Must PAY the tax man

I hit H&R Block last night to get our taxes done. I did not want to do them myself again this year due to my Creative Memories business. I thought I brought everything I needed with me - BOY was I wrong. After we got most of he info entered, I had to run home to pick up a few more pieces of info. When I returned we were able to complete the paperwork and that is when I found out that we owe over $500 to The State of New Jersey. I was PISSED. For some reason Steve's work does not take enough NJ taxes out on him. He WILL be figuring this out when he is back at work. We're getting a decent amount back from Federal, but a good chunk will be sent to NJ. Did I mention I was PISSED?

I need sleep

Last night was not a good one for sleep. I think I woke up at least once an hour, sometimes more. Both kids ended up in bed with Steve and I which made the sleep I did get crappy. I had knees in my back and was kicked on numerous occasions. When the alarm went off I was so tired I ignored it the first time. The second time I got up just because I knew I would not have a knee in back or a foot in my face. I am VERY cranky this morning which made me hungry. So hungry I went off my diet and picked up Dunkin Donuts Hot Chocolate and a corn muffin. Now not only am I cranky, I am pissed at myself.

Great way to start a day ;)

I'm Normal!

Well, at least my MRI and MRA came back normal. I got a message from the Dr.'s assistant when I came back from lunch.

WOO HOO!!

I think I have a tape worm

Or at least I hope I do, because I am always hungry! I have been trying my best to exercise and eat better (less). The exercise part has been going pretty well, but the food part - not so much. I can do good when I am at work. When I am home, I could eat a horse. It is really bothering me. I keep telling myself to exercise instead of eating, but these past couple of days the eating has won out. I am not even eating anything that great - dry cereal or crackers - but I could eat a whole box. Luckily I have not done that, but I could. By the time dinner is ready I want to eat everyone's portion. Again, I do not - thank God. At this point, I am going to assume that I am this hungry because I hate this time of year - sound like a good excuse?

Clean Up on Aisle 1

Steve and David were watching what they missed of Pirates 3 - of course I was rewatching it - when David said "I think I have to..."

And there it was PUKE! Everywhere. Mostly on the couch and blanket, but some on Steve and a tad on me.

I got him to the bathroom where he finished puking, changed his clothes & underware and before I could turn back around he was fast asleep on the non-puke part of the couch.

Poor kid. He was so upset that he did not make it to the bathroom. He is a neat freak.

I washed up, took some Airborne and brought him upstairs. I had him sleep in our room, but in a sleeping bag on the floor. I can't afford to catch what he has. I have to leave for a business trip Sunday.

:sigh:

Monday Blues

UGH! I was NOT very good on my diet this weekend and I am mad at myself. I did not lose (or gain) any weight for the week. I guess I need to count my blessings that I did not gain -sigh-

I did workout last night with two 10 minute on demand videos. The 1st was the pilates abs that I did last week and the 2nd was Bootylicious Butts! Yes, that is right. I want a firmer tail. That workout KICKED MY BUTT. I was exhausted at the end and my thighs BURNED.

I ate better today and my plan is to jump on the treadmill when I get home. As my friend said, Today is a new day!

I want to be a Pirate!

I watched Pirates of the Carribean III last night. AND LOVED IT! I of course saw the first 2 & liked them just as much, but this one was so interesting. It was long and I thought it could have been longer! I started off with 2 movie watching buddies and ended up being alone. Steve dosed off right away and David made it 1/2 way through. If anyone was looking through my window they would have thought I was crazy. I had a stupid smile on my face through the whole movie. Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom are incredible, not to mention gorgeous. Keira Knightley kicks ass too. I so want to be a pirate!

Today we had a nice day. We took the kids to Menlo Park Mall. I got use the new stroller I bought for Ava and she LOVED it.

Our original plan was to eat at the RainForest Cafe, but it was too crowded. So, we walked the mall. We walked all through Steve and Barry's. I had never been there, but heard all about it. It's HUGE and cheap. Then, we stopped in FootLocker. My sister had given David and Steve gift cards so David got new sneaks and Steve got shoes and some clothes.

We went into a few more stores before leaving. On our way home we stopped at On the Border for lunch/dinner. It was yummy and the kids were pretty good. Nice Sunday afternoon.

