Water Golf

Can businesses get flood insurance?  What if your business is a golf course and it looks like this:

source

source

These photos are a little old but I didn't take any and these are the best that I could find on the net.

Mike and I drive past Lakeside Golf Course every morning.  Last week, the water was to the flags!  I can't even imagine the stress that the owners are under.  Last weekend, we had GREAT weather! They could have had so many people out on the course... but it is under water.  It's crazy!  The water level is actually finally starting to go down.  You can see the greens in some spots, but still.  I'm sure the mess that the flooding leaves is just as bad.  I think we should come together and figure out how to play water golf.  Instead of holes, maybe they could have buckets?  Instead of golf carts, they could have paddle boats?  They could have floating rafts to hit the ball off of... I think I have a great idea!  I'm sure there are a few courses in my city that could take advantage of this :o)

Thankfully the rain has FINALLY stopped!  We had great weather this past weekend with temps in the 90s!  I'm going down to Indy this weekend to the Vintage Indiana wine festival.  The park where this is held is also on a river.  As far as I know, it is not flooded.  I'm just hoping for great weather!

What has it been like where you live? 

Did it finally stop snowing, Lora? :o)

Is that a lamb I see?

You know the saying, "March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb."  We have had our fair share of lions this month with the weather and all the illnesses.  Yesterday, a little lamb started to peek his head out from behind that monstrous lion.  I love that little lamb :o)



The weather was awesome!  The girls went 24 hours without throwing up!

We were able to get outside and test drive our warm-weather vehicles.  Jaden has that pedaling thing mastered!  I've already set driving boundaries.  Taylor, well she is just content hanging out in her car with the windows down, listening to the radio :o)

Jude was even excited to have the front windows open!

Thank you, little lamb!  This was EXACTLY what we all needed!  Have a great weekend!

The Great Thaw

It's about time we get some above-freezing temps!  Lets hope for some most of these 15 inches to go bye-bye!  I am SO ready for warmer weather.  I think what annoys me the most is the nasty slush and the residue the salt leaves on everything.  I know that with melting snow comes lots and lots of mud, but I don't really care at this point.  I am SICK of the snow.

We got a new dryer.  If we are friends on Facebook, you may remember my status update a few weeks ago, complaining that my dryer was dead.  After a few weeks of doing laundry at Mike's parents' house, we finally got our new dryer!  It's nothing fancy but let me tell you, it is QUIET.  I love it.  When the delivery guys were hauling away the old, dead dryer, a little chipmunk fell out of the bottom.  Apparently the dryer wasn't the only dead thing in our basement... I know, disgusting.  I'm actually still kind of grossed out about it.

I've found my flavor of the month.  It is definitely CINNAMON!  I love that sweet little spice :o)  Folgers has a cinnamon swirl coffee that is A-MAZING.

Also, I have been itching to bake an apple pie.  I don't know why this need is taking over every thought I have.  Whenever I log onto the Internet, I immediately start googling best ever apple pie recipe.  I have never made a real fruit pie from scratch.  Anyone have a great recipe to share?  I think I'm going to make one for the babysitter for Valentine's Day.

I live in Fort Wayne.  Have you heard the buzz that Fort Wayne is getting?  Even Jimmy Kimmel had a high horse moment on the topic.  Here, see it for yourself:

Yeah, people are voting to rename Renaissance Square the Harry Baals Government Center.  I think this is completely ridiculous.  I don't care that he was the mayor.  The only reason this was suggested is because it is Harry Baals.  The only reason people are voting for it is to see if, when it wins, they actually name the building that.  Dumb.  Go here and vote on anything BUT the Harry Baals Government Center.

Have a great weekend!

Happy New Year!

It's 2011!  Every year, I make it one of my resolutions to check something off of my Life List.  I figured, why not get this out of the way on day one of the new year?

Life List #30: Participate in a Polar Bear Plunge

As you can see, it was a little warmer than usual for January 1st.  Those 17 mph wind gusts were something fierce though!

My friend, Candy, was the only soul brave enough to conquer the icy St. Joseph River with me.  This was also on her Bucket List! 

