Love, Laughs, Tickles, Teases. Frogs & Jelly Beans

Tuesday, May 30, 2006

Oh I'm Just Fine...

Oh I'm Just Fine
Perfectly Fine
Really I'm Fine
Just Fine

I really hate saying that over and over. Nobody wants to really know what's really going on. Except for my sisters...LOVE you guys!! Would go absolutely nuts without you.

Feel a bit guity today that I didn't go to decorate even one grave yesterday. I didn't even take orders for flowers from anyone even though I had a few ask and could have used the money. I didn't even hang up the flag, though I guess the wooden one by the door looks pretty patriotic. I was feeling ill...for no reason I can pinpoint at all. I was fine most of the morning, then sicker than sick all afternoon. Fell asleep early and my Sweet Frog stayed in his chair til 2am when he could no longer stand the infomercials that came on so late. I hate this!! Chron's Disease, Celiac, Diabetes or what ever it is that's making me feel so lousy. Then instead of being a Princess, I neglect the Frog and don't even put him to bed til the next day!

I should have at least taken the Frog to see his Dad's grave. I think he's only been there twice since the headstone was placed. Maybe we'll stop by on the way home from the clinic on Thursday. I've only managed to accomplish two things I needed to today. No energy at all.

I really need to get back in the water again. I'm sure that would help some. If nothing else I'll have a bit of Me time.......... Move over Moby this little whale is going back in the water again starting tommorrow no matter how I feel!

Monday, May 29, 2006

Second Helping

My big Little Brother B is going to be a Guy Friend! I was telling him all about my adventures at MGFK on Saturday. They have a new location nearby his home so he is going to give it a whirl too! I hope he likes it. I worry about him alot, he doesn't like to cook much, so sometimes he doesn't eat very healthy. I'm hoping this will get us both out of the Fast Food rut we've fallen into. He opted for the pick up package which is a little bit more per serving. I guess he has no desire to be a Star and create everythiing himself like I did. LOL

I'll have to point out to him that he can just call ahead and change to a couple of full sized meals to take with him when he heads to Lake Powell on the houseboat this summer. The rest of the family won't know what hit them.... last year he paid S to make up Enchiladas for everyone B4 they went when it was his day to do dinner. What will happen when he shows up with something called Newfangled No-Fuss Chicken Cordon Bleu or home on the Range Beef Skewers?

All Set


Good news! my cousins S & L are moving back to the States from Guam the end of June. They will be here most of July visiting family, til they settle down in Austin, Texas before school starts. the Frog and I are really excited to see them and their four kids and how much they have grown in the 2 years they've been there.

L got her Master's and they moved there so she could teach deaf students at a school there from all over Micronesia. They have had some wonderfully rich experiences being there that they have shared in their e-mails. Learning how to snorkel, scuba dive and entertaining the LDS missionaries in their home.

Their Oldest Son J was even baptized in the Pacific Ocean last year with both sets of his Grandparents visiting to see him take such a big step. How many people get to say that? S had an important job in the Church hooking up the different branches on the islands around to the internet and satellite systems so the members could do Genealogy and hear Conference Broadcasts. They said they met more General Authorities of the Church living in Guam than they did their whole lives in Utah! S even got to help co-ordinate the Humanitarian efforts sent by Church Headquarters to aid the Tsunami victims.

The Frog and I thought they were crazy moving with 4 kids halfway round the world but their lives have been really blessed. And they have blessed us by sharing their experiences with us. We are so glad they will be around to visit with before thy start off on another adventure.

Saturday, May 27, 2006

Dinner's Ready


I finally got the Frog ready to face the day. Incredibly excited I then booked it out of the house to make my appointment to create fabulous new meals at My Girl Friend's Kitchen. Never have I had so much fun fixing stuff to eat.

Have I mentioned how much I HATE grocery shopping? It is one of my pet peeves that I go, only to turn round and go again and buy the same stuff over and over. Week after week. Bread, Milk, Eggs, Cheese, Rice cakes, Popcorn and Yogurt in a never ending round. Varied only by a bag of tossed salad, tomatoes and other assorted produce. Complicated now by the Celiac Sprue, Diabetes and endlessly reading the labels to see if this is going to make me sick as well.