Sports N Stuff

Another birthday party! That is 3 weekends in a row...David has a FULL social circle :) Today's party was for a classmate named Zachary. It was held at Sports N Stuff in our home town. I hadn't been to that place since Highschool - it's been around a while. David had a lot of fun with his classmates. I got to meet some new Mom's and Dad's while we were watching the kiddies. That is one of the crappy things about working. I do not know any of the other parents. They were all very nice. After playing in the Kid Zone - they had some pizza and cupcakes. The party ended with a trip to the arcade. David was an angel - I was very glad we went.

Let it SNOW!!

I have been disappointed all winter by the weatherman, so I was not expecting much when they said it would snow overnight. Much to my surprise, not only did it snow...it was STILL SNOWING when I woke up! As a matter of fact it is STILL SNOWING as I write this post. We were originally expcted to get 1 - 3 inches, now they are saying 6 - 10 inches - big difference. Steve had to go into work and his truck is not in the best of shape, so I l him take my Envoy. I called my boss and got the OK to work from home. I called to check on Steve and he said the roads weren't that bad - it was just slow going because all the plows were out. Can you believe it's February 22 and this is our first REAL swowfall? Crazy!

Stayed on track

When I got home last night I received a phone call from Laurie inviting our family to join her family at Applebee's to celebrate Tom's official 3rd birthday. She picked Applebee's so her and I could stay on our diet. Smart girl. She had a WW salad and I had the WW shrimp. It was delicious and I was able to stay on track. We were invited back to their house for cake and I did have a slice - but a thin slice. It was so yummy. She sure knows how to bake! It felt good to eat a 'snack' but know that I was not killing my diet. When we got home, I put Ava to bed, got David in hims jams and did a 10 minute Pilates for Abs workout. It totally kicked my ass. Loved it. Tonight will be a treadmill night. My abs hurt SO bad - they need a rest.

Great night

Last night I took David to my friend Jenn's house for a playdate with her son Drew. The boys had a real good time playing Wii and racing around. They played real nice together. It was also nice for Jenn and I to catch up and spend some time together. I do not get to see her as often as I would like. We are hoping to get together again soon.

We picked up a pizza (1/2 pepperoni) on the way home from our favorite pizzeria - Brother's. Steve was craving pizza and since he is doing his best to stop smoking, I am doing my best to give in to his food cravings. Not to mention, I left him home with Ava while I was at David's playdate - he he. Steve and I were thrilled when David ate his slice of pepperoni pie. He did not give us any crap about it either. I did well too. I tricked myself into thinking I ate more than I did by cutting the pieces in half.

After dinner, I gave the kids a bath. David then went downstairs to play Wii with Steve and I gave Ava a bottle and put her to bed. Now I had a few minutes to myself, so I clicked on my new friend exercise tv. I did 2 work outs. The first was a 2 minute ab workout and the second was a 10 minute cardio core workout. I felt the burn and loved how quick the workouts were - not to mention easily accessible. I really suggest it to anyone that has 10 to 12 minutes a day - and this is coming from someone that does not - but was able to FIND them.

Right before bed I hoped on the laptop to send out an invite to my National Scrapbooking Day event. I did not have any luck finding a facility to hold it in, so I am going to host it in my home. I have plenty of space and tables/chairs - my dilema is getting rid of the kids and hubby! But, I am working on it. If you are within driving distance of central NJ, please join us. I'd love to have you. Email me or leave a comment if you need more info.

Thanks Gina!!

I'd like to hand this award over to Laney!

Feelin' Good

I actually DID what I said I was going to do. I walked on the treadmill last night when I got home! WOO HOO! I even did a 4 minute ab workout that I found through On Demand. It felt good..I mean it hurt...but it felt good. I can feel it in my abs this morning and my butt too. I ate dinner, but did not over eat. I am happy with myself this morning.

Got my hair cut too last night - that also is making me feel better :) My hair was getting too heavy and I needed a trim. Holly did a wonderful job once again. Ava looks so cute too with her little bangs trimmed. I just want to smooch her up!

David has been getting in SO much trouble lately. It's not that he is doing bad things per say, but it's the things he is NOT doing. He gives us a huge hard time about brushing his teeth and eating. It is getting ridiculous. I do not think that boy ate real food all weekend. I even made him tacos last night (he used to love them) and he barely ate. It's SO frustrating. He is so stinkin' skinny - he looks like a homeless child. Any pointers?

She works hard for the money...

