Heeeere's your sign!!

Alright, for those of you that don't already know, I was fortunate enough to marry the man of my dreams. By this I mean, he is charming, funny, good looking, a great provider for me and my kids, never complains about me or my bad habits ie..shopping, going out to lunch w/ friends all of the time, etc. I do have to say though, that the man of my dreams was not a plumber!! the man of my dreams was anything but a plumber!! When I signed on the dotted line, he did not tell me that we would own our own business and I would have to take the "crappy" calls. Here is a little tip for you guys...when you call a plumbing company, the poor girl answering the phone does NOT need a visual. You don't have to call and tell her what is in the toilet or what it looks like, you simply have to say that your toilet is stopped up. You don't have to tell the poor girl on the phone that your garbage disposal isn't working and your sink has stuff in it that looks and smells like vomit!! Simply say that it won't drain. She doesn't need to hear about the sanitary products your wife or teenage daughter are using and flushing down the toilet, she doesn't care about where the hair came from in the shower, she doesn't care what you had for dinner last night and what her plumber might see in your toilet, really, SHE DOESN'T CARE!! Just tell her you need a plumber and she will get him there. Alright, now that we have that clear, onto the next topic. The logo above is what one sees when looking in the phone book. This is also what one sees on all of our vehicles and t-shirts. What I am trying to say here is that you never see our logo without the plumbing part of it. You can only find us in the phone book under plumbers, water heaters, and plumbing contractors. Now with this being said, why would one assume that we are dog breeders? Or better yet, dog groomers? Do you know how many calls I have gotten asking if we sell bulldogs? Do any plumbers sell bulldogs? I dont think so!! I mean, just because Bulldogs is the name does not mean we sell them! Why would someone searching for a dog look under plumbers in the phone book anyways? Lastly, why would someone call Bulldogs Plumbing and ask "are you guys plumbers?" C'mon people!!...one doesn't have it all over their cars and clothes to pretend they're plumbers. I mean, who dresses up like a plumber just for fun?... Heeeere's your sign!!

Little Heathens

Aren't those the cutest faces you ever did see? So full of life and love. I mean look at them...don't they look like the kind of kids you could take home to mama? Well they're not!! As a matter of fact they are all laughing in this picture because Justin (the big one) had just made a comment about ME!! I was trying to get a good pic of the 4 of them all day...in the backyard, out front, on the sofa, everywhere!! So Jared (the one with the goofy grin) said "mom, is this for your blog?" I said "yeah, I'll probably put it on there, now just smile and look at me!!" Of course, everytime I got the baby to look at me the others were looking all over the place and then when I could get them to look at me the baby refused...you know how it goes. After about 10 minutes of this (in the same pose) I gritted my teeth and said "Do not move!!, Do not take your eyes off of me!! Do you hear me?!? Keep those smiles on your faces until I can get Jarom to look at me!! Do you understand?!?! So Justin says "man, these bloggers really take this seriously!!" They laughed, I laughed, look at Jarom (the baby), even he's laughing. It was just so funny. So anyways, this was the best I could do. I guess this is why I have much better luck with snapping away when they don't know.
Oh, and for you peeps out in Harlingen, Heathen is defined as One who is regarded as uncivilized, or unenlightened.
for the rest of you...those Harlingen peeps don't get out much

I need a skill

I would like to think that there is something I was put on this wonderful earth to do. Yes, I cook great meals for my hubby everyday, do a ton of laundry, change a million diapers, sweep the floor and on occasion (a very rare occasion) I even dust. These are all great things, I know, but it just isn't enough!! I want some great skill. My mom can sew like there's no tomorrow (she can cook too), I have a friend, Carol, who makes the cutest little beannie hats and quilts, I have another friend, Allison, who taught herself 1 stroke painting, crochet, and knitting. Then there's Jana, who found yo-yo's online and decided she could do that (and she can!!). I just want a skill!! SOMEBODY TEACH ME SOMETHING!! I want to be impressive like all of you!! I guess I spent too much of my youth hanging out with those "other" kids...the ones that liked boys!! The ones you're mama's warned you about!! I'm sorry!! I really am!! Just teach me something!!
Julie

Are you smarter than a 2nd grader?

