2009

Happy New Year! I am soooo glad 2008 is over and am ready to welcome 2009. In 12 short days my baby will be 5 years old! Wow, I am so ready, but can't believe that the baby part of my life is over! Happy New Year Y'All!

Safe Haven

This is an article from my local newspaper.

click here

So sad. To anyone out there, please know that most states have enacted safe haven laws. This did not need to happen. If you find you are unable to take care of a newborn, please take it to a hospital or somewhere else. There are so many families out there who would love to raise your child. Nebraska doesn't even have an age limit! I myself became pregnant at 19 and know how hard it is to be faced with an unplanned pregnancy when you are young. A life is so very special, don't throw it away......

Florida's safe haven site is www.asafehavenfornewborns.com check it out

Angel Pic?

Is this the picture of an angel? This family thinks so, check out the story. http://www.thestate.com/breaking/story/629997.html?RSS=breaking

I'm not sure, it would help if we saw pictures when this "light" wasn't there? Of course, I am happy the girl is healthy again. What's your thoughts??

Props to Steph

So, I've always been pretty hard on my sister Stephanie, we are just worlds different. I do want to give her props for losing weight, about 100lbs. I never thought she would do it and be so successful, so, congrats Steph! Below are her before and after. Now, I am the only 'fat' one in the fam. I guess that's why my parents got me a WII fit.........Well, new year, maybe a new me?? I doubt it ;-). To my one and only reader, Uncle Chuck! Thanks and I am great! Love ya!

My Kids Deserve So Much More

Ok, when it came to choosing the father of my children and partner in life, I screwed up big time. He was a loser husband who cheated on me with men while I was pregnant, was fired from every job he had and is still a loser father. To any guys out there, just because you pay child support, does not make you super dad. I have a great dad and a great mom. My dad has always been there and participated in my life. It still is unbelievable to me how a guy can be the opposite. He does see them every other weekend, which was in the divorce and I had to enforce because I am not super woman, I need a break sometimes! He refuses to have them 1 day a week, thanksgiving, 1/2 xmas break, 1/2 summer. My boys would rather not be with him, but it breaks my heart that their dad does not want them. He doesn't even call them between the weekends. And, as he was during our sham of a marriage, he is still nothing but empty promises. He lies about everything and my oldest son is starting to figure that out the hard way. Here is a word by word email we shared about this xmas break last week.

Me-"School gets out on Friday, so I have them next week and then you will have them the last week/first part of January. I will drop them off on Dec. 28 at 5 pm.

Him-"I will be working so I wont be able to watch them then."

Me-"They can go to daycare. I am working too. If you are refusing to keep them, which is fine because they prefer not be with you, then I expect you to be financially responsible for that week, paying for daycare and meals and also, expect the same for your ½ of the summer."

Him-"Well take me to court and get it then."

What parent does this to their flesh and blood? My kids deserve so much more, so much better. I truly do believe in karma and I have seen it's effects.

On an ending note, I saw "The Day the Earth Stood Still" on Saturday with the guy I have been dating. Movie wasn't all that, but the date was great as usual!

Have a Happy Holiday! My boys and I will be spending it with my terrific family!

Interesting Article

Interesting Article. Your thoughts?

Article Here

If you know me, you know my thoughts.

Dinner

Went to Wal Mart tonight on the way home from work for dinner items...

Discount, almost expired boneless pork chops $3.21
Discount, almost expired Cream of Crock Dressing $1.00, normally $3.50
Can of Mixed Veggies $0.50

Feeding 4 boys dinner for under $5, PRICELESS!

Thank You Wal Mart!

At the Disco

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

I Elfed Ourselves!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Orbs

Ok, I guess I am a bit different than many people. I believe that organized religion is good for some people, but I am not one of those people. I find it laughable at some of the things that people believe, I will not go into it much more to avoid offending, but, one thing I do believe in is ghosts, spirits, the paranormal. There is much more proof of ghosts than that Jesus Christ was a virgin birth and that he somehow was dead for 3 days and came back to life. But, I digress. My cousin recently had a baby and when I looked at the pictures, I couldn't believe my eyes. My uncle, who has been going through a whole heck of a lot and believes his dad is around him a lot, in one picture there is a perfect orb right behind him. I truly believe it is my pappap. It is not dust, not light, in only one of the pics and is a perfect circle. My pappap died on Nov. 21, 2000. Tell me what you think.....




PS To anyone wondering, date number 2 was a success!

I know

I have 4 of the most adorable sons on the planet. Here is my youngest, 4 year old Chandler!

