(43-339) The Perfect Black Dress

I have way too many balls in the air today; and you have to know that if I'M saying that - I AM BUSY!  I worked for four hours this morning, did I don't know how many loads of laundry, took Kelsie to Kohl's, Target, Subway, The library and Wal-mart; and yet I still need to write this post, pack up for our swim meet, go to our swim meet and pack to leave for California. Whew!

I have to say that I totally lucked out though, because I've been thinking that I need to start looking for an outfit to wear to "Mamma Mia" and when I took Kelsie to Target to look for a new swim suit; I just so happened to find the perfect black dress.  I tired it on, and much to my surprise, it was a great fit.  Kels thought it looked cute, so with her reassurance I bought it.  I modeled  it for Luis, Nicky and Lyndzi, when I got home and they all thought that it was a keeper; so at least that's one errand that I can check off my list. 

I texted Jackie to let her know that I unexpectedly found a dress, and she wrote back, "That's what happens.  When you're looking you don't find and when you're not looking, you do find... like our husbands."  I thought it was ironic that she said that because tomorrow Luis and I will be celebrating our 17th wedding anniversary; and she's absolutely right -  I found Luis when I WASN'T looking.  But more about that tomorrow.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-236) You Know You Have A Problem When...#10

You know you have a problem when you go from Kohl's to Kohl's to find a flawless     necklace, to exchange for the damaged one that you accidentally purchased.  It's been a while since I've shared one of my little compulsions with you; and this one my friends is a doozy.  Before I regale you with my ridiculous obsession; let me assure you that I INDEED know, that what I'm about to share with you is NOT normal; and yet for some unexplainable reason,  I have no hesitation about letting you know how far my dysfunction goes.

On several occasions I've mentioned how much I love Kohl's.  The reasons why are many; but just to name two, I think they have the best sales EVER, and their return policy can't be beat.  So, last Sunday I went to Kohl's to pay my bill.  Yes, I'm well aware that you can mail your payment or even pay online; but I always like to stop in to pay; ESPECIALLY when I've got a 30% off coupon at my disposal.  Before paying my bill, I went directly to the accessories area so that I could peruse the jewelry.  I didn't find anything that I HAD to have, until I wandered over to the Candies display, and there I found a number of stunning necklaces. 

I chose a silver, multi strand, with orange, coral, and pearl beads and a lace / tulle flower.  The necklace was  $24 on sale for $11.60 and I received an additional 30% off, so I purchased it for a mere $11.91 and I was delighted.

I decided to wear my new treasure that evening, but when I went to put it on, I found that one of the pearl beads was not perfectly round like it should be.  Instead it looked like an unpopped kernel of popcorn.  Although I hadn't noticed it before buying it; and others probably wouldn't see it either; I still wanted to exchange it for one that was in better condition.

When I need to make an exchange or return, I like to take care of it promptly because it just kinda niggles at me knowing that I have something to resolve.  And yes, I'm well aware that this is definitely the first part of this problem.  Anyway, I didn't want to exchange the necklace at the location where I'd purchased it, because I knew that they only had two others and they were kinda tangled up; so Kelsie and I went to a Kohl's that was a little further away from our home.  Interestingly enough, this Kohl's also had 2 of my necklace; but neither looked as nice as the one that I was going to exchange.   I know that sounds nutty; but neither was as shiny as the one that I purchased and I decided that my defective necklace was still better than the alternatives; so I kept mine.  Because Kelsie knows me so well; this didn't seem to phase her.  I told her that I'd go to another Kohl's the next day, but she suggested that we go back to the one where I'd originally bought mine, because she wanted to spend a little more time with me.  How could I resist?
We went to our second Kohl's of the evening.  They still had the two necklaces, and they weren't tangled up anymore; but one was dull, just like the first of this night's stores; and the other's flower wasn't nearly as nice as mine; so again I decided to pass.  I told Kelsie that there was a Kohl's not far from where we were going to camp on Thursday, so I could check that one over the weekend.

