Red Rawlins

Resolutions

2009-12-31T16:56:00.000-07:00

...don't over think this post, this is more for a personal commitment than anything else... maybe I can shed some of these extra 100+lbs this year... and maybe a little baggage too :)

Christmas is over.....

2009-12-26T15:15:00.000-07:00

And, I am actually anxious to get the tree down. I have been considering starting a card making service. I would hand make custom greeting cards for all occasions, and sell them for very affordable pricing. Once I get the tree down, I am going to use that "dead space" in my living room for my own little project area, where I can easily watch after Scarlett at the same time.

As you may or may not know, Joe lost his job the first of this week (this is the work in CA for Yor Health). Just before Christmas. So, I am trying my best to come up with ways to make some extra green. Yes, I have applied for a couple jobs at Walgreens. We will see if I hear back. Joe is also working hard trying to arrange for more work so that he can still bring in enough income to pay the rent.

I am grateful for all of my friends and family who bought us such nice gifts for Scarlett's birthday and our Christmas. We feel like we have everything we need and mostly everything we want, and are very happy.

This is just a quick short update so you know that we are okay and still around. I will try to post some more towards the beginning of the week with pictures! :)

It was real, and it was fun, and I didn't take a single picture....

2009-12-17T00:16:00.002-07:00

Feeling in a Poppy mood... which is a good thing. I love poppies, especially red ones....

Well, my birthday is officially over.

(image from here , what an adorable pin that is!)

I know some really great people, and I suppose it should come as no surprise, that they give EXCELLENT gifts!!

I do not think I have ever used so many exclamation points in one day, as I have today.
(image from here)

It has been a sublime day. Everything--well most everything--has been perfect, just falling into place. I feel like one of the most blessed people on the planet, truly. I had at least 30 birthday wishes on Facebook and via text message today. All people who are wonderful in their own special and unique ways, like precious stones on display for all to appreciate, though few take the time... I guess there are a lot of people, places and things which fall into this category... *pauses for a moment of contemplation*
(image from here )

My Wonderful friend Malia, and her Husband Phil, took me to Olive Garden for my birthday as was my choice of venue. She said I could eat anywhere I wanted, and that it was her treat. She is truly wonderful. I also learned, that Scarlett LOVES minestrone soup, or at least the broth, and have been again reaffirmed how much Scarlett loves broccoli She has so much to do on Thursday that I was grateful that she was willing to share some of her time with me, on my special day. She is so dear to me!

Brook, came over just after I returned from lunch, and had put Scooby down for a nap, bringing me wonderful Oreo and whipped cream cake. It was Delicious, and even had one maraschino cherry on it. Perfect. SIDE NOTE----I must admit, that I have also probably had more maraschino cherries today, than I have EVER had in one single day, my entire life. Thats a lot of cherries... and a lot of Diet Roy Rodgers-s (which is not an alcoholic beverage, but just diet cola with cherries and cherry syrup called grenadine). END OF SIDE NOTE--- It was also just lovely to see Brook, Ardell, and their beautiful daughters, Solana, and Audi. Audi reminds me so much of my Scarlett when she was smaller, only she has such clear and distinguishable speech, without a LICK of whining. Its amazing. I wish I could pass this trait onto Scarlett, I HATE whining. Clarification--I Love Scarlett, but hate whining. They also brought me a Christmas CD, which I am very much looking forward to listening to in my car tomorrow, and have placed it in the player already for my listening enjoyment on Scarletts special birthday. (image from here)

Because I am so giddy, I am going to post this entry WITHOUT pictures of my loot, and I will add in pictures on a separate addended post, VERY soon. Also, showcasing items purchased with said Funds alluded to in this post :) Im crafty, yes.

Everyone gave me excellent cards, which to me is a magnificent gift all on its own! (cartoon from here)

My sister Sarah gave me two beautiful cards, and money! She knows me so well, to get me just what I wanted! Also, just having her at my party was a huge gift, since her loving Husband is out of town for work, and she had to ask her in laws to watch her boys for her. It was wonderful having her come to m party though, and sit next to me.

My mom and Dad gave me a wonderful card, along with these adorable post-its that look like they were designed just for me. They are black and white with paisleys on the sides and in three different sizes and patterns. She also gave me $50! I am excited to be able to go out and maybe buy some pants, underwear, and maybe a new shirt. I feel so blessed by my parents. They really do a lot for me, and I am truly grateful.

Paul and Lizette gave me this awesome vintage purse which was entirely beaded, which has a little separate compartment inside which will work PERFECTLY for my cell phone, though everyone continued to remind me, that when the purse was made, there were no cell phones, and I would say, yeah, yeah it would'a been for a pocket watch or hand mirror or something, but its GOING to be for a cell phone :) . It also came with a strap to make the purse longer instead of just for being held on the short string. It is wonderful, and I love it. In addition she gave me a red glass vase. I love red glass. (surprise surprise, I know!) image from here

Janice Noreen gave me the most beautiful pajamas I have ever seen. They are of course, Red. They have a white embellishment on the pocket, and are 3X so they will fit me perfectly. I love these pajamas, SO MUCH, that I cannot wait to take a picture in these heavenly night clothings... She also gave me a BEAUTIFUL card, that almost made me cry!

