1st day of Volunteering

Today, was the first day of volunteering at the girl's school! :)  Jenna's math/science class was first on my list (I absolutely adore her teacher!!)  I basically just  went over student's math tests with them, and helped them with the answers they got wrong, stapled papers, passed out papers, helped with notebooks, and other "busy" work.  I can honestly see how teachers do not have enough hours in the day!!  Jenna's teacher made the comment that she is lucky to get out of school by 6:00 pm, and then she still has a family to tend to once she gets home!  Eeeeek!! 

Tomorrow, I am going to  help Ashley's math/science teacher... whose name also happens to be Tish! :)

I know that Jenna loved having me there, and I loved eating lunch with both Jenna and Ashley! I can't wait to help with Ashley's class tomorrow too!! 

(My desk for the day!  hahahah!)

 

Jenna and Ashley are selling cookie dough this year.  In the past, we haven't "sold."  I know this sounds horrible, but the 1 time we did a Yankee candle fundraiser for the school, they school never turned in the order, so we had to go through the hassle of refunding everyone's money!  Brent and I decided never again!  But, the girls really want to try again.. so if anyone would like cookie dough, we are selling it!  :)  Please and Thank you! 

 

Did you know that I sell custom invitations, note cards, thank you notes, etc. on Ebay??  Well... I do! ;)  Here is a link to my Ebay account, but if you ever need anything "custom" I can create it for you!  You can always email me, message me on Facebook, or email me at SouherncreationsofTN@hotmail.com

Here is a link to my Ebay stuff!  :)

 

Tish's Ebay Stuff

 

 

I better get dinner ready!  We had an epic fail last night!  I fixed Sheppard's Pie in Cupcake liners for the girls.  While they thought it was great, I didn't think about the cupcake liners disintegrating.  Luckily, I saved them!  Ha! Tonight... it's fish sticks and french fries! ;)

 

Happy Wednesday!

 

Tuesday, Tuesday

What a lazy weekend we had!  It was just what we needed!  Sunday, Brent and I literally slept All. Day. Long.  it was so nice and much needed!  Since I have felt like my head was going to explode from this cold (thank you parents for sending your children to school sick, and giving it to my children, which keep giving it to me!) but today, I am feeling MUCH better!

I have applied for literally 15 jobs online today.  How is it so hard to find a job??!?!?!  I'm getting so frustrated.  Please, please, please let me find one soon!!  I did, get my background check approval from Memphis City Schools, so I am one step closer to the job at the school.  Plus, I can do some volunteer work (so maybe that will get my foot in the door?) 

I put my Razorback wreath out this weekend!  Go Hogs!  It's game week!  So excited!!

 

Now, I am dreaming of fall (my favorite time of  the year) and even have a candy corn project I am working on!  I will post pictures once I am done!  :) 



Peeling Tomatoes

Since Brent and I have began canning tomatoes and making homemade salsa, my mother-in-law taught me the coolest trick I thought I would pass along!

Peeling Tomatoes!!

First, put tomatoes in a pot of boiling water and let boil for  5-10 minutes (or until skin starts to wrinkle)

Once they are wrinkled, dump immediately into ice cold water! (I use my sink) *You may have to continue to add cold water... because these babies are HOT!

 

 

Once they are cool enough to touch, just peel the skin away! (Don't forget the "inside" is still hot, so be careful!)  Super easy!! 

 

 

 

 

 

We have been storing them in Ziploc bags, to use in spaghetti sauce, salsa, chili, etc.!

 

Who knew it could be so easy?!?!?!

 

Rain = relaxing

Brent had his wisdom Teeth and molars removed yesterday, so we are having a very relaxing weekend! He is doing amazing, and hasn't slept all weekend like I imagined he would!

The girls are gone to their dad's, so we are taking advantage of the rain (it's a super Rainey day) and we are having a godfather marathon!

A letter to my children.

Following suite with my "reflection" of the people who mean the most to me, I thought I would write a letter to Jenna and a letter to Ashley.   Someday, I hope that when they read this blog (hopefully during their ugly teenage years) they will realize that I really do love them! 

(They grow up so fast!)