Last night I met Michelle M at Kohl's #3, in the hopes of exchanging my necklace.  This store also had TWO for sale, but one was broken; and the other's flower wasn't as nice.  I now dragged Michelle into my compulsion by showing her my necklace and comparing it to the one in the store.  Michelle said that she would keep mine because even though the bead was imperfect; my flower was much nicer and people would notice that before they would, my one faulty bead.  And so I returned home yet again with my original necklace.

Well as luck would have it; Kohl's emailed me a $10 coupon for any purchase of $10 or more; and of course it was only good through today; so my friend, Tina, Lyndzi, Kelsie and  I, went to yet another Kohl's.  This Kohl's also had two of my necklace for sale; and with some hesitation (I know, I know;) I finally exchanged my necklace for one of the ones that they had.  Whew!

The first step is admitting that you have a problem; and you certainly don't hear me denying it.  Sadly, my savings have probably gone out the window with all of the gas that I've used driving from Kohl's to Kohl's trying to find the PERFECT replacement for my new necklace; but what can I say...  This isn't the first time that my quest for perfection has gotten the better of me; and I have a feeling that it won't be the last.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-208) LOVELY

I have the sweetest; most thoughtful, husband EVER!!  I've mentioned before that Luis is not the biggest gift giver; but let me tell you; when he chooses to give me a gift, it's always something that's inimitably ideal.

When I wrote "The Gift Of Laughter," I told you that Luis had given me the perfect Valentine's day gift... A laugh; and I meant it.  Well, a couple of weeks ago I was at Kohl's with Michelle M, and I smelled a perfume that I have not been able to get off my mind; "Lovely" by Sarah Jessica Parker.  I wasn't in the market to buy a new perfume, so I didn't splurge right then and there; but EVERY time I went into a Kohl's after that day, I would go spritz myself generously with the fabulous fragrance.  I told Luis about it, and let him smell it; and he agreed that it was, in a word; LOVELY.

If you haven't had the pleasure of smelling Sarah Jessica Parker's Lovely for yourself; I found a delightful description of it, on garden.co.uk "Lovely perfume is inspired by her love of layering unexpected fragrances, Sarah Jessica Parker blends a scent of pure innocence with the exotic nature of a precious oil and the sophistication of a fine perfume. Lavender, orchid and amber mingle with apple martini, paper whites and musk. The result, Sarah Jessica Parker's casual glamour fashioned into a fragrance."

Does that sound heavenly or what?   Well, a few days ago, I received my FAVORITE piece of mail... my discount advisement from Kohl's.  Just in case you don't know what I mean by this; I'll explain that if you have a Kohl's credit card; at least once a month, you receive a coupon on the mail which reveals that you get an additional 10, 20 or 30% off your entire purchase; for whatever the designated period of time is.  Well, as luck would have it; I got a 30% off coupon; AND I also had  $10 in Kohl's cash; so I asked Luis if he would mind if I bought Lovely.  Luis told me that he'd actually thought about buying it for me for Valentine's day; but since there was no discount available at that time; he delayed.  Truly this was a case of it being the thought that counted;, because honestly, I'm glad that he didn't pay full price for it when by waiting just a few days we were able to get $30 off.

After Luis got home from work this afternoon; we went to Kohl's and purchased my perfume; and it was well worth the wait.  Without a doubt; I now smell LOVELY!
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-152) They Did It Again...

Today was another, absolutely, amazing day.  The weather was glorious; and since Luis had the day off, we were able to spend the day together and we got an extraordinary amount of errands done.  I wouldn't want to bore you by naming all of the stores that we visited, but I am So impressed with all that we accomplished; I feel compelled to share (OK, boast.)
 
