Janurary 31st, 2009

Is here and I am so proud and happy to announce that I was able to take a photo a day for 31 days and post on my blog for 31 days...this is so huge for me as I am so guilty of taking on a project and not completing it.

KUDOS TO ME!!!

Today was hectic as we woke up early, took Rick to work, came home to go back to sleep, work up again and went to Alex's basketball (was 15 minutes late) and then...we had to go to Windy City Scrapbooking so I could teach a Basics class. Now normally, I do not work on Saturdays as the twins have activities on this day, but Jen needed Saturday off, last minute and I was kind enough to help her out. The twins are used to being at the store and they can last if I have movies for them to look at or at least something constructive for them to do. They brought crayons and their trouble game and I made sure to tell them that I was teaching, so they got a kick out of that.

I was suppose to have 3 students in class but ended up having 2. I kept apologizing for having my kids with me and they did not seem to mind at all...matter of fact, in the surveys that we have our students fill out, one of them made the comment on how well behaved my children were...that made me very proud.

Once we picked Rick up from work...we grabbed pizza for dinner and came home for a relaxing evening ...as Allegra calls it "Family night"


My POTD...us on a Family night...Christmas 2008 at Grandpa Rufus House...I must admit...in this photo, Allegra looks just like Rick and Alexandre' looks just like me...genes are a trip.


Off to finish up Family Nite as Rick and I will be watching a movie tonight...

Hugs & Kisses
Me

Finally Friday...

the kids were out of school today so we had a relaxing day after waking up this morning. I did not have to go to work today, but I still had errands to run. I wish that I didn't have errands so we did not have to wake up this morning to take Rick to work, but such is life. My main errand was going to the grocery store, which I need to decrease my trips and start buying more in bulk and using our deep freezer more. I also need to start clipping coupons and really paying attention to the sales flyers so that I can save us more money when grocery shopping...I can remember from my days in college down at Bradley when I would clip coupons and get geeked about getting my coupons doubled at Kroger's and I was not even a housewife...I have to do better with that.

For the first time...in a long time, I decided to cook on a Friday night as we are trying keep our budget and not dine out too much. I was so into it...I even baked a cake. It was one of those confetti cakes with the sprinkles in the cake and the frosting had sprinkles too. Rick and the twins had fun licking the batter. I even caught Allegra digging in with all ten fingers and the palms of her hands.

After dinner, Rick relaxed while the kids and I played Trouble, which happened to be one of my favorite board games as a child. I am so glad that we got them this game for Christmas. We only played one round as Alex won, even though he cheated a little, Allegra came in second and I...last.

Off to bed early tonight as we have a busy Saturday...

Hugs & Kisses

Me

So today...

was cool as we did our usual...waking up at 5am to get Rick off to work.
The twins seem to be getting use to doing this as they woke up with no problem and came back home and fell asleep with no problem. Me on the other hand, have had a hard time falling back to sleep and once I do...here they come, so of course...I am tired.
I was going to stay at school with the twins today, but by me getting up sluggish, I did not get a chance to shower and such so I had to return home after dropping them off to get myself together for the day. I also wanted to catch up on my soap operas, All My Children and One Life To Live.
My mom kept the kids for us today and they are spending the night so we can give them a break from getting up early and so I can go into work tomorrow.
I did go to work tonight as well because I had a custom meeting in which I will be getting paid to create a scrapbook for someone else...which is so cool...getting paid to do something you love. This is a good one as it is with a big CEO of Allstate Insurance so I feel honored that they picked me to do their scrapbook for them.
After my custom, I went to pick up Rick and dropped him off at home as I went back to the store for a meeting that we had with Christina. She is back from CHA and we have to look at catalogs and brainstorm on ideas for the store in the upcoming months. Now with this recession thing going on...it has affected Windy City, not too bad but bad enough where we are going to have to continue to pull together to get through it all. She did order a lot of new items so I have to try to set aside a budget to get my scrapbooking shopping back on. Rick has warned me not to bring another thing in the house so I also must take that to heart as well. He knows I am a pack rat and he does tolerate it, but I have to make sure that I am more conscious of what he thinks and feels about things that I do.
Our meeting lasted longer than expected as we had a great time coming up with new ideas for the store and also oohing and aahing over all of the new merchandise. Windy City Scrapbooking will be filled to the brim again with new stuff...can not wait for it all to come in and to merchandise it all.
Here is my POTD...

Sesil, me, Melissa, and Chirstina doing a little

scrapbooking catalogue shopping for Windy City Scrapbooking

I am at home now and about to jump into the bed and hope I fall asleep fast.

5Am comes too soon...

Hugs & Kisses

Me

Hump Day...

Rolled out of bed this morning and realizing it was just the middle of the week. Got everyone dressed okay and Allegra even took some time to read to her daddy the book that I read to her and Alexandre' the night before. They both read to him, in their own versions of the book, which was too cute...of course I had to get a photo opportunity of this one (Rick looks like he is asleep but he is really up)

After I dropped Rick and the twins off, I came back home to do what...house work. I will be so glad once the weather breaks as I am staring to feel like a broken record. I do plan on starting one of my many projects really soon...I think I will start spring cleaning early so that I will not feel overwhelmed as I do every time at the beginning of spring.

I had to take the kids to work with me this afternoon once I picked them up from school and again, like last Wednesday, they were excited to go. This time...I packed them bologna and cheese sandwiches for their after school snack and made sure I had movies again along with popcorn, crayons, and coloring books.

They were cool for the first couple of hours as I would go back and check on them to make sure they were not getting into anything...and then it happened...

Hence...another POTD

The Aftermath

Alex's is the small heap & Allegra's is the larger one

A heap is a heap

I went to the back and found Alexandre' with his kiddie scissors in his hand and Allegra's little voice saying "Mommy...Alex cut my hair and his too!!!" I just stood there and looked at him with his kiddie scissors and Allegra was coloring as though nothing had happened. I went to her head to look at the damage and a little heap of hair fell into my fingertips. I looked at Alex and he holds up in his other hand a small heap of his hair. I did not know what to do initially as we were in a public place. I did not feel right spanking him as it was partially my fault since I was not there to supervise them as I have been in the past...they have been around scissors before without me policing them...maybe Alexandre' was testing his boundaries. I just reprimanded him and also Allegra for letting him cut her hair and I placed him in time out for 10 minutes...he cried the whole time as he thought I was going to spank him when we got home....Allegra even asked me to not spank him because she loved him and he was sorry...talk about little spokeswoman...she takes the cake.