Wendy gave me a LOVELY red sweater with big wonderful brown buttons down it, and a BEAUTIFUL black bead necklace that ties with ribbon in the back. (image from here ... I love that image) I love ribbon necklaces! They feel so classy, sophisticated, and yet modern at the same time. Not only did she give me great gifts, but She watched Scarlett after the party so that Joe and I could go see a movie. She bathed my Scarlett and put her in a brand new blue shirt she bought her, that has a cute little hot cocoa mug with marshmallows on top. She looked so beautiful when I came to get her, and her hair was even done up in a cute, snug little pony on the top of her head :) Wendy is such a wonderful mommy, and an equally wonderful Aunt! Scarlett is very lucky to have her around, and I am positive that she knows it, too. When Joe put her in the car to go with Wendy home, he said, "You wanna go for a ride in aunt "dee dee's" car? and she said, "Okay daddy!" with no resistance. That is true love, in Scarlett form. Calm, collected, contentment, with one's company= Love.

We saw The Fantastic Mr. Fox ( a Wes Anderson film!) I loved it, I really did love the movie. (image from here ) I would recommend it to adults, and not children though. There is stealing, and a lot of death in the movie. Also, whenever the characters would have a desire to swear, they would say "cuss". IT was funny, but very apparent to any adult which words they were substituting for... And a lot of comparisons with animals to groups of people, which children would not catch, and we adults find, truly witty and hilarious. I LOVE metaphor. I am such an English nerd, it makes me giddy.

Thank you Wendy, and Everyone else, who took part in my special day, helping to make this my best birthday EVER. Thats right, ever.

But First... come to this!

2009-12-15T16:57:00.001-07:00

Your Presence is Present enough!

again, let me know if you plan on coming.

HOPE to see you all there, let me know if you are coming!

2009-12-14T11:41:00.001-07:00

(i used the pizza image for this invite from this website.)

Count your many Blessings..

2009-12-11T11:44:00.001-07:00

Name them one by one...

My Sweet sister, Wendy, watched Scarlett for us so we could go out to a movie last night. We saw "Brothers." (image from here ) It was quite the drama. The star-studded cast (Natalie Portman, Jake Gyllenhal, and Tobey Maguire) really bring to light the horrific impact war can have on our soldiers, who are then expected to just come right back home to their old surroundings. Made me grateful to those who are willing to make such an ultimate sacrifice to help protect our freedoms, and the freedoms of those in foreign lands. We love movies.

When we came to pick up Scarlett, she had been bathed and was happy as a little clam. She wanted us to stay at Wendy's to play longer! Thank you, thank you, thank you, Wendy! She also watched Sarah and Matt's boys for a couple hours before we brought Scarlett, she is truly a saint. She serves until she has no faculties left, without complaint.

Joe and I did not exchange gifts this year for our anniversary. Only Hallmark cards. Each year, I, scour the section, reading every one, searching for one that holds the exact message I want to send *which often brings tears to my eyes in the middle of Walgreens*, then just add a few words and sign it. He, finds a simple card, and writes the beautiful heartfelt tribute, himself. Oh how I love him. Even more today, than yesterday.

(image from here)

In Five days, I will reach my 25th birthday! A Quarter of a century of life under my belt. Do I feel wise? I don't know... I think I once heard a saying that "The wiser you become, the more you realize just how little you know. "(i know i butchered that but you get the jidst)

Joe was telling me that a certain friend of his hates Christmas. I was like WHAT?!?!? I told him that friend needs to spend more time with ME around the Holidays. I love it. Here is a Christmas song for you, Paul, a tribute song from Oscar the Grouch: (image from here )

"I cant think of anything thats dumber

To a grouch, Christmas is a bummer.

Beaming faces everywhere, happiness is in the air,

I'm telling you it isn't fair, I hate christmas!

People loaded with goodwill, giving presents what a thrill,

That slushy nonsense makes me ill, I hate christmas.

I'd rather have a holiday like normal grouches do,

instead of getting presents, they take presents back from you.

Here comes Santa, girls and boys,

so? who needs that big red noise,

I'll tell him where to leave his toys, I hate christmas.

And if you want the truth, I ain't so crazy about Easter and Labor day either, HUH!

Christmas carols to be sung, decorations to be hung, Oh yeah?

Well I stick out my tongue, I hate christmas!

Christmas bells pay loud as throng, hurts my ears all that ding dong,

besides it goes on much too long! I hate christmas!

I'd rather have a holiday with a lot less joy and flash

With a lot less cheerful smiling, and a lot more dirty trash! Yeah!

Christmas day is almost here, when its over, then I cheer

I'm glad its only ONCE A YEAR

I hate christmas!

And whoever hung that mistletoe over my trash can,

Well I say HOOEY and Bah HUMBUG!"

*trash can lid slams shut*

(heres a link to the youtube video )

(image from here )

Four Years ago....

2009-12-10T14:53:00.000-07:00

...Two people fell in love, and got married.

we knew in an instant that we were meant to be together.

whatever trials might come, we were willing to face them.

as long as we have each other, we will always be able to see it through.

our love will always find a way...

What a wild ride we have had!

Happy Anniversary, Joe. I love you to the moon and back, again, and again, and again.

Speaking Words of Wisdom....

2009-12-07T15:40:00.001-07:00

Here are a few gems I have heard recently...

A lady working at the Dollar store quoted her husband saying, "It isn't the dollar store unless you only buy one thing" ex: if you buy 5 things, then it's the $5 store, etc.

"No treat for you, you already had your dessert"

(images from here and here.)

Never Judge a person until you have walked a mile in their shoes, then you will be a mile away from them, and you'll have their shoes!
image from fashionista.com

I am feeling refreshed, even if it is a rainy Monday. I got Scarlett's birthday presents today for an extremely good deal, which makes me happy, and better yet, I know she loves them all. Walgreens has some great bargains on children's toys, you should check it out if you have toys to buy for Christmas gifts! Scarlett even loves the gift bags I picked. One has cupcakes and the other, "flutterflies".

