LAYER ONE:
On The Outside-
Name: Lisa
Nickname: none
Birthdate: August 29
Birthplace: Phoenix, AZ
Current Location: Maricopa,Arizona
Eye Color:blue
Hair Color: redish brown, naturally I am 100% grey
Height:5'6" ( I thought I was 5'5" for over 20 years. I was measured recently and found out I was actually 5'6"- it was totally weird!)
Righty or Lefty: righty
Zodiac Sign: Virgo
Religion:Lutheran
Sex: Female
LAYER TWO:
In The Inside-
Your heritage: Polish/Irish
The shoes you wore today: none yet, will be wearing flip flops when I take Josh to the doc.
Who you look like: my dad
Your weakness: kids, especially boys.
Your fears:Dying before my kids are 18, where my illness is taking me
Your perfect pizza: any pizza is a good pizza, but my favorite is ham/pineapple/black olive
Goal you'd like to achieve: raising my sons into wonderful young men
LAYER THREE:
Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow-
Your most overused phrase on AIM/MSN: LMBO
Your thoughts first waking up: Why did I let Joel sign up for football at 6am?
Your best feature: smile
Your bedtime: I like to be in bed at 10 asleep by 11, but this summer I am trying to be in bed at 9 asleep by 9:30
Your most missed memory:I miss my ds's being preschoolers.
LAYER FOUR:
Your Pick- Pepsi or Coke: Usually Coke is my preferance but don't care that much.
McDonalds or Burger King: Neither, Wendy's or Sonics
Single or group dates: My DH won't let me date anymore.
Adidas or Nike: Nike is my fave.
Chocolate or vanilla: chocolate!!
Cappuccino or coffee: Cappuccino
LAYER FIVE:
Do You?- Smoke: NO!
Curse: almost never
Sing: yep and love karaoke
Have had a crush(es): yes
Think you've been in love: Yes
Want to get married: I am married
Believe in yourself: Yes
Motion sickness: Sometimes in a car, if I read
Think you're attractive: yes
Think you're a health freak: interested in it, but not a freak
Get along with your parents: yes
Like thunderstorms: yes, but I am scared of wind.
Play an instrument:I play guitar, flute
LAYER SIX:
Have you ever...-
Smoked: no
Done a drug: no
Gone to the mall?: yes, but not in ages, we don't have one here,lol.
Eaten an entire box of Oreos: no, love them, but those things can kill you.
Eaten sushi: no, and it aint gonna happen
Been on stage: Yes, I was in concert band for 10 years, and I sing anytime anyone will let me,lol.
Gone skating: Roller and Ice both, but I really can't ice skate worth a crap.
Gone skinny dipping: - nope, and that aint gonna happen either,lol.
Dyed your hair: yes, on a monthly basis
Stolen anything: when I was 4, I stole a tool for my dad. He made me take it back.
Played a game that required removal of clothing: heck no
Been caught "doing something": yes, on more than one occasion.
Been called a tease: yeah, but he was psycho
Gotten beaten up: No
Shoplifted: NO
LAYER SEVEN:
Getting Older-
Age you hope to be married: I married at 18, then again at 34
Numbers and Names of Children: I have 2, Joel and Josh
Describe your dream wedding:I dunno, I am really not into that
How do you want to die: in my sleep
What do you want to be when you grow up: Not sure, I am at a crossroads. I loved my previous job, preschool teacher, but we will have to see what comes next.
What country would you most like to visit: Canada, but I would really like to RV through the US
LAYER NINE:
In a partner-
Best eye color?: I love blue, but don't care-
Best hair color?: don't care
Short or long hair:long
Height: don't care
Best articles of clothing:Levis or Wranglers
LAYER TEN:
In The Numbers...-
Number of drugs taken illegally: Zero
Number of CDs that you own: I have no clue
Number of piercings:2
Number of tattoos:Zero
Number of times my name has appeared in the newspaper?:Several. I live in a small town so it really isn't a big deal unless it is in the Police blotter,lol.

