Yay! It's Opening Day!!

The most beautiful sight to see... Busch Stadium and Albert Pujols. Would be better if I was there in person, but that pesky work and 7 hour drive time get in the way.   Yes sir, baseball season is back and it's the Cardinal's home opener.  Love that sea of red.  BTW, it is the only red in my book... the only red I wear. {sorry Huskers}  The game started off well, but lost a little in the middle with a 2-2 tie.  Albert had a hard day today going 0-4. {hit into 3 dp's yikes!} Holliday broke the tie in the 8th with a homer, but we couldn't hold on and ended up losing in the 10th, 5-3.  So not really how you want to start your season, but that's the best thing about baseball...  there is always hope for tomorrow!  Let's Go Cardinals!! 

Sometimes a little wine is all you need

Today was one of those days.  A day where you can't hear yourself think over the whining going on among the preschool set.   I love the classroom I work in, I really do. But sometimes, when all you hear is your name 30,000 times a day followed by tattling and whining, the best antidote is to have a little wine for yourself.  After work of course, and always with your honey. 

Next

A while back we decided to save a little money on hair cuts for the men in our family. There seemed to always be some sort of complaint when they came home from Great Clips, I mean 'salon'.  I really don't understand how you can mess up a men's cut using a clippers, but they found a way every time.  The complaints ranged from not short enough to not blended right, to my favorite, uneven.  {How does that happen with a clippers?}  But my men, being the kind, gentle souls they are, never complained... to them.  They would come home and gripe to me.  So I took on the challenge to learn how to use a clippers. I can happily and proudly say that I can tapper hair around the ears, blend with ease, trim sideburns and not once have I cut it uneven. Thanks to my trusty clippers, I saved $14.00 today. 

A new fav

Don't tell my friends at Chick Lit Is Not Dead, but I have fallen for a non chick lit book.  I was shocked too.  But what shocks me most of all... my new favorite author writes about American history and I love it!  {Gasp!}  Who would have thought history could be funny and interesting.  If only my history teachers were like her.    

Not my call of duty

 So after being hounded by my lovely daughter, I decided to try my hand at Call of Duty on the Xbox.  How hard could it be; I mean after all, I hold my own at the games on our Wii and did pretty well on our old PlayStation.  How hard could it be on the Xbox?  Well... can you see the frustration on my face?  I kept uttering things like:  "My stupid guy won't run? or Why isn't my gun freaking firing? or Why do I keep getting stuck in the freaking corner?"  All the while, my daughter kept answering:  "Mom, hold the button down. or Mom, the other button! or MOTHER, move the other button!"  After about 15 minutes, I gave up.  But not before I figured out how to fire my gun and got the enemy.  After that, I waved the white flag and realized I am too old for this. COD is not for the over 40 set with limited patience.  Give me my Wii remote and a nice game of bowling.   

Closet cleansing

It's that time of year for us to clean out our closets, drawers and under the bed containers.  A spiritual purging if you will, of all of our outgrown, gently used and what was I thinking garments and take a trip to Goodwill.  All of the items pictured above fit nicely into 4 large bags and this was the donation we made.

Now with all that extra space we've created, and the positive energy it brings {or so my feng shui guru tells me} it's time to go shopping.  After all, don't they say, out with the old, in with the new?   :) 

 

But it's spring!

Yep, that's what I awoke to this morning.  Snow!  Here it is, nearing the end of March and mother nature says, "I'm still in charge here, so take that."  But it's spring!! It would be one thing to be in Colorado, where I could go skiing in order to enjoy the pretty white snow.  But I am not, I am in Nebraska. It's just not how I wanted to spend my last day of spring break.  I guess the one bright spot with this snowfall is that, well, after all it is spring and it will be short lived.  

C is for cookie

 My spring break days are winding down and since the weather isn't cooperating {where did the 70° temperatures and sun go anyway?} I decided to take a few ingredients and make cookies.  I love to cook and bake, however, the one thing I cannot make are chocolate chip cookies.  I mean I make them and they are edible, but they do not taste like my sisters.  She makes amazing chocolate chip cookies. The. Best. Ever!  She swears she follows the recipe on the bag, substituting shortening for butter.  I have tried this numerous times, but they just don't taste the same.  I truly think it has to do with the types of mixer and ovens we use.  She has Kitchen Aid and gas; I have Mixmaster and electric.  As of a few weeks ago, I am the proud owner of a Kitchen Aid mixer {love} and today was my cookie challenge.  Hopefully I won't have to hang up my apron on chocolate chip cookies.   Hmmm, I wonder how my husband would feel replacing our electric stove with gas, just in case.  :)  

