Sharpay For The Day

I am not one to be knowledgable about fashion, especially when it comes to clothing.  I tend to stick with the simple jeans and most of the time a TJMaxx or Ross style shirt.  A few weeks ago a friend of mine was in charge of a class for the teen elect program.  She thought I would be the "perfect" Sharpay Evans (from High School Musical). The only thing I had to do was wear the leather red pants (yes you read that correctly) and add a few bling and play the part.  I have to admit I was pretty nervous going into a class of 12-14 year olds I didn't even know.  But, I think I pulled it off quite well.  I smacked my gum, texted, filed my nails and even managed to take a few camera shots of myself during class just to be obnoxious.  All of which were to teach the kids that this was a totally inappropriate way of acting.  It was a little over the top, but it sure was fun!

Five For Friday

1) Never did I realize that volunteering to make a dessert (that I have never made) would go so wrong. I spent an entire afternoon "whipping" something that NEVER seemed to set. Tired, SWEATY and now grumpy my kids new how to top things off by spilling a bowl of their after school snack. GRRRRRRR..........

2) Feeling edgy and unlucky, I decided to try my luck by placing on my green lucky charm bracelet given to me by Heather on my birthday.

3) And because I have to match for the most part head to toe, I couldn't resist brushing the dust off of my green shoes that sadly never get worn.

4) Finishing off the outfit with a green shirt completed the bracelet and shoes.

5). Feeling excited that I was able to pull myself together after such a terrible afternoon, it was then when I noticed the pen markings on one of my favorite pairs of jeans. I remembered that I allowed Taylor to borrow my jeans a while back and this was how they were returned. A peace sign and a happy face. What's up with that? Did I change? Nope, I thought it added character not to mention the icing for how my afternoon had gone. Such is life.

Red, White, and Brew

Clouse's, Sharp's, Hunter's, and Gustafson's

Last, but not least I made it in one piece to celebrate Julie's Birthday dinner with friends!
Happy Birthday Julie Dear!

Vacuum Murderer

Our newest appliance

Moving into a new home allows you the gratification of having clean carpets, new appliances, freshly painted walls, never been used toilets (a big perk in my book) and of course that "new" home smell. Another added bonus is the one year warranty the builder gives you when something breaks. I have taken advantage of this perk on several occasions, in fact my list continues to grow since my warranty is up in just a few short months. **sigh** Like homes, other products normally have an attached warranty and if it doesn't we have the option to purchase insurance. Having said all of this, I would consider our family to take pretty good care of things. I have tried to train my children to respect things for the most part and we even have a no shoe policy (what proved to save our carpet in our old house). But, yes there is a huge bb.....uu.....u......tt for some odd reason I can't seem to keep a vacuum for longer than a period of 12 months. I have owned 3 DIFFERENT vacuums for various reasons in the past 3 years. THREE!! Pathetic. I am not sure if it's because I just buy the cheapest one, a bad brand, allowing my kids to use it, or I just don't know how to use one properly. Call me the vacuum murderer gal!

Vacuum #2

Just last week as I was vacuuming I noticed that there was a silver prong on the ground after I had pulled the plug out. Has anyone ever had the silver part of their plug break off?? I attempted to shove it back in, of course this was not only dangerous, but left me worried that I was going to get shocked. Not to mention it could become stuck inside of the socket. Luckily, all of my purchases have been at my trustworthy Costco. (love that place!) The return policy there is AWESOME. They take back everything. Today I decided I would need to return my broken vacuum.

A glimpse of the one I put to rest today.

With my tail between my legs, I approached the counter. The nice lady just simply asked if I wanted credit or cash. That was it! I walked out happy with a new vacuum. I am certain this too won't last as long as it should. That sounds pessimistic, but just look at the track record!! Perhaps, I am just a little to harsh on vacuums. Seriously, if this one goes out I am forking out the cash for a DYSON! You would think by now I would, but I am still too cheap. Until then I am thrilled to report I have beautiful lines on the carpet again. A girl needs her therapy right??

Tickets, Papers, Stubs

The famous slides

As I was rummaging through old Christmas cards the other day....(which I often do for ideas) I stumbled across some tickets stubs that immediately through me down memory lane. I couldn't believe how many things I had kept from my youth. I am glad I have them now, because often there is a story or memory that goes along with it. I remember in about 4th grade or so when it was HUGE to be able to go to Golf land water park. At that time they only had the blue tube slides with the while bonzi ones adjacent to them. You had to pay per time and had a wristband that they would punch. I was lucky if I had the "20 slide" wristband. Because that meant a lot of punches! (sadly I couldn't locate the plastic wear on this one) Anyways, instead of taking it off like I would now--anything of that sort is a nuisance I would keep it on almost as a "tell all" at school. If you had the wrist band on, oh you were so cool! Plus another bonus was this is where they filmed Bill and Ted's Big Adventure.

Another thing I remember is going snow skiing. You know the ski lift passes you place on the zipper of your jacket? You can bet those bad boys weren't coming off for the entire season or better yet a few years. Oh, to be able to wear that jacket to school and show everyone where you went skiing. It's so funny to think back on it, but those were the days. I thought I would share and document some of the stubs I found in my box....


I was lucky enough to go to the Music Awards three years in a row, not because I was a music junky, but my uncle works for ABC. Each year they were given an extra ticket and he asked me to go. I remember having so much fun and sitting so close to people like LL Cool J, Bon Jovi, and Flavor Flave. In fact the year I went was when New Kids on the Block were big as well as Milli Vinelli. "Girl you know it's True..."