This week, scarlett is very into the "Little Eyesteins (Einsteins)", "Dora Boots (the Explorer)", and "Manny(Handy) Manny".

Another Award! gasps

2009-12-04T17:49:00.000-07:00

My sweet friend Kelsi Rose gave me this award. And I have to admit, that I never fulfilled my responsibilities attached to my last award, so I felt like I really did have to do this one. Things like this are always difficult for me to do. 10 random honest things about myself, AHHHHH!

I voted for Obama, I support him and his politics. I don't want to hear any bashings, so If you want to do that, find someone else to listen to you, cause I am not interested. (wow I'm a not very nice person, am I? Sorry the junk email i just got telling me to "give Obama a piece of [my] mind" spurred that one. ) (image from here )

I don't think I own any socks. (image from here )

I have at least once purchased a bra from a second hand store.

It hurts me to buy something that isn't either on sale or at a discount store.

I have a hard time holding onto close friends, except for the few who have decided to stick by me no matter what I say or do, and for those few I am very very very grateful. I have been told that my "rules for the operation of friendships" is skewed which causes friction in relationship dynamics... However in my head, I am still unsure how to fix any of that... and I can't afford therapy! Ha!

I aspire to one day when I have all the money I could possibly want, to be able to go to Nordstrom and buy an expensive pair of designer shoes. Until then, I will just dream of being one of those rich people who can.
(image from here )
I also have always wanted to have a home where I could hang Christmas lights around the outside. This year, I pretty much could, except I have been advised that perhaps I shouldn't, that it might infer, "Rob me, I have expensive things inside" which is neither true, nor the message I would be trying to send. At least my friend Malia's husband put lights outside their house, like i would have wanted, so I can pretend to live vicariously through their house.

My freezer has no food in it. If we were unable to drive thru restaurants or go to stores tomorrow, I would probably starve to death. Sad story huh? I did however try freezing a galon of milk, I thought someone told me that was ok, but it sure looks gross all frozen, so I think that is probably no good, either. *sighs*
(image from here )

I bite my fingernails. Sometimes whilst biting them, i tear the end off, causing painful hangnails. It is a rare occasion when at least one of my fingers is not injured at any given time... Makes pushing car seat buttons a bit more challenging.... and turning keys, things that people truly take for granted being able to do painlessly.

Several years back in fell in a GYMBOREE, (I wrote about this when it happened, here ) and now my arm does not straighten out all the way. This is a painful and stupid injury, which really limits my ability to reach for things in the car while driving, or even just carrying my daughter at times. They had said that perhaps physical therapy could have fixed it or surgery, or both, but I had no insurance, so I went to an Urgent care twice. They wrote me two prescriptions for heavy pain killers and muscle relaxers. (here is the post from when I went to the doctor) Thanks a lot healthcare system! :)
(image from here )
Now my Nominations for this award:

Camille of www.archiveslives.com if you have ever read her blog, it speaks for itself, she always says it how it is, and doesnt mind drama when the chips fall, as they ALWAYS do. She also has been doing really good at clicking on my blog and commenting on occasion, and I really do appreciate it!

Ratalienose- Your blog posts make me want to remember my High school years as better times. I think really it just is a testament to me, of how my days could have been, had I made different choices. Your curtain time post this week, really inspired me. It sounded like a dream, only I would have been on that piano in a smexy red dress.

Alison VP- Your writing is fabulous. Your readers love your posts not for bells and whistles, but for the content and meat you put into your posts. I love reading them, even if you are still in desperate need of a blog makeover :) xoxo

(image from here )

Once Upon a December

2009-12-02T21:09:00.000-07:00

Ok, so you all know this is my favorite time of year. I have been blogging, for, what seems like an eternity, and have documented December 2007 , December 2008 , and here I am in December 2009, with more pics of holiday decor.

I've scaled back on the quantity of decorations this year, but definitely not the quality :)

I could only find one stocking this year :(

I love my tree this year, Thanks Brook & Rdell for helping me assemble my artificial tree and putting on the lights and star. LOVE YOU!

when I was finished decorating, I simply laid across the couch and put my feet up to admire my handiwork. I love my new throw featured to the left of this pic. I got it at D.I for 3 dollars, the patchwork squares are all different polyester fabric squares and the inside is an old lady flower print... I love it, love it, love it! The rust colored pillow was also 3 dollars at D.I.

Washing Dishes

2009-12-01T14:36:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, I think it takes a change, or a large series of changes, for something that once seemed TAXING to all of the sudden feel manageable or even pleasant. For me, Washing Dishes, falls under this list.
(wishing I had that apron.... image from here)
Things that have changed:

New dishes--I love my new dishes purchased from the dollar store. They are pretty (off white and a bit modern looking) and fun to serve and eat off of. I just love how they look when they are sparkling clean.
No dispose-all--n this place we are renting, for the first time in my entire renting life (of 4 years) I have no Dispose-all. What this means is that NASTY, DISGUSTING food remnants, are NOT to be left sitting in dishes inside of the sink. Has this rule been fully abided by? No. But, he-- I mean WE, are making an effort to do better at scraping our plates off into the garbage at the bare minimum :)
The Power of a scrubby-- Down at the local dollar store they sell 2-packs of those lovely O-cello sponges with the rough and soft sides on them. Mine have cute little flowers on one and plaid on the other. For years, I have wondered why my dishwashers would not clean my dishes. I swear that growing up, just like in the "Cascade does the dirty work" commercials, I could just load things in without rinsing, and they still came out spotless, but in my adult life, so has not been the case. BUT, the scrubby, takes the junk off the dishes with effortless ease. Three cheers for the scrubby. (scrubby image from here, a new favorite bloggy !)

