPONS

2008-10-10T14:50:00.002-05:00

So, I had fun in September saving money with coupons. I think I did saving over $80 in one month. My conclusion, you really can save money with coupons, if you have the time and patience to look for them. For me, I will use coupons when I see them if it is something I am buying, (they have lot's of coupons at the commissary), I will shop sales and use rebates, but I won't be going out of my way to only use coupons and only buy if it is on sale. I do like to stock up on sale items, but I don't have the time or patience to find and use every last coupon out there.

Good Luck and Happy Saving Money!!

Finished Projects!

2008-10-10T11:36:00.003-05:00

Yah! I got a project finished. Back in July when my mom was here I started making christmas stockings, well I finally got them finished. Well, they are almost finished, my mom is going to make names for them on her fancy schmancy embroidery sewing machine.

P.S.-the picture doesn't do them justice, they look much cuter in person!!

Etsy

2008-10-10T11:32:00.002-05:00

So, I am excited to get my Etsy shop, Bhandmade, up and running. I have listed a few (ok 2) hairbows, but hopefully I will have lot's of fun stuff listed soon. This is a place for me to share whatever crafty obsession I have at the moment. I would urge everybody to check Etsy out, or other forums for buying handmade. I think it is a wonderful thing. There are so many good, talented artists out there. Also, share the link with all your friends!!

Happy Shopping!!

8 RANDOM THINGS

2008-09-23T12:47:00.005-05:00

So, Anna taged me for 8 random things. I love reading other people's tag's, I'm just not very into answering them about myself, here I go...

Taggin' It Up Rules1: Each player starts with 8 random habits/facts about themselves.2: People who are tagged need to write a post on their blog about their eight things and post these rules.3: At the end of the post you need to choose 8 people to get tagged and list their names.

1. My house may be messy, but my cupboards and closets are clean and organized

2. I love to organize my food storage (I would go hang out at my mom & dad's in seattle during the day and organize their cans in their food storage room when they weren't home-I bet after me being gone for 6 months they are really missing me)

3. I would love to run a marathon

4. I love to camp.

5. I love junk food and McDonald's

6. I don't like to drink milk

7. Nate and I dated for 2 1/2 yrs

8. As a teenager, I used to go for drives with the girls and hit the drive thru's asking for water, napkins & phone numbers or dates (no we never got any). Once, I think we were seen hanging a bra out the window (it wasn't mine, I don't think), we also had the cops called on us when we were secretly delivering a treat to someone from church, ha ha, remember that? (of course we got out of there before we got caught, how horrified was I to show up at church the next day to see the lady has fallen while getting our goodies and really scraped & bruised up her face, breaking her glasses in the process.

I tag: Amie B., Jenn H. Heather C. Sarah (my sis.) Trisha, Dana, Kelly (my sis-in-law), Briana

DANCING WITH DADDY

2008-09-22T09:58:00.003-05:00

I just love this. Addie carrries around our homemade version of Flat Daddy.

MY ATTEMPT AT ART

2008-09-22T09:03:00.003-05:00

I saw this a few months ago on tv and wanted to do it. The example I saw was with wallpaper, cut it into squares and mount it on artist canvas to make a collage for the wall. I mounted my kids baby blessing pictures, after I played with them in photoshop a little bit. I think they turned out really good. I need to do one more layer of decoupage and then a sealer and then there won't be that funny glare, that also is my camera and flash, but you get the idea. I mounted them on larger boards so there is a white border around them. I am going to hang them in my room, but not til after I get my new bed!!

IT'S A NEW DAY!

2008-09-22T08:55:00.004-05:00

Since I got some sleep, my little complaints don't seem like such a big deal, so I will move on to a new one.

My 4 year old. She is so clingy, I think it is stubborness, but can a 4 year old have anxiety issues? I only ask abecause I am a very nervous person and what if it is more than just separation anxiety? I am leaning toward it being she is very stubborn-remember I live with her, ha ha. Yesterday at church I had enough and I left her in primary with her teacher, she was kicking and screaming. (I(They put me in as her sunbeam teacher, which was great, but it kind of backfired because she was just as bad, if not worse when I was there. She wanted to sit on my lap, touch me, wouldn't participate) While I was standing in the hall with Addie I overheard two ladies critiquing my parenting skills. I don't think they knew she was my daughter, but I had just been discussing her situation with the primary counselor, so it strikes me as odd that they didn't overhear. Well, they weren't hiding their feelings about my skills as a parent and how primary is not "a babysitting service". come on, I am doing the best that I can. I am trying to raise 4 kids alone while my husband is deployed. What more do you want me to do? There comes a time when you have to just leave the kids and let them cry. I am so glad that her primary teacher is willing to let me do that. For the first time, at the end of primary she was happy, so not matter what anyone else thinks, it was a success for me. Her gymnastics teacher is great also, she is the same way. She let's me bring her in and leave her screaming and crying, but a few minutes later she calms down and comes out of class happy. I just wish people would be more discreet about their opinions of other people. Talk about me, fine, but don't do it where I can overhear.

Hope-I am curious, what is the .01% of things that you don't agree with me on? ha ha

Hmmmm

2008-09-20T21:18:00.004-05:00

I was going to sit down and write a big complaint about how people are so irresponsible and selfish and never think about how their actions, or lack of actions affect other people's lives, but I'm too tired, frustrated and missing my hsuband so I'm going to bed.

BUS STOP

2008-09-17T20:01:00.003-05:00

Here is my hubby waiting at the Bus Stop-actually he is waiting for the helicopter that he hitched a ride on with his patient!

DOING THE LAUNDRY!

2008-09-15T14:10:00.002-05:00

AUSTIN, TX

2008-09-09T21:11:00.003-05:00

Natalie and Olivia being silly
Austin, the TX state capitol
Natalie & Olivia-childrens museum
Ben & Ali-that is an exhibit at the children's museum-it looks like a real bus!
Addie playing on the grass at the capital

On saturday, the girls and I drove to Austin to meet some friends of our who used to be our neighbors in Oregon. Aaron just graduated form PA school-he was a year behind Nate, and the moved back to San Antonio. We went to the childrens museum then to the State Capitol to sit and chit chat on the grass while the kids ran around and got good and tired for the hour drive home. Austin is Half way between Killeen and San Antonio so it worked out great. The neighborhood where the capitol is is gorgeous and reminded alot of Seattle. It was fun to see the girls play like we had never moved. It has been a year since we have seen them. Alison didn't remember at first and had a hard time warming up, but by the end she was running around and talking about Ben and Olivia like we were still neighbors. She talked about them the whole way home. We hope you guys had a good time, even though my kids were kind of grumpy. Hopefully, we can have many more get togethers, we need to come and do Sea World!! On the way home we made a mandatory stop at IKEA to pick up some meatballs and Lingonberry Jam for sunday dinner, which we ended up eating on monday! Yumm!!