Parenting is tough

Duh,lol. I had another big ol thing w/ my ex today. I really hate them, I think he likes them, knows I hate them,and that is why we have them,lol.
He called and said, "I want you to bring the kids over this afternoon." I told him I couldn't right now ( dh was working on my car), what was up? He said that he wants Josh and his friend to come stay for a week, and I said let me get my appt. book, and we will try to get something set up. That made him mad from the get go. His brother was in the car, and he was talking to me, but for his brothers benefit. I told him that Josh had an appt Tues. PM and on Fri AM, so we would need to work around that. He was not pleased about that, but we continued the conversation. I said that there were a few things I felt the need to talk to him about, because we had not spoken in awhile. He said ok, then as soon as I asked him about where he stored his guns ( he and I have had previous problems regarding guns, and our boys are teenagers, I want to know how they are being stored) he started saying things like " Stop yelling at me" and "There is no need to get so out of control" Like I said, that was to benefit his brother. I never yelled. He said that he is not 12, he knows what he needs to do, and I have no right to ask him any questions. I feel differently. I feel I have not only the right, but the responsibility. I also wanted to share some things that were discussed during the last session w/ the counselor that Josh and I had, but we never got that far. He made it about him. He said he was hanging up, and that he was going to call Joel's cell phone and tell him about it, so that Joel could hate me as much as Josh and Josh's friend do.
I really think this is mostly about him NOT wanting the kids this week, after he had said to the kids that we should set something up. I think he is starting to have problems again, either emotionally or financially, and wanted his brother to think it is me, not him. I asked him to please not involve the kids in our disagreement, but he called Joel anyway. Joel was great, he said that "Dad people disagree every day, and people get over it too" His dad then said "I don't know how you deal w/ her everyday" That really makes me angry because I do not speak poorly of their dad in front of them, no matter what I think of him. It just stinks for everyone involved.

sunday.......... a great day

I was worried that our fathers day would turn out like memorial day, or most of our family functions w/ someone all ticked off and being grumpy. I am so thrilled that did not happen. I asked Dh ahead of time to please please try, and I also asked that of the boys. They all tried and we all had a great day.
I had not seen my parents since april, so I was excited to finally get there. We celebrated Mothers Day, my moms bday and Fathers day. Everyone loved their gifts, it was almost like Christmas!
I have 30 dollars from my mom, I am going to stock up on bazzill cardstock. Chris got a gc for BIg 5, and my mom also got me a cookbook " fix it and forget it, recipes for entertaining".
I got my mom a apple candle ( for the cabin since it is decorated w/ apples), and a birdhouse. I got my dad a shirt that says Grill Sargent, you would have to know him to totally get how appropriate that shirt is,lol.
We had a great dinner, and hung out and everyone had a great time. My mom and I are going to go to their cabin, just girls, in a couple of weeks, I am so looking forward to that.

Pieces of ME ( thanks Dianna, Tricia,lol)

12 Movies:
*I am Sam
* John Q
* In a Child's Name
* Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
* Wizard of OZ
* Loosing Isaiah
* anything w/ Melissa Gilbert in it
* almost anything on Lifetime
* movies on Court TV
* I Think My First Name is Steven
* Michaell
* Without a Trace


11 Good bands/artists:
* Travis Tritt
* Wynonna Judd
* Toby Keith
* Journey
* Rascal Flatts
* Faith Hill
* Gretchen Wilson
* Martina McBride
* Trisha Yearwood
* Jo Dee Messina
* Leanne Rimes

10 things about me:
* I desperately wanted 2 girls, but had 2 boys and could not be happier!
* I am trying to eat healthier
* I love all animals ( even snakes)
* I am in the process of decluttering my home. It is hard for me because I am very sentimental.
* I love cheese. I like to melt it in a bowl in the microwave and eat it w/ a fork.
* I love sarcasm
* Navy blue is my favorite color
* Chows are my favorite dog
* I have a pig ( ducks, chickens and a goat too)
* I am starting a worm bin.

9 good friends:
* My DH Chris
* My sons ( sorry if you think it is cheating)
* Vivian
* Alison
*Kristie
* Dianna
* Kristie
* Nikki
* all of my friends from LM Chat!

8 favorite foods and drinks:
* Chocolate Diet Coke from Sonic
* Venti Java Chip Frap from Starbucks
* Onion Rings from Sonic
* Ben and Jerry's New York Super Fudge Chunk Ice Cream
* Butter Toffee Peanuts
* Pizza, love ham/pineapple
* Flips ( choc covered pretzels)
* cheese
7 things you wear daily:
* Undies
* mascara
* hairspray
* toenail polish
* deoderant
* warm vanilla sugar body spray
* toe ring

6 things you hate: ( I really hate the word hate,lol, and thinking of things to hate... if you insist..)
* People who sit in judgement of others ( not your job- ok?)
* uncooked onions
* arthritis
* abuse
* my son's messy room
* black coffee

5 things you do daily:
*go online, check w/ favorite message boards, emails, chat w/ friends
* laundry
* feed the birds
* drink a gallon of water
* make the bed

4 shows you watch:
* Guiding Light
* America's Most Wanted
* Forensic Files
* Dr. G Medical Examiner

3 places I've lived: ( no laughing please)
* Phoenix, AZ.
* Glendale, AZ.
& good thing I moved one more time or I would only have 2,lol
* Maricopa, AZ.

