Keep on Truckin'

It appears that I've turned into one of those once a week (if that) bloggers. It's not as though I have a huge "following" of readers but I still feel bad for friends and family wondering if I'm ever going to post again! Sorry! Things are still rather busy and so I'll just post what I can, WHEN I can!

We've had several birthday parties, church meetings, volunteer meetings, volunteer commitments, prep for Robert's class starting this week, school stuff, work stuff, Ebay here and there, household chores, babysitting here and there, Sunday school meetings and SO much more I'm probably mentally blocking for sake of my sanity. All this while hobbling around on my immobilizer boot. Well...to be honest- it's an off and on (literally) kind of deal. After a week of hobbling around on my supposed sprained foot...I finally broke down after some SERIOUS peer pressure from co-workers and friends and spent Saturday last weekend in Urgent Care. My foot hadn't improved, the bruising had actually kept darkening a blackish/purplish color in just one area and it just plain out hurt! So they X-ray'd it and said I might have a hairline fracture underneath my pinky toe but I most definitely tore some tendons around the ankle. (IDIOT!!! ala Napoleon D.). So they put me in this totally HOT lookin' (SOOOO not)black velcro boot (you know. you've seen people gimpin' around on those bad boys before. tell me you're not jealous!). Nope. No slinky, knee high leather boots for Fall. No trendy slouchy pirate style boots for Fall. Just *a* boot. I'm just NOT feelin' it....are you with me?! The thing that sucks is that after lugging my leg around with this ugly monstrousity strapped on it- I feel like my hips are going to be dislocated and my LEFT foot hurts from compensating for the other! Talk about frustrating! And the doctor says I am supposed to wear this thing for 2 straight weeks and then go from there. He said I may have to wear it much longer than that. Pphsshaaawwww. Me thinks NOT. I've been alternating days wearing it to give the left foot a break. And yeah, this puts a SERIOUS damper on any kind of cardio exercise efforts. Pay me 20 bucks and I'll show you the most hilarious speed walker you've ever seen! Nah...I haven't tried it. yet. (HUGE sigh). VERY frustrating.

OK! I'm DONE griping! But there's the 411 on what's goin' DOWN ya'll.

This weekend we've run errands, picked out some new clothes and shoes (MUCH needed) for the hubster, done a ton of laundry, household chores, had a couple meetings for church stuff, have babysit for friends and then church tomorrow. We could really use a NO COMMITMENT weekend around here. Really,really,really. I'm feeling a little burnt out- but I think it's mostly because of my stupid foot dragging me down (again, literally).

One HAPPY thing that I'm kinda excited about...we were asked to help with the College age kids in our church. We'll be working with a couple we're already VERY good friends with and I just think it will be a great opportunity for us and this age group within our church. Very thankful and looking forward to it!

Just feeling very happy about what we're doing with our lives lately. I know I just griped about how busy we are- but most everything we're doing is fruitful in some way. For our children, for our community, for our church... it's a GOOD tired/burnt out feeling. Granted, I would love some down time here and there- but I'm just truly blessed and content in where I'm at right now. Also very thankful that my hubster feels the same way, or it would be very stressful right now.

We're good. The kidlets are good. Life is good.

~S

SERIOUSLY.

It's finally here.
The evening to be savored.
How giddy can one be about a silly tv show?!
Seriously?!?!

It's time to live it up...
The kidlets will be nestled in their beds...
the jammies will be donned, a hot cup of tea and something terribley unhealthy (undecided as of yet!)will be joyously consumed as I enjoy the warmth of a quilt and the laughter and pitter pats of my heart that this show brings....
SERIOUSLY CANNOT WAIT.
Off to make the necessary preparations because this
is SERIOUS business.
Ok.Ok...I know- enough already.

