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I'm just going to put it out there, I adore Burt and Carol dating, although I don't agree with the reason behind Kurt pushing them together (i.e. his infatuation with Finn). I think there is a storyline to be told. Burt and Carol both lost spouses, raising Kurt and Finn, who both lost a parent, on their own. What a beautiful ending that would be to such an unimaginable heartache.

What's on Your Nightstand ~ April

I have just got to get in gear. I have a SHELF full of books waiting to be read. If only the sickness would end! It seems like once we get everyone better, the cycle starts all over again. Couple that with a TON of Doctor appointments this month, and well, not a lot of reading going on. I have to finish Dear John before I lose my mind. It has been on my nightstand for a long time. I guess I'll be picking it up a notch on the Type 1 Diabetes reading, as Cameron will be making the change to the insulin pump before I know it.

Baby Molly (Project 365/2010)

Peyton and Molly are inseparable these days. I was in the kitchen loading the dishwasher when I noticed Peyton sat Molly next to her and began watching TV. Notice Peyton couldn't even take her eyes off the "Movers" long enough to smile for me. The next time I looked at her, she had Molly in her lap and was rubbing her cheek and head, just like her Mama does for her. Have I told you lately how much I adore having a daughter? :) Peyton's facial expressions crack me up in these pictures. Are these her watch TV face? he he he

On the Mend (Project 365/2010)

I am pleased to announce that Peyton is on the mend. Her eyes were a little crusty this morning, but NOTHING like they were last week. She is back to her bubbly, hilarious, mischevious self. Peyton also has picked up a few colorful expressions the last couple of days. Yesterday's word of the day was, "Damn it!" Today, her choice expression was, "SOB!" I'm mortified, as I have been REALLY good at NOT cursing around Parrot Peyton lately. Her father, however...another story.

Tacos (Project 365/2010)

Tacos have been a staple in my life since I was Dylan's age. One of my most vivid memories growing up is the smell of tacos coming from Grandma's kitchen. As I got older, I was in charge of dicing the tomatoes and onion, and shredding the cheese. I remember when we got our first food processor, and how much easier it was to shred the cheese. I love when I ask my children, "Anything special you want for dinner this week?" And they respond, "TACOS!" YE-AH! I can do that. My tacos will never taste as delicious as my Grandma's, but it doesn't matter, because my kids will say the same about mine someday.

Menu Plan Monday

Sunday ~ Tacos

Monday ~ Chicken and Dumplings

Tuesday ~ TV Dinners

Wednesday ~ Spaghetti, Salad & Garlic Buns

Thursday ~ Rosemary Roasted Chicken w/ Potatoes & Asparagus

Friday ~ Crunchy Parmesan Chicken Tenders, Sweet Potato Fries, & The Lady's Coleslaw

Saturday ~ Soup & Sammies

My Girls (Project 365/2010)

I enjoy my Stampin' Up club every month. These women took me in, after I found my demonstrator, Pamm, online. Since then I have developed cherished friendships. Anne moved away last Summer, to the BEACH! I know, right? Seriously, who would want to live in Victorville, when you could live at the beach? I miss her tons and so when I got her email yesterday that she would be here tonight, I jumped in my car and headed over to Pamm's for a MUCH needed chick fix. :) And, it just so happened, that I remembered my camera. WOO-HOO! Of course there is Moi, and Mel is next to me, with Pamm in front of her, and Anne in front of me. I LOVE these ladies to the moon and back!

Stamp-a-Stack (Project 365/2010)

I enjoy stamping SO much. When Pamm, my demonstrator, does a Stamp-a-Stack (SAS), it's even better. :) My BFF and I headed over to make our 15 cards, and enjoyed every minute of it. Here are the end products.

Crazy Hat Day (Project 365/2010)

Today at Dylan's preschool, it was Crazy Hat Day. Indeed. :)

Sickness Part III (Project 365/2010)

We weren't in the door 30 minutes this morning, from dropping off Cameron at school, when Dylan told me, "Pretty is asleep." Oy vay! I pray she gets over this soon!

