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.

My Husband Rocks Friday

April writing...

My Husby Rocks because, somewhere in there he IS willing to change and "work on" himself. I have one stubborn husband...some of you know this as well as I do. Lately I have seen a willingness in him to make some changes. To realize that he doesn't have his act together like he once may have thought he did...(who does really? We are all a work in progress...) and it's important to realize that none of us have "arrived" yet, especially in relationships!

Baby, I thank you for being willing to work on being a better husband!! You are still rocking, and I will always love you!

...a couple Friday funnies...

April writing...

...cause I can...and cause they are funny! Enjoy

If you can't read that it says, "Need to lose a little weight before your wedding." teehee

If you aint' got nothing to blog about...

April writing...

...don't blog at all?? Nahhhh! I can always find something to blog about. Is it worth reading...well that's completely subject...but whatev. I got some celeb-y type junk to talk about...

Ok #1 - I don't get this. At all. What is she thinking...Jaime Kennedy? She is so super cute...and he...well he just looks frightening!

#2 - Police and Detectives get called to the Suleman House. Gesh oh peter piper...I really wonder...(again I need my truth-o-meter.) I want to know...is she really neglecting her 14 kids? Common sense tells me it has to be hard to be all that they need just by her lonesome. But neglect? hmmm.

#3 - Kirstie Alley gains all her weight back. Leave her alone. Seriously. So she gained her weight back. Who cares. Is it really news? Then again, it begs the question...why am I giving attention to it. Well, that's more because it annoys me that people are actually interested in hearing about her weight gain.

#4 - They are SO annoying. - What dillweeds. That's it.

#5 - An Incurable Optimist. - Can I just say how much I love Michael J. Fox. I mean. Wow. I am super excited about his upcoming Special on ABC. I think I want to read his book too. I like inspiration.

I think that's enough for now...I am sure your time has been wasted enough. :)

You're Welcome.

Simple Pleasure Thursday

Cory Writing....

My Simple Pleasure this week is my wife. My wife is the best Family Administrator and I am blessed to have her.

Several weeks ago my wife asked me what makes her irreplaceable and ever since I have been trying to pay attention to those things. I am trying to work on expressing those things to her verbally (for some reason that is a challenge for me). I am still a work in progress

So today I am making that my simple pleasure. All I have to do is go to work and bring home the bread and she does the rest. She keeps our home in tip top shape and she makes sure bills are paid and we aren't sinking. Thank you Baby for keeping the family a float. I love you always and you are truly irreplaceable

What is your simple pleasure for this week?

Wordless Wednesday

April writing...

"Rain, Rain, Go away..."

Nice Rear...

April writing...

I read this blog titled, "This Young House." I love it. I am totally snatching a recent post and using some of the pictures...they were taken on a recent tour in Richmond, VA's West Avenue Garden Tour. You can walk through all these wonderful backyards.

I am all about having a comfy, nice backyard...and some of these are wonderful. Even though they are small spaces:

This one has an outdoor fireplace...totally awesome. The colors are really fun too!

For being a small space and just adding simple Adirondack chairs...it's still wonderful!

Look at THIS ONE...the hand-carved archway with curtains....awesome!!

This is certainly nice...they are training ivy to grow in a classy x-pattern. Ahhh love it!

And this koi pond...in a tiny alley. What fun. Although this would have to go in the front yard as Olive would more than likely spend her time swimming daily!!! (and possibly eating all the fishies.)

...and THIS ONE...def. a favorite. I want an arbor/trellis/what-have-you in the backyard and the hanging chairs are SUCH a great idea!!! Nice and relaxing!!

What do you think? Fav's? What would you like in your backyard?

Don't you hate it when...

April writing...

...you are sipping on a nice cold beverage and you get a shocking splash or a crack in the tooth from a wayward ice cube?

Well my friends...that is all over now.

Yep.

Meet. The IceBlok. Their motto, "Simply add ice to glass, slide IceBlok in, and sip beverage; IceBlok stays in place to keep ice out of your face."

Wow. Just use a straw if it bugs you that much. haha.

Jon Gosselin...at it again??

April writing...

It looks like he is possibly up to no good again...this makes me sad...again.

I wish I had a truth-meter...

and I could ask it what is really happening.

Don't cheat on your wife...no matter how snippy she can be. Don't be a coward. Don't sneak around. If you want out...grow some and get out. (Not that I condone divorce, just cause your wife can be mean.) I just certainly don't condone cheating as a means to release marital tension.

I hope it's not true....gosh where is that truth-meter?!

Pandemic.

April writing...

Worst case scenario..."2 million dead. Hospitals overwhelmed. Schools closed. Swaths of empty seats at baseball stadiums and houses of worship. An economic recovery snuffed out."

Nice.

