He's of the colour of the nutmeg. And of the heat of the ginger.... he is pure air and fire; and the dull elements of earth and water never appear in him, but only in patient stillness while his rider mounts him; he is indeed a horse, and all other jades you may call beasts. ~William Shakespeare, Henry V

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

SICK

I have a death cold. I woke up this morning and I have no voice, not even a squeak. My throat is so raw that it feels like it is on fire, and my chest hurts really bad. It takes a little work to keep my breath, and feels like there is a giant sitting on it. I also have the normal coughing and chills that I always get when I am really sick. I don't know how I got this sick, I was just fine yesterday at the circus. I so badly want to crawl back into bed and sleep, but no such luck.

Cassidy still has her cough. It has almost been a week since she was seen in the ER and she should be better by now. Jessie started coughing on the way home from the circus, and a few days ago she threw up all over the in my car. They are not acting like themselves either so I think they are still sick.

Since the girls are still a bit sickish, and I am super sick, I made doctor appointments for us today. Afterwards, I am hoping that we all take a nice long nap.

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

SHRINE CIRCUS

My mom and I took the girls to the Shrine Circus today in Minot. My dad, a Shriner and a Mason, had tickets waiting for us at the Advanced Ticket door so we didn't have to wait in line to get in.

We met up with my dad right away and he took us onto the circus floor where they had a petting zoo. They had a llama, two sheep, and a bunch of goats. The girls liked to pet the goats until one goat started to nibble at their shirt sleeves. The girls also got to ride on the ponies, the camel, and the elephant. I was worried about Jessie being scared of the big animals, but she wasn't. In fact, she enjoyed them and wanted to keep riding. Cassie also went down this big bouncy slide thing they had too.

Right before the circus started, my mom bought 2 bunches of cotton candy for the girls to eat while they watched the circus. Early into the circus, I had to make a run to concessions to get some soda and water because we were getting thirsty. Later, it was popcorn and Cassie absolutely HAD to have a light up sword thingy. Jessie got a little Shriner Fez that matches the one that grandpa gave to Cassie two years ago, and a light up spinner toy as well.

I know my mom spent a lot more money at the circus then she expected to. We didn't think the girls would want to ride all the animals and stuff. But we all had a lot of fun and I would do it again in a heartbeat. They were two very happy little girls today!

Dizzy the clown, Cassidy, Grandpa Jim, and Jessie.

Cassidy really enjoyed the petting zoo.

Jessie petting a goat.

Everybody must have a pony ride!

Some of the animals in the show.


Cassidy and Jessie riding the elephant. They are the two kids second to the end.


Cassidy and Jessie riding the camel.

Sunday, April 27, 2008


I call him Ash since he is the color of soot.

Bullseye - 3 weeks old

Monday, April 21, 2008

GRADUATION IS APPROACHING

Thank you, all of you, for your support that has kept me going and pushing me to see my college graduation. I still cannot believe that I am going to be graduating from Williston State College in 19 days. The ceremony is May 9th in Williston. The girls are looking forward to the hotels swimming pool. I began to get excited and nervous after I recieved my cap, gown, tassel, and announcments in the mail Wednesday of last week. If anyone has been thinking of getting me things, I need office stuff...hahaha.



GREAT FRIENDS

We had such a good time on Friday evening. Catching up with my friends was wonderful, and of course, there was a lot of laughter. I don't ever remember laughing so long and hard in my life. I am sad because Friday is over with and my friends are now gone and back in Fargo. Hopefully, sometime soon Bethany, Jesse, Brynn, Billy, and I can get together again. Jesse did say that on August 1st (his birthday) they are going to celebrate in Fargo. The Jeff Dunham show is the evening before. I don't know if I can do both in one weekend, but it would be great to spend Jesse's birthday with him.

YAAAH for great friends! I love you all!!

Jesse & Billy Jo

Jesse & Me

Brynn & Billy Jo

Billy Jo, Bethany, & Brynn



Bethany and I

This is such a beautiful picture of Brynn. I love it.

Saturday, April 19, 2008

ANIMALS

In the span of 3 days, there has been a ¾ decrease number of pets at our house. All of which I am hoping will return, or heal and get better.

I have not seen Scrappy the cat for 3 days. She is an indoor/outdoor cat. It isn’t unusual for her to be gone for a couple of days at a time. The longest she has been gone is 4 days. I hope to see her tomorrow. Tucker, our black and white Siberian husky, took off today at around 11 am. I have not see him since. Normally Tucker goes into town and after a couple of hours he returns or the guys from Moller’s Implement bring him back home. After 5 pm, when Tucker had not returned, I drove around town 3 times and didn’t see him. The girls will be heart broken if he doesn’t come back home. The worst, I have saved for last. My best riding mare, Luna, has come up lame. The girls and I were going outside to ride today and I noticed Luna stepping funny as she came walking across the pasture. If I wouldn’t know any better, I would say her back end had foundered, but she hasn’t overeaten on ( and isn’t exposed to) alfalfa or oats. I have a farrier coming out to look at her on Tuesday afternoon. I am hoping that he will be able to correct the problem and I will not have to take her to the vet. Luna is MY baby. I have had her for 17 years. I will be devastated if there is ANY THING seriously wrong with her. The only good animal that the girls and I have right now is my mothers pregnant leopard appaloosa, and she is only a yard ornament that we don’t ride.

