Have you driven by "the tree" that you hear about with the Christmas lights and stuff on it? Well, you don't have to look any further as I have a photo of it right here....Kinda cool isn't it? It's very pretty, that's for sure. You can see it off of Cedar (77).

The other day me, Steve, Ty and Madison went to the Mall of America just to hang out. Of course we had to do the "usual" and go on rides, get an ice cream cone, etc. Ty went on all the rides with Madison. Here are some photos from the rides.

I bought myself a really cute white jacket with fur around the hood for a mere 30 bucks. I really needed a jacket because Steve's large plaid jacket wasn't doing me justice. I decided I needed a new winter look and found some awesome deals at MOA. My jacket was only 30 bucks. It's probley not the warmest thing but it's cute. At least it looks better than my other choices I've been wearing since it's gotten cold out.

Oh, look at how good Madison's drawing and painting is of herself. The watercolor one she said is her, but I am not sure about the marker drawing. I have a budding artist for a daughter...LOOK ----->

I LOVE how she draws her little legs. They are so cute. Anyways, I am proud of her drawings that she does. I think she's building self confidence through her art work. Sorta like art therapy!

You know...I think I need botox. I have been noticing on photos lately how my forehead is all wrinkley. I was bored earlier and was taking some photos with my camera and my NEW (from Santa) tripod and doing the self-timing thing.....trying to see if I can get a decent photo of myself.....and every photo has the wrinkles. I went into photoshop and had to do a "glow" so my forehead looked smooth. Here's a before and an after photo...

I know, I know...I have entirely too much time on my hands. Madison is at daycare today so I am kinda bored. These are the things I do if I get bored! Anyways...yes, I think I need botox. After all, 40 is right around the corner! Eeks, this is just the major start of wrinkles!

Speaking of wrinkles, Zero was such a good little puppy at christmas time. I was very proud of him. I thought he'd be freaking out, running all around like a bat out of hell...but he wasn't. He was a good little puppy. He just sleeps all day long, waiting for the arrival of Madison. He sure loves his Madison. There's something there between children and puppies. He is just so good with her. I mean, she puts him through hell trying to carry him around and poking and pulling at him. He just takes it from her. I am happy with my puppy!

That's all I can think of to say for today! I should think of what we are going to have for supper. I think maybe I'll do something easy like make egg mcmuffins. I went to the grocery store yesterday and bought some muffins and now I figure I better do something with them. I bought egg beaters also. Man, are those expensive. I know I should just use regular eggs, but you save so much fat from using egg beaters. Speaking of fat....I went to the gym today and did 45 minutes of cardio. I hated every minute of it. This is day 3 of working out again after my 2 week break that I didn't need.

Okay, I guess I did think of more to say, but that was it...I am all tapped out!

Suprise...2 blogs from me in a row! Woah!

Here's a layout I did from Christmas and a photo of Madison. I LOVE her in this picture..

Oh, I am sure you may of gotten the email, but if you want to see christmas pictures go to: http://christmastimeatkelly.shutterfly.com/ and you can see all 246 of them. Digital cameras rock! Try THAT (246 pictures) with a regular camera. I guess who has regular cameras any longer? WAIT, my mom and sister still do! I just can't imagine spending the money it takes to buy/process the photos and you can only take 36 of them per film. I can't imagine taking only 36 photos.

Got back from the gym abit ago. I did 45 minutes of cardio. It kinda sucked. I didn't really want to be there but TODAY was the day I was starting to work out again. I just took 2 weeks off. I can't believe I did that and that it was actually 2 weeks but oh well...what the hell, I guess I can't be perfect. The important thing is I started up again today. When I left the gym today I said to myself, "one down, my whole life to go". That's overwhelming thinking of having to workout everyday. Jeepers.

We gave the puppy a bath tonight. I guess Steve gave the puppy a bath. I just stood there with my camera trying to get a good shot. I didn't get any good shots if you were wondering. Too much with Steve, Madison and me in the small bathroom.

Have a great weekend! Not sure what we are going to do but it was sure nice that Steve only had to work one day and then gets a weekend!

Hope everyone is having a great christmas! I'll have to write later on how our christmas went. I will try to post some of the pictures I took also! Back later on.

Yeah, Tyler came over and had dinner with us tonight. That was fun. He'll be home now for awhile....I think. I can't remember what he said. But I think it's for awhile. We had speghetti for dinner. Steve made meatballs too...yummy. Not much more happened since I wrote earlier today. OH....THE HILLS finale was on. I actually shed a small tear. It was the best episode I swear! Madison even let me watch it without really interrupting me too much. Anyways, if you aren't into THE HILLS, you'll think this is a stupid show because in reality it IS a stupid show but I am just so sucked into it. There is a guy on there who is a major jerk and he did something worthwhile tonight. That show is acutally filmed a few weeks ahead of time so you kinda really know what's going on if you read the tabloids, like I do. Which I have been buying less of because they are a waste of money. I am trying to keep in check with the economy. Even tonight, me and Steve and Madison and Tyler were playing with glue and glitter. You know, drawing pictures with glue and then sprinkling glitter on them and shaking off the glitter so it only sticks to the glue. Anways, I was making the kids (maddie and ty) use the recycleable glitter that was already shooken off. I told Ty to be green and use the recycled glitter. I thought that was so funny because if you know Steve and I we really aren't green people except for the stuff that we have to do and then Steve will get going on the global warming crap and we were mentioning under our breaths to Madison how she'll be brainwashed into this stuff in kindergarten. I guess you had to be there but I thought it was pretty funny. Madison doesn't understand half the stuff we are saying most of the time anyways. She'll never fully appreciate us as parents with our sense of humor. She does get our humor but obiviously most of the stuff is over her head.
Well, I best be off to bed here soon. It's 11:49 pm and this is the latest I have stayed up in a long time. I was doing good going to bed early for a few weeks. Perhaps, this is where it turns and I get into my staying up late stuff. Who knows....I guess we'll have to watch it unfold as it happens, now won't we?

Look at this funny layout I did of Jimmy and Steve. It says, "It's a bromance". Do I have to explain what a bromance is? Brother (or guy friends) + Romance = bromance. It's a fairly new term and it explains Steve and Jimmy perfectly.

I did another one of them on their bikes...Very manly layouts here people.

