Happy Reformation Day!

Last week I was searching the internet for a pumpkin patch we could take the kids to, and during my search I came across some, let's say, interesting pictures of pumpkins, and this is one of them! I thought it was funny and wanted to share it, so here it is, on my blog for all to see! Like it?!

Anyway, today is the day we let our kids dress up for Halloween and we take them to the church's fall festival to play games and come home with way too much candy. I have really struggled with how to deal with this holiday. My first thought is to not allow my children to participate at all. It is predominately evil and I do not want my kids to be a part of it. My desire for my children is that they love the Lord and to honor him with their lives. Is participating in Halloween going against that?

I grew up in a Christian home and when I was a kid my parents allowed my brother and I to dress up and go trick-or-treating in our neighborhood. I must say that there were rules, or guidelines, for us though. We could not dress up as anything evil or scary. Also, one parent always accompanied us as we went door-to-door and never were we allowed to go to houses that were not lit or were decorated in especially evil themes. Then of course our candy was always inspected as soon as we got home. (thank you Dad and Mom for watching out for us!). Looking back, I don't feel that my parents allowing us to do all that was wrong. So, is this ok for me to allow my children to do it too? Yes, I suppose it is.

In allowing our children to participate in the fun of dressing up and eating of way too much candy, we will also be teaching them about the evil that surrounds Halloween. They need to know the reason we do not allow them to do certain things, and that reason is because we love our Lord and desire to honor him in all we do. And this not only pertains to Halloween but all aspects of our lives.

I also wanted to point out that today is not only Halloween but also Reformation Day. On this day in 1517, Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses to the door of the church in Wittenburg, Germany. Luther's theses sparked what is known today as the Reformation period.

I know....the kids can dress up as 16th century monks! Happy Reformation Day!

It Is Well With My Soul

Four months ago today my family and I loaded into the rental car and left our Michigan home. It is sad because the clarity of my recollection of all-things-St.-Joe is slipping. The things I knew -my friends, church,and home, as well as places we went and things we did- are not as fresh in my mind as they were just a few months ago. I miss it all! I miss the deepness of friendship and the routine of our life (but maybe not the snow).

Life has continued in St. Joe without us, as life tends to do. It is depressing in some ways. I was looking forward to many things. The church has opened up the new worship center and life within the church has changed, and we are not there. Our neighbor got married this summer and I was looking forward to getting to know his new wife. The main floor bathroom was completed in our house just before we moved and now the new tenants will get to enjoy it, but not I.

It's funny how life can move on in one place but seem to stand still in another. I hear of outings, happenings and gatherings and I can see it all in my mind as if I were there. I know I am not forgotten by friends I've left behind, but it sure is lonely here without new friends to share daily life with. If only Michigan wasn't so far away. Funny, I thought that same thing when we moved there, and my thoughts haven't changed. So, St. Joe is moving on and I feel like I am standing still as I wait for things to move forward.

I long to make connections here and I remind myself that the Lord will provide friends in his time. He knows my need and will bring them in the fullness of time. Those thoughts are reassuring to me, but I continue to battle impatience all the same. I am slowly meeting new people so I know that friendships are begining. *sigh* It's just not something that comes easily for me, never has.

So, here I sit, thinking of my St. Joe friends and my once-upon-a-time St. Joe life. And I thank the Lord for his blessings of good friends near and far and for his loving guidence that has brought us to our new home. In my mind right now is an old hymn written by Horatio Spafford called 'It Is Well With My Soul". Spafford wrote this song as he was crossing the Atlantic after his four daughters died on thier own ship crossing just a few months prior. He was able to be at peace while experiencing deep loss. And although my loss is nothing compared to Spafford's, this is how I feel now....contentment admist the tumultuous journey.

"For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strenth." Philipians 4:11-13

Monterey Jack Enchiladas

The other day I asked for help with my menu selection and I have received many new recipes! Thank you to everyone who passed along new ones......my family thanks you too!