Ashley,

The day I took a positive home pregnancy test, after years of trying for you, I loved you.  When Dr. Chang told your father and I that we were having twins, I fell deeper in love with you, and the day that you were born, my heart fell outside of my chest, I finally realized the meaning of true love.  I have wished for you since I was a littel girl, and the only thing in life I have ever wanted to be is a mommy, and a good one.  You light up my life with the contagious smile of yours.  Your laughter makes my heart sing.  You are one of the most caring, loving, beautiful little girls I know and these past 8 years have been the best years of my life.  I can see myself in you, your clumseniess makes me laugh, because I was the exact same way as a child.  I am so proud of the young lady you are growing up to be.  Thank you for being such an easy child to raise.  Please never forget that I have always tried to do the best for you, and I know I will mess up a million times.  That's one of the greatest things about being a mommy, seeing how you forgive easily, your unconditional love proves that. I am so proud of you, you amaze me every single day.  I can't wait to see you continue to grow, and I pray that you will always know how much I love you.  You will always be my little Priss.  I love you more than life. 

Jenna,
You have always been my little figther, since the day you were born.  I remember being at the hospital and praying that you would be ok, because I loved you before I met you.  It took a couple of days before I could hold you, but I would walk down to the nursery and just stare at you, petting you, and rubbing you.  I cried when your daddy finally forced me to take a break from the hospital and go home to shower.  I think that was the fastest shower I have ever taken, and then demanded to be driven back to the hospital, because I couldn't bear the thought of being away from you and Ashley.  That's what happens when you become a mommy, the very thought of missing out on one single second of your life, is unbarable.  I have been wishing for you since I was a littel girl, all I ever wanted to be was a mommy, and I was determined (and still am) to be the very best one I can be!  I am so proud of you, your will to lead and the way you take care of your sister.  You are one of the most caring, loving, and sassy (yes, sassy) girls I know.  The way you question everything, reminds me of myself.  I love your brilliant smile, the way you love to snuggle, and the kisses you give me every morning in the car rider line.  I thank God every single day, that he blessed me with 2 amazing little girls, and still wonder how I got so lucky!  Please don't ever question my love for you, because I will always love you, and nothing you do will ever change that.  You will always be my beans, and I love you more than life.

I wrote Jenna and Ashley both a letter during our stay at the hospital, which I put in their baby books, and will eventually print these out to put in a special place as well.

Of all the things I have done in my life, right or wrong, those 2 are the greatest accomplishments I will ever have.  I love being a mommy, and they make it so easy!

So, now that the tears are flowing (everyone needs a good tear up once in awhile, right?) ha!

Tomorrow, Brent is having oral surgery so if everyone could please keep him your thoughts.  He is terrified!  They are putting him to sleep, so hopefully when he wakes, the pain won't be too bad!!  I figure I will make him a "sick" couch (as my Big Momma always did for us) and we will  have a pajama weekend!! 

52 Reasons...

When you have a household to run, laundry to do, a house to clean,  homework to look over, dinner to get on the table, kids to get bathed & put to bed, or even a full time job plus all these things plus everyday life activities, sometimes the most important relationships can get pushed to the side.  After a very crappy day yesterday, I took some time yesterday afternoon to focus on those most important things to me, so for the next few days I want to focus on that. 

Day #1 being my husband, and the reasons why I fell in love with him and the reasons that I fall deeper in love with him everyday. (I'll try not to make our family members who read this blush!)

