Just a Short Note

I just wanted to post a short note to let all of my followers and anyone else that happens to stumble upon this Blog.... IM NOT GONE! It has been a crazy past couple of months, and Im also trying to figure out how to rearrange my blog. I really appreciate you checking in on me. I WILL be back on January 1st. I hope that everyone has a Wonderful Holiday Season!!

God Bless and see Ya'll soon!!!

My Operation Organization Challenge

I DID IT!!!

Finally I have finished the Operation Organization for our study. Although, I have left the box of "Paperwork" for the next challenge. We plan to have a Halloween Party, so the next area is our upstairs. Here are the before and after pictures! YAY!

 

                        

                                                         BEFORE Right Side

                                                              AFTER Right Side

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        BEFORE Left Side

   AFTER Left Side

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BEFORE Center

AFTER Center

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Thank You for your patience!! I am very proud of it and am so happy to share it with you!! Curious about the Operation Organization? Check out her Blog! It looks like Operation Organization is over, but her Blog is a lot of fun to read.

Under Construction.....

       That sums up the idea of Life, doesn’t it? As I sit here and listen to soothing Christmas songs (I find them very relaxing), I begin to wonder about everything. I’m sure everyone has done it at some point. The “Why am I here?" or the “How can I make our family happier and less messy?" or "Why am I Blogging?" questions. I started to Blog because I thought that if I say I’m going to do something, then the internet community would help me stick to it, as well as learn how to create web sites and write html better. I am very ashamed to say that I haven’t stuck to the couple of things I have said I would. I want to fix that. I want to fix a lot of things in my life, and I know I can. I know that Life is always "Under Construction". From graduating High School to joining the Army to having a family, Life always changes. My family is a constant chaotic change after another. I read many Blogs and I am truly amazed at how these moms and dads just keep on going, and they have the ability to share it with us. To show us that we are not alone. I thank you all so much for that. I realize now that I do not have to come up with witty posts or a ton of pictures to share my life. I want to, but one baby step at a time. To find out that I'm not the only mom with a teenage daughter that drives her INSANE, is wonderful news!

My plan is use some of my self help books and post the ideas and/or the outcomes of using them. We have a "WOW" wall that holds our chores, and I want to show ya'll how it works. Perhaps I can give ideas and help to other families, just as I have gotten idea and help from ya'll.

In closing, my fellow Bloggy Families, bear with me as I attempt to create a less Chaotic Blog and deal with the Chaotic Blessings of Life (hmmm... that sounds like a Post title).

So to those that are always "Under Construction"....

.... Good Luck and God Bless!

If a Moose Falls Into A Giant Potty....

Lately I have noticed a increase in the “What-If-athons” with my children. You know, the hypothetical situation they throw at you, just to see if you are listening (or care); these little dabs of fantasy to assure them that reality has not changed. We recently had a doozie of a question. On the long trip down to my in-laws our 8 year old daughter, who just got braces, piped up in the back, “What if two moose were walking in the forest and they came across a giant potty and one of them fell in?”
...

Now how do you answer this question? I know she is testing the boundaries of reality, trying to see if she is normal (not a word I would describe my 8 year old… or any of my girls, but that’s for another discussion), and a touch of being silly. So I asked her, “Honey, what do you think would happen?” (I know by doing this she learns to come up with different problem solving skills) And she replied, ever so sweetly, “That they would probably get their horns stuck when it flushed.”
...

This affirmation of reality has spread among all of our children, especially the 14 year old. She loves to come up to me and randomly ask me, “What-if my nose was upside-down?” or “What-if I looked like this?”, and would proceed to make the strangest face. With each “What-If” being a bit stranger then the last.

I had been struggling with my frustration at these “What-If-Athons”, until I had a lengthy conversation with my 14 year old. She told me that her friends are picking on her, talking behind her back and just being plain mean. It was then that I realized that all of her “what-ifs” she was constantly throwing at us, was her way of making sure we would always love her and accept her for who she was. With that epiphany, it became clear that the moose in the potty was more about her new braces than 2 silly moose in a forest. Each girl has had their own strange “What-Ifs”, and each are going through changing times of uncertainty.