I just realized I don't have any pictures of Caroline, or Aimee, or me! I guess we will have to do it again next weekend!

TEXAS TUMBLERS

2008-09-05T12:24:00.002-05:00

100 Things

2008-09-03T21:42:00.003-05:00

So Miss B is having a challenge to get rid of 100 things. I am all for it, but I haven't been keeping track. Here is a short list of things I have gotten rid of. I love to get rid of things...
3 Aerobics video's I never use & yoga mat
two bags of old kids clothes
old T.V. (that sat in the front seat of my car for two weeks-when the guard at the gate started asking me for it's I.D. I figured it was time to drop it off)
3 ziplocs of old matchbox cars
old t.v. stand
Old tennis shoes
I dont' know if this counts...but I finally took the three boxes to the post office to mail off to various cousins for birthdays!!

In about two weeks there is a community yard sale so I am currently stocking up for that also. The only thing I like about moving is going through everything, organizing and getting rid of/giving away/selling/throwing away a bunch of stuff. I should be good for about two years know.

Happy Getting Rid Of!!
Thanks Miss B. for the idea and everybody who has joined it, it is very motivating.

Memories

2008-09-02T16:56:00.004-05:00

I don't really know what to say about these pictures. I found them when cleaning out a box of old scrapbook stuff. The collage I think Julie made me it is girls camp and band trips, yes that is the group I was a counselor for in a porta potty, oh and EFY, does anyone remember what GASS stands for? The other ones are business cards that some of us had made up at the mall. How funny, yes that was our phone # and address that I blacked out. We did so many funny things, maybe we should write a book about all the funny dumb things to do.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ADDIE!

2008-08-30T16:34:00.003-05:00

Our little baby Adelaide Grace turned 1 this week. We can hardly believe it. Just like Alison enjoys being the baby, Addie is the big girl. She climbs the stairs, she walks & runs after the other kids, she doesn't sleep well, liking to stay up late with the big kids and loves to be held (probably because she was spoiled by grandma when she was here-grandma is the only one who could get her to fall asleep in their arms,not even mom). Even though, we love and adore her so much. She is so darling. It is so fun to watch her interact with the other kids. She get's so excited when Sam, Natalie or Alison enter the room. She tries to copy everything they do. She loves to talk to daddy on the phone and get's excited when we show her his picture. I am sure it will be a big adjustment when he comes home, she probably won't know who he is, but it is fun to think she does.

Happy Birthday to my little angel!

COUPONS

2008-08-28T21:30:00.002-05:00

Don't worry I'm not bored, but I do like a challenge and something to occupy my mind while hubby is away, so....
I have been very impressed with Camille and her deal skills and last night we had a great Enrichment at church all about being prepared, they had little 5 min (which wasn't long enough) classes and one was about coupons. Know, I have been cutting coupons for a while know and then I saw on someone's blog they kept a total of how much they have saved, so I am going to start Sept. 1 and keep track of how much I can save with coupons and special sales. Check back to see how good I do, hmmm, what will I buy with the savings?

UPDATE ON THE COUCH

2008-08-28T06:13:00.002-05:00

I guess that Scotch Guard really does work. I took the cover off the couch cusion and washed it, it came out great. I took the cushion scrubbed it a little (although nothing had soaked through), sprayed it with Febreeze and put it outside in the hot TX sun all day and it was great. NO smell, no stickiness, no water spots, nothing. I also bought a couple cans of Scotch Guard to re treat, they say to reapply after you wash or about 1 a year. It came pretreated so I think I will re treat the cushion I washed.

On another note, the reason Natalie got sick in the first place is we had a little water issue over the weekend. I guess DPW here on the post decided to flush the water system without telling Housing. Someone screwed up and the chemical levels weren't right and we were getting bad bad (green) water. They kept saying run your faucets it will go away, the longer we ran our faucets, the worse it got. The worse part was no one told us not to use our water, so people were getting sick, etc. (me included). Luckily the problem has been fixed and we are all fine.

Nate

2008-08-27T17:20:00.002-05:00

Here are some pictures of Nate in Iraq & Iran. He got to go on a little field trip to the Iran Border, their guide was comfortable enough to let them put their toe over the border for a picture, know he can say he has been to Iran.

New Couch

2008-08-23T23:18:00.002-05:00

So, when we moved from Oregon to Texas in December last year we buried our wonderful, loved thanks Noelle for the great couch) hand me down of a couch in Oregon. We were so excited to be able to buy a new couch, you see we had never done that before. So, I new exactly what I wanted, a big brown comfy leather couch, like Merrie or Julie have. So, I shopped all the big dept stores, all the furniture stores (I knew all the salespeople at Ashley), Costco, Sam's Club & Ikea, but I couldn't find that perfect couch and I wasn't spending all that money on a couch that wasn't perfect. Finally frustration got to me and sitting and nursing a baby on the floor and we bought a great comfy set at Sam's club. It was alot cheaper, a good color to hide dirt and really comfortable.

Natalie just threw up all over my new couch and shaggy rug!!!!
Why the hell (heck) didn't I buy a leather couch?

Hmmm, I know it is a waste of money, but I may just be doing a little shopping sometime soon (just kidding, not really but right know I am really upset, how do you clean really stinky, nasty throw up off your couch cushion?)

ipod

2008-08-22T20:24:00.004-05:00

So, Nate is in the middle of nowhere and bored stiff, which actually is a good thing when you think about what that means, no fighting or serious injuries near him. Some of you will find this hard to believe but we don't own an ipod. So, I am going to get him one and fill it up with music so he has something to listen to. The problem is, I know nothing about them.....So please help me. Which one do I buy, nano, shuffle, classic, big, small, pink, red, ha ha just kidding. Do you have one? which one and what are the good and bad about it.

Thanks

PHOTOS OF THE HEART

2008-08-20T21:22:00.003-05:00

Here is a slide show of some of the pictures that Dana took for us before Nate left. Know we just need to do it again when Nate get's back and I've lost 50 lbs.