I just made Madison this super cute personalized video from Santa. You can watch it here:
http://portablenorthpole.sympatico.msn.ca/watch/a8e07a64ce26ed892440aecfcf6bade7
She is going to be so excited to see it! Do you know that she asked me the other day, "mom, are you Santa?". I was so shocked. A 3 yr old should not be asking this question. The only thing I can think of is one of the kids in her daycare said something to her. My response to her was "Do I LOOK like Santa?" She said nope and must of started believing again. Anyways, I can't wait to watch her watch this video and see what she says! Who'd a thunk that Santa sends out videos to kids on the internet! We went to Cub Foods yesterday and Mr. AND Mrs. Clause where there and Madison was freaked out hiding behind my legs. Then they tried to give her a piece of candy and I had to tell them no thank you (her teeth). Maybe next year she'll want something to do with the clauses. I wonder if she'll get afraid watching her video? I think she'll be fine.
Not much going on today. Madison is at daycare. We bought Sharon her present (bought her some gift certs to kohls and cheesecake factory) today for Christmas. I don't remember if she takes the kids on Christmas eve day or not. It doesn't effect us as Madison is not there on Wed. HEY...is Christmas eve tomorrow or Wednesday? I better go look...hang on....okay, it's wednesday. Whew. I guess it wouldn't be a big deal if it were tomorrow. There's nothing I have to do more really. I am cleaning (well, I am taking a little breaky-break from cleaning) today. I should just wait to clean tomorrow night or even Wednesday morning because it's just going to get messy again before Wednesday/Christmas Eve. It doesn't pay to clean beforehand. I guess a little bit before hand but surely not 2 days before. I am trying to finish laundry though.
I ran to Target today already. I was there before the doors opened today. They know me in there...some of the cashiers and for sure the starbucks guy. Wouldn't you say that is slightly embarsassing that workers from Target know me? I had to buy paper towels. I found a cute vest on sale for 12 bucks. I had a 5 dollars gift cert so it really only costed 7 dollars! Wow, am I good when it comes to a good deal. I might wear it on Christmas eve. I guess it's not really party wear, but ask me if I care. Cuz I don't. Guess I don't have anything else to wear really so that just may be it. Stay tuned. Wjat was I talking about? Oh yes...Target. I thought that they had holiday hours and opened before 8 am. I was there at 7:50 am so it wasn't a big deal but I DID have to get out of my car twice. And it's awefully cold out there today. When Steve left for work I had him start the truck so I could go take Maddie to daycare. I let it warm up a good 1/2 hour before I'd get in it. Too cold.
Oh shoot...I forgot to get some BBQ sauce for our meatballs. Maybe I"ll get that tomorrow. It'll give me and Madison something to do. That is sad that we have nothing to do except go get some BBQ sauce. The other day we ran all the way to Target (see, I am there all the time) to go buy a puzzle for us to do because we have nothing else to do.
Oh...I also had to get Madison's new medication. They had to UP her medication because her levels were elevated from her blood test. Dang, that means she needs to get blood drawn again soon. This is the first time we have had to change her dose of meds. Even though her levels were up, I still don't see any symptoms from her. We really have never have seen any symptoms of hypothyroidism from her. Which is good. The doctor said she must not be sensitive then. They asked us that the last time we were in. She went from 25 mmg to 37.5 mmg. They only have a 75 pill so we need to split it. She's probley not getting excatly the same amount every night becuase it crumbs off abit. I guess overall she is probley just a bit under her recommended dose.
Her teeth are better. Man, has she milked every situation using her teeth as the excuse. I do know that somewhat bother her because she'll start to cry out of the blue and say her teeth hurt but then there's times like eating dinner she'll use the excuse too.....I can tell when she's faking it and not faking it. The real times are pretty rare now. She goes into see her dentist on January 6th for her post operation checkup. Hopefully all is well. Boy, do we brush our teeth alot. And I do mean WE. I am brushing almost everytime with her so I am going to guess that hopefully I won't have any cavitites the next time I go in. She'll brush at night and then want to eat something and we tell her then she needs to brush her teeth again. So she does. Most of the time she just won't eat what ever it is she wants because she doesn't want to brush again but sometimes it happens. Regardless, she's brushing her teeth alot and that's great! We even floss for her. Which is kinda hard. She lies down on the couch and I or Steve does it that way. Works out pretty good. She usually doesn't let you get her whole mouth done but we try to do this everynight.
Well, can't think of anything else to say but go check out her video from Santa. It's really cute. If you have little kids you should go make one too. I can't wait to watch Madison watch it!

Look at this cute picture of Madison and Zero....

I guess I have lots of photos since I have last posted.....

We bought Madison a new little dance outfit because her other one was sleevless and she *needed* a new one. This one is so cute. Here, take a looksy...

She's doing her lovely modeling pose...

Well, yesterday Steve took the day off of work and we finished our christmas shopping. He told me this is his most stress-free christmas he has ever had. I asked him why and he thought because I did it all...and I reminded him that I do it ALL every year and even this year I MADE him come with me so he wouldn't freak about money. So, not sure why the boy is having a great christmas so far, but he is and when Daddy is happy, EVERYBODY is happy. Well, that statement doesn't really ring true but it does ring true when Mama is happy EVERYBODY is happy! That definetly is true! Anyways, we had fun running around to the stores. We were even going to "do" lunch but ended up not because of time constraints. He was like my best buddy yesterday...stores, shopping, talking, almost lunch! It was fun. Before we were able to go to the stores we had to stop at a funeral first. I say that so non-chalantely. It was the mother of a worker of Steves and someone I use to work at. It was actually a very nice funeral if you are allowed to say that. Honestly, when I left it I said, "I have never been to a funeral to someone I didn't know and it affect me so greatly". The woman was early 90's and had been mentally intutionalized her whole life for her mental illness. What the pastor/priest was saying probley fit perfectly to the situation. Don't even ask me what he said because I can't remember now but I left there with this woman I don't even know effect my life in a good way. So there. There's your spiritual aspect of this blog. Like I said, if there is such a thing as a good funeral, this was it. Poor lady. I can't believe how horrible that would of been expecially in the 40's-70's with the stigma of mental illness back then. It's bad enough still but even more so back then.

On a lighter note...Madison and I made cookies last week. It was really fun. We made gingerbread men and painted the frosting with an edible paint. Here's the photo of our fun night...

Steve made the santa cookie but Madison colored it. Isn't he cute?