Yes, that is a chunk of ice floating down the river we were waiting so patiently to dive into.

We all sang the Star Spangled Banner and took off running!

It was so cold, it HURT.

I felt like I was having a heart attack.

My chest was on fire.

I couldn't feel my feet.

It may have been the dumbest thing I've ever done...

and I CAN'T WAIT TO DO IT AGAIN!

I am SO making this an annual tradition!

In 2010, I crossed the following off of my Life List:

6. Plan a major event from start to finish

7. Start my own business

18. Collect all Statehood Quarters

27. Visit the Grand Canyon

35. Place a bet in Vegas

As far as other New Year's Resolutions go, in 2011, I resolve to:

1. Cross something off of my Life List

2. Lose 5-7 pounds

3. Get my freakin' family room ceiling fixed!

4. Read 40 books

5. Complete my 2010 Project Life album

Cheers to a prosperous 2011!

Oh yeah!  I have some winners to announce!  I randomly picked numbers using random.org, of course and the following people have won the featured prizes from my 500th post giveaway:

#15 - Renee wins the party hat and patch pattern from Becca at Blue Cricket

#27 - Jenny wins the charm and chain necklace from Sumo at Sumo's Sweet Stuff

#23 - Nikki wins the car air freshener from Jenny at Bisque It Pottery Painting Studio

#10 - Rachel wins the party hat and patch pattern from Becca at Blue Cricket

#20 - Lora wins the party hat and patch pattern from Becca at Blue Cricket

#7 - Kelly wins the octopus from Lorri's Etsy shop

#14 - Hobbyaholic wins the party hat and patch pattern from Becca at Blue Cricket

#29 - Cheeksb wins the party hat and patch pattern from Becca at Blue Cricket

#37 - Llama wins the gumball coin purse from Alycia's Yummi Etsy shop

#27 - Mrs. Huse Clifton wins Abby's Crafty Mama book

These 10 ladies, as well as the other 19 people that left comments will all receive a printable PDF of my Household Organizational Binder pages sometime this week!

Happy New Year!!

No More Fever!

Ahhh... finally after months of cold weather and cabin fever, we are able to take our after-dinner walks! 

We had our own little parade through the neighborhood :o)

It was really nice to get some fresh air and sunshine!  Now we need our muddy backyard to dry up so we can get the toys out! 

Have a gerat weekend!

A Love Letter

Dear Summer,

I am so ready to have you come my way!  I am ready to break off my relationship with your evil twin, Winter.  He was fun in the beginning but is becomming rather depressing.  I am here, waiting for you to bring me lovely flowers and warm sunshine!!  I contemplated writing to your cousin, Spring, but decided against it because it is you, Summer, that I long for.  I'm already making plans for us...

Dave Matthews Concert in June

I haven't been to the DMB concert since 2007... sad, I know.  I am ready to go again!  This time will be much more fun...

(original picture found here)

Ah yes.  MUCH better ;o)

I have even bought a cute little bathing suit to share with you, Summer!

So you see, I need to escape this gray cloud that keeps dumping this crap (some call it snow?) on me!  I need to walk barefoot outside!  I need to drive with my sunroof open and my windows down!  For crying out loud, I need my mochas iced, dangit!  Please, please, pleeeeeeease get here and rescue me, Summer!  At least send Spring to let me know you are on your way.

Love always,

Me

P.S. Don't be offended when I start to dislike you in about 6 months.  I'm sure you understand, right?

April Fools, right??

You have GOT to be kidding me! This really has to be a joke... SNOW IN APRIL?!?! Just a week ago, we were playing outside without jackets on and now we are wearing winter coats! I have been getting so excited for Spring and everything that comes with it. I've even painted my toenails (it's starting to become a little difficult) and broke out the sandals a time or two! In fact, I put my ice scraper away in the garage on Friday because "I won't need this for a long time." This morning, my car was covered in snow! No, I didn't get my scraper out. I just used my new power windows and my front and rear wipers. From the looks of most of the cars driving this morning, everyone else said, "screw it" with the car clearing too. Ugh... what a bunch of crap. We have already planned a picnic lunch and day at the zoo on Miss's birthday in 2 weeks... HEAR THAT WEATHER GODS?? Don't disappoint!

