Please sign the petition

to bring Rick Springfield to On The Waterfront. (I'm pretty quick when I want to be)

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/RLS_OTW/

I'll collect "signatures" for a while and then send the whole kit and kaboodle to the On The Waterfront Committee.

Best/Worst

In my rush to get everything done yesterday, I forgot to do best/worst. Best thing that happened last week? Nothing bad happened! Worst- I'm not sure how I did on my test. I finished 90% of the test in like 10-15 minutes. The last 2 questions took me another 10-15. The ones that caused me trouble were both worth 6 points each. Yowch! I'll let you know how it goes next week when I get the grade.

Tonight I have about 5 hours to myself, sort of. Lyric is babysitting and the mom asked if Jazz wanted to come along. It actually works out. Lyric takes care of the twins (9months old) and Jazz plays with M (3 1/2). They are only about 5 blocks from here, and the dad works another 2 blocks the other way. Fisher is helping at church. We let people park in our parking lot for the On The Waterfront festival. He'll be there until the lot fills. There's a wedding too, so they had to block spots for that, but those cars will all be gone by 6:30. It's a beautiful day so hopefully it will fill fast. I told him that I would bring dinner.

On a side note, I'm going to look into what needs to be done to get Rick Springfield booked for next years OTW festival. How freakin' cool would it be if Rick came to town again!?!?

Okay, I'm off to work on my homework. You know as soon as I start, somebody is going to need something, even though they are not here. :-)

Friday Photo Finish

This is a favorite photo of mine because the girls were having so much fun. We were at a "free" concert near Chicago. Okay, really, it was Rick Springfield in Arlington Heights. Anyway, the girls were having fun, had just gotten back from going on some rides and were looking forward to the concert. It was H's (on the left) first concert. Lyric, in the middle, had written on her shirt "my mommy says don't talk to stranger", and Jazz, on the right, was glad to be hanging out with the big girls.

Spelling Words...Homework

Here's how the conversation started:

Me (to Jazz): Do you have homework?
Jazz: Math, and Language Arts. But the Language Arts isn't due until Friday.
Me: Well, let's at least get it started because tomorrow is dance, and you don't want to save it all until Thursday night.
Jazz: But it's not due til Friday
(can you just hear the whining??)
Me: Sit here with me and let's look at it. We'll do a little bit now.
Jazz: Fine. here it is.

And by IT she means, a packet- 6 of the spelling words- define, synonyn, antonym, use it in a sentence and draw a picture. It doesn't sound so bad, right. Here are some of the words.


Depriving



venture



pact




foisted




seriously?!? Foisted?? I've never said that word as many times in my whole life as I said it last night. seriously. At least Jazz already had the words and the definitions written down. I admit, I pulled out the laptop and started looking up synonyms and antonyms for her. I'm not sorry either, because that crap was hard for ME! A college student. How is a fourth grader supposed to get it. And thank goodness we did not wait until Thursday, I just might have been kicking myself in the head. Or doing the WHOLE thing for her, which would defeat the whole purpose of her learning something new.

Bring on 4th grade! I'm gonna learn all kinds of stuff this year.

Giveaways...Got Rick??

Lots of people do giveaways on their blogs. I've been wanting to do one for awhile, but what would I give away? What do I have that somebody would want?? I finally figured it out. Last night, I found a copy of the Potwatomi Times from May that has a little blurb on Rick Springfield. I know that some people collect everything Rick. I have been doing a bit of "spring cleaning" and have started to really think about things hard before I decide to keep them. And if I do need to keep something, it needs to find a home. FAST.

Also, duh, I have a book I just finished. Although I haven't ordered any copies for myself yet, I'm going to, so that will be a down the road give away.

Anyway, here's the deal. Anybody who posts here with in the next week (8/26/08 to 9/2/08) will be entered into a drawing for the Pot Times. I might even be able to include a couple of decent photos of Da Man. One Entry per person! even if you post every day, I'm only putting your name in one time.

Spread the word.

Happy Belated Birthday..and more

I'm a very bad Rick Springfield fan. I totally flaked on the fact that Saturday was his birthday. TOTALLY. Like, didn't even think about him the whole day. I guess I'll have to stay after the next concert for "detention"...LOL So, anyway, Happy Belated Birthday, Rick Springfield.