It has also been requested of me to pass along a recipe or two in exchange. So, here is my enchilada recipe. I only ask one thing.....that you think of me when you make it (you can refer to my 'weird' post from yesterday)!!!

~~~Monterey Jack Enchiladas~~~

1.5 lbs grated Monterey Jack cheese

1 C. (aprox.) diced onions

8 flour tortillas
2 chicken breast cooked and cut into small/bite size pieces

Scatter grated cheese, onions and chicken on tortillas and roll up adn place in 9x13 pan.

Add the following ingredients together in a sauce pan (see instructions below).

1/4 C. butter
1/4 C. flour
2 C. chicken broth
1 pint sour cream
1 can diced green chili peppers

Melt butter in sauce pan. Add flour to melted butter and dissolve. Add chicken broth to the sauce pan and bring to a boil. Then add sour cream and chili peppers to the mixture, but do not allow to boil.

Spread sauce on top of filled tortillas followed with a little grated cheese. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes, or until browned on top.

Serve and enjoy!

Me So Weird

I was 'tagged' by my friend Wendy to say 10 weird things about myself. What? ONLY ten? AND I have to publish this list? (sigh) Ok, here it goes.....

1. On cold nights I tuck my pj pants into my socks so my pant legs don't ride up while I'm sleeping. I know, I'm a control freak....oh! that's another one!
2. I can be a control freak/perfectionist. There are times that I gotta have things 'just so'. (ie. when I used to make my enchiladas I would cut up the chicken and put it into equal piles so that each enchilada had the same amount.) However, I am trying to give up being a perfectionist, I'm not good at it.
3. I like to sleep with my head under my pillow.
4. I only wear white socks. I have nothing against 'socks of color' or those who wear them, I just don't think they look good with my white tennis shoes, and I feel funny like it just doesn't look right on me.
   
5. Bugs in my house creep me out! They are safe, for the most part, when they are outside. I'm not a screamer but I can put out a pretty good one when I happen upon an unsuscpecting bug. Ewwwe!
6. I have had the same part in my hair since I was in junior high.
7. Red is the only color of nail polish I use on my toes. It can be various shades of red, but red it must be.
   
8. The french manicure look is the only thing that looks normal, or right, to me on my finger nails. And I do my own nails with the store bought french manicure set. What can I say, I'm cheap!
   
9. I am double-jointed in eight of my fingers (thumbs included). For some reason my pinkies are not a part of this weirdness.
   
10. I don't wear make-up. Well, occasionally I'll swipe the blush on my cheeks but that's only on special occasions.

There, I did it. Whew! Thanks Wendy for making me bear my soul. Now it's my turn! heh heh I don't have many blog friends so it will be easy to pick them. So, Caterina and my new blog friend Diane are the chosen ones to bear their weirdness to the bloggin' world!

What's For Dinner?

Help! I'm drowning in recipes of same-ness! I need some new dinner recipes. We are getting tired of different versions of "chicken delight". Can anyone give me some new ideas or recipes for my dinner repertoire? I don't mind chicken, it is easy to work with, I just need to "delight" in something new.

Help? Anyone? Please?

First Words

Isabel is saying her first words! We noticed this new develope-
ment last week but she may have been using her new words earlier than that. Isabel's first offical word is Da-da. She said it one evening, then later that night she tapped Ryan on the elbow and said it again. So cute! She has been saying Ma-ma too, but I think she has been saying that for a little bit longer than Da-da. When Isabel is hungry or just plain not happy she will come up to me (usually when I'm making dinner) and cling to my legs and cry "ma-ma-ma-ma-ma-ma!!!". I did not count this as a word, let alone a first word, since it is pretty much just fussing. If my name is said in a fussy, whinny tone then it is pretty much ignored. So, for this reason I am allowing Da-da to be the first word spoken by Isabel. Ryan can have the glory and that is fine with me. We thought maybe her first word would be sockie since she can't go to sleep without it! Oh well, maybe it will be added to her vocabulary next?

**note her super-cute shoes! Do you know what makes them even more cute???.....I got them on clearance for three bucks! Oh yeah!

Pop Quiz!

Today I was surfing the web and came across a quiz. It was called What Do You Remember From School? Basically there are ten questions that include geography, math, science and history. I amused myself and took it. I passed! I missed only one question and got an A+!!! I think I'll print it out and send it to my parents, won't they be so proud?!

