Twilight

Hi ladies. It's a rotten day already and it isn't even 10am! It's got to get better! This morning battle with the kids. Nothing new, just frustrating. I know every mother goes through it, the little ones were just extra obnoxious this morning. Then go to Jeff's shop to take him a latte, left mine in the car because I wasn't going to be there long. Had to call Soc. Security because they sent me a stupid form with mis information. Sat on hold for 20 minutes. Didn't want to hang up because then I would have to start over. So by the time I get off the phone I really have GOT to GO! So I left in a hurry. I rush into the house, trip coming up the porch, spill my latte, soak my pants, and almost have an accident. It's just time to go back to bed and start over. Anyways. I don't want to go into all the Michael drama of the last weekend but I'm very frustrated that any time someone takes the chance at being his friend, the other teens in town tell such outrageous lies about him that it scares the others into not wanting anything to do with him, and this last girl went to the cops because she was so afraid. She admits he didn't DO anything, it's just all these things she keeps hearing about how he could be dangerous. Well FREAKING get over it. He went away, he got help, and he is so much more in control of himself. I do NOT believe he is dangerous. The kids around here just wont give him a chance.! It makes me absolutely CRAZY! On the other hand, he is driving ME crazy. Last therapy session we had a big discussion on how frustrated I get telling him every day that he needs to shower and brush his teeth. He contended that if I just let it be he would take care of it. Maybe not every day but every day was an unreasonable expectation anyways. Therapist didn't necessarily disagree with me but said that Michael needed the chance to prove that he was fine and didn't need me to bug him. I was not to mention showering or teeth brushing and let natural consequences take over. Well....it's been 2 weeks and today was the first day he showered. I don't think he would have but Jeff told him he was either showering or riding in the bed of the truck to Williston...and it's 45 degrees and raining. He did NOT brush his teeth and he did NOT change his underwear! 2 weeks! His room has fruit flies in it. He stinks. I am going NUTS! And then he gets all over the little kids when they don't jump right up and listen to me when I tell THEM to come brush their teeth. WTF???? I really am going nuts! Anyways, Jeff is going to therapy with us today and this has to change because it makes me absolutely crazy! I'm not the best housekeeper in the world, but my house is cluttered, not dirty! I don't do filth and he is filth! He says I'm just expecting too much from him. What do you think ladies? Is it just me being anal retentive? If so, how do I not let it bother me? Something's gotta give! Okay...I need to get some stuff done before I leave. Talk to you later! Love you!

I know what you mean. I know she doesn't have definite plans. If you call her you could probably give her some good ideas on things that would be awesome to see. Give her a call or fb her. She'll answer, she just won't initiate :thumbup: And you can tell her I called her a flake

Janet, I say Rose is being a flake because she keeps putting off calling or fb'ing Candice. She's just being weird. I'm pretty sure she is planning on going to Toronto at some point. I know if she continues to put it off, she won't have a chance to make it work.

And she's out there without any real plans for something like 2 weeks. I hope you can get together. She's out there with a girl friend of hers that is just a HOOT!

Candice, Rose is in the area and being a flake. She is in Utica NY tonight, planning on being in Lake Placid tomorrow and heading to Montreal. You should call her and see if you guys can connect. Her number is 406-465-1752

Hi ladies. Quick check in. It's been kinda ugnly around here, but I don't have the energy to explain myself now. Just know that I'm okay....working through it. Maybe tomorrow I'll have a chance to talk through it. I love you guys but it's just too raw right now. I missed something with Phyl and this lady, but I hope you know that if I had seen it I would be right on top of it. Karla, I love the thought of you getting a surgery to make it all better, but if you don't stop picking all that heavy stuff up it won't stay fixed. So settle down and get used to it. Okay....heading to bed. Love you ladies!