Been Awhile

So, I guess I have gotten kind of lazy here on my blog. My hours have been cut at work now due to the economy. I still have a job, but it royally sucks, especially since I could barely make ends meet before. On a good note, I finally have a court date scheduled where the judge will award me the upward modification of child support I have been seeking for 1 1/2 years. Thanksgiving was good, but the boys were stressing me out. It was like they took wild pills all weekend. I was actually happy to go back to work on Monday. I have date number 2 in 2 days and I'm pretty excited. I would be more excited if there wasn't so much stress in my life right now, but nonetheless, I am looking forward to it. No tree yet, if it was up to me, I wouldn't even have a tree, but, alas, I do have children and they seem to think we need one. Check often for updates :-)

Dating

Well, for the first time in about 4 years, I went on a date Saturday night. I have to say, I quite enjoyed myself and this guy and I have a lot in common. His wife is a lesbian, as my ex is gay, of course the similarities go beyond that. We had dinner and a movie, although the movie I wanted to see had already started so we settled for "Zack and Miri Make a Prono", yes, I mispelled that on purpose. I know, great stuff for a first date!! It was amusing, although so crude with the language and nudity, I wouldn't suggest it, I thought for sure I was watching the unrated version! Anywoo, he wants to go out again. If nothing else, I have finally gotten out of the house and into the real world like a normal person! Yay me!

OK, so TV show Finale

I loved the show 6 Feet Under and they totally have the best finale I have ever seen, even if you didn't watch the show, you can totally connect with it. It brings a tear to my eye everytime I watch it. It's amazing how much life someone can live and then "boom" it's over, just like that. Who will remember you? Check it out!

Funny!

Ok, it's been awhile, I have been super busy!! This is super fun!

Election 2008

OK, so I am far from politically active. Surprisingly, I have been on the fence this election. I just got home not long ago from voting and of course, I went with the safety net of McCain, although I am sure Obama is going to win. As I was driving to the daycare to pick up the kids, I started thinking how it bothers me that McCain doesn't use email or anything like that. In this day in age, that is important. Then I though, I wonder if he has a cell phone....of course he would have to, wouldn't he? I bet it's a Jitterbug!! cue music, Jitterbug. If this doesn't pan out, he can advertise for Jitterbug!

Halloween

Living in the Bible belt with a southern church around every corner, Halloween can be iffy. They think it's Satanic or something. Back when I was a kid, most kids here weren't allowed to trick or treat, so the churches invented an "orange" party so that they wouldn't feel so left out and would have something to do while their peers were having fun. This now includes going to a church parking lot and getting a tootsie roll out of the back of someone's car trunk, which most people do now. I was a rebel this year, I said, NO we are going to do good old fashioned trick or treating. I am not going to fight traffic, worry about hitting a kid and do it the right way. It was great! Honestly, we saw maybe 2 or 3 other kids, but the boys had fun, I didn't have to drive in the dark and the old people just light up when they see a costumed kid at their door. But..........I really need to teach my kids some cooth. I don't know where they get it from, but they are loud when they speak. I was embarrassed when a few feet from someone's door they would say, loudly:

--That person was smoking!!
--Why do so many old people live around us!!
--Yay, I got M&M's!!
--Their candy sucks
--I don't want to go to that house, I can tell they don't have good candy..(the people were sitting on their porch 4 feet from us)

But alas, the night was fun and I made sure that they didn't complain until after we got home!

Pics from Today

Here are a few pics taken from my hotel today, Oct. 28, 2008, by a coworker of mine. Enjoy....

Yummy Chicken!

Ok, more often then not, I make up my own recipes in my head either while driving or when I see something on sale at the grocery store. So, I was at my local grocery and they had bone in, skinless chicken breasts on sale for $1.79 I think. I love the flavor of carribean jerk with chicken so I bought the chicken and a bottle of carribean jerk marinade. Of course, I usually use my slow cooker to help make dinner time easier, so I put the chicken in the bottom and covered with the marinade and let me tell you, yummy!! That and a bag of steamfresh veggies in the microwave for 5 minutes and that's dinner! Try it and please share some of your recipes, I love to try new things.

Love the Fall

I love the fall. Cooler weather is here!

Intelligent Family!

Wow, it's been a great couple of days. Of course, the economy still worries me, I worry about my job every day, things are very tight, but we had a few great things happen! First, my dog, Daisy, is officially able to "shake" now!! I am so excited I was able to teach her that! She's such a great dog, super smart :-) Secondly, I had a meeting with my son's teacher. He is in 1st grade. I have always known he was a bit "special", well, she wants him to be tested for gifted!! He has straight A's, average is 99%! He can also read a chapter book in no time, he's 6!! Of course, all of my boys are bright, I'm just proud of them all! Hopefully the good times will continue and the economy will straighten out. I STILL don't know who I am voting for....

