Oh the fun memories...NOT !(in my best sarcastic voice)

I wasn't going to go to the Junior Prom.  I wasn't asked and my friends weren't going.  My sister was asked (she was only a Sophmore) and she had her dress and everything.  My parents and sister were in a car accident, my sister sustained major injuries and couldn't go to the Prom.  My parents made me find a date and go.  Can we say miserable?! (again, my best sarcastic voice, LOL!)

For my Senior Prom, I was really excited.  I was dating a boy that I really really really liked, we had been going out for about 8 months.  The plans were made, the limo rented, the dress purchased.  It was going to be perfect!  My boyfriend decided that since I wasn't ready to do the deed (you know what I am talking about here folks), that he didn't want to be my boyfriend anymore.  Can we say major broken heart here?!  That was the week before Prom.  Not sure what made him change his mind, his mother or the money that had already been spent, but he ended up taking me to the prom anyway.  The Prom was an "Under the Sea" theme. It was so beautiful.

 My ex-boyfriend, myself, his friend and girlfriend all went together...very awkward.  Especially since the other two were hanging all over each other...they needed a room, which they got, and my ex still thought that him and I should do the deed.  You know it was "Prom" and all...like it was expected.  For a brief moment, I actually considered that if that would make us get back together I would do "it".  Then I came to my senses and made him take me home.

Funny thing is, although it isn't my fondest memory of HS,  it was a good lesson about being true to myself.  I have already told my eldest daughter this story, several times.  I want her to know that she shouldn't feel pressured to do anything that she doesn't want to do. Period! 

Now, it is 20 years later. I still have the dress & the jewelry.  At the time, it was the most expensive dress my parents had ever bought me.  It cost $105, much more than I think my parents could afford, I have no idea how they managed.  My Mom even altered it so that it fit perfectly.  I hadn't told my parents about the break-up, I felt really bad about all the money that they had already spent.  After I got home from the Prom, I told my Mom everything.  She gave me some really great advice and told me how proud she was of me for staying true to myself.

Funnier yet, a year later, said boy wanted me back.  I remembered that advice from my Mom and kicked him to the curb.  His loss!

What would we do without our Moms?!

Less is BEST!

OMG!  Get me my Bedazzler.  I'll make some jeweled flip flops!

Less is BEST!

Less is BEST!

Another Saturday morning is...

Less is BEST!

I am going to give this a try.  I was just about to place an order for some kind of expensive facial products and decided to think it over.  My daughter has been having a slight blemish problem and everything that I have bought isn't helping her, so we will have to try this out. 

Thanks for sharing!

Less is BEST!

Just curious...you wrote that your mom isn't working.  Is that because she can't or because she doesn't want to?

I am also a mom of 4 and this past year my youngest started kindergarten.  I got a part time job 3 days a week during the time that all my children were in school.  I was not only helping out a friend with her business, but also trying to do something for myself, and contribute towards the monthly expensives. On some levels, my wanting this job was purely selfish.  Some adult time, extra money, and an excuse to remind everyone they would be forced to help out around the house because now I had a j-o-b.  I wanted to be appreciated!

I loved my job.  My boss was forced to close down her business and therefore I lost my job.  As much as I really loved working, I am not going out to get another job.  Being a mom takes alot of work, no matter what anyone thinks, it isn't all soap operas and bon bons. Neither of which I indulge in.  I noticed that I have more patience with my children now that I am not working, my household is finally getting back on track, and I have way less stress.  For me, having my plate completely overflowing wasn't the best idea, no matter how good my intentions were.  I have no doubt that I will eventually be getting a job, now is just not the right time for me.  Soon enough my kids will be grown and I have no intentions of missing what few years I get to enjoy them.

This is of course, just my story.  You are the best judge of what you are able to handle.  There are tons of hard working women out there that amaze me.  Not only do they work full-time, but they have a family and balance it well. 

Just remember, this is your life, live it to the fullest, however you see fit.  And, to answer your question, I believe all things are possible. If you really want to add another job to your to-do list, go for it!

Life is the longest thing you will ever do.  Enjoy every minute no matter what your are doing.

Less is BEST!

We have a pool & spa in our backyard, so we use it pretty often.  The kids absolutely love it!

Less is BEST!

I never had a problem with my boys trying to get out of their crib.  My oldest daughter was the only one that ever tried.  She had the cutest little pudgy legs and she got stuck trying to climb out (twice).  After the second time, and the call to 911, we decided that she would need a bed. 