52  reasons why I love Brent Nolan Stafford

1. He loves me for me, he never asks me to change the person I am.
2. His love for Jenna and Ashley is amazing.
3. He is am amazing step-father.
4. He is my best friend, one who knows all the good and the bad things about me.
5. He laughs at me, when I cry at commercials.
6. He plays the "I love you more" game with me.
7. He holds my hand in public.
8. He calls me every.single.day on his way home from work, to ask me if I need him to pick up anything on his way home.
9. He washes my scion.
10. He kills nasty bugs and spiders when the girls and I scream for him to come  help us!
11. He can fix anything, atleast as Jenna and Ashley!
12. He kisses me every night before we go to bed.
13. He kisses me each morning before work.
14. He moves Jenna and Ashley out of our bed, when they have fallen asleep in our bed.
15. He is amazing on the grill, and cooks the best steak you will ever eat!!
16. He opens the door for me when we get into a vehicle.
17. He brings me "happy's" just to see me smile.
18. He watches girly shows and doesn't complain.. ok, he may have drawn the line on "here comes honey boo-boo" Ha!
19. He takes out the trash.
20. He doesn't mind grocery shopping, and does it more than I do!
21. He loves going to our favorite Mexican restaurant for date nights!
22. He loves Sushi.
23. He has sacrificed so much to let me stay home with the girls, and only work part time.
24. He doesn't mind taking silly pictures with me, especially on the beach.
25. He is perfect for me.
26. He knows all of my favorite things.
27. He can reach really high things on our plant ledge, that it takes me a chair to get.
28. He loves picking out snacks for the girls, that he knows they will like.
29. He loves the same people that I do, and we have the same friends.
30. He loves planting a vegetable garden, and has taught me to love it as well.
31. He calls and checks on me during the day, or calls just to say hello.
32. Before we got married, he would drive to Cabot every weekend to see me.
33. He loves going on "us" trips (which we haven't done in awhile, and need to plan!)
34. He doesn't mind if I go "out with friends" or "needs a girls trip."
35. He knows how important my family is to me, and encourages me to keep our relationships strong.
36. He loves RAZORBACK football!
37. He makes me strive to be a better wife, mom, and friend.
38. He trusts me.
39. He never complains about what I cook for dinner, just don't ask him about my brownies! ;)
40. He invites me to go to deer camp with him, and actually likes it when I go!
41. He never gets mad when I wake him up at 9am on a Saturday, because it's too nice to be in bed.
42. He has never raised his voice at me or the girls. EVER.
43. He is an amazing kisser!
44. He like to snuggle on the couch and watch a movie, even if it's a "chickflick".
45. He is a late owl, but never complains that I fall asleep on the couch at 8:30!
46. He is my best friend.
47. He doesn't complain that i don't like to "snuggle" in bed.
48. I can't wait to grow old with him.
49. He is a "good" man!
50. He has fit into "our world" perfectly. 
51. He loves Jenna and Ashley.
52. He makes me the happiest girl in the world.

I encourage you to make a list, and share that list with your significant other.  I can't wait to print this out, and leave it somewhere special for Brent! Please comment and tell me if you did, I can't wait to see what everyone's response was, and I will report back with Brent's!

I read this story today, and thought I would share!  I am defiantly on the hunt for a "treasure" box!

Dear Ann Landers,

Last weekend, we celebrated my parents’ 50th wedding anniversary. This morning they left on a long-awaited trip to Hawaii. They were as excited as if it were their honeymoon! When my parents married, they had only enough money for a three-day trip 50 miles from home. They made a pact then that each time they made love, they would put a dollar in a special metal box and save it for a honeymoon in Hawaii for their 50th anniversary. Dad was a policeman, and Mom was a schoolteacher. They lived in a modest house and did all their own repairs. Raising five children was a challenge, and sometimes, money was short. But no matter what emergency came up , Dad would not let mom take any money out of the “Hawaii account.” As the amount grew, they put it in a savings account and then bought CDs.

My parents were always very much in love. I can remember Dad coming home and telling Mom, “I have a dollar in my pocket.” She would smile at him and reply, “I know just how to spend it.” When each of us children married, Mom and Dad gave us a small metal box and told us their secret, which we found enchanting. All five of us are now saving for our dream honeymoons. Mom and Dad never told us how much money they managed to save, but it must have been considerable because when they cashed in those CDs, they had enough for airfare to Hawaii, plus hotel accommodations for 10 days and plenty of spending money. Before they boarded the plane, Dad winked and said, “Tonight we are starting an account for Cancun. That should only take 25 years!”

Ann, I thought you’d enjoy this story about 50 great years of intimacy in marriage!

From a loving daughter in Abilene, Texas


I can only pray, that someday... I can go to Hawaii with Brent!

 

Thank you for making me so  happy!

The rants of my life

Sorry for the random picture order last night, I blogged from my phone since the girls were playing on Cool Math (keeps them occupied and Ashley's teach recommended!)

Ok, so this is going to be a *rant* blog, so please skip reading today if you think this is going to be a cheerful post or don't want to hear/read it.

When I started this new blog, I wanted to have a place to vent, share, post pictures, etc. I also wanted it to real. I wanted to be able to share the bad not so good things about my life, the struggles that we go through as a family, and the struggles I am currently going through. I hate really dislike those "My life is perfect" blogs, because nobody's life is perfect, and I don't want this to be one of those blogs.

Let's face it, my life is not bad. I have an adoring husband who works very hard for us. Who loves my girls completely has his own, and who loves me. Even the bitchy, weight gaining, bed in 9pm me. I don't think my *life* is bad. Love you Brent! ;)

Today, however, is a bad day for Tish... and here is why :: (remember I warned you!)

I'm still not sleeping completely through the night, which makes me grumpy... Marely has woken me up every. single. night. howling between 3:30 am and 4:00 am, so I'm exhausted. Ashley has been waking up with bad dreams too... which means I have to go snuggle her back to sleep (ok, that's not the bad part! ;) ) but, waking up 1 million times a night is bad.