Madison would like to type you all something. Here she goes:

everyone mom

Wow, it's been a long time since I have blogged. I just haven't felt like it. I guess last week was so stressful for me waiting for Madison's surgery that I just couldn't bring myself to blog about anything. Here are some layouts I made today...I am waiting for our window people to get their butts here to finish putting the trim around our window. We think they forgot about us because we had to call them and they are "squeezing" us in. We haven't paid them yet except for a downpayment so we're not worried. But it'll be nice to have the window done for christmas. I am use to it anyways....

Aren't these pretty layouts? Anyways, the window people were suppose to of been here by 10am and it's 11:50 right now. Come on people...I've got stuff to do! I was going to go to the gym and then go finish christmas shopping. I am almost done, but I still have enough running around to do. Whenever they get here will determine what I do today! This sucks. I really need to get into the gym so I think that's the first thing I am going to do.

I guess there's not much more to say except I WISH MY WINDOW PEOPLE WOULD GET HERE!

Wow, it's been awhile since I've been on here again. I just haven't been in the mood to blog. Let's see....what have we been up to? I guess yesterday we went for Madison's pre-surgery checkup. She actually did really good in the doctors. Mostly because I told her there would be NO owies this time. She is kinda a little trooper when it comes to going to the doctors. This doctor was super nice too so that helped. We've been to some peditricans that I have no clue why they are working with small children. This one was really nice and Madison liked her alot. She's all ready for surgery I guess. They told me that they will be putting a breathing tube down her throat which terrifies me. They do that while she's alseep though. I think. I am sure. I don't think you'd get a tube down any kid's throat if they weren't asleep. Then they said when she woke up she'd have something in her mouth and I don't really know what she was talking about but she said that I'd want to warn her....so I warned her and we've been talking about it, but the problem is I am not sure what I am talking about. All she knows is something will be in her mouth when she wakes up. I am insisting that I am there when she wakes up. I TOTALLY remember waking up from my operation and thinking I was dead because there were all these other bodies just lying there. That's pretty scary for a little kid. I also had my arms strapped to some boards (I think for the iv) which I am sure didn't help. I definetly have some trauma issues around my operation from when I was a kid. Anyways, they are the only experience I have so I don't wish that upon my child for even 1/10th of a second. I don't want her to be 39 years old still remembering all this scary stuff that happened to her. I have such vivid, vivid memories from my operation. Supposibly things are much better but still, ya know? I guess I'll believe it when I experience it. Until then, I don't care for my child to go through any types of trama. We've been talking about it though and I am trying to answer any questions she has. She is asking some questions but doesn't seem to concerned about it. YET. Just trying to prepare the little girl so it doesn't seem so scary for her. Anyways, her surgery starts at 8:15 and we have to be at the hospital at 6:30. She can't drink ANYTHING, not even water for the 3 hours prior to surgery. Not sure how that's going to work out...I hate to think of her being hungry or thirsty and not being able to give her anything. Just like any parent, you hate to have them cry because they are hungry and thirsty and not do anything about it. I always think about when Katrina hit and all those people were stuck in the football stadium and there was no food/water and all the kids were screaming and crying because they were so hungry. I would not of done good in the situation. Don't you remember hearing those horror stories? They cross my mind from time to time. Don't ask me why but some of those stories got stuck in my brain and I still can't get them out. Hey, how did I get from Madison's surgery to Hurricane Katrina? Okay....I'll quit now. Too depressing to start my day off that way. Speaking of that....guess what time it is? 4:30 in the morning. I can't sleep. I woke up at 4 am (had some bad dream and couldn't fall asleep after waking up). Yesterday I was up from 1am - 5am and then HAD to get up at 6am because our naughty doggie likes to chew on our hands and stuff in bed and of course Madison is up wanting to watch cartoons so it's now impossible to sleep. Gone are those days AGAIN! It's like having a newborn all over again. Other than the morning time, the doggie never chews on anything other than his bones. I think that's the strangest thing. But when he wakes up, he is wanting to run around like crazy. He's our crazy puppy in the morning. He can now jump on our chairs too. We found that out last night. Can't leave ANY food lying around. We only feed him once during the morning and once during the day and he doesn't really get a treat except ocassionally. Right at this moment I am not feeling particulary attached to the animal. Usually he's like my 2nd baby but right now I just don't feel it. Probley because I am more worried about Madison. Don't get me wrong...I like my dog alot but I just feel detached from him. I am sure that won't last for long. He is awfully cute though.

Oh, on Saturday Kari and Indio are coming over for a little christmas party. Kim too. But her kids can't make it now so just Kim is coming to the kiddie party which is funny. We are going to have hot chocolate and do a cookie exchange. Which reminds me that I have to make some cookies. Maybe today Madison and I will do that. No, on second thought I don't want to make them too early so maybe we'll make them on Thursday after she gets back from daycare. That'll give us something to do to keep her mind off of friday morning and her surgery. I don't have anything for the kids to really play with. Hmmmm. I guess when Indio comes over it was always in the summer time and they would play outside in the backyard. Should I get some little crafts for them to do? I guess I better think on this one......I am at a loss. Indio is 2 and Madison is almost 4 (eeks) so there's a little bit of age difference and I don't know if Indio likes to do crafty things. I guess they can play with Madison's toys and stuff. They'll exchange little gifts. God, I hope my dog behaves. He's really good around kids but I don't want him to get excited like he does when we come home and then gets all jumpy and stuff. He lets Madison do ANYTHING to him. Poor dog gets pinched and pulled on every body part. And he just takes it. She carries him around *which we try to get her to put down...and he just lies there and lets her do what she wants. He's perfect for a little kid.

Oh, we had dance last night. Me and Steve sat there and laughed our butts off at her last night. She had her little skirt up to her neck while she was dancing. She always has this helper teacher telling her to sit or to put her skirt down or quit talking. I don't see any other kid do any of this stuff so I KNOW that we have a trouble maker on our hands. It's not even funny, although it does appear funny. But she's just outgoing and has a little mind of her own, which is what's going to get her in trouble. One of the other little girls starting putting her skirt up around her neck too just like Madison. She's an instigator, that's for sure. Although it's kinda funny watching this, I know it is something down the road that is going to be troublesome. I can already hear her kindergarten teacher telling me this. But she likes to learn so maybe as long as there is activity she'll be fine. It's when she's suppose to be sitting quiet and still. I don't know, maybe it's just 3 year old behavior. They aren't little adults....still, none of the other kids in her class are the first to do something or say something like she does. Definetly a leader and not a follower. But it was so funny last night and we sat there and laughed so much at what was going on. Then her arieral music came on and she would do her little dance in front of the mirror the whole length of the room while the rest of the kids are sitting down. She usually gets a few laughs from the other parents. But I am sure that some of them are saying to themselves..."that girl better start listening".