The gray spelling list is what my 5th grade daughter brought home this week. The yellow spelling list is what my 2nd grader brought home. Take a look at the words on the yellow sheet...petroglyphs? What the?? I tested him on her spelling words and he could spell them. She couln't spell all of his. Take a look at the vocab words on the the yellow sheet (which they also have to know how to spell).. Exhibition!! My 5th grader couldn't spell that or petroglyphs. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad my 2nd grader is being challenged in 2nd grade but what does that say for the 5th grade class? And even sadder, I couldn't tell them what petroglyphs means!! Forget "are you smarter than a 5th grader" I can't even beat a 2nd grader!!

Papa Joe

Sometimes a memory from the past will pop into my head and I believe these are things I should have been journaling for my kids long before now. So here's what crossed my mind today...When I was a youngen I lived in San Diego, California. We lived in military housing and the same Ice Cream man drove through the neighborhood everyday. His name was papa Joe. I Loved Papa Joe! He was this little old man who was missing half a finger. I was always able to buy a Big Stick because they were only a quarter. But on payday, which was the 1st and the 15th, I would get a drumstick!! And on my birthday I got whatever I wanted FREE. Now I never had to tell Papa Joe it was birthday...he always just knew. He knew all of our birthdays. To this day I wonder how he knew and furthermore, how he could keep up with all of them. There were hundreds of kids in Murphy Canyon. I know he didn't treat them all but still, I know everyone on my street got our free birthday ice cream. How did he remember? As I started getting older, Papa Joe lost my interest and I moved on to cooler things like walking to the store instead of waiting for Papa Joe. How sad, huh? The thought of kids getting older and maturing makes me sad sometimes. I'm sure once kids lost interest there were others behind us to get excited over hearing the sound of the ice cream mans musical truck. He probably never even noticed we were gone. I wonder what happened to him?

OH NO SHE DIDN'T!!!

deleted due to hubby's request...he's probably right...I shouldn't speak negatively of anyone. Aren't I a good little wife?

Justin Rocks!!

Justin was in the city meet today for Mesa Public Schools Track n Field. He's not even in track but his PE coach had him throw a shot put the other day and asked if he would go to the meet with them. He did and he won!! 1st place baby!! Of all the Mesa Public Schools 7th graders, I got the champ!!..how sweet is that? He threw 33ft 11 inches. He placed 4th in the Long Jump jumping 13 ft 9 inches and in the 4 X 400 meter relay his team placed 2nd. We are very proud of him. He had never considered it before but I have a feeling we'll be going to lots of track meets next year. We'll keep ya posted!!

The Pursuit of Skinniness

I've had the same enemy for 11 years!! She has given me nothing but problems. Every so often she lightens up on me but for the most part she has found ways to torture me. She lies and tells me things I dont want to hear. I have had to use much self control with her. There have been times I have wanted to wrap my little hands around her and throw her against a wall. But what would that teach my children? Now every so often when they aren't looking I do give her a little kick but nothing that will hold up in a court of law. I know most of you probably cant believe this as I have never been known to let anyone treat me this way but it's true. So, Sunday, I decided I wasn't going to let this skinny little white girl win anymore. This has gone on way too long with me doing nothing about it!! That scale of mine will never tell me the things it has told me in the past. Never again will I let her tell me I weigh that much!! Monday I started my new plan of attack which consists of eating healthier and exercising. I did really good on Monday. Then today, I had an omelette for breakfast filled with veggies and ham. I didn't eat again until dinner (pictured above) where I ate quite healthy if I must say so myself. Justin made cookies while I was gone and I did have 2 of those (thats the rebel in me coming out). Now I know its taken many years to get all of this weight on but come on...its been 2 whole days!!! If I do this much longer I'll wither away to nothing!! I thought by now I'd be a size or 2 smaller. This pursuit of skinniness is for the birds!!....especially with Justin around!!