Side note: Dylan isn't in school today because he woke up with a MASSIVE nose bleed. I would get it stopped, or so I thought, and WHAM! Poor thing hasn't had one this bad in a LONG time. He did NOT want to go to school, and I am fine with that.

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY...April 20th

Outside my window...a beautiful, breezy, Spring morning has turned to a dark, cloudy sky, and the smell of rain. I LOVE the rain!

I am thinking...today has to be a better day than yesterday, right?

I am thankful for...a night without dreams.

I am wearing...jeans (that I bought 2 months ago and are falling off of me) and a black T-shirt with Barbie on the front.

I am remembering...how Peyton's eyes were glued shut this morning from infection coming out. POOR BABY.

I am creating...a weekend To Do List.

I am going...to unload the Target bags I brought in from the car 2 hours ago.

I am reading...a ton of FarmVille posts.

I am hoping praying...Peyton gets well soon. I absolutely hate to see one of my children sick and she is SUPER sick. Completely breaks my heart.

On my mind...failure.

Noticing that...today is Tuesday...gosh how I hate Tuesday's.

Pondering these words...
And I am here still waiting
Though I still have my doubts
I am damaged at best
Like you've already figured out

I'm falling apart
I'm barely breathing
With a broken heart that's still beating (Lifehouse's Broken)

From the kitchen...leftovers.

Around the house...mess, mess and more mess. Why won't my children keep their rooms picked up?

One of my favorite things...Peyton's "go with the flow" attitude. That girl has been drug all over and she is happy about it 9 times out of 10. :)

A few plans for the rest of the week: nursing Peyton back to health, enjoying the rain, and Cameron's endocrinology appointment, where we find out whether or not we lowered his A1C to a healthy level AND to the range to begin the process of insulin pump. PLEASE pray for this.

From my picture journal...Peyton fell asleep on the couch this morning (she really is not herself, which makes Mama realize just how sick she is). :(

Sickness Part Deux (Project 365/2010)

My poor, precious, baby girl. She crawled up on the couch to watch TV while I was blogging and the next thign I knew, she was OUT! I have never seen her so pathetic. Her eyes are DISGUSTING! It took me nearly 15 minutes to clean them out this morning, from the infection coming out in them. She was crying, "My face! My face!" I pray she heals quickly, because it's just not the same to see her bouncing around the house. I'm even sadder, because now I have to wake her up to go pick up Dylan.

Sickness (Project 365/2010)

Peyton has bronchitis. She is on a mass amount of meds, and so very unlike herself. I pray she heals quickly.

Disney's Electrical Parade (Project 365/2010)

I don't know where I had been...under a rock perhaps, but Thursday it came to my attention that Disney's Electrical Parade was leaving DCA...NOW, like THIS weekend! Disney, in it's infinite wisdom, has decided to move the Electrical Parade to WDW. Not much notice, I know, but Peyton had never seen it, and Dylan was Peyton's age the one and only time he saw it. I texted Hubby, and we decided to go Sunday afternoon. Honestly, what good are the passes if we don't utilize them for occasions like this. It was SO worth it. Peyton was clapping, smiling, and even let out a "WOO!" here and there! Dylan tugged on my jacket, and said, "This is the best parade EVER!" I only hope, years from now, my children will look back at times like these with love and affection.

Menu Plan Monday

Sunday ~ Disneyland

Monday ~ Chicken, Mashed Potatoes w/ Gravy, Stuffing, Corn, & Crescent Rolls

Tuesday ~ TV Dinners

Wednesday ~ Leftover Night

Thursday ~ Leftover Night

Friday ~ Pizza & Salad while Mama's Stampin'

Saturday ~ Leftover Pizza

How Many...? (Project 365/2010)

Can you count how many glasses this boy has on his face? Peyton has a TON of "gwasses" and Dylan had been asking for his own, so I picked a few up at Toys R Us, Gymboree, and Carter's. Before I knew it, he came up to me with EVERY one of those glasses on his face. LMBO The answer to this question is 5. he he he

No Wrinkles (Project 365/2010)

Dylan has found he enjoys ironing various objects (blankets, aprons, Molly's clothes) with Peyton play iron lately. His patience is like none other, as he sat for nearly an hour during this ironing session. I got to tell you, there wasn't a wrinkle in sight!