Rick got a kick out of our events of the day...he agreed with me about not spanking Alexandre'...we just explained to them both that scissors only cut paper not hair and skin...I tell you, kids do not come with instruction manuals..if they did...this parenting thing would be easier for us, but you live and learn.

Hugs & Kisses

Me

Long Day

for me today.
I had an appointment today downtown so Rick and the twins dropped me off...instead of having him come back and take me to Windy City, I decided to just catch public transportation, which I have not done since the summer when the van was down before. I am just glad that it was not that cold. I think that we are so spoiled in having vehicles and the twins have only been on the CTA once and never on the EL.
Work was okay as it was me and Jen and then Cheryl came in later. Christina is still in CA, hopefully ordering cool stuff for the store.
Rick picked me up tonight as well, which I wish he did not have to do since he had to drag the kids out as I did not get off until 9pm.
I was glad that he already gave them dinner so once we got home, it was bedtime for them. Rick and I did our usual with the news and Jay Leno.
After checking my email...I was happy to see a email from my soror Lisa, whose 40th birthday party we attended just last week....she sent a photo of Rick and I at her party...hence my POTD. Here we are looking like our version of Will & Jada Smith. Whenever we go out somewhere special, we do always try to color coordinate with each other and we even try to do so with the twins as it did all start back when Adonis was little and we were dating.



Staying up a little longer today as I am checking in on some of my favorite blogs and doing some laundry tonight.

Hugs & Kisses
Me

Only Monday...

and I think I am ready for it to be Friday again...
Had to get up early so we could finish getting things ready for the carpet cleaners today...I will not mention how long it has been since we have had our carpet clean...let's just say it has been more than a minute.

Rick and the kids dropped me off at work and I ended up being by myself for the majority of the day as Jen had to have an emergency root canal and I hear that those are painful. There were only a few customers in and I was able to hold down the fort. I had to have a few cups of coffee to get me through. I just love Christina's machine that she brought to work...it is a glorified coffee machines as it also makes teas, lattes, hot chocolates, and such. I am not a big coffee drinker...mostly a cream drinker as I put a lot of cream and sugar in my coffee. I am going to have to look into getting more of the refills for her machine...especially if she decides to keep it at the store.



I am not sure what time Jen got to the store but when she did I was ready to sit and relax...I know it was after 4pm since I missed my Judge Mathis. I am just glad that she got her tooth fixed as she was in a alot of pain.
Rick and the twins picked me up and when we got home...I was so happily surprised to see our clean carpet. Now of course, this company that came out tried to sell us a whole unit and Rick was almost tempted to get it...but it was so over our budget...like almost $2k for a vacuum cleaner but it does so much more...Rick says that maybe we can look into getting one later or even going in with his mother and getting one as they claim that the cleaner lasts for 30 years.

So the kids are in the bed and Rick and I are about to have some couple time and watch Tyler Perry's "The Family That Preys" so I am saying good bye...

TTFN
Hugs & Kisses
Me

It's Sunday...

and I do not get to stay home and lounge today with my family...BUMMER. I was originally off today but I decided to pick up a few hours at the store. Rick and the twins enjoyed a day of television and relaxation...at least they did get dressed for the day.
It was slow at the store for the most part and I predict that it will continue to be slow with the economy being the way that it is. I will just say a prayer that we will be okay.
I can not believe that we are almost at the end of the month already. I really do believe that time flies when you get older.
I did not have to worry about cooking as my mother cooked dinner for us, so I picked it up once I got off.
The twins had homework to do so we worked on it before bedtime Their project was working with "The Knee High Man" where they learned about measurements and such. They were so excited to be doing "homework". My POTD is of them doing their homework. They even reminded me to take their pictures of them doing their homework so that I could scrapbook it later.



Rick just got in from hanging out with a couple of his coworkers...they went to Hooters but he still came home hungry as he told me he only drank a few beers and they shared some wings...again, I am so glad that my mother cooked dinner.

Not staying up too late tonight...gotta hit it this week


TTFN
Hugs & Kisses
Me

So tired...

as this was day 3 of waking up at 5am and taking Rick to work...but we better all suck it up as we will have to do this for a while. I guess I keep mentioning it so that I can just get acclimated to it all. So we did not go roller skating as planned this morning...I will try again in a few weeks as Alex and Allegra were too tired when I tried to get them back up this morning.

At least we made it to basketball and we were happy when a few of our old friends showed up. Klarke and Greg came along with A.J. and Lauryn...their mommies, my girls, Kay and Geri were there too and I was so glad to see them as I haven't in the New Year...we have talked but haven't hung out. It was good to just catch up with them...and nowt that A.J. and Greg are in Alex's basketball class, I will be able to see them more often.

After basketball...we ended up at our favorite Saturday spot...JEWEL...I really need to start doing my grocery shopping on better days than Saturday. I do not mind taking the kids but it is just too congested on Saturday. While we were there...we were stopped 4 different times by 4 different people making comments about my babies eye lashes...especially Alexandre's. We are always getting stopped at some point or another were women, of all ages, will make a comment about the length of his eyelashes and how pretty they are and once they see Allegra, they are blown away...and vice versa. They look at me and then make a comment about mine, but I am use to it as I have always gotten complements about my eyes and eye lashes since I was a little girl. Allegra gets to the point where she will cover her eyes while she is being pushed in the shopping cart while on the other hand, Alex loves the attention. My POTD is my darling son showing his long eyelashes...






After dinner, the twins went to bed early since they were so tired from the day's events. Rick was not to far behind. I keep telling him that he needs to start taking vitamins...especially since he is working out in the elements.
I am up playing on Facebook or Crackbook as many call it, but I do not plan on staying up long.