GULFPORT/BILOXI PICTURES

2008-08-17T21:11:00.005-05:00

WHAT A MONTH!

2008-08-15T21:33:00.003-05:00

What a crazy six weeks this has been. My parents were here for all of July. We got to do lot's of fun stuff like go to the Texas Rangers Museum (you know like "Walker, Texas Ranger"-I know you have all watched it), go to the zoo, go to Austin to the Natural History Museum and take a tour of the Caverns. Grandma and I did alot of quilting, well, grandma did alot of quilting, getting a quilt for Natalie pieced together and another quilt for someone cut out. My goal this year is to make big quilts for all the kids.We also drove 10+ hrs (with 4 kids, 1 grandpa, 1 grandma and me in my minivan) to Gulfport, MS where we met my sister and her family. We stayed in a great condo on the beach, spent lot's of time in the swimming pool, visited a Casino for the Buffet so Uncle Josh could get his fill of Seafood (I think all he ate was crab leg's), saw lot's of hurrican damage, played with our cousins for hours, went to a childllren's museum, spent more time swimming, did a little shopping at the outlet mall (why is the outlet mall so much fun on vacation, even though we all have them close to home, going to a different one is so exciting), got a great picture of Forrest Gump's boat, swam some more....you get the idea.

I also had to call pop-a-lock (say that 10 times fast with a Texas accent), 4 times (2 flat tires, one lock out of the car, another lock out of the bedroom (stop laughing) Alison locked my bedroom door which I didn't know had a regular lock with a key which we and the management company didn't have......

To add to all the chaos, I moved.....yup, I decided since my husband is deployed and I haven't had enough excitement in my life I needed to stir things up. Actually, an opportunity to move onto post came up and I took it. It has been really great. It is old housing, but bigger and better set up for kids (plus they pay your utilities which is great!!) The most important thing is we have great neighbors and lot's of kids who play outside. And I did this the day after my parents left. I am almost organized, having a great time going through things and getting rid of them, which I thought I did a great job of 6 months ago. I just hope we don't move again for 2 years, ha ha.

School starts in a week so we are going to be spending this next week spending as much time at the pool as we can and trying to adjust the kids bedtime which I have been horrible about the last two months.

Alison turned 4 and grew up. She is very excited about going to Pre K which is all day. I think it will take a litte getting used to but should be fun. Addy is walking and getting into everything.

We are also very excited because two of our Oregon neighbors, the Claires and the Woodbury's have moved to TX this summer. And lucky for me, I live in the middle of the two, The Clares about 2 1/2 hr south and the Woodbury's about 3 hrs north, hmmmm, meet in the middle????

(have you seen where you decoupage a picture (or wallpaper) onto framed artist canvas?) I think I might have to do this with Forrest's Boat.

Stay tuned for more pictures...........

MENTOS & DIET COKE

2008-07-06T15:04:00.005-05:00

Grandma & Grandpa Chambers are here visiting for the month of July. Since Grandma teaches high school science she always has fun stuff for the kids to do. This is what they did....Mentos Fountains.

What not to say to a military spouse during deployment

2008-07-02T21:57:00.002-05:00

I got this from a friend, I just had to post it. I am afraid I have said a few of these myself.....

1. "Aren't you afraid that he'll be killed?"(This one ranks in at number one on the "duh" list. Of course we're afraid. We're terrified. The thought always lingers at the backs of our minds ---but thanks brilliant, you just brought it back to the front. Maybe next you can go ask someone with cancer if they're scared of dying.)
2. "I don't know how you manage. I don't think I could do it."(This is intended to be a compliment. Though, its just a little annoying. Here's why: it's not like all of us military wives have been dreaming since childhood of the day we'd get to be anxious single moms who carry cell phones with us to the bathroom and in the shower. We're not made of some mysterious matter that makes us more capable, we just got asked to take on a challenging job. So we rose to the challenge and found the strength to make sacrifices.)
3. "At least he's not in Iraq."(This is the number one most annoying comment for those whose husbands are in Afghanistan. What do they think is happening in Afghanistan? An international game of golf? Guys are fighting and dying over there.)
4. "Do you think he'll get to come home for Christmas/anniversary/birthday/birth of a child/wedding/family reunion, etc?"(Don't you watch the news? No! They don't get to come home for any of these things. Please don't ask again.)
5. "What are you going to do to keep yourself busy while he's gone?"(Short answer: Try to keep my sanity. Maybe there's a military wife out there who gets bored when her husband leaves, but I have yet to meet her. For the rest of us, those with and without children, we find ourselves having to be two people. That keeps us plenty busy. We do get lonely, but we don't get bored, and drinking massive amounts of wine always helps keep me busy.)
6. "How much longer does he have until he can get out?"(This one is annoying to many of us whether our husbands are deployed or not. Many of our husbands aren't counting down the days until they "can" get out. Many of them keep signing back up again and again because they actually love what they do or they VOLUNTEER AGAIN and AGAIN to go back to Iraq b/c there is work that needs to be done.)
7. "This deployment shouldn't be so bad, now that you're used to it."(Sure, we do learn coping skills and its true the more deployments you've gone through, the easier dealing with it becomes. And we figure out ways to make life go smoother while the guys are gone. But it never gets "easy" and the bullets and bombs don't skip over our guys just because they've been there before. The worry never goes away.)
8. "My husband had to go to Europe for business once for three weeks. I totally know what you're going through."(This one is similar to number two. Do not equate your husband's three week trip to London/Omaha/Tokyo/etc. with a 12-15 month or more deployment to a war zone. Aside from the obvious time difference, nobody shot at your husband or tried to blow him up with an I.E.D., your husband could call home pretty much any time he wanted to, he flew comfortably on a commercial plane, slept between crisp white sheets and ate well, paying for everything with an expense account. There is no comparison. We do not feel bonded to you in the slightest because of this comment and, if anything, we probably resent you a bit for it. Comparing a 12 month combat deployment to a few weeks business trip is like comparing a shitty ford taurus with mercedes convertible.)
9. "Wow you must miss him?"(This one also gets antoher big "duh". Of course we miss our men. There are some wives who do not and they're now divorced.)
10. "Where is he exactly? Where is that?"(I don't expect non-military folks to be able to find Anbar Province on a map, but they should know by now that it's in Iraq. Likewise, know that Kabul and Kandahar are in Afghanistan. Know that Muqtada al Sadr is the insurgent leader of the Mahdi Army in Iraq and that Sadr City is his home area. Know that Iran is a major threat to our country and that it is located between Afghanistan and Iraq. Our country has been at war in Afghanistan for seven years and at war in Iraq for five years. These basic facts are not secrets, they're on the news every night and in the papers every day ---and on maps everywhere.)
11. "Well, he signed up for it, so it's his own fault whatever happens over there.(Yes, ignorant, he did sign up. Each and every day he protects your right to make stupid comments like that. He didn't sign up and ask to be hit by anything, he signed up to protect his country. Oh, and by the way, he asked me to tell you that "You're welcome." He's still fighting for your freedom.)
12. "Don't you miss sex! I couldn't do it!"(hmmm, no i don't miss sex. i'm a robot. seriously...military spouses learn quickly that our relationships must be founded on something greater than sex. We learn to appreciate the important things, like simply hearing their voices, seeing their faces, being able to have dinner together every night. And the hard truth is, most relationships probably couldn't withstand 12 months of sex deprivation.)
13. "Well in my opinion....."(Stop right there. Yo, I didn't ask for you your personal political opinions. Hey, I love a heated political debate, but not in the grocery store, not in Jamba Juice, not at Nordstrom, not in a bar when I'm out with my girls trying to forget the war, and CERTAINLY NOT AT WORK. We tell co-workers about deployments so when we have to spend lunch hours running our asses off doing errands and taking care of the house, dog, and kids, they have an understanding. We do not tell co-workers and colleagues because we are giving an invitation to ramble about politics or because we so eagerly want to hear how much they hate the President, esp. while we're trying to heat up our lean cuisines in the crappy office microwaves.)last but not least....
14. "OH, that's horrible...I'm so sorry!"(He's doing his job and he's a badass. Don't be sorry. Be appreciative and please take a moment out of your comfortable American lives to realize that our soldiers fight the wars abroad so those wars stay abroad.)If you want to say anything, say thank you. After all, we are sexually deprived for your freedom

