tag i'm it

Beth @ Laugh Until You Cry tagged me.

The rules:
-Open your first photo folder.
-Scroll to the 10th photo.
-Post the photo and the story behind it.
-TAG 5 or more people!


This was taken on my very last day of class before my semester of student teaching and graduation. And I went through it all with these wonderful gals!

YOU'RE IT! {I've linked to 33 blogs in 2 days. I'm done.}

you're too much!

Thanks to Semi-Slacker Mom for this award:


Had to google the rules again. (actually I swagbucked the rules, earning a whopping 10 swagbucks. WOOHOO!) And for the record, I'm totally creating an award that has no rules!

Anyhoo, the rules for the Over the Top award:
-Answer the questions below.
-Pass it on to five people.

1. Where is your cell phone? On the couch. It's dead.

2. Your hair? Desperately needing dyed. My natural hair color looks like dirt. Literally.

3. Your mother? YOUR mother

4. Your father? married to your mother

5. Your favorite food? spaghetti, honey, (not together)

6. Your dream last night? I was actually going to share this in a post today. Weird. I was in Payless and saw these fabulous handbags that were made by Mass Hole Mommy, and I was like, "OMG I know her. Okay not in real life." And then she was there, and I was so excited to be able to meet my first blogger in real life and I made her take all kids of pictures and she thought I was psycho. Ya, I have CRAZY dreams.

7. Your favorite drink? water

8. Your dream/goal? Probably the same as every mother's dreams for her kids.

9. What room are you in? living room

10. Your hobby? blogging of course

11. Your fear? SNAKES, it's a phobia really

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Sitting in this chair. Good goals huh?

13. Where were you last night? home as always

14. Something that you aren't? a cleanie

15. Muffins? blueberry

16. Wish list item? HD flat screen, a big one

17. Where did you grow up? Nebraska. GO HUSKERS!

18. Last thing you did? Fed The Baby while on the computer. Talented I know.

19. What are you wearing? church clothes

20. Your TV? downstairs

21. Your Pets? no way

22. Friends? love em

23. Your life? my life

24. Your mood? bloggy

25. Missing Someone? old friends

26. vehicle? mini-van

27. Something you're not wearing? shoes

28. Your favorite store? Gordman's, Carter's

29. Your favorite color? pink

30. When was the last time you laughed? now

31. Last time you cried? It's actually been awhile. I'm sure it won't be long, but body needs to every once in a while to function.

32. Your best friend? my sis

33. One place that I go to over and over? my computer

34. Facebook? DUH!

35. Favorite place to eat? out

five blogs:
1. Mass Hole Mommy (in honor of #6)
2. Pretty Pink Momma (in honor of #29)
3. Yes, Our Hands Are Full (what goes around comes around)
4. The Life and Times of a Teaching Mommy (what goes around comes around)
5. Laugh Until You Cry (what goes around comes around)

prayer is power

As I read Shell's post about her son, it got me thinking about the incredible power of prayer.

The school called this week and asked me to come right away. Otter had fallen and his nose was bleeding. He was acting disoriented and they were nervous he may have had or was going to have a seizure.

If you don't know, Otter has a history of epilepsy. He's been seizure-free for over 2 years but we saw a small absence seizure last month. We thought we were starting over and the devastation took over, but with the power of prayer it turned out to be a one time occurrence.

As soon as I got the call from the school, I immediately started praying. And you know what? He was completely fine. He was rolling around on the floor during PE and whacked his nose on the floor. The disorientation came from the fact that he FREAKS at the site of blood and especially when he gets bloody noses.

Our boy, our healthy normal boy, who they told us would be mentally retarded because of multiple daily seizures. The same "they" who told us diet was a last resort. Our boy, who was falling away from us so quickly, was cured.

Amazing miracles through the power of prayer. True and real miracles.

I just started a prayer journal and I'm so excited to be able to document this awesome power, to have on paper the miracles He performs.