The answer I have found is Wash it as soon as you finish with it. Then, it won't ever seem disgusting or gross. It will only be one or two things to wash instead of 100, the smell won't make you want to pass out, and your dishwasher might even have a chance at cleaning them the first time around!

Amazing discovery, in my opinion. To most of you, this is probably something you already do anyway, but for me... a breakthrough.

Next I just have to figure out how to keep up with my laundry at a similar pace, instead of just all of a sudden realizing there are mountains of dirty laundry everywhere... but baby steps, right? (image from here)

MY CHRISTMAS/ BIRTHDAY LIST

2009-11-27T16:14:00.001-07:00

One bummer about getting older, is that you get a whole lot less presents for your birthday AND christmas.... which for me, both fall in the month of December. My birthday is the 16th. Even my Anniversary falls in the month of December. (the 10th). Scarlett's birthday, is on the 17th. My Grandma Shumway's birthday was on the 19th, 1919. I love the month of December. I have thought about naming one of my children December. Of course, Scarlett would have been a good candidate since her birthday is in December, but, it definitely doesn't fit her personality, so I guess its alright.

Ok, SO, a few years back I did a christmas list, and had a whole lot of fun making it up, so I will post another one this year.

I would like:

A new laptop.

A digital camera.

Harkins Theatres Movie Money

Free Babysitting.

My wedding ring sized and fixed.

Curtains for my house.

A calendar. Ooooh, I want this one!
Sioux 2010 Calendar (from here ) cover image on right.

This 2010 Planner.

My TV mounted on the Wall.

A date night with Joe.

Do I dare say, another tattoo? The lotus flower and heart on that image above is truly beautiful!

If we wanted to get lofty and entirely outrageous, I'd love a new car. :) I chuckle as I even type that one.

A chandelier for my Dining room, so that we have more light. (image from here )

Scarlett would like:

A Tricycle. (image from walmart.com)

A Playhouse.

Princess Movies. She has not ever seen Beauty in the Beast, Aladdin, Sleeping Beauty, The Little Mermaid, or Snow White, but I know she would love them if she had them.

She loves horses, and unicorns, too.

Dora and Handy Manny movies would be a big hit, too. I know they are running some sales on those this weekend. *sighs* but we don't get paid till Monday.

A muzzle for the neighborhood Kids who are always SO LOUD when Scarlett is trying to take a nap.... just kidding... :P

Thats all for now.

Thank you, for locking the gate.

2009-11-26T20:25:00.006-07:00

Where I live now, I won't lie, I get scared sometimes... well... a lot of the times... and that became worse when my gate did not latch... I had this fear of people walking onto my porch, and breaking in through my sliding glass door. Paranoid? Perhaps. However, this is a legitimate fear of mine. Luckily whilst up in UT, my dad came over and helped my Husband install a lock, and a latch for that silly silly gate. I am instantly met with a calming peace regarding the gate situation... Small and simple means :) either way, I am grateful..

(ok so now I really want this art print found at http://www.art.com/products/p12554063-sa-i1919404/steven-mitchell-the-opened-gate.htm)

That was not the entire premise of this post. As most of you know, at least those of You in the US, today is Thanksgiving. Also, as most of you bloggers out there are aware, My husband works a lot... And holidays seem to mean very little to the company he works for, and the deadlines they enforce with an Iron FIST. So, my poor husband was going to go down to his office and work all day today only taking a small break to eat Thanksgiving dinner with my family and I.

So, off he went to work, and I was sad and pouty about it. About 30 minutes later, in he walked. There is a gate that leads into his industrial park where he works, and it was locked. He, does not have a key, so he came back home and spent the entire day with us. So thank you, gatekeeper, for locking the gate on Thanksgiving. (cool image from here )

I was happy. Selfishly happy. Poor Joe will have a lot more work to do tomorrow, as a result. But, I am happy we could have more time for hugs, and love. More time do remember why we fell in love,just over 4 years ago. Two people, madly in love, with each other, and movies.

He still thinks I am the cat's meow, and I am grateful for that. He is still my handsome stud, and I think he is happy about that, too. (ok so maybe we are not as hot as Tom and Katie, but you get the point, ha.)

Image from http://www.javno.com/en-celebrities/katie-holmes-and-tom-cruise-relax-watching-movies_254286

And, we both, still love the movies--Second only to our love for of the beautiful, intelligent, adorable Scarlett Paige.

Happy Thanksgiving, and Love to all of you and your kin...

addendum: I am so grateful that this happy Christmas season is upon us. In celebration, I have added my automatic shuffle and playlist to my blog for the christmas season, ENJOY!

A place where Snow falls!

2009-11-19T22:05:00.002-07:00

So if the subject line didn't give it away, I am in UT. Scarlett is with me, and we are visiting Joe's Parents, Glen and Rita. The drive wasn't bad actually, I am grateful that Rita is not a "no stops" kind of driver, and that Scarlett behaved so well, with little complaint over driving 12 or so hours in the car over the course of 2 days. We left Wednesday morning around 11, and spent the night in Kanab at a Comfort Inn. It was nice :) It took Scarlett about an hour and a half to decide it might be okay for her to go to sleep, instead of just wanting to kiss me every few minutes and snuggle :) She is such a lover girl.
(to the right is a pic of Kanab, pretty place... image from http://www.destination360.com/north-america/us/utah/kanab)
Today we took off at about 1030ish from Kanab, and made it to Lehi by about 3ish. I discovered "Fry Sauce" at DQ, which my mom has made for us to go with fish sticks all growing up, though I never heard it called "Fry Sauce" before.... must be a Utah thing.