TOO FUNNY!

2008-06-29T21:38:00.001-05:00

I stole this off of someone else's blog I don't know. It gave me a good laugh, which I really needed after a sunday with my kids.

R. D. Jones And His Sewing Machine
The following is an ad from a real-life newspaper which appeared four days in a row - the last three hopelessly trying to correct the first day's mistake.
MONDAY:
For sale: R. D. Jones has one sewing machine for sale. Phone 948-0707 after 7 P.M.. and ask for Mrs. Kelly who lives with him cheap.
TUESDAY:
Notice: We regret having erred In R. D. Jones' ad yesterday. It should have read "One sewing machine for sale cheap. Phone 948-0707 and ask for Mrs. Kelly, who lives with him after 7 P.M."
WEDNESDAY:
Notice: R. D. Jones has informed us that he has received several annoying telephone calls because of the error we made in the classified ad yesterday. The ad stands correct as follows: "For sale -- R. D. Jones has one sewing machine for sale. Cheap. Phone 948-0707 after 7 P.M. and ask for Mrs. Kelly who loves with him."
THURSDAY:Notice: I, R. D. Jones, have no sewing machine for sale. I intentionally broke it. Don't call 948-0707 as I have had the phone disconnected. I have not been carrying on with Mrs. Kelly. Until yesterday she was my housekeeper, but she has now quit.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NATE!

2008-06-29T08:22:00.006-05:00

Happy Birthday to my smoking hot soldier and his little brother. Nate turns 38 today (wow that sounds old) and Joel turns 36. We miss our daddy so much, Alison said "when is dad coming home? maybe on my b-day?" What she doesn't get is that no, he isn't coming home on her b-day. Here is a pic Nate sent of himself (And I have been complaining of TX having no trees and no green). Can you imagine 115 degrees and having to wear those uniforms? Your b-day cake is in the mail, hope you enjoy it. Have you heard of this? You can bake a cake in a canning jar, when it is done, put a boiled lid on it and wait for the "pop". The cake will be kept fresh until you open it. Do not frost it first, include a container of frosting in the care pkg. I will let you know what he says after he opens it.

In a side note, sandstorms are deadly, at least to his camera. His camera is full of sand and makes a horrible sound when you try to open it or use it. I guess he was trying to take a pictures of the flowers, I mean the sandstorm...hmmmm.....

And he has a new address...so if anyone is interested in it, just let me know. I can't remember who all I gave the old one to but it won't work.

DEJA VU

2008-06-27T18:21:00.003-05:00

I'm not sure if I can be Dorshan's friend any longer. I'm not sure Nadine is willing to be my friend know (she doesn't want to be next). There is a nasty bug going around town. Click on Dorshan's name to read more.

Thank goodness for 24 hr roadside assistance. We had just dropped Sam off at Cub Scout Day Camp and had played on the playground. We went back to the car to find it totally flat. Good thing it was 10am, and not 4pm when it was like 100 degrees out.

I do like Dorshan enough to let her come over and make a Blue Star Service Banner with me. She did awesome considering she said she has only touched a sewing machine once, I think I have her hooked. Her kids were pretty cute teasing her, I think she did a great job. I love the history of the Blue Star Service Banner, so check it out. I had never heard of it before. The binding on mine isn't finished yet, but I wanted to show you how it looks.

It is really nice to have other people who have had/ have spouses deployed. Misery loves company right? ha ha

I fixed it

2008-06-26T16:43:00.002-05:00

I fixed the problem of not being able to enlarge the pictures. But, I am not going back and fixing all of them, just the last two posts. Enjoy!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SAM!

2008-06-26T13:35:00.006-05:00

My baby Sam turns 10 tomorrow. We had his birthday party a week ago because this week is Cub Scout Day Camp and his friends Ethan & Joshua are out of town. I took the boys bowling & they had a blast. Happy Birthday Sam, I love you!!

Check out BAKERELLA'S blog to see how to make those great cake pops!

BLAST FROM THE PAST!

2008-06-26T13:31:00.002-05:00

Here is my guess on the BLAST FROM THE PAST picture.
Back row: Beth or Christa, Kristie, (I can picture her, but I can't remember her name), Jeremy, Andy, Aaron
Front row: Beth or Christa, Me, Sarah, Alayne
I hope I got that right.

Aren't we so cute? A few of you in Seattle know Lisa Nelson-that's her hubby Andy in the back row.

SUMMERTIME!

2008-06-26T13:27:00.005-05:00

UPDATE! I decided to take these pictures off.

Wow, is it hot! It was hot last summer in oregon, but that was for July & Aug. It's been in the high 90's since May. At least we get play in the water alot.