So I look forward to my everyday experience with the off the wall “What-If-athons”, especially if they bring me closer to my children.

** Guest Blog **

I have decided to let my husband do a guest blog today. He is a wonderful writer and I hope he gets his dream of writing a book or two. I love that he is so creative and such a powerful thinker. Here he is my very own Knight in rusted and dented armor.....

What is the worst that an enemy can do?

By: Landon Owens

That is the thought that keeps running through my head. One that I have been mulling over for the past few days. What spurred the thought was the "National day of Service" that the President decided to make on Sept 11th. With the by-line of "commemorate and remember the 9/11 tragedy."

My first question is why do we need a "National day of Service"? This country is founded on service to others. We have an all volunteer military, last time I looked there has not been a draft for decades. More charities than you can name, even tax credits for charitable giving. Heck, there are a large number of COUNTRIES that would not be standing if not for our servitude. For most people, a week does not go by that they are not affected by this nation's service record. So why do we need a National day of Service?

My Second question is "why on 9/11?" that day was already claimed. It was called Patriot Day (See Public Law 107-89) by joint resolution congress has designated September 11 of each year Patriot Day. The day we are supposed to wear red, white and blue. Why are we lacquering over this title with a nice shinny phrase of "National Day of Service"? Is it because so many Americans' died that day? is it because of all outpouring of aid that occurred after/because of the attacks? In that logic why not call Dec. 7th, a lot people entered into service related activities after Pearl Harbor was attacked. How about June 6th the day that concrete started on Hoover Damn, the largest service project this country has ever undertaken. Maybe it's about American deaths... Why not the month of January, according to the bureau of statistics more people die in January than any other month. Oddly enough, January 3rd 1992 being the Day that the most Americans died, 7,422 across America for any and all reasons. So, I say call January 3rd the nation day of service. Why declare a new name for a day that already has one?

Which goes back to my first question. What is the worst that an enemy can do? I remember a book my mom talked a lot about called the Boomer's Bible. In it, Americans were called Yanks and one of our defining characteristics was that if we could label something a with a color we would kill it, with big pointy sticks. Red = USSR, Yellow=Japan, Pink-o = Communist, seems to hold true. Now we have gone further with that. Now we just shout out a color and react to it. Today's threat level is orange… so be ready with your pointy stick. We are almost at red. Red is throw the stick. Don't define it, just color it then kill it. Easy enough… like a first person shooter game, if it's colored wrong, kill it. But what happens when the enemy's threat color is red, white and blue?

So, again I ask, "why are we changing the name of 9/11?" Does it help our country to erase Patriots day and name it "National day of Service?" Are we being "good global citizen" by stopping to wear red, white and blue? Why is it that in 8 years, we have gone from celebrating American patriotism to erasing it? I am proud to be an American, I have a flag at my desk, and one on my car, I would have one on my house if my HOA would let me (another rant for another day).

What's the worst that an enemy can do? The worse that they can do is nothing. Because in doing nothing, our latest enemy has turned this country upside down and now we fight amongst ourselves, petty fights in plain view of the world. It's amazing just how much nothing can do.

Shame and Self Pity

I am very shamed to say that last weeks Operation Organization didnt happen. Between our air conditioners conking out (we live in Texas... where its still close to 100 degrees), Our car conking out (We only have 1), School and a bit of a tummy bug... well it just didnt happen. So I have moved it to next week. I have felt so massive self pity... even had a pity party... this past week, Im over it now. I cant wait to get to work on the project.

Operation Organization - My First Battle

My first hill is about to be taken in my battle for organization. First let me explain the pictures. Ignore the date mark... IT'S WRONG! I just took the pics today. The reasons for the piles of books? We just got rid of 2 bookshelves and these are the refugees looking for a home. My goal is to re-org the entire bookshelf sysem, go through the large box of paperwork (the pic with Raggedy Ann), get rid of the changing table/cupboard with my "job" stuffed in it. Re-org my "job". I am an Dove Chocolate Party Discoveries Independent Consultant. And I need to get my gear in order. Thankfully I have a week to do this. There will be crying, screaming, temper-tantrums.... but I will pull myself up and continue. Are you curious how to join in the Operation Organization? Check out the link. Good Luck!