We started at Old Navy, (though we made no purchases there today.)  We then went to Kohl's, where Nicky got a new pair of Adidas sneakers, ON SALE; and I used the last of a birthday gift card on 2 marvelous, necklaces.  We went to Ross, hoping to find a scrapbook for Lyndzi's drawings, but there were none to be had.; so we walked up to Payless, to get new school shoes for Kelsie.  I was psyched when I found a pair of shoes, on sale for $7, and ecstatic when I was informed at the register that the shoes had been marked down to $3.  The girls also got a 6 pack of slendiferous, neon socks for just $6.99.  Our next stop was Super Target, where we bought 2 stash cubes / ottomans that were on sale for $15 each.  Nicky used gift card money to buy a Club Penguin air hockey game that he's been looking for and Lyndzi used some of her gift card money for a Yoshi figurine.  The fam sat in the car as I ran into Lane Bryant; since they were having a buy 2 bras get 2 free sale; and this was an opportunity that I couldn't pass up.  Next stop, Super Wal-Mart, because they had been advertising Mario All-Stars and the kids wanted to buy it with their gift card.  Unfortunately the store was out of them, so we moved on to our next destination; Fry's.  We did some grocery shopping; (rather quickly I think;) and we were finally ready to head back home; after we stopped at our brand new Dunkin Donuts for some free Iced coffee; and a doughnut for each of the kids.  Not bad for five hours; I think.  We were out and about, we made some really good purchases; but most of all; we were together.

Luis and I cooked dinner; and once we'd finished eating;  the girls and I had to go to a different Target than the one we'd been to earlier;  because Luis had realized that the 2 stash box / ottomans that we'd purchased, were not the same.  Since I knew that an exchange was inevitable, it was something that I needed to take care of right away (that's just how I am;) and so as much as I didn't want to go back out; to Target we went.  While we went to Target, Luis and Nicky went to the .99 Store, because Nicky needed C batteries for his air hockey game.

Once I was finally back home; I called my friend Dawn, because we'd been playing phone tag for a number of days and I knew that she would be available this evening because she was snowed in.  Just a few minutes into our conversation, Lyndzi came to me to tell me that Kelsie had scratched Nicky's new game and he was very upset.  I called a teary eyed kelsie over and she explained, as always that she "didn't mean to."  But nonetheless, she had.  I told her that she and Nicky were going to have to figure out how to solve this.  I told her that if Nicky was upset with her, than she needed to speak to him about the situation.  Dawnie could hear my conversation with the girls and she told me that she thought I had handled the situation well.  I explained that if i would have gotten involved and solved the problem for them; they would never learn how to solve a problem for themselves; and I thought that this was something that they could handle on their own; and Dawnie wholeheartedly agreed.

I went on to enjoy my conversation with Dawn and shortly thereafter, Kelsie reappeared.  She informed me that Nicky had told her that since she had scratched his game seven times; she was not allowed to play the game for seven days.  I said "that sounds fair; "  and I asked if she thought that it was fair.  And she agreed.

In case I haven't mentioned it in like the past five minutes; I am SO incredibly proud of my kids!  I think that Nicky was wise and just, in determining Kelsie's punishment; and I think that the fact that Kelsie believes this as well, speaks volumes about both of them.

Sometimes kids will surprise you with how much they are capable of;  but in order for them and you, to see how adept they are; we have to offer them opportunities to show us what they can do.  Had they really not been able to resolve this on their own, of course I would have stepped in to help; but I think that they handled the situation beautifully and they all feel very successful, which is extremely important for them, in developing self confidence and knowing that they CAN solve problems.

As a mom, it was my privilege to see what proficient problem solvers they're becoming.  No one raised their voices, or their hands and they were able to peacefully reconcile the matter.  What can I say; they did it again... and I knew that they could!
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING               

                                                                            

(43-141) No Fail Pot Roast Recipe

Granted; my schedule is usually PRETTY busy; but today was one for the record books; at least mine.  Having two daughters with birthday's this time of year, in addition to the holiday parties at school, and the holidays themselves; makes for quite a lot to do; so I thought I would take a couple of hours off from work today, to try and accomplish some of the many errands that I had on my to do list.