Do you have a prayer request? Let me pray for you. Comment or email me at aliasblogger {at} yahoo {dot} com. And please share with me the miracles he's performed in your life.

award time: a little overdue

Thanks to Stephanie @ How Sweet it is!, Beth @ Laugh Until You Cry, and Erin @ Yes, Our Hands Are Full for this award:


I'll admit it. I'm a stickler for the rules. In fact, I even google the rules of the award if the person who sent it to me didn't follow them, {ahem} Shell. ;)

But since I've already received and given this award I'm not gonna go through the motions again. To see 7 things about me and the 7 blogs that received the award, go here.


Thanks to Beth @ Laugh Until You Cry for this award:


The rules for the Sunshine award:
- Put the logo on your blog or within your post.
- Pass the award onto 12 bloggers.
- Link the nominees within your post.
- Let the nominees know they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
- Share the love and link to the person from whom you received this award.

I'm awarding my 12 most recent followers. Thank you! You've brightened my day!

1. My Baby, Him, and I
2. Opinions of a Moody Mama
3. For the Love of Naps
4. Dusty Thorn Farm
5. Stepping On Cheerios
6. Ann Again...And Again
7. My Personal Fitness Transformation
8. Just Me and My Scents
9. 38 & Growing
10. Moms Wear Your Tees
11. Family Treasures
12. Working In My Jammies and Loving It


Thanks to Shell @ Things I Can't Say for this award:


The rules for the Master of Karate & Friendship award:
-List 6 things that you are a master in.
-Pass it onto 6 bloggers that you think are masters at friendship and make blogging so awesome.

I'm a master at:
1. procrastination
2. watching tv
3. sleeping
4. reading
5. heating things up in the microwave
6. following the rules of course :)

Loyal Commenters:
1. Things I Can't Say {The rules don't say I can't give it back! Plus, she's awesome.}
2. Confessions of a Semi-Slacker Mom
3. How Sweet it is!
4. My Kids Might Be Martians
5. B Sparkly
6. Low Expectations


Thanks to Nicolasa @ Low Expectations for this award:


The rules for The Fabulous Sugar Doll Blog Award
-List 10 things people may not know about you.
-Pass this on to 10 bloggers.

Okay this is getting tiring. Maybe I should rethink following the rules...

Nope, here we go.

1. I was voted "Best Personalilty" and "Most Outgoing" in my Senior Yearbook.
2. Hubby was my high school sweetheart.
3. I have 1 sister 4 years younger and she's my best friend.
4. I love my mommy and talk to her almost everyday.
5. I taught a blogging class for the local college.
6. My first car was an '86 Chevy Celebrity.
7. It took me 6 years to get my teaching degree.
8. My favorite vacation ever was a Disney cruise when I was 16.
9. I've been to Jamaica twice.
10. I like cute hats. This is my most recent purchase. Hubby hates it.


More new followers:
1. Under the Golden Apple Tree
2. Riding the Roller Coaster
3. MamaBuzz
4. Heart Prints
5. Just a Night Owl
6. Safe Home Happy Mom
7. Sevin Family
8. Ascending Butterfly
9. Without a Net
10. Jael Custom Designs

Seriously that took F.O.R.E.V.E.R!

who remembers this?

{la la} Camp Anawana, we hold you in our hearts, and when we think about you, IT MAKES ME WANNA FART! {la la}

It's I hope we never part. Now get it right or pay the price!

I woke up singing that this morning. How weird is that?

csn stores

CSN Stores has (have?) given me the opportunity to host my first giveaway! And it's going to be an AWESOME one! FYI: This post does not contain the giveaway.

Their online shopping rocks! All your household shopping needs and then some are available in their 200+ stores.

I have been browsing their kids bedding for Otter and Raven.

Here are my faves:



Otter wants a Husker room.

Hop on over and take a looksy! Giveaway coming soon!

{I was not compensated for this post. I really do think they're awesome!}

people in review #4

I'm slacking. This was last updated on Tuesday and I have a busy day/weekend. I'll catch you up next week! :)

POLL: Tiger's Speech: Perfectly Professional or Too Cold?
56% voted Too cold and robotic

Snooki's 'Upgraded Guidette' Hair: Love It or Hate It?
This made me think of April's video, How to be Skankalicious

Tiger's Mom Tells Him: 'I'm So Proud of You'
She believes his return to Buddhism will make him a much better person...