   

Proud Mama

I just wanted to share a piece of work from my Turkey. She had to write a peom for english and had a list of starter words for each sentence. Example:
I am
I wonder
I see....
and this is what my sweet girl came up with. You have to read the entire thing or you wont get the poem. I am truly blessed with such smart and gifted girls.

I Am......

I am lonely and tired

I wonder why we are living

I hear angry yelling

I see kids fighting

I want happiness for all

I am kind and nice

I pretend there is JOY in the air

I feel pain, but want less

I touch others to tell my story

I cry for the hurt ones

I am devoted and confused

I understand nothing of life

I say "many wrongs do not make a right"

I dream of a better world

I try to overcome each bump in the road

I hope I can succeed in my act of the better

I am a girl who must do what's right.

I truly just love this poem. It says so much! I hope that you have enjoyed it as well, and perhaps, take a little with you.

What's For Lunch?!

I decided my children needed to try new things! Therefore I gave them some ......

Yummy Frogs!

Bug Blood and Guts! (To dip the frogs in of course)

Frog Eggs!

Lilly Pads!

Fish from the pond!!

I think that this is a very well rounded and good meal. Even a teenager can enjoy the new and exotic tastes!!

What's In Your Lunchbox?!

My First VGNO!

I am very excited to say this is my first time doing this. I really hope I have done it right! I plan to try the drink and just kick beck and relax. Dont forget to check out the site and comment!


"The Name Game"

Use the first letter of your name to answer the questions. Your answers need to be real places, names and things. Nothing made up :-> (You cannot use your name for #3 boy/girl "name" question.)


1. What is your name: Nolana
2. A 4 Letter Word: Neck
3. A Boys Name: Nicholas
4. A Girls Name: Norma Jean
5. An Occupation: Nuclear Engineer
6. A Color: Neon Orange
7. Something you wear: Necktie
8. A Beverage:Napalm-Death (Alcoholic Drink)
9. A Food: Nectarine
10. Something found in the bathroom: Napkins
11. A place: Napal
12. A Reason for being late: No Gas
13. Something you shout: Ni!

OK. It's your turn! I can't wait to see what you come up with.

School Daze!

Well school has started here in Hippo Town!

Actually it started on Monday,but due to the craziness and constant going and of course my hubby's and I's date night, I didnt write... "Bad Lama... ". The girls woke up great yesterday, had a very yummy Breakfast Egg Casserole that we made the night before. We also made them their lunches. On Mondays it is "Munchie Mondays", so I made a lunchable type of meal with cookie cutter shape meat and cheese (tiny), celery and carrots ( the child with braces got tiny pieces of carrot), grapes and 1/4 banana, tiny crackers, and a couple of small chocolate eggs. They loved it and had fun showing their friends. Even our 14 year old. Thy came home thourghly pooped and just kinda hung out till my parents sent them to bed. They each had a great day, in a way. Our 2 elementary kiddos loved it! Had a blast! Our poor Middle schooler got to sit around and wait since the middle school didnt have schedules till mid-day. Not one of their best ideas. But then i am having issues with the Middle school. Our high schooler was lost... yup, she was in a state of lost and was pretty frustrated about it. Couldnt even find her locker or where the buses were. Thankfully she saw many of her old friends and has a few classes with them.

WHEW!
Today started out fairly well. Darling Hubby stayed up all night to make the Turkey Sloppy Joes for the kiddos lunches... dont worry Im not a slave driver, he works night shift. Breakfast was tiny blueberry muffins and a Breakfast smootie. Ok, the smoothie didnt go over as well as I wanted. 1 child out of 4 like it. In fact my 14 yr old announced, " Mom, this is the nastiest drink ever!". Pfft.. kids.... Off they went to school, and down mommy went for a nap! Ahhhh.... Well, 3 of the girls have gotten home and have raved about the Sloppy Joes! Now it is time to fill out the TON of paperwork the schools like to send home. I have 12 pages to fill out just for 1 child. Yikes! Thats 48 pages for all 4 girls! You would think that they would have it on word doc to download and fill out. Save a whole lot of paper (and my fingers)!!