Well, I have to go get another cup of java so I best get going. Here's a few photos from the last few days...

Okay, I know we are geeks, but me and Kim are going to see Britney Spears in concert and we are soooo excited. How's that for a bunch of almost 40 year olds? It's not until April. I got the tickets presale on the internet! What a bunch of thieves though...ticketmaster and all their little charges. The extra charges are almost as much as the tickets themselves. But oh well...who cares cuz we are going to see Britney. I almost bought her new CD at Target yesterday but I am hoping to get it for christmas. Guess I better tell Steve that I want it. Maybe he'll get it for me. I am done christmas shopping for him. I bought him a ipod shuffle, a thing you connect your ipod to the car with, a 15 dollar itunes gift certificate and a herb chia pet! ha on the chia pet thing. He doesn't read this blog, so don't think that he'll know what he's getting. Watch...this one time he will read it or something. Na...I doubt it.
Oh...Ty called today. He's in Chicago auditioning for that professional theater that I mentioned awhile back. I pray that he gets it! Hopefully they won't make him audition for another part and have to come all the way out to Chicago again. Anyways, he said that it took him about 5 minutes to audition. That was it! I don't know when it is that he finds out. I don't know what's going to happen if he gets it. Will he move to Chicago? I guess I don't know the details and shouldn't throw my guess out there.
Oh...you can watch him on YouTube singing "one voice"....I'll see if I can get it posted on this blog but if not, go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRC8qhWh2oo and you can watch him there.
Well, Steve, Madison and Zero are all asleep out on the couch.....IT'S FRIDAY PEOPLE! And it's only 9:04 pm. I am sooooo bored.

What a boring day. Did nothing really. I worked out and ran to target. That's it! What a waste of a day. I did some layouts but the blogger thing isn't working and won't let me post them. That's about it folks. I don't have much to say at all.

Damn dog got a hold of our christmas tree. Took off one of the branches and now I can't find a way to get it back in. Naughty naughty puppy. This just isn't his "norm".
We are back from the doctor's. All went well. She cried and screamed but it wasn't too bad. They wanted to pin her down on the table and I asked if she could just sit up and then she was a lot better. Who the hell wants to be pinned down? Not me! Anyways, then we went and had lunch with Steve afterwards. God, I am glad I don't work there. Same stuff, just different year. Guess it was a long time ago and still not missing it one bit. Kinda miss knowing the people because we all really knew each other well because we hung out all the time and played all of our sports together. Just don't miss the crap that goes along with working there. I can't believe how many people that I worked with are STILL there. I am one of the only few that escaped that place.
I am super bored. Madison wants me to watch cartoons with her but I can't stand sitting still that long. I am constantly getting up and moving around. It's better that I just roam from room to room. Better for all of us.
I gotta go work out tonight. Last night I walked on the treadmill for 75 mintues because I was trying to finish watching Paris's BFF. It was the grand finalie last night. I know it's a stupid show but I really got sucked into it. Didn't really care who would win and be Paris's BFF but I wanted to find out who she was going to pick anyways. I was a little suprised but I guess not really. I know you are asking yourselves, "I wonder if Kelly likes Paris now that she watched her show"...WELL, yes I do. Still is a stupid girl but there is something that is smart about her because she sure is doing alot for doing nothing. Now, she has a new BFF. It'll be interesting to see how this new BFF withstands the famous life. Yes, I have given it that much thought. I know, I know...I also am a little embarssed about myself...don't feel any different that you are a little embarassed about me too. It's okay. I forgive you. I was acutally embarassed that there were other people working out and watching me watch the show. Not that I think they were watching me actually watch the show but you know what i mean. There were a couple of 50 yr olds that probley don't know what's going on with Paris but there was one or two 20 year old somethings that surely would at least know about the show. I couldn't make any eye contact for the fear that someone would actually say something to me.
Man, I just went on and on about that show.

Wow...it's been almost a whole week since I have blogged. Now I don't even remember what has gone on except that we spent Thanksgiving in South Dakota at Nana and Papa's house, which was really fun. I love my inlaws. It's sooo nice to be able to say that! I know most people seem to not get along with their inlaws or they get irritated by them or whatever, but not me...I LOVE my inlaws! What great people. It was really fun being able to spend some time just hanging out! Hopefully we'll get up there soon again. I'll start working on Steve now!

Yesterday Madison had her screening for Kindergarten! She did GREAT! The teacher who was testing her said that it usually doesn't go that easy. She said it a couple of times so Madison must of impressed her. I could hear Madison a little bit talking and doing the tests from where I was sitting. Heck, I was impressed. So apparently she's ready to go! I was excited that it went so well. My smart little girl!!!

Today we have to go to her thyroid doctors...ick. I HATE them having to take blood from her. But they actually are really nice and really good. I can't imagine that being my job...having to stick a needle in kid's arms. I can't believe she already has to go back in. That went really quick from the last time. Steve can't go with today, so it's just me.

Next week she has another doctor's appt. to get her ready for her dental surgery. Oh, remember how I said she has 3 big cavities. I got it wrong...something is wrong with almost every tooth minus 3 teeth. That's what I meant to say. I have this horrible image that it's going to go down like when I was 3 and had a operation and they took me screaming and kicking and crying to put me under. I understand that doesn't happen anylonger and it's much more kid friendly. I hope so. My only experience is MY experience and it wasn't good. If I can remember it like it was yesterday than it must of been pretty bad. Poor little me when I was 3. I feel sorry for myself. I just don't want Madison to be traumatized like I was. I have so much anxiety with all these doctor things going on. I feel very stressed out and don't even want to talk about it. Too much seeing my kid hurt. Makes me sad that she has to go through this. But then I think of Niki and how much testing she has to do (nana told me about the testing) with tanner...shoot, or is it conner? I believe it's tanner. Sorry if I got that wrong.

Well, gotta hop in the shower and get ready for them to poke her arm. We're going to stop and see

I guess that's kinda hard to read, huh? These are the words...