PHOTO: Who Did Tiger Hug After His Speech?
His mom. From what I gathered Elin wasn't there. I didn't watch I just listened. Btw, did you know Elin is pronounced E-lin? I always thought it was Ellen. Anyhoo...

How Shaun White Keeps His Hair Looking Lush
Is it me or does this guy totally remind you of Carrot Top?

Will Tiger's Speech Help His Image – or Further Hurt It?
I won't lie. I totally bought it. But people tell me I have the tendency to be gullible.

Kourtney Kardashian: Scott Is My Partner
I thought they broke up.

Expectant Couple Tie the Knot – Mid-Labor
Hold my bouquet please, I'm having a contraction.

Bode Miller Collects a Medal of Every Color
Great accomplishment but I believe the goal was for the color of gold.

Couples Watch: Neil Patrick Harris & David Burtka, Kellan & AnnaLynne
I didn't know that Neil was gay.

Tyra Banks Hosts Online Model Search
STOP CALLING Tyra, I said I couldn't do it.

Tiger Woods's Caddy Vows to Protect Him from Hecklers
I, Steve William, caddy of Tiger Woods, vow to keep Tiger's penis in his pants.

Ryan Phillippe, Abbie Cornish Split
That's karma homewreckers. Next up: Bradgelina

Keeping Up with the Kardashians: Baby Mason Arrives!
Okay, if you're going to have a reality show, you can't post present things on People before they've aired on the show. It confuses me.

Lindsay Lohan Used Coke, Alcohol to 'Mask Her Problems'
And what "problems" would those be?

The Bachelor's Gia Regrets Not Opening Up with Jake
Next Bachelorette! Next Bachelorette! {shout it with me} Next Bachelorette!

Kate Winslet Keeps Her Oscar in the Bathroom
So people can touch it and hold it for a sec. That Kate is clever.

The Bachelor Blog: Jake Faces the Women

Is it me or is every episode "the most dramatic of the season," or "the most dramatic in Bachelor history." The episode was boring. Michelle, you are crazy, and yes, you do need a therapist. Ali, I'm not mad at you anymore. Gia, I love you. Rozlyn, either you have the worst moral compass in all of history, or it you may be highly likely that you need medication for whoreness schizophrenia.

Lindsay Lohan Says Her Love of Women Surprised Her
She says if she can't be with Samantha she'll date men. WTH?

Is Katherine Heigl Leaving Grey's Anatomy?
Possibly. :(

What You Didn't See on The Bachelor's Women Tell All
Don't let the title lure you in. It was not worth reading. Except how Ali said, "The stuff being said {about Vienna} is so bad that I almost hope she’s with Jake so that he can support her through it.” WHOA, didn't see that coming!

JWOWW: I'm Not Getting Bigger Boobs
She said she had to get saline implants because she was too young for silicone. I looked it up. She got her implants somewhere between 18 and 21. Seriously?

PHOTO: Nicole Richie Pilots a Jet
It's amazing where a few blow jobs will get ya.

Charlie Sheen Enters Rehab as a 'Preventative Measure'
Hmmm let's see. Enter rehab along with my wife or go to work and take care of the kids. Ah rehab will give me a nice rest.

af: too many blogs!

I'm getting overwhelmed. So I'm wondering,

How do you decide what blogs to read? How many do you read?

For more Aloha Friday, visit An Island Life.

this sucks

Sent Dell to the doctor. He's got a killer virus. I'm typing from my itouch which I suck at. Here I'll show you...

Tbans for voting for by new sogan. I think dust bunnies is going to win. Wow I totally rocked that last sentence. And that of e. Nope I blew it. But I'm definitely getting beter! :)

down to the final two!

I need your help one more time. Please {re}cast your vote for one of the final two slogans.

1. Where Someday is a day of the week.

2. Please don't feed the dust bunnies.

You can leave me a comment but please vote on the sidebar as well. Thanks!!!!

ww: mommy's makeup

First this, then this, and now this...



