Blog Top Sites?!

OK, I need some clarification. How exactly does Blog Top Sites work? How is it that I can go from ranking 123 to 46 in one day, and then all the way back down again within 24 hours time? Is it based on how many people visit your blog? How many people comment? Is it a fluke within Blog Top Sites? Just don't understand it. That's all.

Works For Me Wednesday

I have not yet participated in Shannon's "Works for me Wednesday" because, honestly, I'm not that creative or organized. But I'm getting a lot of great ideas from all you other creative Moms out there. So, today, in the desire to participate, I racked my brain to try and figure out what things I do to make my life easier.

I hate the feeling of chaos. In my house, the most chaotic times seem to be morning and night. My kids (particularly Care Bear) have certain things that they need to have at night time to make the transition to sleep easier for them. Care Bear must have (appropriately) her favorite Care Bear, and her trusted black pillow (a couch pillow that she has adopted as her own and must have whenever it's naptime or bed time). When I put her to bed, I always make sure her black pillow and her Care Bear are there with her should she wake up in the middle of the night. This is in the hopes that she doesn't come and get me and ask for these things when she wakes up. I also have a gate that I put up at the foot of the stairs in case they do wake up and start meandering towards the stairs. I also do this in case they wake up before the hubby and I have gone to bed. I don't want them wandering down the stairs, seeing the lights and TV on, and think it's time to get up and play!! Perish the thought!! This is how I make life easier for myself at night! Works for me!

To make life easier for myself in the morning, I try to get the kids' clothes, lunches, backpacks (if it's the school year) and everything ready for them the night before so that there is not massive craziness in the morning of trying to find socks, underwear, lunch boxes, etc. Sometimes it gets done, sometimes it doesn't. But when it does, it "Works for Me!" :-)

Happy Wednesday, y'all!

My First "My Life Monday"!

I'm not confused. I know it's Tuesday, but I usually don't blog on Mondays, so usually don't get to participate in Rachelle's My Life Mondays. But I didn't want to miss out on this one, so I'm doing it on Tuesday. It's my blog, my prerogative! :-) This week's topic is "In Memory Of...."

This post is in memory of my great-grandmother on my father's side. Her name was Grandma Wickstrom.

When I was a little girl, my Grandma Wickstrom was my best buddy. I was lucky enough as a child to live a mere six blocks away from my grandparents. My great-grandmother lived with them as well. Since they lived so close, I got to see them often.

Grandma Wickstrom was always willing to play with me. I don't care what it was, she would play my games. I don't know of too many 85-90 year old women who have the patience, desire or energy to keep up with a 5-9 year old girl, but she did. I probably did wear her out on many occasions, but she never complained.

We played house, we played teacher (I was the teacher, she the student), we played bookstore, we played library....you name it we played it.

Grandma Wickstrom had long, gray hair that she always kept in a bun. She had an infectious laugh and a loving smile. She gave wonderful hugs.

I loved my Grandma Wickstrom.

One night when I was spending the night at my Grandparents house, I went in to say goodnight to my great grandma and to my suprise, and somewhat horror, I saw a set of teeth swimming in a glass cup. And there was grandma, sitting on her bed sporting a huge gummy grin at me. From that moment forward, it was one of our funnest games. I would convince grandma every now and then to pop her teeth out and show me her toothless smile and have her talk for me. We would both bust into fits of giggles until our stomachs hurt.

My grandma Wickstrom was very special to me. I'll never forget one day when I was in third grade, I came home from school and heard that Grandma was in the hospital. She had suffered a stroke. I was terrified. She was 92 years old. She had always been so healthy, but she was getting old. I went to visit my grandma in the hospital. She wasn't able to talk to me or communicate with me, but I talked to her, I rubbed her head and I gave her a kiss. It was the last time I saw my grandma Wickstrom. The next day I came home from school and my mom sat me down to tell me that my Grandma had gone to be with Jesus.

It's been 22 years. I still think of my Grandma often. She was a true friend, playmate and kindred spirit. I look forward to the day I will re-unite with her in Heaven!!