Weekend was great though! I got MAJOR painting done!! BUT, when I pulled the tape away, I almost cried because the bright, beautiful colors somehow made their way under the blue painter's tape EVEN THOUGH I rubbed the edges down REALLY good! Now I get to touch up paint... yeah. Mike said it looks fine (such a supportive husband!) and that nobody will notice, but it's kind of like when you only give something one coat and convince yourself it covered only to notice streaks EVERYTIME you walk into the room. Well, it's covered but my supposed to be straight, crisp lines are now fuzzy :o( I'll see how the other three walls look and if I have enough tape left, I may just tape the opposite sides and repaint the white. Oh how I'm looking forward to that...

Yes, I have a horrible case of the Mondays today. My hair is frizzy, my pants are too tight (but maternity pants are too big), I woke up late, my pop had WAY too much ice in it this morning, work is SLOW so the day will most definitely drag on, and oh yeah, IT'S FREAKING SNOWING! Mom, please tell me my pottery turned out ok!! OH! One good thing! I got the proof back for my family sticker (I'll blog this later...) and my baby Jude is nice and plump :o)

At least I ended on a smile! "Happy" Monday everyone!

Oh Happy Day!

Happy SPRING!! Finally, it is officially warmer weather season... though you would never know since the high today is only 42! Anyway, Mom always told me it's the thought that counts, so I'm thinkin' SPRING!! Here are some fun spring pictures (from Tuesday).

Another reason to be happy today... Dr. appointment!! We're going to try to sneak down to US after our OB appt. to get a quick gender check. It would be so horrible if Mike accidentally stepped on the tube of slimy stuff and it squirted on my bare belly. The surprise of that might cause me to trip and fall on the US wand thingy and accidentally see if baby is a he or a she ;o)

I have been battling a HORRIBLE sinus headache since Monday. It is FINALLY gone (knock on wood), but it will probably come back because Grey's and Private Practice were on last night (I haven't watched ER yet so don't blow it, dear blog friend!). I'm sure you are re-reading this and wondering how those two shows could cause me to get a headache today... Well, normally I am a night shower person. I have taken showers before bed for my entire life... UNTIL I started getting headaches during my pregnancy. I'm only allowed to take Tylenol and thanks to Mom, Tylenol is like candy to me; it does NOTHING for me. So, to relieve my headache, I've been taking extremely hot showers in the morning to clear my sinuses and kill the headache. Only, this morning I pressed my snooze button TWICE because I was up so late last night and overslept 20 minutes!! I have yesterday's mousse still in my hair so I had to throw it in a ponytail which will most definitely cause a pounding headache. I'm ok with it though because I know it will remind me to ask the doc for a Tylenol 3 prescription to kick these headaches to the curb for good! BUT, Grey's was AWESOME last night! **You absolutely HAVE to catch up, Kelly! Next week will be AWESOME!!**

Everyone needs to pray for NO RAIN this weekend!! Jaden's new thing is sidewalk chalk and she does NOT understand why we can't draw outside when it is raining. Our driveway has become a huge canvas for her and I to doodle our little brains out! I LOVE it! I think I have just as much fun and get just as messy as her :o) I've been to busy with my masterpieces to take any pictures, but I'll try to get some this weekend. It was funny because yesterday after her and Mike got home, she just wanted to go outside. We went out and JUST as I was getting into my drawing, she said, "I cold, Maw!" I felt bad because I was secretly thinking that maybe I could distract her long enough for me to finish drawing. Truth was, I was getting a bit chilly too. Plus, I had to start dinner, so we went inside! This weekend, I also need to make some headway in baby's room. I wanted to get it done last weekend but Miss was cutting her last two teeth and was really grumpy. Hopefully I'll be able to get it done this weekend!!

