Wicked Chaos

2 on Tuesday!!

2012-01-24T01:26:00.000-08:00

It's Tuesday and I'm linking up with Andrea over at My Chihuahua Bites for 2 on Tuesday... The topic today is all about music!

What is the song you play when you want to get pumped up?
What song do you play when you want/need to cry?
What your go to cleaning song?
What's the song you play when you're exercising?

Well I'm not sure you'd say it's a song that gets me pumped up but it's one I really like and can listen to over and over again and it's doesn't really change my mood and who doesn't love some PINK?

When it comes to needing to cry, I have to say I don't put music on to cry too.. Maybe just when I'm feeling sad I want a certain type of music.. But this song can make me cry no matter what the mood lol:

When I'm cleaning house it's always GaGa, pretty much any song:

When it comes to working out... I need to have my rock music ... My favorites for working out are Pop Evil, Hinder, Shinedown, Nickelback, Seether, Halestorm & Buckcherry to name a few on my playlist:

Now that you've seen my picks.. head over to Andrea's Blog and Link up and check out what everyone else is sharing... You might get to hear some new Music!

I know, I know....

2012-01-21T16:05:00.000-08:00

I'm not good at trying to keep more then one blog or keeping my craft blog separate because basically.. I think my life is boring for the most part and nobody really wants to read about what I do in my everyday life! So I'm giving this bloggy business one more shot... I'm going to restart blogging!

I'll start off with a description of who I am really and what my life's all about! I'm Holly as many of you know, I've been married to Bill for 16 years and we meet in college so we've been together for about 20 years. It's been a crazy ride let me tell you. We don't have one of those story book romances that most folks dream about.. Actually does anyone really have a story book romance?

It's a love hate relationship but it's what works for us and that's all that matters! I think the fact that he has been in the Navy for 17 of those 19 years helps a bit too.. He was gone for most of those years and when your spouse isn't there 24/7 you tend to miss them more and you settle into life.

We have 2 boys, Austin who will be 10 in February and Elvis who just turned 7 in December. Both of my children are Special Needs so life is a bit crazy, but what's really weird is it's what I've know for the last 11 years so to me I guess you could say it's normal!

My days are filled with running around from one appointment to another and then the everyday duties or laundry, housekeeping etc.. And unlike those movies on TV where the husband is there to help out a lot that doesn't happen here. I just pretty much go with I'm a single Mom, when Dad's here to do something or help out great if not we make it work!

So, there is a brief description of me and what my life is like.. Madness! I'm a busy SAHM who needs a lot more sleep then what I get, I need to take 5 seconds to eat something during the day and I could really use a Vacation on a tropical oasis with a cute Umbrella Drink or maybe 5..lol

Now I'm just going to pretend I haven't stated this blog on and off again for the past few years and give it a real shot starting today! I'm not going to post everyday but I hope a few times a week and hopefully not just twice a year.

Photo Dump Wednesday!

2011-10-19T11:55:00.001-07:00

I'm renaming Wednesday to phone photo dump day!! I take a million photos with my phone it seems. Photos of just about everything lol.

This is a view of the Bay from The Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD it's so pretty where I live!

This is a rain storm we had last week.... I love Rain!

Honey Crisp are Here!! I wait all year for Honey Crisp Apples!

OPI Zom-Body to Love Glow in the Dark Nail Polish with Black Shatter... Very Cool in the Dark!

I'm a Gluten for punishment.. I purchased my Tix for the midnight showing of Breaking Dawn and before that I will be seeing all 3 of the Twilight Movies Back to Back. So, that will be just about 10 hours in a Movie Theatre!

What's on your phone?

2 on Tuesday!!

2011-10-18T20:17:00.000-07:00

Man my week is crazy and it's only Tuesday!! My busy week last week continued into the Weekend and into this week. I'm so behind on everything...

It's time for Two on Tuesday and this week Andrea's Topic is : What are you two Favorite Restaurants?

Huuummmm.. Let's see this a tuff one, there are a lot of good Restaurants out there and what sucks is we move so much we find a really good one and then have to leave it! BOOOO!!!

So I'll mention my two favorite that you can pretty much find everywhere!

#1 The Outback Steakhouse:

The best thing at the Outback is Hands Down the Cheese Fries... OMG, I could live on those fries and that Ranchy Dipping stuff they give you with them!! I'd be as big as a house though if I did that..lol

My #2 Choice is PF Changs!

The Sweet & Sour Chicken is Yummo and the Lettuce Wraps!

So what's your Favorite Two Restaurants? Head over to Andrea's Blog and Link up!

Nailing it Friday!

2011-10-14T11:26:00.000-07:00

Today let's get started with the Basics...

Here are a few things you should have in your Bag of Tricks when it comes to do it yourself manicures:

Acetone... you can spend $ on those fancy nail polish removers that smell good, truth is they all do the same thing and if you aren't soaking your nails in it then it's cheap and effective especially if you like the Glitter Polish.

Files: Natural Nails you should be using a fine grit, 240/1200 or a 240/240 I like Creative Nail Designs Kola Buffer & Kanga file for natural nails. Unless you have rock hard nails you want a smooth as possible when it comes to the grit on you files. And don't use the metal ones or those old fashion Tan colored ones that look like straight up sand paper sticks!

* When you file your nails only do it in one direction, you don't want to go in a back & Forth motion.

Orangewood Sticks... You can find them in a Sally's or an Ulta and some drugstores have them. You can use them to clean up your edges.. push back your cuticles and so much more.

* Only push your cuticles back when they are soft from soaking. Never when they are dry.

Cuticle Nippers: DO NOT!! I repeat DO NOT cut off your cuticles with these or cut your cuticles ever!! These are good for hang nails, you can clip that loose piece of skin off right to the base and not worry about and infection from it getting irritated.

* Don't cut your cuticles off or let someone else do it, they should only be pushed back. The cuticle is there to protect the matrix from contaminants and infection.

Cotton Rounds or Lint Free Pads: These are great for removing your polish, I don't like cotton balls because I get a lot of little pieces left over and there are fuzzies in my polish.

Cuticle Cream: This is good to apply after you are all done with your manicure and you've painted your nails.. Some good ones are Burt's Bees

Lush's Lemony Flutter... Love this stuff!

For your Nails you will need a Base Coat: based on your Nail type if you have any problems you'll want one based on your needs. Creative Nail design's Sticky base Coat is a good one.

Top Coat: Fast Drying or Regular.. Choice if up to you.

Do you know the proper way to paint your nails? You only need 3 strokes and you want to keep away from your cuticle . This works, do it this way and you will have little or no clean up. Here is a look:

Great photo instruction by Michele from Lacquerized!

So there are some basics to get your started.. Have questions feel free to leave me a comment and I'll start a list of topics to go over.

Last week someone asked is there a difference between polish brands and yes there is. Everyone has a different formula so some are smoother to work with then others. Some last longer on Natural Nails without Chipping. Odors are different & Color Pigments. Price of course is a big factor, I have polish from $3-$24 a bottle.

Wordless Wednesday!

2011-10-12T08:41:00.001-07:00

iPhone Dump...

Nailing it Friday!

2011-10-07T09:23:00.000-07:00

It's October... and I've not been a great personal blogger. I do great with my Paper craft blog but this one has fallen to the side. I sat and tried to think of how I could get motivated to talk about what I like and what's going on.

Starting Today and every Friday here at Wicked Chaos it's Nailing it Friday! It's all about Nails... Finger Nails that is.

Did you know I went to nail school a long long time ago? Yep, I did and I liked it but I didn't like the working with the public part so much. I was trained at a Natural Nail Place and when I started working it was hard to get people to understand just how bad some of the stuff was they were used to. Plus if you've worked in Customer Service you know what I mean!

So we're starting out easy today with just a show in tell.. I started my love of Nail Polish with Creative Nail Designs or CND . I took some classes and became a CND Master Technician, I loved all of their products and if you've ever been to a Salon that uses their Pedicure Line, You know why!

photo source

Then I slowly moved onto OPI and dabbled in a few other brands. My collection has grown over the years. I had to part with a lot of my favorites, Polish gets old after 10 years believe it or not.

This is my Current OPI Full Size Collection, Let's just say I'll be able to do my 52 weeks of OPI I'm starting in January for at least 3 years on these alone.

Let's See some of the new Orly colors today from the Birds of a Feather Collection:

I have 3 of 6 colors in this collection...

Fowl Play which I'm actually painting on now.

Nite Owl & Sea Gurl...

I haven't used them on my nails yet but here are the bottles.

Nite Owl - A nice Beige with a silver shimmer

Sea Gurl - This one is like a Shimmer Grey or Gunmetal with some chocolate Brown undertones.

You can see better swatches here from the Polish Aholic.

So this was just my first post about Nails ..lol I was kind of rambling, I'll leave you with the Best Top coat ever invented on the Planet!

Jessica Cosmetics Brillance... I've been using it for 10 years and I love it! Fast drying, High Shine and my polish doesn't chip as fast.

Wordless Wednesday!

2011-10-05T11:16:00.000-07:00

iPhone Photo Dump!

Tuesdays at the Table...

2011-10-04T10:18:00.000-07:00

So, I have 2 post today.. Which we all know is a Miracle in itself.. But really I am trying to make this blogging thing work. I mean I have 3 1/2 blogs to keep up with. Can a girl get a break?

It's time for Tuesdays at the Table which is a weekly event that Cole host over at All the Small Stuff. We all share a super yummy recipe each and every Tuesday. What a great way to discover new food!

Last night I made Enchilada's and while I was making them , I thought I don't think I've made these in a year and we love these things. You can change up so much with this recipe and make it your own.

I've made it with Beef, Chicken, Corn Tortillas, Low carb Tortillas, Whole wheat Tortillas etc.. You get the idea.. You can pretty much make it your own. But this is the way I make them and it totally ROCKS!

Semi- Homemade Turkey Enchiladas 101:

1 lb ground Turkey or Beef
1 Small Onion Diced
2 Cloves of Garlic Diced or Pressed
2 1/2 Cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
3 10oz cans of Enchilada sauce
6 Med. Flour Tortillas
Sour Cream
Shredded Lettuce
Non Stick cooking Spray
9x9 Glass Baking dish

I didn't get a photo for each step sorry...

Start by Pre-heating your Oven to 375 degrees. Spray your Glass Baking dish and set aside. In a large Skillet brown the Onions & Garlic* until just soft then add the Ground Turkey.

I used onion & Garlic when I make these with Turkey because you need to give Turkey a lot of flavor you could skip this step if your using Ground Beef.

Once the Turkey Mixture is no longer pink, drain* (if using beef) and return to pan. Now add in 1 1/2 cans of the Enchilada sauce and 1 1/2 Cups of the Cheese. Sir around until the cheese is melted and it's heated through.

Stack your Tortillas in a pile and remove your mixture from the heat.. Spread a tiny bit of the Enchilada sauce onto the bottom of the 9x9 Pan. Using a spoon, place a little over 1/4 Cup into each Tortilla Shell and roll them tightly and then place in the 9x9 Pan. You will want to get them in there nice and tight.

Then pour all but 1/4 Cup of the remaining sauce over the Enchilada and add the rest of the Cheese. Once they are all in the pan it should look like this:

You will want to pop them into the Oven for about 15-20 minutes until everything is Bubbling a bit and you know they are heated through. After you remove them from the Oven let them sit for about 10 minutes and then serve with some Lettuce & Sour Cream.

There are directions on the side of the can but I have made some adjustments. And you can always add more or less Cheese and Sauce. I save that left over sauce and place it in a freezer container for later use.

ENJOY!

2 on Tuesday!

2011-10-03T20:32:00.000-07:00

This is really going to be a 2 on Tuesday for me.. I'm going to be back later in the day with a Tuesday at the Table .. So I'm linking up a few minutes early with Andrea - My Chihuahua Bites, For 2 on Tuesday!

This week's topic is:

What are your Two Favorite Childhood Toys? (How can you stop at 2?)

My guess is I'm really about to date myself..

My #1 childhood toy of all time was BARBIE!! Barbie was my world, I had them all and I played with them all. I had the Cars, the Winnebago, Furniture, the clothes, Horses you name it..And the Matching Ken Dolls of course.

Did you know there was a McDonald's? I had that too... I was a Barbie whore you could say.. lol I never did get that Dream House though.

Favorite Barbie of all time was Western Barbie. She had a button in the back that you pushed and she winked. And loved that Blue eyeshadow!

My #2 Favorite Toy of all time was A Fisher Price Record Player.. I carried that thing everywhere!

And the album that I loved to Death, literally it broke.. was the Muppet Show!

I had a few other favorite toys as well but they didn't rank up there with the Barbies and that Record Player.

The Original Cabbage Patch Doll.. My Mom got in a brawl for this doll!

Strawberry Shortcake Dolls....

And of Course my Easy Bake Oven! They don't make them like that anymore.

So you've seen mine and now you know how old I am...lol Tell us what your favorite childhood Toys were and Head over to Andrea's Blog and Link up!

2 On Tuesday...

2011-09-27T06:02:00.000-07:00

See I try to start this blogging thing back up and Boom! I fail again... I think I need to rethink what I blog about and come back strong! A Girl can try right? lol

I'm linking up with Andrea over at My Chihuahua Bites for 2 On Tuesday...

"What two Television Shows have gone off the air that you miss?"

That's easy for me.. While there are a lot of missed TV shows out there.. "Charmed" is my Favorite and I watched it from the beginning to the end. And this was the only series to have an ending that didn't leave you unsatisfied.

My second show would be "Moonlight" it was canceled and I was so sad. This was a show ahead of its' time. If they would of waited until this whole Vampire thing was so popular, I think it would of done very well. I hate when they give us a show get us all into it then Cancel it leaving us hanging!

Now you've seen my Favorite Shows.. What's yours? Head over to Andrea's Blog and link up and see what the other ladies have talked about!

2 on Tuesday

2011-09-06T06:36:00.000-07:00

I'm a Bad, Bad, Bad Blogger I know.. At least here on my personal blog that is. I update my Paper Crafting Blog a few times a week Geesh! I think it's that I just don't have much to write about or I don't know what to write about over here.

Andrea over at My Chihuahua Bites is starting a new Weekly Linky party called 2 on Tuesday.. I'm jumping in! The topic is what are your two favorite things about Fall... What is there not to love about Fall?

My top two favorite things have to be that is gets cooler.. well it's suppose to anyways, and I can wear Make-Up again.. I love my Make-up but when it's hot out I don't want it anywhere near my face.

