I had a dream

April writing...

Last night...I dreamt that the government bought out Wells Fargo and paid off all debt associated with the company in order to stimulate the economy. Thus paying off our mortgage.

So we took our mtg payment and then paid off other debt with it...within months we were debt free.

Hmmm.

Come on Obama...I think it's a GREAT idea :)

it's midnight

April writing...

Pardon me for stating the obvious. Why is it that I like to stay up so late?? I mean this is rather early for me...but still?

I love the nightlife...haha, I could start singing...but I will spare you the lame song choice. I just seem more alive at night, always have. It's funny because it is sadly the opposite anytime before 10am.

I usually grunt at Cory in the mornings when he gets home from work, if I make any sound at all...I don't tend to even want to GET out of bed until at least 9 am...that's better than the past...it used to be more like 10 or 10:30 am...It's always a really quiet ride to work, granted I ride to work by myself, and it may be odd to talk anyways, seeing as how I am alone...but I digress.

Are you a morning or night person? Have you always been this way?

I have always been a night person. Call it my family's late nights at church that trained me up this way...but it's just how I work. I even find that lately I seem to function just fine for 6-7 hours of sleep. Although the older I get, that harder that is...boo.

It's just interesting to me...why we are the way we are.

Then again...it's late...and I am probably just rambling. :)

The *dreaded* Summer Calendar

April writing...

It's coming...the Summer calendar is starting to fill up...let's see what we have going on SO FAR:

• May 30th - Murder Mystery
• June 1st - Preggo pics with Manda-Rose
• June 5th - Eddie's Grad Party
• June 6th - Bekah's Graduation
• June 7th - Bekah's Grad Party
• June 12th - Goldie & Dave Baby Shower
• June 12th - Rock Your Socks Off
• June 14th - Youth Leader Meeting
• June 17th - Church wide P&W Service
• June 18th - Cory's Birthday
• June 21st - Father's Day
• June 28th - Leader's Picnic
• June 28th - Day One of Seven² - Pizza & Movie
• June 29th - Day Two of Seven² - Hiking in Catoctin Mts (I will be working though)
• June 30th - Day Three of Seven² - DC Zoo (I may try go...)
• July 1st - Day Four of Seven² - Frisbee Golf & Water Sports (I'll be at work)
• July 2nd - Day Five of Seven² - Beaver Dam (trying to go...)
• July 3rd into 4th - Day Six of Seven² - Busch Gardens & Lock-In (going....???)
• July 4th - Fireworks in DC??

then comes the lull...the low point. Where it seems FOR NOW that there is nothing going on.

But I am sure that will change...soon.

What kinds of craziness do you have going on this Summer?

Did you watch it?

April writing...

Did you watch it? The Season Premier last night???

What were your thoughts?

To me...it was awkward and depressing and sad.
My one main point...when asked "where they were now." They didn't know?!

DO THEY NOT TALK? You are supposed to be a Christian couple...I know it's been rough, but you can't fix what you don't even TRY to work through? Why aren't you TALKING???

Ugh...

So yeah...your thoughts??

Oh...it's NOT Monday?!

April writing...

I am terribly sleepy today. It's like one of those days were I am literally fighting to keep my eyes open at my desk. My only saving grace is the soda I am allowing myself to have and the window being open...to ensure that the cold air keeps a pep in my step.

I really have to start going to bed BEFORE midnight. I try...but then I hit my second wind at like 11:45 and I am up till 1 or 1:30 am. I am usually fine in the mornings, but this is going to catch up to me quickly. I need more sleep.

Challenge - Close my EYES before midnight tonight (and keep them closed...heehee)

I am super nervous about the Murder Mystery this weekend. I am sure the kiddos are going to do their best, but I am a mess. I felt the same last year and they WOWED me...this year, they need to wow me in TWO shows!!! At our last practice, we didn't get full advantage of our time, because we had to take time to make sure the sound was in working order, which is very important. So I hope they bring their "A" game this weekend. Either way, it should be fun and I hope each one of the students enjoys themselves!!