Back to reality

Well, after enjoying two beautiful days outdoors, we were forced back inside with strong winds and cold temperatures.  {I am sorry, but 35° is not spring time weather}   Today was a hang around the house, run a few errands, house cleaning day.  Tonight is a snuggle next to my hubby evening, to watch some awesome tv.  {even if they are reruns}  This is one of our favorites.  Even thought we do not have 3 kids like they do, somehow this sitcom eerily mimics our family.  Funny how art imitates life.

Where the wild things are...

In keeping up with our outdoor themed spring break, our morning and afternoon took us to...

Visiting the zoo in early spring has some advantages;  not too crowded and many of the animals were outside and active.  Below are a few of my favorite shots from today.  I realize that for this week, I have ventured away from my one photo at a time theme. But for me it's impossible to show just one picture from a hiking trip or a trip to the zoo.   Enjoy!  Rain and colder weather moves in tomorrow so who knows what you will see.  

 

Enjoying some fresh air

Spring break is upon us, and since we aren't traveling to some sandy beach somewhere, we decided to take in some local sites.  Today, we stumbled upon this little state park called Wilson's Island along the Missouri River in neighboring Iowa.  Here we are checking out the trail along the river.  I know it's not the best scenery right now, but it really is never to early to do a little hiking.   

We did find some interesting footprints:  (bird and raccoon maybe)

And always had our tour guide looking out for us:   :)

Born to run?

Well, I did it! I ran for about an hour with my daughter and dog today.  Whew!  I am really out of shape.  The Jazzercise I do, three times a week, isn't cutting it I guess.  Maybe my body just isn't built for running.  {Maybe it's the fact that I am over 40}  Or maybe I have been too lazy to run outside.  I can run on the treadmill and not feel the intense itching I feel in my legs and backside when running outdoors.  My daughter says it because I am sweating. I sweat at Jazzercise and when I run on the treadmill, so what gives?  My theory, I am allergic to running outside. My body's way of saying you were not born to run.  I will admit, running in the open felt good, and gave me some much needed energy.  Who knows, maybe I will keep trying.  Even if that means I have to take an oatmeal bath to stop the itching afterward every time, so be it.  Who doesn't like to soak in the tub right?!  There's my silver lining.   

Easy come, easy go

Bills, a never ending cycle.  Just where is that big lottery win when you need it.  This is how I spent the better part of my Saturday.  I guess it beats cleaning the toilet.    :) 

What to fix?

This is usually a recurring Friday night question... what to fix?  Not for tonight mind you, I am one of those organized types who plan a weekly menu and shop accordingly.  There are times when fast food entered the fray after a long tough day.  But since our family gave up fast food for Lent, we have been sticking to the menu.  {I am aware that it's has only been a little over a week, but it's a start} Anyway, my what to fix question is for next week.  Usually it's pretty easy to make out a weekly menu, but sometimes I feel like I make the same dinners over and over. That's when I turn to my trusty cookbooks, as I am doing tonight.  Wish me luck.   

Luck of the Irish

It's not corned beef and cabbage, {sorry Mom} but at least its green.  Happy St Patrick's Day! 

Wednesday's Rule

As a rule, Wednesday's are the busiest day in our house.  Kid's after school activities and evening church classes for Emily run our evening till 7, meaning dinner is late.  The bright spot during these chaotic days of the school year is my husband Dan.  Because of his job, his off-days are during the week; Tuesday's & Wednesday's. And because of this we have a standing lunch date, usually on Wednesdays.  It's nice, not only to have lunch with him, but to not have to figure out what to bring for lunch. {Why is that always a hassle?} The only other nice thing about today, is that my hubby does the laundry.  Score!!  That's right ladies, he does laundry.  So what if family dinner is pushed back and we don't have much of an evening left before we pass out in bed.  I have clean towels, sheets and clothes.  :)    

Jazzing it up

About a year ago, I decided to amp up my workout routine.  Walking just wasn't cutting it. So, I began attending Jazzercise classes. I have always liked aerobics and this seemed like an easy fit.  It was and I was hooked.  Although this is more than aerobics, you actually dance, kickbox and lift weights. And once in a while you get on that funny looking red ball.  It is very tough, I fall off of it almost all the time. {so glad we only use it once a month} A lot of us do.  Notice I took the picture before class, because really, who wants their picture taken while attempting to do a sit up with weights, while trying to stay sitting on the ball.