I am really sad. I cannot believe that my cat and dog are gone, and the health of my horse is questionable right now. How come all the good animals have gone, but the fricken mice are still hanging around the house??? I believe I am being heckled by a higher power.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP

I have become addicted to the butternut squash soup. I really REALLY like it. I think it is going to become a staple in my diet these next nine days. I think this would also go great at Thanksgiving or Christmas with the roasted turkey. I am sharing this recipe because Amanda wanted more....and because it's good! When I made this soup, I left out the ginger and curry because I am not a fan of spicy foods.



2 T. Olive Oil ( or less )
1 large onion, chopped
1 T. finely chopped ginger or 1 t. ground
2 t. curry powder
1 carton veggie broth (1.9 Pt or 30 oz)
1 large b.nut squash (about 3 lb) peeled, seeded & cut into 2" cubes
1 t. salt

In 3 Qt. saucepan, heat oil and cook onion, until tender

Add ginger & curry; cook, stirring occasionally

Stir in broth, squash & salt

Reduce heat & simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, 25 minutes.

Blend w/hand blender, or blend in batches in food processor or blender.

HECK OF A DAY

I hate myself. I fell off my own diet band wagon. I learned that I am a stress eater, and lately, stress has been HUGE. Not making excuses for my diet failure in any way, but yesterday was just terrible. While I was at the park enjoying a few hours of playtime with my girls, I got a nasty surprise phone call that kept me on the phone all afternoon. Then, Darren called me on his way to the tax office to have the taxes done that we were supposed to have done together jointly. Luckily, my mother had just got home and was coming through the door during the phone conversation. Mom was able to watch the girls as I immediately left for the tax office when I hung up the phone with Darren. I will spare everyone the details of the tax adventure because things just about got nasty in the middle of H&R Block. That was the point where my diet failed. However, I am not a quitter. I am picking myself back up and starting all over. Today is day 1 of my first 9 days and I am starting it out with oatmeal, an orange, and A LOT of exercise to make up for yesterdays misfortunes.

Sunday, April 13, 2008

THIS N THAT

Today was sooo nice, that the girls and I spent 4 hours outside today riding horse, playing with the animals, and having a blast outside together. I was able to spend a lot of time with them thanks to my mom. My mother watched BOTH of the girls for me on Friday night so that I could cram homework and I have finished all of my homework. Now I just wait for my graduation date.

Last weekend, my mom and I took the girls and we made a quick run to Minot to see my mother's aunt, Faye. The girls had a good time and the trip went amazingly well.

Yesterday, my really good friend, Brandi, got married. She married a really nice man who is a farmer and totally loves her little boy, Carson. I didn't make it to the wedding, but my mom came over to the house around 8:30 yesterday evening and I was able to go to the reception. It was A LOT of fun. I am very happy for her.

I have posted a bunch of random pics below from our week.

The girls very first picnic of the year. And no, the dog is not eating her sandwich, it just looks like it.

Scrappy, the cat.

The georgous bride and her husband, Kyle.

Brandi showing some leg! Come on people, it was just the garter auction....it went for $420!

The grooms men singing "You've Lost That Love And Feeling" to Brandi. The short dude in the middle is Brandi's brother, Jason.

Jeff Jacobson and my brother, Mike.

Bullseye is now two weeks old.

The girls loved the box of toys that Faye had at her house in Minot.

This is what Jessie does when you ask her to smile for the camera.

Jessie with my mother's aunt, Faye.

Thursday, April 10, 2008

TOO GOOD NOT TO SHARE

This is going to sound crazy, but the best meal that I have had so far on the Fat Smash diet has been Boca classic chili. I didn't think would have ever liked a chili made from a Boca meatless burger, but is GOOD. I like it so much, this is going to be how I prepare my chili from now on. It is very filling, easy to make, and has a spicy yet sweet taste to it. You cannot even tell that it is a meatless dish. YUM-O!

BOCA CLASSIC CHILI

1 green pepper diced
2 medium sized mushrooms diced
1 medium onion diced
2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
1 can diced tomatoes (chili ready with onions)
1 can kidney beans
1 can low sodium/low fat tomato soup
1 10oz Boca burger

Cook and stir green peppers, onion, and mushrooms in extra virgin olive oil on medium heat for 3 minutes. Add remaining ingredients and stir well. Bring to a boil and reduce heat. Simmer for 30 minutes stirring occasionally.


Tonights dish is going to be Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato soup. I can't wait to try it.

Wednesday, April 09, 2008

DAY 2 WAS DIFFICULT

I wanted to fudge my diet twice yesterday. It was going well until I made PBJ sandwiches for the kids when Billy Jo and I were playing DDR. They looked so good. Billy was also killing me with her coffee with french vanilla creamer and baked sour cream & onion chips. However, I found the will power somewhere not to stick any of that stuff in my mouth. The second time came after Darren had been to the house. He came to see the girls and asked if he could take Cassie to Minot on Saturday. I felt bad because I told him no. I explained that before he takes the girls anywhere the divorce needs to be finalized. I could tell he wasn't happy about it, but I think he understood. At least I hope he understood anyway.

I am getting excited for my graduation. I cannot believe that it is in a month. I cannot believe that after being out of high school for 9 years I was able to go back to college and earn a A.A.S and a certificate. I need to get a hold of the book store and give them a credit card number so they can put my cap, gown, and invitations in the mail. I AM SO FRICKEN EXCITED!!! Expect a lot of boring grad pictures to be posted that Sunday. Hey, if any of you would like to come it's at 10 a.m. at Williston State College, Williston ND, on May 9th.

Guess what peeps, I applied for a job. Johnson's Clinic in Rugby is looking for a medical transcriptionist. I filled out an application and handed it in on Monday. I haven't heard anything yet, I don't know if I will, but it would be nice if I got it.

My mom bought Alvin & the Chipmunks and Mr. Magoriums Wonder Imporium for the girls as Easter gifts. The girls are really into the Chipmunks movie. There is a scene in the movie where Alvin is standing on the kitchen sink and starts taunting Dave. Now Cassie goes around shouting, "Dave likes to wear dirty underwear!" all the time. Yeah, it's just great when she does that in the middle of a store.

Have a great day all my peeps!!

Lynnette - Holy crap! Your post was a surprise. I was going to leave a comment on your blog, but I didn't think it was appropriate since your blog is a work-associated site.

Tuesday, April 08, 2008

NOT TOO BAD YET

The diet isn't going all that bad. However, it has only been 24 hours. Along with all the water, fruits, and vegetables that I want to consume in a day, I can also have 2 cups of slim or low fat milk, 2 cups of herbal tea, one veggie burger, 4 egg white, 2 6oz yogurt cups (no fruit on the bottom), and one cup of oatmeal. I don't know how much of that I will actually eat in my first 9 days. I want to loose as much weight as possible so I am trying to refrain from all things dairy and carbohydrate. I did have a veggie burger last night (without the bun) and my one cup of oatmeal today. I think for lunch I am going to try this Tasty Tomato recipe they have in the back of the book. It sounds good, but it makes a lot.

I have been doing my TaeBo twice a day and taking evening walks. Yesterday, I went to Billy Jo's. She has Dance Dance Revolution for her Wii. You can play DDR the same way as on the PlayStation 2, or you can use the Wii nun chuck paddles for hand movements. We haven't tried the hand movements. We can barely get through the beginner dance steps, we don't need the hand movements to make it worse than is already is.

Thank you Amanda for the good luck on my diet. I was going to wait until I ate all the stuff out of my fridge, freezer, and cupboards as well, but I knew if I waited for that to happen I wouldn't have started the diet. My kids do not eat everything on this diet so I had to keep things around for them. I think watching them eat their snacks and kiddie foods is the hardest part of the diet.

Monday, April 07, 2008

FAT SMASHER FOLLOWER

I decided to do the Fat Smash diet. I am not happy with myself or how I look. I know I am obese for my height and looking at other women on TV shows, movies, and magazines I feel a lot of pressure to do it. I have thought about what kind of man I am going to attract when I am a good 50 lbs over weight and am ready to start dating. I want a good looking man, not the Michelin Tire man. So, I need to step up my game as well. Since April and Tab have been doing wonderful on their Fat Smash diet, I got on Amazon.com and purchased the book. It arrived today and I have started my diet. My house scale weighted me in at 182.5 lbs. I am going to work out every day these next nine days and eat right....and absolutely NO SNACKING. Oh, and expect me to post complaints when I am having a bad moments and would like to fudge the diet.

Tuesday, April 01, 2008

HAPPY BIRTHDAY APRIL

A big shout-out to April. "Gonna party, cause it's your birthday! Gonna have cake, cause it's your birthday!" Happy birthday dear!

These pics are atually really nice on my camera, but once I download them, they were very dark. I will post better ones sometime.

I cannot get over how the white star takes up much of his forehead.

 


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