In other news...(I dunno why I love to say that...?) we finished our front planter project!!! It looks amazing! I absolutely LOVE it. I think it just pops the front of the house!! Whenever the rain slows down I will get out there and actually plant my Hydrangea bushes...and soon I will be picking up an already matured Hydrangea bush from my sister's backyard. (THANKS!) Now we need to buckle down again and prepare for out next outdoor job...the gutter and soffit replacement. Yeah...I hear ya. Not nearly as exciting as the planter project!! But it is totally a necessary project. Our gutters are rough.

Sometimes a part of my wishes we could fast forward all the work we need to do on the house, just so I can see the finished product...but then I think. We won't ever be DONE. Not really at least. See here...let me run down the general list of things we need/want to do: (in no particular order)

• Replace Gutter, downspouts and soffit - $$
  
• Replace carpet in 3 bedrooms. - $$
  
• Install crown molding in Dining Room and Living Room - $
  
• Paint Office - *hopefully we will be doing this, when it become a Nursery - $
  
• Paint Master Bedroom - $
  
• Replace remaining Master bedroom furniture with our furniture from Ikea. - $$
  
• Add patio to backyard (right outside kitchen door) - $$$$
  
• Add small patio and pergola to the right of the stairs in the backyard (including a gardening center for me! - $$$
  
• Put edging around planters in the backyard and mulch - $
  
• Fill in bare spots with grass seed and weed the backyard. - $
  
• Finish the basement (including studding, drywall, carpet, flooring, paint and ceiling) - $$$$$
  
• Re-do electric in basement - $$$$
  
• Paint and organize Craft room and Laundry Room (in basement) - $$
  
• Purchase furniture and possibly pool table for basement. - $$$
  

$ = Under $150
$$ = $300-$700
$$$ = $800-$1200
$$$$ = $1300-$2500
$$$$$=$2600-$5000

I am sure there is more...but that's all I can come up with on the top of my head.

I have been scouring the Internet...for ideas on how to do any of these jobs cheaper or on our own. That is really where you save your money!! I am excited to see how our house changes in the next year. We have done alot since this time last year...(finished half bath in basement, re-did full bath upstairs, did 'Linen' painting technique in Dining Room and added front planters.

There is definitely a great sense of accomplishment in finishing a job, especially one you do yourself! I am very proud of how hard Cory and I worked on the planters...and a BIG thanks to all that helped us along the way with advice, labor or just with compliments. That drove us to finish the job!

We will see what's next!!

Project 365 - Week 6

Day 36 - May 17th, 2009 Babysitting and Gardening...can we multi-task or what?

Day 37 - May 18, 2009 Lost ball...Jeffrey and Mandy came over for extra practice and dinner...during a little ball time with the dogs, Jeffrey lost the ball over the fence. They look like creepers climbing our back fence!

Day 38 - May 19th, 2009 A typical tv night...in an effort to get Cory caught up on some of our DVR'ed shows. I sat down to watch TV with him...just another typical night in our house. boring. :)

Day 39 - May 20th, 2009 Simplicity...today was my birthday. And I felt that this pic best suited the simplicity of the day. Day off from work, Presents, Lunch with Husby, Play time with the dogs and a good nap. Sweetness.

Day 40 - May 21st, 2009 Birthday dinner...had some wonderful friends and family join me at one of my favorite spots for dinner!

Day 41 - May 22nd, 2009 Bug catcher...Olive has a good eye for catching all things flying. On this night she had cornered a fly...and wasn't moving till she got it!



Day 42 - May 23rd, 2009 Mulch, finally...After about a month and a half worth of work...the front planters were finally finished!!

10,000!!!!

April writing...

YOU DID IT!!! Thanks to all our faithful readers and you that are just dropping by for the first time!! We finally hit 10,000 views!!!! Thanks for dropping by, we hope you will keep coming and LEAVE us comments to know you were hear!!!

