M.I.A

I want to apologize to all my readers out there for not keeping up on my GIST list. As you all know, I started school for the summer, and with that I have been extremely busy. My schedule consist of going to school M-TH from 8-12; on Monday, Wednesday, and every other Friday I have been working in my husband's office from 12:30-4:30. Everyday I have something to do and don't get home till late. I normally use my Tuesday and Thursday's to catch up on things around the house, but does not always turn out to be that way. I still go to school till 12:00 and by the time I get off and going for the day, something else comes up and there I am running around crazy till late. I have also become the new fundraiser board member for NDA Crew, and one of our biggest fundraisers is working Mud Hens games in the spring / summer. So on top of my busy school / home life, I am also spending some nights ( weekends and weekdays ) volunteering my time at Fifth Third Field. I am really enjoy my life this summer and would not change it for the world. I have opened myself up to many new different things and feel blessed everyday. I have been bad for not keeping up on my list, but after the days I normally have, 9:30 comes and the girls go to bed, I go too.
My next blog will be a general list of everything that I found grace in since my last list. It may not be in order but it will be a good one. You will see how perfect my life feels for me this summer.
It is 10:00 and way past my bed time ( my body is starting to tell me "go to bed" ) (yes on a Friday, I am still a loser )

GIST 152

1. First day of college ( this is a big step for me )
2. Making my family's favorite dinner
3. Being in the pool for the first time ( this season ) with all my girls and my mom
4. Getting a night out my girlfriends, even after a really busy day
5. Seeing the new Sex and the City movie ( loved it )

GIST 151

1. Another morning with just me time
2. Everyone sleeping super late this morning
3. Finding new suits for the little ones
4. A relaxing afternoon
5. Seeing a great friend and her family, and hearing that they are starting off their summer with a family vacation ( you deserve it Jess - have fun! )

GIST 150

1. Waking up before everyone else and having a quiet morning to myself
2. Finally getting the pool up and running - floated by afternoon
3. A cookout with John's side of the family
4. Watching the kids play with their second cousins
5. Knowing I have a great family on both sides

GIST 149

1. Getting all the girls summer clothes out and winter clothes packed away
2. A afternoon at my mom's watching my kids play
3. Seeing my nephew play with my girls
4. A cookout with my brother and his family
5. Falling asleep with Reese

GIST 148

1. Jordan's grades for her freshman year
2. Getting cookies from the girl I take to school sometimes
3. Another beautiful day
4. Pool being ready to clean and hopefully be swimable by the end of the weekend
5. Three day weekend!

GIST 147

1. Taking the cover off my mom's pool ( ready for summer )
2. A mall run with Jordan and Reese
3. Helping Jordan find a new bathing suit for the summer
4. Buying myself a little sun dress
5. Being 100% ready to start school next week

GIST 146

1. My new back door
2. Summer skirts
3. Sun dresses
4. Flip flops
5. Hot weather

GIST 145

1. Having Dave starting on the remodel of the outside of our house
2. Getting my grocery shopping done early
3. A afternoon movie with my mom and girls
4. Dinner with the whole family together
5. A few hours out with my girlfriends

GIST 144

1. Knowing this week is a not as busy as last week
2. It being Jordan's last week of school ( excited for summer )
3. The weather
4. Another relaxing night
5. All three of my girls ( they always make me smile throughout the day )

Once again disappointed...

For six years I have been one of those religious viewers of Lost. I never missed an episode and loved the drama and confusion that came with the show. Last night was the Series final and I was so excited to see all the seasons come together and answer the simple questions that was promised. I was on the edge of the couch all night ( 2 1/2 hours of my life I will never get back ) waiting to see the big end. When I did, I was floored. It was the second worst ending to a show ( first being the Sopranos ) It not only did not answer any questions about the show past seasons, but it had no story line that even fit into the whole series.

What were the writers thinking?

The problem is " they weren't thinking " They got to big for the show that they did not know how to end it, so what better way to do it than just do whatever came into their mind at the last minute. ( this is how it felt to me when it was all over and done with ) Grrr...

I am really sad that the show ended. I enjoyed my Tuesday nights watching this group of actors in a show that could hold my attention for an hour. But after last night, I am just mad that it ended the way it did.

Why do shows do this?

*** Ok, I am officially over it now and done with my madness. Just had to get it off my chest ****

GIST 143

1. Packing up all the junk not sold and dropping it off at Goodwill
2. Giving the garage a good clean
3. Helping my mom with yard work
4. Seeing the girls play outside on all the fun toys at grandmas
5. Sitting back in quietness and watching the last episode of my favorite show ( Lost )

GIST 142

1. Getting up and moving early ( with a slight hangover )
2. Another successful day at the garage sale ( made a lot of money this year for junk )
3. Going shopping with my mom and the girls
4. A dinner out with mom and girls
5. Falling asleep super early after a extremely busy week

GIST 141

1. Having a great start with the garage sale
2. My mom for coming over and helping with the sale
3. Getting everyone ready in time for family pictures
4. My baby brothers wedding reception
5. Seeing my (ex) step-sister and kids - love them to pieces

GIST 140

1. Having the morning with Reese
2. Getting everything together for our annual neighborhood garage sale
3. John for coming home early and helping set things up
4. Seeing Carly in a cap and gown ( brought tears to my eyes )
5. Watching the cutest preschool graduation

GIST 139

1. Being a beautiful day outside
2. Tami for making my eyebrows looking good again
3. Having tomorrow off to get ready for the garage sale
4. John for doing what he does for us everyday
5. Just sitting back and relaxing

GIST 138

1. My mom ( yes again ) for not only watching my kids, but picking them up from school and taking them home when I can't
2. So many kisses and "I love you" from Reese
3. A big long hug for no reason from Reese
4. Getting the house somewhat picked up after being gone again all day ( didn't last to long with three kids )
5. Watching "Lost" with no interruptions ( I am so going to miss that show )