More Than A Day

As Thanksgiving Day rolls around,
It brings up some facts, quite profound.
We may think that we're poor,
Feel like bums, insecure,
But in truth, our riches astound.
We have friends and family we love;
We have guidance from heaven above.
We have so much more
Than they sell in a store,We're wealthy, when push comes to shove.
So add up your blessings, I say;
Make Thanksgiving last more than a day.
Enjoy what you've got;
Realize it's a lot,
And you'll make all your cares go away.

By Karl Fuchs

So true huh? It's just a poem that I found on the internet somewhere. But it's a good one because it does ring true. We should all be thankful for what we have because things could be worse off. I know I am thankful anyways. THERE....abit of inspiring set of words that we should all remember on this glorious, festive, beautiful Thanksgiving day. Guess it's not thanksgiving yet.

Bet you're wondering why I am blogging again, aren't you? Madison feel asleep on the couch with her puppy so I have nothing to do. I cleaned yesterday, so lord forbid that I do it again today. Maybe I'll go on facebook and play around on there. Oh....mommy marilyn - good job on getting back on facebook! Very technical of you to pursue your quest of figuring out facebook. You even added a profile picture. I'm very proud of you! Good job (applause, applause). Mom, if Marilyn can get on there than you can. Do it. Feel empowered! I call Marilyn "mommy marilyn". I change it around abit. Sometimes it's Nana, sometimes it's mommy marilyn. I never just use Marilyn. Sounds formal to be coming from the daughter in law to just call you by your first name. Although I don't know why it would be formal...that's your name. I guess if I wanted formal I'd call you Mrs. Michaels. Whatever...I am just blabbing on right now. Nothing else to do! Anyways, I like mommy marilyn.

Guess I'll get off my blog now and try to do facebook for awhile. Not much to do on there really....just look at other people's sites I guess. It's still fun. Gotta go and do it now! Bye

Well, I changed the header again. Isn't this pretty? Can you tell that i bought a new paper digital kit? Because all my layouts and stuff, including the header are all the same color family. It's so pretty I think. The paper and elements I mean. The header too I guess. I kinda like the one that I just had up though. I have it saved so if I want to go back.
Oh, happy Thanksgiving everyone. Don't know if I'll blog before we leave for South Dakota to have thanksgiving with the famfam. Who knows, maybe I will. Guess I don't have much to say though.
Not much going on today either. Same ole' day. We'll run some errands and then come home and pack for the trip to South Dakota.
Have a great thanksgiving!

Tonight Lynnie and I went to go see High School Musical 3 for the third time! It just never gets old. I swear, I have the biggest crush on zac efferon. It's just so wrong...what is he, 22? Just wrong, wrong, wrong. But he is so cute and just so cute in the movie. BUT seeing that movie reminds me of Ty in theater and I forgot to tell some big news about him. Now, lets see if I even get it right, but I think he got recruted to try out for a professional theather in Chicago. I THINK that's what it is. I can't remember when it is that he is going to Chicago either. Steve said this and I am sure Madison was scream, the dog was pooping and I just heard bits and pieces. But isn't that exciting? I'll try to get the full scoop, but I think that's what it is.

I was going to work out after I saw the movie, but honest to God, while I was in the movie theather I caught a cold. I didn't have it before I got there and during the movie, I sneezed about 20 times. I am not exgerrating that either...and NOW I have a huge, huge cold with my nose dripping and everything. Gross. Just in time for Thanksgiving.

Here's one more layout that I did. She's so pretty:)

Another favorite layout of mine. I laugh looking at Zero. So funny looking and sooo cute. He still has remained a very good puppy. Really got lucky. Wow...this is 3 times I blogged today. I did alot of housework acutally. Good for me. Rare, but good:). Now I am going to go make supper. We are going to have stirfry. I think I'll make it early so we have to choice to eat before OR after dancing tonight. I guess dancing is kind of at a innconvient time for supper. 6:00. I guess we usually eat around 7ish or so. I told Steve the other day that I think we eat late. He said that's how long it takes for him to make supper. I laughed cuz he does make supper most of the time. I have done it alot lately though. So, I'll give myself credit. hee hee.

Check this out...That's Madison's drawing of Zero. Can't you see it? I think that's pretty good for a 3 1/2 yr old! She has good placements with everything (ears where the ears should be, eyes where the eyes should be)....I have a little artist. I nice that I can scan stuff. I'll do this with some of here stuff when she gets into Kindergarten and then I can put it in a book for her. Better than having all those papers, right? Well, maybe not all cuz you have to save some of that stuff. But it'll be nice to be able to page through a book to look at her artwork and stuff!
Right now she is out in the living room making pictures with glue (eeks) and glitter (more of a eeks!). I guess it's crafty Tuesday here in the Michaels household!
I still haven't gotten to the laundry (see post below) but I did unload the dishwasher. I needed a little break after that so I poured myself a cup of coffee and scanned in her artwork. Unloading that dishwasher was hard work man...everything involved such as the stretching to put dishes away, the bending to get them out of the dishwasher...etc. Gotta takes a break after that!

I finished 2 more books (photobooks)! Yea! I love doing these. It's acutally 1 book divided into 2. I finally did year 2005 and there were too many pictures to fit into one book so I have to divide it into 2. Which is fine.....NOW I am ALL done with ALL my photos! Except for the ones that are brand spanking new. Those are still a work in progress. But I have all my books done. That sure took a long time to do. If you want to take a look at my books online you can just click on each cover and it'll take you to the artscow website. Artscow is where I get mine printed at. If you decide you want to do your own book, tell them I referred you so I can get credit for it...I think I get a free book if 3 people sign up or order. Not sure which one it is. But click on each cover...the photos are linked. I made it easy for you to view!

I decided to do the same cover for each except for the parts 1 and 2. Maybe I should of made different covers for each. Oh well, at least I know these books go together then.

Here's a funny and cute layout I did of the doggie... Don't ask me why but this is one of my favorite all time layouts. It's nothing special but it's cute cuz he looks like he's peering thorugh the leaves. Ha! I just think it's funny. Zero has totally taken over my photos. Poor Madison, she isn't the subject of my photography any longer. Just kidding...she is but so is Zero. Below are some pictures of Madison with her model poses that she does. Mom, you won't like the one picture because her pajamas are falling off her shoulders. I actually tried to pull it up abit when I was taking the pictures but it fell down again. Plus, I have to shoot when the child lets me shoot! She looks so pretty in them.