WELCOME-A BLAST FROM THE PAST

2008-06-14T16:10:00.004-05:00

This is in honor of Kristie, a blast from my past. We grew up together in Seattle and she has joined my blogroll recently. I thought she would get a kick out of this picture I found while cleaning out a file drawer, trying to get caught up on scrapbooks. (really I am just trying to keep busy since today is a big b-day party for my dad (70) and we are missing it and we survived our first week with Nate gone, how many to go?)

Can anyone name any of these people?

There is no date on the picture, but it has to be winter since we made gingerbread houses, and I know it is at The Nelson's house (does anyone know of any other funny things that happened at their house?)

I really do like blogging and being able to see what is going on in people's lives (you all know how noisy I am)

CRAFTING OBSESSION

2008-06-12T21:16:00.002-05:00

I love to buy handmade items. I also love to make things. My current obsession has been hairbows. I have more ribbon than I know what to do with and have been asked by many if I sell them. So, I decided to start a blog devoted to crafty thing-BOWTASTIC. It isn't set up exactly how I would like, it is a work in progress, to keep me busy (like 4 kids isn't enough) while my hubby is deployed but I wanted to share with everybody my 4th of july bows. So, check it out and let me know what you think. I offer free shipping in the U.S. and accept paypal.

BREAD WINNER!

2008-06-08T17:21:00.002-05:00

So, a while back I requested bread recipes. And since my friend (at least I thought you were my friend) Joe refuses to give me his bread recipes (he owns a bakery in Seattle) he doesn't win. Julie does. This was a great recipe, it was easy, throw everything in my kitchenaid and mix. And the kids loved it. I had to add extra flower because of the humidity here. Check out the comments to the previous post to see the recipe. So, even though Julie doesn't blog yet and doesn't have any girls yet, I am sending her some 4th of July bows (I know she has friends who have girls and nieces to share with). And to thank everybody (Cricket, Dorshan, Camille, An Ordinary Mom, for playing along and humoring me, and sending me recipes, everybody get's some butterfly bows.

P.S. All the recipes were great and really similiar!!
Camille, email me your new address, if you don't have my email any longer, Caroline does.

WEEK IN REVIEW

2008-06-07T12:15:00.007-05:00

Natalie finally lost her first tooth, yah!!!
Sam & Natalie both got academic awards at school for getting all A's.

They both had great teachers.

Adelaide discovered a piece of watermelon one of the kids left on a chair, I think she likes it.

This is what happens when I kick the kids off the computer (it was only day 1 of summer vacation), they make a fort with whatever and everything they can find....they had a little help from some friends, but they are very capable of making this mess themselves.

Alison was tired of being drug all over the place for ceremony after ceremony and having to sit still.

We are really proud of our dad-We love you!!

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

2008-05-30T14:54:00.002-05:00

Whoever sent us the box of licorice, THANK YOU SO MUCH! I am so excited about all the licorice I have gotten, some from oregon, some from washington and a surprise box on the door step today! I can't believe it.

Nate loves Australian red licorice. They only sell it a few places, target, and they are phasing it out, we haven't been able to find it in tx. So, I sent out a request via email and got a great response. I am going to put together a box to send him in Iraq. Once they arrive (they haven't left yet) I will send out his address if anyone is interested. I know all the soldiers like letters of encouragement.

THANK YOU SO MUCH!! YIPPEE!

CATCH UP!

2008-05-30T13:55:00.007-05:00

Before we left for Florida, we went to a Battalion Organization Day! (or required fun day). It was fun, filled with food, music, polynesian dancers, & bouncy houses for the kids. They also had some unit skits and awards. So, when Lt. Col. Bush called my name, it took three times until I realized he ment me and I needed to go up front. I got an award for volunteering and I got a Battalion coin, which Nate doesn't have, ha ha.

Last friday Nate and I got the pleasure of going out to dinner & a movie (Indiana Jones). Since we live in the middle of nowhere, we weren't sure where to eat, we love the Chines Buffet, but can only eat there so much. So, we tried out Jason's Deli, which Christina has been telling us about since we moved here. It was great. Alot of it is organic, healthy food, and pretty cheap, so if you haven't tried Jason's deli, check it out. When we got home, this is what came in the door with us-a little frog. Natalie had fallen asleep so Nate put it in our bathtub (which it pooped in) so she could see it in the morning, then he put it in the garden.

Since is is 95 degrees everyday the kids put the sprinkler under the trampoline. Score-I got the lawn watered, the kids entertained and exercised, amd dinner made. I love to multi-task. (I'm not quite sure why they didn't put their swim suits on)

There is alot of tradition in the Army and since we don't know how long our Army career will be I am trying to make sure that my kids (and I) experience as much as possible. So I took Ali & Addie and went to the Casing of the Colors Ceremony. (this is where they case the colors to take them to Iraq). The band played (grandpa used to play in the army band), they shoot off canyons, LTG Odierno spoke along with COL Francey (the Brigade Commander). Here are some of the pictures I took...

Alison just had to go see the tanks. Ironically, Nate wasn't even there, he was a block away in the clinic seeing patients.

SNEAK PEAK

2008-05-30T11:47:00.004-05:00

Check out some of our photo's from our session with Dana. (Dana is a friend from church who is a photographer, and her daughter is in my sunbeam class with Alison) Thanks Dana, you did a great job keeping the kids attention (I know it was tough), but they listened to you pretty good. (Click on sneak peak, cornwall) I can't wait to go look at all of them!

GORGEOUSLY GREEN!

2008-05-28T11:07:00.002-05:00

My friend Christina (who needs to blog) has turned me into a organic earth friendly freak. I found the best book (maybe you saw her on Oprah) Gorgeously Green 8 simple steps to an Earth-Friendly Life. I am loving this book. The author, Sophie Uliano admits she loves her makeup, shopping, and looking good. She teaches you how to do that, while also being kind to the environment and yourself. I think we are at a point where we all need to do alittle (a lot) more in our daily lives if we want to keep our planet healthy. We consume and surround ourselves with so many toxins. So, for the health of my children and the environment I am trying really hard to consume less, use more earth friendly products, and eat more organic/healthy products (you still have to read the labels, all organic isn't necessarily good). I was happily suprised when Christina and I made the hour long trek (well, it took us more like 3 with a stop at IKEA and getting lost) to Austin to go to Costco. I have been having Costco withdrawls for the last six months. With the price of food I decided it was worth the gas to go and stock up. Well, I was so happily surprised at the amount of Organic products they are know carrying.