Hi ladies! Just a quick check in. It was a busy day. I'm tired but I'm not. I need to focus on my walking. It is time to get serious. Michael and I had therapy today. Not a great session. She says that I need to not remind michael to shower or shave or brush his teeth. That he needs to experience the natural consequences. I don't agree but since all my reminding does is cause tension and/or fighting I agreed to try it. I thought it was bad when I was ignoring him not doing his laundry. Do you have any idea how crazy I may go if he doesn't brush his teeth for 2 weeks? And yes, that is entirely possible. He's done it before. EWWWW! He doesn't give a flying freak what anyone thinks of him so is it going to bother him that people avoid him because he stinks and make fun of him because of his zits? I doubt it! But....I am not supposed to stress over it. It is all on him. I hope I'm wrong and he takes care of it. Please let me be wrong. You ladies might have to listen to me rant about this a lot in the next couple of weeks. Okay...what else??? Linda, my heart goes out to you and Mel. I know how scary it can be before you start treatment. Thankfully, prostate cancer treatment has such a high success rate. I have high hopes for you guys. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Love you! Karla, yippppeeee!!! I'm so excited for you! Now here's the challenge. No buying clothes without trying them on first and no buying anything with an elastic waist! You are in the ladies section now and deserve the feeling of elation when you try something on with one of those small numbers! Congrats girlfriend! I am so very very proud of you! You have done amazing! Okay....to bed with me. Love you ladies.

I'm so excited ladies! We have booked our cruise for after the 3day! I'd love for anyone to join us if you're interested. I plan on spending 4 days just sitting, reading, and maybe lazing in the spa. Carnival Paradise Cruise Ship I'm so so so excited! A couple of questions for those in the area. What is the easiest way to get from San Diego to Long Beach? Flights are outrageous....train gets us from San Diego to L.A. but don't know how far the Amtrak station is from the Long Beach port. Any suggestions?

Someone else suggested that it would be divine in scooped out tomato halfs...or maybe the bigger sized cherry tomatoes. Sounded really good but haven't tried it yet.

1 can chicken (Candice uses rotisseree) 1 bunch green onions 1 c craisins 1/2 c slivered almonds 1 can crushed or tidbit pineapple enough mayo to moisten not goop 1 tsp dried mustard salt and pepper to taste My sister puts it in endive boats which are to die for, but I can never find endive here. We put them in cucumber circles for my nephew's wedding and they were a huge hit! Cut a cuke about 1/2 inch thick and scoop out a bit of the center, use a melon scoop to put a ball of salad in the divet. AWESOME!!!

Hi ladies! I did it. $2000! I had $100 from my family in Washington and $200 from my kettle corn tips. That makes $2300 and I'm READY TO WALK! I'm a little sad though. got an email from my walking buddy and she can't go this year. My SD partner just had hip surgery so she can't do it either. I guess that leaves me as the only boobie bandit this year :smile: However, it's going to be a great time and I hope you guys are planning on coming to cheer me on. Phyl, the huckleberry wine is what you drank the first night of the 7's when we were all giggling at you. You liked it so much and I felt so bad that I hadn't brought you more. I'll try to find some and mail it or bring it to SD with me. Okay...exhausted. I can't even think of the things I was going to tell you 5 minutes ago! Love you ladies....but the last two days kicked my butt! I'm going to go rest for awhile. Have a great night!