And what is up with the Supermarkets? "Yes Mam'am I DO KNOW how to COUNT! This Store unfortunately however, does not!"
Four Self Serve registers open 2 are Express Lane 15 items or less.....3 cashier manned registers are open ALL are Express Lane Designated!!! Where are the lanes for all of us Mormons feeding the hungry hordes of children we are suppossedly popping out indiscrimanantly? Where is the register for those of us obeying the Prophet and stocking up on our two years supply of food in case the end comes tommorrow? Is it any wonder I hate shopping with a Purple Passion?


But today I was the Iron Chef in my own little little Kitchen Stadium! No Shopping! No dicing! Never were my hands or nails in any danger of breaking or getting cut off! Like a busy little Bee, I was buzzing about from station to station. Creating, having Fun! wearing an apron with my own name on it! Treated like the Princess I truly am My Girl Friend's were there with paper towels to wipe up all the messes I was making. All while my kitchen at home remained clean! So fun! So simple! Every step choreographed by experts so that I could be the Star. Then I came home with my 24 meals for $212.13 and filled my freezer. I had such a sense of accomplishment. I am now a gourmet cook I used fresh ginger! I'm am soo going back next month!

Dinner's Ready.....

Friday, May 26, 2006

Legacy Score!

I'm soo very tired. I was completely wiped out yesterday, somehow I mush have gotten something with wheat into me because I was terribly sick for most of the day and maxed out my Lomotil and ended up gulping down some Paregoric. Vile disgusting brew that that is. All I can figure is I must have licked my fingers after feeding the Frog Pizza. So you guessed it..... doubled over with stomach cramps most all day today and hic-cups which is a new symtom that has begun popping up at odd times in the last few weeks. Not nice lady-like ones either....loud obnoxious ones that won't go away. Can you crack a rib from hic-cups?

But the day got better. Once I felt like things were under control. I did manage to get to the bank and go pick up some of the flowers for next week. So many pretty colours it was hard to choose. Even better, I'll be using most of them for a wedding so I don't have to pay for them entirely by myself! I should have gotten back there earlier though, alot of the Pink ones were already sold. Still it's going to look fantabulous!

When I got home we got a wonderful visit from my Uncle Al and Aunt Nancy. They are here from Illinios and came a visiting with Aunt Carla. We talked and chatted for a couple of hours so that was fun. Uncle Al also brought with him a journal of Granny B's full of wonderful stuff in her own handwriting! Score!! A scrapper's treasure trove! It's sort of funny right next to her faded yellow entries, many of which are written in pencil, are neat clean crip pedigree charts my uncle has printed out on the computer and added to show the relationships of those in the photos.

I really need to scan it all in. There is Grandpa B's Patriarchal Blessing completly written out by hand. Some Basic Facts about their early married life and some posterity records. A Few pictures here and there. Apparently genealogy went by the wayside at some point, because Granny only wrote in the 3 oldest grandchildren. Since I'm the oldest my name was there.... Woo Hoo! something else I found out was that Grandpa was Blessed (christened) on my birthday in 1907.

It was so fun to look at! Some entries are dated in the 1930's. I love that scrapbooking lets me preserve the glimpse's into my life... a story in pictures. This blog let's me do the random thoughts that don't seem to come as easily when writing in my journals.



Tuesday, May 23, 2006

Missionay Pages

The doorbell just rang and there was the postman with a package for us! Inside were all the wonderful efforts of everyone involved in the SIU Missionary Page Kit Swap.
I've spent the last few minutes trying to calm the Frog down because he was so excited! He was like hurry and finish that laundry and get down to the Scraproom! He's been waiting for years to have me finish his Mission Scrapbook.
It's been hard because it's been so long he's forgotten things and he really can't see well enough to tell me who is in the good pics, let alone any of the bad ones so I've had to read his mission journals to get an idea of the who, what, where. These will allow me to just use the best of the best and finish things up for him. He's got a general category for all the important things like the MTC, companions, Homecoming, Hump Day and everything else. All I have to do is slap the pictures on.

The best part is that we just recieved word Saturday that one of his companions will be coming thru this summer and will be stopping to visit a bit and look for some job opportunities. So what S can't tell me perhaps his old comp can! Woo Hoo!

Monday, May 22, 2006

Contemplating

So we just got done with the CSI: Miami season finale. It was rather disappointing to think I hurried out and picked up prescriptions for the Frog & I B4 the pharmacy closed, breaking the speed limit to get hom in time to see it and then still missed the opening scenes, but they wrapped upa few things and I liked the ending where H tells Eric we're going to Brazill.
Still Desperate Housewives last night was so much better! Crazy lady with a kid to mess with Lynette's head. Freako weird guy bringing Bree flowers after escapeing from the Mental Hospital. Cute black guy turns out to be the real murderer who blamed his brother. Poor Susan sitting there waiting for Mike. Gabby kicking out Carlos, but practically holding the maid hostage.
Andy Griffith had life so much simpler. Can you tell I caught some of the Nick Marathon yesterday?.....I really need to get a life.