The girls 3rd grade 1+ hour a night homework is driving me insane!! Really, who has 1+ hours a NIGHT as a 3rd grader? There have been screaming, crying, fit throwing girls in this house.. and it's sad to say it's not all Jenna and Ashley! Plus, do not even get me started on school traffic this year. PLEASE somebody fix this soon!

I can't find a flipping job, and I'm dying for some adult interaction!! I miss my girlfriends, terribly right now!! I need a job! Hehehe, maybe I should go direct traffic at the girls school!

I've started a new no sugar, no wine, no fried foods, healthy way of life diet. So far its going ok (it's only day 2), but I have a headache.

Jenna and Ashley both of colds, and while Jenna is almost done with hers.. Ashley's has just started. Please, Please, Please don't pass it back to Jenna.

Brent has broken *4* teeth, and is meeting with an oral surgeon this afternoon. I'm very nervous for him!

I need to shampoo our carpets because they are driving me crazy.

The chicken I put in the crockpot this morning was still frozen, so I had to wait a couple of hours to get the "neck crap out". Ewww!!

I'm having a "female" issue. (I won't go into that... LOL, TMI. Good thing is... I"m not dying, and it's curable, and NO it's nothing major)

So, reading back on my rant, I know I don't have it bad. I just needed to rant for a second.

Tonight, I am making Chicken and Dumplings. Yummm! (Too bad I can't have it) 

Here is the recipe I use ::   Enjoy!

Ingredients:

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves 2 tablespoons butter 2 (10.75 ounce) cans condensed cream

of chicken soup 1 onion, finely diced 2 (10 ounce) packages refrigerated biscuit dough, torn into pieces

Directions:

1.	Place the chicken, butter, soup, and onion in a slow cooker, and fill with enough water to cover.
2.	Cover, and cook for 5 to 6 hours on High. About 30 minutes before serving, place the torn biscuit dough in the slow cooker. Cook until the dough is no longer raw in the center. *** I also put potatoes and carrots in at the very beginning, but you don't have to!  Taken from Allrecipes.com!

I want a Food Truck!

The weather in Memphis was absolutely beautiful this weekend! I'm so thankful for cooler temps! It makes me ready for pumpkins and football!!

Saturday, we went over to Tina & Dustin's for a crab boil! Oh*my*goodness yummy!! The girls played so well with all the kids and Brent and I had some nice adult time! There new deck/porch is awesome!

Sarah's banana pudding was a hit, and not a drop was left in the pan to bring home! I can't wait to make it again!! Someone else needs to have a BBQ soon!!

Sunday, we got up and headed to Shelby Farms for sunflower pictures (that I haven't had time to play with) and a food truck rodeo! So much fun!! I was happy to take advantage of lots of yummy food, since today I started my diet! They had around 7 food trucks with everything from BBQ nachos (which is what I chose) to Fish Taco's! So, now I'm trying to convince Brent that we need a food truck!! I even know what I want to serve!! I just need someone to invest! Lol!! I spent last night on craig's list looking up concession trucks! Ouch expensive! How cool would a mobile frozen yogurt (complete with toppings) be!?!?!? See.... NOW who wants to invest?? Ha! Or, can we "pimp my motorhome?"

Today, Brent stayed home with me! He has broken a tooth and is anxiously awaiting his appointment with an oral surgeon tomorrow afternoon! He has been pretty loopy on pain meds today, but he is not hurting! Last night was rough!

Enjoy the pics!! :)

Busy

I love weekends, especially fun filled busy weekends!! It stinks that Brent is working this morning, but he will be home in a few hours!!

Last night, was Chimeyrock PTA skate night! Usually, the girls are at their dad's, but this weekend worked out, and they finally got to go to one! They had so much fun skating with friends!

Afterwards, we went and ate Mexican food at our favorite little Mexican place! El Napol! It's right around the corner and super yummy! Our eventful Friday night ended in all 4 of us being asleep by 9:45!

Today, we got up early and went and got the stuff to make Sarah's banana pudding! My sister in law makes the absolute best, so thanks for tolerating the early morning phone call and recipe! I can't wait to dig in! We are going to a crab boil this afternoon at a friends house!

Since it's supposed to be a goregous weekend, we are heading to Shelby Farms to take advantage of the sunflowers that are in bloom! I can't wait to get fall pictures of my ladybugs!