Okay ladies....finally! More than a drive by! A few of you have asked...Michael issues...They are pretty much resolved. We met with the parents of the main "cause" of the problem and they were awesome. They are dropping the TRO and have said that everything really just blew up out of proportion. As for laundry... I agree, he is more than capable. I just had a really hard time saying, "I'm going to do everyone's laundry but Michael's." That doesn't really seem fair. If I'm doing everyone else's, what is the big deal throwing his jean's in with the rest? The turning point was when I kept finding clean clothes in the laundry because he didn't want to put them away. I said something twice and then told him I was done. He does his own now. Problem...he'll wear the same clothes over and over and over and never wash them...and he can be kinda stinky! But....letting it go. His problem, not mine. He will figure it out. Janet, I hope you are having a great time. I have to say, I don't know who Mary Bilge is. You are in such great shape that I'm sure you can just dance and dance and dance! I am so in awe of you! Phyl, while you were in MT. did you find any of that great huckleberry wine? I forgot to ask you about that. Drive careful and give that lovely puppy kisses from me. She is such a DOLL! Linda, I know that since I'm right in the middle of it all that its hard to think that I'm going to miss any of this, but I know that in 15 or 18 years, I'm going to be really upset about my empty nest. I really don't mind their mess. It's the fact that I let EVERYTHING get so crazy around the house. It's more me than them. Or when they are all being so noisy. I don't know why it's always so loud at my house. My kids just don't know how to talk in a low tone. THAT drives me a bit nuts. But all in all, I love having my kids around. It's going to be very hard for me when all 3 don't need me to tie shoes and blow noses and make breakfast and lunch...all that great mommy stuff. Pretty soon they are just going to be wanting me for my wallet :biggrin: hmmmm...there was something else that I was going to say to one of you, but I'm tired. This yard sale stuff is HARD WORK. Oh...that's it. Candice, don't pretend you didn't see all my stuff! Actually 1/4 of it was over in a storage area at Jeff's shop, but a whole lot was here. I might actually be able to park BOTH my vehicles in the garage this winter! Jaimison's room is being redone. Right now it is painter's tape blue and has the most hideous, dog stained carpet ever! So, here's this week's schedule for her room. Monday, move all her stuff out (sold bunk beds yesterday) and rip out carpet. Tuesday, painter lady is coming. She sounds very nice and I think we will get along fabulously! Wednesday, new carpet being installed and queen bed being delivered. Thursday, move all her stuff back in and call it a bedroom again! I think we're going to go with pink and chocolate for decor. Going searching on overstock.com and domestications for bedding. We haven't gotten a headboard or bedroom set for her. Maybe when she is a little older. For now, hopefully a new bed will keep her sleeping in her room all night instead of getting up around 3 and going out to sleep in daddy's chair. Excited about it though! And if the painting lady is as great as she sounds on the phone I may convince her to do the entire inside (living, dining, kitchen, basement main rooms, and my bedroom) this winter. The upstairs, besides my room, only needs another coat, but needs it badly and the downstairs is all just plain white. My room will be the big challenge. But...if she's wonderful it will be SOOOO worth it. Okay. Back hurts, eyes hurt, feet hurt. I think it's tylenol PM time and to bed. Love you ladies!!!!

Super quick drive by! Day 1 of the yard sale is done and it was an amazing success! Made over $1200! That's half what I need for my walk!!!! I now need to take a shower to wash off this layer of grime and then start bringing out the second round of stuff for tomorrow. No one person should have this much stuff!!!!! I'm surprised no one has called horders on my yet! Okay...tired and filthy...but so excited. I'll catch up and talk to you all tonight. I just had to share!

You have a TRACE bone and you know it! Don't try rationalizing it.

Hey Candice. Jeff said I could hire someone to pain Jai's room. He approved new carpet, paint, and a bed..... so.... he didn't ask what it was going to cost or anything, so I'm thinkin...if I buy the ticket, wanna come paint? I don't know that I can pay for the labor though...that might put him over the top

Morning ladies. Another quiet day in the Wood. It's been rainy here for the last 3 days. Today makes 4. I really hate the clouds. I'm much prefer it to be cool and sunny. Oh well. I can't have it all. I hope it clears up for the weekend. Today I have GOT to start seriously sorting through all my crap. I think I'll put it in price groups. Have a 50 cent table, $1 table, $5 and so on. I don't want to have to price every freaking thing. Candice, I'm so glad you had a great birthday. Very happy Peter took care of you on your day. Now, I hope you have a chance to take a breather for a little bit. Janet, have a great 4 day weekend. Sounds like a good time for you. Karla, hugs. I know it's been hard. You have had a long haul of tough stuff. Look how strong you are though. You've come through it all stronger, lighter, and glowing. You're one amazing cookie! Love you. Phyl, it sounds like a great time has been had by all. I hope you take this cool weather from us and we have some warmer stuff replace it. That way all of us will be happy. Good luck. Love you all ladies. Have a great day!