Scarlett went to bed without TOO much complaint here at the house, once she realized I would be sleeping in the bed right next to where she was sleeping. I browsed my blackberry until she fell asleep, and was asleep for about 45 minutes before I tiptoed out to sneak onto a computer to blog.

My uncle Rick posted some pictures on Facebook tonight of my Shumway relatives, including my Grandma Shumway. I had never realized that we looked a little similar, but it made me smile. How I loved her. I have to admit I am already missing my Husband. He will supposedly be here for Thanksgiving. I am hoping that will be the case. He is settling well into working out in AZ, and we are enjoying lower electricity bills for a start! Our bill this month was only $99! I nearly went dancing in the street, till I remembered I am a bit afraid of my neighbors : / (image from http://www.clipartof.com/details/clipart/25867.html)

Well, I send my love, in this boring blog post that probably nobody will want to read. I was reading an ABC book today and thought it might be fun to do an ABC exercise, anyone who wants to do it on their blog is welcome to. List the first 3 words that pop into your head for each letter of the alphabet. Creativity is allowed when you get to letters like X and Z...

A- Art, Amphibians, Armadillos (Rita says that in Texas, they say, "why did the chicken cross the road? to prove to the Armadillo that it could be done" poor armadillos...).
B- Broccoli (Scarlett can't get enough of it), Blogs, Blackberry.
C- Chupa-Chups (image from http://www.last.fm/group/Chupa+Chups) , Cider (had some apple cider this morning at the inn), Calendars.
D- Dogs, Doorbell, Dinosaurs
E- Elephants (scarletts favorite animal, she kept hoping we would see one on the way, but only cows and horses appeared..) image from www.treehugger.com Eyes, Emu.
F- Fingernails, French fries, Freckles
G- Giraffes, Grass, Garbage
H- Hammer, Hanger, Handlebars.
I- Icecream, Igloos, Ink
J- Jaguar (both my husbands car and my daughters stuffed one), Juggling, Jester
K- Kiss, Kingpawn, Kaleidescope.
L- Ladybug, Lawnmower, Limbo.
M- Monkey, Marbles, Medicine
N- Numbers, Nuggets, and Now-and-laters
O- Octopi, Oranges, and Orangutans
P- Pumpkins, Pineapple and Penguins
Q- Queens, Quarries, and Quantum physics.
R- Radios, Rhubarb, and Rocket ships.
S- Snorkeling, Skydiving and Shaddow Puppets
T- Turkey, Turnips, and Thanksgiving
U- Umbrellas, Uncles, and Unicorns (another Scooby favorite)
V- Violins, Vaccuuming and violets.
W- Water, Winds and Walking sticks.
X- eXits, eXcapes, and eXtra terrestrials.
Y- Yodelers, Yaks, and Yarn knitters.
Z- Zifandels, Zinneas, and Zebras (image from http://animals.timduru.org/dirlist/zebra/).

Good night friends, I wish you all an enchanting Holiday.

In with the good things, out with the bad...

2009-11-06T15:44:00.001-07:00

I know we all have those days, were we pretty much go on strike... Yesterday was one of those days for me. I refused to take a shower, Refused to put on anything cute to wear, refused to put on make up or do my hair, and surprise surprise, I had a crappy day, and felt sorry for myself all day long, ending it with a Migraine...

(image from http://migrainechickie.blogspot.com/2009/08/vintage-headache-ad.html)

This morning, I woke up refreshed, thanks to the Excedrine PM I took before bed. Scarlett woke up happy, I took a shower and blow-dried my hair and finally found something to wear; made a plan with my Friend Malia to meet up for lunch and hit up a thrift store. I weighed myself, I am almost 9 pounds down from my all-time high... gosh, weight loss is SO daunting... I did my make-up, and got Scarlett dressed and off we went.

We went to Wendy's Old Fashioned Hamburgers for lunch. M and I both had dressed our toddlers in Green shirts and brown pants. Every time we hang out, our kids are dressed in the same colors, our minds think so much alike, its almost scary! I had the biggest migraine (returning from last night) by the time I sat down to eat. I decided, I was not going to let it ruin my day, so I made a pit stop at QT for gas (which was 5 cents MORE expensive at this one than the one I normally go to BOO!) and got a Diet DP and some extra Strength Excedrine. I definitely am addicted to caffeine... this is a problem, and I think I need hypnosis.... any hypno-therapists feel like taking on a pro-bon-o case? While they are at it, if they could figure out how to make me stop eating so much, that would help too... :P I crack myself up..

My headache was gone in 20 minutes, and now I am having a fabulous day. We met up with M and her boys at Save the family. We got some great vintage board books for Scarlett. I also found 2 cute shirts "Avenue" Brand in the 25-cent bin outside, for another friend, and a Mary Poppins keychain for Mary Poppins, and dropped it by her shop on my way back home. I took one of her business cards, and Scarlett just loved it, "the cutest puppy I eber seen"... on it. For me, I found a cute little cameo Pin for me at the thrift store too.. I am wearing it in the picture below.

I brought Scarlett home, and she is napping. When she wakes up, we are going to Meet up with Malia to hit up Costco... I really need some more wipes... it is no fun dreading a poopy diaper due to "ill-preparedness." Thats all for now... Lots of love...