My second Favorite is the leaves changing colors and the smells that come with it. That nice crisp damp smell you get in the air. Growing up in Central PA we always had gorgeous trees changing colors.

So, what's your 2 Favorite things about Fall? Head over to Andrea's Blog and Link up and stop by the other blogs and say Hi!

New Year, New Beginnings!!

2011-01-05T08:41:00.000-08:00

I think the last time I updated this poor blog was Oct.? I'm so bad.. This is a new year and a New Beginning let's see if I can stay on task! Up first, we moved AGAIN!! While we just moved to MD in June, we got some very unappealing neighbors a few months later..

So we removed ourselves from the situation, we got a bigger house and the school we originally wanted for Elvis so it all worked out for us! Housing was kind enough to let us take another unit at our own expensive. We moved over the weekend of the 11th. Just Bill and I and we didn't kill each other!

Thanksgiving was nice.. My Mom came down for the first time from PA. Usually we don't live close enough for anyone to come and visit..and we don't do Thanksgiving usually but this year Elvis learned all about it in school and requested that we have Thanksgiving!

So Turkey, Ham, stuffing the works were prepared.. During the preparation my oven stopped working needless to say that made it no so pleasant and reminded me why I don't do Thanksgiving and love that I'm not scrambling to cook all day!

But it all worked out in the end, we have a great meal and some good times. My mom and I headed out afterwards to see Burlesque, seems to be the thing we do we see movie when she is here visiting.. Works out for both of us.

Elvis' turned 6 December 13th.. He had a party at school but got sick and had to come home early and then opened his gifts, but wasn't feeling too well to eat cake.. So, his Birthday was a bust!

Christmas rolled around really fast this year if you ask me.. Kids were ready though, Elvis started getting sick again on Christmas Eve, he had a really bad fever. I ended up in Target an hour before it closed on Xmas eve to get some meds.. CRAZY!!!

His fever finally broke late that night and then Christmas Morning, Bill woke up sick. He was sick to the point that he missed all of Christmas... Then I felt sick Sunday and Austin got sick on Monday! Elvis remained sick the whole time the rest of us were sick too.. The entire house was down for the count for well over a week. It was not pretty!

But we survived and are on the mend.. Kids are back to school and Bill goes back on Friday! Life is returning to normal... I hope everyone had a great Holiday and your New Year is starting out great!

Happy Halloween...

2010-10-31T09:50:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone is having a great weekend... The kids will be Trick or Treating in our neighborhood later tonight.. Austin is a Pirate this year and Elvis is some kid called Ben 10.. I'll get some pictures to post.

Elvis' class had a field trip to a Pumpkin Patch last week. They needed an extra parent so I went along. It was a small farm but I think great for class trips kids couldn't run off to far if they got away..lol

There were Animals to feed, and lots of little play areas set up around. My pictures are from my camera phone so not the greatest.. There was no using a camera with the other kid I had assigned to me.. She is very active..lol in the blink of an eye she was off.

Getting this kid to look at the camera is hard or without a goofy face..

The dish and the Spoon area....

They had a pond area with a boat on it that the kids could walk out onto..Look how blue the sky is.

We decorated our pumpkins a few days later..

Elvis lost interest a few minutes into it even though his job was to put the seeds in the bowl..

Our pumpkins were really small so it was tricky finding some patterns to fit on them.

Bill working on his Owl face..

My bat came out pretty cool!

Elvis chose a Mummy for his but the squirrel got to the eye of Bill's and

Elvis' before we got a picture of them lit up!

A few days later this is what poor Elvis' Mummy looked like and Bill's Owl.

Squirrel is made we've been out of nuts for a few days I think.. Or he likes Pumpkins!

Maybe they should of made a bat... !!!

Happy Halloween!!!!

Renaissance Fest...

2010-10-17T10:10:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun at the Renaissance Festival yesterday.. While it was fun, next year when we go it will be without kids. I know I live in the 1500's in a past life. This years story line was:

Revel Grove, Oxfordshire, England
The year is 1543.

The Royal Court:

King Henry VIII is visiting Revel Grove as part of his yearly royal progress. However, this visit is of a more personal nature, for he hopes to take the lovely Katherine Parr as his sixth wife.

The King’s attentions have put Katherine in a difficult position. Twice-widowed, she has fallen in love the charming but impetuous Sir Thomas Seymour. It seemed that she could at last marry for love instead of duty. But the King’s sudden proposal has left her sorely conflicted. Does she once again do her duty – or will matters of the heart prevail?

The Village:

Alas, Sir Richard Southwell, formerly Justice of the Peace of Oxfordshire and now Mayor of Revel Grove, finds that yet another year has passed and he is still mayor of this small village. He would much rather pursue a career at Court. Thankfully, the King and members of his Royal Court will be visiting Revel Grove for the harvest festival. Sir Richard hopes perhaps a word in the right ear can further his career.

But all may not go as planned, for a contingent from the nearby rival village, Tiddington, has decided to pay a visit. It seems the villagers of Tiddington are becoming highly annoyed that the King constantly bypasses their village for Revel Grove during his yearly visits. An official delegation arrives hoping to sell the charms of Tiddington to the King. Expect some dirty dealings, as the Mayor of Tiddington is none other than Middle J. Middle, a former resident and Sheriff of Revel Grove!

The festival is 20 minutes from our house and I never would of known it was there.. Very cool.. You park in a field and walk.. We walked a long, long, long way..lol

Once you get into the gates it's like you go back in time.. Minus the Pepsi logo!!

There are stages throughout the grounds and you can see different shows, hear poetry and see comedians. Our first stop was The Gatehouse Stage to see Robin Hood and St.George & The dragon..

My kids got bored quick..plus they were asking for Child Volunteers to be apart of the story and they had to be the loudest kids.. so lots of kids screaming at the top of their lungs my kids didn't want to stay another minute..

These are just some pictures I took throughout the grounds. Not a lot of great photos, I had to keep tabs on one kid and he was fast.. I'd snap a photo and he was out of arms reach..lol

One of the highlights of this event is you can rent a costume while you are there..

This guy was working with wheat.. and making it into these knots things... I bought one called the Devonshire Charmer..

St. George's Chapel

Jousting!!! We had front row..

King Henry VIII and Katherine Parr

Trying to get a decent photo of my guys is not easy..lol

For more information on the Festival you can go here.

Tuesdays at the Table!!

2010-09-21T09:25:00.000-07:00

I'm jumping in with the gang over at All the Small Stuff where we are sharing some good eats! I made my Aunt Rame's Taco Salad this weekend and I think I may have shared this a long time ago but I don't remember.. We haven't had this in forever so it was time!

Mae Mae's Taco Salad

What you need to gather.....
1 bag of Doritos
1 bottle of Italian Dressing (medium Size)
1 pound Hamburger or Ground Turkey
2 cups of Grated Cheddar Cheese
Iceberg Lettuce
1 can of Kidney Beans
Tomatoes (diced)

I'm using ground Turkey.. Put in in a skillet and brown it up, if you are using ground beef make sure you drain it when it's done before you add it to the bowl. Grease is Bad um' k!

Next you will need a big ol' Bowl w/ a sealing lid.. Depending on how much of this stuff you will be making. It's perfect for those summer picnics of family gatherings . We never had one without it! If we did Aunt Mae had to go home and make some before she could return to the party!! I'm not kidding..

Put your meat in the bowl and throw in your grated Cheddar.

Rinse & Drain your Kidney Beans, chop up your lettuce and tomatoes.

Then put the lettuce, beans & Tomatoes into the bowl with the cheese and meat.

Now here comes the fun part... Well I think it's fun! Take that bag of Dorito's open it up a bit and then crush it!! Not too much but so your chips are in small pieces.

Then add them to the bowl as well!

Up next is that bottle of dressing.. usually you add the entire bottle, but this is a new ear and we are a bit more health conscious then we used to be back in the day.. So add to taste I use 3/4 of the bottle.. I will say DO NOT use Light Dressing, it taste horrible with this recipe. Just adjust to your taste.

Once you have all your ingredients in the bowl..

Put that lid on good and tight and SHAKE, SHAKE, SHAKE!!!!

And this is what ya got!! So GOOD!! This is not a make ahead, your chips will get soggy. If you are taking it to a party or gathering, add the chips and Dressing once you get there just before you are going to serves it.. It's also not good as a leftover (not that there is ever any left! ).

Now head on over to Cole's Blog and see what everyone is cooking today!

Wreath Making 101

2010-09-18T13:12:00.000-07:00

This post is crafty!!! I love looking at Wreaths in the stores around the Holidays and have always wanted one but we move a lot and they would get destroyed.. 2 years ago at X-mas I bought my first and I love it!

I wanted one for every season to hang on my door.. But I couldn't find a container for that one I purchased. Don't get me wrong their were some out there but they didn't fit the one I had.. So, I hung it on the back of my door for storage!

Finally last year I came across a plastic container to store it in.. Bought it and you know that thing didn't fit!!

I still have my wreath but, I thought I'm going to make my own that way if it gets ruined in a move or lack of storage space I don't need to cry over how much it cost. So, here goes my first attempt at a Wreath for Halloween (my Favorite Holiday)..

This is one of those Grapevine Wreath from a craft store.. $2.50 on Sale.. I painted it with some Glossy Spray Paint I used a %50 off coupon for so it was $3.25. The leaves you see in the middle actually keep falling all around my work area and I just sprayed them while they were there (idea I didn't use) Spray each side and edges letting it dry in between flipping sides.. Take your time and get in all those spaces.

Next you need some of these things.. Not sure what they are called but I called them stems..lol Buy more then what you think you will need, you can return them.. I bought 6 @ $1.99 each and took 3 back.. So total cost $5.97 for 3.

Now cut them apart so you have just the individual pieces.. You will need Wire Cutters for this and I used my Stampin' Up! Rubber Scissors for the plastic.. Take your time on the Pumpkin heads they are foam and not sturdy.

Oh and while you are digging out your Wire Cutters, find that hot glue gun you know you have around the house somewhere (or in my case you find 3 of them because you forgot you had one, more then once obviously, why else would you have 3?).

And let me just say that Hot Glue was invented by a Man because that stuff is EVIL!!! It will kick your behind up and down for several hours and burn you a few times no matter how proficient you are with Hot Glue.. Don't pretend like it never happens to you, I see ya grinning!

I know my friend Andrea has had her fair share of fights with Hot Glue during the Holidays. Glue the leaves and pumpkin heads and start attaching it on the wreath where you want them.. I would suggest lay them around first and get a feel for how it's going to look.

Now the next step is really important, text a pix of what you have to your Mother and BFF and ask them what they think.. Because you know it needs something but you aren't sure and what if it's too much? Should you stop now? Add some Chipboard letters more leaves etc... Insanity!!

Just attach some Black Grosgrain Ribbon to the top.. I used Stampin' up! 5/8" and loop it around and tie a knot.. I left it alone but knew it needed something else.. So, I went back to the store and got some ribbon I wanted a bow and my husband was driving me nuts saying it didn't need one or maybe I was driving him nuts saying it needed one..

Anyways.. Here I added the bow, my first attempt at a bow.. I'm not Martha Stewart but I think it came out pretty good for my first attempt and all for under $14 the wreath I bought for Xmas.. A whopping $25 at Target! I like this way better, minus that darn hot glue! If you've made a wreath I wanna see..

That bling makes me Smile!!!! Have a great weekend...

Day to Remember..

2010-09-11T08:59:00.000-07:00

Take time today to reflect on where you were and what you were doing 9 years ago on this day. Take time today when you see a Public service member Police or Fire and Military members and say Thank You to them. This is a day I have not forgotten and never will.

I was in HI we had just moved there a month before from GA I was a few months pregnant with my first child and my husband was out to sea on a deployment. I always sleep with the TV on when he is gone, and I woke up around 3am to lots of commotion on the TV. This is the first image I saw!

I was confused and scared...I was glued to that TV for the next few days.. and I didn't know if my husband was coming home anytime soon..

5 things I can't live without!

2010-09-10T09:14:00.000-07:00

So, have you ever wondered or thought about those things you cannot live without? I'm not talking get all mushy like.. I can't live without my husband or my kids or air!! I wanna know what are those meaningless items in your everyday that you MUST have!

My 5 things I can't live without would be......

1. Caffine! I'm new to coffee but I've long been a drinker of Tazo Chia Tea & Pepsi.

2. My hair stuf.... Having a head full of naturally curly hair is a curse! Yeah, yeah we all know everyone with strainght flat hair would kill for curly hair. When it's humid look out I need to tame this main with my Bed Head Foxy Curls!!

3. Chocolate! I guess this kind of goes along with Caffine but I need it.. maybe not everyday but at least once a week, the darker the better!

4. Nail polish... Yeah I know weird right? But I'm a nail nitter addict and if I don't have some polish on those puppies I will chew every last one of them off and it's not a pretty site to see.. Been that way since I was a child... Then one day as a teen I painted them neon green to go to a POISON Concert (Yeah, I'm that old!) and I haven't bitten them since..

5.. Last but not least my Baby Face bar from LUSH.. I can't stand it when my face feels dirty.. you can wash with soap but then it's all itchy and uncomfortable.. This stuff ROCKS... gets make-up off and gets the skin so clean and soft I love it!!

So what's your guilty pleasure?.. Leave a comment or post it on your blog and let us know what you just can't live without!!

Bloggy, Blog, blog..

2010-09-02T06:58:00.000-07:00

I don't know why I try to keep 2 separate blogs going.. I think I'm insane! I try to so hard to keep updates for Family and Friends but man what do you write about after an update.. So, here I go again at trying to keep this blog updated..

The kids are back to school.. they are in 2 different schools which has posed a bit of a problem, but we are working that out.. They schools are very far apart and they seem to get on buses 20 minutes apart in different locations and arriving home they seem to be coming at the same time and at 2 different locations..

The first day of school for Austin was exciting to say the least.. If you follow me on Twitter or Facebook you know the school lost him! Yes, I said lost him... they lost my 8 year old non-verbal Autistic child!! Needless to say all my faith in the Anne Arundel Public School system is shot and will be until further notice.. I'm a complete basket case putting that kid on the bus and waiting for him to return each day.

It was a mix up but still not an excuse and should never happen to a child who cannot speak!! We were very lucky that he was in the hands of a capable bus driver who handles special need children. My husband and I waited at the bus stop for his bus to arrive and it was 15 minutes late.. I started to get a bit concerned and I called the bus company to see if it was running late or something happen.. And was told that my child wasn't on the bus he was suppose to be on and then she called the school was told that he went home with his dad. When she told me that my heart stopped!! Every horrible thing you can imagine was going through my mind. My husband was at the bus stop with me you see there is no way he had Austin.