Friday night we went to a baseball game. We won and their were fireworks after. Saturday, we took the kids swimming and then I spent 3 hours working on my math homework. That stuff is hard, man! What's funny is Lyric and I are working on some of the same stuff.

Sunday was church and working in the yard and 2 hours of homework. Thena grocery run and laundry.

So even though I was online a lot this weekend (my homework is all online), I didn't even check email or anything. School sure is cutting into my social life. I thought it was the other way around. It sure is for Lyric....and Jazz a little bit too.

Oh, by the way, I changed the template today (in case nobody noticed...LOL. Just think of it as my new school clothes)

Friday Photo Finish and Best/Worst

Here's my submission for Friday's Photo Finish. It was taken last fall. Aren't they cute?? This was at the end of out "Apple Orchard Tour" Day in Southern Wisconsin. They are actually sitting on the porch of a tree house that goes up two stories. I like this picture because 1) they are both smiling, 2) both looking at the camera, 3) getting along.

Also, I've decided to start doing Best/Worst of the week, here on the blog and at home with the kids. Best thing this week is Jazz LOVES! school. She's making friends, is excited about her teacher, feels better about herself and school in general. Yeah, Jazz! Worst thing this week- I had to drop one of my classes to be able to meet the requirements of another class. It's not the end of the world, but it makes the school thing take a little longer.

the new me

Hey, I just wanted to send a shout out to Amy, who told me about faceyourmanga. As you can see, there is the new me. Here's a photo of me (and Kelley) from May. Do they look anything alike?? I can't decide.

School started this week for me and the girls. Jazz (the daughter formerly known as Baby) is loving, loving, loving school. Lyric loves it too, but more for the social piece than the education. I had to make some changes right away and drop a class. I wasn't happy at first, but it will be for the best in the long run. The math class I didn't think I'd have to go to campus for- yeah, I have to go out there 2 times a week. It's okay though, or at least that's what I keep telling myself.

A couple of people have bought a copy of my book. THANK YOU! Seriously, though, check out the preview before you buy. In this time of weak economy, I'd hate for somebody to buy the book and then, well, hate it. I would like to know if you see any typos, etc. And, of course, if you love the book- tell me right away. LOL

I probably won't get to work on the next one until winter break. I'm not sure which will be next- Smalltown (this one is going to get renamed) or Stranger in the House or Affair of the Heart. They are all strong stories. Hell, the other one is too. So, it's a toss up. I'll probably read through what I have and then decide which one is grabbing me the strongest.

Have I rambled enough, yet?? I'm super busy at work for the next few days, so blogging might be a bit hit and miss. But since I have to do all of my homework online, I'll be getting on the computer every night. Haven't done that for about 8 years. Now, if I could only find a comfortable place in my house to sit. The dining room table is only good for about 15 minutes, can't sit in the living room, maybe in the bedroom. I guess I'll have to see how it goes.

A Soft Impeachment

The book is finished. Finished. Completed. Done. Now, that doesn't mean I'm done writing. but it does mean that you can get your copy of the book at Lulu.com. There's a link over their to the left. Please feel free to let me know what you think, and if you see any mistakes, PLEASE let me know. I've read through it 3 times today, but I'm not perfect. It's available as a download or hard copy paperback.

Singing with a sore throat

I dare you to type the title of this blog into yahoo or google. I did and I was surprised that I actually got a bunch of semi appropriate hits. I had to do the search because Lyric has a sore throat. She has to sing in a little over 6 hours. Hopefully, it will go well. She's gargling and drinking honey and lemon tea. I'm hoping that it will help. Yikes!

She's singing in the church choir tomorrow as well, at 2 different services.

Cross your fingers for us that everything goes okay!

Playing Friday Photo Finish

A favorite photo and why. This is Lyric the night she sang the National Anthem. She was happy. She was smiling. She was relaxed. As a teenager, we don't see her like that much. (She's also going to be singing it again tomorrow.)

I'm linked

I have been a fan of JAKonrath since I read his first Jack Daniels book. Now, we are linked! You should see a link to the side for his blog, if you click on his name in this post, you will get to his website. (He has both). He writes crime humor. I'm sure that he doesn't classify it as that, but really, it is. It's intriguing, gory, funny, entertaining. Anyway, if you go to his blog, I'm linked too.