TTFN
Hugs & Kisses
Me

Finally Friday

Just the 2nd day of getting up at 5am...I do not know how Rick does it.

I was able to come back home and go back to sleep in an empty house since I dropped the kids off at my mother's after I dropped Rick off. I swear...as soon as I closed my eyes, it was time for me to get up.
I worked with Sesil today and when we work together...we have a blast...but whenever anyone works with me...it is a blast (LOL)
We had decided early to get 5 GUYS and BURGERS & FRIES for lunch/dinner, which I know I do not need but could not resist the suggestion. This place reminds me almost of Top Notch Burger on the south side...they serve a mean burger with all the trimmings to your liking.
I was pleasantly surprised when I returned from picking up our order by my dear friend Dontrey. She has also taken the Project 365 plunge and was at the store to buy supplies to help her along. I just love the fact that alot of my friends are scrapbookers like me and they actually get it....the whole life documentation thing...I do not think of myself as a scrapbooker anymore...more so like a life artist (Thanks Ali for that title)

As I became a part of Dontrey's Project 365 POTD, I decided to make her part of my POTD along with the 5 GUYS photo






After picking up Rick and the twins we went straight home...had dinner (thanks Momma) and are now, all going to bed. Can not believe it...we are all in bed before the news and Mr. Leno.
I plan on taking the kids to the Rink Fitness Factory in the morning after we get back from dropping of Rick and before Alex's basketball practice...let's see how we all are in the morning...

TTFN
Hugs & Kisses
Me

@ 5AM...

I was up...ready to face the day....NOT!!!
But I have to get ready since we will be waking up at this time at least 3 days/week until the van gets fixed.

Alexandre' and Allegra was tired as all get out and so were we. I was up kinda late and Rick's group, Endangered Species performed the night before.

After we dropped Rick off, I decided to treat the twins to a McDonald's breakfast...Hot cakes and sausage, their favorite. We immediately went back to sleep and they were up a few hours later. I came back home once I dropped them off at school and caught up on emails, soap operas and of course, my favorite...LAUNDRY...which I may never catch up on.


When I ran out to pick up the twins from school...for the first time, in a long time, I noticed the icicles that hung from our roof...I do not remember paying attention to them before and so I had to take a photo of them for my photo of the day. In looking at my photo....I am amazed to how icicles are formed when they hang from the roof tops...the air is so frigid that as some snow melts the cool air freezes it as it is falling...too cool.





What is not too cool is the fact that we can not control the ice build up on our stair way...I am sure the postal carrier will be cursing us out as long as the weather is like this...no matter how much salt we put down...we still get alot of ice buildup..


I was glad to be off from work...I feel as though I am in a scrapbooking slump as I have not created anything outside of class material, in a long time...I hope to get my mojo back soon.

Not staying up late...gotta take Rick to work in the morning, drop the twins off at my moms' and off to work myself...

TTFN
Hugs & Kisses
Me

The Day After...

and we are still on a high from yesterdays events.
I can not wait to hear the stories and see the photos from my family and friends who had the chance to go to Washington D.C. and experience yesterday.

I ended up having to take Rick to work as his van needs a new fuel pump...these are expensive so we are down one car, yet again. Once I came home from dropping the twins off at preschool, I did a few things around the house....I just wish I had a full day of uninterrupted housework...every time I start a project, I have to leave to go and do something else...I use to be really good at multitasking...is there a class on it as I have been failing in doing what I need to do...but I will not give up. I know I will do better because I know better...maybe this will be a mantra for me.

I had to take the twins to work with me today. I normally do not work on Wednesdays but since Christina went to California for a trade show, I was put on the schedule to help out. They were really geeked to come to work with Mommy







They have been there plenty times before but not for a long period of time...I was armed and ready.
They had McDonald's for dinner, I brought some of their favorite movies...Breakin for my break dancer Alexandre' and Shrek for Allegra...I also brought Over the Hedge just in case. I bought them new coloring books and crayons and even a small stamping set (everything was Disney Princess and Cars themed). In having all of this, they lasted for the 4 hours I was there...matter of fact, they were awesome and the night went great. I even put them to work when it was time to close.

Once we were all home, the twins stayed up for a little watching movies and Rick went to "The Darkroom" which is where is hip hop group Endangered Species performed. I was not able to attend (bummer) since we did not have baby sitting but Rick reassured me that they were going to be doing more shows and to just be ready.

Here is a photo of the group Endangered Species, from our 2nd Annual Labor Day Picnic 2008
From Left to Right: Brian aka B-Vax, Rich aka Nocturne, Eric aka Elevation, my DH Rick aka DJ Ricochet, and then there is Wayne who is a good friend to them all.

These guys still enjoy "Rockin' the MIC!!!"

The twins are now in bed and I am up catching up on my blogging and playing on Facebook...my newest addiction. I love this site and the fact that you can connect, reconnect with family and friends and talk about 6 degrees of separation...someone is always knowing someone you know and vice versa and it is a great networking tool too.
I will try to get to bed early tonight as we all have to get up at 5 am to take Rick to work

TTFN
Hugs & Kisses
Me

Mr. President....Barack H. Obama

Today...Barack H. Obama was sworn in as the 44th President of the United States of American... the first African American President ever.
Here is my POTD (Thanks Jen)



The day started out with Rick taking Adonis to school...we woke up to it snowing outside, but the weather did not matter to me as I only had one thing on my mind...The inauguration of Barack Obama...
When the twins got up...I started to get them dressed for school early and I did make them wear red and white along with blue jeans (being patriotic for the day) So glad that Rick did bring home a paper this morning as I am sure they would sell out as the day progressed.
I made sure to run downstairs to set the TIVO for the day's events since I had to work ALL DAY today...Rick was kinda upset again about me having to work, yet another day that was important...but I made sure to document it and to have the day recorded and all of that so that we will not forget. Here is another POTD of Rick and the twins holding up the newspaper from today...