I also took another quiz about urban legands. I did pretty well with that one too, only missed one. Guess this means I can not be duped when it comes to stories being forwarded via email! Yeah for me!

However, I did not do so well with the word quiz. I missed, well, too many (4 out of 10 correct). I guess I am knot very gud with werds. No, I won't be sending that one home to Ma.

How well can you do with these quizzes, hmmm?

Study Questions

I went to my new bible study on Tuesday night. The study is going through the book of Genesis and I am enjoying being back in the Word on a regular basis. Last week I was not able to go for the teaching on the first chapter of our lesson, and I realized that I missed some important things that came out of it. I need to go back and finish the parts of the lesson that I did not do at home.

Although I am enjoying the study, I do have some questions. Most of my questions are about some of the things that the leader said or things that were stated in the written part of our lesson. My question, or issue, that I have is that these "things" were represented as fact. If they had been conveyed as supposition or theory then it would be easier for me to accept. However, these statements are not by any means salvational issues, they do not change who God is or what Christ has done for us.

So, you must be wondering what my questions are. Ok, here they are:

1. What exactly was Adam's job in the garden?
   
2. Were there restrictions on what was allowed in the garden? The leader stated that wild animals were to be outside the garden, and domesticated animals were allowed inside. She said that because Adam was not doing his job that the snake was able to come into the garden and tempt Eve. I don't recall reading that in the bible! If this is true then the fall of man began when Adam slacked on the job.
3. Did animals, or humans, eat meat before the fall? It came out in discussion time, and in the questions for this weeks lesson, that meat had not yet been used for food. I realize that the first time a sacrifice is recorded in scripture was when God provided clothing for Adam and Eve by using animal skin. Does this mean that it is the first time an animal died?

I do need to go back and read through the notes and material that I missed last week, and I will. However, please feel free to answer any of my questions if you have a better understanding than I. I do ask that if you respond to the questions that you be able to back it up with scripture. That is the issue I am having with these statements, I can not see where it can be supported elsewhere in the bible. If that is the case then these things are not necessarily true, they may be good ideas of what it may have been like, but not necessarily fact.

I am interested hear your ideas and thoughts.

Tuesday Workout

I'm so pathetic! I just got home from an aerobic workout class, a class I had to walk out of! It was either I leave or stay there and throw up! I chose the former. I still felt tired and weak when I got home. Ryan suggested I have a metabolism issue and I should eat some sugar item to get back to normal. My sugar item is a watermellon Otter-Pop. Yum. Actually, ewe! I chose the watermellon one so that my lips and tounge would be a normal color when I pick up Mae and Caleb from school in a little bit. Could you imagine me showing up with green lips?! I do feel better now that I've had the nasty popcicle. How do these kids eat these things? Better question.....why did I buy them?

Well, so much for my workout! Maybe I should stick to water aerobics or the stationary bike. (sigh) I'm so pathetic!

Just Looking

I went to Michael's yesterday, just to look around (no, the kids were not with me, are you crazy?!). I had gone to look at their calender of craft events but knew I would end up walking the isles, dreaming of future projects, and I did. I looked in the stamp and scrapbook isles (many stamping supplies are hidden amonst the scrapbook stuff, but still I resist to be sucked into the world of scrapbooking). I found some scrap pads of paper with different patterns and textures, so I bought one. Also, in the ribbon section I got two spools that were on clearance (is that what you call "things" of ribbons, spools?) It's hard to resist a good clearance deal. Funny, I doubt I would have bought them if they were the same price but not on clearance.