Oh! Guess what!! Last night, Jaden LOCKED HERSELF IN HER BEDROOM!!! I panicked for like half a second... the time it took her to unlock her door. Mike just laughed and said it wouldn't be the last time she locked me out of her bedroom :o) Maybe those drinks will be sooner than later, Kel!

Well, happy Friday and HAPPY SPRING everyone! Have a great weekend!!

ONE WEEK TIL SPRING!

Wow! Two posts in one day :o) I just noticed that Spring officially begins next Friday. To get pumped up for that joyous day, I give you my Top 10 Things That Excite Me About SPRING!!

10. Opening all of the windows in the house and doing some hardcore spring cleaning
9. Going on walks after dinner
8. Daffodils
7. Buying a new spring jacket
6. Regular sheets (not flannel)
5. Sweeping out my car
4. Driving with the windows down
3. Turning the furnace off FOR GOOD
2. Sunshine!
1. ZOO OPENS!!

Look Mom, No Heat!!

For the very first time in I don't even know HOW long, I drove to work with no heat on! I didn't even shiver either :o) I was in such a good mood when I left the house today. I didn't even care that it was raining... It felt like SPRING! I'm taking it all in right now because I know we are supposed to get some more snow this week. Hopefully the ground has warmed up enough that it won't stick.

Last night, Mike disappointed me by telling me a HUGE Grey's spoiler!! I was so mad!! I asked him why on earth he thought I would want to know that?!?! His reply was, "It doesn't really have anything to do with the show." I stared at him with my mouth wide open and said, "It has EVERYTHING to do with the show! What part of that do you think does NOT have to do with the show??" He then just kind of went "hmphh... I'm sor-REEE." Not very sincere and now it's all I can think about.

We are bed shopping for Jaden. It's about time for her to move up to a big girl bed. We were given a flyer to an American Freight warehouse sale. We went to check it out last night... the living room and dining room sets looked great! They looked brand new! The mattresses... well, they looked a little used. They were dirty and sunken down in the middle. Kinda gross. We then went to Sam's Club. We found a Serta mattress and box spring for $98 each! So far that has been the best deal out there. If you know of any better deals or have suggestions on where to look, let me know! We are planning on turning our "closet" into the baby's bedroom (before you call CPS, our closet is actually our third bedroom. We put closet fixtures on the walls to turn it into a HUGE walk-in closet.) in March. We'll put the baby bed in that room and the new twin bed in Jaden's room. I want to give her time to get adjusted to it. I'd hate for her to NEED to be back in her crib and it's too late.

Are you watching Idol this season?? The winner is that guy with the glasses (his wife recently passed away) that sang I Hope You Dance last night. I picked Fantasia from her auditions. I also put Carrie Underwood in the final three from her auditions. I'm telling you, I got it this year! Unless... There might be someone really AMAZING that they haven't shown yet. Doubt it though. He's my pick.

That's about it! Have a happy rainy day!!

Beans, Beans, the Musical Fruit...

We're at 8 weeks now (a little past since I'm behind on my blogging)...

February has got to be the WORST month of the whole year! Maybe that is why it is only 28 days. It is miserable outside! I admit, around Thanksgiving or a little after, I look forward to snow covered ground. I anticipate a white Christmas (not an ice-covered one)!! By January, I'm a little tired of the snow and cold but it still doesn't bother me THAT much. Come February, I DREAD going outside! I want Spring to come! It IS supposed to warm up a little this week. Hopefully most of this snow will melt. Heck, I'd even take a thunderstorm right about now and if you know me, you know I'm SCARED of bad storms!! More than anything else in the world, I am looking forward to grilling out and playing with Jaden in the yard. I feel like those days are SOOOO FAR AWAY!!! There are only 24 more days until March. I know we will probably have some cold days in March too, but we KNOW Spring is SOOO close! Ugh... Hang in there!