Workouts and Dieting...take 43

April writing...

So this week Cory and I started working out. We agreed to 4 days a week. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays. At least 20 minutes each day. This week I have been doing the Jillian Micheal's Ultimatum Wii Fit workout. I feel great about it! I enjoy it. It feels like the time flies by and I am actually sore. Like the good sore...where you know you are accomplishing something!

Next week, my plan is to adding better. I mean, since we started I have been watching portions, time and what I eat...but I want to add in more fruits and veggies, and get back to water only! (We have been drinking tea at home)

For the sake of honesty and vulnerability, I will admit that I have...*gasp* gained back 26 pounds of the weight I spent 8 months losing last year. I won't say that I don't know how it happened, because I know.

I gave up. I went back to my old ways, I stopped counting my points and I stopped being active. I know that this battle with weight, at least for me...will be a constant in my life. I know that I am always going to have to fight and pay attention. As much as I hate it.

What I hate more is not finding cute clothes, and feeling winded at the top of the stairs at work.

It's hard. I am embarrassed. Ashamed. I feel those pesky little body issues creeping back in. And it stinks.

But I can't just lay down in this self-pity...we are on track now. Week one has been good, and I actually haven't had to PUSH myself to work out...I am sure that won't always be the case, but for me...it's a great place to start.

So here it is...in black and white. I want to set a goal of losing 10% by July 17th. That's 22 pounds! I firmly believe I can do it. I know I have before. I know I can again. So keep an eye on my new ticker over there <----------. Watch with me as that number grows...cause that means I am closer and closer to my goal!!!

It's so exciting...

April writing...

We are THREE page views away from 10,000!!! I am so excited!! Who will it be???

My Husband Rocks Friday

April writing...

My Husby rocks...because he has worked out with me all this week! Tonight will be day 4 and our first complete week of workouts!! Thanks for being supportive and a team player...(even though you didn't always feel like it!)

:)

Do my eyes decieve me??

April writing...

So I am just busily reading my blogs this morning...when I opened up one of my newer subscriptions to Copy Cat Chic. She basically takes expensive items and finds the copy cat version for LESS!

In the past, some of the stuff she finds is bleeeh as far as my taste is concerned, but today. She found a cheaper version of this baby! If you remember back, I mentioned how much I would LOVE one of these, but it was too expensive! We are talking $1,039 with special pricing.

Well Copy Cat Chic...found me a cheaper alternative...and it's basically JUST as cute!

For just $489.98 on sale!

Still expensive...but what a deal....that's ALOT of savings for the same look!!! PLUS it comes with an Ottoman!!! I could totally see myself relaxing in that bad boy!!!

Sigh. To be rich ehhh?!

What's-a-happenin'

April writing...

I can't keep my head on straight lately. So much going on. Between practices for the upcoming Murder Mystery, (on May 30th...get your tickets!!!) *shameless plug* and all the yard work, and the birthdays and graduations...It's getting better...but I am ready for the warmer weather...pool time and a tan :)

...now THAT's the life!!!

I am very pleased with the progress that we have made on the front planters...I will post the final pictures once we have the mulch laid on Saturday. Then...I can check that home improvement project OFF the list!!!

...do you know what tomorrow is?

MY BIRTHDAY! I am going to be 28. Yikes.
A great pictorial post coming tomorrow!!! Check back!

We are 88 page views away from 10,000 visitors...and I am VERY excited about that!!

Uhm...let's see. We told Bekah (my youngest sister) where we are taking her for her graduation/18th birthday present. Myrtle Beach, SC! I am so excited about it. It's going to be August 8-15th. We wil have a blast I am sure. I can't wait to go down there. I haven't ever been and I have wanted to go to one or both of the Carolina's for years!!!

...slightly random thought...*cause I am talking to her on Facebook right now...* I am going to miss Summerly when she leaves. Boo.