Not sure what we are going to do today. I woke up early, so it makes for a long day. Maybe I will actually get the laundry done. Exciting, huh? All in a day's work for me, I guess! Madison is out watching cartoons right now so I should go out there and supervise her and sit and/or play with her instead of being in here. She's got dance tonight so she'll be excited!

How do you like this new blog header? Man, I wish we had a picture of our whole family. Bums me out that we don't cuz then I'd put one on there. I just can't post a photo of us without Tyler. Just can't do it.
Just got back from the gym. Did my usual 45 mintues of cardio and today did legs. I feel good after working out.
Got my hair done this morning. I make an appt. every 7 weeks to get my roots retouched. Do you know the next appt. is Jan 7 or something like that? January. Geez, does time fly. I guess I can't believe that it is already almost December. When we get back from South Dakota that means that we have to put up our Christmas Tree. Seems like alot of work to do just to take it down in a month. BUT, I guess I should get into the christmas spirit and E-N-J-O-Y putting up the christmas tree. Madison will have fun this year. Oh, we need to add one more thing to her list from Santa....her dorthy shoes. They are the red sparkley shoes that a ton of little girls have. You can buy them at target. She really wants them. Guess Santa will have to bring them to her. Probley anyways.

ha, I love this postcard I made. I actually just made a christmas card last night that we are going to send out to people that get us and our humor *very few people...that won't be our actually christmas card. I haven't made that one yet. Still waiting to see if Tyler is going to join us at Thanksgiving at Nana and Papa's house for our family photo. I for some reason don't think that's going to happen. Neither Ty coming or our family photo. I guess I don't know that, but it's just my feeling.
I gotta run to the gym right now. Need to do my 45/60 minutes of cardio and then some arm weights. I haven't really gotten sore yet from working the machines so I am not sure why. Steve said maybe I am in better shape than I thought I was. I beg to differ. I am doing the sets and reps and am fatiguing the muscle but I still haven't gotten sore. I am going to try some free weights for my arms today and see if that makes me sore. You know the saying, no pain no gain? That's how I feel. I need to be sore to know that I am gaining something (or in my case losing something). gotta go. bye

edit:

I am back from the gym. I did 60 minutes of cardio and my free weights that I was going to. It was a good workout. Look at this email someone sent me...It's true on my car and now I'll never have to 2nd guess myself when getting gas. Go check out your car! Kinda cool facts and tidbits...
WHO KNEW THIS???I have been driving for years... I would think I should have noticed the little secret
on my dashboard that was staring me in the face the whole time...I didn't..and I bet
you didn't either...Have you ever rented or borrowed a car and when arriving at the gas station
wondered...mmm, which side is the gas filler cap?My normal solution was to stick my head out the window, strain my neck and look,
try to see in the side mirrors or even get out of the car!?Well ladies and gentlemen, I'm going to share with you my little secret so you will
no longer look like Ace Ventura on your way to the gas station or put your neck at
risk of discomfort or injury.If you look at your gas gauge, you will see a small icon of a gas pump?The handle of the gas pump will extend out on either the left or right side of the
gas pump? If your tank is on the left, the handle will be on the left? If your tank is
on the right, the handle will be on the right (see photo). It is that simple!

Don't forget to watch "the girls next door" tonight. New episode! I LOVE my tv.

Here's the Steve we all know *no smile.

Isn't this a awesome photo of Madison with her reflection? We went to the Mall of America today and she was looking out over the flume ride with all the water. I love this photo.

Another awesome photo of Madison with Zero. I think Zero has taken over our photos. Now I scrapbook zero all the time instead of anyone else, including Madison. Well, that's not entirely true, because she's included in all of those photos of zero. He is just so dang cute. I am really happy that we got him. I asked Steve if he loved Zero and he rolled his eyes at me. I am sure that is such a girl thing to say. But I told him I loved zero. Maybe boys don't love the same as girls. But I love him:) (the dog). (Steve too).

As I said earlier, we went to the Mall of America today. Oh, she was such a good little girl. Oh yes, we saw Santa. She was pretty freaked out about him and wouldn't sit on his lap and wouldn't tell Santa what she wanted. So I told him what she wanted. Needless to say, I didn't get any photos of her with Santa. I was ready to doll out the 15 bucks for a 5x7 but it was a no-go. Oh well, maybe next year. This is what she wants. A sharpay doll, a Troy doll, a Gaberilla doll (these are all from High School Musical 3), a tea set and lipstick. I hope Santa can find her all the dolls. Maybe Target is having a sale soon or something and I can suggest to Santa that he gets her the dolls while they are still in stock.

We rented a couple of movies tonight. First we watch "forgetting sarah marshall" and the "get smart". Steve didn't make it thorugh GET SMART and feel asleep. Then I got all antsy and couldn't concentrate watching it and figured if he's not watching it, I would watch it later with him and came into the computer room.

Oh, did I tell you that Steve brought home a confenscated deer from work the other day? He gutted it in our backyard. Pretty gross stuff. I had to hold the flashlight for him. It's one of those things where you can't help but look and then when you do you wish you didn't but then you do it again. There is still blood all over the backyard. Steve said it looks like a murder happened. I didn't look that closely. THEN he's got the deer hanging up in our garage. Which is fine, I mean what else is he doing to do with it...but I forgot about it and went out to take out the trash and almost freaked out when I walked into the garage.

Not much going on this weekend. Tomorrow Steve is butchering the deer and I'm sure that will take him the majority of the morning and afternoon. Maybe I'll go up to Buffalo or go somewhere. Mom, do you wanna meet in Plymouth at all? Call me.

Come on...he's cuter than cute, isn't he? He's totally a mama's boy. Man, between him and Madison being mama kids, I don't know what to do. Poor Steve. He's not on anyone's list these days. Except mine I guess. I really like our doggie. I feel bonded to him now. The first 4 days or so I was getting to know him and now I love him. He's really a sweet doggie. He will run like holy terror around our kitchen which is harlious. I'll spare you all the dog stories. No one really cares that much. Except us. And he's funny to us, so I guess that's what counts. Like I said, I'll spare you all the doggie stories. He's a dog, not a child. Even the child stories I will spare you with. No one really likes to listen to them all that much, maybe except the grandparents and even then the stories can get long. I HATE listening to mother's going on and on and on about their children. Don't get me wrong...some stories are fine but there is a point. And I'm going to spare everyone that to that point.