I also browsed the yarn isles. Oh so many different colors and textures!! It made me want to make something. I crocheted a few baby blankets for friends but none for myself. And the other year I made a lovely scarf for my mother-in-law. I had attempted to make one before I made Sharon's but it became a comedy of errors so I put it away. I suppose I can take the yarn out and start again now that I have a better idea of what I am doing. It would make a great Christmas project. In fact I think I will! I am in need of something to do and I want to be creative in some way. Then maybe I'll bust out my card making supplies and bang out some cards with my stuff! Sounds like a plan! I'd better go and find my crochet supplies..............hmmm, now where did I put that stuff when I unpacked???

Where's Dinner?

It was a Friday night tradition in my family when I was growing up to get Roundtable Pizza for dinner. It was pretty much the only time my mom did not have to cook. I have always liked the weekly tradition so Ryan and I have made it a part of our life together too. When we first married I had wanted it to remain the same, pizza, but soon ventured to allow other menus. It still remains that we go out or order in on Friday nights.

Before moving from Michigan a new resteraunt open up called Panera. Panera has freshed baked breads and they are used in their delicous sandwiches. They also have great salads and their bakery goods always look fabulous. We loved Panera! When we moved we found a Panera pretty much down the street from us. Mae loves the place (she calls it 'Anera...sounds like ah-nair-ah) so she always requests we go there on Fridays. We have also found a great little Italian place that serves yummy breadsticks and great pizza. It is a nice little sit-down place where you can order other Italian foods besides pizza, but why would you want to? I think that is my choice for Friday nights. Caleb pretty much doesn't care, he likes them all, and Isabel is just along for the ride (and bits of breadsticks that get thrown her way!). Ryan is a crap shoot. His tastes are always changing, so I never know what he will be in the mood for until he comes home from work that night.

So, the question of the day is......where we will go for dinner tonight?

What will you have for dinner, or where will you go?

My View of Things?

I realized something about myself yesterday. It all started last week when we forgot to set out the garbage for pick up. I realized this mistake the next morning, after the garbage man had passed our house, but I walked over to the nieghbors trash container anyway just to make sure. Apparently they had a lot of garbage because half of it was stuck in the bottom and only the top half came out when the garbage truck dumped the container. So it was too late to set out our garbage, we were going to have to wait a week to get rid of what we had along with another weeks worth of garbage. Great.

This week I set out our very full garbage container at the curb the day before pick up, just to make sure no one forgot! But when I went to bring in the container it was still full. Again, I went over to check the nieghbor's container. Still full. Hmm. This only means one thing. The garbage man had not yet come by our house. Sure enough, a little while later our garbage was picked up.

So, what is it that I realized about myself.......last week it was not too late set out our garbage......I see things as half empty!

**how'd I do Teresa?

Me

Yesterday I received an email (a "forward" actually) from a friend. It was one of those answer-the-questions-about-yourself kind of emails. After you fill in your answers then you are to forward the email on to other friends/family so they can get to know you better. So, instead of annoying all my friends with another "forward" I'll just answer the questions here! (I don't have anything interesting to write about, so I'll just bore you with details about myself!) Ha!

1. What is your first name? Deanne
2. Where you named after anyone? yes, my dad, Dean
3. When did you last cry? this morning (I miss having friends near by)
4. Do you like your handwriting? it's ok, depends on how quickly I write.
5. What is your favorite lunch meat? pastrami (Oooo, pastrami and dill havarti sandwich! Mmmm)
6. Do you have kids? yep, 3
7. If you were another person would you be friends with you? I think so, yes.
8. Do you have a journal? does this blog count?
9. Do you use sarcassm a lot? Hmm, "a lot" is a realative term! Ok, yes.
10. Do you still have your tonsils? yes
11. Would you bungee jump? only if I was harnessed to another and they are the ones who actually do the jumping off, I could never do on my own free will.
12. Do you snore? nope
13. do you untie your shoes when you take them off? yes
14. Do you think you are strong? physically, no. mentally, maybe (I was able to give birth with no epidural, does that count?....not my choice by the way.)