For now, Ashley and I are curled up on the couch watching Home Alone, Which i loved as a kid! My grandmother still has the VHS, she bought for us grandkids!

Knock-Knock

July 16th, after spending a week with my family and ailing grandfather, and a week of laying on the beach and having time to think, I decided to quit smoking.   July 16, 2012 is a day I will remember for the rest of my life! 

I still struggle almost daily, but I am determined to stick with it.  I am currently freaking out about my weigh gain, but I will get it under control!  Starting Monday, I am going to being the Couch to 5K routine, because I've always wanted to learn to run!  I think running a 5K would be awesome, so that's my new, new goal! :)

Really, what excuse do I have NOT to start?  

The girl's have been obsessed with sock puppets lately, and this morning before school decided to make some!  Actually, the are running around right now on their feet... silly kids!! 

I <3 putting notes in the girls lunch boxes.  Since Ashley has an egg allergy, I pack their lunch everyday, and we find that it's cheaper (our school lunch is $2.00 per day!!)  Jenna, gets embarrassed when the notes fall out, and said she didn't want notes this year.  So, I came up with a crafty way to leave one, without them getting embarrassed (when did they get old enough to be embarrassed by a note from mom :( ) 

Jenna thought it was pretty cool, and wanted to know if I could start leaving jokes for her on her bags! Yeahhhhhh!!!    Of course, I knew pinterest would come through for me!  I can't wait to use these!!  :)

1. Why did the chicken cross the playground?

-To get to the other slide.

 

2. What do you call a pig that knows karate?

- A pork chop!

 

3. Why do bees have sticky hair?

-Because they use honeycombs.

 

4. Why was the man running around his bed?

-He wanted to catch up on his sleep.

 

5. What does a robot frog say?

-Rib-bot. (Said in your best robot voice)

 

6. Why is 6 afraid of 7?

-Because 7 8 9!

 

7. What's black and white, black and white, black and white?

-A penguin rolling down a hill!

 

8. Why do cows wear bells?

-Because their horns don't work!

 

9. What does a snail say when it's riding on a turtle's back?

-Weeeee!!

 

10. How did the barber win the race?

-He knew a short cut.

Knock Knock Jokes

11. Knock, knock.

-Who's there?

Boo.

-Boo who?

Please don't cry. It's only a joke.

12. Knock, knock.

-Who's there?

Nobody.

-Nobody who?

(Stay silent)

 

13. Knock, knock.

-Who's there?

Interrupting cow.

-Interrupting c..

MOO!!!

 

 

14. Knock, knock.

-Who's there?

Cows say.

-Cows say who?

No silly, cows say moo!

 

15. Knock, knock.

-Who's there?

Owls say.

-Owls say who?

Yep.

 

16. Knock, knock.

-Who's there?

Tank.

-Tank who?

You're welcome!

 

17. Knock, knock.

-Who's there?

Little old lady.

-Little old lady who?

I didn't know you could yodel!

18. What is brown and sticky?
-A stick!

19. Why did half a chicken cross the road?
- To get to his other side!

20. What's mom and dad's favorite ride at a fair?
- A married-go-round!

21. Where do cows go on Friday night?
- To the MOOOvie theater.

22. What did zero say to eight?
- Nice belt!

23. Where do sheep get their wool cut?
- At the BAAAbars!

24. Knock, knock.
-Who's there?
Banana.
-Banana who?
Knock, knock.
-Who's there?
Banana
-Banana who?
Knock, knock.
- Who's there?
Orange.
-Orange who?
Orange you glad I didn't say banana again?

25. Where did the king keep his armies?
- In his sleevies!

26. Where do library books like to sleep?
- Under their covers!

27. Why can't a bicycle stand up by itself?
- Because it's two-tired!


28. Knock, knock.
- Who's there?
Yourself.
- Yourself who?
Your cell phone's ringing you better answer it.


29. How do you make a tissue dance?
- Put a little boogie in it.

Crockpot Chicken

Kroger recently had their Whole Chicken's on sale, for .88 cent per pound, so we took advantage and stocked our deep freeze.

One of the most versatile chicken recipes I have found is ::  Crock pot Roasted Chicken :: and I use it for several meals throughout the week.

Here is the recipe ::

1 whole chicken
1/2 cup of water
paprika (to cover chicken)
salt
pepper
aluminium foil

I make several foil balls, and put them on the bottom of my crockpot.  Clean chicken (Clean the inside cavity out) and sprinkle salt, pepper, and paprika on the chicken.  Place chicken on the foil balls, and add 1/2 cup of water to the crockpot. Cook on low 6 - 8 hours (I suggest using a meat thermometer to make sure chicken is done.) 