Grey Gardens

I heard about this documentary a few years a go and got it from Netflix. If you haven't seen it, you should, it's so brutally honest and entertaining at the same time....

Owed Money?

Check this out: http://www.missingmoney.com/ If you ever were owed money and they were unable to find you, the state is holding it for you, unclaimed wages, utilities deposits and so on. My dad has $529 sitting out there, Steph if you read this, ask me about one of them......Check it out!

Shocked

I received this in an email today. I have included the picture that was in it here. I am embarrassed to say that this was taken in Florida, the state I live in. We do live in a country that has freedom of speech, but still. It's sad how far as a country we have progressed in some things, but others still live in a close minded world. Probably pretty surprising to people that have known me for awhile, I am somewhat on the fence this election. I used to be a staunch republican, but as I have gotten older and grown wiser, my belief system has as well. This makes me want to vote for Obama, just because of this guy. Decisions, decisions....

Yummy Meatballs and Sausage!

Ok, well, today I am making it sans meatballs, so this is just a sausage recipe that is super simple that I put together sometimes. Usually, it is meatballs that I make myself and italian sausage. I like hot. I wouldn't use brats.

Meatballs, Sausage
2 large cans of crushed tomatoes
1 can of diced tomatoes italian style
salt, pepper to taste

put in a slow cooker and cook 8 hours on low. When done you can eat alone, or in a bun, or even with pasta! Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if you like a kick, as I do, and mozzarella and parmesan cheese.

I don't measure, I just do what feels right. When I make meatballs, I take beef and pork, sometimes, just beef, salt, pepper, parmesan cheese, bread crumbs and 1 or 2 eggs. Round into balls, if you don't use this for this recipe, they are easy to bake and use with pasta!

Close To Home

So, I am alone, sitting here watching Lifetime and there is a movie about Marie Hilley, a "black widow" type. She killed people with arsenic and wrote a lot of bad checks and set fire to things to get insurance money. Often times, I like to research people that I see movies about. Interestingly, she is from Anniston, AL. That's less than 1 hour from where I live!! Crazy, I can't believe in the 20 years I have lived here, I have never heard this story before. But of course, this happened about 30 years ago, but still.... Ted Bundy was arrested an hour from here too. Coincidence, I sure hope so.

I LOVE Netflix!

Ok, so other than having a job and being a mom, I don't really have a life. I spend WAY too much time online, but I have another way to spend my time, that is other than eating and drinking....Movies!! I love to watch movies, especially documentaries, biopics, psychological thrillers and tv seasons on dvd, like Dexter, 6 Feet Under, Big Love. It is so cool to be able to take a weekend and watch an entire season at once, no waiting a week between shows! It's awesome. My name is Lori, and I am a Netflix-a-holic. No late fees, no driving, in my mailbox. Life does have it's perks :-) Check it out if you don't already have it.

Dating and Men and the Internet

Ok, so most of you know that I have been single for 4 1/2 years and haven't dated at all in that time. I truly believe that men want one thing, a young and skinny woman with 0-1 kids. I mean, men put out ads like this on craigslist:

"If you are by chance reading this that does show you have a sense of curiosity to your personality and have a heart that is very romantic. I am a white single male software engineer who is getting older and would love to experience life with a adorable princess like you, and make his life all about you in love and happiness. I am pretty simple and have a heart and love to listen to you when you speak. And yes I would be faithful. I love kids so I am not against marrying in to a family and becoming a dad instantly.
Drop me a line if you are interested
I live in a small peaceful country town in Alabama right outside huntsville
which is a great place to raise a family
Whether you are 18, 28, or 38 it is not you are I am concerned about it is your heart that interests me, It is the depth to which you heart can love the matters most to me

And yes I still open the door for a lady and stand up when she enters the room
Will you be that lady "

Trust me, this is one of many!

Ok, so you respond that you would like to get to know them and they reply back, so you know their email works. You then mention that you are overweight, or send a pic and have 4 kids and then they never reply again. At this point in my life, I think most men are scum, the only ones who aren't are the men my 4 boys will grow up to be. Men totally care too much about looks. I may have to start batting for the other team.........

Another Post Secret

I just can't get enough of this stuff, it is just so sobering.

Weekends......

