No, I haven't dropped off the face of the earth. I haven't taken to my bed in a bout of depression either. I've been VERY busy prepping for the holidays. I've been sewing, jewelry making, painting, etc, etc. I can't post pics because some of you may be recipients of said projects. With the economy in the crapper, a lot of this Christmas will be homemade. Just a head's up. Anyway, I'll update later.... More sewing to finish by tomorrow.

warning: show spoiler

***updated. As I was writing this, Jay was reading over my shoulder and proceeded to tell me how dorky I am for blogging about TV. I know. Deal with it. It's a stress release. Of course, I didn't comment on all my shows....but I added a couple more.

17 Kids and Counting: brilliant. those parents are freakin' amazing. weird, but amazing. I have so much respect.

Biggest Loser: No spoiler here...I missed the last 2 episodes. "someone" deleted it from my dvr list. I better not miss this week's too.

Survivor: I am so bummed that Marcus got voted out on Thursday. He is my fave and now I don't know who I'm gonna root for. I know it's NOT Crystal, Randy, or Suzie. Actually, I do know who I'm rootin' for but I don't want to jinx it. Arrrgh! The wait til Thursday is gonna suck.

Tim Gunn's Guide to Style: Oh how I would love to be on this show. It was good last season, but now with Gretta on there, it's absolutely fantastic! I love that they dress real people with real bodies. I hate that they're all from New York.

What Not to Wear: Why do I love these makeover shows? Probably because then I see that there is always hope for improvement. No matter where you start from. Read into that as much as you like.

Amazing Race: I'm sorry, but the girls that went home tonight were D-U-M-B. The frat boys aren't much better. Ex-football player and wife bug the crap out of me, but pulled up a little today. The dating couple bug me too. Does he ever stop whining and complaining?


One of my newest faves is How Clean Is Your House? on BBC America. Have you seen this show? It's awesome! It makes me feel so much better about the state of my house. I laugh every time Kim calls the homeowner a "dirty beggar". Here's my question: What in the heck is biological washing powder?

What are your faves?

Mary's another year older, another year wiser.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARY!!!
Oh, how I wish I was there to celebrate. And celebrate we will, as soon as I can get there. (thanksgiving). You're awesome, Mary!

You see, I am 12 years older than Mary. I have all these "mommy instincts" when it comes to this particular little sis. I always have. Heck, I changed her diapers, wiped her butt, took her to see Santa, etc.. and I remember it! With the craptastic year she has had, these instincts have totally manifested themselves again. I would do anything to step in and make everything all better for her. I'd rather have the pain myself instead of thinking or seeing that she is in pain. I'd shave my head if it meant that she could keep all her hair. But this time, no one could take the pain for her, and she came out on top, fighting every step, giving cancer the preverbial "finger". I am so proud of her. I was proud when she finished the triathlon with me in May. Now, knowing that she did it with a freakin tumor in her chest, chokes me up. For a little sister, she sure is a big example. She has reminded me that we are all stronger than we think, can handle more than we thought, and can do it with style. The poor girl's been pumped full of poison and been to hell and back and she still looks beautiful. Look at any of the photos! The girl is gorgeous!

I'm all teary thinking about my sis and I'm so sad I couldn't be there with her today. My thoughts are all jumbled up in tears now.... so this sums it up. Mary, I love you so much and I am so proud of you. Words can't express it. I think you just showed the world that you can do ANYTHING you stick your mind to. You rock, sister.

Show your love of America

If you do nothing else today, GO VOTE!

I submitted my early ballot last week and plan to wear my "I Voted Early" sticker all day. The first Tuesday in November is one of the days that I love America best. We are so blessed to be able to make our voices heard, have the freedom to choose how we want our country run, and have the freedom to complain when it doesn't go our way. Even if "your guy" doesn't win, you must do your patriotic duty and cast a ballot. Otherwise when you complain that the guys in Washington are screwing you, I don't think I should have to listen.

Still Life

Introducing the Shaunee tested and approved Maximum Efficiency Caffiene Delivery System. Check out the size of that straw! I have the best husband in the world. Always thinking of me, even when he thinks it's stupid. And it is stupid....but I love a good straw. That sucker is big enough for me to put my pinkie in it!

Halloween Open House

Sadly, my kids are too old to go trick-or-treating. Well, I could let them go but then they'd just get into trouble. Anyway.... we decided to have an a open house so that they could have friends over, dress up, etc. The kids dressed up pretty lame...Jay and I went all out.
This is Bekah and her friend Carly. I think I wore a dress similar to Carl's 80's beauty queen to my prom.

Chase and Brady. They know each other from preschool, and were happy to see each other. (they go to different schools now.....Chase is Julianne's son and Brady is my friend Krista's son).

Bekah, Kelsey, and Carly. Like the mice on my stairs?

Cute Colby was all poses and smiles. And, he really liked climbing the stairs.

Bats and Spiders attacked the house everywhere!

Fizzy Blood Punch. (before it turned to slush because I put the whole block of dry ice in it...oops)

It looks like the makeup on the end of my nose rubbed off.... lame. And we took pics before I put on my black lipstick. oops again. And I'm feeling too fat for a full body shot, so you don't get to see my black and white striped witch stocking either.

I thought for sure that the little kids would be afraid of Jay but they were all fine. His contacts freaked Eric out more than ANY of the little kids that came by. Bekah wouldn't even look at him.

I hope you all had a fun Halloween.......and thanks to everyone that stopped by last night. It was so much better than just hanging at home waiting for the 3 trick-or-treaters to come by. Food, friends, Guitar Hero, CANDY, awesome.