2 things I want:
* my boys to become happy adults
* a mini van


1 person I want to see right now
* my mom! I get to see her tomorrow and I am so excited.

Its a beautiful day in the neighborhood

This week I have been in high gear. Today is a little lighter for me, WHEW! I did some errands this morning, not in a rush and enjoyed myself. I got a Venti Java Chip Frapp this morning ( my first one in ages, since I got hooked on choc diet cokes from Sonic,lol).
The house is clean, I have a new magazine and I am going to take it easy. I have been organizing my scraproom a little bit every afternoon, and trying to keep up on watering my plants, especially the ones in containers. They need water every day.
I am so excited to go see my parents this Sunday. They have not been home on a weekend in months so I have not seen my mom for her birthday, mothers day and now it is fathers day already,lol. We are going over there late in the day so that Joel and Josh can spend some time w/ their dad. As usual every time there is a family activity everyone but me is in a tizzy about something. Joel and Josh do not want to leave their dads to go visit w/ my dad. Chris wants to pick them up even earlier so that we can go to my parents earlier, and get home earlier. It is a big deal to him to be back home early on Sunday. I told him this time it is just not going to work out that way. Hopefully everyone adjusts their attitudes before then. I want a wonderful day.
Well, it is noon here and I have not eaten yet, so I need to get a move on.

boys are gross

And for once, the title came easy,lol
Here was the conversation in the car today.
Chris (josh's friend)- "Hey Josh, wipe your finger behind your ear and smell it. It is soooooooooooo gross!
Josh does it, and says " Well, it does not smell to me, but I just washed my hair"
Chris-" Oh, maybe that is why"
Josh-" You know what really smells? Wipe your finger under your pit and then smell it"
Chris-" Yeah, I know that smells."
Josh-" I did not even have to move my shirt, it smells right through!"
Chris- "That is pretty cool, you will have to tell my dad!"
All I could do was sit there shaking my head.
Today was a good day, I got 3 more bags to goodwill today, and built my worm farm. I am hoping to get some worms by the weekend! It is pretty wierd, but Josh and Chris think it is gross,lol.
Tomorrow I am looking forward to a football game in the evening. My dad is going to come and watch Joel also, so that will be fun.

Sunday Morning

I really can't deal w/ this title thing,lol. I almost did not do an entry because I do not have a title for every flipping day,lol.
Today, Chris is sitting outside of a local store trying to unload our last two kittens. The one we decided to keep is running all around searching for them, it is really sad.
Mama cat is being spayed next week, and our new baby boy is getting neutered the first week of July. NO more accidents,lol.
Our chickens are laying eggs like crazy-nothing better than real eggs.
Joel is feeling better, and works a half day today. I am taking Josh and his friend to their work, to pick up things they left there yesterday,lol. Then I am going to walmart for a few things. Hopefully Chris and I will meet back at home around the same time and we can watch a movie or something. I do not even want to think about dinner, is it ok if I don't???
I think I might finally be happy w/ my hair, that would be great,lol. We shall see over the next few days. My hair has been the same basic style forever, but I had a bit cut last week and am trying a new styling product, so far so good.
Now to work on the clothes and the body,lol. That will take a lot more work than the hair.
I decided how I want to do my scrap area. I am going to have chris measure for some folding tables in there. It is a small area, so I am going to put tables all along the walls, and use iris carts underneath. I then, as I can afford it, will get a couple of nice office chairs and then maybe I can invite someone over to scrap. I have been organizing the smaller things in anticipation of getting the tables, I think I might be able to get the tables this week. I also want to move my computer out there, so it is in the scrap area and on a nice long table. That will also free up room in my bedroom, which is fairly small as well.
Well, I am off- Peace Out.

a lazy morning???