She  also would get out of her bed at night.  At 2 1/2, she would be sitting out on the couch in the family room at 2am with a snack that she had managed to get out of the latched pantry, and she would be watching television.  My eldest son got into mischief once after being put in his bed.  He came to wake me up and ask me to put on his shoes, it was like 6am.  I don't remember now what I told him, I was half asleep.  As I started waking up, I noticed all the daylight coming from the hallway and jumped out of bed.  The front door was open and my son was outside on the sidewalk by the street putting rocks down the water meter cover. UGH! It was a new subdivision and there were tons of homes under construction.  It was really scary!  After that, we got a security latch for the front door and a baby gate to put on his bedroom door.  Worked like a charm!

Less is BEST!

Less is BEST!

Wow!  That looks just a little scary.

My eldest son and I went on the most beautiful hiking expedition with his class.  We went up to Walnut Canyon National Momument in Flagstaff.  It reminded me of the place in the video.  Here is a little info I found about the canyon:

Walnut Canyon National Monument is close to Flagstaff and easily reached, being just 7 miles east along I-40 and another 3 miles south on a short spur road. There is a good visitor center with a small museum; the building is perched on the cliff edge with panoramic views east and west. Two footpaths allow for a closer look; the least exciting is the 0.7 mile Rim Trail, which traverses flat land along the canyon rim and passes a few scattered ruins. Better, although slightly more strenuous is the 0.9 mile Island Trail, a loop path that descends steeply (185 feet) with a long series of steps and circles the island. It passes by the remains of about 20 separate dwellings and has good views of the cliffs opposite, with other ruins clearly visible - the reddish stones used by the Sinagua contrast with the white striated limestone layers of the canyon. This trail is closed early (4 pm), so the park rangers can check that no-one is attempting to stay overnight.

The Island Trail is closed following a large rockfall that occurred on December 8th 2007, and is likely not to reopen until at least September 2008.

We went about a year ago, before the rockfall, and took the more strenuous Island Trail.  It had narrow paths and drop offs, a beautiful view, and an occasional rail at the most dangerous locations.  I was so proud of my son for making it down all 185 feet and for making it all the way back out.  It was a little easier going down, even with the occasional slip and the couple of injuries. LOL!  Walking back up was quite a workout.

The class also went to Sunset Crater and Wupatki.  I would love to take the rest of my family it was so amazing. 

 It was an awesome adventure!

Less is BEST!

As I am sitting here, reading everyones posts, I am racking my brain for the moment...you know the one where I knew.  Maybe it is the lack of caffiene this morning, the few hours of sleep, or the chatter of the kids eating their breakfast, but I just can't remember the moment.

We were only dating for a week when DH told me he loved me.  I didn't want to hurt him, but I knew that I didn't feel that way yet.  I really liked him alot and enjoyed spending time with him.  He made me laugh, was very romantic, and lavished attention on me all the time.  It seemed to me that we had known each other for forever.  We enjoyed doing things together, his family was very welcoming and made me feel part of the family right from the beginning.

We only had been dating for 4 months when he proposed and we were married 4 months later.  Now, 18 years later (I just dated myself, lol), we are still together.  Although I don't remember the exact moment I knew he was the one, I do remember that feeling of... I couldn't live without him. 

I still feel that way, even when he is being a big pain. LOL!

Less is BEST!

Amazing!  Even the photos were incredible! (although a couple were graphic)   I didn't realize medicine had come so far.

Less is BEST!

I can only imagine how difficult it must be for those of you that have been trying to get pregnant.  I have witnessed first hand through very dear friends of mine, the struggles that they endured. 

Our friends were married several years before they even started trying to have children.  Then, it took them 5 years and countless tests and procedures to get pregnant the 1st time.  The two of us were pregnant at the same time, (my 3rd baby, her 1st), we were due just a month apart. Fitting that we would be pregnant together, as her hubby and my hubby best friends, we started dating just one month apart, and our hubbys' parents had been friends since they were teenagers.  Still friends today...over 40 years later. 

Sadly, their baby was stillborn just about 2 months shy of gestation.  Her and her husband were told that they wouldn't be able to have any children of their own.  They since have adopted.  A beautiful girl, whom is now 6 and a boy who is a little over one.  However, their story gets better...she just recently gave birth to a healthy baby boy.  While in the midst of adopting their second child, she found out she was pregnant.  Obviously they were not trying, they never thought that they could have children of their own.  Surprise!

Life is full of the unexpected.  I just wanted to share their story. In no way do I think their experience will be the same as those here, but I thought that knowing that even when the cards are totally against you...there is always hope, and surprises.

I wish you all the very best in surprises!

Less is BEST!

I have just started taking vitamins on a regular basis.  I used to only take them when I remembered.  Now, I have my Mom always concerned for my health (as mother's usually are), and she has gone as far and buying the vitamins and dropping them off.  She's a hoot!  I take a multi-vitamin and a super B complex everyday.  I think I actually have been feeling better since starting the regimen.  Yippee!

Less is BEST!

Less is BEST!