I made sure to get to work early so that I would not miss the actually swearing in of President Obama and I was greeted by Christina. When she left for the day...she handed me a box of tissues as she was already teary eyed and told me to enjoy my day (she had only came in to do alittle work and then she was off for the day). I was able to watch the whole swearing in ceremony and I did get emotional and shedded a few tears...which leads to yet another POTD...



Now this may seem a bit much but, I am going to keep the two tissues that I took a photo of and scrapbook it as it is part of my history too.
We were pretty much dead for the rest of the day as I am sure...everyone was glued to their televisions to watch this day in American History unfold. Jen and I kept the television on in the back all day so that we could catch glimpses of the rest of the day's events.
This was a day, that I was so proud...more that normal, to be an African American...my heart was so full of joy and my mind was full of hope and dreams...for myself and my family. The best is yet to come and yes...anything that is worth having is worth fighting for...Barack has us all wanting only the best and making us be more accountable for ourselves and our actions.
Once I got home...Rick and I watched the news and of course...our Jay Leno as he was in rare form as always.
We are about to try to watch a western movie so I am getting off of this computer
TTFN
Hugs & Kisses
Me

Happy MLK Day!!!

The kids are out of school, Rick is off (he went to get Adonis for the day) and I have to go to work...bummer. Rick even made a comment about Christina needing to close for the holiday.
I did not sleep very well last night...I normally don't whenever Rick is works overnight, but he has to get OT whenever he can.
When he got off, he went to get Adonis for the day. I fixed them a hearty breakfast and spent the rest of my day at Windy City. We were really busy since schools and a lot of other businesses were closed.
Once I got home...I was a little tired but I still got a boost of energy to make dinner....Nachos...a favorite of Alex's.
We let Adonis stay up just alittle bit...I can not believe, how much he has grown...He was only 18 months when he came into my life and now...he is 14, taller than me (which does not take much) and has a deep voice and all...I am making his photo that I took of him just last month during Christmas, my POTD.

This is him holding up his cash that he received for Christmas and his birthday (New Year's Eve baby)

I am so proud of him as he is a honor roll student, on the football and wrestling teams and just a great kid...I always say...even though he was not born from my womb, he is definitely in my heart and I will always love him as though he was my very own. He and I have a great relationship and I hope that it will only continue to get better.
Rick stayed up for just a little to watch the Lakers play...when actually, they ended up watching him as he nodded off a few times.
I am up...surfing online and filled with anticipation about tomorrow

TTFN
Hugs & Kisses
Me

LAZY....

is what I have been all day...but can you blame me as Rick and I went out last night to help my Soror Lisa celebrate her 40th birthday...we only stayed until midnight but we both were so tired from the week's events that our lack of sleep finally caught up with us both. I did have to get up to go pick up the kids from my MIL's house but once we got home this afternoon...everyone took naps. Rick had to take an extra nap as he is planning on going to work tonight as the big CEO from his job is coming in as this Wednesday, is a big day at his job...they are voting for or against having union representation. Both Rick and I believe in the union since we both have had jobs in which we were union members.

With today being a lazy day...I did not spend much time in the kitchen...just in the bed. I did not even bother with laundry...which was kinda nice.
With the championship games today...we did spend time watching those as the Arizona Cardinals and the Pittsburg Steelers are slated to play in the SuperBowl in a couple of weeks...I am going with Pittsburg.

Our highlight for the day was Alexandre' and Allegra having an interesting treat after their dinner.






I let them pick out these cereal straws...which is new to me. There is so many things on the market for kids to eat that are of course bad for them and we do give them things in moderation...by us not giving them sweets a lot, we are able to use it to our advantage.

I will not be staying up late tonight...long day tomorrow

TTFN
Hugs & Kisses
Me

Busy Saturday...

Woke up this morning...tired from working late at the crop last night but was ready to face the day.
We ended up not going to Alexandre's basketball class...instead...we went roller skating. The twins were invited to attend my girlfriend's daughter's 5th birthday party at the Lynnwood Roller Rink...the same place that the movie "Roll, Bounce" was made starring Little Bow Wow a few years ago. Let's just say that we all need lessons. Now the twins have been skating before at a roller rink, last year for another birthday party...and we did buy them kiddie skates to skate around in so it was not totally unfamiliar territory. Allegra was the cautious one...staying on the carpet for the most part and Alexandre'...well, after a few falls, bumps, and even a few tears got the hang of it. Here are a few photos from our day of rollerskating...

Alex holding his rental skates...he wants us to buy him some black ones with wheels that light up.

Allegra on the carpet after falling a few times...she wants white skates with pink pom-poms

The twins with the birthday girl Ms. Ashley

So now, I am in the process of finding somewhere for me to take them to go and take a few lessons...stay tuned for that endeavor.
I took them to my MIL afterwards since Rick and I had plans to celebrate my Soror's 40th birthday party. It has been a while since we have been out together...at least out to a club. Lisa's party was slated to play House Music all night long...which is what we all grew up on and we were not disappointed. We got there kinda early as to avoid finding parking and to make sure that we ate (she had a great buffet) and then the libations flowed and the music was pumped. We did not dance as Rick was tired from working a 12 hour shift prior to us going and he has to work a 12 hour shift tomorrow, so we just relaxed and enjoyed the music and each other. So glad to have an evening out to ourselves...and might I add...we looked good...(I wish my arm was a little longer to take this photo or a little taller...cut Rick off just alittle...OOPS)

The Colemans...So Fresh...So Clean

TTFN
Hugs & Kisses
Me

It's the weekend Baby....

and to start it off right...the twins and I stayed in our pajamas ALL DAY.