I worked from 5am to 7am and then again from 8 to 10.  I went to Payless, Old Navy, Target AND Super Wal-mart, all within an hour and a half.  One of the items that I needed was on sale at Target, but it wasn't in stock at the location that I went to; so I headed to Wal-mart since they price match.  I was able to get what I needed for the price that I wanted; as well as cookies for Nicky's class, donut holes for Lyndzi's and cookies for Saturday, for Lyndzi's soccer team; however, the Wal-mart item that I needed, wasn't available at the store I was at.  I was off to the mall, because I needed to go to the Disney store and Claire's, but Mari called and she had to meet up with me to give me some fabric that she had cut for the girls craft project; so we went for a quick bite.

I left Mari, then stopped at my house to pick up the cupcakes that I needed to bring to Lyndzi's class to celebrate her birthday (which is not until Saturday.)  I had a few minutes to spare, so I returned a call to the man that I'd been trying to coordinate our end of season, soccer tournament with.  I headed out the door, cupcakes in hand; and arrived at Lyndzi's class, exactly as scheduled.  After saying goodbye, I went back home, and resumed my soccer tournament negotiations.

I picked the kids up from school at 3, and took Lyndzi to the Orthodontist.  I called Luis and asked him if he could put up the pot roast that I'd defrosted; if I gave him directions.  Luis agreed, and so I talked him through my no fail pot roast recipe.

Disclaimer:  You can find this EXACT recipe IN the Reynold's oven bag box; but for the sake of (say it with me;) "The greater good;" I wanted to bring it to your intention in case you weren't aware of it.

You'll need: Reynold's large oven bags, 13x9x2 inch or larger baking pan, at least two inches deep.  3 to 3 1/2lb boneless beef chuck roast, Lipton onion soup mix, 1/4 cup flour, 2/3 cup water, potatoes, onion, carrots, mushrooms, celery and parsnips are all OPTIONAL; but highly recommended (by me;) except maybe the celery.

Preheat the oven to 325

Shake the flour into the bag, and then add the water and soup mix to the bag.  Squeeze the bag to blend the flour.  Add the roast to the bag.  Turn the bag to coat the roast with sauce.  Place any veggies in bag, around the roast.

Close oven bag with the nylon tie that's provided.  Cut six 1/2 inch slits in top.  Tuck end of bag under roast in pan.

Bake 2 1/2 to 3 hours or until the roast is tender; and I promise you that this will be absolutely perfect.

Immediately after Lyndzi's Orthodontist appointment, I ran home and exchanged Lyndzi for Nicky as WE had some errands to run.  I took Nicky to Quick Trip to get a gift card for the Student Council advisor that he'd drawn for their secret Santa.  Went to Kohl's to pay my bill, and the dollar store to buy elf hats for the kids spirit week at school; as well as a white elephant gift that Nicky could bring to class.  I was driving in the direction of the Super Wal-mart near my house; (as opposed to the one that I'd been to earlier,) but decided that I didn't really have time to go in, because I had to make it home and feed the kids before my 7pm soccer board meeting.

I stopped at Wendy's and picked up three baked potatoes for the kids; to accompany the No fail pot roast that Luis was cooking.  The roast had about 40 minutes to go, so I prepared Nicky's white elephant gift, wrote out cards for all three of the kids teachers and the secret Santa recipient.  I fed the kids and managed to take a couple of bites of Pot roast myself; before my friend Jenny arrived to go to our meeting.

I attended our soccer board meeting for about an hour or so, and once I arrived home, I FINALLY got to sit down for a few minutes, before writing my blog.  Now don't get me wrong; I am NOT complaining.  As crazy busy as I am right now; I am so grateful for the reasons that I'm busy and I'd gladly do all of this and more; for those that I love.  It is my pleasure to make things special for them in every way that I can.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-120) Forty Three Reasons That I Am THANKFUL

Thanksgiving is my very, FAVORITE holiday.  It always has been, and if you tune in again tomorrow; I promise that you'll find out one of the biggest reasons why... 

Now if you've read "The Bumpy Ride" before; then you know that I am all about giving thanks, and expressing my gratitude, for even the simplest of things.  And since this year in particular, I am grateful for EVERY day that I draw breath; I've decided to share my list of Forty Three Reasons That I Am THANKFUL this holiday.