15. What is your favorite ice cream flavor? I like, er love, chocolate fudge brownie by Edy's. On the West Coast I think it is made under the Dryer's brand, I gotta check that out!)
16. Shoe size? 7
17. Red or pink? RED (pink, ewe, that's so foo-foo girly!)
18. What is the least favorite thing about yourself? impatience
19. Who do you miss the most? right now, my friends in Michigan
20. What color pants and shoes are you wearing? blue jeans (it's my mommy uniform), no shoes...just white socks
21. What was the last thing you ate? chips and salsa
22. What are you listening to right now? my typing
23. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? cranberry red
    
24. Wat is your favorite smell? a flower shop
    
25. Who was the last person you talked with on the phone? my mommy
26. The first thing you notice about people you meet? thier face
27. Favorite drink? fruit smoothie.....mmmmm
28. Favorite sport? I like to watch olympic sports, pretty much all venues
29. Hair color? my hair is dark brown
30. Eye color? hazel (I call them my hypercolor eyes, they change colors!)
31. Do you wear contacts? nope
32. Favorite food? fruit
33. Scary movies or happy endings? scary movie
34. Last movie you watched? Strickly Ballroom (gotta love Blockbuster.com!)
35. What color shirt are you wearing? white
36. Summer or winter? now that I no longer live in snowy Michigan, winter (hahaha)
37. Hugs or kisses? hugs
38. Favorite dessert? cobbler.....mmmmm
39. Books you are reading? nothing at the moment, finsihed Black the other week.
40. What's on your mouse pad? no mouse pad, just a peice of paper
41. What's you biggest pet peeve? other people's self absorbtion
42. What's your favorite sound? silence after the kids are in bed. ahhhh
43. The furthest you've been from home? Florida
44. Do you have a special talent? creativeness.....right now it comes out when I make cards
    
45. When and where were you born? November 2, 1975, Modesto, CA

That's it folks. That's me!

Ok, now I think I'm done answering these questionaire-email-forward "thingys". So don't send them to me anymore! : )

**Thanks Caterina for giving me something to post for today!

Today's Happiness

I'm kind of down today. I miss having friends nearby and I keep catching myself in a pity party about not having any prospects of a local friend and wanting to connect with other ladies my age and stage in life. So, to help get my thoughts on more "happy" things I am going to remind myself of at least 5 things that I am thankful and happy about.

1. I used my new Kitchen Aid mixer last week to make some awesome breadsticks (thanks Wendy for the recipe and reason to use the mixer!) The mixer is a dream and totally fabulous!
2. I just finished, not one, but two days of study in my weekly bible study. I'm ahead of the game this week! Whoo-hoo!
3. Ryan helped clean off the kitchen counter yesterday. There is one particular spot that gathers all junk mail and miscellaneous crap like a magnet and just won't let go! But now it is all clean. A clean kitchen just makes me happy!
4. Although Isabel got up early this morning and wrecked my daily routine, she went back down and let me get a few more z's.....thank you Isabel, I love you! (oh, and Caleb was nice and quiet for me too, gotta love that boy!)
5. I went on a date with Ryan last night! It's just plain nice to get out, alone, with my husband. Good dinner, great company, fabulous sitter! What a combination!
6. I had my first mug of hot chocolate this afternoon. Some may wonder why I would have hot chocolate where I live. Here's your answer.....it is getting "cooler" and I was sitting by an open window while wearing a short-sleeved shirt.....ok?! It is just soothing to have a warm mug of cocoa in the fall. (next week will be pumpkin bread....mmmm!)
   

Not bad, eh? I'm sure there is more to be happy and thankful for, but for now I'll just ponder these things and say a prayer of thanks to the Lord for his provisions and blessings. Then I will continue to trust that He will bring me a friend when the time is right.

Little Reasons

Today is Ryan's birthday so I thought I'd do a little list of 32 reasons why I love him!

1. he makes me laugh
2. we play video games together
   
3. he can still dip me!
4. he likes chic flicks! (major plus!!)
   
5. he is a great father to our children
6. he is patient with me
7. doesn't let me get away with things (not always appreciated at the time though)
   
8. he is intelligent
   
9. makes wise decisions
10. loves the Lord
11. he is a good leader in our home
12. he is not lazy
13. not afraid to be silly around me
14. he is supportive of my dreams and goals (even if they are silly!)
15. he shares his life with me
16. appreciates my creativity
17. I can count on his honesty