I called the school and said my child was missing and they need to call the teacher and find out what happen and where he is.. and I went into hysterics because they just keep saying he went home with his Dad and then he was one the right bus.. this was happening at 4:30 pm Austin got out of school at 3:25pm. My husband called the school and went postal and said we were calling the police and reporting him missing and just went nuts. Which in the 17 yeas I have been with him I have never seen him do..

The school said they have to call me back and see if they can figure out where he is at and what happen. I'm like what do we do? It was bad ya'll, very bad!! I'm like you have to call me back? WTF!!! So anyways I called the bus company back because we all know after a certain time there isn't going to be anyone answering the phone at the bus company or the school they will have all gone home for the day!

So, I told the bus lady that the school didn't know where he was and that he wasn't on the right bus, could she check to see if there are any kids on buses that didn't get dropped off or seem to be in the wrong place? I don't know the ladies name at the bus company but I love her!! She was awesome, she checked and double checked and said she found him. The bus that had him had Austin.. just the wrong Austin! So we found a place to meet the bus and we drove to get him.. Austin got off the bus at 5:30pm!! I don't ever want to experience that again EVER!! And are you ready for this? The school called back at 5:20pm and said that Austin was on the right bus and should of been on his way home.. So they still didn't know where he was!!

Now here is what gets me.. Not once did someone from that school call me that night to apologize or check on Austin.. Needless to say he wasn't riding the bus again and I didn't want him back in that school period.. Incompetent asses!! Mix up happens don't get me wrong but they cannot happen to special need children... There were 2 Austin's and one Austin did go home with his Dad and then My Austin was put on that Austin's bus as that Austin.

I drove him to school the next day and was planning on talking to everyone their.. Well they were waiting for me. I think they new I would be livid!! And they know I could of raised all holy hell about this.. The Principal was upset and said that the person responsible for Austin getting on the wrong bus would be dealt with.. and she was. And they wanted me to have faith that this wouldn't happen again and that I could trust them with my child. I picked him up that day too..

He has been riding the bus now for a few days and I can say that he has arrived home safely each day and that new measures have been put into place to prevent that from happening again.. I'm still upset by how the school handled it overall.. But, when you have a special needs child sometimes you get limited to schools they can attend and you have to do what's best for them overall. This program is what he needs and with Elvis at a different school in Kindergarten I can't be in 2 places at once so I need that bus..

So how's that for an update!!! Elvis started Kindergarten and he lost his first tooth!! He loves school so far.. Other then that not much else has been happening around her. It's still really hot, I'm ready for winter... Yes I said that bring on the snow!!

Tuesdays at the Table & Review..

2010-07-20T12:10:00.000-07:00

This week I have a cool recipe for you and a review of a kitchen product. The ZOKU Quick Pop Maker, very cool and if you have small kids who love popsicles you will want to get this! I really liked that I can control what goes into it.. Fresh Fruit, low sugar, Organic etc...

So today I made Organic Strawberry/Banana Smoothie pops and they were gone in a flash!

Here's what you need... (sorry about my photos, I had the camera on the night setting. oops)

1 Small Organic Banana, 5 oz. Organic Whole Milk,

3 tsp Organic Honey & 5 oz. Organic Strawberry Yogurt.

This doesn't have to be Organic you can use what you have, that's what I did.

Put the banana with 4 ounces of the Milk & the honey in a blender.

Blend until Smooth.

In a measuring cup or small bowl with a spout mix the Yogurt with 1 ounce of Milk.

Take your Pop Maker out of the Freezer and set up..

Basically just get your sticks in place and have your extras on stand by..

You can make up to 6 before the unit thaws out.. but you have to work fast.

Pour the banana mixture in halfway and let sit for about 3 min or until it's somewhat firm. You want to be able to added the Strawberry mixture over it without the 2 mixing together.

Then added Strawberry mixture in just to the line, it will expand as it freezes.

After about 7-9 minutes they will be frozen and ready to be removed..

Place the Super Tool over the stick and turn until your pop loosens and then undo the Super Tool..

Repeat for each Pop...

It comes with drip cups you can add to the end of the sticks too.

Here are some tips: Make sure you freeze the pop maker before you use it at least 24 hours or more... and at least 24 hours each time in between if you want to make 6 pops each time.. If you want to just put some juice in and make a quick treat 12 hours will be good. It says you can get 9 before the until thaws.. I would say maybe if you were making just juice pops.. But, you can't get 9 if you are making a 2 step pop like I did. Overall this is a great gadget and I used it everyday since we got it.. My son is loving it!

I used these measuring cups : I LOVE them!!

Check out Cole's Blog to se what everyone else is making this week!!

Blah, Blah, Blah....

2010-07-20T08:29:00.000-07:00

Nothing really.. Ha Ha!! My life is actually pretty boring right now, give it time I'm sure some drama will fall in their somewhere. That evil curse that was put on my life at birth hasn't gone away yet.

Some rude chick at the movies last night was about to see some drama from me, but I let it slide.. You don't put the arm rest up on the seats and then sprawl out on them with your feet when you are sitting next to someone.. I don't want your stinking feet 2 inches from me for 2 hours! I don't get some people, it's like common sense doesn't exists anymore. I really think it's a lack of parenting with some younger people, the ones in their late teens early 20's.. and the younger kids today.... Whoo Nelly don't get me started!! Ok off my soap box now......

Bill has been at his new duty station for almost a month and so far so good, He has to get up at 4am and then doesn't get home until 4 or 5pm and has a wicked commute in traffic.. Weekends and Holidays are free and no sign of having to stand duty so overall we think that is good. After 15 years of sea duty yeah pretty much everything anything would look good.

We're adjusting to say the least, he is home for dinner every night and spends some time with the kids and then we can do stuff on the weekends. I was going bonkers in the beginning, I'm not used to having him here this much and it was like every time I turned around he was there doing something wrong. And when I say wrong I mean not the way I do it. See if you aren't familiar with being a Military wife, their is a system or routine you have when they are gone and it's your way of doing things.. and when that gets messed up! Look out, but for me it would be messed up for a few days and then he would leave again and all would be back to order.. I'm not used to having to create a new system that works for both of us.

The kids and I have been finding things to do during the day.. I need to get them registered for school I think it starts in August. I still need to get them doctor appointments, line of respite care (which I hope we can get here) and a few other tidiest things. But we're settled.

I need to go clean & do laundry, I've become a domesticated Diva so to speak....

Tuesdays at the Table...

2010-07-13T17:45:00.000-07:00

This week I have some yummy.. Guacamole for you!! I love this stuff and I can eat it for every meal if I had the choice.. This recipe is fast and easy!!

This is what I call a double recipe, so you can do it with 1 Avocado and a smaller amount of the other ingredient and get the same results.

You start with 2 Avocados scooped out of their skin and pit removed...

You will need to juice 1 lime or add in some of that bottles stuff, taste better with a fresh one though.

Add that into the bowl with the Avocados and start mashing them up with a fork.. if you like creamy you can do this part in a food processor or if you are chunky fan chopped them up and toss with the juice.

Next you will want to chop some onion.. I use about 1/4 diced red onion, but this time I didn't have enough of either so I used some white & red... Work with what ya got layin' around ..

Then dice up a large or 2 small cloves of garlic and a jalapeño too..

When you're working with this guy I'd wear gloves and still make sure you wash your hands with very soapy water when your done.. No gloves make one out of a plastic sandwich bag trust me!! It will be a very handy step later in the evening when some of that juice didn't come off your hands or under your fingernails when you washed them...

Then comes the diced tomatoes... I like Cherry or Roma, but you can use any kind you want.. adjust to how much you like tomatoes.. Me? Not a huge fan so I go light on it.

As you were cutting each of these up you should of been putting then in the bowl with the smashed up Avocado ( sorry, forgot to tell ya that huh? ) and then add some Sea Salt.. adjust to taste.

Put it all together and fold it into itself and what do you get? Guacamole... Yummo!!

Now stop on over to Cole's Blog and see what everyone else has cooking for today...

2010-07-12T18:32:00.000-07:00

Andrea over at My Chihuahua Bites did a fun trivia post about herslef and I decided to play along!!

The ABC's of Moi!!!

A- My AIR CONDITIONER is set on: 71 at night and about 74 in the day.. It's freezing in this new house downstairs and hot upstairs.. No electric Bill for me so I can set it as low or high as I want!!! I will cry over that when I buy a house and have to pay electricity..lol

B- My BEDROOM theme is: I don't really have a theme, if I did it'd be We are grown ups now... Bed on a frame, matching curtains and comforter and real dressers. My colors are soft blue and a Cocoa/Chocolate color. When you move a lot your stuff gets destroyed so why bother with anything nice?

C- The CAR in the driveway is: We'll we moved last month and no driveway but we have a Black Saturn Ion 2 and a Dark Blue Volvo s80...

D- My DESK looks: a mess... I've been stamping and everything is everywhere!

E- The EXACT time I wake up daily is: It's summer so I don't really have one, I try to get up before the kids around 8 or so.. Depends on how late I stay up the night before, which has been really late..

F- The FIRST thing I wash in the shower is: my body, seem to be the odd man out on this one.

G- My GARAGE is filled with: We don't have one in our new house :(

H- My HOUSE is: Tiny, cramped, over priced and not going to be fun to live in for the next 3 years. But it is what it is, unless I wanna drop over $300,000 plus.. for something decent in this area I'll have to suck it up.

I- If you peeked INSIDE my bedroom you'd see: clothes baskets containing clothes that need folded, clothes drying on a rack and an unmade bed and socks on the floor.

J- My favorite JUICE is: I don't drink Juice since I had my band surgery, I reserve those carbs for other foods. But I used to love Cranberry Juice.

K- The best part of my KITCHEN is: Kitchen???? You mean that tiny walkway to my washer & dryer? I guess the stove, it's gas and I've become addicted to cooking on gas.

L- The LAST person who visited my home was: we just moved so that would be the Maintenance guy, does he count as a visitor?

M- The last piece of MAIL for me was: a box from my mom with Mono refills in it..

N- My NEIGHBORS think I'm: a total bitch.. When we moved in they were parked in our space and then proceeded to allow their friends to park their over the weekend of the 4th.. and I keep asking for them to move.. Not that I really should of has to do that.. They have a space of their own too.. I have 2 cars but don't put the other in anyone else's space.

O- If you OPENED my fridge you'd see: Coffee-mate (lots of it) beer, wine, Organic Milk, Almond Milk, Strawberries, Asparagus, lots of butter, cheese and Yogurt. I shop when we need something for dinner.

P- My last house PARTY was: in WA, I miss all my girls!!

Q- A QUICK meal I like to fix is: Waffles for Elvis... pop 2 in the toaster and dinners done! He loves it..

R- My favorite ROOM of the house is: our bedroom, it's a decent size.

S- The SHAMPOO brand I use is: Bed Head Foxy Curls.. My BFF Dawn is a stylist and she keeps me supplied!

T- My largest TELEVISION is: 32" Flat screen, we just came out of the dark ages and purchased our first.

U- UNDER my bed you will find: 2 storage containers. Bill's CD's and one with all my nail polish (yes it requires it's own bin of wheels).

V- The last time I VACUUMED was: yesterday.

W- Looking out my WINDOW I see: My car and the Play area of the CDC across the street.

X- I wish I had X-TRA: Money.. yeah don't we all!!

Y- My YARD is: dry and full of Mosquitoes.

Z- ZZZZZZZ My bedtime is: 1am or later most of the time.

Tuesdays at the Table..

2010-07-06T07:12:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had a great 4th of July Weekend! I'm sharing this recipe for grilled corn this week. My husband made this for us Sunday and it was soooo goood!! One thing about having him back in the house again and around for meals is we can get back into cooking again and trying out new things. Hope on over to Cole's Blog to see more of this weeks recipes.

Grilled Corn on the Cob with Garlic Butter,

Fresh Lime and Cotija Cheese

Recipe courtesy Bobby Flay

Ingredients

8 ears of corn
4 fresh limes, quartered
Garlic butter, recipe follows
1/2 cup grated cotija cheese.
2 tablespoons chopped chives, for garnish

Directions

Preheat grill to medium. Peel back the husks of the corn without removing them. Remove the silks and recover the corn with the husk. Soak in large bowl of cold water for 30 minutes. Remove corn from water and shake off excess. Place the corn on the grill, close the cover and grill for 15 to 20 minutes.

Unwrap corn and brush with the garlic butter. Sprinkle with the cotija cheese and squeeze with lime. Sprinkle with chopped chives, to garnish.

Garlic Butter:

2 sticks unsalted butter, slightly softened
8 cloves garlic, peeled and coarsely chopped
1/4 habanero pepper, seeded
1/4 bunch fresh chives
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Combine butter, garlic, habanero, and chives in a food processor and process until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside until ready to use.

We've moved!!!

2010-06-28T10:53:00.000-07:00

You knew that already though right? Sorry I haven't posted again, been a bit busy moving to another state. This move was the quickest and shortest I have ever done in 15 years in the Navy!! From Start to finish I think it was 5 days...

Bill finally made it back from San Diego around Midnight Friday the 11th and then the movers came to pack us up on Monday the 14th and they loaded the truck and drove off with our stuff on Tuesday the 15th. We cleaned up the house in VA and checked out of their on Wednesday and headed to MD. Our stuff arrived that Friday morning.

It's about a 3 1/2 to 4 hour drive from Newport News, VA to Annapolis, MD. We checked into housing here and got our keys... and the nightmare began.. Ha Ha!!! No really, it wasn't fun the first few days. See we were on the housing wait list for Ft. Meade which is only a 20 minute drive to work for Bill and Andrews AFB which is Air Force so the best housing you could get period! Annapolis is Navy Housing and they had an opening for us. Where as the others all said it would be Middle of July till we could get in. So I called both of those Tuesday before we left to make sure nothing changed. And it was still middle of July.

So, we signed the lease here on Wednesday afternoon and Both Ft. Meade and Andrews called Thursday and said they had openings!!! BASTARDS! (Pardon my French) Yeah, I was not a happy camper! 15 years you'd think we'd get a break! Don't get me wrong, I was happy we had a house to go too on such short notice but I'm paying a lot of money for 1,000 sq feet... and it's been rough since we got here.

Wednesday night no A/C or Hot Water and they decided they didn't need to come out to fix it until the next morning. And when I did the walk through everything looked okay for what it was.. Once we got in here and looked closely it was dirty.. I had to clean everything from top to bottom! So they came Thursday got the A/C and Hot water working (which should of been checked before we moved in, because they knew when we were coming) and then Thursday night we go to give the kids a bath and the only tub drain is clogged!