A Little Taste of St. Louis

Dan and I miss many things about St. Louis; especially the three "F's":  Family, Friends and Food.  It's easy to keep up with family and friends through e-mail, phone calls, skype and other social media.  But the food..., oh how we miss the food!  Not just our favorite places to eat like Pasta House, Imo's Pizza, Ted Drewes or Gus' Pretzels.  But actual food.  I remember being shocked our first Memorial Day here in Omaha when I couldn't find pork steaks.  I mean who ever heard of a Memorial Day celebration without pork steaks and Maul's BBQ sauce?!  Or when I couldn't find provel cheese, only the best pizza cheese ever!  {mmmmm... Imo's Pizza anyone?}  Toasted Ravioli's were even hard to find. But thanks to one of our local grocery stores,  other St. Louis transplants like us, are able to have mini St. Louis feasts.  They now carry Louisa's Toasted Ravioli's, Provel cheese, Maul's BBQ sauce, and pork steaks. So tonight we had a little taste of St. Louis... Toasted Ravioli's and salad topped with Provel cheese.  Yum!  Now that the weather is getting warmer, I can't wait to enjoy pork steaks, potato salad and the other St. Louis import found everywhere.... ice cold Budweiser. 

Give me back my hour

I want to know why losing an hour of sleep has such a hard effect on me.  I mean, I always do the prep work of changing our clocks a head of time, around 10pm.  Trying to cajole my mind into believing it's an hour later and I should go to bed.  But there is always a niggling in the back of my mind telling me "Nah, it's really only 10, you've got time."  I fall for it every time and then pay the price by being a zombie on Sunday.  When will I learn?  So I am treating my tired, old body to a nice warm bath and then hitting the hay early.  {even though it will only be 10pm, not 11.}  Zzz...

Bull's-eye!

Love. Target.  Really I do.  So much that I visited it twice today, once in the morning and as seen above, in the evening.  Not my record though, have been here four times in one day, not to long ago.  Its like that one commercial where the lady is looking at her checkbook and it says Walmart over and over again.  That's how mine looks, except with Target filling my register.  In fact, when we moved here from STL the first thing I did was to check online to see if Target was here. {forgive me but my first thought of the Big O was farmland, not a booming metropolitan area, sorry} Yes, my love runs deep for the trusty bull's-eye.  :) 

Thanks Mr. Postman!

Woo-hoo!  I love it when I receive fun packages in the mail.  And when they are from Stampin' Up!, all the more exciting.  The picture shows what goodies were delivered to my door today.  I cannot wait to try out my new stamp sets and new paper punch.  Happy crafting day for me tomorrow, I think.  Of course, I do have grocery shopping on my list for tomorrow.  {Eh, who needs food.  ;) }

Road Trip

Just what I needed, a day trip to visit my "bestie".  Really, I don't know anyone who doesn't need a day with a girlfriend to gossip, vent, laugh, cry, and just be.  She moved back to her hometown, three years ago, and while that was a little hard getting used to, we have managed to stay connected.  It's not too difficult in this digital age -- {thank God for unlimited texting!} or when you have a solid friendship. What's that saying... A road to a friends house is never long.  It's true, but I am glad she is only 2 hours away and not more.  :)   Thanks Mia for a wonderful day! You are the Best!!  

   

My new toy

Thanks to a nice refund check from the IRS and an awesome sale at Kohl's {love the extra 30%} I was able to come home with a new toy.  My trusty Mixmaster of 17 years finally crapped out on me while making cookies last weekend.  I knew it was coming.  It used to have 12 speeds, then only 4 would work. But last weekend, only one speed decided to kick in -- psycho fast.  I had cookie dough everywhere in my kitchen and would have shared the photo's, but they really didn't show the true effect of the cookie dough massacre.  Can't wait to give my new mixer a spin and not have to take cover from chocolate chip missiles.  Look out my trusty blender of 20 years, you may be next.  