Gimpy's Adventures

WHo's Gimpy?! Well that's ME, of course!
You see, as if Thursday's chain of events weren't enough...
On Friday my sister came down from Portland with her two boys to visit. The kids and I couldn't WAIT for them to get here! The morning drug by so slowly.... but they got here, we sat down and visited and cooed over baby J. He's SO cute!! Very much his own little being. I'm really curious to see who he most favors because right now I'm not seeing Kate OR Chris there! lol. ANYwho... I was curled up on the couch for quite some time, next to Kate and baby J, and Pepper (our Pug) decided to try and grab some sort of baby item on the floor- so I jumped up to shoo him away and didn't realize my foot was completely asleep. So as I put all my weight on my foot I heard loud cracking/popping and I fell on the floor! Nice!! It hurt like crazy but it didn't really swell and I could put some weight on it- so I figured it wasn't broken anywhere. But as the day wore on it became more and more painful. That night, I went out with my girlfriend Jocelyn, and before we left for our evening out- we went out and picked up some Chinese food and soda for the boys and kids. Everytime I had to get in/out of the car or walk around I limped more, and More and MORE! I felt SO stupid!!! lol.

It's still hurting but not quite as much as last night. I didn't sleep well though--so tonite we're picking up some Tylenol PM to help me out a bit. Tomorrow's Sunday School time should be an adventure~ eek! A group of 4-5yr olds and ME with a gimpy foot. It's got a slight bruise across the top of my foot, but again- not really any swelling- just a teensy bit of puffiness. Just basically a painful annoyance!!

SO! Last night- I did have a nice evening! It was nice to spend time with Joc and just TALK and eat good food and talk some MORE. Then we went to a late show of THE BLACK DAHLIA. I didn't know what to expect really-- I knew what it was about but still...it just looked different. And it was. Joc said it well-- she said it was very DICK TRACY. Very true- as far as the acting- it WAS. Kinda campy, melodramatic. But overall- I hated it. I don't typically mind graphic reinactments ( I watch ALOT of forensic style shows- reality style and CSI,etc.) but this just really bothered me. Very graphic. And just many sexual scenes that weren't necessary- but of course, they played ALL that up as much as possible. I was annoyed that I didn't know more about that before paying full price- lining the pockets of the people who made this picture. It just REALLY bothered me. So- if you don't particularly enjoy graphic scenes of violence, murder or extensive lesbian scenes- then just pass it on by, 'k?? Ick. 'nuff said. Gimpy gives it TWO thumbs down!!

Today- we went to pick up my car. It's fixed!!! YAY! Apparently it was a bad fuel pump. Robert spent all day Friday traipsing all over looking for a replacement, which he ended up having to take out of a junkyard car and then got it into mine. My hubster rocks!!!! It's SUCH a relief to know I can drive to work on Monday. WHEW!

Right now he's down at the church prepping materials for the Evolution vs. Creation classes he's going to be teaching this Fall. I'm excited for him- this is something he's so passionate about. And he's just absorbed all this amazing information to pass on to others in our church- to educate and inform us biblically. Scientifically. Logically. It's going to be REALLY cool.

And me?! The Gimp-meister is pecking away at the computer and soon to limp into the kitchen and pour herself a cup o' joe (I made my OWN Pumpkin Spice coffee blend this morning by sprinkling some Pumpkin Pie Spice by McCormick into the coffee grounds before brewing. Then a teensy bit of Vanilla Creamer and YUM. Maybe not quite Starbucks but very good!).

AUF to the AUDI

ugh.
WHAT a day I've had today! No issues in the morning. In fact, it was nice. Robert took the kidlets to school this morning to give me a few extra minutes to get ready for work. Then we met up at Starbucks for a quick morning coffee date! We saw one of our pastors and HIS wife there too- had a little chat..it was nice! And, I just KNOW you're wondering what I ordered...Pumpkin Spice Latte of course! YUM! Then I get to work- stay busy- a nice pace... before I know it, it's time to head home! So I leave, enjoying the smell of rain in the air-- get onto the freeway and it began to POUR rain, and about halfway home, my car just COMPLETELY loses power. Nothing. Nada. Nyit. Zippo. Zilch. Everything stiffened up (power steering,brakes,etc.) and I coasted to the shoulder. Turned it off all the way and tried to restart it and NOTHING. I had *10* minutes to get to the school to pick the kids up. And not only MY kids, but the two I babysit in the afternoon. NICE.
Thank goodness I had my cell! Radio'd Robert and he headed out to get me and check things out. Then called the school and explained the situation- they were totally kind and sweet! Robert had quickly phoned a buddy and the buddy arranged for a tow truck to take my car to "buddy"'s business to have his onsite mechanic take a looksee. THANK HEAVENS for good friends!!!! Robert got there quickly and was only there a few minutes before the tow truck showed. I took Robert's car and picked the kids up at school with profuse thank you's and explanations to friends wondering what was going on. lol. Headed home and proceeded to have to steam clean Josie's room since Pepper decided to go poop ALL OVER and STEP IN IT and SPREAD IT EVERYWHERE. Threw away a few Barbie clothes that were hit, threw apologies Josie's way for that and hopped to the task at hand. GROSS. But very satisfying to have a nice clean carpet in there when I was done! Decided to go ahead and do the hallway too.