Anyone watch Celebrity rehab? I could barely hear it from Steve AND the dog's snoring. So I can't tell you what really happened on it. I will try to watch the rerun so I can figure out what went on. I think that is a good show.

I had a good workout today. I did 60 mintues of cardio and then lifted upperbody. But having pizza tonight counteracted the workout. I am never going to get rid of these lbs. NEVER. Get use to me always looking like this, because it hasn't changed for over a year now and I do things like eat pizza now and it is getting and keeping me stuck. I am hopeless of getting rid of the lbs. I will be like this forever and ever. Darn.

Here's a nice little winter layout for you! Isn't it pretty? I love this digital kit that I bought. It is the same one that I made my blog header from. I am sure you'll see a million of this type now.
Well, Madison is done being sick. Not sure if I mentioned she was or not. She threw up a million times the other night. I am suprised I didn't catch it. However this is day 2 of having a headache so maybe I did catch it a little bit.
Oh good news on Madison's potty training. She isn't wearing pullups anylonger. Except for nighttime now. Not that this was easy. Today is the first day of her going to daycare wearing underwear. She's a little nervous and scared. Poor girl. BUT, we are NOT wearing pullups anymore. That's THAT! She's doing okay with this so far. If our damn dog can get potty trained, our kid can.
Not sure what I am doing today. I need to get to the gym. I haven't gone for 2 days now. I'll blog later on.

Well, we are back from the dentist. To those of you who think I am a baby about this dentist stuff, just know that it's even worse than predicted. Today they didn't do anything. It was a consultation for the hospital procedure to get her teeth done. They are that bad. It's considered a outpaitent procedure. They will put her to sleep by anthesia (however you spell that) on Dec. 12th. This is normal fricken surgery. Damn. My poor baby is going to be freaked out. She has to been seen by her normal doctor for a complete physical 5 days prior to her surgery. They might do a root canal on one of her teeth. THANK GOD insurance covers this because they told us that it would be between 6,000-10,000 to get this done. My child has inhertied my teeth and teeth problems already by the age of 3. We haven't told her anything yet. Like she's not going to have dental phobias now. Just like her mom.
On the good news, our puppy is pottied trained already. Good puppy.

My puppy has his own button. I can't sleep. It's very, very late. This is the stuff I do when I can't sleep! I think I"ll try to lie down for a little bit!

Here's my first layout of zero. Isn't he just cute? I actually can't decide if he is ugly or cute. He's both. But man, did we luck in the puppy department...he's E-A-S-Y as far as being a puppy is concerned. I recall having doggies/puppies in the past and it being hard. He isn't. Has only had 2 minor accidents in the house. Doesn't really chew too much. Likes to sit/lay down on your lap and snuggle up with you. Doesn't bark. You know what he does? He snores. Now I have Steve AND zero to contend with. And he gets up early. That's it. He's a good puppy! Yea for us! I don't know why I am not tired as hell considering I woke up at 5:30 am and it's already midnight. I suppose I should try to go to bed since he AND madison will be waking up in 5 hours or so. I am sure tomorrow will catch up with me though.

I have been going to the gym everyday. I have been doing 45 mintues of cardio on the ellipicator machine thingy and then alternating days of lifting upper body and lower body. I can't say that I am enjoying it yet, but it's not to bad if I take it day by day. If I think about doing this everyday (or 4/5 days a week) for the rest of my life, it would be too overwhelming and I'd quit. So I just am trying to take it day by day. I think I feel better with it lifting my mood a little bit. Lifts my depression. Not that I am horribly depressed or anything but it's been dreary feeling lately and I am sure that's due to weather. But still it's good for the mental health, ya know?

Tomorrow morning Madison has her dentist appointment. She's getting 3 cavities filled. I am so nervous for her it's making me sick. That's my own dentist phobic crap, but still. I am sure they'll gas her up. I guess I won't know till it's done cuz I don't think I can be in there while it's happening or I may faint. I don't know...we'll see. I just have horrific thoughts going on in my head about my child getting her teeth drilled. I have serious dental phobic issues. I just hope it goes okay. I'm nervous. Don't ask me about me her appointment....I'll just blog about it. When I'm ready. Poor little girl who is going to get her teeth drilled. THEN we have to bring zero to his first vet appointment. I am sure I can handle that appointment.

Oh, Madison's last day of ice skating was last week so we don't have to go tomorrow morning. When I told her that she was really happy. We'll see years down the road if she wants to take lessons again then we'll let her. I am hoping she will. But she's got the basics down and we will take her to the rink this winter to practice more. Brrrrr, maybe we'll just do indoor iceskating. I can't handle thinking about being outside in the cold. Then she has dance tomorrow night. She still likes that.

Well, I better get going and try to go to bed. Darn, I am not even tired.

Introducing...zero! Every little kid should have a puppy! Isn't he cute? Kinda so ugly that he's cute. Yes, his name is zero, because that's what Steve wanted to pay for him. Funny, huh? He's soooo cute and he's so far a really good puppy. We have even managed to get him to go outside and go poopies. Now only if we can get our kid to do that! He slept all night but jeepers, we were up at 5:30 am. Maybe this is the best thing in the world for me. We made a deal, if I get up with him during the week, Steve will get up with him on the weekends. That works for me. Today we were actually both up. I am already showered and ready to go for today. Not sure what I am doing today, but I am ready for it! Madison has daycare. She really likes her new puppy. They make a good match. We have never each had a little doggie like this so it's new for both of us. He doesn't bite either, which is nice. One of the other puppies we looked at was bitting everything in site. So far he's easy. Wonder if he'll stay like that. I am glad we got a dog. Guess I am ready for this!

Oh, the Vikes SUCK.

How do you like my new christmas header on my blog? Kinda pretty. I should spend some real time trying to make a really nice header but I just throw them together. Oh well..Maybe I'll do that later if I find the time.
Madison and I have been up since 6:30 or so. She's playing her little computer right now but I am going to go out there and see if she wants to play a game. Maybe I'll let her finish and then I'll ask.
Not much is going on today. Rather boring! Maybe we'll run to target or something.