A Note of Apology....

to my mom.

Dear Mom,

I did not intend to make you sound like the bad guy in my post today. For that I apologize. I know you support me in my efforts to get my degree. You always support me. It was an off-handed comment when I mentioned all the work I have to do and I made it sound like you don't support me. I wanted to make sure my readers understand that. I am sorry. I also wanted to post something I wrote for you for mother's day but didn't make it to my blog. So for you, Happy Late Mother's Day:

REASONS I LOVE YOU, MOM:

Of course, it's hard to come up with one single memory, but things I love about my mom:

1.) She almost always had fresh, home made chocolate chip cookiesfor us.

2.) In the summer, she took us to the pool all the time and we loved it. Even though she took us often, it was always a great treat and surprise to get to go.

3.) She played the piano one time for my elementary school performance even though I don't think she really wanted to. I sort of volunteered her for it without her consent. I just thought my mom was a super pianist and naturally would want to do it!

4.) My mom used to take walks in the early mornings during summer.When I woke up and saw her gone, I would panic (take note that thiswas not when I was young and unable to be alone...I was just always paranoid when my mom or dad were gone and I didn't know where they were). She started leaving a note outside her bedroom door where Icould see that she was on a walk, and what time she would be home. If she was not home by that time, I was out on my bike searching.

5.) She always had some yummy treat for us to eat for breakfast on Sunday mornings. Don't ask me how she managed to get us kids and herself ready and still manage to make us something yummy for breakfast.

6.) She would pick up donuts for us on Saturday morning when she went to the store so we could have a treat while we watched cartoons.

7.) She used to sew me beautiful clothes...and sometimes even matching clothes for my dolls!

There is much, much more, but most importantly, you love your kids (and now your daughter and son-in-law) unconditionally and you are passing on your motherly wisdom and love on to me and your grandkids!

Love you, Mom!

I Asked For It!!

In the eloquent words of my mom, "You asked for it, Kristen". Yes, I suppose I did. But I can handle it. Really, I can. The question is, can I handle it and keep my sanity in check, and keep from keeling over from complete exhaustion.

I am currently sitting at my desk with a 24 oz. cuppa jo, and a 1 liter bottle of Diet Dr. Pepper. Gross, I know. It's only 8:30 in the morning. But if I plan to sit here all day with a nice, calming breeze blowing through the window and a dead phone, I'd better have something to keep me awake. For real.

My strait jacket finally arrived. It fits. If any of you all are confused, I'm referring to the fact that I have added going back to school to my already crazy filled life. I work in the Admissions Office at a large University, and one day I was sitting at my desk, talking to thousands of students who were applying, getting admitted, excited to start their college education and a slight depression came over me. I'm 31 years old. I have less than 2 years of college under my belt. Circumstances beyond my control prohibited me from finishing my education. I suppose looking back on it now, it's not a bad thing that I wasn't able to finish my education and waste large amounts of my parents money only to come out and never again use what I learned. Really, what 18 year old knows what they want to do with the rest of their lives? Some may, but almost every friend I have has ended up regretting the area they studied in college and are currently not doing anything with it.

So, anyway, I was sitting there, all of a sudden disappointed that my life is very quickly passing me by, and I have yet to complete even a bachelor's degree. While I like my job, for me it is simply a way to pay my bills. I have worked here for almost 10 years, I know everything there is to know, there is no opportunity for advancement (unless you have at least a B.A.), and I can practically do it all in my sleep (which is probably good for me today.) I got a crazy idea. "Hey", I said to myself. "I work in the Admissions office. I have the inside track. I can apply without the application fee. I can speed up the process by taking my application straight to a "decision maker". What am I waiting for??" So, I filled out an application that day, and got admitted, that day. Yes, working here does have it perks. For the average joe, the application process takes 2-4 weeks. Yay me!! :-)

So, here I am. I'm almost through with my 2nd week of my first class. Can I just say, that I have forgotten the art of studying?! I wasn't a good studier when I didn't have additional factors such as kids, husband, part time job. But this time I am determined. I will not quit. If it takes me until I am 50, I will complete this degree. As God as my witness, I will never work for minimal pay again!!!