This "red" is not my favorite color

For the past three days, I have been having an affair.  I have been cheating on our Netflix account with Redbox.  I was given three rentals as a gift and they were about to expire, so I began my simple little affair.  At first it felt good, able to walk right up to the kiosk press a few buttons and instant gratification.  No waiting for a new release, it was right there waiting for me.  All I had to do was return it by 9pm the next day or be charged a $1.00.  Sweet!  So Monday night rolled around and after working out, I stopped by my Redbox to return the movie and use another rental.  This time, the movie I wanted was taken, even though it said online it would be there for me. A little hurt, I chose another title and went home.  Today, it's the same thing.  Grr!  If you reserve a movie it should be there, that's all I am saying.
Redbox is nice: it only costs you a dollar to rent a movie.  Nexflix is better: I can reserve the movies I want and two of them are delivered to me within 2 days, heck I can even stream movies through my Wii. The best part is that I don't have to worry about returning them the next day.  Sorry to my reliable Netflix account, I will never stray again.

Pitching In

Three nights a week I try and attend a Jazzercise class right after work. Sometimes I make to class and other times life gets in the way {or I just become too lazy}.  Dinner on the nights I attend class isn't ready until well after 6pm. And some of my family members complain that it's cutting into "their" evening; not leaving enough time for them to  do homework, I mean watch tv.  So what a proud moment it was for me to come home tonight and see my lovely 14 year old daughter starting dinner.  Taking life in her own hands and pitching in.  It was quite nice, even if the real reason was to butter us up for a new phone.  

Life with teenagers is grand, and I wouldn't want it any other way. 

My first card challenge

I do realize it is spring, but I saw this card challenge on my friend Kim's blog (visit her at Clearly Inspired ) and thought why not. It's really been a long time since I sat down to make a card.  Most of my crafting time has been spent on my scrapbooks and paper craft projects.  It's always hard for me to start to create a card without actual guidelines, like size and color samples.  I am the worst at figuring out what colors go together.  However, seeing this challenge, I had the perfect stamp set and paper in mind, and knew I could do it.  I think it turned out pretty good.  Maybe more of these challenges are in my future.

Ready for some RR.... Yum!

Ahh... the weekend is here and I am ready for a little R & R.  A little Red Robin that is.  After a day full of laundry and cleaning up the week's mess, I didn't feel like cooking dinner.  Danny wasn't going to be home, {had a date with his girlfriend}, Emily wanted to run to Target for a new purse and Dan would be hungry coming home from work so...  I thought a meal for the three of us at Red Robin was in order.  

Just look at that juicy burger with bacon and egg on it.  Their tagline is perfect...  Red Robin -- Yum!  

Friday Night Groceries

You caught me. I have a rock star life.  I mean, who wouldn't want to be me, spending a Friday evening at the grocery store.  Especially when you have your 16 year old son as your 'chaperone'.  

In all actuality, it was a pretty fun evening.  {even if he added at least $10.00 more to our cart than I usually spend}  It seemed to be easier to talk to him about school, his new girlfriend {yikes!} and life in general. We were at ease with each other and it was nice, how it used to be before the teenage years and hormones kicked in. 

Dog's Life

I sometimes wish I had a dog's life.  I mean really, stay home all day and lounge around.  Someone to make your meals, clean up after you, give you treats if you've been good {even if you haven't}, and play with you just because.   Who wouldn't want that life?!  Yep, our dog Nugget has it good.  

Showing Thankfulness

Working with preschoolers that have special needs isn't always fun and games; or rainbows and lollipops as I like to say.  Some days can be down right challenging.  I can't tell you how many times I have been hit, kicked or bitten.  Nor can I tell you how many times I played referee to a dispute over a toy, over a book, over a friend...  disputes are like the Never Ending Story in a preschool room.  Sounds like I am complaining, but I am not, not really.  You expect those things.  I mean, after all they are 3,4 and 5 year olds.  They don't know any better and that's what you're there for.   Today I was reminded how lucky I am to have this job.  One of my families gave me a treat basket, a teacher's survival kit if you will.  Attached was a note that said:  "Thank you for giving your whole heart to teach my child everyday."  Yes, I am indeed lucky!

Afternoon Pick-Me-Up

I really have to stop having conversations with myself.  Especially when it concerns food, I am such a push-over.  After our morning class left for the day,  I asked myself...

"Self, the am class was SO needy... plus it's a little bit more spring like today... so how about a treat?"  

"Yes, Yes! A thousand times YES!" was my answer.

This is what I decided on; an iced caramel mocha coffee from Mickey D's.  YUM! 

{And it's even a small; cost me less and less calories; a small victory for my feeble psyche}