Chicken will literally fall off the bone, so be careful when taking out.

Once the chicken has cooled, I de-bone to use in several recipes which include....

Mexican Chicken
Chicken & Dumplings
Chicken and Rice Casserole
Chicken Spaghetti
Chicken Crescent Squares
Chicken Pot Pie

I can usually get 2 meals out of 1 whole chicken.

** I also use the chicken broth and freeze into ice cube trays.  That way, when I need chicken broth, I can defrost however many ice cube's I need!  :)

Pork Chop

Here at the Stafford house, we have a zoo.   Brent loves animals, and the girls do too.  I've tried to be an animal lover, I really have, but I'm not.  I love our animals, don't get me wrong...  but I'm just not a "animal" person.  

The girls have been begging for a guinea pig.  BEGGING.  So, this weekend we surprised them with one.  Meet Pork Chop, our new guinea.  After getting him, we told the girls that he is completely their responsability.  They have to feed him, water him, change his litter, and play with him.  So far, they have don't really good.   Yesterday, was the first time they were able to get him out and play with him... he  makes the cutest little purring noise when you hold him!

This weekend, we did more canning.  We got 16 jars of green beans canned!  Yumm!!  I also got 4 packages of green peppers, and 2 packages of fresh tomatoes put up in the freezer as well! I'm so excited we haven taken the steps to learn this!  I can't wait to do it more often!!

The girls 2nd week of school has been good.  This week, they brought home homework, so everyday after school it is the 1st thing we are doing.  The first night it took us 1 1/2 hours to get it done.  Last night, it took us an hour.  I can not believe how much homework they  have!  Hopefully, we will get into a routine!  I'm so thankful that I am able to stay at home with them this year, I can't imagine having to cram everything together in the afternoons after workind all day!! 

Here are some pictures from our weekend!  Happy Hump Day!

Awesome new deck at a friends house! 

Beer @ Buffalo Wild Wings... Yum!

Brent and Pork Chop

Toot Toot... it's Friday

Friday, Friday, Friday!  Ah, we made it through the first week of school!!  When I say we "made" it through the first week... I really mean, without any fights, no crying girls, no arguments at bedtime!! Yes!!!!

Today, is Spirit Day at school.  The girls were SUPER excited about not having to wear a uniform shirt today!  Props to Chimneyrock PTA for  coming up with the No Uniform Friday policy! PTA sold the shirts for $10.00 so it was an awesome moneymaker for them!   

Really, when did my children get so Big??!?  They said they looked like Cheerleader's this morning! ;)

Ok, I have to brag a little on my coupon trip to Target!! 

(Sorry for the crappy picture, I was in the car rider line)

That's 2 packages of disposable BIC razors

2 crayons

2 Glade Air Spray Thingys

2 Glade Oil Diffuser starter kits

1 package of Papermate Pens

1 Cascade dishwasher cleaner

1 package of sponges

1 eye drops

For.... drum roll please .......   $2.79   Thank you, Thank you!  I was so excited!!

I hope everyone enjoys their weekend!!  It's supposed to be beautiful weather!!  Finally!

Sleep....

I'm so tired today, I can't even come up with a catchy Blog title!!  When the girls left for the summer to go to their dad's, I started not being able to sleep at night.  I mean, I can fall asleep no problem, but I can't "stay" asleep.  For months now, I have been waking up at least 5 + times.  It's driving me crazy!  I've tried taking melatonin, and while that helps, I'm still waking up. Since the girls have been home for 2 weeks now, I would think I would have started to sleep better, and haven't.  Hopefully soon, because I'm a tired momma!

The girls are on their 3rd day of 3rd grade!  (I guess that could have been a catchy title!!)  I'm so glad that they are both enjoying it so far.  They got to switch classes yesterday, and meet their 2nd teachers.   Ashley is so excited about getting the Science teacher she got, because in a picture in last year's yearbook, it shows her class dissecting a Sting Ray.  Ewwww.   The only thing I remember dissecting was a frog in 9th grade Biology.  Yuck!! 

I went on a job interview today, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed it will work out, and I will get a call!  The hours would be PERFECT, and it would be M-F!!  Oh Please, Oh Please, Oh Please let me get that  job!  Please, Please, Please!!  


Tonight, I am fixing these (minus the mayo for the girl's hot dogs)  with fries.  Quick and easy! 

Oven Dogs   (courtesy of Pinterest!) ;)