In "100 MORE Random Things About Me;" I told you that I make lists; which is kind of ironic, considering that , in and of itself, that blog was a list.  But, at the risk of being repetitive or God forbid, predictable.  I'm going to have at it again; and in no particular order; here we go.

I'm Thankful:

  1.    To be alive
  2.    For my 3 AMAZING children; Nicky, Lyndzi and Kelsie
  3.    For my INCREDIBLE husband; Luis
  4.    For my cousin Jackie, and all of the love that she is bringing into my life
  5.    For Hershey, (my bilingual Chihuahua) and her daily companionship
  6.    For coffee
  7.    To live in the United States of America
  8.    For the men and women in our armed services; who keep us safe
  9.    For bottled water
10.    For my children's teachers
11.    That the Art Nazi is no longer working at my kid's school 
12.    For my kid's soccer coaches (ESPECIALLY the one who's a good kisser)
13.    That I have healthy children
14.    That I am my own person
15.    For people who take the time to read "The Bumpy Ride"
16.    For everyone that encourages me to keep writing "The Bumpy Ride"
17.    For my wonderful In-laws (ALL of them!!)
18.    For my laptop; which enables me to write my blog any time, anywhere
19.    For FREEDOM (each and every kind)
20.    For laughter and everyone that inspires it
21.    For ALL of my friends; old and new!
22.    For Facebook
23.    For my creativity
24.    For my ability to write
25.    That my children always thank me for every meal that I give them
26.    For email
27.    For fresh air
28.    That I'm determined
29.    That Bristol Palin didn't win "DWTS"
30.    For comfy pajamas

31.    For Dreyer's Slow churned 1/2 the fat ice cream (you can't taste a  difference; REALLY)

32.    For Diet Dr. Pepper Cherry and Diet Mountain Dew

33.    For our home

34.    For my job

35.    For Luis' job

36.    For unexpected surprises

37.    For Kohl's - their sensational sales and unbelievable return policy

38.    For The Macy's Thanksgiving day parade

39.    My health

40.    For new experiences

41.    For books

42.    For EVERY minute that I share with my family and friends

43.    That my husband understands the importance of waiting until the day AFTER Thanksgiving to put up our Christmas lights

In honor of Thanksgiving, I think it's important to take a few minutes and remember many of the reasons that we have to be grateful.  No matter how bad any of us may think that we have it; I'm absolutely certain that there are many who would be all to happy to trade places with us.  Thanksgiving is a time to acknowledge all that you have and not dwell on what you have not.   It's a time to be appreciative of experiences past and present; and all that we are blessed to have, from things that we take for granted to things that make our lives a little easier and things that we couldn't live without.

I wish you all a TERRIFIC Thanksgiving, and I hope that you gobble till you wobble.                                                   

Till next time...

Queen of EVERYTHING                                              

(43-103) Nothing Much

Just a typical Sunday here at the Ramos household.  I slept in till 8, (well, that's sleeping in for me, since I'm up for work at 445.)  I had coffee, looked through the supermarket flyers, made a grocery list (which of course I left home when I went to the store.)  I did three loads of laundry and loaded the dishwasher; and in the process I got a terrible spasm in my back.  What the heck?  Thankfully I've never had back problems; but this spasm was a doozie!!  I get spasms in my calves from time to time, but usually when I'm sleeping; but to get this out of the blue back spasm; now THAT was unexpected.

Because I'm a trooper, with a high tolerance for pain; I toughed it out and took the girls to Kohl's.  We got a couple of great deals for them; went home for lunch, and then Lyndzi and I headed to our second Kohl's of the day, because there was a shirt that she was after but they didn't have her size at our first store; AND I needed to get a pair of pants for Kels and they were out of her size at the first store too.

I came home, folded some laundry; and then Luis and I went to Fry's.  I got some more great deals, used the Albertson's $10 off a $100 purchase coupon, and then they had a $10 coupon of their own that I didn't know about, but my checker applied.  I stocked up on toothpaste, butter and water; which brought me an additional savings.  And for anyone who's interested; they do have Capri Sun on sale again for $1.49   When all was said and done, I had saved about $76 dollars; Luis was quite impressed, and so I was doubly happy.