On his website he also has this really cool picture thing. Slide. I went to make one for this blog, but most of the photos were very pixely. So, I'll have to keep playing with it.

I'm also reading Stephanie Meyers Twillight series. This is a HUGE break from my norm, but I loved the first book. I'm having trouble getting into the second one. And, thanks to Entertainment Weekly, I already know some of what will happen in the last book. (There are actually 4 in ther series).

And, today, I've been made aware that a couple of Lyric's friends are not allowed at our house anymore. Why, you might ask. And a good question it is. Because Fisher and I require that all phones (home and cell) be out of the bedrooms at 9pm. Even those belonging to Lyric's friends who spend the night. apparently, their parents will no longer allow them to spend the night becuase of this. Because they need to have the phone in case the parents need to contact them. In the middle of the night. When they are sleeping. Okay, I know that it is a sleep over and the girls don't really sleep, but I would never need to call Lyric at 1am, unless it was an emergency. When I told her that the parents could call the home phone in case of emergency, she about lost her mind. What is everybody's thoughts on this?? Am I completly off base??

So, anyway, that's what's up in my world. What's going on with you?

So Much Going On...

in my head anyway. I have a bunch of stuff I want to say, but I'll save some of it for another time.

I don't usually post pix of the kids, but these are too funny not to. There's a bit of backstory, too.


Lyric had her Starlight banquet on Friday. My friend, Kelley had a wedding to go to so her youngest, we call him "E", spend the night at our house. So, I take all of the kids to the park. I wanted to get some nice pics of Lyric in her dress. I take one and guess what?? Camera battery is dead. Unprepared mommy that I am, I have no back ups. (I really thought I didn't need my camera case!??!?!!?- note to self, always take camera case!) Anyway, so Lyric goes the bangquet.


I take the little kids home and make sidewalk paint. They start innocently enough.




then I say, "Don't get that all over E." And where do their minds go?!? We'll here's the finished product.










I had to throw them both in the shower as well as washing clothes and shoes, but it doesn't really matter because they had a great time.

Then, when Lyric got home after the party, I was able to make her keep the dress on for a couple shots.





and then I notice that the dog keeps showing up in the photos. Too funny.


P.S. the sidewalk paint was really easy to make, and way cheaper than the Crayola stuff. Cornstarch, water, and food coloring.

Cleaning "House" Again

Most of my loyal readers (all two of you) know that I will be heading back to college in a couple of weeks. I'll be taking three classes this semester, plus working, plus being a girl scout leader, plus running the kids around (baby just signed up for dance class) , plus being a mom and a wife, and a bride'smaid (my brother is getting married next spring).

So, anyway, I have been "cleaning house". I deleted the blog I was going to start "Summer of truth", I deleted the blog "moment in time", I deleted the blog "making money your way". These are things that I can still touch on if/when I have time. But I won't feel pressured everytime I log into blogger and see that I haven't posted there for days/weeks/months.

I've ordered most of my books. I've bought the kids school supplies. I've spent time working on "A Soft Impeachment" (I would LOVE to have this done before school starts). I bought a new planner so I can keep track of everything. I'm instituting a new plan at home.

In addition to the wall calendar that holds the important appointments, we will be using a notebook. cheap spiral from Wal Mart (can you save 5 cents?!?) and each day starting with this Sunday gets a page. I can write down what is going on any given day (70 days worth) and what else I need to accomplish that day. Some of these things the kids can help with (sweeping/vacuuming) , some of it is so hubby can see why I'm so busy, some of it is so I don't forget to do something. "mom has a test tomorrow" or "mom has to study" should be seen A LOT. LOL Actually anybody in our family will be able to write stuff in it. When it's done (say sweeping) it gets crossed off and we know that it got done. I love lists, but I especially love crossing things off of lists. And as least I'll be able to see that nobody swept for 5 days and do it or make somebody else step up. (Not like the dust bunnies and dog hair won't tell me!)

So, that's my plan. You should still see me posting regularly here and over at BeautifulYou. But the other blogs are gone, for now. And I'm okay with that.