...and yet another random thought...I just got tongue tied on the phone at work...I said, "He should be returning no later than boob tomorrow...I mean noon." What the heck? The gentlemen on the other side just chuckled. Embarrassing.

What has been wrong with me lately. I haven't had the blogging bug. I am not sure what it is. Maybe I am too addicted to Chain Reaction or Bejeweled Blitz or Mafia Wars on Facebook to come over to 2Slisks land and blog more. Ugh. I am sorry. I will work on it...I promise!

Oh OH! I had a dream last night...here we go.
So I was running in a marathon (haha...see it was a humorous dream) and all of the sudden I feel down with these sharp pains in my earlobes. This lady comes behind me and taps me on the shoulder saying, "I know what's happening to you...follow me." So I did.

She leads me into this hydration tent and sits me down to take my blood pressure. It's through the roof and she says that I am losing blood through my earring holes. I reach up to check my ears and there isn't a drop on them.

I was really confused. She said..."the faster you breathe the thinner your blood gets, till it is almost air-like. So basically your blood is seeping out of your earring holes, like air out of a pinhole in a balloon."

I was still confused.

So then, Cory comes around the corner towards me with a jewelry box in his hands. He is screaming..."Here! Here! This will help!!" and he puts a pair of diamond stud earrings on my ears and says, "Happy Birthday!"

The lady smiles and says...you're all better now, you can get back to the race."

I woke up.

?????????????
Huh?
What in the world?

Yeah. That's what I thought.
I am sure my contemplation over what to ask for from Cory for my birthday, coupled with the large glass of chocolate milk and the horrible Jillian Michael's workout did it to me.
Strange.

But anyways...that's it. All I have for now. This post has been eerily similar to the jumpy-random nature of a one Summerly Joy's blog postings. haha!! Enjoy!

Top 5 Tuesdays

April writing...

Today's prompt?

What are your Top 5 Favorite things about your BIRTHDAY (seeing how mine is tomorrow!)

5. Still enjoying getting older...a little.
4. DAY OFF :)
3. Attention...you know we all want a little!
2. My pick for food...FUDDRUCKERS
1. Presents

What's yours?

Project 365 - Week 5

Day 29 - May 10th, 2009 Mother's Day...I feel like I ate ALL day long :) haha. But it was a great day!

Day 30 - May 11th, 2009 Hulk Pups...we mowed the lawn pretty soon after all the rain stopped. The dogs love to run around while we mow...which usually lead to green paws.

Day 31 - May 12th, 2009 Hard at work...the front yard is progressing we are about halfway done with all the work. I got some plants today and worked a little on the layout.

Day 32 - May 13th, 2009 Always Remember...Cory and I, along with his Mom and his Aunt Lynn attended the 21st Annual NLEOM Candlelight Vigil to remember fallen officers. It was a somber but beautiful evening.

Day 33 - May 14th, 2009 Halfway there...we got half the plants IN the ground. Gosh I can't wait till this project is over and I can just ENJOY looking at it!

Day 34 - May 15th, 2009 What a guy...so we get invited for a special thank you dinner for all our work in the Cafe...and he ends up doing the dishes, without being asked. :)

Day 35 - May 16th, 2009 Bekah's bday...The family went out to eat at Los Portales...and Bek found out where she is going on her Graduation trip in August!

My Husband Rocks Friday

April writing...

He rocks...especially because after we have a little argument about where the "screws went!?" We can laugh about it later...learning each other is fun...even 6 years into marriage!

You rock baby!

Money, Money, Money...

April writing...

I hate the need for money.

I'm gonna be a bit vulnerable here...(and I may ramble heehee)

Cory and I have done well...we aren't rich by any means, but we handle our finances well for the most part. Then we have tight weeks and this is one of those weeks. Partially due to a minor flub-up on my part...but oh well. So, it's probably why the topic of finances are on my mind.