GIST 137

1. Helping out NDA Crew by volunteering my time to work the Mud Hens game
2. Finding $ 20.00 at the Mud Hens game
3. Costco
4. Finally seeing the little ones in their big recital - been working for a year just for this show
5. Dinner with my mom, Jordan, and Carly ( fun times )

GIST 136

1. Doing some running in the morning with Jordan
2. Getting a Powerwheels Jeep from friends ( now my girls each have their own and won't fight anymore )
3. Helping my mom with her yard work
4. John for making an amazing dinner
5. A nice relaxing Sunday night home with my family

GIST 135

1. Seeing the little one's dance recital practice
2. Having aunt Carol, uncle Doug, Nana and cousins Julie, Brendon, Leah and Parker at the recital practice with us
3. Spending the afternoon with all my girls and grandma
4. Doing something special for Jordan
5. A nice dinner with my mom

GIST 134

1. Seeing Chrystal Bowersox sing at lunch
2. A quiet afternoon to finish my book
3. Being Friday and finally no rain
4. My mom for picking up my girls and getting them home from school
5. A lazy night at home with the family

GIST 133

1. Watching Peyton all day
2. Holding Peyton all day
3. Reese helping me with Peyton ( she would be a awesome big sis, but NO )
4. Going to Shorty's BBQ for dinner as a family
5. Going to VS for some new undies ( I love new underwear ) ( sorry a little personal )

GIST 132

1. Back to work
2. Getting half of my book read, felt like I was slacking
3. Sitting down as a family and eating dinner ( been a long time )
4. Having a family TV night
5. Nicole asking me to watch Peyton ( again )

GIST 131

1. The morning being so yucky out to get things done inside
2. A nice ladies lunch with my mother-in-law and sister-in-law
3. Susan for watching the girls ( no payment needed ) while I went to lunch
4. A early girls night
5. Finally getting some (what) answers on Lost

GIST 127-130

127:
1. Having the morning off to get ready for a weekend out of town
2. Picking Jordan and her friends up early at school
3. Lunch with Jordan and her friends
4. Making good time on driving to Cinci
5. Nice talks with all the other Crew parents

128:
1. Waking up early and not having to drive to far for this weekends regatta
2. A wonderful breakfast
3. Staying a little bit warm with all the wind
4. Having them call all races off since the weather was so bad ( did not want Jordan on that water, it looked BAD )
5. A nice party in the hotal lobby with the Crew parents

129:
1. The weather being 100% better then Saturday
2. Seeing Jordan finally race for the long weekend
3. A pink rose from Jordan on Mother's day ( being out of town, so happy that she thought of me, Thanks to the coach who actually bought them for the girls to give to the moms )
4. Three of NDA boats making it to Nationals
5. John making me a wonderful dinner after being gone all weekend

130:
1. Having a Monday off
2. Sleeping in
3. Seeing Lenon and playing with him for a bit
4. Last night of dance till fall
5. Carly eating her dinner without a complaint ( see is a picky eater and is hard to find food she likes )

GIST 126

1. Helping out my sister-in-law clean out my mother-in-law's old kitchen and getting things together for the garage sale
2. Also helping out a friend who needed me today
3. A quiet peaceful afternoon
4. Getting everything organized for tomorrows trip to Cinci
5. It being one day closer to my fun filled weekend

GIST 125

1. Nicole calling me to ask if I could watch Peyton for a couple hours
2. Watching Peyton - got my baby fix!
3. Reese being my helper with Peyton ( didn't leave her side )
4. It being a all around good day
5. Blog sites

GIST 124

1. Finally getting my membership to Costco
2. Two hours in Costco
3. Seeing the girls having so much fun playing at grandmas
4. Maks not leaving DWTS
5. Lost ( going to be sad when it is over )

GIST 123

1. Seeing my nephew ( don't get to see much of him so the times I do, I love it )
2. Carly helping grandma out with Lenon
3. Getting some reading done today
4. Sending out some more resumes
5. ( again ) DWTS!

Busy, busy

Looking at my blog I realize it is BORING! I thank all of you ( two ) who read it, but man all it is, is my GIST LIST. I have to say that my life has been super busy. Spring is here and everything is happening.
Carly and Reese have been taking dance classes on Monday nights. I work in John's office on Monday till 3:30, run pick up the girls and off to dance at 5:00. We are done at 7:00, and by the time we get home, cleaned up ready for bed and watch Dancing with the Stars ( as a family ) the day is poof gone. Their dance recital is on May 17th and we are done for the summer.
Jordan has crew practice everyday after school from 5:30-7:30. A group of us parents have come up with a driving schedule so that everyone isn't driving downtown too many times a day. Tuesday is my day to drive, since I have a car full, I leave the little ones with my mom while I run to Notre Dame, pick up the crew, drive them downtown, back to get the girls and lucky to be home by 6. Tuesday night is my night with my friends. We normally met at Starbucks to have coffee and just talk about what the week before has brought our way. ( again, gone all day from home )
Wednesday, I work again at John's office till 4:30, pick up Reese from my mom's, Carly from school, and than back downtown at 7:30 to get Jordan. Home finally.
Thursday is a mellow-whatever kinda day.
Friday I again work in the office for only a couple hours and than do whatever I need to do running around.
Saturday I have been out of town for Jordan's regatta's. I love these days. Seeing her race is one of my greatest moments of the week. The rush is amazing. I could never be more proud of that girl.
On note, I feel like most of my days are spent driving all over Toledo. I love that I can do that for my family, but I sometimes feel the days are spent in the car too much.
Summer is going to be another busy, busy season. I took the plunge and finally going back to school. I am only taking two classes with it being a summer session, but classes are Monday - Thursday from 8-12 ( am ). I know I am going to have to find a part time job at a real place of employment to keep up with my side of the bills, but it is all worth it.