18. has nice eyes
    
19. he is strong
20. he loves his little girls (and his son!)
    
21. he challenges me
22. he trusts me
23. shares his dreams with me
24. he is a handsome man
25. he has a great smile
26. he is quick to apologize when wrong
    
27. he is a hard worker
28. he is respectful of others
29. not afraid to do what is right
30. desires to help others
31. wants to learn how to dance with me (I can't wait!)
    
32. He loves me!

Happy birthday big guy! I love you!

Busy Day

Whoa, what a day! I woke up to the realization that I did not set my alarm! It was a little before 8:00 when I looked at the clock and Caleb has to be at preschool at 8:30. This means that I had to forego my shower and done my hat (not such a bad thing anyway considering my previously mentioned need for a hair cut!). So, it's out of bed in a rush to get somewhat ready to greet the outside world, make sure that Caleb is dressed and fed, and then dress and feed Isabel. I had to hold off having my own breakfast. However, I was amazed that Caleb was not late. Yeah, they were just opening the doors as I pullled into the parking lot! Whew, he's not late.

Alright, Caleb's at school, so I go home to take that shower. I eat, shower, get all purdied up and off I go to run some errands. I go to two stores then head to Mae's school to pick her up. I pull up to the school a few minutes early. Whew, again, I'm not late! After Mae is in the truck we head to Caleb's school and wait for him to get out. Then back home to eat lunch and relax for a bit.

Then it is time to take Mae back to her school for soccer practice that started today. I have no idea where I am going. I am not familar with the school enough to know where she's supposed to go! Yikes! I go to the office and wait for someone to acknowledge my presence and ask me what I need. Doesn't happen. I happen to overhear another lady in the office ask my very question "where do the kids meet for the soccer practice?" So, being the resourceful person I am, I follow her. I also happen to notice that the lady working in the office is looking at me strangely as I walk out. Hmm, so helpful. Anyway, Mae gets to her soccer practice and I leave to run another errand that didn't get done earlier. After the errand I have enough time to go home and throw dinner in the crockpot and check my beloved email (and maybe a blog or two). Then it's back to the soccer field to get Mae.

I'm home now and the kids are happily installed in thier rooms for nap/quiet time (well, I should say I'm happy they are installed!) Dinner is on its way and I have completed my daily bible study. Can I relax now? Does this qualify me as a "soccer mom"?? Oh man, I've just entered into another phase of life!

Hello, my name is Deanne and I am a Soccer Mom.

New Spectales!

What do you think?? I picked up my new glasses yesterday and I'm so excited! What is it about new things that make one so happy? There is one thing I know for sure that I am excited about with these new glasses, they have Transition lenses! That means the lenses darken up when I go outside. No longer will I have need for sunglasses! However, when in a vehicle, the sun's uv rays are blocked by the windows so my glasses won't respond and get darker. I tried to make them transition anyway when I was out and about this morning. I opened the windows and the sunroof, but to no avail. (sigh) Oh well, guess this just means I need to get out more! So, what do you think? Are they me? Do I look fabulous?

psst!.....don't look at my hair, it's not a good day, I need a haircut!! You looked, didn't you! (sigh) Any thoughts about a new style? I need a new one of those too!

Sitter has Been Found!

Whoo-hoo!! I just got off the phone and have now secured our first babysitter since moving! Ah, it feels so nice to have that settled! In fact I can now cross off a couple more things from my to-do list that I posted last week......I have looked into a home group, we will be visiting next week, and I have found a babysitter! I feel like getting up and dancing! There is a James Brown song going through my mind right now.....I feel good....nah nah nah nah nah nah nah....I feel good.........

Since we now have a sitter, I have already filled her calender! hee hee Not only will she watch the kids next week for our visit to the home group BUT she will also be here this weekend as Ryan and I head out on, get this, a date! Whoo-hoo! I'm so excited, and I just can't hide it, I'm about to loose control and I think I like it........

Buggin'