We have seen God work through our finances to help others, we have been taught great lessons in regards to our finances as well. For example...in years past we weren't always consistent in paying tithes. In 2008 we challenged ourselves to pay tithes continually throughout the entire year, and we did. Funny thing was we got back in taxes almost to the penny what we paid in tithes. Chance? Coincidental? God? <----- I'll take that option. We have months were we can enjoy our extra money...by going out to eat, going out to the movies, buying clothes, buying stuff for the house, etc. Sure, we could take every extra penny and add it to the "Reduce the Eslick Debt" fund...but we feel that it is a little easier at times to enjoy some extra pennies rather than pushing it all towards debt. We have slowly been picking away at debt...i.e., the car is almost paid off...we are down to only two credit cards. We still have a mortgage and a HELOC (home equity line of credit)...but we are considering those to be just part of life and we will pick away or combine those two at some point.

We know that while there are times when things are tight, God is still blessing us in ways that we may not even notice at first. We know that there are plenty of ways we could cut back if we needed to. Cable, internet, cell phones, groceries, even energy and power usage, and home improvement projects. Then there is always eating out and entertainment. We know that if push came to shove...we could and would make some changes. We have seen how money can impact relationships in a bad way and in a positive way.

It does that with everything right? I mean, admit it. When there is money in the bank, we are all less stressed, less on edge, less worried. However when there isn't so much money...we worry, we argue, we blame even.

I think it is important for us to have Faith. To believe and firmly accept that God will take care of us. That doesn't mean we won't have tough times...gosh, our world is having tough times now, just because we have God on our side does not make us immune to that. We have to work together, especially those of us in relationships.

I know for Cory and I...communication is the key. We have to be open and honest and even make each other aware of our concerns and our suggestions. In our relationship I mainly do the bills. That's my job that I take very seriously, I am methodical and organized. Although when I am doing them, there are many times that I consult with Cory. After all, if I am the CFO of our household, then he most certainly is the President, and what company has a President that keeps his nose out of the finances? I make him aware of our status...for example...it's basically, "Babe, this week we are tight," or "this week we are good," or "dress up baby, we are going OUT this week!" haha. We each know what that means, and if not...we ask in order to clarify.

I think it's important for us all to learn from one another. Each of us have had different financial scenarios creep up in our lives. Just think of how much we can teach and learn from each other! So I guess I will just take a moment to list some of the lessons we have learned, some suggestions and some things to watch out for...from our little box of life's financial lessons. (I say this NOT because I think we have it all figured out, or because I feel we are all set...it's because I know that I have learned from others, and if something I do can help someone...why would I not say it?!)

Lesson's we've learned:

• Always keep an open line of financial communication between you and your significant other (SO). There is NO harm in over communication. Especially in regards to planning and allocating your finances.
  
• Remember to be patient, at first you with both have different ways of doing things, you together have to find your own flow. (Cory is a spender, I am saver...it took us a while.)
• If you mess up, pick yourself up, and move on. If your SO messes up, again, be patient. Don't fly off the handle. Half the time they have probably already beaten themselves up enough.

Suggestions:

• Centralize and Organize. Whether it's you or your SO that handles the bills...it should all be centralized and organized. Each person in the relationship should be aware of how the process of paying bills, filing, etc works.
  
• Make short term and long term goals, both financially and with anything that relates to finances. For example, your debt-payoff plan, your home improvement plans, etc. Everything on your list should be given adequate priority that is agreed upon by both parties.
• Make changes if need be. Do it now. Don't think about it...don't think you can do things differently without changes. If cut backs need to be made...do it. The biggest enemy of someone trying to change their financial outlook is procrastination.
• Open the mail as soon as you get it...put bills in due date order and file...remember centralize and organize.
• Sign up for home banking. This was the greatest thing we ever did. It makes things SO much easier...and most banking systems have great filing systems built right in. They are also accessible from any location with internet access! Call me crazy, but I access our account at least every other day to stay aware of where we are. There won't be any surprises for me!
• Take responsibility. Each person in your relationship has a job to do in relation to the finances...whether it is spending it wisely, paying the bills, whatever. Know your job and do it well.
  