Sunday, May 21, 2006

Free At Last



Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, I'm free at last!
Can you tell the wedding is over?
I didn't quite make it in time for the wedding itself but I was early for the reception. So much food, something you don't see at to many Utah weddings. Didn't I do a good job on her flowers? Can you tell they are silk? The Frog stayed home, much too hot out for him, it hit the 90's, but he got a chocolate eclair that I brought home for him so he could feel the love. It was a pretty good day for him even with the heat.
Earlier in the afternoon I went to my friend J's new house for a Say It show (wall word transfers). She made Chocolate Chip cookies and Brownies with the mint icing and gave me a big plate when I left to take home to him. I had a fun time picking out a couple of quotes for the Studio, plus she found one already made up that was so ME! I had to get it. Don't you just love instant gratification?
In a Giggles hot pink font it reads " Sparkles, Dress up, Anything Pink, I want to grow to be a Princess, I think?" I also got one for over the door to the Studio that reads " No one gets in to see the Wizard, not no one, not no how... " L. Frank Baum, The Wizard of Oz
I still want to get one like Middle Sis's Christmas from Big Little Brother. It said " Well behaved women seldom make history" in the girls are weird font.
On the way home from the wedding I saw this little guy, practically in the back yard, he had a friend too, nice to know that the gun club and all the building going on isn't scaring them all away.

Saturday, May 20, 2006

Playing CatchUp

So to catch you up I've moved my posts from the first of the month til today from my other blog. This move should allow you to read, post comments and such without having to join and remember any passwords to see the blog itself.
Took a bit of a break there to get the Frog up and out of bed, Breakfast and such. The Gun Club is going full blast down the street today and echoing off the hill....poor, poor little Bambi's. but otherwise it's just a sunny windy day to attend another wedding. One last night and another today Yes for those of you wondering it's Bridezilla's.
On a Brighter note I plan on whipping in and out of my favourite new store on the way home from the wedding. Woo Hoo! have a $50 Gift Card there I haven't even used yet!

Done with Bridezilla May 18, 2006

I'm done with Bridezilla...all her flowers are out of my house. I got paid not nearly what it was worth, but still managed to clear a bit of the green for myself. So that's okay.
But now I have another Natalie wanting me to do her flowers!!! Do I take the Job or not? Little Sis says yes. The Frog says no! Since the two Brides are so totally different I'll probably do it though. Just for the self esteem it gives me to see I can create something beautiful.

Mother's Day Blues May 14, 2006

Mother's Day #27
Mother's Day is a day I really really hate....I don't usually get so depressed about it at least not for years....but today is going to be rough. I suppose it's because the Bishop asked me to get the flowers for all the moms in the ward so I spent last night filling water tubes and stripping roses for all my nieghbours who are mother's.
It's funny when I was little it never really ever occurred to me that I couldn't have all the children that I wanted, when I wanted them. I really looked forward to the day I could be the Mommy and do the "because I said so that's why" bit on my kids and the " this house had better be clean when I get home!" would really be a favourite right now. LOL
I tell myself it's because I was too greedy. I always wanted to have 12, the Frog thought 8 was pretty alright so we settled on ten B4 we ever even got married. We didn't want to wait so we never prevented things right from the first. With in months all our friends were epecting...just never ever us. Who knew? At least we had a medical reason for things. I can't imagine being like my cousin and knowing that there is nothing wrong with either of you other than the fact you just don't mix.
I really did try everything that was medically possible for us at the time. Even when we couldn't afford it, we always seemed to find the money to pay for just one more try with the drugs, tests and Dr's visits. The end of July it will be 19 years since my Hysterectomy and 15 since we decided not to adopt. How sick of an anniversary is that to keep track of?
I tell others that I'm glad now that I don't have kids...and that I'm not running them around being a "soccer mom". The sad truth is, all our friends who got married when we did either already have a couple or are expecting their grandchildren. Another sick depressing thought.
I wonder once in a while what will happen to me after the Frog is gone? I truly can't really imagine myself dating or marrying someone else only to go thru losing them eventually too. The only thing I could experience with some else is children, but they wouldn't be mine, not really and no matter how hard I tried I know it wouldn't be the same at all.