Gosh I hope so,lol. Today it seems as though I have the morning off. I got a yummy frozen pizza for Joel and I for lunch so I don't have a thing to think about. Well, the floor needs to be vacuumed but I am ignoring it this morning. Josh and his buddy are at the paintball course already, hard at work. When I finish here I am going to try to find a Lifetime movie and scrap. Joel is still asleep, unusual for him. I have a yummy chocolate candle burning in here, I think when I leave I will move it with me. I have CMT in the background and am generally just chillin out. I just realized that although I am happy that one of my favorite songs has been remade by one of my favorite groups, I have been around long enough to have heard this song done by the original artist, and remade not once but twice. GOSH- maybe I am as old as I feel,lol.
Joel has been really sick all week, I hope our lazy day helps him. You know he is sick when he is not asking to drive,lol.
About my friend in my last entry, I decided to distance myself, so I am not as emotionally involved. I am not ending the friendship, and it prolly is not going to take a lot of effort to put some distance in, she has a new/old boyfriend right now and is pretty busy. This is perfect timing I think.
Anyway, I think I am going to take advantage of the quiet house.

why does everything need a title?

LOL! I am just beyond busy these days, with no end in sight. I would not have it any other way, but I am still pretty tired.
Joel has football practice in the morning, we leave at 5:30. I take another boy w/ us in the morning, and his mom brings Joel home. then, Joel works in the afternoons, and then M,T, TH he has baseball games that run from right after work to almost 11 at night. Wed he has football, just until around 8 though. Looking forward to Saturday when he has no sports or work. You can bet that Josh will need to run somewhere though,lol.
I have a friend who is kind of driving me crazy. I really try to accept people for who they are, and not judge them. For the most part I am pretty good at it, I think. She just does not think things through at all. Then, she does not like what happens and becomes depressed. I hate to see her struggle, but for the most part, the things she is going through are of her own doing. She does not usually ask for suggestions, but when she does she debates why they won't work. Ugh.
Right now she is upset that the kittens that I gave her are scratching. What 36 yr old woman, who had cats as a child, did not know that they scratch. She asked how to get them to stop, so I gave her ideas and even though she has not tried any of them, she is sure they will not work. I think she is going to ask me to take them back.
She is upset that her 15 yr old son will not get a job. She says that she needs the money. She also wants him to babysit while she attends school from 8-2 every day. I asked her when he would have time to work if he babysits that much, and he is also an athlete. She said that is for him to figure out. Double ugh.
She has started and stopped school so many times that her financial aide is messed up. She was supposed to start summer classes this week but they would not approve her. SO, at this point the babysitting issue is a moot point but I am sure it will come up again. She does not have control of the youngest boy and yet she thinks he can control him.
She is really stressed financially, which is only partly her doing, her ex stopped paying child support. She is unemployed in the summer, and did not go file right away ( the part that is her fault) and so she does not have money for her family's essentials like food. She asked me what to do and again, all of my ideas will not work. Someone from her church ended up taking her shopping. I am glad they will be eating this week.
I know I am beyond weird w/ the amount of time I spend shuffling kids to and from their sports, and that I have not missed a game of theirs EVER! The day I was taked to the hospital by ambulance, I got out of ER in time to go to the game, and I went ( much to the dismay of everyone who cares about me,lol.) She upsets me too, because her ds plays his heart out and she is no where to be seen. She said she can not start going to his games because then the younger ones will expect it too. I don't know how when she never even signs them up?? LOL.
I have been pretty frustrated w/ her from time to time, but only got angry w/ her one time when she said that I let my kids run my life.
So, as DR. Phil says, what is the payoff?? Not sure. I do like her. I know it doesn't sound like it w/ this post, I guess I can take some time tomorrow and post about her good qualities. We lost touch once and I really missed her. I do need to figure this out though I think.
Well, this is so long you are prolly sorry you opened this blog..... will write more later!

a big day ahead

Today should be a really big day. This afternoon, we are delivering the last of our two kittens. This is both a happy and sad occasion,lol. We are then off to a birthday party, for one of Chris's godchildren. He is into Star Wars so Chris is in charge of choosing a gift.
Then, I am going to pick up the boys at thier dads. This is thier first visit w/ him in more than 4 years. I have been freaked out the whole time, even though Joel is in almost constant contact w/ me. ( what is new there,lol) Their dad is giving Joel a car today, so this is going to be a really big day for him too. I don't think Joel knows yet or I would have recieved a call.
Things are going so well for Joel these days I am so happy and proud of him.
I haven't written a lot about Josh in my blog so far. He is the complete opposite of me, so, sometimes opposites attract and sometimes they don't,lol. One of the things I am proud of about him these days is he has a great work ethic ( that of course I had no idea about since it is not evident here w/ his chores,lmbo.) He has been working at a paintball course, almost every weekend day for the past month or so to help support his own habit. The guy who owns the course stopped me yesterday and told me that he hopes Josh continues to enjoy paintball because he is so valuable to him as a business owner.
I need to get going about my busy day. I will update more tonight after all of this happens,lol.