Maybe I should get off the computer and start supervising my daughter. ;)

For more Wordless Wednesday, visit 5 Minutes for Mom.

need your help!

Please vote for my new slogan on the sidebar!

Or leave me a comment:

1. Where Someday is a day of the week.

2. Embracing and procrastinating.

3. Please don't feed the dust bunnies.

4. This mess is a place.

5. Where tomorrow is the busiest day of the week.

6. Blogging the joys and messes of life & mommyhood.

7. Other

post its: exercise

3 years ago today...

...I gave birth to this precious princess.



Read her short birth story below.

birth story: raven

I was 5 days late with Raven when I was induced. We dropped Otter off at a friend's and proceeded to the hospital. When we got there, I remember crying after seeing a nurse I disliked, thinking she was going to be my nurse. :) Thankfully she was not, and I couldn't have asked for a better nurse!

The doctor inserted cervidil around 9:30am. I started having contractions around 11:00am. During contractions I repeated 2 Timothy 1:7 over and over and over again. "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." It got me through each and every contraction.

A few hours and some stadol later, the doctor checked me and said he'd be back later.
A couple contractions after he left, I felt the need to push. The nurse paged the doctor and kept telling me not to push. Well it's not like I could exactly help it. I remember gripping and bearing down on the bed railing trying not to push. Hubby said I about broke his hand. That was when the fear really kicked in because I didn't think my doctor was going to make it!

When he finally got there, I probably pushed twice and she was born at 3:33pm on 2/22. 6 lbs 14.4ozs, 19 inches long. Total time from start of contractions to her arrival: 4 hours.

I make them wrap my IV because I can't stand to look at it. Gives me the heebs.

movie monday

Welcome to Movie Monday. If you'd like to join click the pic to grab the button and post your link below.



Journey to the Center of the Earth: On a quest to find out what happened to his missing brother, a scientist, his nephew and their mountain guide discover a fantastic and dangerous lost world in the center of the earth.

Ok I'll be honest and tell you I missed a few parts because I wasn't really paying attention at first. It's pretty far fetched and unrealistic, but I suppose it was entertaining. You'd like it if you're into science.



Invincible: Based on the story of Vince Papale, a 30-year-old bartender from South Philadelphia who overcame long odds to play for the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles in 1976.

I loved this movie. What is it about true football stories that are so flippin good? It's one of those movies you just want to stand up and cheer at the end. So good!



Little Manhattan: Two 11-year-olds find love in New York City.

Are you kidding me? They're 11! It was an awful movie with awful morals. Where do I start? The boys parents are still married but the dad sleeps on the couch and the mom has a boyfriend. The girl's aunt gets married with her whopping huge pregnant belly. Now I'm not against pregnant people getting married, I had Otter before I was, but do we really have to add that in the mix? The boy talks about how his life will be over if he can't have her and love this and love that. GAG!



Cinderella: 1965 TV-version of the classic fairy tale, set to a Rodgers and Hammerstein score.

This was one of my favorite movies when I was little. I was SO excited to see it again because I thought it was just the greatest and I knew Raven would love it. HOLY MOLY! It was terrible! I can't believe I used to love it! It was just plain weird and most of the singing was awful! However, it must appeal to kids, because Raven loved it. When I told my mom how awful it was, she told me she always wondered why I loved it so much because she thought it was wacko too.

stranded

Ugh! We traveled down to my parents yesterday to celebrate Raven's birthday. We only live about 50 miles away so we weren't planning on spending the night. However, Hubby decided to game with some friends so we stayed. This morning it looks like this...


Ok not really, (google image) but here are the state's road conditions...



Anyhoo, I guess we're stuck here for a while. Not that I can complain too much, I get to put up my feet while grandma babysits!

a new look

UGH! I spent like 8 hours yesterday making headers and menu bars. I was just never satisfied! I FINALLY settled on this even though I don't care for it. It just looks to scrapbooky and doesn't really "fit" this blog. (Obviously it would look scrapbooky since I used digital scrapbook elements but that's besides the point.)