But I am tired. Oh, so tired. My first week of class was fairly simple. She was breaking us in. Giving us a false sense of security. Making us think, "Hey...this Interior Design stuff is a cinch!" Then came week two......As I browsed through my syllabus mentally making note of how much studying I could get away with at work, and how much I could complete in a lunch hour, I began to hyperventilate: four lectures, a 14 page reading assignment in my text, an assignment that requires waching two episodes of "Trading Spaces" and a paper to write comparing and contrasting the differences and similatires between the designers on the show, and the professionals in the Interior Design field. How, oh how, am I going to do this?! And how does any mother actually find the time to take more than one class at a time? I truly admire those that actually go to school full time and have kids.

My paper is due Saturday. I have completed the lectures, completed the reading, and completed one episode of "Trading Spaces". I finished the show at midnight last night. I will finish the second episode tonight, and spend the day Saturday writing my paper. While reviewing with my mom all of the stuff I have to get done by Saturday, she wisely told me, "Well, you asked for it." I know I did. But in the long run, I will be happy with myself for completing a degree, following through with something, and hopefully getting a job I truly enjoy bettering life for myself and my family. So what if I have so much information crammed in my head that it is oozing out of my ears and nose?! One of these days, I'll be glad I did it.

Short summary of my thoughts on AI Wednesday night. Best finale ever. Best season ever. Yay Taylor! It was fun to see Clay, and the nerd who impersonated him cracked.me.up! Now, I am done speaking of this show for the rest of the year. Breathe a sigh of relief, people. ;-) Thanks for putting up with me!

This Is The Night!

To quote lyrics from my favorite Idol of all time, Clay Aiken: "THIS IS THE NIGHT". Oh, yes. The night when the newest Americal Idol is crowned. (Don't worry readers: If you are not a fan of this most awesome of shows, you will only have to put up with one more post regarding it. That will be Friday when I discuss my thoughts on tonights results).

As pathetic as it may seem, I am sad that it is almost over. Every year I look forward to January when the journey begins, and every May I am sad when it is over. It's just something little that I can look forward to every week to get me out of the normal humdrum-ness of my life as a mom of three.

I must say, that next to the Clay/Ruben season, this has by far been my favorite. The talent has been great (in my humble opinion) and it has not lacked in excitement. I have weathered disappointment (Ace) after disappointment (Chris), after disappointment (Elliot) this season, but the excitement of the finale is still contagious.

Since all of my favorites are long gone, I am hoping that Taylor walks away with the title. Only one male has won the competition in the past five seasons, and where is he now?! Nowhere to be seen. I'm tired of the pop princesses and ready for a guy to win this thing. So, Taylor, please do not cause me yet another disappointment. I'm all aboard the "Soul Patrol"!

From 7-9 p.m. tonight, MST, my eyes will be glued to the set, and if the hubster knows what is good for him, he will keep those little ones out of my hair! LOL!

Last night, I walked down to my mom's house to use her phone. Hubby was gone, and he had taken the phone with him (we only use a cell phone instead of a land line). When we were there, Feisty decided to invite herself to dinner at their house. After getting sticky from head to toe with syrup (they had pancakes), my mom decided to give her a bath. My mom (being an Idol fan herself), asked Feisty who she wanted to win the competition: Katherine or Taylor. Feisty promptly responded "Kaferine". Thinking that this may have just been a fluke, my mom and I both asked her several more times who her choice to win the competition was, and each and every time she answered the same. So Feisty, the competition is on. Who will win? Your choice of "Kaferine", or your mama's choice of Taylor. We shall soon find out.

In another thought, does anyone else think it's pretty sad that more people watch AI than watch the State of The Union? Or that more people vote on AI than vote for our President? I guess it speaks to the desire of Americans to make sure they have their next favorite pop star instead of their next favorite leader of the free world. Hmmmm.