GIST 122

1. A lazy morning followed by a .....
2. A lazy afternoon
3. Jordan's boat taking 1st place in her heat ( 4th in the final )
4. My mom ( she is just the greatest person there is )
5. Again, a lazy night

GIST 121

1. Working on the house cleaning with John as a team
2. Getting all the food together for our Derby Party with John
3. A awesome group of people coming over
4. Everyone having a good time
5. Going to bed at a reasonable hour even with having a house full of people all day

GIST 120

1. Having Friday morning off of work to get things done
2. Jordan getting out of school early and starting on their cool t-shirts
3. Lunch with two great ladies
4. Getting my house "really" clean for the weekend
5. Jordan being in a JV boat in Sunday's race

GIST 119

1. Officially making my summer schedule for school
2. Knowing that in 3 years I will finally have a degree ( a little longer than expected but better late than never )
3. Doing some outside work for my mom
4. Making everyones favorite dinner
5. Falling to sleep early

GIST 118

1. Starting another new book. I love reading and I just can't wait to start new ones
2. Helping John with cleaning up his mom's old things at her condo
3. The girls being so good while we cleaned and while I was at the store
4. A stranger at Auto Zone helping me with my oil
5. Talking Jordan and her friend to Hobby Lobby with a great idea for their boat present

GIST 117

1. Helping my mom finally hang up some pictures and not putting to many holes in the wall
2. Making up with my SIL, didn't really want to miss the wedding party
3. Keeping my cool after the kids were being obnoxious all day
4. Coffee with the ladies
5. Getting a free Starbucks cupcake just for sitting there until they closed. Love giveaways.

GIST 116

1. Feeling good for a rainy Monday morning
2. Getting closer to closing the door on this NDA spirit wear ( this really is a job )
3. Having the girls dress rehearsal for dance tonight
4. The little ones getting trophies from dance and being so happy about it
5. Sitting down with all my girls to watch DWTS

GIST 113 ; 114 & 115

113:
1. Starting a really good book ( Summer Sister's / Judy Blume )
2. One step closer to starting summer classes at Owens
3. Having a great family
4. 3 girls ( I really do enjoy having girls )
5. My life

114:
1. Getting up at 1:30 am with no problem at all to get ready for our drive to Columbus
2. Not having to drive
3. Seeing Jordan's boat come in 4th - so much better than last weekend
4. The rain basically holding off for us all day
5. Getting home and showered earlier than last weekend

115:
1. Sleeping in just a bit
2. Working on the order for the NDA Crew spirit wear
3. A afternoon nap with Reese
4. John making a wonderful dinner for us
5. Seeing Elton John ( another concert marked off my bucket list )

GIST 111 & 112

111:
1. Getting the basement cleaned and some stuff ready for the May garage sale
2. Cleaning both upstairs bathrooms ( been putting that off )
3. The girls new shower curtain
4. New toilet seats in both upstairs bathrooms ( they are really cool ones that you unlock and pop off when you need to clean the areas you normally can't get )
5. A night baseball game with my family

112:
1. Lauren releasing me from work early
2. Having a wonderful talk with Jordan this morning ( I love our talks )
3. Having a easy food for tomorrow's regatta
4. Carly's face when she sees grandma ( I love that my kids are so close with my mom )
5. Finally getting things rolling with the crew spirit wear

GIST 109 , 110

109:
1. Finding some really cute decorating ideas
2. Hearing it is time to pick out colors for the house paint job ( getting closer )
3. Officially becoming the crew spirit wear mom
4. Only having 3 more weeks of madness Monday's
5. Maks !

110:
1. A nice morning with my husband
2. Getting started on cleaning at 7:45 am
3. Cutting my moms grass for her
4. One step closer to starting my classes at Owens for the summer
5. Talking with the girls about our New York trip ( can't wait! )

GIST 106 - 108

106:
1. Lauren showing up early at work to release me
2. Cleaning out the van
3. Turning into a beautiful afternoon after the rain
4. Getting the date for Carly's graduation from preschool
5. Going to bed super early

107:
1. Having no problem getting up at 2:30 (am)
2. Being on the road to Westerville at scheduled time
3. Getting the girls to the regatta site nice and early
4. Seeing Jordan row her first spring race
5. The weather being not to bad for us being outside all day

108:
1. The girls being at my moms so Jordan and I could sleep in t
2. Laying in bed till 11:00 (am)
3. It being a nice lazy day
4. Taking an afternoon nap with Reese ( yes a nap even after sleeping till 11:00 )
5. Lounging around in the bedroom till bedtime ( reading and watching TV )

Janey Mac

I absolutely love vinyl wall coverings. I think they are so darn cute and bring a room to life. I only have one in my house at this time, but I have purchased one for the front room that says "All because two people feel in love" and am planning on hanging all my family pictures around it. But first John and I have to decide on a color ( we can not agree ) to paint the wall.
This website Janey Mac has the most adorable vinyl's. I have already started making a "wish list" of all the ones I am dying to have. Check it out and I am sure you will fall in love with it the way I did. I love looking at all the different wall coverings and even the different ideas that this women uses the vinyl's for. I wish I had that creativity, but I am happy that there is someone out there to help me. Thank you Janey Mac for a beautiful blog and some awesome ideas for gifts.