Weekends are never long enough, at least not for me. I am sitting here, have some of my "famous" Shipwreck Stew in the slow cooker, watching CMT top 20 and blogging. I also am thinking, tomorrow's Monday, with 4 kids, Sunday's are for getting ready for the week, I do laundry pretty much everyday, but do a bit more on Sunday, homework has to be done, everybody has to get to bed at a somewhat reasonable hour. Basically, my only real "free" day is Saturday and that is usually reserved for the boys and Daisy, our yellow lab. Is it any wonder why my house always looks like a tornado has ripped through it?

On a side note, the weather is starting to cool down and I'm lovin' it!

Shipwreck Stew

I thoroughly enjoying cooking and eating. I am particularly partial to yummy things I can throw into a slow cooker in the morning and have dinner ready when I get home, along with a yummy smelling house! One of my favorite sites is www.allrecipes.com . So, the other day, I was looking for something and found it, Shipwreck Stew

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Shipwreck-Stew/Detail.aspx

Prep Time: 20 Minutes
Cook Time: 5 Hours Ready In: 5 Hours 20 Minutes
Yields: 10 servings

"Ground beef is simmered in tomato sauce with potatoes, carrots and kidney beans. It is a wonderful, hearty meal for those cool Autumn days. Great for feeding friends on football Sundays."
INGREDIENTS:
2 pounds ground beef
2 (10.75 ounce) cans
condensed tomato soup
2 medium onions, chopped 5 large potatoes, cubed
2 (15.25 ounce) cans kidney
beans, undrained

DIRECTIONS:
1. Crumble the ground beef into a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir until browned. Drain grease, and transfer beef to a slow cooker. Mix in the tomato soups (undiluted), onions, potatoes, and beans.
2. Cover, and cook on the Low setting for 4 to 5 hours, until stew is thick and potatoes are tender.

It is part stew, part chili. It was also pretty good. I made as above, but also added a can of corn. Next time, I will probably add some rice, carrots and maybe taco seasoning for a bit more flavor. The boys loved it and 3 of them even got 2nds. It was also easy and economical, a huge plus in my book!!

Boys and Daisy

Dogs are so good for kids and vice versa, kids are usually so good for dogs too! My boys love playing with Daisy, their yellow lab. I posted a pic of them enjoying some water play in the back yard today! Every boy needs a dog to play with!

Karma

KARMA - Through the law of karma, the effects of all deeds actively create past, present, and future experiences, thus making one responsible for one's own life, and the pain and joy it brings to him/her and others.

So what do you think about karma? I know for years I didn't think it was real, after what I went through. Now, I realize, it's been kicking someone's butt for a long time! And you know what, it feels good. It feels good to be happy and smile and to not hurt like I did, call me selfish and vindictive, but I smile a lot because HE is hurting now and has been and always will be. Life is good...I have a great family, great friends, great job and someone I am "talking" to. Can it get much better than this, well, maybe if I had a million dollars!!!

Post Secret

Wow, this is amazing, so touching......




It makes me think, what secrets do we really keep? What about you? Please share......

Travel......

So, do you travel? Where is your favorite place to go? Usually, when we do vacations, we do Disney World!! I love Disney and know it pretty well and the kids always have fun. I have stayed at a few different resorts on Disney property and have had a great stay at all of them. Since I work in hospitality, I can usually get an awesome rate at a brand or sister of my employer, but think that the extra few dollars to stay onsite is worth it! Being a single parent, i love the easy access of the transportation to and from the parks, not having to worry about driving around. The boys' favorite park is Magic Kingdom of course, with favs being Buzz Lightyear and Pirates. I really love to eat in Epcot, but with 4 kids, it's not nearly as much fun, Soarin' over California is a cool addition. Animal Kingdom is great too, the safari is cool as is Dinosaur. I haven't been on Everest yet, but hope to next time around, probably this winter. I have never been a fan of MGM/Disney Studios. As the kids get older, I am sure we will go beyond our horizons and maybe venture on over to Universal Studios, but probably not for a few years. I also am very familiar with Destin. Destin, FL has some of the most beautiful beaches in the US. If you have any questions or are planning a trip here, please email me. I can give you any info at all. I am pretty familiar with most accomodations and restaurants!!

Who Makes You GaGa?

Ok, most people that know me, know that I am in love with Brad Pitt. To me he is the hottest guy ever. Yes, the thing with Jennifer Anniston kind of turned me off to him, but he is just sooooo sexy. Ever since I first saw him almost 20 years ago in "Thelma & Louise", there was no other man that could compare to him. So a few weeks ago, I had an epiphany about myself that I never really thought about before. I dig blondes. I mean, way back when I was a little girl of about 5, I would watch the "Dukes of Hazzard" every day, just to see John Schneider, then of course there was "CHiP's" and Erik Estrada did nothing for me, but I would be fixated on that blonde cop riding a motorcycle, Larry Wilcox. "Silver Spoons" was nothing without Rick(y) Schroeder and even though he is gay, Chad Allen in "Our House" enamoured me so much that I wrote him a fan letter.......My ex is gay and blonde, I hope this isn't a trend.........Anyways, I wanna know, who or what are you attracted to??