Maintenance came that night because I demanded it and fixed it. Then next day major leak under the sink, broken window that won't lock, broken back gate lock.... which are all minor but still should of been checked before we moved in! But I have my chin up and I will make the best of it and our lease if for 6 months, so if I feel like packing back up and moving myself I can.

Here are so pictures of the outside... I'm unpacked on the inside, just some tweaking to do. We had to rent a storage space because we don't have a garage or storage area big enough.

This is the front area... We are in a row of townhouses.

There are 5 houses in our row.

Directly across from me is the CDC..

So in the AM there are dozens of screaming kids outside playing..lol

It's not all bad though, the area around here is very nice and the neighborhood is the quietest I've ever lived in.. Silence at night time. We don't have neighbors next to us, so I just jinxed myself and I will get rowdy people with a dog they leave outside that barks.. Because that is usually what we have next to us!

I've been out shopping and wow their are a ton of very cool shopping places here and the people are so friendly that I have met. I have a Whole Foods not far away and IKEA!! We've been to both already. So I'm making the best of it and rumor has it the school in this district are the best in the state. So, we will see. And for all my lady friends that come and visit you can't ask for more Sailors walking around in their Uniforms then at the Naval Academy...lol (Ssshhh.. Don't tell my Husband I just said that.)

Bill left today to go check in at his first Shore Command in 15 years... At the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda.. I hope the drive isn't too long for him, traffic here is a nightmare. He had to wear the new working uniform (aka Peanut Butter Uniform)..he was so uncomfortable..lol I had to take a photo though...

What's funny is that clean shaven face looked like this just yesterday.....

I liked the fuzzy face better...lol

Sorry I just wrote a book for ya'll.. But that's my update!

Movie Review Monday...

2010-06-07T09:14:00.000-07:00

Jake Gyllenhaal stars as Prince Dastan, who pairs with spunky Princess Tamina (Gemma Arterton) to keep the Sands of Time -- a mystical dagger that gives its holder control over the flow of time -- from falling into the wrong hands and putting the world in peril. Mike Newell directs this sweeping live-action adventure based on the popular video game series, co-starring Ben Kingsley and Alfred Molina.

I saw this yesterday and I was very surprised.. It wasn't on my list of movies I wanted to see but I really liked it. It had a story line that we've seen before.. I had no idea it was about time travel kinda of.. It keep moving which was good, keep you entertained. A good movie to go and see It's would be okay for kids too. I'd give it 5 stars.

By responding to a letter addressed to Shakespeare's tragic heroine Juliet Capulet, a young American woman (Amanda Seyfried) vacationing in Verona, Italy, sets in motion a series of events that leads her -- and the missive's lovelorn author (Vanessa Redgrave) -- in search of romance. Directed by Gary Winick, this deeply tender and uplifting drama also features Gael García Bernal and Franco Nero.

I loved this movie.... It was a total chick flix, but I think there was a guy for every girl in the theatre as well and I saw a few guys by themselves. Vanessa Redgrave is the best! Make sure you take some tissues with you though for this one.. But a definite girls Must see! 4 Stars..

Russell Crowe stars as Robin Longstride in director Ridley Scott's big-budget twist on the celebrated legend. When soldier Robin happens upon the dying Robert of Loxley, he promises to return the man's sword to his family in Nottingham. There, he assumes Robert's identity; romances his widow, Marion (Cate Blanchett); and draws the ire of the town's sheriff (Matthew Macfayden) and King John's henchman, Godfrey (Mark Strong).

SPOILER ALERT!!!!

This is a must, must see if you are a huge fan of period pieces.. Me I love movies like Troy, Elizabeth, Tristan & Isolde, King Arthur etc... and who can resist some Russell Crow ? My favorite part of this movie is at the end, he has blood running down his face and is shooting the arrow at the man who he thinks just killed his wife..They zoom in and it's intense and then he and Cate Blanchett are in the water kissing each other and my heart melted. I will be buying this movie when it comes out on DVD!! My rating scale only goes to 5 but I give this one 10 stars!!

The fourth chapter of this fractured fairy-tale series finds the lovable green ogre Shrek (voiced by Mike Myers) feeling less like a monster and more like a man in the midst of a midlife crisis. But will striking a deal with Rumpelstiltskin make his life better or worse? Cameron Diaz, Eddie Murphy and Antonio Banderas return as the voices of Princess Fiona, Donkey and Puss in Boots, respectively.

I will be the first to admit I have a hard time getting through these movies.. I still have not seen the third one the whole way through and we own it.. But this one was really good!! We saw it in IMAX in 3-D and my kids loved it!! I didn't loose interest once (unlike the others) .. I see why it has done so well at the box office.. 5 stars!

Set two years after the wedding that almost wasn't, this sequel finds gal pals Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker), Charlotte (Kristin Davis), Samantha (Kim Cattrall) and Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) embarking on a much-needed vacation to exotic Abu Dhabi. They're still the same soul mates despite responsibilities of motherhood and marriage, but a new romance for Samantha and a little thing called Aidan, Carrie's ex, keep things interesting.

Another chick must see.. It got a lot of mixed reviews, but I think you have to be a true SATC fan to appreciate the movies.. I didn't want it to end, I'm ready for a 3rd movie already.. 4 Stars!

And the race is on..

2010-06-07T08:47:00.000-07:00

The race is on to get everything ready for the move next Monday the 14th the packers will arrive to start boxing everything up. One major element is still missing though and that's my Husband!! He was due back on the 28th of May and I still have no idea when he will be returning. My fingers are crossed that's this week. He said he told them he needs to leave Tuesday or he will start to get violent.. Ha Ha!! So maybe that will work.

I have to get everything boxed up that we keep the original boxes for and go through every closet and throw away anything we won't be needed and all that random stuff we accumulate over time. And there is the daunting task of going through all the boxes in the garage and make sure there are no creepy crawly in there that will go with us. My husband usually gets that job!

When we moved up here from FL there was a skink in the Deep Freezer he was a little one and he survived the trip up and grew to a much larger size while he was living in there and surprised the Hell out of me one day... He managed to escape and made his way into the outdoors so I don't know if he survived the winter or not. It got pretty cold in FL so it's possible.. They have skinks in VA but they are brown with red lines instead of Black with Blue lines so maybe there will be a new species..lol

We applied at all the Military housing available in MD.. We have a pretty good wait for Ft. Meade and Andrews AFB (which is the good stuff ) but Annapolis has an opening when we arrive next week. I'm going to drive up there on Thursday and take a look at it. It's very small according to the website 1,000 sq ft. And the google Map isn't making it look good. Since we are so close, well kinda 3 1/2 hours I want to check it out first. If it's a no go we will be in a hotel or somewhere for a month waiting for Andrews to open up.. They said mid July before we get in. I'd rather have my stuff packed up here in VA and taken door to door. If it goes into temporary storage that's when it all gets lost.

I need make a phone call today to see if I can get us into Thurmont which is also known as Camp David.. It's a smaller base and Bill would have a longer drive but the area is really nice.. We are going to be there for 3 years so we want to get a decent house this time around even if that means waiting!

And so it begins...

2010-05-24T12:11:00.000-07:00

Orders.... Orders... Yes I have a hard copy of orders in my possession or I should say an emailed copy that is.. Nothing is still popping up on BUPERS, I can work with this though!

Last week was the start of it all... Whew and it was a nightmare to say the least! I spent 3 hours online trying to figure out the new moving system the military uses and WOW is all I can say to that.. If it ain't broke don't fix it... Why they changed us to a new system I have no idea.. Figured it out and got all the paperwork submitted. I don't live near Norfolk where the big Naval Station is so I had to Choose Ft. Eustis Army base as my closes Personal Property office or in Army terms Transportation Office.

I took the orders in on Tuesday morning and a counselor needs to double check my paperwork and sign up and send it into the system to JPPSO where they will assign the moving company. The lady I talked to looked at me like I was an Alien because my paperwork was filled out online and I didn't need a session with someone in the office to do it for me. Said someone would check it over and call me Wednesday.

Thursday and no phone call so I go over in person.. and good thing I did! They didn't touch my paperwork, just threw it into a pile..and I was livid!! The poor guy that checked me in was scared I think, he knew that paperwork should of been processed already and that I shouldn't have to be in there because I already filled it out online! Chick that had my paperwork... IDIOT!! Yeah that's putting it nicely, it's all cubicles and I could hear her talking to the old guy about my paperwork.

So I had to sit and wait for her to go over it and then make sure it got sent off! I sat and waited for over 30 minutes.. then when I got back their with her I was there for another hour.. She made me go through the entire paperwork again and basically file a new set-up.. And then she couldn't read the orders, and keep complaining about why the Navy shouldn't allow us to self counsel. ourselves. The whole time I'm trying to remain calm and thinking about one of the soldiers sitting waiting for his turn he was their before I got there and didn't get back to anyone until after I was leaving.

You will NEVER see a Navy person sitting in an office waiting for anything all day like that.. They have shit to do!! I'm not saying the Army doesn't but it seems like they spend a lot of time all day waiting for stuff.. and I used to live on Ft. Eustis and have seen it for myself.. My neighbor's husband wasn't even allowed to live with her in base housing, because he was in a school and had to live in the barracks 3 feet away on post.. That is ludicrous!!

They way that lady was treating me was like I was infantile and didn't know anything... and she just keep asking me the stupidest questions over and over again.. at one point I was like I have moved a million times and I have been a spouse for 15 years I know what I'm doing better then you!! I couldn't hold it in any longer!! Needless to say I left asked her if my paperwork was sent off where it needed to go she said yes.. I got home looked the paperwork over and something seemed off. She basically just did another move request and re-submitted it back to Ft. Eustis and it's waiting for me to turn in my copy of the orders so they can process it.. But, yet that is what I did last Mon. Evening and then Tuesday morning and then again on Thursday morning!!!

Anywho.. I fixed everything Friday and Monday and our move has been assigned to a local company I'm just waiting for them to contact me and set up the dates.. We are one 3 housing waiting list for the area and should know something for sure next week.. And Bill should be back with us Next Tuesday!

So I'm making progress.. slowly but making progress.. and I already know that this stuff never goes smooth.. but I always hope it does. I need to just prepare for the worse and then I'll be okay I think!

Wow...

2010-05-15T23:27:00.000-07:00

Do I need to get back to remembering this blog is here.. I thought I ignored my stamping blog sometimes this is ridiculous.. I haven't posted since March 1st and it's May 16th...

So what has been going on? Well a lot! My kiddos are pretty much the same crazy and keep me busy as ever!!! It's been pretty warm off and on the past few weeks so we have broken the pool out a few times.

It will be really warm, like in the 90's then all of a sudden go back into the 50's.. That's VA weather

for you though.. if you are from here or have lived here you know all about that.

In April I went to San Diego, CA to see my husband and meet the ship as it pulled into it's new Home Port after it travelled from Norfolk, VA.. took what seemed like forever! But they finally made it after a few port calls and a month in Haiti. They were right on schedule and arrived safe and sound.

I got to spend a week with him and it was wonderful. My mom came down and stayed with the kids. And it was the first time my husband and I have been alone without the kids on any type of vacation or trip in over 9 years.. How crazy is that? It was a vacation that was well needed for me after the deployment but it was just some time off for my husband. He has been in San Diego since the 12th April and is still there as I write this..

We did lots of touristy stuff and it went by so fast.. I didn't see nearly as much as I wanted too.. Sea World was on the list but we didn't make it there.. The Zoo and Wild Animal Park were first on our list and we did a Sea Tour.. Where you ride in the water/land boat things.. Pretty Cool and we ate at some cool restaurants.. We didn't go to the Gas-lamp quarter till my last night there and I could of stayed there for days.

I took pictures of everything while we were there.. The three things I was mostly excited about were the Kola Bears, the Seals and the Panda Bear..

These were 3 animals I have never seen in a Zoo let alone close up in real life or with the seals in their natural habitat. When we lived near Seattle I knew their were some but never managed to get over to see them. I really like Polar Bears too, but he wasn't cooperating the day we saw him, he was hiding.

I'll get around to posting some more photos soon I hope.. Yea, your like sure she will, she hasn't posted on here in almost 2 months.. We'll believe it when we see it.. Like I said I will try to post some more photos..lol

I returned from my mini vacation and left my husband behind and headed back to the real world! There is some great news though, instead of my husband getting off the ship in November of this year he will be leaving in May.. Yep that is this month.. but let's say he's is suppose to leave in May....

He got new orders to Shore Duty and we will be headed to Bethesda, MD..where he will be working at the Naval Hospital.. Needless to say this is not where we wanted to go and I will not be a happy camper for the next 3 years unless something miraculous happens and I love it there. Which I doubt!

We don't know when we will be leaving exactly, but we do know when we need to be there by the end of June. Yep, not to far from now.. and I don't have a Hard Copy of Orders in my hands yet either, and that could be a disaster.. But I am a seasoned Navy Wife as we like to say and I can wave my magical wand and things happen.. Just like when we moved from FL to VA in 08'. I had 2 weeks to get a move set up and get us housing and somehow it all fell into place.. I just hope we are that lucky this time.

So more to come on that as well.. STAY TUNED!!!!!! I'll try not to go so long in between post but, what can I say.. I always say that and yet I leave ya'll hanging for months on end..

Ta Ta for now.......

Just want to say...

2010-03-01T18:44:00.000-08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my husband... even though he is away again for his Birthday.. It will really be weird when we can all celebrate our birthdays with the whole family together..lol

He's not a cake man so here's a slice of Key Lime Pie.. His Favorite!!

formspring.me

2010-02-28T15:57:00.001-08:00

Ask me anything http://formspring.me/stampingholly

Some Photos..

2010-02-25T14:48:00.000-08:00

I took these pictures last night.. The sky looked like it was on fire, it was so pretty!!

We're suppose to get some more snow tomorrow.. I'm hoping we don't but it's really cold outside and it's that deep into your bones cold which means there's a storm coming...

Here are some more pictures of the last storm we had.. I think it was the 2nd one lol We had snow for 3 weekends in a row..

Rant..

2010-02-25T14:24:00.000-08:00

So I'm going to rant for a minute.. Last week Elvis came home from school in horrible pain and tears. The bus driver said he fell getting off the bus that morning. I didn't get a call or anything about it. Turns out they ignored him saying his foot hurt all day.. I called the school and the teacher said they looked at it and everything looked okay so it wasn't a big deal. Yet he was complaining about it and couldn't put any pressure on it when he walked.