So, my goal is to remember to take my reusable bags into the store, not just in the car (I always forget).

What is something you pledge to change to make your health and the world a little better? Also, do you have any favorite organic/earth friendly/healthy items or stores? (beauty, food, clothing, anything).

LAST OF THE FLORIDA PICTURES - I promise!

2008-05-22T16:17:00.003-05:00

DISNEYWORLD!

2008-05-21T15:46:00.005-05:00

SURFWISE

2008-05-17T20:21:00.001-05:00

While in Tallahassee my sister showed me a great trailer to a movie coming out...

SURFWISE

What a great life!

FLORIDA PICTURES

2008-05-17T13:08:00.007-05:00

OUR TRIP TO FLORIDA

2008-05-16T20:29:00.003-05:00

We made it back home from our two week trip to Floriday! It was a blast. We started out with a stop in Atlanta to see Julie, David & Dawson. It was so nice of them to let us stay there and hang out at the Aquarium with us. We were so glad to get to see them. Then we drove to Tallahassee, FL to see Sarah, Josh, Olivia & Brody (Becky's sister & family). We got to see the Florida State Capitol & Wakulla Springs, a natural spring where we went on a boat ride to see the Alligators. Then we drove to Lakeland (near Tampa) to see Joel, Kelly & Rhiannon (Nate's brother and family). We went to St. Petersburg and stayed at the beach, playing in the sand and water all day long. We got to see the sunset and stayed the night. We spent some time checking out Lakeland, relaxing, and playing with Rhiannon & the dogs. Then we headed to Disneyworld. We had so much fun. We are already planning another trip when Nate get's back from deployment. We drove to Orlando sunday night so we could get up bright and early (yah right) for Magic Kingdom. We spent tuesday lounging at the pool at the resort, before we had to say goodbye and head back to Tallahassee. We slept at Sarah and Josh's, making a little stop at the Tallahassee Museum of Natural History where we saw a huge alligator, a bear, cougars & wild turkeys. We made another stop in Pensacola to see the beach. This put us way behind in our drive, but it was worth it. The trip was a great success...no one threw up in the car, Addie & Ali had 103 degree fevers but got over them quickly, we ate lot's of great food and I only had one little anxiety attack-driving through Houston during rush hour (can you blame me)! The south is beautiful. We are so grateful we got to see this part of the country, but don't think we will settle here, too many bugs!!

Well, I am going to spend my weekend doing laundry and editing pictures.
Stay tuned for more pictures!

THERE ARE 5 OF ME

2008-04-30T22:09:00.003-05:00

I found this off a friend of a friend of a friends blog.....
Thought it was cute.

HowManyOfMe.com

There are
5
people with my name
in the U.S.A.

How many have your name?

FOR DAD

2008-04-30T08:05:00.003-05:00

Is that better dad? Maybe you need to ask mom to get you a new monitor. I promise, no more changes, at least for two weeks while we are in FLORIDA!!!!!Keep the bread recipes coming, the ones I don't get a chance to try before friday, I will try when I get back.

BAKING BREAD

2008-04-28T21:48:00.003-05:00

I am really trying hard to establish healthier eating habits for the whole family, and due to the lack of grocery store choices, brand choices, and the massive amount of wheat stored under my bed, I am looking for a new bread recipe. So....... comment with your favorite homemade bread recipe. I will try them out and the one who wins my little contest just might get a hairbow in the mail (hope you have little girls)(even if you don't, comment anyway)

Tagged

2008-04-22T22:37:00.002-05:00

So, I've been tagged, numberous times, I like to just pretend that I didn't see them, but since I have managed to make myself a few friends here in this country called Texas, I thought this would be a good way for them to get to know me, and for the rest of you to laugh. I'm combining the two tag's, so here it goes....

First a big hello to all my new Texas bloggers.

10 Years Ago

-I was 7 months pregnant with Sam. Nate and I went on a camping trip to Lake Ozette in the Olympic National Park (all this talk of Twilight made me think of that). We took my Dad's (thanks dad) new tent trailer and a racoon managed to attack it and try to get to our food. I was working at Airborne Express (like UPS) on the downtown Seattle waterfront in the billing department. Nate was working at Northwest Hospital and going to the Univ. of Washington. We lived by Northgate Mall.

Things on my to do list Monday -
-balance checkbook

-exercise

-call pest control man

-buy some stain remover

-return library books

What would I do if I suddenly had a billion dollars -

-pay off student loans, that would take about all of it, just kidding, but close

-buy a new car Honda Pilot or GMC Acadia, which do you think?

-Buy a house on 5 acres near Lacey, WA (near Fort Lewis for all you army ladies)

-buy a new pair of jeans (with the price of Eddie Bauer jeans these days, that would about do it

-3 of my bad habits -

-I don't have bad habits

-I hate to floss

-I'm not patient

-I am a bad daily housekeeper, but my cupboards are obsessivley organized

Places I have lived:
Seattle, WA (born here)
Seattle, WA (raised here)
Forest Grove, OR (Nate graduate school)
Killeen, TX (ARMY)

Jobs I have had:
Lots of babysitting
Sears - selling greeting cards

Payless (Rite Aid) cashier, part time bookkeeper

University Savings Bank, First Interstate, Wells Fargo-new accounts, teller, consumer loans

Eddie Bauer Catalog Sales-I think all the money I made that season was spent at Eddie Bauer

Airborne Express-Billing Department, building switchboard operator

mom to 4 kids

wife to 1 husband

made wedding cakes for fun (sometimes got paid, not a bakery, just in my mom's kitchen)

5 Things (most)People don't know about me:
1 - I was in the high school marching band - played the clarinet

2 - I don't like milk, fish, any seafood, mushrooms

3 - I am obsessed with organizing my food storage cans

4 - I have seen Wild Hearts Can't be Broken, White Fang, Top Gun, Man From Snowy River - saw so many times I couldn't even count. (thanks Annie for the reminder)

5 - I have been known to make a cake mix just to eat the batter

5 - The first boy I intentionally kissed -

I've never kissed a boy

My friend over at Sensational Six tagged me for the 5 favorite links I visit often....

http://www.usaa.com/ bank

http://www.fatquartershop.com/ quilting fabric

all my friends blog's

http://www.hoodmwr.com/ Fort Hood Recreation

http://www.google.com/ to find all the other sites I look at

OK so I tag some old and new friends:

Jenn, Sarah, Heather, Dorshan, Hope (so she will start her blog)

Have fun, I want dirt on all of you......