Jaws (Project 365/2010)

When the box got here, I kept thinking to myself, seriously, not as big as the box, right? When we opened the box, all I could think of was Roy Scheider in Jaws, "We're gonna need a bigger boat!" I think we're going to need a bigger house to accommodate this ginormous television. We may have to take over the playroom, which I HATE, and we definitely need a big entertainment center to house the monstrosity. The only thing that made my anxiety fade away? The smile that shined on Hubby's face while we watched it. We tried it out with X-Men Origins: Wolverine and then the Wii. I got to admit, this TV ROCKS!



As a side note: This blog was going to be titled Well It Must Be Nice! My mother egg donor took Cameron to school for me this morning, as Dylan woke up sick...AGAIN. Upon noticing the Wii, Peyton's playhouse, Dylan's desk, yada, yada...she got pissed off upset (and did the whole fake cry bit that doesn't affect me anymore) and said, "Well it must be nice!" in the way ONLY Denice can. Thankfully, Pastor Jeff had posted his morning verse, and I had read it not a half hour before. Proverbs 15:1 (NIV) A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Whew! I so could have gotten all nasty with her and told her exactly why she doesn't have what I have. Instead, I was calm, collected, and replied, "My husband works his butt off to provide for our family. If he wants a big screen TV, he's going to get a big screen TV!" Thank you Pastor Jeff!

By the way, the ONLY reason she agreed to take Cameron to school, or help me in any way, is because the car she drives is my Grandma's, and if Grandma ever found out Denice refused me, well, let's just say, fan and ... fecal matter.

My Cup ... (Project 365/2010)

runneth over. It truly does. I almost feel guilty having been so truly blessed. ALMOST! My God is an awesome God!

Wordless Wednesday: Sweetenin

Check out more Wordless Wednesday over at 5 Minutes for Mom.

Hello

Well, well, well, it would seem that glee has a new hottie. Hello Jesse St. James, your and Rachel's voice is like butter. I see a much better match here than Rachel with Finn. Just keeping it real. However, since Jesse is also the lead singer of New Directions rival glee club, Vocal Adrenaline, I am leery of this mash-up. What is the coach, Shelby, of said rival glee club up to?

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY...April 13th

Outside my window...the moon has replaced the sun.

I am thinking...about the fortune we just spent on repairs for my minivan.

I am thankful for...God's blessings of Hubby's jobs and the money we needed to fix up my minivan.

I am wearing...my pj's.

I am remembering...how Peyton does the Special Agent Oso Alligator cheer...seriously cute!

I am creating...birthday cards.

I am going...to process the diagnosis the doctor gave me today.

I am reading...my emails.

I am hoping...to go to bed at a decent time today, as I'm suffering from a headache.

On my mind...no soda for 2 weeks. Woo-Hoo! Doctor Oz says that if you cut out soda from your diet, you'll lose 12 pounds a year. Works for me.

Noticing that...tomorrow is my weekly weigh in.

Pondering these words...But I trust in your unfailing love. I will rejoice because you have rescued me. I will sing to the Lord because he is good to me. Psalm 13:5-6 NLT

From the kitchen...leftovers.

Around the house...my kitchen sparkles.

One of my favorite things...glee and it's back tonight! WOOT!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Cameron's first counseling appointment (tomorrow), Dylan gives blood, cleaning, organizing, laundry...you know, the day to day stuff.

From my picture journal...Peyton's launching pad. FlyLady says our launch pad needs to be clear of clutter and ready to grab as we walk out the door. Here are Peyton's purses, gwasses, and keys, ready for launch. LMBO

Parrot Peyton (Project 365/2010)

Peyton has become a real little sister lately. First of all, she repeats EVERYTHING. Her vocabulary is far more advanced than either of her brother's at this age. I guess it's true what they say, girls mature faster. Peyton also wants to do everything her big brother's are doing, especially Dylan. Today Dylan was using one of her play phones as a video game, Peyton grabbed the other one, laid down like him, and I caught this picture. Too cute! Moments like this really melt a Mama's heart.