I took him to the doctor they did an X-ray and called and said he has a fracture on his heel and it will probably need a cast.. but they needed a second X-ray to compare the two to know how severe it is. This happen last Monday and X-ray on Tuesday and second X-ray on Thursday. I called and left a message for the doctor on Monday to see what was next and no call back. Called again Wednesday and no call back.. Today is Thursday!! I'm like what is going on, military medicine is a real Pain in the Ass sometimes.. It's free they didn't say it was good.

Meanwhile I wasn't happy with how the school handled it, because it was probaly made worse by him having to walk on it all day.. All they needed to do was call me and tell me and I should of been the one to decide if he needed to come home or not! This kid is 5 and in a Pre-School program.. So I called the supervisor of the program because I was mad!! The only person that apologized to me when they found out how bad his foot was is the class teacher and she wasn't there when it happen it was one of the other teachers.

So the supervisor went in that Friday to discuss everything and asked the teacher to call me and apologize so I would feel better about the situation.. She did and was pissed that she had to, you could tell by her voice and slight attitude she had. Then the principle called to apologize as well.. this is Friday this happen on Monday... Little too late people!!

Sad thing is I can't move him because he is doing really well with this class and we need to stick it out till June then we should be out of this crap hole before school starts again. I really hate VA!

So anyways.. I don't know if the kids going to get a cast or not yet. I'm calling back tomorrow and giving them the it's been a week think someone can get on the phone and talk to me speech and if that doesn't work I have an appointment for him on Tuesday..

That's my rant for today.. Other then that everything else is the same.. Kids are good, Bill is still out in the middle of the Ocean. He says there is a nasty bug going around the ship I don't want to be anywhere near 2,000 people sharing a stomach bug No Thank You!!

Damm!!

2010-02-07T17:59:00.000-08:00

I keep saying I'm going to post better and I forget all about it.. I think it's because I have a somewhat boring life an I don't have exciting things going on I guess....But, I'm still going to try to stay better at this I have no problem posting on my Stamping Blog every day..

Snow, Snow, Snow enough already.. this is the second weekend in a row we had snow and lots of it.. Southern VA doesn't get snow like this so it's a mess.. Last weekend we had 11" when it was all over, it snowed for 14 hours straight.. then this weekend it snowed a bit Friday night then turned into rain and heavy windy rain.. and then in the early AM on Saturday it turned back into crazy SNOW!!! It was windy so it was blowing all over the place.. when it was all over only 5" on the ground and it started melting today.. There was no school last week until Thursday and that was a half day..

Austin got really sick on Thursday with a fever and it wouldn't go away.. Saturday around 4am he woke up vomiting and his fever was 105.7 .. Yea it was high, but it was snowing and I wasn't about to get Elvis up and drag them both to the ER so they could give him tylenol and I could sit there for hours on end and then have to drive back in a Blizzard with MORONS who can't drive in snow.. NO WAY DUDE!!

I gave him some Motrin and he spit it up.. Austin has texture issues due to the Autism and medication is a bitch to give this kid.. So I waited a bit and gave him a tiny bit more and it didn't go down much.. So I ran to the MiniMart with both of them which is not far away and got some Tylenol and that did the trick. Fever went down and he was back to normal and today he was fine.. Still has a cough and I got the pleasure of waking up with a runny nose and a sore throat.. Oh the joys of Motherhood!!

My husband pulled into a Port yesterday and he call today.. and he asked "so how is everything".. I was like don't ask.. Is it just me or do the kids always get sick when these guys leave? It can't just be my kids can it? So we had a chat and then I went on with the day.. Cleaning and cleaning.. See I have a boring life.

I have been trying out some new recipes that I want to share.. I've been eating better for the most part and with my last Band fill she really made it tight, so I don't get to eat much so what goes in there needs to be healthy!! I'll get those recipes up this week..

That's all I have for ya today.. If you see I haven't posted in a while someone shout at me so I get on the ball will ya!!

I'm impressed!!

2010-01-18T13:59:00.000-08:00

By the way the US has gone full force into Haiti and it's been non stop.. I"m really amazed at what our ship has been doing since they arrived!!!

You can see Photos and read updates on their Facebook page... There are some great photos they have been sharing and amazing stories!!

I'm a SLACKER!!!

2010-01-17T08:50:00.000-08:00

I know it's been months since I posted to this blog!!! Life had been crazy busy as usual and I just haven't been in the mood to do much of anything.. One of my resolutions this year is to keep my personal blog going and try to post more often...

Lets see where did I leave off last? Well Elvis is back to being about 95% better with no coughing.. It has been confirmed that he does have a Asthma. We go back next week for an allergy test to see if there is anything he is allergic too.. His meds have been working and we had the house vents all cleaned and it seemed to have really helped.. Most traces of the dog are gone as well..

We do miss him dearly though... He was a goober but we loved him.. Edward has a great new home in PA with a family who loves Labs.. so he is doing great, they have been sending me updates.. He even got a photo shoot done for Xmas. They have a pet photographer in the family!!

The kids had a nice Christmas..I was really surprised Austin was actually into it this year.. He couldn't wait to open gifts and he stayed and opened them all before he disappeared into his room with his loot!! Usually it's a struggle to get him to focus and stay and open each gift.

Elvis enjoyed it as well.. He got his very own Nintendo DS this year and he was very excited about that..He used to have to share Austin's and that wasn't fun. Elvis also had a Birthday last month he turned the Big 5!! Bill was out to sea for it.. But, we made his day special!!

Bill left for yet another Deployment to take the ship to it's new Homeport in San Diego. Right after they left they were redirected to Haiti since they were the only Air Craft Carrier in the water and close.. They arrived off the coast on Friday and have been doing all the can ever since..

We're not sure how long they will be there.. I really hate these deployments, he has been gone so much in the last 3 years seems like he hasn't been for more then a month at a time.. But, we will be getting to shore duty soon and that is a good 3 years without him having to go anywhere. He's going to miss a lot as he normally seems too. My Birthday, Austin's Birthday, his Birthday and our Anniversary.. That's life in the Navy though so what can ya do?

I got another band fill on my Gastric band Friday.. It was a big one, I'm on solids only for 7 days..I'm already down 10 pounds.. Hoping this will get my weight loss another good start. Other then life is still pretty boring.. I'll try to keep my goal and post more.. I hope everyone had a good start to your New Year!!!

So Sad!!

2009-10-26T19:55:00.000-07:00

Here I go again starting to fall behind again..lol It's been a rough couple of weeks 6 to be exact. Elvis has been sick for 6 weeks and he isn't getting any better!! The doctors are morons I'm starting to believe. They do nothing and run this test that come back negative and then give him drugs that do nothing. So I've done some experimenting of my own... And we are about 95% positive that he is allergic to Edward (our Lab/Retriever Mix) who we adopted in April. He has been sick off and on since we brought him home and now he can't seem to recover. I put the dog outside today from 9am until 6pm and I cleaned top to bottom and you know that kid didn't cough or sneeze but once! Last night he coughed straight for 2 1/2 hours.

We have some more test to have run, but I know this is what they are gong to say. This is very sad, we will start looking for a new home for the dog or he will have to be returned back to the Humane Society. As much as we care about the dog we can't have Elvis' being sick all the time. This is the first time we've had a pet with kids and sometimes they are allergic! He will grow out of it I'm sure and someday maybe we can get another pet.

Life Sucks!!! And of course Bill is asking me to take him to the pound because he can't do it!! It was his idea to get a dog and yet I've been taking care of him since day one!! What makes him think it will be any easier for me to have to give the dog up? I'm tore up about it already and I haven't even decided when it will happen. Sometimes I really don't like MEN!!

Vampire Dip in Fried Tortilla Bowl

2009-10-20T05:45:00.000-07:00

Time for another Tuesdays at the Table with Cole. So grab a recipe and play along or Stop over and see What's Cooking!!

Halloween is fast approaching and this recipe looks interesting... I haven't tried it myself yet, but I think I will on Halloween.. If anyone has tried it let me know how it was!

Vampire Dip in Fried Tortilla Bowl

Ingredients

* 1 large green bell pepper, chopped
* 1 small Vidalia onion, chopped
* 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1/3 cup mayonnaise
* 1/2 cup spicy tomato juice
* 2/3 cup tomato paste
* 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
* 2 tablespoons lemon juice
* 2 teaspoons hot sauce
* 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
* 2 teaspoon red dye
* 1 (15-ounces) can diced tomatoes with green chiles
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper
* Fried tortilla bowls, recipe follows
* Special equipment: round wire fry baskets

Directions

Finely chop the green bell pepper and Vidalia onion in a food processor. Add remaining ingredients, puree until almost smooth. Transfer to a mixing bowl. Chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours. Transfer to a fried tortilla bowl to serve.
Tortilla Baskets:

* 3 (8-inch) flour tortillas
* Salt and pepper
* Peanut oil, for frying

Preheat deep-fryer to 350 degrees F.

Place tortilla in 1 of the baskets. Place another basket on top to hold it in place. Place in the deep-fryer and fry for roughly 1 minute or until golden and crisp. Remove to a paper towel lined sheet tray to drain and cool. Fill with the vampire dip when completely cooled.

*Recipe courtesy Paula Deen, 2008

Tuesdays at the Table

2009-10-14T04:17:00.001-07:00

I'm a day late and a dollar short.. What else is new! I've been neglecting this blog for about a month now and it's time to get back to it.. So I'm going to participate in Tuesdays at the Table over at All the Small Stuff.

Fall is here and when I think of Fall I see Falling leaves, Halloween, Daylight Savings and PUMPKINS!!! So I have a recipe that just right for the season..

Pumpkin Pudding

2 C. Canned or Fresh Pumpkin
3 Egg Yolks
1/2 C. Sugar
1/2C. Milk
1/2 tsp. Salt
1 Tbs. Cinnamon
1 Envelope unflavored Gelatin
1/4 C. Cold Water
1 box No Bake Cheesecake Mix

Cook the pumpkin, eggs, sugar, milk, salt, cinnamon in a small saucepan until it thickens. Remove from heat. Dissolve 1 envelope of gelatin in 1/4 C. cold water and add to pumpkin mixture. Allow to cool and fold into CheeseCake Mix that was prepared according to directions. Sprinkle the crust mix onto layers, alternating with the pudding. Serve in a Hallowed out Pumpkin Shell top with whipped Cream!

Enjoy!

A few of my Favorite Things....

2009-09-05T22:38:00.001-07:00

I saw this on another blog and thought it looked like fun..

These are a few of my Favorite things right now...

I'm still loving my Kat Von D eyeshadow Palette in Ludwig... I've had it for a year and it's the one I reach for the most!

Reading... I've been reading some books on the Tudors lately and I can't put them down!

I also zipped through the latest from Johanna Lindsey.. I think I read it in 2 days, one of her best yet.

Teeny Tiny Wishes from Stampin' Up! if you've been over to my stamping blog you will see that I've been using this on just about every card I make.

images © Stampin' Up!

M&M's Premiums..I'm totally not suppose to be eating these. But OMG!! Have you tried these yet?

And last but not least, my day wouldn't be complete without my morning cup of Green Ginger.. I love this tea!!

Now show me what you got! What are some of your fav's at the moment?

Pics!!

2009-08-28T07:46:00.000-07:00

We did some more exploring of our new surroundings last week.. We went over to the Cheatham Annex in Williamsburg where Bill did his gun shoot stuff for work.. and then we headed over to downtown Yorktown. I didn't have my camera so I had to take some photos with my camera on my phone..

The Bridge is the George P Coleman Bridge. Austin was posing for me so I had to take a picture the kid never looks at the camera.. He was enjoying his Ben & Jerry's. Elvis wanted a picture with the boats, I tried to get a picture of all 3 of them, but someone always looks the opposite direction.

At the Cheatam Annex they have a really cool park, and there are some nice cabins along the water you can rent. Bill wants to do that when we need to check out inside of a hotel. I don't know we will see, we seem to always move in the dead of winter.

Photo of the day!!

2009-08-24T04:13:00.001-07:00

Elvis with his new Boy Hair cut!! This is his why are you taking my picture of me eating face??

I'm going to try to upload at least one photo a day.

The new Kitchen...

2009-08-24T04:04:00.001-07:00

Or I should say the new super small kitchen..lol

Those are my cupboards.. Yep that's it! and look one drawer by the stove!

My mom came up with the idea of the Rack.. and thank goodness she did. I was loosing my mind.

The closet doors by the fridge open up and that is where the washer & dryer are and above them are 2 shelfs, where I keep some more pans, popcorn maker and sharp items and the chips.. Austin would eat a whole bag of Doritos in a day if he had access!!

But the whole empty wall could have some cupboards but up and another counter.. I guess these are all done the same way to, really weird. I don't think I will be baking much..lol

I'll get some more photos of the rest of the house soon.

Monday Movie Reviews..

2009-08-24T03:16:00.000-07:00

I forgot to post last weeks so I have a lot this week...

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

When his family moves from their home in Berlin to a strange new house in Poland, young Bruno (Asa Butterfield) befriends Shmuel (Jack Scanlon), a boy who lives on the other side of the fence, where everyone seems to be wearing striped pajamas. Unaware of Shmuel's fate as a Jewish prisoner or the role his own Nazi father plays in his imprisonment, Bruno embarks on a dangerous journey inside the camp's walls.

This was the saddest movie I have ever seen in my life! It was a great movie but it will be burned into my mind forever.. Watch with caution. 4 stars!!

Faintheart

This isn't listed on any sites yet to get a description. Here is the films website This is an independent film that is still in theaters, but it also on the IFC on Cable On Demand. I've been looking for it everywhere when I saw it on a preview. Richard loses his wife and his son is embarrassed by him. He is going to do everything he can to win them both back! It was a great heartfelt movie, good story line and overall a great movie. There hasn't been many movies like this one lately. 5 stars!!

Hanna Montana The Movie..

When the pop star fame of her secret alter ego, Hannah Montana, becomes too much to bear, Miley Stewart (Miley Cyrus) takes a break and journeys back to her Tennessee hometown of Crowley Corners for a much-needed break from the spotlight. But the pressures of celebrity life prove difficult to escape when Miley is pursued by a snoop who suspects the truth about her identity. Peter Chelsom directs, and Billy Ray Cyrus and Emily Osment co-star.

Yes, I watched it and the day it came out!! I'm not afraid to admit once in a blue moon I will sit and watch an episode on Disney when it's late at night. I grew up with Bill Ray what can I say.. This was good and a great kids movie!! I know as of late she has been getting a bad rap because of her little dance at the Kids awards, but this movie had a positive message in it and kids need more movies like these. I laughed pretty hard at a lot of the humor in it. It's a great Family Movie Night movie! 5 stars!!

17 Again

On the brink of a midlife crisis, 30-something Mike O'Donnell (Matthew Perry) wishes he could have a "do-over." And that's exactly what he gets when he wakes up one morning to find he's 17 years old again. With his adult mind stuck inside the body of a teenager (Zac Efron), Mike actually has the chance to reverse some decisions he wishes he'd never made. But maybe they weren't so bad after all. Leslie Mann and Michelle Trachtenberg co-star.

This wasn't s bad either, not really my style of movie. A teeny bopper film for sure and Not for kids under 11.. Had a good story to it, but it's been done too many times. 3 stars!!

The International

Interpol agent Louis Salinger (Clive Owen) and New York Asst. DA Eleanor Whitman (Naomi Watts) team up to expose a global financial institution's money laundering, arms dealing and other illegal rackets in this tense thriller from director Tom Tykwer. As the pair race from New York to Milan and beyond to pursue their case, they soon discover that the ruthless bank will stop at nothing to continue its profitable activities.

I can't say anything good about this one folks!! I feel asleep and lost interest, it was long and a guys movie all the way. My husband finished it and said was okay.. Nothing to remember 2 stars!!

Coraline...

In this breathtaking stop-motion animation based on Neil Gaiman's novel, curious young Coraline (voiced by Dakota Fanning) unlocks a door in her family's home and is transported to a universe that strangely resembles her own -- only better. But when her Other Mother (Teri Hatcher) doesn't want Coraline to return to reality, our heroine must summon an amazing amount of courage to go home and save her family.

I didn't like it! My kids didn't like it either.. It was creepy and just weird. A Nightmare before Christmas was done a lot better. Maybe if I'd seen it in 3D, but it was slow and just weird. The story was good though. So I'm giving it 3.5 stars!

Inkheart..

Unbeknownst to his 12-year-old daughter, Meggie (Eliza Bennett), bookbinder Mo "Silvertongue" Folchart (Brendan Fraser) has a secret ability to bring characters to life by reading their stories out loud. But when the wicked Capricorn (Andy Serkis) comes after her father, Meggie must rescue him. Paul Bettany, Jim Broadbent and Helen Mirren co-star in this enchanting fantasy based on the best-selling children's novel by Cornelia Funke.

Is it just me or does Brendan Fraser look the same in every movie he is in??? I liked it! A good family movie 4 stars!

Big Stan..

Rob Schneider stars in this comedy as Big Stan, a diminutive real estate con man who, upon learning he's headed for prison, hires a martial arts guru (David Carradine) to train him for the purpose of self-defense behind bars. Once incarcerated, Stan earns the respect of his fellow inmates and ends up bringing a sense of order and synchronicity to the place -- until a warden with a hidden agenda tries to thwart Stan's benevolent efforts.

This was hilarious!! I love Rob Schneider.. He does it again.. Guys will like this too My husband and I watched it!! 4 stars all the way!

Random Ramblings..

2009-08-24T03:05:00.001-07:00

Not much going on here so I haven't been posting much. We are just taking it easy until school starts for the kids on the 8th. Bill finished up working in the Galley and is now officially at Master at Arms.. Well for the ship he is anyways.. He gets to wear the Green Camo now.

I've been fighting with our insurance to get Austin and Appointment for an ACE Evaluation to get him a communication device. IT's taken forever and we'll go in Sept. I just hope that is all we need and there won't be any other loop holes to jump through, always a possibility with insurance.

We went an explored the area some more yesterday and checked out the Chatam Annex which is part of the base in Williamsburg, there is a lot of cool parks and trails over there. It's along the york river, I forgot my camera though. I took some photos with my phone haven't had a chance to upload them.

I'll check back in soon.

Movie Review Monday

2009-08-10T20:20:00.000-07:00

Well after a break for a few weeks.. I've got some movie reviews for you again..Let's start with what's playing right now at the movies!!

Amy Adams stars in this truth-inspired tale as Julie Powell, a disenchanted government secretary who decides to enliven her uneventful life by cooking all 524 recipes outlined in Julia Child's culinary classic Mastering the Art of French Cooking. Based on Powell's book Julie & Julia: 365 Days, 524 Recipes, 1 Tiny Apartment Kitchen, director Nora Ephron's heartwarming dramedy also stars Meryl Streep as legendary chef Child.

I couldn't wait to see this and I went Friday morning when the theatre opened.. It was one of the best movies I've seen all year.. 5 stars all the way!! I laughed, I cried and I will buy it when it's out on DVD.. Meryl Streep was fantastic.

In the shadow of the Great Depression, criminal minds are thriving -- notorious men like John Dillinger (Johnny Depp), "Baby Face" Nelson (Stephen Graham) and "Pretty Boy" Floyd (Channing Tatum) -- and it's up to J. Edgar Hoover (Billy Crudup) and the FBI to bring them down. Michael Mann directs this gritty crime drama based on the book by Bryan Burrough. Christian Bale, Giovanni Ribisi and Leelee Sobieski co-star.

This was a date night movie and My husband picked it..It wasn't bad but it was long. Action all the way through, I would see it early in the day or night, don't go at the 10pm showing like we did, (shh, I feel asleep..lol) But it'll keep you interested. I didn't like Christian Bale in this but everyone else did a great job!! I give it 4.5 Stars!

In his segment called "The Ugly Truth," chauvinistic morning show commentator Mike Alexander (Gerard Butler) makes his perpetually single producer (Katherine Heigl) the subject of a series of romantic tests in order to prove his theories on relationships. But will his experiments help her find love, or is she just a hopeless case? Cheryl Hines co-stars as Mike's unflappable co-anchor in this rom-com from the team behind Legally Blonde.

This was great!! I love Gerard Butler and this was a great date movie or girls just go see it on your own.. A must see, I laughed the whole time.. 5 stars!!

Now onto what's on DVD!!

Sean Penn (in an Oscar-winning role) stars in this fact-based drama about Harvey Milk, the openly gay activist and San Francisco politician who was murdered along with Mayor George Moscone (Victor Garber) by disgruntled city supervisor Dan White (Josh Brolin) in 1978. Emile Hirsch, James Franco and Diego Luna co-star in director Gus Van Sant's compelling biopic, which also earned Oscar nods for Best Picture and Best Supporting Actor (Brolin).

I'm all about Artsy movies.. But I couldn't do this one.. I turned it off about a 1/4 of the way into it. So I don't have anything positive to say about it.. It was all over the place and I just wasn't feeling Penn & Franco as a gay couple.. Jake & Heath did a better job in Brokeback.. 1 star!

Fifty years after a time capsule was buried at a local school, teacher John Koestler (Nicolas Cage) examines its contents and discovers that it holds many shockingly true predictions. Soon, John is convinced that his family will play a role in an impending apocalypse. Rose Byrne co-stars as Diane Wayland, the daughter of the woman who first buried the capsule, in this tense blockbuster thriller from ace sci-fi auteur Alex Proyas.

Warning: Spoiler Alert!! I love Nicolas Cage and I will be one to tell you he doesn't have many bad movies, but I was so disappointed in this one.. The acting was bad and the story line was bad! You get all the way to the end and ALIENS?? Are you serious.. I was just in aww I wanted to turn it off then but I had to finish it.. There are alot of end of the world movies coming out lately and more are on the way!! 3 stars!!

All my Submarine Wives are waiting for this one!!!

On a remote Pacific island, military tensions derail Dr. Andrea Swanson's (Krista Allen) research on a mutant snake species. She takes refuge on Commander O'Neill's (Luke Perry) Taiwan-bound submarine, unaware that her assistant has smuggled some of the snakes on board. When a Chinese torpedo rocks the sub, the serpents are unleashed to hunt the scientists and the crew. Tom Berenger co-stars in this depth-charged chiller.

It's a train wreck you have to see to believe!! Tom Barenger is the one one who has his Navy Uniform right!! If you are going to make a military movie at least spend the time to get the uniforms correct.. and the never salute without a hat!! My husband and I picked this movie apart!! But it was good to laugh and I'm about 90% sure it's the same sub set up from Down Periscope!.. Let me know what you think!! I'm giving it 2 stars only because it made me laugh!

I'm back on track..

2009-08-10T20:18:00.001-07:00

We are all moved into our new house and I'm finally out of boxes and things are getting back to normal.. We moved from Fort Eustis Army Housing to Navy housing at Naval Weapons Station and it is wonderful.. I will get some pictures up soon. The layout is just like what we had in FL so we had a place for everything right off the bat. I do have one problem with this place.. The kitchen is huge but there are no cabinets or counters.. I have one drawer!!! lol... So some creative thinking really had to come into play with organizing it.

Cool Navy Pix..

2009-07-21T06:04:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from the ship Bill is on..These are from the last underway.. It's so weird to see how big this ship is compared to those little subs we are so used to being on.. The descriptions are from the ship..

"Just a few pictures from our first day of fixed wing flight operations. The last couple days we've had quite a few aircraft from multiple squadrons trapping onboard, but we don't have any new photos posted yet. I'll keep an eye out for you. There's also a shot of the rigged barricade. The barricade is used to help stop aircraft that have to make an emergency landing. We have three basic barricades, one for jets, one for propeller driven aircraft and one used for training like in the picture. When we get into "blue water ops" the aircraft can't divert to the beach because we are too far away. So they have to land on the ship even in an emergency. The barricade ensures they only have to make one pass! No room for error!"

" Pictures are of Helicopter Flight Operations. The weather out here there was foggy. It looks pretty incredible in Hangar Bay 3 with the doors open. The fog was passing through the ship and out the other side and you can see it. Enjoy! "

"A few pictures to share today. The mural painted on the hangar bay divisional doors was designed and painted by Sailors onboard. A Third Class Petty Officer designed the mural and three or four junior Sailors did all the painting. That was very impressive to think this was done start to finish in a couple weeks and finished about one week before our Change of Command (no pressure!). That painting will be there for the next 25 years of our ship's life. Now that's leaving your legacy.

The next one is during Sea Trials when they were firing "No Loads" with the catapults. They are testing the catapults without any aircraft or load on them to make sure they work properly. Check out the steam that comes out of the track. The smell of steam and hot grease permeates the air across the flight deck and inside the ship. The smell is very distinct and one of those smells you won't ever forget.

The last two are taken inside/outside the Foc'sle as we go to anchorage. You can see the chain coming out of the chain locker, around the wildcat capstan and ultimately out the hawsepipe into the water. If you ask most people what keeps the ship in place, they will tell you the anchor. In reality, the anchor is what is used to pull the chain out. It is the extra lengths/weight of the chain that actually keeps the ship in place. You don't want to be near the Foc'sle when they are paying out the chain. It is LOUD! "

" Today we have pictures from the Counter Measures Wash Down, which is used to protect the ship from chemical and biological agents. The entire flight deck and superstructure ("the island") are covered with nozzles to spray the ship down with water and fire fighting agents. Of course it also works great to wash the flight deck. There's also a shot from our Change of Command in Hangar Bay Two."

"First, we have one of our Quartermasters preparing to "Shift Colors". Once we disconnect from the pier we are officially underway, so we shift colors and move our National Ensign from the stern flag staff to a yardarm on the main mast. The next photo shows a Machinists Mate servicing one of our carts with liquid oxygen. We have two oxygen generating plants where we create liquid oxygen (LOX) and nitrogen. LOX is some pretty scary stuff. Oxygen "boils" at an extremely low temperature and vaporizes into a gas. As with many liquids when it boils and changes states, it expands extremely rapidly. The cart is like a great big thermos bottle and keeps the oxygen cold.

The photo of the green jerseys shows the Aviation Boatswains Mates changing out the "Cross Deck Pendent", which we refer to as "the Wire". The wire is what is used to stop the aircraft on landing when engaged by the aircraft's tail hook. The wire is connected to cables that run below decks into the engine rooms. The machinery rooms have large spools of cables that are paid out with the proper amount of resistance to slow the aircraft safely. Finally, we have a picture of an E-2 Hawkeye Airborne Early Warning aircraft coming in to "bounce" off the deck. "

Fun in the Pool..

2009-07-18T08:19:00.000-07:00

We have been having very hot days here.. Not as hot as we had in FL but the heat was different there. Here it's so muggy and sticky it's uncomfortable.. So we stay in the A/C.. And the flies are insane this year.. Does everyone else have flies too? Where are they coming from?

So any ways Austin & Elvis and Edward (the dog) Played outside in the tiny pool we have.. They had fun that's all that matters. We have a larger one but it's an inflatable and we're afraid the dog will pop it..lol and our new house has a pool at the community center they can play at.

My Mother's Day Rose that I got The Diana Princess of Whales... Has recovered from Edward eating half of it!! It smells so good..and the color is gorgeous.

The countdown has begun... My mom & grandparents will be here next Wednesday and My Uncle is driving over from Roanoke to help us move... We get the keys on Friday the 24th!!! I cannot wait to sleep and not be woken by my neighbors yelling at each other!!! I will have some movie reviews on Monday and then that will be the last post until after the move!!

Movie Review Monday..

2009-07-13T06:36:00.000-07:00

After falling in love onscreen in My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Nia Vardalos and John Corbett reteam for a romantic comedy about a florist (Vardalos) who persuades a restaurateur (Corbett) to take a gamble on a no-strings-attached relationship. Vardalos, who also penned the screenplay, makes her directorial debut with this Valentine's Day-themed love story that crams the action into a single day: February 14.

If you like romantic movies, this is for you... I loved these two in My Big Fat Greek Wedding and they are great again in this new movie.. It's not on DVD yet but if you have On Demand with your cable you can find it under IFC Channels new movies that are in the theaters and on Demand. 4 stars!!

This dramatic thriller from director Neil LaBute follows Chris and Lisa Mattson (Patrick Wilson and Kerry Washington) as they settle into their Los Angeles dream house -- only to be harassed by their off-kilter cop neighbor, officer Abel Turner (Samuel L. Jackson). Turner disapproves of the couple's interracial relationship and is determined to drive them away, but as the harassment turns violent, the newlyweds have no choice but to fight back.

I'm torn on this one.. I'm going to say 3 stars!! Wasn't the greatest movie but it wasn't horribly bad either. Samuel L delivers like he always does. He character is pretty creepy! Check it out if you have some time.

Movie Review Monday!!

2009-07-06T12:33:00.000-07:00

Time again for Movie Review Monday!!!

In Theaters we have Ice Age 3 Dawn of the Dinosaurs..

Times are changing for moody mammoth Manny (voiced by Ray Romano), motormouthed sloth Sid (John Leguizamo) and crafty saber-toothed tiger Diego (Denis Leary) in this third installment of the beloved computer-animated children's franchise. Life heats up for our heroes when they meet some new and none-too-friendly neighbors: the mighty dinosaurs. High jinks and hilarity ensue in this fun family adventure that's packed with celebrity voices.

This is the best 3D Movie we've seen since last year!! The 3D was by far the best yet.. I'm not sure where else they can go with the story line if they do make a 4th.. but this was a great new story! 5 Stars!!

On DVD..

After maxing out their starring roles on the high school football team, Shawn (Nicholas D'Agosto) and Nick (Eric Christian Olsen) ditch summer training camp and head into brave new territory: volunteering to help the cheerleading squad reach new heights. The team's pretty captain (Sarah Roemer) doesn't buy the guys' act for a second. But even she has to admit her sorry squad could use two extra sets of hands.

I'm giving this 4 stars... It was pretty funny, same story line we've seen before. But if you want some adult humor and a good laugh this is a good one!

And for my Submarine Wives out there.. Did you know they did a Snakes on a Sub movie with Luke Perry! Yeah, saw the preview looks hilarious... one of those you just have to see to belive it..lol I added it to my list.. Silent Venom

Weekend Update..

2009-07-05T22:13:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July!!! Well I'm a few days late, but that's okay.. I hope everyone had a great weekend and you remembered to think about our Troops and all they do for us!

Bill has been gone off and one for the last few weeks.. His ship has been in the shipyard for the last 4 years and last week they took it out into the Ocean for the first time!

He will be gone off and one again for the rest of the month.. But he is hoping he will be here for our move into the new house! Yep if you missed that update, we got a house at Yorktown Naval Weapons Station. Much nicer then where we are at here at Fort Eustis. I'm counting the days until we move in.. I will be sure to show pictures once I get some.

We had a fun weekend. Bill actually had a 3 day weekend for once and we went to Pirates Cove Miniature Golf Course.. Elvis has been asking to go play golf every time we drive by it in Williamsburg. He had a lot of fun.. Austin enjoyed it too, but I think he would of liked it better if we'd let him keep throwing golf ball in the water.

The look of terror on Elvis' face in the photo of the three of them is priceless! He is so scared anytime Austin looks at him wrong..lol

We drove by our new house and checked out the area around it.. They just built a brand new Community Center with a Swimming Pool and Playground. Here are a few photos of those.

We were going to check out some local festivals for the 4th of July but we took the kids to the movies instead and that turned intio a disaster..lol. Austin didn't want to be there so I had to leave with him then a little while later Elvis ended up making Bill leave as well.. We headed home and were going to go see fireworks after we washed the car.. But Elvis got sick and it wasn't pretty... He was down for the rest of the night and Sunday.. He is feeling a bit better now. Austin is in Summer School until the end of July. That's about all we have here for updates.. I hope to post some more photos soon.

Movie Review Monday!!

2009-06-29T18:28:00.000-07:00

With dreams of writing for a top fashion magazine, shopping addict Rebecca (Isla Fisher) begins working for a financial magazine released by the same publisher. As her career skyrockets, Rebecca struggles to pay off overwhelming bills and manage her love life. Teetering on the brink of bankruptcy, Rebecca must start reevaluating her priorities. Joan Cusack, John Goodman and Krysten Ritter co-star.

5 stars... This was a great movie! It was funny and well written. Another chick flix but a great movie if you want a feel good movie.

When drama queen Kym (Anne Hathaway, in her first Oscar-nominated role), a former model who's been in and out of rehab for 10 years, returns to her parents' home just before the wedding of her sister, Rachel (Rosemarie DeWitt), long-standing family conflicts begin to resurface. Directed by Jonathan Demme, this touching and humorous drama co-stars Debra Winger and was nominated for a Best Feature Independent Spirit Award, among others.

3 stars maybe.. and that's a stretch.. Anne Hathaway was nominated for an Oscar for this role.. It wasn't a bad movie.. The plot was out there and the movie was all over. It's an Indie film so if that's not your cup of tea you wouldn't like it.. Its a movie to watch if you have some time to kill!

Unlikely hero Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf), his foxy girlfriend, Mikaela Banes (Megan Fox), and the tough Capt. Lennox (Josh Duhamel) return to assist the Autobots in another epic battle against the evil Decepticons in this supercharged sequel to the 2007 megahit. Blockbuster impresario Michael Bay brings his trademark pyrotechnics to the proceedings, while comic whiz Rainn Wilson joins the cast as a college professor.

10 stars!!! Well My scale only goes to 5 but you get the point! The graphics in this were awesome.. much better then the first. It had it's cheesy parts but overall great story, I actually cried in 2 parts..lol . PG 13 for language.. I think we could of done without the rapper wanna be robots.. that ruined some of it for me.. Kids don't need to hear that language and little kids wanna see these types of movies! My 4 year old loved it.. but it was a bit long for smaller kids. But they both hung in there..

The sound track is great as well if you are a Rock music fan this is for you.

This week Ice Age in 3-D comes out!

Not Much..

2009-06-23T21:47:00.000-07:00

Is going on here.. My mom arrived late on Monday.. Bill is away on the ship this week.. We are taking the kids to see Kung Fu Panda at the AMC theatre tomorrow and then Transformers on Thursday. Tonight I sucked her into the Twilight phenomena..lol. She will have to borrow my copy and take it home with her now.. We're basically just hanging out.

Movie Review Monday Part 2

2009-06-22T07:13:00.000-07:00

I was on the ball this week and My Movie Review posted automatically.. But There were a few more I wanted to get on there and forgot to add them last week. These are Must Sees!!! Put them on your list ASAP or run to your nearest video store and Theater and see these!

Dustin Hoffman stars in this romantic dramedy as Harvey Shine, a struggling jingle writer who risks losing his job to attend his daughter's London wedding, only to discover he is not exactly welcome at the ceremony. While seeking refuge in the airport bar, Harvey meets a lonely statistician named Kate (Emma Thompson) and soon finds himself happily thrust into an unexpected romance. Hoffman and Thompson both picked up Golden Globe nominations for their roles.

This gets 4.5 stars from me.. I wasn't sure about this movie and it sat on my desk for almost 2 weeks before I put it in.. It was great.. I loved both the characters and it had a great story.. They meet each other and then come back together again and turn out to be what each other has been looking for. It's a girl movie, guys won't want to see it..

Crusty, inflexible Korean War veteran Walt Kowalski (Clint Eastwood) must confront his Hmong immigrant neighbors – and his own long-held prejudices – when the family's teen son, Thao, tries to steal Walt's beloved 1972 Gran Torino. Walt soon assumes the unlikely role of guardian angel to young Tao and his sister, who are vulnerable to disturbing gang influences in this intimate drama from 78-year-old director Eastwood.

This would be getting 10 stars if my scale went that high but it's getting 5 all the way..!! Clint Eastwood at his best.. This was a jaw dropper, I'm so glad I took the time to watch it!

When a group of hijackers led by criminal mastermind Ryder (John Travolta) take the passengers aboard a New York subway train hostage and demand a king's ransom, it's up to police Lt. Zachary Garber (Denzel Washington) to bring them down. Directed by Tony Scott (Man on Fire) this action thriller -- an update of the 1974 film from Joseph Sargent -- also stars James Gandolfini, John Turturro, Luis Guzmán and Gbenga Akinnagbe.

My Date Night movie.. My choice this time. I love John Travolta in roles like this.. He did a great job. Reminded me of Heath Ledger in the Dark Knight. They took their roles and really pushed them. 5 stars all the way..

Check the post below for the other Movie Reviews for this week.

I have Milk & Rachel Getting Married on my desk now.. so those will be featured next week..

Movie Review Monday.

2009-06-22T00:01:00.000-07:00

Sorry I didn't have any movies for you last week.. I think I only watched one. I got a few movies from Netflix that I've been on the wait list for..

Based on the novel by Richard Yates and set in the mid-1950s, this story helmed by Sam Mendes follows the Wheelers (Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslett, in a Golden Globe-winning role), a young couple in suburban Connecticut who tries desperately to confront the problems in their relationship while raising two children. Despite their best intentions, the couple's intense arguments send them into a downward spiral. Michael Shannon co-stars in an Oscar-nominated role.

This was excellent and it was great to see Leo and Kate back together again. 5 stars all the way, I didn't read the book but this stayed true to the novel from what I hear and it keep you watching the whole time, I couldn't believe the stuff that was happening. You'll need a tissue, it was very sad in some places but I must see!

Jared Padalecki, Danielle Panabaker and Aaron Yoo headline director Marcus Nispel's chilling remake of the classic 1980s slasher-thriller that spawned a legendary horror franchise. Ignoring the warnings of the locals, a group of teenage camp counselors takes on the job of reopening Camp Crystal Lake -- on Friday the 13th no less, and raise the ire of Jason Voorhees (Derek Mears), a masked, homicidal maniac.

If you are a horror movie fan this is for you.. If you liked the remake of Texas Chainsaw that Michael Bay did a few years back you will love this one. I'm giving it 4.5 stars.. It was a great take on a classic.. Very well done.. You've never seen Jason like this!

When Playboy bunny Shelley Darlington (Anna Faris) gets evicted from the mansion, she is a woman without a country -- that is, until she meets the sisters of Zeta Alpha Zeta, a sorority on the brink of losing its campus chapter. The Zetas need Shelley's makeover expertise so they can attract a new pledge class -- otherwise, their house goes to rivals Phi Iota Mu. But the Zetas have something Shelly needs, too: the confidence to be herself.

Happy Madison productions does it again.. This was hilarious and a great chick Flix.. If you need a good laugh without a dramatic story line this is a good one. Very cute story! 4 stars..

Yeah!!!

2009-06-19T08:33:00.000-07:00

We got a house at Yorktown Naval Weapons Station.. I sign the lease next Wednesday and we move in July 24th!!! Now I just hope Bill will still be here to do the move... We have to do it on our own this time!!

I need too update..

2009-06-18T04:32:00.000-07:00

This blog more.. Doesn't seem to ever really be much going on around here. I've got a very nasty cold right now that is sucking all my energy out of me. The kids had their last day of school yesterday. Elvis and I went in the Am to see Austin's Step- UP program.. He got a certificate for passing the 1st grade and moving onto 2nd grade next year. Elvis had a similar program on Monday.. I didn't know about it though so I missed it. He will be in the same class next year so I will see it again.

I finally got all of our paperwork into the Housing office over in York Town at the Naval Weapons Station, now it's sit and wait for a house to open and we are moving over there. We can finally get out of this ghetto they call Fort Eustis.. The base is nice but the housing is bad! I'm so fed up with my neighbors and how housing is just ignoring everything. They got a puppy Pit Bull which you aren't allowed to have in housing and tied it up outside with a chain! It's like 6 weeks old.. The first few nights they locked it in the storage shed that's under our bedroom window.. That was a nightmare to listen too all night.

And our dog is walking on thin ice these days!! He is adorable and great with the kids but man!! He has holes dug in the yard and the other morning I came downstairs to a giant hole chewed in the linoleum floor in the kitchen and the kicker.. He ate it!!! So he was sick the whole day. Then every time we leave he has been getting into anything laying out in the living room. Papers, coloring books, bubble envelopes.. and he shreds them so when we come home we don't know what to expect! Needless to say he is now spending his days in a crate when we leave! My other dog Pandora who was an Akita did crazy stuff like that when she was a puppy.. Boy! did that dog love to chew Doc Marten Boots! But she was good as she got older it's so weird with this dog. But he's a lab and that's what they do!

Bill is finishing up his security training this week, so next Monday he will be starting his new job on the ship! He had an interesting class last Friday.. They were sprayed with Pepper spray and then they had to fight off an attacker.. One guy ended up with a really bad bloody nose and Bill came home with a cracked Rib.. He was down the whole weekend and part of the week. But he survived and said he'd rather give Birth then go through that again! I thought that was funny seeing as how he has never done that so how would he know what that feels like lol..Men! They are so dramatic..

That's about it here.. I'll try to do better about updating but don't look for much until I feel better..

Been MIA..

2009-06-12T18:38:00.000-07:00

I went missing on you again.. Sorry about that! The week was CRAZY!!!
Here are the pictures I took when we went to the beach last weekend.. It's called Buckroe Beach, we went to it on the Ft. Monroe side.. It's not the Atlantic Ocean just the Chesapeake Bay but still Ocean looking.. It was good to see a sight like that again.

See that house in the background? I want that house!!! It's gorgeous...

In other news.. Schools out for the summer next week. I don't think that's a good thing though lol.. Austin will be going to an ESY program through the summer but Elvis will be home everyday.

Bill got moved to a new position on the ship yet again..I think this is the 3rd place they have put him.. He is now in security so he will be a ship cop basically. He just did 3 weeks of some intense training.. Including today which was getting sprayed with police grade pepper spray. They had to get sprayed and then preform a full attack on someone.. He has a cracked rib and more bruises then I can count! INSANE!! He's a trooper though and I've learned some self defense techniques.

Other then that not much else is going on here, we are in the process of getting out of our lease and moving to York town Navy Housing.. Our neighbors are not getting any better and I'm loosing my mind so hopefully by summers end we will be somewhere new.

Movie Review Monday!

2009-06-07T21:09:00.000-07:00

It's time again for Movie Review Monday..

This week I have 3 movies for you.. I haven't had much time to see many movies and to be honest there really isn't much out on DVD or in the theatres.. But summer is looking up starting this weekend.

In theaters this week: Up!

After a lifetime of dreaming of traveling the world, 78-year-old homebody Carl (voiced by Ed Asner) is lured into an unbelievable adventure, thanks in part to the persistence of Russell, an 8-year-old Wilderness Explorer (Jordan Nagai). Together, the unlikely pair embarks on a thrilling odyssey full of jungle beasts and rough terrain. Other voices include the renowned Christopher Plummer as the villain and Pixar stalwart John Ratzenberger.

Almost everyone who reviewed this movie gave it 2 thumbs up or 5 stars.. I have to say it wasn't that great! We saw the regular non 3D version.. it was kinda slow in parts and without giving too much away, the beginning was sad. They had to set the movie up but this is supposed to be a kids movie. Overall it had a lot of funny parts and I liked it, just not that much. So I'm giving it 3 stars.