I don't like bugs. They "bug" me. Well, they creep me out is what they do! Bugs give me the heebie geebies, the creepy crawlies! I can step on the smaller bugs, the ones that I know won't "pop" when I step on them or ones that I won't feel being squished. And sometimes, if I'm feeling brave enough, I can get a big ol' wad of paper towel and grab the offending creature and squish it and throw it away, or flush it down the toilet. Really though, Ryan helps me out in this case and tries to protect his fragile flower! But in a perfect world I would just prefer them to stay outside where they belong. Even in that case, it's best if they stay away from the house too, I don't like to walk through spider webs, it makes me wonder where the spider was when I walked through the web......"is it in my hair now??" Ewwwe!!! I just have one question......"if God created spiders to keep down the population of other bugs, then why did he make so many bugs?"

I think I am quite a spectacle when in the garden. I can only imagine what a hilarious time onlookers have when they watch me weeding or planting. When I come across a bug I jump back or flick my hands about to make sure it didn't get on me. I even let out a yelp or two in the process. I really should stay away from the garden.

In Michigan I was introduced to a whole new breed of bugs. Centepedes. Talk about ewwe!! Those creepy little things have way too many legs! What purpose do they serve in this world, other than creepin' me out? I just can't know. But I do know this......whenever I came across one I would quickly scramble for my handy bug juice squirter! (I should buy stock in Ortho.....their Home Defense was a lifesaver!) With as much bug juice as I used it was more likely that the bug died of drowning rather than by poison. The good thing about the bug juice is that they can be poisoned and crawl away and die elsewhere (if they don't drown first). If I was on top of my bug affliction then I would spray the perimeter of each room with the juice and, for the most part, the bugs would stay away. I love bug juice!

This morning I was getting Isabel's breakfast ready before I got her up and I discovered ants were all over her highchair! Now, I don't typically have issue with ants (they don't pop and I never feel the squish) but I do have issue with them when they are in numbers! Having ants all over my kitchen or bathroom counters is not welcome in my home, so to have them all over the highchair was just plain wrong! Poor Isabel, she's awake and hearing me moving about the house and I know she's starving! Sorry girl, but I just can't have little creepy crawlies on you while you eat! Could you imagine? Ewwe.

Did you know.....Simple Green (yes, the household cleaner) kills ants? How do I know this? Well, when we moved, the moving company would not take my juice (some lame excuse like "hazardous material"). So I was left defenseless. No sooner did we get here then the ants moved in as well. As I said, I was defenseless, but I did have a small little bottle Simple Green (not hazardous material??) and in my attempt to rid the counters of the ant invasion I grabbed the bottle and sprayed! Simple Green anialated them instantly! It not only cleans, it kills! Awesome.

Monthly Movie Log

This past month we signed up with Blockbuster.com, so we have watched a lot of movies this month. This is a great deal for us, especially since they give you a free in-store rental coupon each week! With this plan we can have up to 3 movies at one time. My favorite part is getting the movies in the mail, of course the best part is that we return the movie when we are ready. It has been fun, and since we are paying a monthly fee and get unlimited movies we have been able to watch movies that we might not have taken the risk to rent (like a documentry or something that sounds good but has lesser known people in them). Here is what we have seen this month.

Aeon Flux (Good! similar to Matrix, sort of)
Must Love Dogs (I didn't like it, wouldn't recommend)
Transporter 2 (cheesy, but entertaining)
World's Fastest Indian (I love Anthony Hopkins! true story too!)
Unfinished Life (not bad for a Robert Redford, J Lo., drama flick)
The Village (Ooo, that was good!)
Emmauel's Gift (ok, for a documentry.....was slow, but interesting)
Mysterious Island (long & boring, but it helped pass the time as we drove home from Modesto!)
Daniel Deronda (good. long.)
My Date With Drew (fun, cheap documentry similar to Super-size Me)
On a Clear Day (alright for a British film, those Brits have an odd sense of humor!)
16 Blocks (good action movie....dvd has an alternate ending..fun!)
Signs (a little creepy but not too scary for me, although Ryan got a little freaked out!)
Blackhawk Down (true story with lots of action and war gore, a little too much for me)

My favorite movie of the month was The Village. I am always updating our movie queue on-line, any recommendations???