THE MEANEST MOM

2008-04-21T08:08:00.001-05:00

Thanks to Heather for this link. When I need a little pick me up, (or a good laugh) this is where I will be going.

http://www.themeanestmom.blogspot.com/

PICTURES

2008-04-18T16:12:00.005-05:00

Here are just a few fun pictures from the last few days.

Nate & Addy taking a little sunday afternoon nap!

Addy's new trick-standing up in her crib, or the couch, or the chair, anywhere. She is very proud of herself!

The bag I finished for my friend An Ordinary Mom who is nothing but ordinary. It has a pocket on the outside with a magnetic closure, two bottle (water or baby) loops on the inside with two pockets for keys, phone, etc. the bag itself also has a magnetic closure. Enjoy! This is a little present to say you are a great lady, friend & mom. Congrats on the new baby! I know there were times you never thought possible you would have #2 and know you are having #3. You are a great example of enduring our trials and staying strong and positive. I remember when I met you, you had just moved to Greenwood Ward, Bishop Poston called me up and said you needed a babysitter while you went to the Dr. because of a miscarraige. Almost 4 years later and Natalie stills talks about you guys.

And this is what I was doing last night at midnight instead of sleeping. Watching the lightning and trying to get a good picture. Every time I put down the camera, there was a big strike right in front of me. Plus, the teenagers across the street were having a party and making alot of noise. I could hear them over the rain and wind. (my dad used to take me outback and make me sit with him and watch the lightning, this didn't happen very often, we lived in seattle, but I was so scared. Know I love it. I tried to wake up Sam, but he was asleep and didn't care. )

This is how bright it was when the lightning would strike, it looks like daytime, but it's midnight.

OLD GLORY

2008-04-18T15:40:00.003-05:00

For as long as I can remember, my dad always flew the flag out front of our house in Seattle. It was often a race to see who could get to the flag pole first to help him put it up/take it down. There was at least one instance where we got up in the morning to find someone had tried to climb the flag pole and it was bent in half. (it wasn't me and my friends, Dad) I love seeing the flag fly in people's yards. It is a wonderful way to show our love and appreciation for the freedom we enjoy here in America. So, when my parents were here, my dad hung up my flag pole. Thanks Dad. I had bought it when we first moved, the first of January and hadn't gotten around to putting it up. I have also discovered why I don't see more flags flying this time of year, THE WIND-does it ever stop?

Show your patriotism and fly The American Flag.

My Dad's Flag

My Flag

INNERSPACE CAVERNS

2008-04-13T17:44:00.006-05:00

SOMETHING'S WE LOVE ABOUT TEXAS

2008-04-12T20:30:00.003-05:00

Strawberries in April!

Grandpa & Grandma coming to visit!

WEATHER

2008-04-04T04:51:00.002-05:00

Ok, here is my apology-I'm sorry for always complaining about the weather. I know that it can be serious. This morning I made Nate take the car instead of ride his bike because we were having a thunderstorm. He didn't want me to wake up the kids(4:30am) and we only have one car, with him getting ready to deploy, there isn't much reason to buy another one. (Except for the fact that he has a highly anxious wife who sits around and worries about him riding his bike in a thunderstorm, I had to remind him"We don't like in Kansas I mean Seattle, anymore") I haven't decided what to do with the kids. Either convince them to take the bus, or stay home, hmmm, don't tell the school.

RANDOM PICTURES

2008-04-03T09:05:00.005-05:00

The Crafter

This is what happens when I turn my back for a few minutes. Addy crumpled up a pile of paper and then decided to sort my ribbon box for me. She doesn't need to crawl, she just scoots all over the house on her bum.

THE TRAMPOLINE

After about 3 weeks of waiting for a missing part, we finally got the trampoline set up. Yah! I think Nate had as much fun as the kids did. (And yes, it is 6pm and Alison is in her pyjamas. It was one of those days.)

THE BRIGADE EASTER EGG HUNT

Nate's Brigade had an easter egg hunt. Due to scheduling conflicts, it was the saturday after easter, and because of weather concerns it was moved indoors, but it was still fun. The kids got way too much candy, we threw half of it away, and it was still way too much, but that's ok. (someone explain to me about the weather, because if we were in OR or WA we would've had it outside anyway, even in the rain-in fact, it didn't even rain and because of all the people we had to move outside anyway, complain complain, I know, I just don't understand why everybody is afraid of the weather)

This is the kids outside the Brigade Headquarters

Julie bringing up my red bedroom made me think I had to post these pictures (excuse the messy house). Did I overdue the red curtains? pictures don't do them justice. Living room, dining room and kitchen.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JULIE!

2008-04-02T16:56:00.005-05:00

Happy "34" Birthday Julie

Here is a little photo walk down memory lane. Enjoy!
We can't wait to come to Atlanta and meet Dawson.
I hope you have a wonderful day!!
Remember some of the funny things we did?
~popping out of the garbage can and scareing people (did we wash it first?)
~playing in the laundry shoot
~dressing up in D.I. clothes
~sitting outside my upstairs windows dressed up as ghosts
~going through drive-thrus and asking for dates

Everybody-let me know funny, stupid things you did as a kid, especially if you know Julie and she was involved.
Becky

**P.S. I do know that Julie's birthday is 4/3 and not 4/2, I actually thought yesterday was 4/3 that is how crazy of a day it was. I was rushing around trying to get this done at dinner time because I had been gone all day and wanted to get this down on her birthday. What a shock I just had to look at the calendar and see the date.

HAPPY EASTER & HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

2008-03-24T14:47:00.003-05:00

Happy Anniversary to my wonderful husband. 12 l0ooong years, ha ha, just kidding. I just read that it is my friend Jul's Anniversary also, so a big Happy Anniversary to Jul and her hubby!

More on Chores

2008-03-18T22:10:00.002-05:00

I started this as a response to my sister-in-law, then decided previous posts and comments.