On DVD this week... Paul Blart: Mall Cop

Kevin James ("King of Queens") stars in this comedy as Paul Blart, an overzealous security guard who finds himself in way over his head when he attempts to thwart a criminal mastermind's (Keir O'Donnell) plot to rob an entire shopping mall. Bobby Cannavale (Snakes on a Plane), Jayma Mays and Shirley Knight also star in this family-friendly laffer from director Steve Carr.

I love Kevin James.If you are a fan of any Adam Sandler movies this is up your alley.. He did produce it so that might be why.. But this was hilarious... I give it 4 stars.. If you need a good laugh this is for you.

Underworld: Rise of the Lycans.

A prequel to the first two Underworld films, this fantasy explains the origins of the feud between the Vampires and the Lycans. Aided by his secret love, Sonja (Rhona Mitra), courageous Lucian (Michael Sheen) leads the Lycans in battle against brutal Vampire king Viktor (Bill Nighy). Determined to break the king's enslavement of his people, Lucian faces off against the Death Dealer army in a bid for Lycan independence.

I have to give this 5 stars... The cinematography alone is worth it! Sets up the story for the previous two and it leads you into Underworld.. So if you haven't seen any of these, check this one out first.. Great Vampire/Werewolf movie..

In TV news.. Season 3 of Army Wives was last Night and looks like a good season, but I have to say they are really reaching with some of the story lines.

Nurse Jackie Starts on Showtime tonight looks like great new series..

HBO has a new one starting on the 28th called Hung.. and it looks hilarious.. If you are a Thomas Jane fan you will love watching this.

And let's not forget the return of True Blood on the 14th.. I've been re-watching last season since there is such a long time in between seasons.

Have a great week.. I will be back with some photos from the weekend. We finally made it to the Beach!

Family Update...

2009-06-03T17:07:00.000-07:00

It's been forever and I day I know! I've had visitors since May 16th and mom is here till Friday Morning so I will get caught up eventually.. I figured you need a family update since the main purpose of this blog is to keep my family and friends updated!

We took the kids to the zoo at the end of May and it was interesting to say the least.. They started out pretty good but after a few hours they started to unravel. It was pretty hot that day.. We are used to the heat in FL which is not the same heat you get here in VA so it was pretty miserable But we hung in there for a few hours.

This is a cool area they have with the Meerkats where you can go under the exhibit and put your head up into those bubbles.

There were a lot of flowers too and I love to take pictures of flowers!!! They had an organic rose garden and it was so pretty and the smell was awesome.. I could of stayed there all day just looking at the flowers.

I didn't take to many photos of the animals..Mostly because they are pretty much the same animals we've seen in all the other zoos and really does anyone need 20 pictures of an elephant..lol They were doing some major construction of the big Tiger exhibit to open end of the year or early next I don't remember so there were some animals not out.. I didn't see one Monkey..

In other news, Bill has ben moved yet again to another area of the ship. We got here in November and he started as the person in charge of putting the Officer Quarters together and then was moved in to the Officer Galley and now he has been moved to Security. So he is training in a school for that for the next two weeks.. Lets all keep our fingers crossed that he will get a much better schedule.. He has been working 16 hours a day 7 days a week for over 2 months now..

Tuesday at the Table..

2009-06-02T21:27:00.000-07:00

This week I have another great recipe that's perfect for Summer.. I haven't been getting much cooking done myself these days since my husband is never home for dinner and I hate cooking for just me since kids are picky and will only eat Mac N' Cheese so I don't have a picture of this for you but if you have every been to my house for a Stampin' Up! Event you have tried this!

Mae Mae's Taco Salad

1 Bag of Doritos
1 Bottle of Italian Salad Dressing
1 lb Hamburger or Ground Turkey cook & Drained
1 can red kidney beans rinse & drained
Lettuce shredded
Shredded Cheddar Cheese or Mexican Cheese Mixture
1 medium Tomato diced

In a large bowl with a sealing lid ( i like to use my giant tupperware bowl ) add the Hamburger, cheese, tomatoes, kidney beans and lettuce.. Then take your bag of Doritos and mash them up so they are in small pieces (Not dust, but small bit size pieces) you can do this right in the bag. Then add those to the mixture, pour your Italian seasoning over the mixture add your lid and shake like crazy.. Remove lid and it's pure Heaven!!! This can also be doubled!

This is another one of those eyeball receipes.. you use how much lettuce and cheese you like.. Try different amounts and see what you get! Tip* If you are taking this to a picnic.. Add the Doritos and Dressing right before you are ready to serve this way the chips stay crunchy, but I will say this is good an hour or two later as well..It's a crowd pleaser!

Now head over to My Chihuahua Bites and see what Andrea and everyone else has created this week!

Movie Reviews...

2009-06-02T21:16:00.001-07:00

I'm playing catch up again so bare with me.. I've had company since the 16th of May and My Mom is here this week so I should be back on track next week..

I didn't see much last week but what I did see was really good.

After being fired from his job, therapist Noah Cooper (Dax Shepard) returns home to discover that his loud, pushy mother (Diane Keaton) has left her husband and plans to live with Noah and his lovely wife (Liv Tyler) indefinitely. Now, the put-upon shrink has to cope with his outrageously overbearing mom while he also fends off his wife, who desperately wants him to sire a child, and tries to find new employment. Vince Di Meglio directs.

I got this from Netflix..I actually have a few that have been sitting here waiting for me to watch..I was able to get this one in and it was hilarious.. If you need to laugh check this out. Diane Keaton is so funny in this movie.. I give it 4 1/2 stars!

Ben Stiller returns as hapless museum night watchman Larry Daley in this sequel to the hit comedy. Though he's now working at the Smithsonian Institution, Daley continues to deal with exhibits that come to life while the museum is closed. His adventures this time include close encounters with Amelia Earhart (Amy Adams), George Custer (Bill Hader) and Ivan the Terrible (Christopher Guest). Owen Wilson, Ricky Gervais and Dick Van Dyke co-star.

My friend Dawn was here from PA last week and we went to the Cinema Cafe to see Night at the Museum 2.. This is a pretty neat theatre where you can sit and watch a movie while you eat and drink.. Margaritas in our case.. I liked the first Night at the Museum and I have to say I think this one was better then the first.. So it is a must see in my book.. 5 stars!!

EZ View Craft Desk..

2009-05-27T13:17:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone that's been voting for me! Don't forget to vote once a day.. Only a few days left..
Vote Here!!

Tuesdays at the Table..

2009-05-26T13:28:00.000-07:00

It's time for Tuesdays at the Table hosted by Andrea over at My Chihuahua Bites.This week I'm bring you a drink that is perfect for summer and it's easy to make and delicious to drink!

Blueberry Sangria Lemonade

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups frozen blueberries
1 (12-ounce) can frozen concentrated pink lemonade
1 bottle (750ml) Chardonnay
3 cups lemon lime soda (recommended: Sprite)
1/2 cup Cognac

Directions

In a large pitcher, combine all ingredients and stir. Refrigerate for 1 hour to meld flavors. Serve chilled in iced tea glasses.

Recipe is courtesy of Sandra Lee

Movie Review Monday...

2009-05-26T12:30:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, Yes! I'm a day late and yet another dollar short again.. My Best Friend Dawn is here for a week vacation and I've lost track of everything because we are hanging out.. Anyways on to this weeks Movies!

Javier Bardem stars in the latest effort from legendary filmmaker Woody Allen as a flamboyant painter who finds himself in the middle of a unique relationship with Vicky (Rebecca Hall) and Christina (Scarlett Johansson), a pair of American tourists. Penélope Cruz (with her first Oscar win) also stars as Bardem's insanely jealous ex-wife, Maria Elena, in this quirky romantic dramedy (winner of a Best Comedy Golden Globe) set in Barcelona.

I give this movie 3 stars... It was worth watching if you have some time on your hands. The ending wasn't that great but I still really liked it.

In this cult horror favorite from director Wes Craven (Nightmare on Elm Street, Scream), a pair of repulsive, sadistic escaped convicts kidnap, rape and murder two teenage girls. Looks like they picked the wrong teens to mess with, though! The girls' parents, not content to leave matters in the hands of the law, set out to exact an equally brutal revenge on the vicious murderers.

I didn't see the new one yet, but I wanted to see the original first and it was BAD!!! I wouldn't give it 1 star so don't waste your time with this one..

Haunted by the mining-related massacre that took place there on Valentine's Day a decade ago, Tom (Jensen Ackles) returns to his hometown to find some closure. But no sooner does he arrive than a pickax-wielding madman begins a new bloody killing spree. Now, many suspect that the murderous miner has returned to claim his final victims -- including Tom. Patrick Lussier directs this remake of the 1981 horror classic.

This was done in the style of your typical horror flix today.. I didn't really like it.. I'd give it 2 stars because it had a twist to it and keep you guessing who the real killer was.

EZ View Desk Contest!

2009-05-22T15:54:00.001-07:00

Thank you to everyone that's been voting for me in the EZ View Desk contest don't forget to keep voting once a day till the 28th!! Vote Here!

I'm going to add an extra incentive for you as well.. If you have a blog, post about me and the contest with a link to vote and then come back here and link up the post in the Mr. Linky box and I will give everyone who post on their blog about me a pack of 5 handmade Thank You cards from me!

Here is the link to vote for you to copy and paste..

http://theoriginalscrapbox.com/craftbox_giveaway/showContestant.php?id=261

Check out more Products from The Original Scrapbox here!

New Moon

2009-05-19T21:25:00.000-07:00

Did you see the Movie poster for "New Moon" Yet?

Still not a fan of the kid playing Jacob.. I'll just have to wait and see if he can really pull it off in this one!

Movie Review Monday!

2009-05-18T04:40:00.001-07:00

David Fincher directs this adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic tale set in the early 20th century that follows Benjamin Button (Brad Pitt), a man who was born in his 80s and continually grows younger. The story throws linear conventions upside down to explore love, loss and memories from the perspective of a character living under incredibly unique -- and unexpectedly difficult -- circumstances. Cate Blanchett co-stars in this Oscar nominee for Best Picture.

This was another great movie.. everything about it was done well.. The makeup and special effects were spectacular.. It's a long movie so you need to have a good chunk of time set aside but well worth every minute... 5 Stars all the way!!

Zack (Seth Rogen) and Miri (Elizabeth Banks) have been platonic friends for years. When they both find themselves in financial hot water, they hit upon the idea of making an adult film to bring in some easy money. But when "action" is called, these two friends discover that unspoken feelings for each other may threaten the whole enterprise. Writer-director Kevin Smith helms this comic look at the line between friendship and romance.

If you were a fan of "Superbad" or "Knocked Up!" you will like this movie too.. Kevin Smith always makes a funny movie but yet gives us the right amount of drama..This is a chick flix or a guys flix.. 4 stars.

While vacationing with a friend in Paris, an American girl (Maggie Grace) is kidnapped by a gang of human traffickers intent on selling her into forced prostitution. Now, her father, Bryan (Liam Neeson), a former soldier, must pull out all the stops to save her. But with his best years possibly behind him, Bryan's task may be more than he can handle. Directed by Pierre Morel, this relentless action thriller also stars Famke Janssen.

Liam Neeson Kicking Butt the whole movie! I've seen alot of action movies and they are usually the same.. but this one has action with drama and it was just the right amount of both! You need to see this one! 5 Stars.

Scrapbox Giveaway..

2009-05-14T14:28:00.001-07:00

I've entered one of my cards over at the OriginalScrapbox.com.. They are having a contest for the chance to win one of three EZ view desks they are giving away.. I'm number 261.. You can vote once a day.. The person with the most votes wins. These desk are great and I could really use one.
You can vote here!

Tuesdays at the Table

2009-05-12T09:32:00.000-07:00

Time for Tuesdays at the Table.. This week I have Garlic r\Roasted Fingerling Potatoes for you.. Super easy to make and yummy! And you can change the flavor of these just by using a different herb.

You will need a small package of Fingerling Potatoes washed and dried..

Then you will want to poke slits into each of them..

Spray the bottom of a roasting pan with Pam and add your potatoes.

Drizzle well with Olive Oil and then massage it into the potatoes make sure they are all coated..

Mince a few cloves of Garlic..

Rub the garlic into them...

Sprinkle with Sea Salt & Pepper..

Place in a 450° Oven..

Roast for about 15- 20 minutes... depends on your oven.. I used a toaster oven.

And Enjoy! Try them with Fresh Dill or Italian seasoning..

Wicked Chaos

2 on Tuesday!!

I know, I know....

Photo Dump Wednesday!

2 on Tuesday!!

Nailing it Friday!

Wordless Wednesday!

Nailing it Friday!

Wordless Wednesday!

Tuesdays at the Table...

2 on Tuesday!

2 On Tuesday...

2 on Tuesday

New Year, New Beginnings!!

Happy Halloween...

Renaissance Fest...

Tuesdays at the Table!!

Wreath Making 101

Day to Remember..

5 things I can't live without!

Bloggy, Blog, blog..

Tuesdays at the Table & Review..

Blah, Blah, Blah....

Tuesdays at the Table...

Tuesdays at the Table..

Grilled Corn on the Cob with Garlic Butter,

Fresh Lime and Cotija Cheese

8 ears of corn4 fresh limes, quarteredGarlic butter, recipe follows1/2 cup grated cotija cheese.2 tablespoons chopped chives, for garnish

Directions

Garlic Butter:

We've moved!!!

Movie Review Monday...

And the race is on..

And so it begins...

Wow...

Just want to say...

formspring.me

Some Photos..

Rant..

Damm!!

I'm impressed!!

I'm a SLACKER!!!

So Sad!!

Vampire Dip in Fried Tortilla Bowl

Tuesdays at the Table

A few of my Favorite Things....

Pics!!

Photo of the day!!

The new Kitchen...

Monday Movie Reviews..

Random Ramblings..

Movie Review Monday

I'm back on track..

Cool Navy Pix..

Fun in the Pool..

Movie Review Monday..

Movie Review Monday!!

Weekend Update..

Movie Review Monday!!

Not Much..

Movie Review Monday Part 2

Movie Review Monday.

Yeah!!!

I need too update..

Been MIA..

Movie Review Monday!

Family Update...

Tuesday at the Table..

Movie Reviews...

EZ View Craft Desk..

Tuesdays at the Table..

Movie Review Monday...

EZ View Desk Contest!

New Moon

Movie Review Monday!

Scrapbox Giveaway..

Tuesdays at the Table

8 ears of corn
4 fresh limes, quartered
Garlic butter, recipe follows
1/2 cup grated cotija cheese.
2 tablespoons chopped chives, for garnish