It's Time fooooorrrrr, American Idol!

I would have some really great pics and video for you, buuuutttttt, my little sister who promised to send them to me, has not yet because she is "busy." Therefore, you get just a generic game cover. A few months ago, my parents, empty nesters, purchased an XBox 360. They really wanted to get a Wii, but since they are never able to be found, they went ahead and got an XBox 360. Not for them, you see, but for their grandchildren, my sons, even though they have their own 360. One of the games that they have is American Idol, the sister who is too "busy" to send me the pictures and video of my family this past Saturday evening is the same sister who talked my parents into getting this game. It is like Rock Band, but with vocals only, it can be very fun and it is like karaoke, every night!! One of the favorites is "Walkin on Sunshine" that is hilarious, when sang by a bunch of amateurs! I tried "Bohemian Rhapsody" but wow, there are a lot of highs to lows and lows to highs! If said sister ever sends me the video, I will post it, then you will see my mom, a 55 yr old woman singing and dancing to "Walkin on Sunshine", after that, you will never question what is wrong with me, you will then know I am the only "normal" one in the family....

Viagra

Do you ever get little jingles in your head? You know, like f.r.e.e.credit report dot com baby, or songs in your head, usually it is the song that wakes me up when my alarm clock goes off. Several weeks ago I was in the kitchen cooking dinner, all of a sudden my 12 yr old son comes in and belts out, "VIVA VIAGRA!!!" Trying to keep a straight face, I seriously asked him, son, do you know what Viagra is? He then realized it wasn't something to sing and about and blushed and ran back to his room. "VIVA VIAGRA"

Love Shack

Wow, last night was fun! I rarely, if ever go out. Last night the girls from work and I went out to a new restaurant in Santa Rosa Beach, The Love Shack. It's pretty cool, the food was good and they have a pool!! Yes, a pool next to the outdoor bar. No, I didn't go swimming. Although, I am about 20 years younger on average then the other girls from work we still had a blast. Afterwards, we went to one of their homes and just hung out and talked and drank wine. It was so nice and relaxing to be able to do that without a gazillion, well 4, but they seem like a gazillion, kids around!! I actually have a date tonight, someone who I met online down here who just so happen to be born in the same city I was...is it fate?? I don't know, but I haven't dated in years and I am stoked! Check back for more info.....

Band Nerd

Wow, tonight brought back some memories. You see, I am a band nerd, I wasn't just a "normal" band nerd, I was the "ultimate" band nerd. Fyi, I played the ever so cool Saxophone, in fact I was brought to tears when, for my 17th birthday I got a professional Yanigasawa Alto Sax, not a car, a sax, but I digress.... My ex husband was a band nerd, all 3 of my sisters were band nerds, my mom was a band nerd, my grandpa was a band nerd. So, as you can see, it runs in the family. Today, my oldest son, JC joined that ultimate, oh so sacred club of band nerds. Yes, he was in beginner band last year, but today, he had his first pep rally as an advanced saxophone player and football game!! Wow, I feel so old, my son was out there performing a halftime show! Well, not much of a show, just music, but still, the memories. My mom and I sat there and watched the band, it's amazing how year after year, generation after generation, school bands stay the same. There were the cooler girls who don't really play, they just dance(those were my sisters), the older ones who think they are the one in charge and the quiet ones that just watch and play. The game? Oh, his team lost but I didn't care, I wasn't there for the football......

Ta Da! My First Official Blog!

Hi, Welcome, thank you for taking the time to stop by. I'm Lori and am excited about having an outlet for things that happen in my life. I am happily divorced, although if you are a single guy who is straight(more on why later), then feel free to message me! I have 4 awesome, although often uncontrollable, sons 4-12 years old and have a terrific job and work with some great people. I am infatuated with country music, the internet, aquaria(I have 2 fish tanks and hope for more one day), travelling(although with 4 kids and 1 income that isn't easy), food, of course(I love to cook it, eat it and try new things), forensics, paranormal(ie. ghosts/spirits), history, mostly genealogical history. I have lived in Florida for 20 years and although it's beautiful, I am really still here because my family is here. If there is anything you want me to write about in the future feel free, this is a start and I hope to update several times a week!