That's what Government officials say will be if the Swine Flu gets "severely out of control." A 2006 report states that Maryland and Virginia hospitals would run out of beds in two weeks during a moderate outbreak. Awesome.

Now I am certainly not a glass-half-empty kind of gal...but that's downright scary and depressing. They say that the government got serious about worst-case planning after the 2005 Bird Flu scare and then again during Hurricane Katrina. So let's hope they have their act together.

My Mother-In-Law is IN Mexico...the very place that the US is urging us NOT to go if we don't have to. That is the birthplace of the Swine Flu. I haven't talked or texted with her yet, to see if she is having to wear a mask...hopefully her vacation isn't ruined. I imagine the resort is taking all all the necessary precautions. Still. Scary.

I have annoying allergies right now. All morning I have been sneezing and blowing my nose, sneezing and blowing my nose. The itchy-watery eyes have held off for now...*fingers crossed.* I walked out to find my car covered in the evil yellow dust that is Pollen this morning. I tried not to breath it in...but well...that remains hard as I need oxygen.

But I will take my little allergies over the piggy-flu symptoms anyday...like fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea...and I dunno...death!

Sigh.

Top 5 Tuesdays

April writing...

Today's prompt:
What are the top 5 things you do almost everyday:

5. Sleep :)
4. Wash my hair
3. Play Mafia Wars...heehee
2. Read Blogs
1. Kiss Cory...and say I love you.

What do you do?

Backyard Must-Have's

April writing...

If I can't have my eggchair...cause it's too stinking expensive....

Then I would gladly go for one of these...either the round double lounger...

Or the conversation bench...

Or both!!!???

I love them. Sure. I am afraid the squirrels would eat the stuffing out of the seats and cushions. So then we would get Cory his air soft gun and he could take care of that situation. haha! (Sorry PETA)

Anyways...for a cozy little area to picnic or read a book or take a nap...which do you like?

Monday Moan

Cory Writing...

My Monday Moan actually happened today while I was out running an errand. I was headed to Home Depot on Ordnance Road and as I was headed there, I was passing the Motor Vehicle Administration. I remembered that I needed more applications for the National Law Enforcement Officer's Memorial tags I am in charged of, so I have the brilliant idea to stop in real quick (which is usually quick, because I go straight upstairs bypassing the lines) and grab another handful of applications. I find a parking space, which is a moan in itself, but I digress.

I am standing in line (where there is normally never a line), but I am only the third person. I patiently wait my turn and then the lady that works there approached me.

MVA Lady: What do you need?

Me: I need to get Organizational Plate applications for my organization I am the representative.

MVA Lady: No your not....what is your name? Where is your ID?

Me: My name is Cory ..... (she cuts me off I am thinking in my mind, "How you going to tell me who I am and who I am not, you don't know me.)

MVA Lady: Hold on let me go get the book. (she walks away, she gets the book and I approach the desk where she is looking at it.)

What are the letters of your organization?

Me: The letters on the license plate are LEM.

MVA Lady: LEM or LEP

Me: LEM ....M as in Mary. (though, how do you get P out of M... but whatever)

MVA Lady: Oh I see you name here ..... let me see some ID

(I pull out my driver's license and hold it over the counter so she can see it with my finger on the top of the license.)

(She's now looking at my license bopping her head back and forth, I think maybe the light is giving the license a glare so I tip the license down a bit)

MVA Lady: MOVE YOUR FINGER!

(I moved my finger thinking lady I am not in the mood for you to be yelling at me, but I knew I wasn't in a position to win an argument so I let it go.)

MVA Lady: Hold on (walks away) and comes back with the packet.

Me: Have a nice day ma'am.

When I got back to my car I had to call my wife and vent. I was freakin' steaming.

What is your Monday Moan today?

What the ???

April writing...

Cause there isn't much else to do today...I figured I would share some "what the heck" kinda news stories with you...check it.

In order from "what the..." to "you have GOT to be kidding me!"

3. Stillborn baby survives for 6 hours in hospital freezer alive...then dies.
(Hold up...so you are saying...the Doctor says, "she's stillborn." Like not alive. They put her in the morgue freezer...find her alive 6 hours later...but then she dies...again. That's just horrible. That pooooor family!! I think I would almost NOT want to know what happened.)

2. Parents sue Doctor after IVF cycle results in 2 babies...not 1.
(again...what?! I mean...did you NOT know there was a chance of that? They want extra money for the extra cost of raising another baby. They make over $80k a year...get over yourselves.)

Now this one...really takes the cake...
1. Body of a deceased boy, takes a "stand" at his wake.
(for reals??? Yep. *and there is a picture to prove it.* Apparently it was his last wish. That's eerie and odd and creepy. I wouldn't have been caught dead....err...alive...errr standing or sitting...at that wake. Eww.)

So there you have it...some wonderfully odd news to get you through the day. It takes all kinds...