Watch out for:

• Your downfalls. We all have them. Is it spending? Eating out? Too many groceries? Jumping ahead on your priority list? Whatever it is, identify and watch out. Be accountable to your SO and be honest.
• The un-avoidable. Car trouble? Health care costs? Birthday presents? They all creep up on us sometimes and we aren't ready for them! Plan ahead. That means put money into savings if you have a bum car or just have an emergency or present fund available to pull from if need be.
• The blame game. It never helps...ever. Just don't do it. For any reason.

At the end of the day...we NEED money to service...I don't know any of you who are living in at tree reading this blog with free floating wi-fi. So figure out your stance on it, plan and get organized. Work together as a team and don't worry.

What are your lessons learned, suggestions and things to watch out for?! Remember we can help each other!

I feel...

April writing...

Like I haven't done much real blogging lately. I sat at work yesterday trying to figure out why...and I came up with nothing. My apologies.

I don't know if there has just been too much going on and it's just easier to do the specials (i.e. Top 5 Tuesdays, Monday Moan, etc).

Whatever the case. I promise to work on it.

There has been alot going on...
Girls Beach Weekend
Front yard renovations
Summer planning
Proms & upcoming Graduations
Murder Mystery practices
Baby showers

Some days I feel like the weeks just fly by because they are so busy. I hope to slow down and enjoy the lovely Spring weather (like today...ahhh...what a breath of fresh air) and enjoy time with my friends and family. Before we know it the icky cold weather will be back and all my springtime hard work in the yard will go back below ground to hide away till late February 2010.

2010. Woah.
I am going to be 28 this year.

Woah.

haha...talk about taking a deep breath...

It's all going so quickly. I don't want to miss a thing. I think that's my problem. I want my hands to be involved in too much...that I spread myself thin and I end of only showing up with 1/2 my energy, 1/2 of me at everything I do.

I gotta work on that. So...here's my promise. More blogging and not just the daily specials either.

Hey...here's something fun...go view the Home Improvements Album I just added to Facebook. I love to see the progression of some of the stuff we have done!

Talk to you more soon!

Top 5 Tuesdays

April writing...

Today's prompt is:
What are your top 5 things you must have with you at all times?

5. Lotion
4. Gum
3. Cell Phone
2. Camera
1. I.D. (or Cory would kill me!) haha!

What are yours?

Pickle doesn't like medicine...

April writing...

...a funny little video to show you how Pickle ran and hid from me tonight when it was time to clean
up his 'wound.'

Pickle Runs from the Medicine from April Eslick on Vimeo.

Project 365 - Week 4

April writing...

Day 22 - May 3rd, 2009 Headed home...our 1st ever Girls Beach Weekend was such a success. We all had a BLAST!

Day 23 - May 4th, 2009 Our Future with IVF...we met with my RE today...looks like we have a future in IVF.

Day 24 - May 5th, 2009 Hims injured...Poor Pickle. He seems to be our accident prone pup. He has some sore on his neck, probably aggravated by his electric fence collar, and now a bum leg. He's been hobbling around since Monday. He's finally doing better today! This was his resting.

Day 25 - May 6th, 2009 Bestie Lunch Date...as a part of Britt's special Mother's Day week celebration I got to have lunch with her. We enjoy some yummy-yums at Pei Wei!

Day 26 - May 7th, 2009 Snow in May...It seems like it...but it's really just all the flowers from the neighbors tree. Usually they fall throughout the entire month, but thanks to all the rain we got dumped with flowers in two days!

Day 27 - May 8, 2009 Pretty...Thanks to Mom for finding this trellis on the side of the road. This year my flowers are blooming so nicely on it!