Robert called with periodic updates from the shop-- it might be the fuel pump. Maybe. Could be relay somethingerother...yes. I *am* car saavvy. notsomuch. lol. They ordered a part that won't get here until Wednesday but Robert is running all over on Friday trying to find a part locally so we can get the whole situation dealt with NOW vs. waiting. Bless his heart... so I MAY have to do some coordinating with Robert for school, work,etc. for next week. Or maybe not. We'll see. BLEH. SO annoying and my stomach is just in knots over the whole thing. Stresses me out a bit. I know it'll get sorted out but it just zaps you, you know?!

MOVING ON...
Project Runway last night...WOWZA!!!
First, Laura is SOOOO hormonal! I almost feel sorry for her! lol
Bringing Vincent and Angela back was just PAINFUL. It was beyond apparent that everyone was NOT happy about that. BUT, they got quickly AUF'd at the end with good ol' boy Kayne. Poor Kayne...king of whitetrash couture...lol. He really IS already in his element with his evening dresses and pageant gown business. He does tacky REALLY,REALLY well. Oooh, and howzabout the guest designer Zac Posen?!!? Love him! Their cocktail gowns were ok... of course Michael ROCKED it. Not like Jeffrey's "rock'd" though. Jeffrey needs to get past the rock and roll and show his talent in other areas of fashion. He's shown that he's got the punk rock thing goin' on...we already know that. Show me more!! Laura's= big yawn. I thought it was designed well but boring. MUCH better than her mime costume last week though. oy. Uli=same ol',same ol'...She also needs to show some diversity in style beyond Miami. Did you hear Michael's imitation of her?!? HILARIOUS!
Vincent and Angela's...must I even COMMENT?! Disasters. Laughable.

All in all- I think Michael has got this in the bag. Unless he totally chokes...which previews of next week hint at! Eek! I don't want Jeffrey to get it simply because his attitude STINKS. He's talented but full of himself. Ok,ok...you poor non-PR people reading this...lol.

Keeping SUPER busy!! Tonite is the first night I'm home with nothing scheduled! WHEEEE! Maybe I'll get some scrappin' done! Here's to hopin'....

Other things going on in the Freeman household right now...
Volunteering at the new church- working to get it ready for our first Sunday THIS coming Sunday!!! SO exciting! Working on the decorating committee for the upcoming Pregnancy Alternative Center Fundraiser dinner. Teaching Sunday school. Ebay. Getting Swimming Lessons set up for the kidlets. Laundry. Dishes. Laundry. Dishes. Robert is prepping/studying for his upcoming class he's teaching at church. Babysitting after school. Doctor appointments. Cleaning up flower beds to prep for Fall. And so on and so forth. Busy,busy and enjoying MOST every minute! lol.

Memory... is the diary that we all carry about with us.
— Oscar Wilde

I Want a New LUNCHBOX!!!

So, school has started... you're packing the kidlets their lunch and already you're thinking "PB&J..AGAIN." But hey- it's fast, cheap and they LOVE eating them EVERYday... I can hardly stomach slathering them all up everyday, let alone EATING them but ANYwho...

I started thinking of FUN. YUMMY. EASY. What sorts of foods can be packed in a lunchbox that AREN'T the same everyday that have these qualities??? I found my answer while in the middle of a VERY late night jaunt through FLICKR. I swear, that place just sucks me in for hours!! And you can find pictures of ANYTHING. So I was looking around, admiring amazing moments captured and decided to do a search for lunchbox foods and LOOK what I found http://www.flickr.com/groups/laptop_lunches/pool/

You will begin to salivate almost IMMEDIATELY. And if you don't...well, I just don't know what's wrong with you! How could you be an aquaintance of MINE and not love it?! It's ok if you want to lick your screen when you get to the linked site...I will not judge. It'll be our little secret!