Okay...I have to weigh in here. I know it's not going to be the popular opinion. Hell...it's obvious with the way the world is today. Karla, you need to cut back. I get that. This is not an attack of that decision. You have to find a balance between giving and taking. If you have to cut out everything and then slowly build back, that makes perfect sense. However....here comes the rant!!! Why does everyone in this world have an attitude that "What do I get out of it?" If I'm not getting paid for it, screw them. If they want it done, they need to give me....gimme gimme gimme! What happened to doing something because it's good for other people. Because it makes someone's life easier. Because it makes a difference. And why in the hell do people compare themselves and what they give and then say, "oh hell no, I'm not doing it because no one else is." Joe doesn't do x,y, and z so I'll be damned if I'm going to! Maybe Joe's an ass. Screw him. He doesn't do it and that SUCKS, but that's Joe's problem, not mine. If he gets a million dollars and has done NOTHING to deserve it, that SUCKS! Triple SUCKS! But he didn't get it BECAUSE he's an ass. He got it because life SUCKS sometimes. I'm sick and tired of people not doing something because there is no pay off to them. The pay off is in that wonderful feeling you get knowing you've done something for someone. That smile that you may never see because you impacted someone. The kid who doesn't have to have a horrible experience because of YOU. There is NO GREATER REWARD! People who only judge their rewards in the monetary realm need a reality check! And what really makes my blood boil is the people who look down on others when they do something out of their kind heart for someone and are judged as "devious" because they obviously have an ulterior motive. People don't trust nice people because the world is full of the gimmees. It makes me NUTS!! Okay. Rant over. Like I said, Karla, I get you having to back off and reassess your world. Start with an empty plate and try again. You are overwhelmed. However, don't do it because some ass got a smart board and you didn't. Life isn't fair and that sucks. Don't make life worse for others because you got smacked in the face. I know that if THAT is the reason you back off, you will feel guilty and either throw yourself into a million other things or eat. Do it for the right reasons. Because YOU need to rebuild your world into something healthy. That's okay. But don't not do it because you don't get a "reward" for it. Those kids are all the reward you need. You're a great teacher and a wonderful mother and I know you know that I love you. This is more about stupid people here in P'wood than you. Your situation and Janet's reply just hit that nerve and I knew you all would listen to my rant and love me in spite of it.

Hi ladies. Just a quick check in. More disturbing news from my little town. A dear dear man committed suicide last night. The few details I have heard are extremely disturbing and I hope they are unfounded rumors. If you see the horrible combos on my FB status, it was requested that his friends and family post their favorite Fergie's pizza combination. I am going to have a busy week. Putting all into place for a pink ribbon yard sale. Will put an ad in the paper tomorrow so I can't back out of it. What gets done gets done and what doesn't...oh well. Everything left gets donated. All sales go to my 3day account. Then on Monday I will pop corn for the 3day too. Karla, my house is not spotless. Every time I get a little closer, my kids make it crazy again. It will never be spotless but it IS cleaner. It will keep getting cleaner each week and some day...when they are all growed up and gone....I'll have a clean one for a day or two. That's my hope. Night ladies. I can't wait to hear details about Candice's party. I'm sure it was amazing.

Hi ladies. No farm. It's raining today and FIL decided he was just going home to nap. Yes, my FIL is an ass but he is also almost 80 and still farming. Jeff goes out for seeding to work on the tractor and for harvest to work on the combine. Then when harvest actually gets here he'll take off time to drive truck for him. He was busy all day so I didn't really have to deal with him. I still haven't forgiven him his stupidity but as long as he doesn't act like it again I can put up with him. Karri sounds like she's learning how to enjoy herself again. The good times make the hurt of the students so much more bearable. Karla, your super is a dick head. Remember, I had the same issue. Jeff offered to buy my classroom one as a donation to the school and my super said he wasn't interested. So yeah...I understand. The sped department got our first one. They NEVER used it. I said I wanted one and he said we couldn't afford it, so I talked to Jeff about it and he was willing. .. super said no and then bought me a cheap knock off. I wanted to strangle him...so I know exactly how you feel. Don't let it get to you. It sucks but other people's stupidity is not your problem. You have no control over it so try to let it go! Janet, Michael CAN wash his clothes and it doesn't really bother me, except now he's not doing it and I wonder how gross he's going to let it get. Okay girls. Rainy and a nice day to curl up with a good book. talk to you later. Love you.

Hi ladies! Wrong Janet! I'm taking this weekend sorta "off". I am 1/2 of a team serving dinner at church tomorrow so I've been a little busy taking care of that. Serving sloppy joes, variety salads and veggies, and either cheesecake dessert or strawberry angel food cake trifle. I was in charge of the joes and the trifle. The other lady is taking care of everything else. Today I went out to the farm for the day. It was a pretty nice time. Cut quilt squares out of polyester for one of the church ladies. It made me want to get into my stuff again. I need to sew one that is all cut out. Baby blanket for a neighbor. Kid is going to be 1 before I get it done. But...mine didn't get theirs until they were 6 and 3 so I guess I'm doing a little better this time. Tomorrow church and then possibly back to the farm. If not, back home and need to do laundry for the kids next week. I told Michael he needed to do his own. It's been 3 weeks. Still hasn't. How nasty is that? How nasty can I let him get before I give in? I just don't know how long I can stand it. ICK!! This upcoming week...get ready for pink ribbon yard sale Sat and Sun. Pink Ribbon Popcorn on Monday. Busy busy week. Talk to you soon.