Day 28 - May 9, 2009 Beks Senior Prom...she is growing up so fast. *tear* I was asked to do her hair and nails. We had fun and I hope they have a blast!

Thanks Mom!

April writing...

Mom had her eye out for me! Last year she saw this old screen door frame on the side of the road at the end of her house. When I came over, we walked up and asked the owner if we could take it. He of course...said yes. We dragged it back to my parents house only to have it somewhat snubbed by my Dad and Cory. They didn't see the potential that Mom and I did.

I took it home attached it to some posts and stuck it in the ground. Shortly after I planted some Clematis vine to grow up and around it. This year that sweet plant came back with vigor and I absolutely LOVE the whole thing together! It adds such snazz to the side of the house!!

Thanks Mom!!! Good eye!!!

This is the (old-screen-door) trellis. You can't see the original structure very well through the hardy Clematis...but it's there and I love it!!



Here's a close up of the plant...sooo pretty! Everyday there are more and more blooms!!

What's your trash to treasure story?

Have a laugh.

Cory Writing....

My friend posted this video on his facebook and it made me laugh so I thought I would share it.

My Husband Rocks Friday

April writing...

My husband rocks because of all his hard work. He has done alot of the back breaking work to help with the new front planters at the house. We are halfway there...we got the edging added (last night at 9:30 pm) well in part to the lovely new light him and his dad added, we had ample light!

These are a few of the jobs progress pictures:

As you can see from that last picture, all the edging is up. (no, it's not crooked there on the left hand side...it's just the angle of the picture...I think haha!)

We have one more half to go. Cory has planned on renting a sod-cutter to pull up the grass so we can use it in some bare spots in the backyard. Then I can plant!!!

Thanks baby for all your hard work...it's totally going to pay off and we are really going to have some CURB appeal when all is said and done. I could not have done it alone!! (well it would have taken me forever!!)

YOU ROCK!

We are so close it hurts...

April writing...

We LOVE visitors!!! We LOVE comments!!! Come by and see us more often!!! Help us get to 10,000 visitors! At last count we are at 9,619 visitors...

Leave us a comment and let us know you were here!!! Thanks for dropping by!!

Kate - On the Today Show

April writing...

Thoughts?

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Simple Pleasure Thursday

Cory writing...

My Simple Pleasure this Thursday is the sun. For those of you who live in the Maryland area this is that bright orangish/yellowish circle thing that hangs high in the sky. When it is in the sky it usually puts of heat and warms the day up. You can hear phrases like, "Oh it is such a beautiful day" and "Man that sun is bright today." when this particular thing is out. We haven't had this wonderful simple pleasure in over a week.

That is my simple pleasure and hopefully I will experience it again soon. What is your simple pleasure?

It keeps getting worse. (updated)

April writing...

It just keeps getting worse for Jon Gosselin. Now, US Weekly is coming out with an apparent leak from Deanna Hummel's (the supposed Mistress) Brother, whom she lives with.

He says things like "He [Jon] is a bad liar. This isn't healthy for her. But she is refusing to help herself, so here I am trying to help her myself. I hope this clears the air." and that when together at her house they "pretty much stay locked away like two teenagers. It was weird. He's a grown man." He also talks about their escapades, and being able to hear them through the "thin walls."

I am beyond sad about this. I know it's tabloid gossip...but either someone is OUT to get him and by someone I mean many, many different media outlets, or something, some part of this is true.

Logically, I would think that if they wanted to tear down that family in the media and make up stories, I would assume they would do that with Kate. She is the more hated of the couple. Not that if this was their plan, neither part of it is necessary or any less cruel.

Who knows...it's just really sad.

I know that they still have one more season to air, I believe the show returns on May 25th. I think in the past they have been about 3 months behind in filming. That would put this season (probably the final season) right smack in the middle of all this controversy. I am just not sure how they are going to cover over the tension.