Both of these concert stubs were from dates, one of which I purchased tickets for my boyfriend's (Ronnie W.) birthday! I can't believe I was so nice, not only to buy them but sit through Van Halen. Not my favorite. I was asked to go to the INXS concert by Scott B. I remember being so excited because not only was he a cute boy, but drove a Mercedes to school. Jenny, you know who I am talking about :)

My First Driving Permit

Can you believe I saved my first permit? I'll tell you why this piece of paper was like gold to me..not only could I drive with the supervision of an adult. I passed! I failed my first test and was mortified. Yes, I FAILED. How embarrassing. My mom was equally as displeased, and she sure did let me know it!

I am in the Yale sweatshirt
(click to enlarge)

The last thing I pulled out made me laugh. I actually saved my high school newspaper. Apparently, to get yourself into print was a pretty hot commodity. I remember being so stoked that I was on the front page (granted I had no idea they were taking the photo) but I made front headlines people just strolling to my locker!

**Do you save things like this as well?**

good deed: made yummy soup for dinner.

Thoughtless Thursday

good deed: brought dinner to some sick friends.

Tagged Again

1). What I was doing 10 years ago: I was a new mother to a 6 week old baby and we met up with Jon and Tara in San Francisco for their old room mate Steve's wedding reception.

2). What I was doing 5 years ago: We just moved to San Antonio for Doug to start his residency. We also went to Port Aransas beach with the Gordons, Larsen's and Linds. Good times!

3). What I was doing 1 year ago: Doug was a few months into his chief year and we were scoping out areas to live in Arizona.

4). What I did yesterday: Went to church, hung out as a family and tried to get our dog to walk on a leash....definitely more difficult than I imagined!

5) 5 snacks I enjoy: Club sticks, Sun chips, turkey on wheat thins, corn bread muffins, and pound cake.

6). 5 things I would do if I suddenly had $100 million dollars: Pay off ALL debt, actually carry cash in my wallet, set aside retirement and college funds for my kids, give our family some, and donate to charity.

7). 5 bad habits: Yelling at my children, being overly obsessed with cleaning my house, leaving the water run while I brush my teeth, getting involved in more things I can handle, and not making enough time for myself.

8). 5 things I like doing: Blogging, looking at decorated homes, scrap booking--if I make the time for it, exercising, and organizing things.

9). 5 T.V. shows that I watch: The Office, Heroes, So You Think You Can Dance, Traveler, and Lost. Are they starting yet? Jeesh! I am anxiously awaiting all!

10). 5 things I hate: Organizations not being organized, any seafood, dirty long nails on little kids, folding a white load of laundry, asking my kids to do something over and over again.

11). 5 biggest joys at the moment: Weston is asleep, Doug will be home tonight, I know what I am making for dinner, we have no extra activities tonight, and my grass is starting to grow slower which means fall is coming!

I am tagging:
Bridget
Andrea
Heidi
Allison
Jenna

good deed: watched Maryn while Angie went to an appointment.

Vain?

I knew I was coming out to AZ in July, so I asked my mom if she would schedule me for a facial in honor of my birthday. Luckily the lady who does them in her office got me in (she is normally pretty booked). Anyways, I had never gotten one before and really wanted to go in to get information on some proper skin care products. I think I have hit the age when most people do (in their 30's) and decide I better start taking better care of my skin. I know some people don't care for facials. I on the other hand LOVED it. (I am one who hates full body massages) However, if someone offers to rub my, feet, face or hands.....that's a different story. The conclusion on my facial was definitely two thumbs up and fabulous. It's probably the best gift and treat I have gotten in a while. Thanks Mom!!! As you can see I was loaded up with some products. I have to have a cheat sheet to use them. (since I am so clueless) But if I have the same results as my mom has (she has great skin) I am totally motivated to use them ritually. So on top of my facial, I am feeling a bit vain. I have had the priveledge of getting my toes done and my SIL waxed my underarms tonight. (I don't know how you girls handle bikini---ouch!) I am feeling like a pampered beauty queen.

Jared, Taylor and Weston in Aunt Janet's pool

After my serenity morning, I ran back and picked up the kids and Doug and headed over to my sisters for the day. Normally, she is working so it was fun to hang out for the afternoon. The kids were also enjoying their new pool. Taylor begged to stay the night, so we let her--hopefully she'll be on her best behavior! Well, I am off to dreamland I am pretty tired. Getting up early, the sun, and playing will do that to you. :)

**Does anyone use nightly products like these?**

good deed: made the kids french toast.

Three's on Monday

Laurie and Becca did this over the weekend and I thought this was a fun little thing to do. Here are some things about me in three's.

1). Three things I love:
-Getting a pedicure
-Going out with Doug
-Getting hugs & kisses from my kids

2). Three things I miss:
-My family
-My friends
-Different restaurants from New Orleans

3). Three people who make me laugh:
-Doug
-My dad
-Luke

4). Three things that scare me:
-My love ones dying
-Needles
-Getting sued

5). Three things on my desk:
-Photo of me and my sister
-Printer
-Pencil sharpener

6). Three things I want to do in life:
-Travel to foreign countries
-Get a time share on a houseboat at Lake Powell
-Go on a yearly family vacation

7). Three things that I can do:
-French braid
-Cook
-Quilt

8). Three things I can't do:
-Crochet
-Speak any foreign language
-Any type of math beyond addition and subtraction.

9).Three things I would like to learn:
-Play piano
-Snow board
-How to cut hair

10). Three things I regret:
-Using charge cards
-Using the phrase "I will never....."
-Not having a savings

11). Three of my favorite foods:
-Ribs
-Chicken burrito from Chuy's
-Pork salad from Cafe Rio

12). Three of my favorite shows as a kid:
-The Muppet Show
-Fact's of Life
-Who's The Boss

13). Three people I tag: I challenge anyone to do it. It was a lot of fun and took only a few minutes.


good deed: went visiting teaching