Yea, we just got back our professional photos of us that church has us do for their directory. I think they turned out really good. Too bad that Tyler isn't in these pictures. I wonder if we'll ever have a true family photo of us again with the 4 of us. The last time we did it was 2005 and that was really a hassle to get us all together in one spot! Anyways, these are them. I like them, just really wish ty was in it with us. We ordered a 5x7 for you guys Nana and Papa and then a 8x10 for you grandma grace since those are the sizes you guys always want. We didn't order the 8x10 of Madison and I don't know why. So mom, you have to put all of us on your wall instead of just Madison..sorry about that. We were so rushed when we were ordering these pictures. I guess we could of done more but the bill was pretty expensive and I don't even know why I ordered the ones we did in the first place! lol. All of a sudden I walked away from the ordering table wondering what I just did. Anways, sorry if it's not what people want, but that's what you're getting! They would of made really good christmas photos if ty was in it.

Just got back from the gym. Did I tell you that I joined a new gym? It's called Snap Fitness. They are open 24/7. I think I did mention that. Anyways, I did 45 mintues of cardio and then weights (on my legs) for today. That was a really good workout considering I am just getting back into it. Minus the exception of a few nice warm day walks, I haven't worked out since Vegas which was in the beginning of September. I was working out alot then (not that you'd even begin to notice) so maybe my body is "remembering" my workouts and it's not so hard. It's harder to GO than anything. I really don't like the beginning of starting a new workout program because it's sooo fricken hard to just want to go. In a few weeks I'll be fine and will look forward to it, but not right now. Hopefully this will jumpstart some weightloss. As you can tell, I haven't lost anything more following weight watchers. Do you suppose I have to acutally follow it for it to work? Well, I feel like 90% of the time I do but it's just not working out for me as it has ALWAYS done in the past (dang it. big time). I guess I just have to try a little harder. I am incorporating weights into my workouts this time and am going to see if that helps out. I really am not working out for weightloss but rather fitness. I am really afraid of getting older and thinking if I fell I could hurt myself. That's BAD. I just want Madison to grow up knowing you need to work out to keep your body healthy. She's seen us do this on and off our whole lives but it's time she sees it's a lifestyle and not something you do sometimes. She plays "exercise" sometimes so at least she knows it's something anyways.
Do you know last night we were all in bed by 8pm? That is SO bad. We were all tired. Madison has been falling asleep really early lately. Not sure if it's because she's waking up sooo early. It's like, what happened first? The chicken or the egg? Maybe with it being dark out so early has something to do with it. Maybe that has something to do with all of us going to bed at 8pm. I got enough hours of sleep last night. Do you know if I let my body naturally wake up, I average about 12 hrs of sleep? It's always been like that which is why waking up has always been a problem for me. The world doesn't revolve around people who sleep 12 hrs a day. I guess I do better on a tiny amount of sleep than too much sleep anyways. The problem is it catches up to me and then I sleep forever. My sleep has been bothering me lately, although this week I have been falling alseep with is rare these days.
Did I tell you that I am whitening my teeth? There are 3 sets of whitner and I have done the 1st set. I had better get going and finish the other 2 set which is 9 nights. I am suppose to do this all in a row but for the last 5 days I have forgotten to do it. My teeth only look a tad whiter. I suppose if I do it the recommended way it would turn out like I want them to look.
Is it ever going to get sunny out? What drab, dark, dreary weather we are having. Makes you want to sleep...hey perhaps that's why we went to bed at 8pm last night. I wish it would get sunnier because then my mood improves just a tad.
Yesterday I took Madison to the Eden Prairie center. We talked about when we leave Mommy doesn't want any sassies or crabbies...because it's ALWAYS a fight. She did okay. Not great. You can tell she was really trying but in the end she just couldn't hold out. She did a bit of the fussing where I HAD to carry her out. Believe me, it's been worse in the past, and wasn't too bad, but enough where I wasn't excatly happy with her. But not bad enough where she would get a time out. Maybe she needed a time out. She's been having alot of those lately. God, on Sundays we have been going to church and we drop her off in the children's play part (where someone is watching her) and when we leave she throws a huge fit. We threaten her that she can't go to church anymore. Not sure what to do about this becuase that's not actually a good threat to do. Plus we intend to go to church (we are church going folks afterall) so that doesn't help out. Not sure if this is a 3 yr old behavior from time to time or if this is something that we are doing wrong as parents. I dread taking her sometimes in case if she does that behavior when we leave. Is this just a stage she's going through? I hope so. I don't recall it being such a fight in the past. Hopefully it's just a stage. Maybe I just can't take her anywhere for the next....what? 20 years? lol. Oh, who knows...
Anyways, I had better get going and do some laundry or something. I am making stirfry tonight. I am feeling domesticated right now so I had better use that energy before it disappears on me and I don't want to do anything.

Madison said the cutest thing over the weekend. We were looking at a toy catalog and there was some minnie mouse toys and we talked about Disney World and she said she wanted to go there and I said, "honey, it's too expensive for us to go there" and she said "But I have my piggypank we can use". Oh, it brought tears to my eyes. I actually laughed and she started crying because I hurt her feelings. It was so cute and so innocent. hee hee.
Oh fun, I just received another one of my photobooks in the mail. Fun stuff I am telling you. I finally broke down and started scrapping 2005. Remember I didn't want to scrap that year because I am so sick of looking at those photos. But I decided to go ahead and do it because one day Ty and Maddie will have these books that I'm creating.
Not much is going on. Madison is at daycare today. She was cute this morning. She wanted me to bring my camera to daycare to take pictures of her with her buddies but I forgot it. She cried. I don't know why sometimes she wants me to take photos and other times she can't stand it.
I am trying to think what we did over the weekend...I can't remember. Oh, we went to the mall of america and went on some rides. I think that was about it. Must not of been anything too exciting because I can't remember what else we did.

Wanna see Steve in a webcast with channel 5? He got interviewed today...go to: http://www.kstp.com/ and you'll see the "movie" screen. In the upper left hand side are hunting clothes...click on that one and watch. hee hee. He called me up after he did the interview and said that he had a mint in his mouth that he was playing with while giving the interview. What a dork. You can't see that online though. He's kinda famous!

Oh, they installed our new window today. So new looking. It looks really good. I can't believe that we actually did a major thing around the house. Kinda cool. They still have to do the inside trim. It looks really nice and clean and neat. Plus, let's get serious - when was the last time I cleaned my windows, eh? Now I don't need to! yeah for me!