Thanks Janet. We didn't give the cell to the sheriff, we took it to them so they could take notes and pictures. Then we took pictures and sent them to our attorney. It just seems like kids have gone OVER THE TOP these days. Everything is a crisis, a drama, and the END of the world...and since little things are so "trivial" they have to top themselves over and over. It's NUTS!!! I'd hate to see it in 50 years! Okay...off to do laundry.

Hi ladies. From Janet's reply I wonder if I didn't tell you all what the latest Michael drama was. In case you are interested, read on. If not, skip it, it isn't that important. Anyways, while we were in Glendive at the last fair, Michael was staying with a friend of ours. He had a curfew and someone to answer to the whole time and she's an older mother so I trust her judgement. Anywho....On Saturday we get a call from Jeff's sister saying that she had heard that Michael's "girlfriend" was going to get a restraining order on him, but she didn't know why. Talked to Michael but he didn't say anything. Sunday he called and said that the cops had been by the house 4 times and he was really upset. So we get home and sit down and I let him tell me his story. I then grilled him for about 1/2 hour to make sure his story didn't change and to determine whether I thought he was telling me what REALLY happened. By the time he was finished I felt pretty comfortable saying he was being honest. It goes like this. This "girlfriend" that he "dated" for a week got tired of him for one reason or another. Instead of telling him to leave her alone or maybe other reasons, I really don't know, she convinces a friend of hers to put a note in a lady's car. This lady is a sort of mentor for the "girlfriend". This note says, "Stop making her decisions. If I can't have her, no one can! M.H." Woman takes the note to the sheriff's office and files a restraining order because she is "afraid for her life." The TRO says stalking, which is crap but whatever. Well, in Michael's version of events, he was talking to a couple girls across the street at the park and one admitted to Michael that SHE put the note in the car because the "girlfriend" talked her into it. She won't tell the police though, she'd "cut her throat first." (freaking drama queens!) So at the end of this conversation I'm pretty sure Michael's version is fairly accurate. In the meantime, the judge's secretary, who is a little different in the first place, calls the cops because Michael has been riding his bike past her house repeatedly. Well, the street is the street we live on and one of 4 main streets in town. Sheriff came and told Michael to stay off of their property and leaves. Michael has no idea what THAT is all about, but seeing as where she works, she's just a little paranoid. I also heard SHE was going to get a TRO against him but that hasn't materialized. So....We wait all of Monday for the sheriff to come talk to us about all this stuff and no one shows. We call a lawyer Tuesday morning and then go visit with sheriff, school, and judge. I ask to see this note and of course the investigating officer has it and he'll get us a copy we can look at. Well, we took Michael's cell away from him to block numbers of these girls and I went through his text history and there is a conversation between him and the girl who wrote the note where he is asking her to give him the original copy that the "girlfriend" gave her to copy. She says yes but she won't testify, slit her throat drama, then says she'll talk about it later. So, we call the sheriff and tell them we have these texts and would like to give them as evidence....that was Tuesday. Wednesday they come to serve a TRO from the "girlfriend" and her mom. That statement made Michael sound like a psychopathic serial killer. Talk about a drama queen! Finally Friday, after they hadn't come and gotten them, we took the phone to the sheriff's office and got it taken care of ourselves. So then yesterday, since we have heard NOTHING, I call the sheriff's office again and ask YET AGAIN to see this note and get the run around. Finally last night about 930 the deputy came over and showed me a copy and I just rolled my eyes. I told them they were out of their minds if they thought that was from Michael. We will go to court on Monday and get this shit thrown out. So...that's been the drama. Stupid shit but in a little town like this, everyone is talking about the "stalking" and how the girls here aren't safe and shit. All with Michael's name involved. Great for a kid who is trying really hard to turn his life around and work on his issues and get himself straightened out. He's damned if he does and damned if he doesn't! These girls need to understand that their stupidity has consequences! They need to know that false accusations, even when proven false, have damaged someone. I'm so overly angry about it that it makes me crazy! So there's the story....it will all be over on Monday. Then I'll be able to sleep a little easier.