Who knows...maybe they will say that Jon and Kate actually separated or are planning a divorce. At least that would make Jon a little less sketchy. Although...I still feel that it's all craziness.

Go here to read more about this story. And you can go here to watch a video that is apparently of Jon leaving Deanna's house early one morning.

UPDATED: It looks like Jon and Kate have just released a statement. You can read more about here ...but below is the jist of it.

Jon: "It's really upsetting. I may be guilty of choosing the wrong time and place to hang out with my friends, but I am not guilty of cheating on my wife. It hurts me to see what it's done to my family, and it's scary to know that these tabloids are in town constantly following us and even paying locals large amounts of money to contribute to these negative stories. It's even gotten so bad that [one tabloid] has reached out to a youth pastor from our church, which in my eyes is completely unacceptable."

Kate: "It's disturbing and unfortunate that these tabloids have gone as far as they have to try and bring us down. Jon's poor judgment and irresponsible behavior has also without a doubt caused some added tension and stress between the two of us."

So, it still sounds a little like Kate is pretty peeved...I mean what wife wouldn't be. Hmmm...only time will tell!

What looks better?

April writing...

Opinions?

Squishables

April writing...

Uhm. I want one. Or two.

Squishables.

I mean I know that I am nearly 28 years old.

but seriously. Look at them.

Adorable.

Top 5 Tuesdays

April writing...

In honor of Cinco De Mayo...what are your top 5 favorite Mexican meals?

5. Hard Tacos
4. Sweet Corn Cake
3. Bean and Cheese Burrito
2. Chicken Enchiladas
1. Soft Tacos

*note...in the soft and hard tacos there must be meat, beans, taco sauce or salsa, cheese, sour cream and lettuce.

Let's hear yours!

IVF.

April writing...

Our future with IVF.

So I went to my RE today.

Cory went with.

I had a Hystosonogram done. Doc found two polyps. Boo.

However, she did say that we are excellent candidates for IVF.

I have great egg #’s, Cory has great #’s.

We discussed our concerns and we were really informed on the ways of IVF.

Sooo…

It looks like within the next two months I will start my first IVF cycle.

I do have one more procedure though. Ehhh.

A Hysteroscopy.

To remove the two polyps, in order to make my Uterus a happy place for the embryos to attach. : )

Doc said, we can draw the line at only fertilizing 6 eggs, that way at least half (maybe more) should become healthy, good embryos.

She will only implant 1-2. No More.

She says, she doesn’t want to make headlines…nor do We.

If there are any eggs left over…we are pretty sure that our insurance covers the cost of freezing them.

So.

That’s where we are.

I’m excited. Anxious. Nervous. Hopeful.

…and eagerly looking forward.

Project 365 - Week 3

April writing...

Day 15 - April 26th, 2009 Nap Time......right before bedtime they finally calm down. After fighting and growling and running around the house...the pups finally cuddle up and rest.

Day 16 - April 27th, 2009 Dish time...If I cook, Cory does the dishes. That's just how it works in our house. My favorite part...is watching his 'dish-washing face.' His nose is all turned up! :) (or like in this pic, his tongue is sticking out!)

Day 17 - April 28th, 2009 At my feet...Olive loves to cuddle up at your feet, especially when we are at the computer. I think it's dark and warm and safe down there...she's such a sweetie.

Day 18 - April 29th, 2009 Off to work...This is what I see 6 nights out of ever week. My Husby leaving for work. He makes me so proud with what he does for a living.

Day 19 - April 30th, 2009 Sweepy Sneeze...I was sweeping the house and I guess all the dust just got to me...I was sneezing up a storm. So to combat the dust, I shoved tissue up my nose. Cory caught the loveliness on camera for our 365!

Day 20 - May 1st, 2009 Girls at the Beach...the first evening of our Girls Beach Weekend...we had a great group of girlies.



Day 21 - May 2nd, 2009 Beach Lovers...it may have been cold and gloomy but we still managed to make every moment special at the beach together.