GIST 105

1. A lazy morning with no kids
2. Getting my things around the house done with no interruptions
3. Susan for spray painting my cowbell for the regatta this weekend ( I myself messed it up )
4. Driving in 80 degree weather ( I love the hot weather )
5. My new stainless steel dishwasher

GIST 104

1. Husband bring lunch without me asking him to
2. A beautiful day, Reese and I went to the river to watch Jordan row
3. Having Lauren talk to me about her relationship problems ( like to help )
4. Husband letting me go out with friends two nights in a row
5. Talking and hanging with Lauren, Ashley, Susan and Jerry

GIST 103

1. Morning play date with Amanda, Gavin and the little ones at Sylvania Playland
2. A early lunch
3. Both girls taking a nap so I could do things on the computer with no interruption
4. A quick easy dinner
5. Getting together with Nicole for a quick cup of coffee and catching up

GIST 102

1. Having the office to myself most of the afternoon
2. Cleaning up the office ( it was a mess )
3. Kids being back on schedule ( although it was a nice week where we didn't have to do so much )
4. Getting all the dates together for the dance recital coming up
5. Monday night being so relaxing after everyone went to bed

GIST 100; 101

100
1. Getting some paper cleaning done
2. Going to my nephew's 1st birthday party
3. It being such a beautiful day for the party
4. Having Reese curl up with me on the couch and falling asleep
5. A quiet night with myself ( after the girls went to bed )

101
1. Laundry getting all done in the morning
2. Getting the upstairs cleaned
3. Open windows ( the smell of fresh air )
4. Helping my mom with getting her yard ready for the spring / summer
5. Milkshakes ( yummy )

GIST 99

1. Not having to bad of a hangover after a full night of drinking
2. A nice quiet day
3. Seeing the sun out after a yucky day yesterday
4. A surprise of devil eggs in the fridge this morning ( my husband is the best )
5. A night at Starbucks with the ( big ) girls

GIST 98

1. Meeting up with Ashley for a play date at Sylvania Playland
2. Reese finally taken a good afternoon nap
3. Mud Hens Opening Day!
4. Lenon's first birthday
5. Going out with some really great friends after the game

GIST 97

I am having a rough day since it is almost a week without a smoke, so these five things are things in general that I am grateful for in my life.

1. Being a mother to three loving girls
2. Being a wife to a perfect husband
3. Being a daughter to a wonderful mother
4. Being a sister to two great brothers
5. Being a friend to many

GIST 96

1. Making an appointment with a new doctor
2. Reese seeing my favorite doctor at the peds office
3. Having all the windows open all day and fresh air filling the house
4. A family night at the Walleye game
5. Reese being the "game on" girl tonight at the game

GIST 95

1. Being another short quiet day at work
2. Having another interview
3. Hearing my mom's good news about her lawsuit
4. Watching the crew boats on the river
5. A nice after practice milkshake stop with another crew family

GIST 94

1. Waking up and having time to get the eggs hidden before anyone woke up
2. Making up plastic eggs for the kids to do when their cousin Lenon came over
3. Everyone having a great time at brunch
4. John for making such a wonderful brunch for everyone
5. The afternoon with the other side of the family

GIST 93

1. Making it through first officially day of not smoking - it is really hard
2. Being somewhat lazy before a holiday
3. Having family over for adult bonding and kid play time
4. Coloring more Easter eggs
5. Putting together everyone's Easter baskets

GIST 92

1. It being Friday
2. A second phone interview with Medical Mutual of Ohio
3. Taking the girls to the libary and then the park
4. Coloring Easter eggs as a family
5. Buying ( but not yet getting ) a new stainless steel dishwasher to match the rest of the kitchen.

GIST 91

1. Being such a beautiful, wonderful day
2. My mom having an interview, even if it wasn't what she expected the job to be
3. Seeing Jordan on the water rowing
4. Drinks with another crew mom
5. Shortys BBQ with some good friends

GIST 90

1. Seeing
2. Wicked
3. With
4. Jordan
5. The weather being so perfect

GIST 89

1. Having my grocery shopping done by 8:30 am ( new record )
2. The girls laundry being done by 10:00 am
3. A afternoon of fun errands and good deals
4. Carly eating all her dinner ( very rare for her )
5. A family walk

GIST 87 & 88

87:
1. A relaxing Sunday morning
2. Getting the upstairs cleaned
3. All my Easter basket shopping done
4. Going to the hockey game with Reese, Jordan and Amma - Girl time
5. A relaxing Sunday night ( love relaxing time )

88:
1. The sun shinning
2. Just having to take Reese this morning ( a fun ride to grandmas)
3. Getting further in Wicked ( it is a hard read )
4. Talking to the ladies at dance ( always nice to have adult conversation with other moms)
5. Maks ( love him )

GIST 85 & 86

85:
1. It being Friday
2. My reading start of Wicked ( Seeing the show on Wednesday, so I hope I can finish it by then )
3. John taking the girls to Bob's so I can enjoy some alone time
4. The house being so quiet
5. Falling asleep at 9:00 pm.

86:
1. Feeling motivated this morning and out of the house by 9:00 am
2. A full day of unplanned running around
3. Getting some awesome deals at the Disney Store
4. Reese taking a nap so I could do what I needed without interrupting our time
5. Hanging out with Jordan and Reese for the night

GIST 84

1. A morning meeting about spring projects for the house
2. A quiet afternoon with Reese
3. Helping my mom when she is in need of emotional support
4. Meeting the girls for the second time this week
5. Planning a trip to New York City with the girls in October - so super excited! No one better bail on me, I have never been and am dying to go

GIST 83

1. It being Wednesday - halfway to the weekend
2. Doing my hair the same way Tami did it yesterday ( always have a hard time doing myself after leaving the salon )
3. A nice home packed lunch
4. John making a awesome dinner
5. Watching a couple shows with the family ( love them so much )

GIST 82

1. Getting everything done on my list
2. My new hair color - needed to lighten it up for spring / summer
3. Getting my laptop fixed and working faster
4. A beautiful day after a ugly day on Monday
5. Seeing "Remember Me", it is a very good movie, I highly recommend it

GIST 81

1. Having a great friend cover for me at work so I could leave early
2. For a interview ( fingers crossed, it was a good job )
3. Jordan starting "water" practice, we are getting closer to spring regatta's
4. Getting the oar we ordered from Notre Dame for Jordan
5. Dancing with the Stars Season 10 ( love, love that show )

GIST 80

1. Sleeping in ( after going to bed super late (for me))
2. Seeing all the Crew girls together ( ready for the season to start )
3. A nice long afternoon nap
4. Hearing that my nephew Brian finally has a girlfriend. ( long funny story but so happy for him )
5. Sunday!