So here I am at work. While most of the country is off for President's Day. :sigh:

The kids are home with my parents playing and having fun. I just talked to David...he was doing the Wii thing again. I heard Ava in the background. Her cute little voice. :sigh:

Steve is off today (officially) but he took the overtime that was offered - can you say DOUBLE TIME?

Holly just called. She and John will be stopping over later to give me and Ava a hair cut. Much needed. Can't wait.

Started my diet today. Granola bar for breakfast and tomato soup for lunch. Not even hungry! Hoping to get my big ass on the treadmill when I get home. Scratch that - I WILL get my big ass on the treadmill when I get home. My goal is to lose 20 lbs by May 1. I have a Sparkpage if you want to try and lose some weight with me. I really like the site.

Ok, back to work! :sigh:

Weekend Wrap Up

Friday night we got a sitter for the kids and met Laurie and Walter for dinner at Bensi. This was our 3rd visit to the restaurant but the 1st time we've had to wait. Laurie and Walter were in the bar when we arrived. We did not have to wait long before they came to seat us. Dinner was great. We shared the Bensi salad for appetizer. Steve had veal parm, Walt had chicken parm, Laurie had linguine and I had stuffed shrimp. Each of us were satisfied with our meals but still had room for dessert :) Steve and I really enjoy being with Laurie and Walt. We always leave with pain in our face from laughing. I think we should make this a monthly outing! The babysitter made out well with the kids. This was the first time we used her and I will use her again for sure.

Saturday evening we ate dinner at Salsarita's. We've taken the kids here before and I've eaten here about 4 times. I shared my tacos with Ava - boy can she eat. David ordered a kids meal and barely had 2 bites. Ava ended up eating all the chicken from his taco. Steve had a HUGE burrito. Of course the meal came complete with David spilling his drink all over the floor, himself and me. Lovely.

Today we did not do much. Steve and David played My Sims on Wii while I got my CM finances in order for tax season. Ava was a good girl. She took a few naps and ate like a queen. She played real nice by herself, with me and with David. She is really funny. It amazes me the changes I see in her everyday. In the afternoon I had to run some errands so the kids would have milk and other items for the week. I made a pot roast in the croc pot for dinner and Steve thought I did a good job. He even noticed that I did not burn the bottom of the rolls! Once I finally got the guys to stop playing Wii, we watched the Grand Finale of American Gladiators. It is not a favorite of Steve or I, but David loves it. I will admit I was happy with the winners.
Now - bedtime...finally!

Party on!

Happy Birthday Tom!

This morning we celebrated Tom's 3rd birthday. Laurie and Walter threw his party at the Party Gym. David and Ava had so much fun...as did Tom. He had lots of friends to spend his special day with. The kids played in the ball pit and in the bouncy area. They drove play cars and ran all over the place. Everyone ate pizza for lunch. They played some games and sang Happy Birthday. David, Ava and Tom really had a great time. I was very impressed with Ava. She played real nice with the other kids and by herself. This was her first real 'party' - I think she is already looking forward to the next one!

Could have used a Margarita!

Yesterday morning I had an MRI and an MRA at the local Radiology Group. 1 hour before the test, I took 1 valium. I felt spacey, but not necessarily calm. I tried to tell myself that I could get through the tests and to remember that Steve was there with me and all would be alright. When we arrived at the facility, I registered and Steve filled out the paperwork (my mind was elsewhere). Before long we were called to the back by a very nice tech. She started explaining the procedure to me and asked a few more questions. She showed me to a locker where I placed my purse & jacket. She asked me to sign a form for the contrast dye that would be administered through an IV and I almost fainted. IV? Me? Oh no! So, she got me a glass of water so I could take my 2nd valium. Luckily, the nurse and the tech were extremely sweet and calming, so before I knew it, I had an IV. Things seemed to happen very quickly and the next thing I knew I was laying in the machine. Still, I did not feel calm. I was nervous and just praying that I would not have a panic attack. I closed my eyes and I felt the machine move me through the tube. The tech would talk to me from time to time and let me know what to expect - noise, length of scan, etc. I kept my eyes closed the entire hour and kept thinking of palm trees, our trip to Disney and Cancun. My arm hurt a bit when the dye started to be pushed through, but it soon subsided. When I heard the tech say " You're done" - I wanted to cry. I could not believe I did it. I finished the test and did not have an attack. Steve was there to help me to my feet and tell me he was proud of me. I have to admit, I was proud of myself. And I was starving...so Steve took me to IHOP for breakfast. I wanted to order a margarita, but instead had a cup of hot cocoa with whipped cream!