Hey, by the way, tomorrow is Go Red for Women Day! It's a day to wear red to support a heart healthy life :o) Heart disease kills so many people each year... So, wear red tomorrow and don't have a greasy cheeseburger for lunch ;o) I will have my favorite red shirt on, SERIOUSLY. ;o)

Brain Freeze

It is seriously SO COLD!!! The HIGH temperature today is -4!! I wore my ski pants over my jeans to work today and didn't take them off until 8:00. All area schools cancelled because of the wind chills. It is practically IMPOSSIBLE to get warm! Last night I took a HOT shower and then ran downstairs to camp out in front of the TV to watch Grey's and Private Practice. I was snuggled in two fleece blankets and had Jude laying on my lap (he makes a GREAT heating pad!). I FINALLY got warm and toasty and wouldn't you know, I started to doze off! I read a recap this morning and I think the only part I missed was Meredith telling Derek's mom that she was dark and twisty and then Derek's mom giving Derek a ring. Is there a proposal in the future?!?! I have mixed feelings on the whole serial killer character. He wants to save someone in his last hours by giving Jackson his liver and intestine. I think he should be able to. Yes, he killed women in cold blood, BUT he is going to pay for his crimes! They let PDRs have a chosen last meal and apparently even get to choose how they are killed. Why not let them be organ donors too? Oh, one question... What was up with McArmy in Cristina's shower fully clothed? What happened to their date? Oh, and I saw Denny say to Alex, "We need to talk." What happened with Denny and Izzy? Hopefully that story line will end soon.

Private Practice made me cry. There was a single dad with a nine year old daughter and a toddler son. They all three have CF. The little girl developed a bacteria that is killing her. Her dad was not able to be with her because he could easily catch it and die as well. He had to choose between his children. He could either be by his dying daughter's side and eventually die as well, or he could watch his daughter die alone in isolation and stay with his son. I go back and forth in my head. I think I would stay with the boy, but then I think that I couldn't leave the girl, but then I go back to the orphan boy... He ended up handing his son over to Addison and giving him his house keys, telling her where everything was for his son, and walking into the isolation room and held his daughter. Couldn't he have worn a mask? I was dozing a little during this show too. The only story I was lost in was the lesbian stroke mom. Anything good happen there?

Well, I'm sipping hot chocolate in front of a space heater... hopefully we'll warm up a little very SOON!! Keep warm this weekend!!

What a Way to Start the Day!!

Oh my goodness!! It is too freakin' cold here!! I seriously heard on the radio this morning that tomorrow will "warm up to 2"!!! Well, with the wind and the below zero temperatures, my little old house has a hard time staying warm. Jaden woke up around 4:30 this morning and was freezing! Mike went in and grabbed her out of her bed and brought her to ours. I then went to the couch. I was nice and warm in bed but knew that if I wanted that final hour and a half of sleep, I needed to leave... three plus Jude in a bed doesn't work. I went to the FREEZING COLD couch (it's right under the windows) and shivered back to sleep. When my alarm went off at 6:00, I pressed the snooze for five more minutes. It went off again and I again slept for five more minutes. So, by the time I get my cold little butt off the couch, I'm already 25 minutes behind schedule (I usually get up at 5:45). I auto-started my car at 6:40. By the time I got out to my car, I was running so late! I had planned on leaving at five or ten til because of the road conditions. I was at my car around 7:05. I unlocked it, put all of my crap in the back, put my keys in the ignition, pressed unlock, and proceeded to scrape off my car. I was scraping my car when all of a sudden, my car LOCKED THE KEYS IN ITSELF!!! So, I'm standing there in the 20 below wind chilled weather with a scraper in my hand saying mean things to my car as I unsuccessfully try to open each door. So I slammed my scraper on the trunk of my car and grab my cell phone. I had no choice but to call Mike and have him unlock the front door so I could get my spare key. This is the second time it has happened! I THINK I've figured out why though. When I am in my car and I start it with the key in the ignition, the car automatically locks itself. I'm sure it does the same thing with the auto-start. When I unlock my car with the auto-start on, I'm fine. I put the key in the ignition, the door remained unlocked, but I still press unlock JUST IN CASE. What I think happened is the auto-start turned off and since my key was in the ignition, it kept running BUT, since the car was TECHNICALLY just starting, it locked. Ugh!