And now onto something else. About a week or so ago, I was tagged by both Queen Beth and Maine Mom for a meme that I believe J.D. created. I haven't done it yet, so I am going to do it today! Here goes!

2 Things you compliment your husband on while in his presence.
1) How nice the yard works when he has been working on it.
2) How nice he smells

2 compliments you make about your spouse to your friends
1) He's a very loving father.
2) He's an amazing musician.

2 traits you married him for.
1) His passion for things he loves.
2) The fact that he was/is a great father to his son (my step son).

2 Days you cherished the most with your husband being together.
1) Our wedding day.
2) Our first camping trip together.

2 Material things you could give your husband if you just inherited a fortune
1) His very own music studio.
2) His dream car.

2 things you would miss the most if he left for 2 weeks.
1) Adult companionship.
2) His help with the kids.

2 thoughts that crossed your mind when you first met/saw your spouse.
1) Great smile.
2) He has a kid?!

2 favorite dates
1) Driving in the mountains together.
2) Watching movies at home together.

2 funny odd things you love
1) He's higher maintenance that I am.
2) He likes to help me cook.

2 places you have lived with your spouse
1) Colorado
2) Colorado

2 favorite vacations
1) Camping in the mountains.
2) Estes Park for anniversaries. (Yeah, we haven't travelled much!)

And I think that is it for today! I'll see y'all on Friday.

It's All Good

Thanks so much to everyone on your comments and input on my last post. I really appreciated everyone's opinions.

Saturday, I decided to have a chat with Barbie. I hadn't really had the chance before then since the big "foot in my mouth" episode. But by Saturday, I practically had an ulcer over the situation and was losing sleep. The Barbie and Ken family and our family have always gotten along really well since we moved to the neighborhood and I hated the thought of messing up the relationship between ourselves and our kids. So, I decided to take a mixture of the advice you wonderful people had given me. Some thought I should go talk to her about the situation, some thought I should leave well enough alone. I decided to do something in-between.

Early Saturday morning (early on a Saturday morning meaning about 9:30 a.m.), hubby was outside working on the yard. The front door hung ajar and Care Bear and Feisty had managed to escape out the door to go investigate what Daddy was doing. I ran out the door after them. No one was dressed yet. Hair was all over the place; food was all over the faces; and guess who happened to be outside at that particular moment? Yep; Barbie. Perfectly coiffed in her daisy dukes and her itty-bitty tank top. And here I am looking like death warmed over. Barbie was in what looked like a rather intense discussion with her mom who was over at the moment. I decided to myself, "This is possibly the only opportunity I may have for quite awhile to talk to Barbie and get this whole thing out in the open and ease my mind." Then I looked down at myself. There was no way I was going to go have a chat with Barbie looking like Medusa. I surveyed the situation. Looked like the conversation with Barbie Mom may last awhile. Perhaps I have time to go slip on my own daisy dukes and tank top (although a little more modest), brush through the snake hair and go say hi. So, I did just that. Luckily, when I got back outside, Barbie Mom had just left and Barbie was getting ready to head inside. I bounded through the yard to give Barbie the good ole, "Hey, wasssupp?" I decided to act like nothing weird was going on (because perhaps there wasn't; this may have all been in my head. Not like I haven't created dramatic situations for myself before.) Within 30 seconds of talking to her, I realized that this was another case of "Kristen Paranoia". I didn't ask Barbie if she had heard the statement I made, I just put on the charm, inititated a lighthearted conversation, and she talked back. If she did hear anything, she didn't let on.

The girls hadn't been over for several days, but within the conversation I had with Barbie, I was enlightened by a couple of things she said and have realized that it may be a good thing that her kids have been able to spend so much time at our house lately.

Needless to say, Care Bear and Feisty have been crawling out of their skin the past few days with their buddies not around to play with and Mama has been overdosing on pre-school play. My house is suffering. I was over-joyed yesterday evening when I saw two little blonde-headed girls making their way through my yard towards the door. And so were Care Bear and Feisty. They stayed until 8:00 p.m. Past dinner (yes, I fed them), and until bed time. And you know what? I couldn't have been happier.