Anyhoo, I'm treating myself to a custom blog design for my birthday in April, so I guess this will just have to do until then.

people in review #3

Luger Death 'Casts Shadow' Over Olympics
His sled veered off the track and crashed into a steel pole at 90 mph. How incredibly tragic.

Daughter Dialed 911 When Alec Baldwin Didn't Answer Phone
I often call 911 when my dad doesn't answer the phone. It almost always means he's unconscious...

Heidi Montag: I Like My New Chin Best
I personally like the boobs.

The Pregnant Man Is Pregnant a Third Time
And you think your kids are bullied.

Jillian and Ed Share Valentine’s Day Tips From Hawaii
You are not yet listed on the "We Survived Real Life" Bachelor Couples list, and therefore you are not at liberty to be offering advice. Thank you.

24 Shooting Halts for Kiefer Sutherland's Minor Surgery
I doubt we'll miss much.

Victoria Beckham Reveals Her Oscar Night Gown
WHAT?!? You can't do that! That breaks the Red Carpet Code of Ethics! What is the matter with you?

Megan Fox: I'd Make a Great Mother
Holy crap.

Britney Spends Valentine's Day at McDonald's
She's so white trash lucky. What I would give to be able to go there someday.

Pierce Brosnan Shows Robert Pattinson How to Be Mr. Sociable
Pierce, vampires are not "sociable."

Brooke Mueller Is in Rehab
I think it's possible she's only addicted to making the headlines.

Jake's Bachelor Blog: 'I Will Always Love Ali'
But only until next week. And Pilot Jake wants to remind you "the flight crews are just as frustrated as you are," due to cancelled and delay flights from the snow. What a pansy.

Maggie Gyllenhaal Gets Oscar Pointers from Brother Jake
I love them. Don't you just love them?

Lionel Richie Can't Wait to Walk Nicole Down the Aisle
Can I come?

Jessica Simpson Calls America's Weight Obsession 'Disgusting'
She says, "I would not wish on my worst enemy what I went through." I know! I would HATE to be famous and have big boobs. C'mon Jess, leave the pity party to the women who actually are fat. But yes, it is disgusting.

The Bachelor's Ali 'Shocked' Jake Didn't Take Her Back
C'mon "I look great in yellow." You are like SOOOOOOOOO last week. Hmmm...job I can get anywhere vs. man of my dreams. Tough choice moron. La-hooooooooo-sah-herrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. (Loser Dumb and Dumber style, just clearing that up.) And no way in haitis are you going to be the next Bachelorette. You wouldn't be able to take off from your one in a million job anyway.

Jon Gosselin and TLC Reach a Settlement
GET A JOB LOSER!

American Idol's Top 24 Revealed!
I think I might start watching this.

The Bachelor's Gia Was 'Hysterical' Reliving Heartbreak
That poor precious thing nearly had me in tears, for reals.

Leonardo DiCaprio & Bar Rafaeli Are 'Very Similar,' Says Pal
Who names their kid Bar? Seriously. "Well honey, it's where you were conceived."

Sold! Jon & Kate's Starter Home Sells – at a Loss
Surprising actually. I figured they'd turn it into a museum or something.

Facebook Group Promotes John Mellencamp for Senate Seat
{la la} Little ditty about Jack and Diane. Two American kids growin up in the heartland. {la la}

'Sexier and More Confident' Heidi Montag Designing Clothes for Her New Body
I'm sure she has to. They don't make barbie clothes for real people.

Tiger Speaks Today, But What Will He Say?
Read on.

The Bachelor's Ali: I Still Miss Jake
Ya she'll be the next Bachelorette. She said she would challenge herself to "put love first" this time if given the opportunity.

Kelly Osbourne's in Love – with Her New Body
Okay she looks good. But is giving up carbs really worth being skinny? I vote no.

Tiger Woods's 'Real Apology to Elin Will Come from My Behavior'
If you're a sex addict can you still have sex with your wife? Just asking.

af: blog carnivals

Happy Saturday Friday and welcome Friday Followers! Friday has been Saturday in my head the last couple weeks because Otter hasn't had school and Hubby doesn't work on Fridays. It's uber confusing.