Good things come to She (or he) who waits...

2009-11-02T09:56:00.001-07:00

This is what I keep reminding myself.... instead of being upset at the fact that due to circumstances out of our control, Joe was not able to comw home in time for Halloween, and I have NO idea when he will come back, and be here for good.

Good things come to she who waits.....

Also, I feel the same way about blogs.... sometimes a person will not post for a long time, but you still hold out, and keep them on your reading list, in hopes that they will return and continue to give you words to read, that entertain, or relate to you.

I'm back, and hopefully you can agree, that good things come to those who wait....

So, here are the pics that I have (so far) from Halloween, of my adorable Betty Boop, Scarlett Ribbons... I mean Rawlins.

this video i took with my cell phone, this was just moments after we put on her costume, she just wanted to spin and twirl and dance around, she was so happy

This pic, my friend Brook from brookslittleworld.blogspot.com took for me.

The following few pictures were taken by my dear friend Malia at ellieolivephotography.blogspot.com.

She is so talented, and accepting bookings for shoots, she is EXTREMELY affordable and well worth your time. ok, enough jabbering, here we go:

Thanks to everyone who made our Halloween special. We have only been home a month, but I am sure glad we are back to stay, and am still trying to wait patiently for when Joe will be home with us, cause he sure is missed...

Neglect.

2009-10-28T22:02:00.003-07:00

There is no better word for my blogging behavior lately, than NEGLECT.

I think the problem is, instead of posting a blog with the adorable pic I took of Scarlett that day, I send it and add it to my status update on Facebook instead.... Guilty as charged of blogging, and bloglist reading, NEGLECT!!!
(image from http://www.thelatestone.com/sony-ericsson-c903-cybershot-review.html)

Forgive me, friends. I will try my best to do better.

However, there is definitely good news to report. Scarlett Paige has adopted an EXCELLENT sleeping schedule.... She goes to bed around 9:30 every night and wakes up at around 9:30 every morning, sleeping 12 hours each night. At around 2pm, she likes to take a nap. And she has been SO well behaved. I am so happy that we are reaching this point. Also, I am weining her off of soda. This ad cracks me up, and Scarlett would fully agree with and endorse this add, too, for SPRITE. (http://www.oddee.com/item_92625.aspx) Today she had some lemonade with a shot of strawberry, and some forced drinks of flavored water with a splash of juice. I wish I had realized I was creating such a monster with "sprite", and am glad to be rid of it, even if there is a mini-fit here or there. Before bed, she drank plain old water from a straw out of mommy's "special cup"! You have no idea how proud I am of the pain and suffering I have endured this week.

On a lighter note, Scarlett is going to be Betty Boop for Halloween. (image from http://sitemaker.umich.edu/portfolio.goamy/home) Our friend Elizabeth Smith is making us a costume with some fabric she says she already has. Scarletts hair is pretty long now, so I am not totally sure how I am going to make it look like Betty's, since I KNOW she won't go for a wig, but She will have the cute little red dress and garter, and beads. I will do my best to make the ringletts around the face, the black eyelashes on with eyeliner, and red lips. It will be so fun to dress her up. maybe I could make some red shoe covers for her tennis shoes, because with her fat feet I cant seem to find any dressy red shoes that she will wear......not even slippers :(

More good news....? Joe will be down here with us to stay hopefully by Halloween. We have put in our notice at the place in Irvine, and are glad to be rid of the high priced rent and living expenses. GAS was more than 50cents MORE expensive a gallon there, for STARTERS, and our rent, $1400 more a month.

I'll try and post more regular, but as I am unpredictable, can really make very little guarantee. Just wanna say, I love being back in AZ, and Love LOVE LOVE my friends and family.

Thank you Malia for having us over for Dinner, Scarlett loves to play with Preston even if she does bully him some, poor kid.

I am getting pretty settled in here in the new place. For those of you who dont know where it's at, We are renting Grandma Shumway's old place just inside of Tempe. I have had a lot of fun unpacking, and finding places for all of my favorite decor, short of hanging things on the wall (dont have nails yet).
(image from http://crossstitch.about.com/od/patternsfromyourguide/ig/Scrapbook-Cross-Stitch-Designs/Home-Sweet-Home-Model.htm)
Thats all for now... Good night and good luck....

Its such a good feeling.

2009-10-14T09:35:00.000-07:00

Mr. Roger's Neighborhood Singalong... Found this this morning, and it made me happy. Also found this great goodbye video that Fred Rogers did much later on.

Love, Red Rawlins.

Double Double, Toil and Trouble, Fire burn and Cauldron Bubble...

2009-10-10T12:51:00.000-07:00

So, considering the question by RatalieNose, gives me a lot of experiences to reference and yet, am not sure which to share.

(image from http://whatsontv.co.uk)

---Finding this image made me realize, that perhaps I loved this movie "About a boy" so much because I could relate to that awkward kid so well!---

Date Stories... I suppose we would have to say honestly, I was more of an "I have a boyfriend" kind of gal. I liked to find someone to call my boyfriend, and try to spend every waking moment talking to and thinking about this person. This started, in oh, PreSchool. Peggy Richardson's preschool, behind my house.... first crush, who i dreamed would be my boyfriend, Jarem Hallows. Even Sister Richardson knew I had a big crush and gave me a photo of him to keep. One time I remember even asking him "out" to join us for a family night to the Dollar movies. His parents allowed him to come, and I was on CLOUD NINE. He attended my birthday party when I turned 5. The End.

(image from http://www.wwrsd.org)
Next "boyfriend"- Second grade. Keaton Stoops. Confession- I still look for him on Facebook, at least every other month. No such luck, as of yet. As I was writing this, I then tried to look again online for him... I'm a dork, I know. It is not that I would want to really pursue anything, I'm just curious, how he grew up, turned out/what he did with his life, ya know? He was my first peck on the mouth kiss. :) He could do the splits, I remember thinking that was cool.... hahaha... silly I guess. One time my parents let me go see a movie with him and his family. We went and saw Jurrasic Park, I thought it was so scary, we shared a seat :)

I had several "unserious" boyfriends in elementary school. Brad Clark, was one of the more "serious" of the "unserious" LOL. He peck kissed me at the end of the double feature at the Dollar theatre at Tri City mall. I think Garrett Stokum, and Michael Rolland were there at the movies with us... awww memories. I really thought he was the cats meow... I don't even remember how we broke up..... but I remember being really mad at him at my 12th birthday party, so maybe he broke up with me.....

Haha. One old friend from 6th grade, in retrospect, told me I was the first girl in the 6th grade to get boobs. It startled me to be told this, as it never really occurred to me, that I was one of the few and proud. Perhaps that is why I had so many "boyfriends" at such a young age. I have always been boy-crazy. The great thing about being married, is that you can remain boy-crazy about your husband, and he doesn't mind, at all. You also don't have to deal with all that "Does he like me-does he not like me" Drama. You couldn't pay me to go back to those days..... (image from http://www.choochooco.com)

I suppose that is all for now. I wish I had all of my childhood pictures scanned into the computer, so that this could be full of reminiscent photos of this awkward time in my life... but alas, no.

Unfortunately, my history of dating, does not end here.... well, perhaps that is fortunate, since we all know this story ends with finding my true love, getting married and having a Scarlett Paige. There will probably be at least 2 more posts to roughly cover this history. :)

Ask and Ye Shall Receive.

2009-10-05T13:46:00.001-07:00

Ratalie Nose asked me to "Tell us about your favorite Blogs/ Posts to read".

(image from cpastories.com)

I'm going to let you all in on a little secret, okay, its not so much a secret, as a confession. I am NOT a reader. I dont read books, hardly EVER. I have never read an "entire series" of anything, except for maybe Dr Seuss books, and yes, I am aware those are for children. I am a huge fan of Children's books, but not so much big long books. I have a short attention span. Okay... so what does this have to do with blog posts?

I love to read brief posts, that are witty, informative, and that have pictures. I'm not sure why, but when I think of a LONG post with just lots of little black letters all over the screen and no pictures, I have a flashback to childhood.

When I was a kid, people still watched shows that were in Black and White. This always seemed like such a boring waste of time to me. As I got older, I came to realize the beauty of plots and story structure, even if there were no vibrant colors or exciting music. I still have a difficult time with old Westerns. We used to have a black and white TV very similar to this one on the right I found.
(image from http://purethinking.typepad.com)

What blogs do I read? Well, the ones I read most are on the sidebar to your right. I have them listed in order of most recently posted. This way, it just informs me when someone has finally posted something new, as I vainly look at my last post on my blog, admiring my handiwork.

I hope this answers the question. I can't wait to delve into stories from my teenage years, which I am sure will take place very soon. I was a crazy teen, ok so I'm still crazy, but I do have a lot of good stories to tell. Any specific kinds of stories you are looking for?

A Blissfully Euphoric State

2009-10-04T11:24:00.001-07:00

No, I am not speaking of "Violence in the Workplace" I think that would be the opposite of a Blissfully Euphoric State.... Other than that opinion I have few others on the topic, apart from recommending Hugs instead of Slugs, at the workplace.
(image from istockphoto.com)
I AM referring to my present mood. For those of you who have been left in the dark (and for that I apologize) Scarlett and I have moved down to AZ. We are living in the Tempe/Mesa border area. Joe is still working in CA. That is all I am going to say about that. Glad to be back, but the hardest part is being apart. (wow that was eloquently put... :P) I think that being here is what is best for Scarlett and I, and have been so glad to have Joe come visit today. Having my whole family in one house, and as per usual, them both asleep, and me awake... I feel pretty blessed to have them in my life.

My wonderful family helped us unload the truck with some of the furniture, and it is SO nice to not have to sit on the floor. My dad found us a couple SPECTACULAR chairs at a yard sale yesterday ($20 for the pair) and My bottom is very happy with this find. One chair is mine, and the other, Joes. His reclines, mine is stationary. Mine is the greatest Laptop chair I could have ever asked for. I wish Joe could just stay here by my side for always, perhaps one day He will be able to come back for good, until then, I hope his employers appreciate the great thing they have.

We had a great late dinner as a family last night at Applebees. Scarlett just LOVES Applebees, just like I do. Must be Genetic. I have had every birthday party at Applebees since I was 17. That is 7 years, except for one, which was the day before Scarlett was born, as I had contractions all day long, my water broke during "happy hour".

(Image from http://www.clker.com/)

Other good news, My extremely generous Aunt, Jolene, gave me a whole bunch of clothes, jewelery, hats, belts and more, this week. I could not feel more blessed or loved. More valued. Having such nice clothes and belongings makes me feel like I am something special, worthy of owning such. I'm sure it sounds silly, but I tried on one of the undershirts she gave me, and felt like I was being given a great big, eveloping hug. I felt special, beautiful, happy. Words cannot accurately or adequately express the fullness of my gratitude for this selfless and charitable act of kindness. I think even Joe can see a change in me (apart from the fancy duds).

I am so blessed. And I am grateful.

Dancin' with myself.....

2009-10-01T17:38:00.001-07:00

Do you ever get to where, you are just sick of talking about yourself? Well, I'm there... But, I still feel like I should blog, so I am going to blog about topics of interest in the lives of my readers. I will give my opinions and views on the subject... I think this will be fun, if not, then I will just wait a while, and probably go back to talking about myself :)

I have internet connected to my tiny laptop, which is missing the letter "T" Key, so bear with me.

I love that the weather is cooling down. Makes A/C optional, and moods brighter, at least for heat-sensitive folk like me and Scarlett... There I am talking about myself again... perhaps it is an impossible feat... Give me a topic friends...

I am going to try to blog daily... a little help would be appreciated :)

Blogger's Birthday-- and Cleaning the Car

2009-09-17T16:41:00.001-07:00

Did anyone else notice that there is a birthday cake (or as scarlett would call it, a Party Cake) on the Blogger logo today? well, i did. Happy Birthday, Blogger, if it is, in fact your birthday.

Well, this morning, I woke up early (for me) before 9 am. I knew this would be a somewhat busy day, so I decided to put on makeup and do my hair while Scarlett was still asleep. Then I did a mini photo shoot on "Photo Booth". Here's a mini slideshow of those pics.

As soon as Scarlett was done with her nap, we headed off to have some Pizza lunch. Then, when we got back, I backed my CRV into the garage for a long awaited cleaning. Yes, a lot of that stuff has been in the back of the car since we moved to Cali.... and was still there. SO I decided to take matters into my own hands.

this is what I looked like afterwards:

Sending smiles to those I love, and looking forward to seeing some of you this weekend.

Taylor Swift... and reality TV.

2009-09-16T16:51:00.001-07:00

Ok, so I didnt get a chance to watch Taylor Swift's interview on The View until just now. She sure is a classy 19 year old gal. I was also blown away by the message in this song that she performed. I think it is a message that young girls need.

here are the lyrics to the song, provided by (www.azlyrics.com)

"Fifteen"

You take a deep breath and you walk through the doors
It's the morning of your very first day
You say "Hi" to your friends you ain't seen in a while
Try and stay out of everybody's way
It's your freshman year and you're gonna be here
For the next four years in this town
Hoping one of those senior boys will wink at you and say
"You know I haven't seen you around, before"

'cause when you're fifteen and somebody tells you they love you
You're gonna believe them
And when you're fifteen
Feeling like there nothing to figure out
Well count to ten, take it in
This is life before who you're gonna be
Fifteen

You sit in class next to a redhead named Abigail
And soon enough you're best friends
Laughing at the other girls who think they're so cool
Well be out of here as soon as we can
And then you're on your very first date and hes got a car
And you're feeling like flying
And you're mommas waiting up and you think hes the one
And you're dancing round your room when the night end
When the night ends

'cause when you're fifteen and somebody tell you they love you
You're gonna believe them
When you're fifteen and your first kiss
Makes your head spin round but
In your life you'll do things greater than dating the boy of the football team
But I didn't know it at fifteen

When all you wanted was to be wanted
Wish you could go back and tell yourself what you know now
Back then I swore I was gonna marry him someday
But I realized some bigger dreams of mine

And Abigail gave everything she had to a boy
Who changed his mind and we both cried

'cause when you're fifteen and somebody tells you they love you
You're gonna believe them
And when you're fifteen, don't forget to look before you fall
Ive found that time can heal most anything
And you just might find who you're supposed to be
I didn't know who I was supposed to be at fifteen

La la la la la .. la la la la la .. La la la la la

Your very first day
Take a deep breath girl
Take a deep breath as you walk through those doors.

I also was very pleased with the outcomes on my reality shows last night. Tali and Luke, so in love :). Jordyn and Jeff, definitely won the hearts of America on Big Brother this season.

Project of the day, (BEFORE I GO TO BED, I have forced myself to this aspiration) I WILL clean out the back of my car... it has been filled with junk for FAR too long, lol.

Wish me luck.

Odds, ends, and monkey friends,

335 Posts, can you believe it?!?

2009-09-14T13:59:00.006-07:00

Rainbow Brite is in the hiz-ouse.

Particularly, "Rainbow Brite and the Star Stealer"

(image from http://images2.fanpop.com/images)

So last night we stopped by Blockbuster after just barely making it to Panda Express before it closed. Scarlett "love-it, Chinese!"

So I pa roused through the $3.99 previously viewed DVD's and found this precious gem. It didn't have the picture on the cover, just a labeled box that said, "Rainbow Brite."

I of course, instantly decided, Scarlett should be a fan as I was growing up. Gotta love those fuzzy little guys with the star antennae. Scarlett loves the "Rainbow Horse" Starlight.

It makes me happy that Scarlett can appreciate "the classics" of animation movies. It is funny to me to think that when Scarlett is a teen/young adult things from the 90's and 00's will be "so cool" like the 80's were for my generation. They will think of 80's punk like I think of 60's Rock.

We are still sick. Things that make us perk up, include suckers (of the dumdum variety). and egg drop soup. mmmmm.

Any of you friends out there been watching Big Brother? Are you rooting for Jordyn like me?

And on Big Love, are you kind of indifferent as to who Luke picks in the end, like Joe and I are? We think that Malissa is just in it to win it, not necessarily to find "love".

MMMM. this Wendy's commercial just called my name. We'll catch you all later.

Hugs and Hamburgers,