Happy Valentine's Day!

I hope your day was extra special. Just being with Steve and the kids made my V'day great. I left the kids thier candy and stuffed animals in the morning so they were there when they woke up. Steve and I exhanged cards/gifts when he returned from work. The 4 of us attempted to eat dinner at Outback, but there was a 2 hour wait, so we ended up at TGIFridays. The food was good but the children were on their best behavior which made the night perfect.

David's goodies

Ava's Goodies

Mommy's Little Valentine's

Cards, flowers and candy for Mom

Not liking the new meds

So Sunday night was my last dose of topamax. Since Monday night I have only been taking the depakote. I have had a headache since yesterday. SO annoying. Have I called the neurologist? No, of course not. That would only make sense and I am too miserable to make sense right now. I took Tylenol before I left for work and brought in a neck wrap that I can warm up and wear. The Tylenol worked a bit, but I think it is wearing off. I gotta see if I can find some more.

For those that do not live in the North East USA, it finally snowed yesterday. Not sure how much we got. Not enough to play in, just enough to make my commute home last 1 hour and 40 minutes :( Today it is raining - go figure.

Tomorrow morning is my MRI and MRA. Steve is taking the morning off to bring me. I am picking up some valium on my way home tonight that the doctor prescribed for me. See, I am a nervous wreck about this machine. I am VERY clausterphobic. I almost have an attack when I get my eyebrows waxed! He only prescribed 2 pills. 1 an hour before the test and 1 right before they begin, if I need it. I already know I will need it. Wish me luck!

Ava at 15 months

Our little princess was 15 months old yesterday. Her doctor's check up visit was this morning. She weighs 23 lb 12 oz and is 32 1/2". The doctor said she looks great and is on track in her development. Her visit ended with 3 shots. Poor baby girl. My Mom took her home and was going to give her some Tylenol. I can not believe she is growing up SO fast...

Coldest day of the year

Today HAS to be the coldest day of this year and probably of this winter season. When I stepped outside to go to work this morning, I could barely breathe. So, what happens at 11 am this morning on this, the coldest day of the year? You could never have guessed that the fire alarm in our building goes off! We all thought it HAD to be a joke. Who would test the fire alarms on the friggin coldest day of the friggin year? Well, it turns out...it was NOT a test or a joke. A transformer blew up on our block and the building had to be evacuated. Most of us went over to the local pizzeria for lunch to see what was going to happen next. When we got back to the office, we were told to go home. There was no power to the building and wouldn't be for a while. You do not have to tell me twice to go home, so I got in my car and hit the road. Crazy Monday!

Poop

Yes, I wrote the word 'poop'. Why is that word so funny? David and I watched the 100 Most Outrageous TV Moments tonight and his favorite clip was of a little girl on a game show that said "poop"! I have to admit, I found it quite amusing myself.

Social Life

Steve had to be at the school this morning to represent the highschool baseball team during an Open House event. He decided to bring David along. Ava and I met up with them as we all had a birthday party to attend that afternoon near by. When Ava and I arrived, Steve and David greeted us. Steve took Ava to show her off and David took me over to where he was playing. He was right smack in the middle of all the highschool kids playing soccer, Wii and skeeball. I could not get over watching him. I was cracking up at his facial expressions and so proud that he was so confident in himself at the same time. He looked so small compared to them, but yet so grown up playing with them. Before long, it was time to leave for the birthday party. We were off to Chuck E. Cheese.

I am sure I do NOT have to tell you how busy Chuck E. Cheese was this afternoon. There was actually a LINE to get in. Once we got in, the place was a ZOO! There must have been 6 birthday parties and then of course the off the street folk. The kids played for a bit, ate some pizza, sang Happy Birthday, played a little more and we were outta there. Steve had to get back to work - and that was fine by me :)

We dropped Steve off at work and headed back home. Aside from almost killing a run away pit bull, we made it home fine (don't ask). Ava napped in the car, which ruined my chances of taking a nap myself and I really could have used one. The kids played nice while I relaxed on the couch. Once Steve got home, we cooked dinner. Pretty boring being parents...it's the kids that have the social life!

Payday?