Anyhoo, I'm super excited to be starting my own blog carnival, Movie Monday! I hope you'll come back and join me. Go here to get the button.

So in the spirit of blog carnivals,

What is your favorite blog carnival?

I would have to say I much look forward to Post It Note Tuesdays with Supah.

For more Aloha Friday, visit An Island Life.

To take a looksy at other blogs participating in Friday Follow and to play along, click the pic.

you capture: kisses

In all our morning glory...

atwt: generation crib

This crib was mine. My aunt painted Bedtime Bear on it for my Care Bear nursery theme.

It has since belonged to each of my kids, which is so special to me. All three nursery themes were also Care Bears.


Baby shower idea: When I was pregnant with Raven, a couple of friends threw me a small baby shower. Each friend painted a wooden block letter for Raven's name. (That's the smudge above the curtain.) I absolutely LOVE each personalized letter and I'll treasure them always.

ww: "TELL ME!"

Ya this isn't wordless...

me: Did you color on your face?

Raven: No.

me: You need to tell mommy, Did you color on your face?

Raven: No.

This is when the panic kicks in, thinking she was having an allergic reaction to something and it was a rash.

me: YOU NEED TO TELL MOMMY IF YOU WERE COLORING ON YOUR FACE! I PROMISE I WON'T GET MAD BUT I NEED TO KNOW THAT YOU'RE OKAY!

Raven: Okay.

me: Did. you. color. on. your. face?

Raven: ya.

PHEW! Apparently this girl just like to color on herself.



For more Wordless Wednesday, visit 5 Minutes for Mom.

i REALLY want this!

I haven't won any giveaways yet, but this will be the one I tell you! We have a Britax Roundabout for Raven, and I LOVE it! Hubby calls me the Car Seat Nazi. I would love to win this Britax Advocate CS for The Baby. If you must, click on the pic to enter. ;)

post it note tuesday

movie monday

So I've decided to turn Movie Monday into my very own blog carnival! Go here to grab the button and play along.



It was a busy weekend, and therefore I didn't get any movies watched. So I'm going to give you my opinion of my FAVORITE recent movie.

The Hangover is a Las Vegas-set comedy centered around three groomsmen who lose their about-to-be-wed buddy during their drunken misadventures, then must retrace their steps in order to find him.

This movie is HYSTERICAL! I haven't laughed that hard during a movie in a long time! Zach Galifianakis is absolutely hilarious! I HIGHLY recommend it! (But don't watch it with the kids. :)



What movies did you watch this past week?

not me monday

The heater did not go out in my van.

The handi-bus did not forget to pick up Otter for school.

AGAIN.

I did not forget Otter's Valentine party.

I did not rush around to make 20 Valentine's by myself in 10 minutes.

I did not find my debit card that I had not cancelled the day before. (If you're confused, I really did find my debit card the day after I really did cancel it. :)

Our health insurance company did not fail to process our application that they received in NOVEMBER!

Microsoft Power Point did not disappear from my computer.

Then Microsoft Excel did not disappear from my computer.

Then Microsoft Word did not disappear from my computer.

My compupter does not have a virus.

I did not spend all day yesterday backing everything up.

And literally, my next computer will be a Mac, NOT a PC.


Hubby did not take all the hot water on VALENTINE'S DAY!

I did not take a cold shower. (or try anyway)

My kids did not eat all my Valentine chocolate.

have a {love}ly day!

laundry day and my new shoes

Procrastinated.

Again.

Surprise surprise!

Didn't do one load of laundry.

All week.

Why?

Because I was reading blogs of course! ;)

Dryer malfunctioning.

Have to dry every load twice.

Flippin Fabulous.

I'm not green.

Obviously.

Hubby uses a different towel everyday.

Says it's easier to grab a new one when he forgets his.

So I moved the towels to the hall closet.

Didn't help.

If you can walk to the hall dripping naked to get a towel, why can't you walk to the flipping bedroom dripping naked to get a towel?

Anyhoo.

My new shoes.