Kelly, I totally agree about being tired. School in TX is a hour longer than in OR/WA and when the kids get home they are tired. I believe they need a break. Especially since at school Sam doesn't get recess at all and Natalie only some days. When I jokingly complained about this at parent teacher conference, she was serious, about how kids need to be studying. They want to put Natalie in the "gifted" (I can't remember what it is called) class, but I'm not so sure, because she said the teacher is very serious and doesn't tolerate goofing off. Natalie is 7, she needs to goof off. After reading everybody's comments, I think I am going to just scale back a little. The kids can do one job, each day, plus their rooms and laundry (that is not a job, that is a requirement-I wash the laundry and fold it, they put it in the laundry room and put it away)Plus clean up after themselves and homework and extra's like sports, that is alot. Sorry, I kind of got off the subject, but I want my kids to be able to be kids, and be responsible. I read this great book The Parenting Break Through" by Merrilee Boyack. which I really liked, but she actually went and pulled her kid out of school because they hadn't done their morning chores.

I also have to say that I do not think that allowance should be tied to chores. Chores are a responsibility of being part of a family. I am not against allowance, just not being tied to chores. I don't have a problem with rewards, or payment, but my kids, they just opt not to do their chores and forgo the reward. I remember Sam, when he was about 3, and we asked him to clean up his toys and he said, just throw them away mommy. That made me so mad. Natalie and Alison have said the same thing to me.

My kids are actually really good helpers, when they want to be. (and when I take away computer/game boy/Wii/TV etc. (I have to clarify that because I told Sam no computer games and he got his game boy and went to his bedroom-"you said computer mom, not game boy") and when I am consistent, I just have had a hard time getting back into the routine after moving. And, this week is spring break, and we have had massive thunderstorms so they can't play outside.

Sorry for the rambling. Since Sam and Natalie are old enough to understand doing chores, I will think up a reward for the end of the week.

MARCH

2008-03-17T17:01:00.005-05:00

Sorry the pictures aren't very clear, my camera is having issues!

I think we have finally had a breakthrough with Alison. She is very clingy and refuses to go anywhere without me. They even made me her sunbeam teacher because she wouldn't go without me. I was thinking I was losing my mind as I was walking out the door with her screaming "I don't want to go to Ballet class". I was determined that she was going to ballet/tap class even if she sat on the floor and cried the whole time. (I spent money on tap and ballet shoes) Well, it started slow, but by the end she was happy and dancing like a butterfly. She even wants to go back tomorrow, too bad class is only on mondays. Yah! there is hope. (although I just caught her sneaking in the fridge and sticking her finger in the chocolate pie I made)

Here is a finished project, my bag. I love it, I wasn't so sure when I was reading the directions, but it turned out really great. I made it slighly bigger than the instructions and I am glad. And it's got nice long straps and pockets for my phone and keys. Did you know you can buy the magnetic clasps at the fabric store? and they are really easy to install, so cool!

CHORES

So, I am having issues keeping my house clean. I try not to worry too much, I do have 4 kids and a husband who isn't home much, but I want a clean house. Here is a picture of our chore chart. A big thanks to Caroline who made all the letters for me. So, do your kids do chores? I want to know all the details about everybody's chores, what do they do? Are they paid or rewarded? Do they actually do them? Do you make them do them? There are some things my kids like to do, ever since I bought Clorox toilet bowl wands, they like to clean the toilet. And they fight over who get's to mop the floor (although I win because I want a clean kitchen floor). How do you schedule your chores (yours and the kids) Do you do them daily, weekly, monthly? Help Me!!

RECIPE

2008-03-10T18:34:00.002-05:00

I've seen several versions of this recipe, so when Alison posted this one I had to try it. I think this is my favorite. Quick, easy, and really yummy! (my kids ate it with no complaints). Thanks to Alison for sharing!

Café Rio Sweet Pork
1 pork roast
16 oz. fresh salsa (I used bottled Pace and it was delicious)
1 c coke
2 c sugar (I prefer brown sugar)

Slow cook (high) pork for about 6 hours with aprox. 4 c water. Drain water and fat, and shred pork. Add remaining ingredients and slow cook for about 2 more hours (low).

Creamy Cilantro dressing:
Put the following in a blender and blend til smooth.
3 fresh tomatillos quartered (small green tomatoes}
1 package Ranch buttermilk dressing mix
1 cup mayo
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 cup fresh cilantro
2 cloves fresh garlic

Lime Rice:
1 C. dry rice cooked in:
2 C. chicken broth
1 garlic clove
1 t. lime grated
2 T. lime juice
Salt
Cook in rice cooker. Add to black beans in a skillet. Add more lime juice and minced cilantro.

2008-03-09T16:14:00.003-05:00

PHOTO SHOOT

2008-03-03T09:08:00.006-06:00

As usual, I am too cheap to go to the photo studio and I have never been happy with the results of school pictures, so we headed outside and staged a photo shoot. I am so happy with how they turned out. Even the lady at the Wal-Mart photo shop where I had them printed thought they were professional photo's asking me for the copyright info.

BIRTHDAY CUPCAKES

2008-02-29T13:38:00.004-06:00

Normally, I prefer homemade frosting, but I was in a hurry and finding myself having to make my own birthday cake if I wanted one, so I let Alison pick out the flavor at the store. OH MY GOSH This was so good. Betty Crocker Whipped Strawberry Mist. The texture is great, light and fluffy, the color is pretty pink and the flavor is just right, a little hint of sweetness and strawberry. Topping strawberry cupcakes with red and white sanding sugar, this is the best birthday cupcakes my 3 year could make me. Yes, I ate three but I did go for a jog, only two miles, but I was pushing two kids in a stroller fighting strong wind so it should count for 6 miles.

BIRTHDAY!

2008-02-29T13:30:00.003-06:00

Normally I am a really cheapskate. I shop at Walmart, I don't mind store brands and sales. Even though I prefer Eddie Bauer, most of our clothes are Target and Old Navy. But, there are a few things lately that I/we have splurged on and I totally think it was worth it.

#1 My Washer and Dryer-I am so excited because this is our first Washer and Dryer. We did have on in our Town House in Oregon but we didn't own it. We didn't buy the top of the line, but we did buy a front loading washer and dryer and I am so impressed at how great it cleans, how quick it is, how much less water and soap it uses (did you know Method made laundry soap for HE machines?). Totally worth the money.

#2 A little birthday present for me. A Dyson vacumn. I love this vacumn. Nichole has been telling me for a long time how great they are. We found ourselves buying our 3rd vacumn in three years so I decided it was time to stop buying the cheapest Walmart vacumn. All I can say is I love it and I've been vacuming just for fun. Don't worry, I am sure that won't last long.

I'm still a cheapskate, but sometimes it does pay to spend a little bit more money and get a product that is going to last and work well. Know, how about a new car? Hmmmmm