P.S. Lynn, I did it again, without looking at your notes!

P.P.S. If anybody has any suggestions for Baby, let me know. I've been thinking for awhile that that's not really appropriate, most of the time. She is 9.

A couple of things

First of all- Happy 15th Anniversary to me (and Fisher). what a ride! I'm looking forward to the next 15. We were the first of 5 weddings in his family in less than 4 months. We got married at the courthouse, a week later his little, I mean younger, brother got married. In October, his little sister got married. She actually had two weddings in one day, as her husband is from India. They had a Lutheran ceremony and a Hindu ceremony. Then Fisher and I had our church wedding in December. I'm happy to say that all 3 couples are still together.

Second of all- I just figured out my perfect job. My friend Lynn, posted the other day about all of her blogs on her blog reader. I was thinking to myself, there's not that many I read EVERY day. But then I looked at my bookmarks, and oh yes there is. Everytime I read a blog, I check to see whatelse they are reading that might be interesting to me. If I see something I like, I bookmark it. I can't say I check them all everyday, but I check them all every week. And the list is getting longer. As the bloggers I regularly check add and change what they're reading, my list changes. I get daily google alerts on Rick Springfield and Sahara Aldridge, and sometimes, I find a blog that I bookmark. I search for information for myself, for work, for the kids, and I find a blog that I bookmark. So, what does all of the mean?? My perfect job is sitting at the computer reading blogs. Yup. If I can find somebody to pay me to do that, I'm so there.

P.S. Lynn, thanks for the help. I think I did it right!

What's On Your Ipod??

I've done this post before, but the music on my ipod is a constant state of change, and so I'm again doing....The next 20 songs on my ipod when I set it to shuffle....


One Passenger - Rick Springfield
All Day and All of The Night- Rick Springfield
Photograph- Nickelback
What About Now- Daughtry
Online - Brad Paisley
Sorry - Buckcherry
Imagine - Rehearsal- John Lennon
Positive- Legally Blonde Soundtrack
Seven Days of Lonely- I Nine
Baker Street - Rick Springfield
Violet - Savage Garden
Honey, Honey - Mama Mia soundtrack
Strange Love - Goo Goo Dolls
Gone - Daughtry
If You Think You're Groovy - Rick Springfield
Let Love In - Goo Goo Dolls
Pleasure Songs - The Mary Onettes
Blood In The Water - Legally Blonde Soundtrack
Real Love - John Lennon
If - Red Hot Chili Peppers

Mama Mia! Venus (is) In Overdrive

Hello, blog readers! How was your weekend? mine was very...musical. As you all know, (or you should anyway) Venus In Overdrive came out last week. My girls are enjoying the music as much as I am, and that's saying someting. Then, Friday night, we went to see Mama Mia!. I wasn't totally sure what to expect. I have heard good things about the stage show, and I knew it was base on/included ABBA music. I loved this movie! Great job on the casting (although the singing was okay), and the scenery was gorgeous. I think I'm going to Greece. :-) So, then Saturday, I boot up the desktop computer, and find the "old" Mama Mia! Soundtrack. You know, I one I got from the library like 2 years ago and nobody ever wanted to listen to. I made a CD. The girls are going back and forth between MM and VIO.

Lyric likes "Money, Money, Money" and "Thank You for the Music", "Saint Sahara" and "Jessie's Girl (acoustic version)".
Baby likes "Honey, Honey" and "Mama Mia", "What's Victoria's Secret?" and "Jessie's Girl (acoutstic version)"
Mommy likes "Mama Mia" and "Thank You for the Music", "Venus In Overdrive" and "Oblivious"

And Saturday night, we went to see "Thoroughly Modern Millie". Cute show, l o n g, but the girls enjoyed it. Their first babysitter was the lead.

Yesterday, I spend a couple of hours working on "A Soft Impeachment". Chapters 1-6 are done! It looks like the total will be nine or ten chapters, I am easily half was done. i just need a few more hours. Then a couple of clicks to uplaod to lulu and you all will be able to enjoy it too.

National Anthem

Here it is. The long awaited (almost a week) video of Lyric singing the National Anthem. Enjoy. (and if it doesn't work, I'll keep trying!)