GIST 79

1. Having the house quiet while I cleaned
2. Target deals ( got Jordan a awesome new light for her room )
3. Seeing family we haven't seen for a long time at a morning baby shower
4. Hearing Steffany had her baby and had picked a beautiful name for her ( I love hearing when other women have babies, makes me so happy )
5. A night out ( in ) with some really great girls

GIST 78

1. Getting off work early on such a beautiful day
2. The girls new bedspreads coming ( so stinking cute )
3. Having dinner with my mom and the girls
4. Playing games with the family
5. The whole day was perfect

GIST 77

1. Getting some really good deals at Old Navy for the girls
2. Holding Peyton for a hour ( got my baby fix today )
3. Not wearing a coat or sweatshirt today
4. Dinner with a crew mom and the NDA girls
5. A discount at dinner, free cookies, and 20% of my bill going to NDA

GIST 76

1. A beautiful St. Patricks Day
2. Leaving work early and stopping by the bar for "one" green beer
3. The whole family dressing in green ( we are a (somewhat) Irish family )
4. Dinner with Nana ( Jiggs of course )
5. Finally getting through some old baby clothes for Nicole ( I save everything )

GIST 72 - 75

72
1. Husband
2. Getting
3. Elton
4. John
5. Tickets !

73.
1. Talking to the family in Brazil ( miss everyone deeply )
2. Jordan for babysitting the girls
3. Going to my new sister in laws Bridal shower
4. A trip to the mall with my three favorite girls
5. Pre-order Princess and the Frog without the little ones knowing

74.
1. Having my mom watch the girls so they could play with their cousin
2. Reese being ok after throwing up ( just a little nervous belly )
3. Getting a check after two weeks of working
4. The date for the little ones dance recital ( May is going to be BUSY )
5. A quick good dinner

75.
1. Seeing a good friend and catching up a little bit
2. The weather being so nice, we only had to wear light jackets
3. Carly and Reese playing outside
4. Meeting up with the girls to pick a new book
5. Starbucks iced coffee

GIST 71

1. Sleeping in
2. Everyone being out of the house so I could clean in peace
3. Jordan having no school ( poor kid needed a break )
4. Lots of hugs and kisses from Reese
5. Having the Smith's over for a play date and mommy chat time with some wine

GIST 70

1. Hearing Jordan is so close to getting the braces off
2. Breakfast at Bob Evens with Jordan and Reese
3. A two hour delay so Jordan would not miss any classes due to ortho appointment
4. Taking Jordan to get her haircut ( love our girl )
5. Dinner and drinks with the girls

GIST 69

1. Working all day with my husband
2. Being a calm day so I could finish my book
3. Taco's ( love them )
4. Working with Carly on her "Ireland" project for school
5. Watching some TV with the girls before bed ( we all fell asleep early )

GIST 68

1. Getting the car washed
2. Finding some really cute stuff for the girls bathroom
3. Snow in the front yard finally melting ( there was a lot )
4. My girls being so good while shopping. I know it can be a lot for little ones, but they are such troopers
5. A great "Lost" episode

GIST 67

1. The weather being so perfect today
2. Girl Scout cookies ( yummy )
3. Jordan and Amma putting on a show - laughing so hard
4. John cleaning up the kitchen after dinner
5. John making dinner

GIST 66

1. Going to the Walleye game as a family
2. Hearing Peyton came home today
3. Getting the girls dressers new hardware and looking much better
4. Pottery Barn Kids finally having the quilts I want for the girls on sale ( now have to talk husband into letting me buy them )
5. A afternoon nap

My turn for a recipe share

Cheesy Chicken
4 - boneless chicken breasts
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
16 oz. frozen mixed veggies
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can cheddar cheese soup
1/2 c. dry white wine ( optional - I have made with and without, both delicious )

- season chicken with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder
- place with remaining ingredient in crock pot for 6-8 hours on low ( 3-4 on high )
- 20 minutes before you eat, make a side of rice ( we prefer cheesy rice ) and serve chicken on top

Jordan has said that this is her favorite dinner I make and I agree, it is easy for the busy days and extremely yummy!

GIST 65

1. A pretty quiet morning
2. Jordan being such great friends with the Varsity Crew team. ( glad she is making NDA friends )
3. Getting new hardware for the girls dressers ( one thing off the "honey to do" list )
4. A wonderful crock pot dinner ( recipe to follow )
5. Getting the glider cushions done for Nicole ( Peyton is coming home this week )

GIST 64

1. Jordan getting up "early" and out the door by 7:00 am
2. Lunch with some really great ladies
3. Driving around in the sun today
4. A very "inexpensive" trip to Target
5. Finally buying a frame for my favorite pictures of the two little ones. ( next to work on the photo wall )

GIST 63

1. Reese and I getting the grocery shopping done before 9:00 am
2. A day to get caught up on cleaning
3. It being so nice out so that I could also clean out the car
4. Carly and Reese being so good while getting their hair cut
5. Dinner at Shorty's (love it) with John

GIST 62

1. Having a friend send a email of "recommendation" for a possible job
2. Seeing Jordan's GPA - 3.74
3. Knowing spring is right around the corner
4. Having such great wonderful kids
5. Being able to drive Jordan to school everyday, it is our time to talk just, the two of us

GIST 61

1. Seeing my mother-in-law's new place
2. Having a day to do all my running around
3. The library ( love books )
4. A quick easy dinner
5. A night out of the house for a couple hours ( alone )

GIST 60

1. The sun shinning and snow melting
2. My baby brother "officially" getting married
3. Reese getting her beautiful dance costume
4. John making a wonderful chicken Caesar salad
5. Making a lunch date Friday with a couple of ladies I talk to at dance class ( new friends )

GIST 59

1. John making breakfast ( every weekend )
2. John going to the grocery store for the dinner list
3. Game day at my moms with the girls
4. Starting on the rocking chair project for Nicole
5. Sunday night ( love to relax and think about the week ahead )