Electronic Junkie (Project 365/2010)

Hubby calls me an electronics junkie. I always want to upgrade, the new and improved, the top of the line, and he never complains. Why? Because I use the heck out of each and every one of my electronics. My Canon Powershot SD950IS is an extension of my right hand (while my iPhone is an extension of my left--he he he). I remember when I told him I wanted one of the first DVD camcorders, and he said, "Okay." And when said camera had to be replaced, it ended up full of sand and ocean water, 2 summers ago, he said, "Okay." It wasn't the first time we had a beach accident with a camera, because the year before, my brand new camera got sand in it, and had to be returned to clean it out. When I approached him about the Canon Powershot D10, he was hesitant. "Why do we need another camera?" Well, because it's waterproof, cold resistant, and shock proof (our camera went back into shop after it's shocking ride on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad last May). This camera is all the things we need a vacation camera to be. He promptly said, "Okay." I can't wait to bust this bad boy out and play with it.

Cinderella (Project 365/2010)

Peyton was just 6 months old when Steven Curtis Chapman's youngest daughter was killed. The song Cinderella was on his album that was out at that time. You can't help but fall in love with that song, and when I see Hubby & Peyton dancing together, I can't help but hear that song in my head. :'( It is a beautiful sight as Daddy dances with our little Cinderella.

She spins and she sways
To whatever song plays
Without a care in the world
And I'm sitting here wearing
The weight of the world on my shoulders

It's been a long day
And there's still work to do
She's pulling at me
Saying "Dad, I need you

There's a ball at the castle
And I've been invited
And I need to practice my dancing
Oh, please, Daddy, please?"

So I will dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
Cause I know something the prince never knew
Oh, I will dance with Cinderella
I don't want to miss even one song
Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight
And she'll be gone...

She says he's a nice guy and I'd be impressed
She wants to know if I approve of the dress
She says, "Dad, the prom is just one week away
And I need to practice my dancing
Oh, please, Daddy, please?"

So I will dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
Cause I know something the prince never knew
Oh, I will dance with Cinderella
I don't want to miss even one song
Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight
And she'll be gone

She will be gone

Well, she came home today with a ring on her hand
Just glowing and telling us all they had planned
She says, "Dad, the wedding's still six months away
But I need to practice my dancing
Oh, please, Daddy, please?"

So I will dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
Cause I know something the prince never knew
Oh, I will dance with Cinderella
I don't want to miss even one song
Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight
And she'll be gone

Menu Plan Monday

Sunday ~ Classic Chicken Parmesan with Oven Roasted Tomato Sauce and Smoked Mozzarella (we switched this out for a more kid friendly dinner Friday night so my BFF & I could hit a movie)

Monday ~ Slow Cooker Hearty Beef Stew

Tuesday ~ Pizza Night (I have a Dr. Appt at 5 pm...have to pick up dinner on the way home)

Wednesday ~ Shrimp & Pasta Primavera with Salad

We enjoyed this so much the first time around, I'm making it again!




Thursday ~ Vegetable Pot Pie (had to switch out this dinner from last week too due to Dr. Appts)

Friday ~ Steak, Baked Potato & Corn on the Cob

Saturday ~ Soup & Sammies TBD

Wii (Project 365/2010)

Wii had a BLAST playing Mario Kart tonight during Family Fun Night. The intensity on their faces crack me up!

Why Did I Get Married Too? (Project 365/2010)

My BFF and I have been waiting for this movie to come out. We finally got to see it tonight and ... OMG! That's all I got to say. Well, that and ... dare I say it was better than the first? :O Gotta LOVE Mr. Tyler Perry!

dyson (Project 365/2010)

I absolutely HATE our vacuum! It doesn't suck, and it is a beast to push. I have seen the commercials, read the reviews, and coveted a dyson for over a year now. Well, I was on QVC's site the other day, ordering something else, and they were having a Spring Cleaning sale. {he he he} I decided to search up dyson and {squee} they had the one I wanted, on 5 easy payments. Woot! It came to my door today, and took under 5 minutes to put it together (it took me longer to get the dang box open-ha ha ha). Couple that with another 5 minutes of vacuuming my living room, part of the playroom, and half of the hallway (wherever the cord could reach from where I plugged it in-AND IT IS A LONG CORD) and VOILA! This thing ROCKS! The canister fills up a little quickly, but seriously, it's a canister and 2 filters (that I never have to replace, only wash every 3 months). I can totally live with dumping my canister per vacuum session!