Steph turned 11

Steph turned 11 on the 5th...but we had her party last night. I took her and 7 other drama queens ice skating...they had a blast!! My friend Michelle came along to help me transport all of them and to keep me company while the girls were out on the ice. After that we went to Barros Pizza and let me tell you...11 year old girls can eat!! We got home at around 11 and 3 of the girls stayed the night. So for the rest of the night, I heard giggling, singing, ghost stories, you know..all the stuff girls do at these sleepovers. They didn't go to bed until 5am and then they were up again by 8am. It brought me back to my childhood. I still remember my 11th birthday party. My parents took me to Square Pan Pizza and then we went roller skating. Afterwards, I had a slumber party. How time flies!! It seems just like yesterday. Justin (13) had no problem with the girls being here. As a matter of fact, I think he liked it.. Oh, those raging hormones of a teenager!! All in all, it went well. Thank goodness we have a while til this happens again. It's going to take a year to revive myself from last night.

Jaroms first bloody nose

Jarom got his first bloody nose tonight. And judging by the pictures below, this was a proud moment in his life!!

Now his first tooth was a big deal and so was his first step but nothing makes him prouder than his first bloody nose. The following is what happened in his own words.

I was hanging out with my mom making a mess all over the kitchen. So my dad said Lets go to bed Jarom. I hate going to bed and try anything I can to get out of it. So I thought I would try my best move on him. I jumped on his back, he screamed and tried hard to fight back but he just couldn't take me down. He said he gave up so I started getting off his back and just then, he sucker punched me.

I had to show him who was boss but just as I was going to head butt him from behind he lifted his head and the next thing I knew I was seeing stars and blood was running out of my nose.

I know what you all are thinking...I shouldn't of let my guard down!!...remember though, I'm young and inexperienced. It's still early in my career but now I know for next time. Looking back now, I should have tried another move.

This has been a big learning lesson for me. I feel I'm ready to take him on again!! Bring it on Big Daddy...I'm waiting!!!

8 months!!

Ever since Steven and I became an item (back in the Ice Age) he wanted a big screen TV. We suffered through many years of watching a 32" which in my opinion is ok but that is only if you have never watched on Big Screen. We both swear that watching that 32" is what made our eyes go bad (not our age). Anyways, for Christmas of 2004 I broke down and bought him his big screen. This TV has brought joy to many!! Our kids and their friends have spent hours upon hours playing Guitar Hero on it. Steve and his friends have spent hours on it playing Halo and watching UFC. My father comes to town and forgets that he actually came to see me or my kids as this TV gets all of his attention too. It has definitely given us our moneys worth in terms of Entertainment and enjoyment. Well tonight, the unthinkable happened. Justin and Jared were wrestling (which they know they should not do in the house) and Jared fell right thru the screen of the TV. Steven and I had no clue this happened as we were both upstairs but the guilt in my little Jareds heart forced him to come and tell us. I was ticked!! And I said the first thing that I could think of...You're grounded!! For 8 months!! No TV, No playing, you're grounded!! 8 months...you got that!! They both rushed to their rooms looking oh, so upset and then I heard Steve laughing...8 months???Where'd that one come from? I dont know, I said...it was the first thing that popped in my head. We both just laughed. I never let them know I was exaggerating a little in my anger...So what do you think? Is it a little harsh?

jealous!!