Rick had to take my car to work this morning so we were officially stuck in the house for the day...and it felt good. It reminded me how it use to be when the twins were younger and we would stay in the house and do activities inside...which is what we did today. Of course they colored, and I let them do some work on the computer...they love working on this one website called http://www.starfall.com/ . It is a great resource for teaching children phonics and getting them ready for reading. We also contined to work on our CLEAN ROOM project as we are purging toys and other things that we no longer need or are using. Rick and I talked about getting the twins bunk beds maybe by the summer so we have to start purging. We also plan on putting them in their own rooms in a couple of years...if not sooner, time will tell.
I wish I could have stayed in my pajamas all day but I had to go in to work the crop tonight at Windy City Scrapbooking. I was late going in since Rick had my car and had a union meeting after work but it was okay. A group of African American scrapppers was there, celebrating their one year anniversary of being together as a group. It is good to see AA scrapppers as there are not alot of us and I love to see what other groups are doing. I have been with my group, Scrap On Sistah for about 4 1/2 years as I started scrapping when the twins turned 6 months...Scrapbooking was a better route for me to deal with my post partum depression of giving birth to twins and also with dealing with the issues that I had with my body (being ripped and having to have reconstructive surgery) ...I am so glad that I found the hobby of Scrapbooking and now...it is my passion.

At work tonight... Jen and I focused on cleaning up the aftermath of inventory...pulling down all the post it notes. I do not care if I do not see or write on another post it note in my life...at least this year...Hence my POTD...me and the post it notes, and there were more that was already thrown away.




I am off to bed now since we have a long day planned for tomorrow.



Hugs & Kisses

Me

BRRRRRRRR!!!!!

Is all that I can say for today.
I am still chill to the bone from being out today in double digits below zero weather... WTF is another thing that I can say for today...This weather is for the birds.
I did not take the twins to school today...they had a Mommy cold day, but we did have to go out anyway as they had their 5 year checkup appointment at the doctor's office...Dr. Laura Mikhail. I am so glad that with Rick changing jobs last year, we were able to get Blue Cross/Blue Shield PPO again and now we are back with our original pediatrician. She was so glad to see them and they remembered her. The twins have been seeing Dr. Mikhail since birth as she came to see them right after they were born as she had only been with her practice for 3 months prior to seeing them so we are like her first patients.



They received a clean bill of health...they are the same height and Allegra weighs 3 lbs more than Alexandre'. They only had to get one shot (good for me)...Allegra balled like a baby before the shot was even administered and Alex was a trooper and did not cry at all.




My mother went to the doctor's office with us and I am glad that she did...with the weather being so frigid, she was a big help to me getting the kids in and out of the car and into the doctor's office. Her car wouldn't start today so she spent the day with us.
Rick came home from work today frozen like a ice cube...his heat stopped working in his van on his way home from work...he spent a hour trying to fix it and we are just going to hope and pray that it is because of the below zero temperature that is making his heat not work.
He had rehearsal tonight with his hip-hop group as they are getting ready for a comeback performance next week...I will report on that next week as I am glad for him and the group as a whole for getting back together and just having fun with the music and performing like they use to do back in the day (before marriages and kids) Music is Rick's creative outlet just like scrapbooking is mine. I haven't really had a chance to scrapbook in the New Year for myself...just a couple of layouts for my Create L.O.V.E. class but at least I still have some pages done (I will post photos of them on another blog post next week as I hope to have some more layouts to show)
Dinner was leftovers and we are all off to bed early tonight.
Again...I can not believe this weather...Check out this photo that I got from my girl Jen showing just how cold it was today...



Warm Hugs & Kisses
Me

Here we SNOW again...

Okay...I am so over it all...all of this FREAKING SNOW and COLD.
I got up this morning prepared for the below zero temperatures to find out that it was accompanied by a few inches of snow.
The twins went to my mother's house for the day and they missed school because we did not want her trying to take them to school in this bad weather and if this nonsense continues...I will keep them out for the rest of the week.
I got to work late this morning but was charged up to continue with getting to the matters at hand...inventory.
We did not have much help today as we did yesterday but we still got a lot accomplished.I am tired tonight as I worked 10 hours for the past 2 days...I am so glad that I am off tomorrow.
I am off to bed early tonight...

For those wondering what does inventory look like at a scrapbook store...Behold my POTD...I have a couple of shots to share...

What are the post it notes...that is the actual count of the merchandise. After we hand count each item, we put a post it note with the actual number and then we check the numbers against what it is in the computer...not hard but tedious.

I got home at a decent hour...enough to see the kids off to bed and spend time with Rick.
I am so looking forward to July now...
Hugs & Kisses
Me

The Count is ON!!!!

I woke up kinda late this morning since Rick and I stayed up late watching "Real Chance of Love" on VH1 as it was the last episode. I did not agree with whom Real picked but hey...it is reality television and since Chance did not pick anyone...you know there is going to be another show...for them both. We also stayed up and watched Rick's new favorite reality show..."Split Ends"...he can not believe that he is addicted to that show himself and it is kinda hilarious...I must do a scrapbook page documenting how we both love reality shows...just like we use to be into smutty talk shows when we first started dating 14 years ago...

So I did not get to work at 9am as I planned...more like 10am and the counting was in full force when I got there. Spending the day at Windy City was cool as it gave us time to not only get to the job at hand but also to bond with each other...especially after losing Susan last November. We would even make comments every now and then as to what she would be doing if she were there or what she would be saying to us. We were even surprised later on that night by a visit from her husband Chris and their little boy Evan. Initially, I was hesitant as I had not seen him since the memorial service but I have talked with him but to see him and Evan...it just pulls at my heart and hurts me so bad...what do you say? He looked so sad and exhausted and Evan was his perky self...full of life and spunk...just like his mother. They came to visit and to help out with inventory...can you believe that? Chris would have come to help out anyway if Susan was still alive and just to have him there with Evan just made us all feel her even more.

My POTD is with Mr. Evan Dallas...son of my beloved sister/friend Susan Dallas...

She has no idea, how much she impacted my life and how much I valued our friendship and loved her...She will be missed, but not forgotten....