GIST 58

1. Getting all the laundry done
2. My mom for watching the girls on a Saturday afternoon so John and I could go to a school fundraiser
3. Not spending any of our own money at the casino
4. Not getting drunk at the casino
5. A early Saturday night

GIST 57

1. My husband for getting up early every morning to make my coffee
2. My husband for shoveling half the snow in the morning so I can get my car out
3. My husband for brushing the snow off my car
4. Playing out in the snow with the girls
5. Having a nice quiet night at home with the family

GIST 56

1. Job interview
2. Seeing an old friend I haven't seen in a long time
3. Picking out cute fabric for the rocking chair cover I am making for Nicole
4. Having lunch with Nicole and hearing all about how well Peyton is doing
5. A family birthday party

GIST 55

1. Starting a really good book that I have always wanted to read but was unsure about
2. Getting a job interview and finding out a really good friend works at the company
3. Dinner with the whole family at a restaurant
4. It staying lighter later
5. Going to bed before 10:00

GIST 54

1. Getting a call about a possible job
2. Pedicure and Manicure with my girlfriends
3. Seeing pictures of Peyton
4. Dinner and good conversation with the girls
5. A group of older gentleman singing to us after dinner

GIST 53

1. Getting everyone where they needed to be and to work on time in the snow
2. Hearing Baby Peyton is eating from a bottle
3. Reading an entire book in one day ( always wanted to do that, even if it was only 200 pages )
4. A nice dinner with the family when I got home from a long day
5. Seeing Valentine's Day with Amanda ( last week, just didn't get to list it )

MIA Gist list last week

Last week was a very emotional week for me. My very good friend Nicole had her baby girl 5 weeks early and I had been on pin and needles all week hoping and praying that her and the baby would be ok.
Tuesday night we always get together, but when I got a call from her telling me she had to cancel because she was not feeling well and the doctor wanted her to go to the hospital for some test I got extremely worried. Emotions started running wild for me. I knew she still had 5 weeks, I knew she was worried about other things, and I knew that they weren't all ready at home for the baby yet. So I became a friend who wanted to help every way I could, but what could I really do. Buster did a great job keeping me informed, but come Wednesday they decided it was time for Nicole's well-being to take the baby. 5 hours after being induced Peyton Anne Garrett was born, 4 lbs 8 ozs, 18.5 in. Baby and mother are doing great. Peyton is in the NICU at Toledo Hospital for about 2 more weeks; Nicole came home yesterday and is doing much better. She goes to the hospital 2 or 3 times a day. The baby is finally starting to take breast milk and getting stronger by the day. This time with her in the hospital gives Nicole a chance to get back to 100% before Peyton comes home.
I have a short list of things I have been grateful for last week, but it was a rough week and all my thoughts and emotions were on Nicole and her new family. I will be putting them into this weeks list.
I can not even imagine what Nicole is going through. I have been blessed to have 3 very easy pregnancies and births. Reese was in the NICU for one day and I was a mess, but she was healthy and not so small. Nicole is going to be a great mom and I can't wait to met this precious little girl who came into the world early and is fighting so hard. ( She is going to be a strong one )

GIST 45

1. Sleeping in with John ( rough night for both of us )
2. A funny text from the couple we went out with last night
3. Getting the painting project done at my mom's ( looks awesome )
4. My favorite dinner casserole
5. A nice relaxing Sunday night

GIST 44

1. Re-arranging the house for the new furniture
2. Two hours of quiet time
3. Going out with another couple
4. Getting to see the suite area at the new Lucas County Areana
5. Going dancing

GIST 43

1. Jordan waking up early to give Carly a bath ( on her day off school )
2. Carly's Valentine's box getting the "most creative" award
3. Painting ( I love doing it, just wish I could get the whole "cut-in" down )
4. Dinner with my mom and girls
5. Going to bed and asleep before 9:30

GIST 42

1. Having a day off to do what I needed to get done
2. Finishing Carly's Valentine's Box. ( super cute, picture coming soon )
3. A girls night at my house
4. Coffee ( love it any time throughout the day )
5. The weekend coming up ( going to be fun filled )

GIST 41

1. Finishing another good book
2. A safe drive this morning
3. A quiet day
4. Dinner with just the girls
5. Getting Carly's valentine's done ( box is taking a little bit longer but super cute )

GIST 40

1. Getting to the grocery store before 9:30
2. Shoveling the driveway why the girls played in the snow
3. Making mini brownies with peanut butter cups in middle ( Thanks Steffany, they are to die for )
4. A new chicken recipe that turned out wonderful
5. Movie night with the family

GIST 39

1. Starting another new book ( o how I love to read )
2. A light day at work
3. Having good adult talk while the girls dance
4. A nice dinner as soon as we got home
5. A early night to bed

GIST 34-38

34:
1. Reading half of my new book ( A Reliable Wife )
2. Left-overs for lunch
3. Getting a birthday gift for a friend that I know she loved
4. Seeing " Finding Nemo" on Ice with the girls and my mom
5. Sitting front row and center for the show

35:
1. Having the house cleaned before 10:30 and then being lazy for awhile
2. Catching up on some of my DVR shows
3. My sitter for watching the girls so John and I could have another date night
4. Kindergarten meeting for Carly
5. Drinks and good music with friends

36:
1. Finishing my book
2. Getting the running around before picking everyone up
3. Hearing Jordan got "second honors" at school for her grades
4. Having a pizza and wine night with family
5. Seeing Carly and Reese play with their cousins while the adults talked

37:
1. Getting the driveway shovled all by myself
2. Knowing that Nicole had a beautiful baby shower and loved everything we got her
3. Coming home to a huge welcome party from the girls ( they missed me )
4. Getting everyone to take a nap at the same time
5. A lazy afternoon that turned into evening

38:
1. Spending the day at my moms
2. Playing lots of games with Carly and grandma
3. Home and ready for Sunday night early
4. The Colts losing ( now Nicole can name the baby Payton )
5. Big Love ( I just love this show )

GIST 29-33

Ok, a long time waiting, but I have been writing them done so here are all the GIST that I have missed. (5 at a time)

29:
1. Working with husband
2. John giving me some extra cash to get some new jeans
3. A quick shopping stop (for the new jeans)
4. Seeing some really great friends
5. Knowing everything in life will work out

30:
1. Sleeping in to 10:30. (thanks John)
2. John taking the van in early to get aligned
3. Saturday morning breakfast made just for me
4. an afternoon nap
5. Candlelight dinner with John

31:
1. My new pick-a-boo diamond ring (picture to come soon)
2. Watching a movie with John with no interuptions
3. My mom watching the girls so John and I could have a date night
4. Dress shopping with Jordan
5. Both John and I cleaning house as a team

32:
1. Seeing my 10 month old nephew walk and be so happy he did it
2. The girls spending the day with grandma and baby Lenon
3. Getting the girls to dance early ( a challenge every Monday )
4. Seeing Carly in her dance costume and performing the dance ( picture to come soon )
5. My crockpot ( an everyday Monday thing now )

33.
1. Having the house to myself for a couple hours
2. Going to the mall to look for some more dresses for Jordan with my mom
3. Lunch with my mom
4. Finding some really cute dresses for Jordan without her with me ( only liked 1 of the 4 )
5. Tuesday night coffee talk with Nicole and Amanda

GIST

I promise my GIST is coming soon. I have recorded all dates and have them ready to go. Was a very busy week, but will be posted soon. I hope you all enjoy them! ( again stay tuned)

My first posted award!

I was given this "Beautiful Blogger Award" by Sassy. Thank You so much, this is my first award that I am posting. ( I was mentioned for one a long time ago, but still getting use to this blogging )


The Rules:1.

1. Thank the person who nominated me for this award. DONE.
2. Copy the award & place it on my blog. DONE.
3. Link to the person who nominated me for this award. DONE.
4. Share 7 interesting things about myself. DONE.
5. Nominate 7 bloggers. I DON'T HAVE 7 - SORRY.

(7) interesting things about myself:

1. I have a great relationship with my oldest daughter's father and his wife.
2. I have been with my husband for 8 wonderful years but only been married for a year and a half. (we did things backwards)
3. I really try to be organized but always seem to fall short
4. I do not feel like I am 33.
5. I am so proud of my oldest daughter. I tell her all the time, but I just can't express how much
6. I love my life
7. I have a small circle of friends, but they all mean so much to me and I am so thankful to have each one of them in my life.

GIST 29, 30,31,32,33,34

I have all of these GIST down and ready to post, but have a few pictures that I want to post with them, so I am trying to figure out how to do that. They will be coming soon!

Bad Week

This week has been extremely bad for me and my family. We have heard some terrible news and have had some emotional moments. I wish I could do my GIST list everyday this week, but it was really hard. I am sorry to all my (3) readers. I tried to reach deep down and just really had a hard time. I am hoping this is all behind me and I can have a full week of things that light my life. Again I am sorry.

Book Club

My girlfriends: Nicole, Amanda and I try to get together every Tuesday for just a couple hours to catch up and get out of the house for a couple of hours. Last night we talked about starting a book club. We all love to read and always end up talking about the books we are each reading, so why not?
I have put a list together of 5 books that I think we would all be interested in. We are meeting at Borders next Tuesday and deciding as a group which one we are going to read, then on Tuesdays we are going to met and go over the book or chapters we have read. (already have questions printed for each book)
If you are interested in joining us (or know anyone) let me know. It is going to be so much fun.

GIST 26

1. Getting the house cleaned by 10:00 am

2. Helping my mom with a few more little projects regarding the attic

3. Seeing my girls play with their cousin. They love each other so much

4. A early dinner all together

5. Getting together for coffee and dessert with my good friends: Nicole and Amanada

GIST 25

1. The

2. Day

3. Finally

4. Being

5. Over

GIST 24

1. Getting done with attic project clean out

2. Starting re-organizing attic project

3. Chinese food for dinner

4. My mom keeping the girls for the night

5. Big Love

GIST 23

1. John cooking me a wonderful Saturday morning breakfast

2. Seeing Lenon for a little bit, he is so darn cute

3. Helping my mom clean out her attic

4. Renting a dumpster for the project

5. Being so tired that my husband understood that I just crash at my moms

GIST 20, 21 & 22

(20)
1. A quiet day answering phones
2. My new coat
3. Going out to dinner with Jordan, a friend and her mother
4. Olive Garden salad and breadsticks
5. Going to bed by nine

(21)
1. Getting the sink fixed
2. Getting my candle holder hung
3. A clean house
4. Just hanging out with Reese
5. Mom taking Reese for the night so I have one less stop in the morning

(22)
1. A nice talk with a friend
2. Lunch with my mom and Reese
3. Hearing Jordan had a great surprise at school today
4. Taking all Jordan's friends from Southview with me to pick her up from school
5. Family night at Southview High School basketball game