It was a pretty mello weekend. I taught a paper crafts class on Saturday. We made these cute little candles. I'm a little jealous because Stephs is cuter than mine. Other than that, we went to watch the Super Bowl at a friends house. She is a photographer and has the cutest photos all over her house...I'm a little jealous. Then, one of my fellow bloggers was giving away a gift card and doing her drawing tonight...I forgot to enter my name so I lost...I'm jealous of the winner too because I really wanted to try that restaraunt!! Oh well, I guess that's the word that describes my weekend...jealous!!

gotta love those kids

I couldn't think of anything to write about tonight but as I was reading other blogs I found this. I thought this was so funny!! you have to read it..ENJOY!!

A 3~year~old tells all from his mother's restroom stall
By Shannon Popkin

My little guy, Cade, is quite a talker. He loves to communicate and does it quite well. He talks to people constantly, whether we're in the library, the grocery store or at a drive~thru window. People often comment on how clearly he speaks for a just~turned 3~year~old, and you never have to ask him to turn up the volume; it's always fully cranked. There have been several embarrassing times that I've wished the meaning of his words would have been masked by a not~so~audible voice, but never have I wished this more than last week at Costco. Halfway through our shopping trip, nature called, so I took Cade with me into the restroom. If you'd been one of the ladies in the restroom that evening, this is what you would have heard coming from the second to last stall:'Mommy, are you gonna go potty? Oh! Why are you putting toiwet paper on the potty, Mommy? Oh! You gonna sit down on da toiwet paper now? Mommy, what are you doing? Mommy, are you gonna go stinkies on the potty?'At this point, I started mentally counting how many women had been in the restroom when I walked in. Several stalls were full. 4? 5? Maybe we could wait until they all left before I had to make my debut out of this stall and reveal my identity.Cade continued, 'Mommy, you ARE going stinkies, aren't you? Oh, dats a good girl, Mommy! Are you gonna get some candy for going stinkies on the potty? Let me see doze stinkies, Mommy! Oh, Mommy! I'm trying to see in dere. Oh, I see dem! Dat is a very g ood girl, Mommy. You ARE gonna get some candy!'I heard a few faint chuckles coming from the stalls on either side of me. Where is a screaming new born when you need one? Good grief. This was really getting embarrassing. I was definitely waiting a long time before exiting. Trying to divert him, I said, 'Why don't you look in Mommy's purse and see if you can find some candy. We'll both have some.'No, I'm trying to see doze more stinkies. Oh! Mommy!' He started to gag at this point. 'Uh oh, Mommy. I fink I'm gonna frow up. Mommy, doze stinkies are making me frow up!! Dat is so gross!!As the gags became louder, so did the chuckles outside my stall. I quickly flushed the toilet in hopes of changing the subject. I began to reason with myself: Okay, there are four other toilets. If I count four flushes, I can be reasonably assured that those who overheard this embarrassing monologue will be long gone.'Mommy! Would you get off the potty, now? I want you to be done doing stinkies! Get up! Get up!' He grunted as he tried to pull me.Now I could hear full-blown laughter. I bent down to count the feet outside my door.'Oh, are you wooking under dere, Mommy? You wooking under da door? What were you wooking at, Mommy? You wooking at da wady's feet?'More laughter.I stood inside the locked door and tried to assess the situation.'Mommy, it's time to wash our hands, now. We have to go out now, Mommy.' He started pounding on the door. 'Mommy, don't you want to wash your hands? I want to go out!!'I saw that my 'wait 'em out' plan was unraveling. I sheepishly opened the door, and found, standing outside my stall, twenty to thirty ladies crowded around the stall, all smiling and starting to applaud. My first thought was complete embarrassment, then I thought, 'Where's the fine print on the 'motherhood contract' where I signed away every bit of my dignity and privacy?' But as my little boy gave me a big, cheeky grin while he rubbed bubbly soap between his chubby little hands, I thought, 'I'd sign it all away again, just to be known as 'Mommy' to this little fellow.'Shannon Popkin is a freelance writer and mother of three. She lives with her family in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where she no longer uses public rest-rooms with her 3~year~old in tow.