And On That Note....

I look forward to this year, we seem to be fairly organized (so far), and waking up good. Their schedules are good and their teachers are nice. I keep my fingers crossed and daily prayers said! Onward to the next day!!

Are You Sure Life Isn't A Semi-Truck?

Wow! Just when you think you are getting life somewhat organized....BOOM! You get ran over! Well, My diet has been nudged off the road for a little bit. I have been working on controling how much I eat. It is really hard since I am ALWAYS HUNGRY!! I am focused on cleaning, Purging and Organizing my house. It is going to be a tough trek. I am a pack rat... not as bad as my mom and dad, but I am still one. This summer my goal is to clean,purge and organize the entire house....even the garage. So that is why my diet has been nudged, not completely rammed off the road, just nudged. I am going to work on creating lists of what I can and Cannot eat, even put them here. Untill the 'morrow! Good night and sleep tight! Hope the Semi-Trucks of Life dont run you over anytime soon!!

Blogging My Weigh Through Fat.... My Journey using the T-Factor Diet

I have decided that since it is the summer, that I have had enough of covering myself. I have hid my body for over 20 years.

I want to blog my way through this, perhaps this way I will stick with it. I am so tired of dieting, but I know that if I want to see my children grow-up and see my great-grandkids, that I have to lose this weight. Wish me luck and please be tolerant of a new "Blogger". So Let's Begin......

Hello, My name is Nolana. On June 10, 2009, I weigh in at 315lbs. My goal is to lose 130lbs, getting myself to a heathly 185lbs.

I will be using the T-Factor Diet. It is a neat diet and has worked in the past. Through this next year, I will post the Joys, Struggles, and everything inbetween. For those that might actually read this, please leave a comment. Hopefully I will post each day of what I can eat, or have eaten or whats eating me. haha. I can't wait to see how this pans through!!

From FAT To FIT To FABULOUS!!!

To Name or To Initial

Why have the crazy bad guys made it hard for a parent to write their child's name in their Blog or Myspace or anything Internet related?! I love all of my kiddos names! I have the right to let everyone know that I picked out their name. Now, it would seem that I shouldn't. I have to either use their first initial or a nickname. I love reading other peoples blogs about their family life and love seeing some of the beautiful names out there. Is it any good to do that anyways? Are the bad guys really going to care if the info I put up is about "K" or "Bunny-Snickers"? How do I show the world how very proud I am about my kids, but at the same time hide everything about my kids. It isn't fair to the honest parents out there. My daughter playing the Baritone could very well encourage another daughter out there that is is ok to play a big instrument. But, if I hide it, how will they know. So I tell ALL of you bad guys.. to hose off! Go somewhere that only bad guys should go! Leave me to proudly exclaim my children's names and their good doings, without the fear that you (bad guys) will try to hurt them! And I tell all of you (Good Guys) to let your child's achievements be heard and let their names be sung in joyous exclamation!

I Am A Proud Parent and I Want To Let Everyone Know!!

Super Bowl Excitement!

I'm not much of a football fan. I do not quite understand the rules and whatnot. But I love watching my Cowboys and cheering them on. Unfourtunatly my Boys didn't go to the Super Bowl, so we picked a team to cheer on. The Cardinals are pretty awesome! My husband, my father and I cheered these boys on and watched a very exciting game! Did you know there is a high school kid (just fresh from) on the Cardinals? How neat is that?! Watching the one play that will live in everyones mind... the 100 yard dash... was so exciting, it had us out of our seats... yep, we cheered for the wrong team for just that moment. I truly enjoyed watching the game and even though our team didn't win... a mighty fine team did. I will continue watching all football games... hey! They look really cute in those pants! And I will probably never understand all of the rules, why bother? My hubby tells me everything. I do know that I will always enjoy it and love watching other people enjoy it too! Way to go Steelers!! and Good Job Cardinals!!