Yup, just pretty run of the mill here for me; but sometimes run of the mill is OK.  I'd take run of the mill over drama ANY DAY.  To me, if you have a day when nothing goes wrong; then it's a good day.  I remember a couple of months after I'd gotten married and we were living in Orlando; I was talking to a friend who was  single and living in New York.  My friend asked what was new; I said "nothing much," and she seemed very disappointed.  I explained that nothing being new was definitely better than something being wrong.  We spoke a lot less frequently after this and our conversations were very different because I didn't have stories of going out and meeting people like she did; but I had happiness and contentment, which was all I ever wanted. 

I have to laugh at the "kids" that I see who are in such a rush to grow up.  They want to accelerate everything in their life; and I want to say "would you like to pay my credit card bill, because here's where growing up gets ya."  And of course I remember how it was as a kid and you fantasized about having a boyfriend, or a husband and a house of your own; and now I'm here; and really it is great; but so were the other parts of my life too.  I loved high school, had a great time in college and my early twenties were a blast; but I think that it's all of these experiences accumulated together that allow me to enjoy and treasure exactly where I am now; having a run of the mill, nothing exciting to report Sunday.  If you rush through all of your experiences, then you'll never be able to appreciate your life..  So my advice to everyone who's in a rush is; stop and smell the roses.  Take the good with the bad, and know that in the long run, each experience is going to make you who you are.  If I'd never had a bad relationship with a boyfriend or a friend; then I wouldn't be able to appreciate how blessed I am to have the husband that I do; or the friends that I cherish.  Here's another big lesson; NOT everyone is for EVERYONE.  Find friends who are like you and remember that quality is a lot more important than quantity; in every aspect of your life.  OK, not quite sure how I got on this soapbox, and I think that it's time for me to get down.  I wish you a peaceful week, with nothing much going on.                                                   

Till next time...

Queen of EVERYTHING                    

(43-80) Sometimes Size DOES Matter

When I posted "Master Chef Marathon;" I told you how the burger competition made my mouth water; and caused me to crave Red Robin.  Well, since today was date day; guess where Luis and I went for lunch?  Yup!  We did.  Red Robin it was.  It wasn't quite as magnificent as the "Master Chef" burger; but it did hit the spot.

Before and after lunch, we ran a myriad of errands; from getting Luis his flu shot; to depositing his last paycheck from the pharmacy.  And when I say his last paycheck, I don't mean his most recent (even though it was;) I mean his last as in; he quit. 
We paid our Kohl's bill.  A whole $14.17 (Gosh we love Kohl's.)  Then stopped at Old Navy, since they were having a sale that I couldn't pass up.  Because I have an Old Navy credit card; I had a $10 gift card to spend; and a coupon to get a FREE child's item, for each adult item that I purchased.  The adult items were either on clearance for 50% off, or ran between $5-$16 for the most part.  I bought one shirt from the clearance section, and paid $2.50, I got one $10 shirt for FREE, and then I purchased 3 other shirts, and was able to get Nicky FREE sweatpants, and FREE winter hats for the girls. (Yes, I know I live in Arizona, but we do venture up to colder, climates during the winter months.)  Including the $2.50 shirt; I spent about $25.00 on everything.  Talk about (say it with me,) "The Greater Good!"

We left Old Navy thrilled with our purchases and planning our return; as I have another coupon for the BOGO deal.  We then went to Sam's Club to purchase fruit and snacks for The Torpedos game on Saturday; since we're this week's snack parents.  (I had already stocked up on Capri Sun during a smokin. deal at Fry's last week.)  We chose to buy bananas for the team; and as we rounded the corner, we were mesmerized, by the most voluptuous, grapes that we had EVER seen.

The sheer, size of the grapes made them amazingly, appealing and we anxiously, opened the container so that we could taste the gigantesque, globes and make sure that they were as sweet as they were sizable. Affirmative!  The grapes were the best that we'd ever tasted; and I commented to Luis "See, sometimes size DOES matter."  And we laughed.