I am off to bed now...kids were already sleep when I got home and Rick just stayed up for a little...one more day of inventory...hopefully, we can get it done

Hugs & Kisses
Me

Oh no...not again

More snow in "The CHI"...but what else can a Chicagoan expect.
A typical Monday for me as I worked at the scrapbook store and Rick had full reign of the kids. He told me that he actually enjoys being the parent in charge on Mondays and Tuesdays...gives him time to bond with the twins and see what my job really entails. He does have it pretty easy though for the most part...I get them dressed and fed in the morning before I leave for Windy City and I do Allegra's hair if it not in french braids...which I need to call my girl Dorcas and have her braid it up for me. So Rick just has to take them back and forth to school and keep them entertained once they get home from school...until I get home and we still have dinner together on the days that I work.
We were kinda busy today at the store as we let our customers know that we were going to be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week for inventory. Today was the last day of our "Don't make us count it " pre-inventory sale and alot of people did take advantage of it. I was even surprised to see a Soror of mine come in to cash in on the savings. It was good to see her and it just reminded me of how much I need to become active again...I do plan to...before the summer.
Once the store closed...we were greeted at the door with more snow. I made the comment to Jen as to how I had to get home to put my cup out to collect my snow to eat and she made sure to take my photo, with her camera to use for her POTD and I said..."HECK...let this be my POTD too!!!" So here I am...enjoying Chicago's snow...remember...I only eat snow that is fresh and fluffy...now that would be a great title for a scrapbooking page...FRESH & FLUFFY.




When I got home...the kids were dressed in pajamas and ready for dinner. Rich was in "Tickle Monster" mode as I warmed up leftovers so that kept the kids occupied.Once the twins were in bed...Rick and I stayed up to watch our Jay Leno and we were tripping as Jay Melendez lost his bet with Kevin Eubanks and had to shave his head (since Philadelphia Eagles beat NY Giants) and they actually shaved his head during the show...hilarious. I am off to bed now as I have to get up early...tomorrow is the 1st day of inventory.



Good Night

Hugs & Kisses

Me

Curly Head Cutie...

Hence my POTD...I am back to having curly/wavy hair again

I did enjoy having my hair straight for the holidays and I will be doing it again in a few days. I think I am going to keep it straight in the winter months and go back curly in the summer months...we will have to wait and see. I did it one time myself and it was not that bad doing it...I need to get into learning how to blow dry my hair again and using the ceramic flat irons...practice, practice, practice.

Today was a cool day as I taught classes ALL DAY at Windy City Scrapbooking. I started out with teaching Beyond Basics in which I had 2 students and then I taught my CREATE L.O.V.E. club class in which I had 3 students...I really do enjoy teaching scrapbooking to others...as I have mentioned in past blog posts. I also enjoy the friendships that I have made and maintained with a lot of my students...they have become more than students to me...they have become part of the Windy City family...especially since I do tend to share a lot about my personal life in my classes...which is what scrapbooking is all about...sharing our stories.

I was really tired once I was through for the day. Before I got home, I went to see my mother as she was having one of her bad days. I wonder will she have to come and live with Rick and I. That is something that we will have to start looking into as I do not want to put her in a nursing home...time will tell.
Rick was suppose to go into work tonight but they ended up not needed him so we plan on relaxing for the rest of the evening once the kids are in bed.
I have a busy week ahead of me as we will start inventory at Windy City this week...I hope we get alot done or at least partially done.

Here's to looking at you :)





TTFN
Hugs & Kisses
Me

Snowy Saturday...

is all I can say...
When Rick left for work this morning...waking me up in our favorite way (a simple kiss), he let me know that it was snowing and to be prepared.
It snowed all day and today was Alex's first Saturday of basketball (classes resumed after Christmas break) We had told him about it the night before so surely...I had to take him.
He did good and there were a few new children signed up. He is still the youngest one on his team and there are even two girls now. Allegra mentioned wanting to play but immediately changed her mind when I asked her if she really wanted to. She brought her crayons and coloring books to keep her busy while Alex played. After class, and once we went back outside...the snow had picked up, visibility was close to zero and one of my windshield wiper blades were jacked up...of course it had to be the one on the driver's side. It took us about an hour to get home but we did get home safely. I decided to stop at the grocery store to stock up on groceries and it was a mad house. Once we got home and got the groceries put away, we went outside. Alex and Allegra had a ball in the snow while I shoveled the snow. Now usually...this is Rick's job, but I decided to help a brother out and shovel it for him...especially since he had a long day at work.
Hot cocoa with marshmallows was the treat for the day after being out in the snow and I did not have them take a nap.
Rick was very surprised at my shoveling expertise and also that dinner was ready...I was surprised at myself too.
I am not staying up late tonight since I have to work tomorrow...actually, I will be teaching

Here is my POTD...Alexandre'and Allegra in the snow. I do not know how many snow angels they made or how many snowballs they threw at me and at each other but the looks on their faces let me know that they had a great time this afternoon




Hugs & Kisses
Me

TGIF

and it is the weekend baby...
Woke up this morning to snow...not as much as expected but some none the less. I originally was going to go to the show with my girls but at the last minute, I decided to go into to work at Windy City Scrapbooking as the help was needed as we prepare for Inventory next week...I also need to go in to prepare for my classes on Sunday as I have people signed up for both classes. I took the twins to my mother's house for the day and she was so happy to see them as she had breakfast waiting for them...their favorite, grits, bacon, eggs and homemade biscuits. I did not stay for breakfast as I was rushing to beat whatever type of traffic I was up against...it was not too bad since kids were out of school for the day.
It was not to busy at the store today which it made it easier for us to get alot accomplished. I was suppose to work the crop tonight but since no one signed up, we ended up canceling. Alot of the girls I work with decided to come to the store anyway to hang out and crop so it ended up being a staff crop. I did not bring anything to really work on but I did pull papers to design for my class, so at least that part is done. We ended up ordering burgers from a new joint down the street call 5 guys and fries (or is it burgers?)...anyway...we ended up ordering out and just hanging out. Jen brought her Project 365 kit that she ordered online and it was good to finally see it as there is so much hoopla surrounding this challenge in the scrapbooking world. I was glad to see it so now I have some type of idea as to how I am going to put my project together as I go along. Here are some photos, to be considered as my POTD that relates to Project 365...the group photo is Cheryl, Sesil, Jen and Melissa...part of my WCS scrapping crew.