My friend L didn't even get married til she was 45 and she has the stepkids and their children, but she told me once since she's not Mom but Dad's wife. She really has to walk on eggshells around them sometimes. He was single for years B4 she was ever in the picture. She said it doesn't matter that he and the X never got along, all kids even grown up ones hold out the hope their parents will get together again.
I tell myself I'll travel about and that I'm the best Auntie V around but I'm really scared I'll end up being one of those cranky old blue rinse gals in the nursing home that no one visits ecept out of a sense of duty. Or worse like Uncle Hill living in a cluttered rat trap talking to my rabbits and chickens, eating cornflakes with ants in them.
Poor Poor Pitiful me........

Caller ID May 14, 2006

Five calls yesterday, two today. I'm so completely utterly fabulously glad we have caller ID! What a super great invention it is. Is it blasphemous to thank God for whomever he inspired to invent it? It is so wonderful that never again will I bitch about the phone bill, but will joyfully pay every month. It is such a little teeny price to pay for such an excellent service.
A big thanks also to whomever came up with the on/off ringer switch!! I'm pretty sure I'm in love with you!

Bridezillas May 10, 2006

One more week One more week One more week.....My Mantra
Then she will be off my hands and out of my hair!!!! I really can not deal with needy people in my outside life. Too much need at home, My Bride next week is truly a FRANKENBRIDE!
I should have said No when she placed her flower order a year in advance but No I was stupid and said Yes! Even worse her contract was signed B4 I raised my pricing so I'm not getting anything but headaches and phone calls everyday ending with "you do what you like... I trust you!" I'd feel so much better if she really meant it and quit calling about every little thing. I finally told there was no way I could do the set up for her since she can't afford me to do everything I've already done. I really should charge for hand holding and the hours on the damn phone with her. I've already figured out that I have at least 36 hours into it and about 8 more of actual labour on the flowers. Thank God they are silk it's such a big wedding. But I truly won't make a thing on it.
Little does she know though that I will get paid IN CASH B4 the flowers leave the house. The little Stink bounced a $50 check to me last fall for something else that took til after Christmas to settle up. She did pay cash for the Mother's day stuff she bought from me so that was good.
One more week One more week One more week.......

Little Hog Heaven May 5, 2006


I'm almost off to go to Little Hog Heaven....otherwise known as the Scrapbook USA Expo in Sandy. I plan on being there all day long. I signed up for some classes and I'm taking Chloe Azalea Remembear with me. She will most likely have to stay in the car for a while but I'm sure she won't mind.
The photo above is from the Expo last fall they say something like 12,000 women will be there throughout the 2 days. I'm just going for one.
The Frog on the other hand does mind...terribly. He feels so neglected... NOT!!! I've got someone bringing him lunch, the neighbour girl coming to give him dinner. The Pizza is ordered so she can bring her little sister and brother with her and I don't have to feed him Pizza all week...plus they are going to weed the flower beds all for $20.00 and a candy bar each.
I'm going to enjoy myself. I even have a little bit to spend from last weeks wedding. If it gets too crowded or something I can always go over to the Mayan and watch the cliff divers or over to the mall and spend my Lane Byrant Gift card. Who needs Prozac when you've got shopping to do..Right! Right!

Pokes, Prods & Other Icky Ouches May 2, 2006

Yesterday I stepped on an nail. It was actually quite little, but it went in about 3/4 of an inch. I was a total wuss, I'll admitt it...... I cried my little eyes out. It HURT! i washed it out with hydrogen Preoxide and it bubbled alot & stung but that was it. Unfortunately the longer in the day I went the more painful it got, so I went and got it looked at & Tetnaus shot. Can you say OUCH! It hurt worse than the nail! I know I've gotten one since we moved in but I also know it's been at least 7 years ago if not 8 or 9 so it was time.
Also yesterday at about the same time of day my little niece Emma fell trying to wave bye to Daddy and gashed open her leg and had to have 8 stitches! My Poor Sis had to load the whole Wild Bunch (DayCare kids) into the car and take them to the ER with her! Emma and I talked about our "Owies and Shots" together today.
The Frog had to get looked at again this morning and have a procedure done so needless to say I'm truly fed up with Dr's and hospitals. I totally drugged him up he was sooo tired when we got home at about 2:30. Welcome to my world....
On a high note this Friday I get my Me Day...I'm so excited... a whole day of scrapbooking and I even signed up for a couple of classes. Thinking that if I'm busy I won't spend...Yeah Right!! last time cost me almost $200.00. this time I have a plan I have all my credit cards locked up, all the bills get paid tommorrow and I have last weeks wedding check waiting to be cashed which is all profit since her deposit covered all my costs and just waiting to be spent. Woo Hoo!! Who needs Prozac when there's shopping to do?
Then 2 more weeks and Bridezilla will be outa my hair!!! I can concentrate on other more fun things! not sure yet what they are but they WILL BE FUN!!

The Survey Says May 1, 2006

This is just a little survey of me that someone on my scrapping group started so I copied and pasted my answers here as well.
And the Survey says
1. FIRST NAME: Vicky

2. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? yes my middle name is the same as my mother's after Great Great Grandma
3. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY? this morning ( I stepped on a nail)
4.WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCHMEAT? OM Honey Ham
5. KIDS ? Nope
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Of course I would! and after a few more years of shrinking I'm told I'll be my own best friend!!
7. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL? Yes, off and on since High School...
8. DO YOU USE SARCASM? Never, Ever Nope Not at All.....LOL
9. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes
10. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? I was ready to then my brother went B4 me
11. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Fruit Loops...milk on the side but I can't have them anymore
12. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES? only my witch boots, I can't get them off if I don't
13. DO YOU CONSIDER YOURSELF STRONG? No, people tell me that they think I am. It's not that I'm strong, I just never gave myself the option of running out on my own life
14. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR? Ben & Jerry's Karmel Sutra, Cherry Garcia or Fish Food are all a toss up
15. SHOE SIZE? 5 EEE
16. RED OR PINK? pink, Pink, PInk, PINk, PINK!!
17. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOU? my pig eyes.....long blonde lashes that have to have mascara on them to even be seen
18. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My Husband, My Lover, My Handy Man and the guy who could get his own Damn glass of water....venting a little bit
19. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? Yep
20. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? grey sweats, bare feet
21. LAST THING YOU ATE? a banana
22. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Clock Radio just came on in the other room
23. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? PINK
24. FAVORITE SMELL? Lavanda Roses....they are light purple but smell like Lemons
25. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? Lil Sis
26. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU ARE ATTRACTED TO? Eyes
27. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Yes
28. FAVORITE DRINK? Lemonade
29. FAVORITE SPORT ? Figure Skating...can't do it but love to watch it
30. HAIR COLOR? Strawberry Blonde (natural) Lt Auburn (with help)
31. EYE COLOR? Grey
32. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Glasses
33. FAVORITE FOOD? Mexican
34. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDING? Disaster Movies...Airport, Dante's Peak,Towering Inferno, Backdraft,Armegeddon, Earthquake and mutant animals on the Rampage....Jaws, Night of the Lepus, Anaconda, Orca, the Beast, Rattler, Tremors
35. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Phantom of the Opera
36. COLOR SHIRT YOU ARE WEARING? White Old Man V-necked Tee
37. SUMMER OR WINTER? Fall
38. HUGS OR KISSES? Hugs
39. FAVORITE DESSERT? Pumpkin Pie with French Vanilla Ice Cream
40. WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? someone who has alot of time
41. WHO IS LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? someone who already took the survey
42. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING? Two Little Girls in Blue by Mary Higgins Clark
43. WHAT'S ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? Dell logo
44. WHAT DID YOU WATCH LAST NIGHT ON TV? Crossing Jordan, Strong Medicine, CSI: Miami, Law & Order:Criminal Intent....I was a total Couch Potato
45. FAVORITE SOUNDS? Ocean, Rain
46. BEATLES OR ROLLING STONES? Beatles
47. FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? NYC
48. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? Floral Design
50. WHY DID YOU ANSWER THE SURVEY OF YOURSELF? I didn't want to get the Frog out of bed yet and I really didn't want to start any cleaning! LOL

Comments from the Cottage

I decided my blog needed more exposure. Not sure why... just that I guess I feel that I don't get enough attention. LOL
So here is the First Post on my new blogsite.
Hope you like it.
If you do, go ahead and feel free to comment. Bookmark. Link up. Whatever.
If you don't, well I'm sure you won't be reading stuff posted by me again.
If you just plain disagree with me (which I'm quite sure will happen on many an occaision) I'm fully aware that I'm an accquired taste. Go ahead and post a comment I'll try and see things from your point of view.
VanC