I am the only person that can spend a whole 2 weeks pay check in one day? I sure hope not. Between bills, food, diapers, gifts, gas and LIFE I practically spent my whole check today. GROSS!

Faces only a mother could love...

From floor to wall

While renovating our kitchen, I had to remove photos and decor from the walls so it would not get broken. I did not put everything back because:

A. It did not go with the new decor
B. No longer have space
C. Haven't had the time

The items I did want to put up were on my bedroom floor or in the basement. So, Saturday after out Outlet trip, I collected all the items to be hung and Steve did the hanging.


Here is what we accomplished-
Lantern to left of desk

Cork board behind desk
Family Photo Collage by front door

Wedding photo in hallway

Everyday Display to left of pantry



*Everyday Display is a Creative Memories item

Head Doctor

So today was my first appointment with the neurologist. I have to admit I was a tad nervous - I did not want to hear bad news. I am happy to report that I had a real nice doctor that does not think I have Trigeminal Neuralgia afterall. That's right...I DO NOT have it! Instead, he believes my migraines are traveling along my trigeminal nerve and causing me pain in areas besides my head. His course of treatment is to wean me off the topamax and put me on depakote. The depakote works the same way, but without the crazy side effects. I'll take the depakote for about 6 weeks or until the pain is gone for good. Then, he wants to treat me with herbal supplements. He does not believe in having his patients on meds for life. I go back to see him in 5 weeks but will have an MRI and MRA in the mean time. If those come back clean - I'll be on the road to recovery :)

The ironic part of all this, is my friend Beth is a Usana rep and had recommended some herbal supplements for me just last week. So, I am one step ahead of the game!

This is my year or at least I want it to be

I have been a Creative Memories consultant since May of 2005. I love being a consultant, but I must admit, I have not grown my business. Although, I have met lots of great people and started some great friendships because of it. I decided that this would be the year to build or bust. I have been much more actively involved in the goings on and more vocal about my business. Just last week, my upline and I had lunch to discuss all the new happenings/changes coming this year. Last night there was a conference call at 8 pm that I so desperately wanted to be on. The call was about the changes, but with more detail. I told my husband about it and prepared the kids for it. In other words, everyone was fed, in pajamas and Ava was in bed. I dialed into the call, announced myself and Ava started to cry. I listened to the first topic and Ava crying. I listened to the second topic and Ava crying. Then Steve went up to check on her. I listened to the third topic and Ava screaming. Then Steve states the obvious "She won't stop crying. I don't know what to do.". With that, I hang up the phone and take care of Ava.
:sigh:
I am determined to listen to that call - even if I have to do it in the car!

The Giants WON the Superbowl!

I honestly can not believe it, but am super excited about it. We decided to host a Superbowl party again this year and it turned out small - which made it nice. Mom, Dad, Aunt Judy, Uncle Jack, cousins Jill, Joe, Walt, Laurie and Tom were our guests. Everyone brought something to munch on. We had more than enough food. We were all in our Giants gear and ready to cheer on our team at the start of the game. I for one thought it was a great sign when we scored first. It is tough to watch the game and host a party, but overall I got to see the important parts. I thought the game was great. It was very entertaining. Speaking of entertaining...Tom Petty was awesome. I mean, I am a big fan anyway, but I thought his half time show was great. He sounded really good and chose great songs. Ok, back to the game. It did get nerve wracking at the end, but Eli pulled it off! I felt bad because Ava was sleeping, so I had asked everyone to cheer quietly, and they listened. We were all hugging and jumping for joy with quiet high fives and 'YEAH's. What a thrill!

A little outlet shopping

goes a long way! Steve and I took the kids to the Jackson Outlets this afternoon. We hit up the GAP for jeans, underpants and pj's. Believe it or not, none of the purchases were for myself. Steve needed jeans for work. David found some underpants and pj's he liked and I found a pair of pj's and a velour jacket for Ava. We walked out of there spending $125 on 10 items! There is no way that can be done at the non-outlet GAP. David is wearing his new soccer ball boxer shorts to bed tonight...

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Ava went to bed last night at 6:15 pm! She slept all night - even through my CM workshop. I got up about 4 am to go to the bathroom and had to peek in on her to make sure she was breathing. She was. Thank God. She was still sleeping when I left for work. I guess not taking a nap during the day (sorry Mom) really knocks her butt out!