We have been really getting closer with the passing of Susan. I really do miss that girl and sometimes, I can not believe that she is gone...but her spirit is at WCS.
I did not stay long since Rick and I did originally had plans to hang out once the kids were in bed. This is his first Friday of not DJaying in Gary and he says he misses it but at the same time...it is allowing him to get his rest since he does have to work the next morning. He is just going to DJ once a month now in Gary...I am sure that he will find something else...he always does. We are both firm believers to the old saying...as one door closes, another one opens. With the weather being bad tonight, he was really glad with staying home. I did stop off to get him dinner since I did not cook. Once I got home, the twins were already in bed and Rick was half asleep.
I do not plan on staying up too long...one addiction that I have picked up lately is FACEBOOK...I will have to elaborate on this addiction on another post...so I am off to surf on FACEBOOK and my 1st addiction
...2Peas!!!


TTFN
Hugs & Kisses
Me

Tackle Thursday...

is what I need to do as the weekend is just around the corner.
The first full week of 2009 has past and I do feel a sense of accomplishment as the baby steps that I have taken to do more and be more, has been great.
Just posting on this blog for a full 7 days (now 8) is huge for me and taking my photo a day is really something and I find myself really looking forward to doing it.
I hope to look back on this...years from now and just go "WOW"...is that what I/we did in 2009...Project 365 is really a great concept and anyone who is reading my blog should try to incorporate it into their lives.

On a personal note...spending quality time with Rick and the twins for the past few months, has made a big difference where I have been focusing on prioritizing my time better...making time for me and making time for them.
Now sometime...I can find this to be difficult because my mind is constantly going...I could be doing one thing, and then I am thinking about doing another, and another, and another...I will say that I am good at multitasking but sometimes, I am not got at following through with all of my tasks to completion...for example, LAUNDRY....Hence my POTD (Photo Of The Day)

Believe it or not... I love to do laundry...I love the smell of fresh laundry, love to fold (only when fresh from the dryer) and put away... but I can never seem to get to end of our numerous piles. Our basement looks like it it full of clothing land minds right now...could it be that there are 4 people in this household and I will never be caught up? or could it be that when I start, I start on something else and forget about what is in the washer and dryer? I say YES to both of my theories. Like earlier today...I had a load in the washer, a load in the dryer and a load on our bed ready for me to fold and put away and I had to go and pick up the twins from preschool and at the same time, I was on the computer...can you say PRIORITIZE!!! I know I should have got off the computer and do the laundry... I will get it together...hopefully sooner than later.

The twins have not taken naps in two days but on the flip side, they have been going to be by 8:30. Maybe I will continue to eliminate the nap and put them to bed early...We will have to wait and see.
Once Rick got home, we both decided to make quality time with each twin. Rick and Alex has this 'Avenger', 'Justice League' cartoon thing going on between them where they have been watching these movies that Rick has been getting from Blockbuster and I just know that Rick is reliving his childhood days as he is still into the "Superhero" movies. While they had their Daddy/son bonding time, Allegra and I was not to be out done as we had our Mommy/daughter time. She helped me finish dinner and then we watched one of her favorite movies, "Tinkerbell". Now this movie...was so cute and I even got a little teary-eyed towards the end...NO, it is not a sad movie but I was feeling emotional all about seeing my little girl getting so excited about fairies and she was telling me the story and just listening to her and hearing her voice made me just marvel at her and all that she is...My little girl. I was also thinking about how Disney just has this magical effect on people...from their theme parks to their movies and such and I just got a little misty eyed. Afterwards, I painted Allegra's toenails a pretty pink...which I have only done a handful of times and this just made her night. She could not wait to run and show her Daddy and brother. One thing about the Coleman men...they really know how to make us Coleman ladies feel like princesses as they both told Allegra how pretty her toes where and Alex even gave her a big hug before bed time telling her she was his "Best Sister" and kissing her on her cheeks. I really do hope that they will always have a loving relationship.

I do not plan on staying up too late as I have errands to run tomorrow with the twins and we have to get up early

Hugs & Kisses
Me

And on the 7th Day...

I rested...totally, for the most part.

I made this long list of things to do today, since I am off for the next few days and the only thing that I accomplished was partially cleaning the kitchen, and cooking dinner. There is always tomorrow.


I have to get the twins some snow pants. I can not believe that I have not taken the time to pick up some with living in Chicago...the first thing they wanted to do this afternoon as I took them to school was fall in the snow and when I picked them up...their pants were alittle wet from playing outside. They get to go outside everyday at preschool, if the weather isn't below zero, so I will be on the hunt for some snow pants
Besides taking the twins to school, I rested and got caught up on emails and such. I pulled out the crock pot for dinner which required minimum work (which I like)
I made homemade chicken soup...just used some chicken pieces (w/o the skin), seasoning salt, pepper, lipton onion soup mix, frozen mixed vegetables and potatoes...I let it cook, stirring ever so often and BAM!!! Done...gotta love crock pot cooking.
Speaking of cooking, I came across a great recipe blog that I must share...very inspirational for those of us who want to add some variation in our cooking. I know I am always looking for different meals and such to cook, so I am going to try some of her recipes. Check it out at
http://www.fortheloveofcooking-recipes.blogspot.com/

Rick will be home a little late tonight because he has a union meeting to attend. Unfortunately, he has been working without a union at his job and he has been very instrumental in trying to make it happen where he is at. I have been calling him Norma Rae for the past few weeks...I really do hope that everything will work out fine at his job and he will continue to play an important role with the formation of a union there.
I am so behind on my MUST SEE T.V. and you know what...that is cool with me as I have been spending more time with Rick and the twins. I have also cut my computer usage time in half as that was also interfering with time with the family and also taking me away from doing things around the house...I also say there is not enough time in the day, but as Rick has told me recently...prioritizing and time management will get it done.
With that piece of advice, I am done with my post for the day and also with uploading my photo for the day.
Hey...doesn't the saying go that a habit is formed in 7 days and here I am on my 7th day of posting on my blog and uploading a photo to my blog...
I am proud of ME

Hugs & Kisses
Me

Today was...

another day...