Perhaps I'm a glutton; but there is something that makes fruits so much more desirable to me, when they are largish.  It's harder for me to to resist an enormous Nectarine, than one of average size; and although I can't eat Strawberries; I ask you, what's more seductive than a stupendous, Strawberry, dipped in chocolate?  I mean anything dipped in chocolate is good; but if you had a couple of Strawberries on a platter, and they were of mixed sizes; I'd be shocked if the larger ones weren't the first to be selected.  Oh, if only it was the same for people...  But I digress.

Now, I was willing to chalk up my enthusiasm for the gargantuan, grapes as gluttony; but since Luis, Lyndzi and Kelsie all had the same reaction to the bodacious, beauties; I'm leaning towards believing that the more tremendous the fruit; the more tempting it is.  Proving, that in fact; size DOES matter. (At least when it comes to fruit.)

Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-53) Full day, Full heart...

Whew!  Today was a BUSY one; but a VERY good one at that.  I asked Lyndzi to run some errands with me, but she wasn't really that interested until I sweetened the deal with an offer of pumpkin loaf from Starbucks.  Lyndzi had a change of heart and shortly after we were on our way, she told me that she was glad that she decided to join me; regardless of the pumpkin loaf, and that was music to my ears.   We adjusted our To DO list slightly, and decided to take some time to enjoy each others company.

From Starbucks we went to the mall so that I could have my diamond re-set.  We dropped the ring off, and ran back home, because I had forgotten my cell.  Just as we were getting ready to go back to the mall, Kelsie started screaming from the bathroom, "ANTS!"  OY!  I HATE ants!!  AND for some reasonwe always seem to get an out break of them at a time that Luis isn't  home.  I tried spraying the ants with some Lysol - all purpose cleaner; just to try and immobilize them, and while I was trying to find their outlet, Nicky informed me that their were a ton of ants in his bathroom as well.  OH DEAR GOD!  Nicky and I both combatted the ants to the best of our ability; and then I called in the big guns!  Luis advised me that we had a really strong ant spray in our back yard and that once I'd spray it, the problem would be solved instantaneously.  Thankfully Luis was right.

Once the ant situation was under control, I went back to the mall to pick up my ring; and it was BEAUTIFUL!  Exactly what I wanted!  And so I decided to get the bonus, diamond ring sized as well.
After the mall I stopped at Trader Joe's because I was expecting company at 2.  I picked up some cheeses and grapes and headed back home.

While I was on vacation in Puerto Vallarta this past May, I happened to receive comments on my blog from 2 ladies who both lived in the Phoenix area, and had both found me through "Scrapbooking from the Inside Out."  It seemed that I had a lot in common with both ladies and so I emailed them privately to introduce myself and thank them for their comments.  Julie and I had the opportunity to get together a few months ago; and I think we clicked immediately.  Joni and I were going to be meeting for the first time today, but with all of the parallels in our lives; right down to the name of our dogs; I feel like she's an old friend; and Julie and Joni know each other, but were going to be meeting for the first time today.

It  definitely didn't seem like this was the first time that Joni and I or Julie and Joni had met.  Both ladies quickly got to work on lays out and although I felt like a fish out of water, I pulled out a photo and some paper and got to work.  The ladies were only here for 4 hours and I actually got 2 lay outs done, which (if you know me;) is monumental.
It felt really good to be creative in a means other than writing; and I think I may need to try scrapbooking again more regularly.

Once my friends left, my entire family headed back to the mall to pick up the bonus ring, and I must say that  Capri Jewelers was 2 for 2.  The ring was stunning!!
We grabbed some dinner, went to Kohl's to get Kelsie new sneakers; came back home, I finished my 2nd lay out; and HERE I AM.

Well, no one will ever be able to accuse me of wasting a minute.  My day was full and so is my heart.  I had some special time with my oldest daughter, I got my long awaited ring, I enjoyed the company of some amazing, new friends, preserved some memories, spent time with my family; and wrote.  Life is GOOD!
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING