It's pumpkin time!!

We went to the pumpkin patch. We did it a little different this year, asking friends to tag along. Since they don't have kids to use as an excuse to go, they were happy to accompany us.

Here we are, at the beginning.
and on the 'hayrack' ride to the pumpkin patch.
Loved the use of the old satelite dishes.
the race to find the perfect pumpkin.
My daughter found hers quick. Then she decided she like mine better, so we traded. Then DH said mine was bigger, so we traded back.
We were a little dissapointed in teh set up. In previous years, we went to the actaul field and got to pick them from the vines. Now they are just randomly placed around.
Can you pick my kids from the scarecrows?

Now we're discussing what to do next.
The petting zoo won.
The ride back, on Scarecrow Lane

Again, more use of the old satelite dishes.

The little kids maze that my son raced through. We decided not to the the real corn field maze, due to everyone's alergies.

Some cool looking flowers they were selling.

Next, we headed over to the house to start the carving party.

Tammy's birthday week.

My friend Tammy's birthday was last week. She was a rockstar!

She started on Tuesday night. We have a friend who works at a local newstation until 11 pm. So, she starts her nights at 11 pm. On Tuesdays she sometimes does Kareoke, and we decided to unofficially start Tammy's celebration then. Well, Tammy made it, but I fell asleep by 10 pm.



On Wednesday, we all went to Old Chicago to eat and start the Halloween mini beer tour.



On Saturday, we actually celebrated her birthday. We went to a Hockey game, complete with tailgating. Our home team lost, but we had a blast.



Oh, before the hockey game Tammy, another friend and my husband all did the beerfest thing. It's a huge thing here. All the beer vendors you can imagine, pouring all the beer you want. All for $25.00



My kids were here that weekend, so I stayed at home during the beerfest, so my husband could do the beerfest, and he stayed home that night, so I could do the hockey game. Teamwork.

Then it was Sunday and talk of greencards.

It was a very nice relaxing day. We went to a friends for a BBQ, and that was about it.



Her in-laws were visiting and she wanted us all to meet them. They live in Seattle now, but were from Canada. She was actually originally from Scotland. It was very interesting to hear there travel stories.



My friend met her husband in Canada while she was going to school there. They moved here about 2 weeks after the wedding. He is still waiting to be legalized, but as long as he doesn't leave the country, he can stay here. I guess if he goes back, he won't be able to get back into the USA.



Speaking of which, the friend who is getting married soon is also from Canada. She is here on a work visa and is still trying to get legalized.

I say legalized because I can't remember the correct term. Is it green card? Or citizenship? I think it's citizenship.



And, I have another friend who lives here, and her boyfriend is from Spain. He was here on a work visa for several years, and just got his citizenship(or whatever) a month ago.



It's sad to hear the stories of what they had to, or are still having to go through just to live here without the fear of being sent back. They are all wonderful people and I'm glad to share my home country with them.

After the bachelorette party

The next day (Saturday) a few of us planned on going to see a pumpkin carving class. Karen picked us up and we went to Williams-Sonoma. We were really excited about this. We got there and they were making pumpkin waffles, we all got a taste! Then we asked about the carving class, and the lady said she would get us set up.
So, we walked around and admired all the wonderful kitchen gadgets that we will never spend that much money on.

Finally, the class was ready. Or, should I say demonstration? I don't know what to call it. She had a pumpkin, showed us this dremel tool thing, made some lines on the pumpkin and encouraged us to try it for ourselves. I really don't know what we expected, but we were all somewhat disappointed.

So, we decided to walk over to Bella Luna for brunch. We walked by Origins on the way, so I stopped in to buy some more powder. I couldn't believe that the lady who did my make-over in July recognized me! She immediately asked how the wedding was.

Brunch was great, complete with Bloody Mary's for 2 of us, and wine for the other 2.

It's been awhile..we'll start with parties.

I can't believe I've neglected my blog. I thought I was finally getting into it. Oh well. So much has happened in the last few weeks.

Let's see, I've definately been busy party planning. 2 weeks ago we had a friends bachelorette party. Here I am putting my penis veil on the soon to be bride.This was at the first bar we stopped at. It was a rooftop bar, and hardly anyone else was there yet. We had a great time.

Then she decided we wanted to do Kareoke. We had no clue where to go on a friday night, but some of the girls had been to this bar and said it was good. Well, apparently it has gone downhill. We had to leave early due to a few guys wanting to fight. We heard they were in gangs and had weapons. But, we had fun while we were there.This is some random guy that insisted in being in most of my pictures.

I have no idea what this shot was supposed to be, but there is my bling!

Do you remember those candy necklaces as a kid? Well, we found a candy penis one. We all had to take a bite after we were good and drunk.After the fight, we left and went to IHOP. It was a fairly early night, but you'd never know by the way we all felt in the morning.

Transformers.com

Ok, this was just too funny. The kids and I were at home this afternoon and the phone rang. I answered it on speakerphone (as usual) and this voice starts talking.

It was a robot type voice, and said "Hi xxx(my sons name), this is (i don't remember the name)." And it says something about standing there with his step-father and that his sister is a bad decepticon(sp). It went on for a while.

My son was laughing his head off and his sister and I were like "what in the world??"

Apparently DH was playing around at work on their website and found this thing that makes calls. It was so funny, especially since it had everyone's names.

I just happened to have my camera next to me.

One of those e-mail questions thingys....

Tired of those same old 55 questions about me surveys? Well here are 55 I bet you've never answered.

1. Is your second toe longer than your first?
No

2. Do you have a favorite type of pen?
I'm pretty anal about this. And they only sell them sometimes, so I always stock up when I see them. It's the one with the pencil, pen, and stylus all in one.

3. Look at your planner for March 14, what are you doing?
Well, it's a Friday, but I don't have anything down, yet.

4.What color are your toenails usually?
depends on my mood and what I'm wearing when I get my pedicure.

5. What was the last thing you highlighted?
a book, some wedding vow book.

6. What color are your bedroom curtains?
no curtains, waiting for the new blinds

Number 7 was missing.

8. Have you ever had a black and white cat?
We always had a black cat when I was growing up, some of them had white on them.

9. What is the last thing you put a stamp on?
paycheck

10. Do you know anyone who lives in Wyoming?
Yes, my cousin.

11. Why did you withdraw cash from the ATM the last time?
I can't remember. I think so I would stick to my budget on a night out drinking. (it didn't work)

12. Who is the last baby that you held?
I avoid those as much as I can!! I really don't remember. Maybe my cousin almost 2 years ago.

13. Do you eat your french fries with mayo?
Ummm..........YUCK! Oh wait, I think I did that one night when I was drunk, or was it ranch?

14. Do you like Cinnamon toothpaste?
Yep

15. What kind of car were you driving 2 years ago?
Volkswagen Bug

16. Pick one: Miami Hurricanes or Florida Gators?
Why does it have to be a Florida team?

17. Last time you went to Six Flags?
never

18. Do you have any wallpaper in your house?
Nope. I think it's the first house without it.

19. Closest thing to you that is yellow?
I paused my TiVo, and the screen is yellow.

20. Last person to give you a business card?
a client

21. Who is the last person you wrote a check to?
kids' school for a fundraiser.

22. Closest framed picture to you?
I have several........mostly of family and some friends.

23. Last time you had someone cook for you?
I've been doing the cooking lately. Although DH ordered pizza 2 nights ago. Guess it's his turn, huh?

24. Have you ever applied for welfare?
No

25. How many emails do you have?42
none unread, it doesn't count the ones that I've read, but haven't done anything about.

26. Last time you received flowers?
When my son was in the hospital. Ok, so I guess technically they were his....

And 27 is missing.....

28. Do you play air guitar?
No, but I saw someone a few weeks ago doing it.k

29. Has anyone ever proposed to you?
Yeppers!

30. Do you take anything in your coffee?
I don't take coffee

31. Do you have any Willow Tree figurines?
What are those? I think I may.......but I'm not sure if that's the name or not.

32. What is/was your high school's rival mascot?
Hmm........do I get points if I remember our mascot?

33. Last person you spoke to from high school?
Amy

34. Last time you used hand sanitizer?
a couple hours ago

35. Would you like to learn to play the drums?
I have no desire to. Maybe years ago....

36. Color of blinds in your living room?
No blinds, but we are getting some soon!

37 is missing.......

38 is missing....apparently someone didn't like those questions!

39. What was the last pageant you attended?
no clue

40. What is the last place you bought pizza from?
Pizza Hut

41. Last time you wore a crown?
I think they made me wear one for my bachelorette party.

42. What is the last thing you stapled?
a contract

43. Did you ever drink clear Pepsi?
No. I didn't know there was such a thing.

44. Are you ticklish?
Way too much!

45. Last time you saw fireworks?
I guess on the 4th of July.

46. Last time you had a Krispy Kreme doughnut?
My daughter birthday. She took some to school and was nice enough to bring one home to me.

47. Who is the last person that left you a message & you actually returned?a client.

48. Last time you parked under a carport?
I don't know that I ever have.

49. Do you have a black dog?
No

And 50 must have been a bad one, too.

51. Are you an aunt or uncle?
No, I'm an only child. Although my step-sister has kids, but we aren't close.

52. Who has the prettiest eyes that you know of?
Me.........lol I don't know!

53. Last time you saw a semi truck?
On my way home. Those things are everywhere!

54. Do you remember Ugly Kid Joe?
No, should I?

55. Do you have a little black dress?
Yes, but it hasn't fit for a couple years. And probably never will again.

Picutres from Woofstock this year.

Ok, here they are!

Remember my cooking experience from last week?

Well, it was a hit!! OMG, it was good!

So, here is the recipe. Just be smarter than I was, and prep. Boil the eggs the day before, shred the cheese while the bacon is cooking, buy the no prep noodles, etc...Bacon and Egg Lasagna

1 lb. sliced bacon, diced
1 large onion, chopped
1/3 cup all purpose flour
1/2 to 1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4 cups milk
12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
12 hard-cooked eggs, sliced
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded Swiss cheese
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley.

In a skillet, cook bacon until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon to paper towels. Drain, reserving 1/3 cup drippings. In the drippings, saute onion until tender. Stir in flower, alt and pepper until blended. Gradually stir in milk. Bring to a boil, cook and stir for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat. Spread 1/2 cup sauce in a greased 13 x 9 inch baking dish. Layer with four noodles, a third of the eggs and bacon, Swiss cheese and white sauce. Repeat layers twice. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake, uncovered at 350 for 35-40 minutes or until bubbly. Sprinkle with parsley. Let stand 15 minutes before cutting.
Serves 12.

Woofstock

Woofstock is a yearly fundraiser for our local Humane Society. This is my 3rd year there as a vendor. They have it at the county park, and it is just amazing how many people and dogs show up. Last year there were 10,000 people and 6,000 dogs (if I remember right).

I always get new clients from the event. This year I seemed to have a lot more people that acted genuinely interested. It will be interesting to see how many calls I get.


Of course there are always those assholes who laugh at me. And it was hard this year since business has been so slow. Last year whenever someone laughed, I just told them how much I made in a month then asked them if they came close to that.


Then there are the jerks that can't believe I think I can charge so much. Ummm.............obviously I can, because people do pay it. And I don't charge anymore than anyone else in my area. It's definitely a luxury service and is not for everyone. Honestly I'm glad when people complain, because it shows that they will be a pain in the ass client, and one I should turn down if they pursue it.

Anyways, I can't wait to see how many people showed up this year and how much the Humane Society raised!

Here are some pictures:

This is from our first year there, this lady and her dog were in the look-alike contest.

And here is our dog, taking a break.

My son, petting some St. Bernard.

A picture from last year, this is my booth.

My dog is the real attraction to my booth!

And just a picture of the crowd from last year.

I forgot my camera this year, but DH got some pictures with his blackberry. I'll post them whenever he sends them to me.

Today was a great day!

I woke up and watched "The Breakup". Then I hopped in the shower and headed to brunch with the girls. This place serves champagne with brunch! And them we saw the 'make your own bloody mary bar' set up by the buffet. Note that this was after 2 glasses of champagne.

We were there for almost 3 hours (had to sober up to drive). Who would have thought we needed a DD for brunch?

One of my friends is getting married this month, and this was a get together for her. During the course of our meals, we decided to have a bachelorette party for her this weekend!!! I'm so exited! These girls threw an awesome bparty for me..........I can't wait to be part of the planning process for someone else.

And we decided that since a lot of the girls aren't yet married, we are using some of the same stuff from my party and making it a tradition to pass it down. How cool is that?

So, after finally getting home, I relaxed. No sits today.........
We had pizza delivered and now the kids are getting to bed. I love days like this. It makes me resent my business sometimes.

Football. My #1 team sucks and my #2 team kicks ass.

The Broncos. I don't even have words for them today. The only thing I remember seeing was the Chargers running the ball. Was Denver even there? Of course they were, since it was a home game (which makes the loss even worse). But they sure weren't doing much.

The Colts! Undefeated. That says it all.

I just cooked a real meal. And I hated every minute of it.

For the last couple years I've been complaining about how much I hate cooking. So, my cooking has consisted of hamburger helper, those ready made crock pot meals, tacos, pizza, and other quick and easy deals.

Lately I've been wondering why I hate cooking so much. It's really not that bad. And I'm getting tired of the same crap over and over again. Note, if I could eat out every night I would. But, having kids and not being rich does not allow that to happen.

I came across a recipe I decided I would try. Bacon and egg lasagna. It's different. So, at 5 pm tonight, I started cooking. I wish I would have taken pictures.

Normally when I do bacon, I put it in the oven. Well for this recipe I needed the grease, so I had to do it stove top. I haven't done that for about 13 years (before dear daughter). I'm suddenly realizing why. Grease is splattering everywhere! I don't own a grease stopper thingy anymore. So, I ran out to our garage sale pile and found an apron.

Then I go do some internet surfing. And forget about the bacon. So, DH goes to the store to buy some more.

Next, I start the noodles. No problems there. Then I realize that I need hard boiled eggs! I wait until the noodles are done, and then put the eggs on.

I start the sauce with the left over grease, flour and some milk. When that is done, I think I'm ready to put it all together. Then I read about the cheese. Well, I had bought the cheese, but they didn't have shredded Swiss cheese, so I had to shred it. Oh, and I had to cool the eggs off so I could peel the shell off and slice them up.

I finally get all that done, cursing whoever invented cooking. I get it put together and in the oven. It was the most disorganized cooking event ever!

It is just about done. That shit better be good. It better be so good that my kids start drooling for more. Especially since it is already past their bedtime. Yes, this whole process took over 3 hours.

I remember now why I hate cooking.

Ok, I'm still stressing over this

I hate the internet right now. We're looking at buying software that tracks our kids' every move online.

In a way, I feel like I'm spying and invading their privacy.

But, the ex-corrections officer in me says DO IT! I know there are crazies out there.

I don't want this to read her emails from her friends and such. Just to make sure she's only talking to people she knows. But then again, I've made some great friends online. Of course I'm old and I can think I have better judgement.

ARGHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What's a parent to do? Kids think they are invincible. Parents know they are not. How do we raise our kids to make good choices and stay safe?

Advice to those who don't have kids....

don't have them! OMG! My daughter is making my insane. She's grounded for her math grades. That means no cell phone, no mp3 player, no laptop, karaoke machine, etc....
We monitor her internet usage by the MSN premium service. Well, she got smart about this, and for the past week has been getting on her brothers' laptop. So, it took us this long to catch her at it.

In the meantime she has set up her own email account and an account on masher.com. I have no idea where she got that from from, I've never heard of it. But, it looks like some version of myspace.com. She even had a 'friend' in there, the picture was of some guy drinking a beer. WTF?!?!?
Oh, and her user name was something similar to sexy bay bay .

All laptops are locked down right now. I don't even know what to do at this point. I told my mom at least she didn't have to worry about the Internet when I was growing up.

Only 7 more years to go...........yeah right.