Another late night last night as Rick and I watched Ving Rhames in "Saving God"...the movie as okay, not what we expected. It was a Christian movie with a lot of messages in it and let's just say that afterwards...I was sniffling and wiping away my tears and Rick made his usual "WOW" comment.
I woke up this morning...of course tired as all get out...maybe I should start taking vitamins? A sign of age? Maybe so, maybe no. Anywhoo, after laying the kids clothes out for the day, which I forgot to do the night before, I left the house and went to visit my mother before I had to start work at Windy City this morning. She looked good, and was moving around well. She already told me that she was looking forward to watching the twins on Friday...Rick and I decided that we would not use her to much since the twins are getting a bit too much for her to handle in her old age...we will just go for once a week but no more than twice a week.
Work was okay...kinda slow, which is understandable with the economy and such. I taught a Basics class and closed with my girl Cheryl. I am glad that I am off for the next couple of days as I am sure that the household is glad that I am off.
I was pleasantly surprised when I got home to the kids being in their pajamas and fed already...and there was a plate waiting for me too. We did our usually of putting the kids to bed, news and Jay Leno's monologue and we stayed up late again...watching VH1's Real Chance at Love...both of us like to watch ignorant T.V....matter of fact, when we were dating back in the day (13 years ago), when we were not together, we would be on the phone watching talk shows together and tripping on the panel...whether it was Jerry Springer, Jenny Jones, Carnie Wilson, or Maury Povich, we were up watching it and engaged in it. I can not wait to see who Real and Chance pick next Monday.
I woke up to finish posting on the blog since I could not upload my photo of the day earlier and finally, blogger cooperated with me
My photo of today relates to what happened the most of the day in Chicago....SNOW. It was the soft kind which made cleaning off the car okay. I have a confession to make which will be put in my "All About Me" book...one of my habits...which is a bad one is I love to eat fresh fallen snow. Now I know that it is not good for you especially since it accumulates dirt and stuff as it falls, but when it is fresh, I can't help but scoop some up and eat it. I have yet to let the kids catch me doing it and Rick always teases me when it snows telling me that I am going to get a sore throat. When I was younger, I can remember my father telling me to stop but my mother telling me that she did it too as a child. She even suggested that I put out a cup on the porch to catch some just for me to eat...with a spoon...this is something she use to do when she was young too. Eating fresh fallen snow is one of my little quirks...maybe I should have taken a photo of me doing that (LOL)





TTFN
Back to bed
Hugs & Kisses
Me

Back to the Bump & the Grind...

Mondays...gotta love them...Right?

I rolled out of bed this morning around 7am tired from the night before...Rick and I stayed up late last night watching a movie called "The Secret" with David Duchovny. It was very good and thought provoking...a must see, straight to DVD type of movie. Had me thinking about it when I woke up this morning so that let's me know that it was good. I woke up early to make sure I had everything laid out for the kids for school today as it was their first day back in 2009.

After I got them dressed and fed, I got dressed so that I could go to Windy City for the day. We had a good day for the most part, as we are still having our big pre-inventory sale and the phone was ringing off the hook as people were calling in to sign up for classes and for crops.

Once I got off...I came home and got dinner ready...nothing spectacular but filling for the family
When I work on Mondays...I like when they wait for me to eat dinner...since Tuesdays are my late nights, Rick is on his own for dinner in which he does just fine...sometimes (LOL)

He has been teasing me about my visitor that has invaded me life...so has my kids as they ask what it is...I am just like...WTF? What might it be you ask?







Cute right? NOT. I am not a teenager in high school...it can not be from lack of , because I get plenty and I cleanse my face twice a day...so WTF am I doing with this big ass zit that hurts like hell on the side of my face.



I have to get rid of this little visitor, especially since I do not have my monthly visitor



I am sitting up here now with some toothpaste on it (which helps in drying it up) and big ass rollers in my hair (still hanging on to the straight hair) about to watch "Saving God" starring Ving Rhames with Rick...he is just cracking up at me daring me to post this photo of me...Heck...why not. This is me and this ZIT has been messing me ALL FREAKING DAY!!! Every time someone interacted with me, I just felt them looking at it...even when they were on the phone with me. I hope that it will be gone tomorrow.




Well it is movie time
TTFN
Hugs & Kisses
Me

LAZY SUNDAY...

and it was wonderful...

I only went out once, this morning to run to the grocery store since I forgot we ran out of eggs and bread...for the rest of the day, we were in pajamas all day.

Homemade french toast was on the menu for breakfast this morning and my little Alex almost ate 2 slices, I do not know where he puts it. Rick was in 7th heaven since it has been a long time since I have made french toast.

I think that the twins are finally caught up on their sleep so they should be all good for school tomorrow. They really had a great vacation as they stayed up late almost every night and just played, watched movies and spent time with family and friends.



For the most part today...we didn't do a thing besides watch football all day as it was Wild Card Weekend.
Here is my photo for today...

WOW...this photo came out great (to me) as I took it off the television...as Rick says..." That's that HD BABY!!!"

Even though the Chicago Bears are not in the playoffs, I still enjoy watching football. Not sure of who I am going for in the Super Bowl, as already, one of my teams got knocked off (Atlanta Falcons). I do enjoy Philadelphia Eagles, Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers...so we will have to see come next weekend.



I have been procrastinating taking the Christmas tree down...I am doing it TONIGHT!!! I have to for our sanity.

Rick is with his Endangered Species group this evening, working on music and setting goals for themselves as a group. I am glad that he is trying to get back into producing...especially since the gig out in Gary, Indiana is going to go to once a month now...he needs to have his outlet of his music and I can definitely respect, understand and honor that as I need my outlet of scrapbooking and now, my Project 365 Challenge along with other things that I have on my plate.
I had a dear friend remind me of how I was a "social butterfly" before the marriage and kid thing...matter of fact, Rick has mentioned this to me as well and I know I want to get back into doing the things that made me...ME!!! Hence my word for 2009.

I am cooking a late dinner tonight and will putting the twins down a little early since school resumes tomorrow. I am working 3 days this week which is cool as I have a lot to do around the house. I also plan on starting to reorganize my scrap space along with tackling a closet or two.

TTFN
Hugs and Kisses
Me