Hi ladies. It's quiet around here. Candice is busy with party stuff, Phyl is travelling, and all the real teachers are getting back to classes. I guess that leaves you and me Janet! Karla, for now, go on youtube and search for guided meditation or guided imagery. Try one that is about 10 minutes long and see how you like it. You might have to hunt through a few because some of the voices are definitely not meant for relaxing. It's a little cheaper than a yoga class. At least for now. You can also do them at school during lunch break. If they work for you, let me know. I've got 5 or 6 cd's of them. I'll make you copies. I thought it would drive me nuts to sit and do them but they really do help me out a lot. When I get cranky, stressed, or overwhelmed I sit down for 10 minutes and it really helps out. Just another option. For me, lots of stuff happening. I got a call today from another fair board asking me if I'd come down this weekend and sell kettle corn. I already have other commitments so I had to say no. Did you hear that? Yes...I said NO!!! I have gotten my bathroom deep cleaned, the laundry room and dining room swamped out, and Nick's room walkable again. Tomorrow is kitchen, livingroom, and Jai's room. It's crazy how destroyed this house has gotten. I know it's because I haven't had time to breath, but it really is embarrassing. Tomorrow the kids start school so it's my first "girls day" with Jai. Tomorrow morning after they are gone, it's her and me, a blanket and a chick flick! Not sure if it's going to be barbie or tinkerbell, but it will be GREAT! Sheriff came over tonight and showed me a copy of this stupid note that's been causing all Michael's issues. I wanted to see it just to make sure that I was backing the right horse. If I thought he wrote it I was going to push him to "man up!" Well, you can tell, if you are a teacher, that a girl wrote that damned thing. There is no doubt in my mind. Not in a million years could Michael have written it. Even the wording isn't his. So, my mind is more at ease over that whole situation. We go to court on Monday over the TROs and I really hope they all go away. I also hope that the judge impresses upon these young girls how incredibly dangerous it can be to make false statements like that! They could ruin a person's entire life! We'll see if we get an apology. Doubt it. Okay....so I've been pretty stuck most of 2 days. Even softs are giving me fits. Lots of tea and pain in my ribs. Papaya isn't working. Forgot the pineapple juice when I went to the store. Hating life, but at least when I'm stuck like this I can't be putting crap in my body. I don't even think that right now I could be eating chocolate or any other crap. Not that I'm trying. Night ladies. Love you all.

Hi ladies! Just a quick check in. I got on the scale this morning. 174. That's -2! We'll keep on keepin on. I spent 3 hours deep cleaning the bathroom. It was a mess! Most of my house is a mess. I'm going to spend a day on each room. Maybe 2 days on the front three rooms. I'll start that in a few minutes. Just had to take a break! It feels good to concentrate on my house though. Something for ME for a change. That sounds dumb. I guess what I mean is I get to see the fruits of these labors. It's not for everyone else. It will drive me crazy when everyone else just trashes it again....but...that's the knocks when you're a mom I guess. Boys start school on Wednesday. I was thinking .... one of the reasons I stay so busy during August is because I don't have to think about me not going back to school. I miss my classroom. I miss my teacher life. As long as I'm crazy busy in August I don't have time to mope about it. Stupid huh? Oh well. Okay. Phyl, I can't believe how Zoey has changed your world. I'm surprised you haven't had a dog long before this. You and Earl are just "naturals". Love seeing the pics of her. You're like a new mother taking and showing pics of every new "first". It's so awesome to get to see. And Earl is a big marshmallow! He kills me at how soft he is. Gotta run. Back to work for awhile. Talk to you later ladies. Have a fun day!

Why do you think NetFlix is such a booming business? New shows start again in a month I think! Can't wait! I'm pretty sure Sunday night still stinks, but maybe not. I TiVo everything anyways so I really don't know what night what comes on. Oh...and no....I don't remember any of those shows. You're way OLD!!!:confused: Just kidding love! You can't remember those shows either!