BTW, do you think FlyLady would approve of the purple? tee hee

Diabetic Ketoacidosis

The American Diabetes Association just posted this article on Diabetic Ketoacidosis, also known as DKA, on facebook. As I read the article, I started to relive the days leading up to Cameron's diagnosis. I remember EVERYTHING about when the doctor's told us he was in DKA, and when I read up on it, how scary it was.

I try to keep Cameron healthy, and fortunately, his immune system is still the bomb. We monitor is ketones via urine samples, when his bs numbers go above 250. And we have a little pill he must take if he begins to vomit or become nauseous. I could write a book on what I've learned, and still learning, about Type 1 Diabetes.

Star Wars (Project 365/2010)

Cameron is a HUGE Star Wars fan. He owns all the movies, and several of the books. For Christmas we got him his first Star Wars Lego set (Darth Vader's TIE Fighter). HE LOVED IT! So we did it again for Easter, picking up the X-wing Fighter. He was frustrated the first day, couldn't get a couple pieces to work right. The second day he was LIVID because he was missing a couple of pieces (which we later found out Dylan snaked). He finally has finished it and was showing off his accomplishment tonight.


And of course Dylan just wanted to get his grubby little paws on it. :)


While we were at The Grove, we stopped in at Pottery Barn Kids, where we saw the coolest Star Wars bedding and accessories. Cameron is BEGGING us to change his room to Star Wars. I think we shall oblige! :) And then pick up a few more of these that he can line up on his bookcase. Yeppers...that is what we'll do.

Wordless Wednesday: Spring Pictures

Check out more Wordless Wednesday over at 5 Minutes for Mom.

Shhhhh (Project 365/2010)

Peyton put Baby Molly to bed today, and then told all of us, "Shhhh...baby nighty nighty." We promptly all shut up and let Baby Molly take her 30 second nap. ;)

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY...April 6th

Outside my window...the grass is mowed and the roses are trimmed. Hubby hired a gardner Monday. LOL

I am thinking...about how badly I HATE Tuesday's!

I am thankful for...school back in session and back to normal days.

I am wearing...jeans and a T-shirt.

I am remembering...how expressive Dylan was during Wii fun on Sunday. :)

I am creating...nothing. My creative juices do not overfloweth. :(

I am going...to a doctor's appointment this afternoon and find out if I have Lupus or not.

I am reading...Dear John by Nicholas Sparks.

I am hoping...to stay on FlyLady's schedule.

On my mind...REALLY...I HATE TUESDAY'S!

Noticing that...Peyton's cough isn't any better.

Pondering these words...Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him. John 3:36

From the kitchen...Turkey Sandwiches and DELICIOUS red pears.

Around the house...just Peyton and I.

One of my favorite things...just Peyton and I. tee hee

A few plans for the rest of the week: back to the grind! UGH!

From my picture journal...I LOVE Ziggy! :)

Lunch Time (Project 365/2010)

When Dylan comes home from school, he is famished! I can't complain about how he eats. Good old fashioned PB&J, Pomegranate Applesauce, and Milk.

Menu Plan Monday

Sunday ~ Happy Easter

Monday ~ Garlic Lime Chicken Fajitas with Guacamole



Tuesday ~ Spaghetti, Salad, and Garlic Buns

Wednesday ~ Marinated Grilled Flank Steak with BLT Smashed Potatoes & Asparagus

Thursday ~ Vegetable Pot Pie

Friday ~ Classic Chicken Parmesan with Oven Roasted Tomato Sauce and Smoked Mozzerella, Salad, & Garlic Rolls

Saturday ~ Soup & Sammies and Wii Familly Fun Night