GIST 19

1. Pink Lemonade

2. Cleaning out old files in desk drawer

3. My paper shredder

4. Going to the library with the girls (every Tuesday)

5. Teaching Carly how to use the Paint program on the computer - she had a blast

GIST 18

1. A day with all the girls home

2. Cleaning the house (and at 8:00 pm it is still clean)

3. Seeing the little ones dance practice

4. Adult converstation for 2 hours

5. Quiet night of not doing much

GIST 17

1. Seeing Carly have such great manners at a friends at a birthday party.

2. A talk with my brother in Brazil. ( love Skype )

3. My crock pot

4. Reese making everyone laugh by her goofiness at dinner

5. All of us going to the Walleye hockey game

GIST 16

1. Saturday morning breakfast made by husband with love

2. A trip to the mall by myself (well, I actually took the older girls, but walked around by myself )

3. Carly and Reese both taken naps, and getting a little quiet time

4. Dinner with my mom

5. A Reese's Peanutbutter Heart in my jewelry box ( I am so loved )

GIST 15

1. The temperature being 40 degrees

2. Carly adding and subtracting (figuring it out in her head)

3. Having Morgan (Jordan's friend) stay with us for the weekend

4. Having time to read. (another good book I am into)

5. A uneventful day (we just need those some days)

GIST 14

1. A day with my mom and Reese

2. Hugs, Kisses and tons of "I love You" from Reese

3. Beef Stew (smell throughout the house)

4. Movie Night with the family

5. Going to bed at 10:00 p.m.

GIST 13

1. The sunshine

2. Easy day at work

3. Getting Jordan's tentative schedule for sophomore year

4. Having a real heart to heart with Jordan about school

5. Modern Family - this show is too funny

GIST 12

1. It not being so cold today - not a cold person!

2. The girls seeing both grandmas today and having them really enjoying themselves

3. Getting the grocery shopping done early and in record time (not a fav of mine)

4. The new NDA Crew coach - AWESOME, it is going to be an amazing season

5. Having dinner with two really great friends

GIST 11

1. Sleeping in a little longer this morning

2. Finishing another good book and starting one that will take me longer then 2 days. I need a challenge

3. Watching the girls dance

4. JoJo's Pizza - 1/2 off Mondays

5. Playing games with the girls

GIST 10

1. Lunch with the family

2. Knowing that I have a really great group of friends

3. The house smelling like a fire

4. A quiet night

5. Having the week schedule complete

GIST 9

1. Getting my eyebrows done. (there were looking really bad)

2. Taking Carly to her first gymnastics birthday party and hearing she wants to now do gymnastics

3. A afternoon drink with a close family member just to talk

4. It being cold so I can just curl up on the couch, be a bum and not worry about it (because it is cold of course - no one wants to do anything when it is so cold)

5. Jordan for telling me she loves me every time I get a text or phone call. Makes me always smile

GIST 8

Yesterday was suppose to be a good day, but ended very badly. I am wishing I would have done my list before we left for the night on our "date" but just didn't get to it. I am listing my 5 GIST for day 8, but it was a rough day so bare that in mind.

1. A very easy morning working

2. Lunch with a great friend

3. A couple hours to myself

4. The Meyer family for taking care of Jordan

5. Nicole and Buster for being true friends. (lifesavors)

GIST 7

1. Getting the basement back in (some-what) order

2. Dinner with the family (want it to be a everyday thing, but doesn't always work out)

3. Watching the family play in the snow (while I make dinner)

4. The smell of clean babies (not really babies anymore)

5. When looking in the rearview mirror seeing Reese smiling for no real reason. She always has a smile on her face, and I love that about her.

GIST 6

1. Hearing we have an extension of 6 months on our COBRA Health insurance.

2. Having another extension on my unemployment benefits

3. A email regarding a possible job offering at a dental office (just applying for it yesterday)

4. Husband giving me compliments all day about how "good" I looked today. Really made me feel "hot"

5. Husband getting my van serviced: oil change, new brakes, and having the driver seat-warmer fixed. Love knowing that all the driving I do, that my car is taken care of.

In need of a new book to read

Today I officially finished reading "My sister's keeper" and let me start off by saying that Steff was right, I cried at the end of the book. What a very emotional ride Jodi Picoult takes you on through this book. Just when you think you know what is going to happen the totally opposite happens. I am very glad I read this book and highly recommend it, but make sure there are boxes (yes boxes) of tissues near by. I was at work for my husband and had a hard time answering the phone
So I am now done with all the books I had on my 2009 reading list and am in need of a new list. I need some recommendations. So please help a girl out and send me some suggestions. I love reading and need some good ones to move onto.

Ones I have already read are:

- My sister's keeper
- The Time Travelers Wife
- The Lost Symbol
- (all) Sookie Stackhouse stories
- Twilight (all four books)
- The Mermaid Chair
- Secret Life of Bee's

GIST 5

I started reading "My Sister's Keeper" yesterday and today I worked in my husband's office, so I got half way through it and have come to realize that my GIST list is manly based on my emotions after reading all day. (and I recommend it to anyone who has yet to read it, very powering story line for the little things we might miss by paying attention to only one person at a time)

1. Three very healthy girls

2. Jordan - for making me a women when I was still a kid myself. She grow me up and made me realize it is not about me anymore.

3. Carly - giving me something to laugh about daily. She is our talker and always has something going on, the words and stories she tells are amazing.

4. Reese - my baby! She being the last of my breeding has taught me that true love exists in all of them. She is truly my lover.

5. That all my girls were meant to be. They were all gifted to me for no other reason then love.

I have the three most amazing children, and I am so blessed they were given to me and I am guiding them through the path of life. I may make mistakes (but we all do) but they will become strong, powerful women because that is what they have made me.

GIST 4

1. Getting all the bathrooms cleaned

2. Back to normal schedule

3. Jordan shoveling the driveway again in the afternoon

4. Girls nap time.

5. Starting a new book - "my sister's keeper"

GIST 3

1. All Christmas items being put away.

2. My Dyson. - the reason my floors are clean everyday

3. Husband for helping clean this morning

4. My girls having such a great and special bond with my mom

5. Sunday night. - nice and relaxing before another busy week starts

GIST 2

1. Husband making a wonderful dinner for just the two of us.

2. Movie date with husband.

3. My mom for taking the girls so John and I could have a date night.

4. My Car Starter.

5. Getting all the laundry done and put away.

GIST 1

1. A New Year! 2009 was eventful but rough so I am ready for this New Year.

2. Spending the day with my mom and all three of the girls.

3. Hanging out with some great friends last night.

4. Sleeping in: the girls normally wake us up early but they were great this morning and hung out in their room while John and I slept a little bit longer. So nice that they can entertain themselves.

5. Our new Toy Story Mania Wii game. Carly and I play it together and just have a blast. She is so much better than I am.