Now I have GREAT ideas for my kidlets *AND* I'm just thinking a nifty laptop lunchbox is just what { I } need as my new work accessory! Nifty, yes?!

Catch Up

Sorry it's been a while....AGAIN. STill trying to get everything balanced and it's definitely NOT an overnight accomplishment! Things are good though! Keeping VERY busy- but enjoying most all aspects. Work is..work! Training, learning, enjoying a new field and challenge. DEFINITELY enjoying the additional paycheck! A great blessing to us!

The kidlets started school on Tuesday. It's always a bittersweet time for me. I love the excitement, the thrill of buying new supplies and school clothes, new teachers, new rooms, seeing them learn and just soak up information like little sponges...BUT I miss hanging out with my kids. Summer activities were pretty slim this year with all the health hub-bub in our family, but we still had fun. Just hanging- being together. Garage sales (OF COURSE!), thrifting, playing in the yard, riding bikes, taking walks to get the mail, lego fortresses, BBQ's in the backyard. Good times.

SO! Matthew is a BIG TIME 1st grader now! Can't believe it... I don't FEEL old enough to have a 1st grader..?!? ANYwho...he's totally diggin' it. Loves his teacher, loves being in the same class as his buddies and cousin. I hope this year brings him out of his shell a little more. At home he's a CRAZY dude- but at school he's very quiet and gets embarassed with a lot of attention. I just want the little man to be comfortable in his own skin and enjoy school and not feel so self-conscious and shy. Josie is the exact OPPOSITE. She's just OUT THERE- "here I am, take it or leave it". lol. The drama queen, the one who wants to be in charge, the cheerleader,etc. THAT is Josie. lol.













I have a couple more pics and hopefully the four I posted will show up-- BLOGGER is acting finicky and odd....arrggg. My kids are completely camera shy lately- so no SUPER pics but the moment was captured nonetheless!


As for scrappin... I did a bit last week! Felt SO good! Tomorrow night I get to scrap some MORE with a girlfriend! Cannot WAIT! She'll bring her hubby and kiddos over and we're going to eat some savory rib-eyes and the works, let the kids run amuk and the guys can do whatever! WE are scrappin'!! Can you tell I'm excited?! Here's a few of my latest pages...



Again...I have a couple more but BLOGGER is being WEIRD!!!! No matter how many times I try it won't let me upload anymore photos after a certain point. VERY frustrating! Don't they realize I'm trying to cover alot of ground being the blog-slacker I am?!?! Sheesh!

Ok--moving on. How'd my PR groupies like last nights show??? I was SO tired last night but I was determined not to miss it! It was a so-so episode. Not too exciting. HOWEVER, Mr. LooneyToonGoon Vincent had to say BUH-BYE last night!! If a designer talks about every design as one that "get's me(him) off" then he just needs to hit the road. BLECH. He just gave me the heebyjeebies! I loved Jeffrey's (punk guy's name,right?! I can NEVER remember his name!!) dress..very innovative compared to the others. Michael- good intentions but if he would've tucked those crazy wing things on the chest down like they suggested during judging it would've been MUCH better. Still- great effort but the result was a bomb. Uli's dress was just another Uli dress...I'm getting a little bored with it even though she's talented and they're nice dresses. Can't wait for next week! My tv wigged out right at the end where they preview the next weeks challenge a bit- so I missed that. From what I hear it includes Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen. Not sure what to think about that. AND there was a preview for season two of TOP CHEF! Can't wait for that!! I loved the first season- much more than I thought I would!

Sunday School starts fresh next week. I'm looking forward to it! I got put in charge of the 4-5 year old class, so I'm looking for teachers to cover lessons and stuff, alternating with me so I don't get burnt out doing it myself ALL year. It's a new format and we're incorporating a kids only worship time, etc. so it'll be really fun and exciting for the kids.

Creatively my mind has been working but I just haven't had the time to do anything. That's one reason I'm looking forward to tomorrow night..need to "vent" some creativity!!! I got a FANTASTIC idea for a journal- now I just need to see about making it HAPPEN. VERY excited about it though. I'll keep you posted on my progress.

I think I've rambled long enough. I'll try and update a little more regularly. Things are coming together and looking up!!!

~S

"If you let your Imagination go...Does it Return?"
(saw this in a recent Kenneth Cole ad...thought it was fun!)