Went to the 2nd hand boutique yesterday.

They were having a sale.

Been needing brown shoes.

Really, I need them.

Found a purple pair of shoes I loved.

In my size.

Said to myself, "Too bad they don't have these in brown."

Wouldn't ya know?

Found them in brown.

In my size.

Tell me.

What are the chances of that happening?

Aren't they fabulous?

Don't look at my legs.

They're dry.

And slightly hairy.

Don't judge.

Happy Saturday! :)

people in review #2

Rascal Flatts: Happiness Is a Full Tank of Gas
Uh, more like depression is a full tank of gas if you look at the price. The lead singer comments, "For me, the coolest thing is just being able to fill up my gas tank and not look at how much it costs." Must be rough.

Michael Jackson's Doctor to Be Charged Monday
Now can we MOVE ON with our lives? Seriously.

Kate Walsh and Ex to Flip Coin Over Furniture in Divorce
Gee, good thing they don't have kids. Looks like Kate's love life sucks off-screen as much as it does on.

Can Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren Save Their Marriage?
That depends. Was he cured in sex rehab? My vote is no.

Jen Aniston Celebrates Her 41st Birthday in Mexico – with Gerard Butler
Don't get too excited. Gerard was her "surprise birthday guest." Whatever that means. She flew a group of friends to a resort in Mexico. I was so bummed my schedule was already full. Maybe next year Jen!

Heidi Montag: 'I'm Very Fragile'
Ya, a million surgeries in one day can do that to a person. "I'm thrilled," she says. "I'm the happiest I’ve ever been in my life." Keep telling yourself that wackjob.

Jamie Lynn Spears Moves out – and Moves on with New Guy
She moved back in with her mom and is supposedly dating a guy 10 years older than her. Nice.

Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie Sue Over Split Story
Poo. I was really hoping it was true. GO BACK TO JEN!

Kate Gosselin Changes Up Her Hair — Again!
Ok that just looks like a bad wig. Leave your flippin hair alone.

Accused Psychiatrist Attends Seance for Anna Nicole Smith
Psychic told them Smith is "happy she's with (her late son) Daniel. She's sad she had to leave her daughter, but she really had to be with Daniel." WHAT THE?

Jake's Bachelor Blog: 'My Heart Stopped' When Ali Left
Well the spoilers have been right so far! Clearly Jake wasn't going to send Ali home, which obviously means he would've sent Gia packing. What was Ali thinking? You're an account manager for flippin's sake! You can find another job! Why don't these people check on these things BEFORE they go on the show?!?

Brooklyn Decker: My SI Swimsuit Cover Made Mom Cry – with Joy
Just what every mommy wants: her daughter half naked on the cover of a magazine.

Anne Hathaway: I'm Not Very Pretty
I agree.

Jen Aniston Explains Her Affection for Gerard Butler
Great f-buddies friends.

Watch Jessica Biel & Emile Hirsch Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro
No thanks.

Topher Grace: Beware So-Called Breath Strips at Parties
Just throwin that out there.

John Mayer Compares Jessica Simpson to 'Sexual Napalm'
Whoa Johnny, take it down a notch.

Grey's Anatomy's Leven Rambin Prayed to Get Engaged
I give it a year, TOPS.

VIDEO: Johnny Depp Gets 'Mad As a Hatter' for Role
"Johnny Depp's portrayal of the Mad Hatter may just rival Heath Ledger's sinister take on the Joker. " Better get a suicide watch on this one people!

John Mayer Apologizes for Using Racial Slur
He said the N word. (nigger)

Kate Gosselin's Big Night Out – Dinner! Clubbing! – in N.Y.C.
Tonight my hairstylist and I will be joining Kate and her hairstylist Ted. We'll also be meeting up with Jessica Simpson and her hairstylist Ken.

VIDEO: John Mayer Gets Emotional over Jessica Simpson Sex Talk
60% of readers believe the apology was not sincere. I voted no. (twice)

Source Close to Alec Baldwin: No Drugs or Alcohol Involved
Yeah right, and Tiger Woods was in a "car accident."

Alexander McQueen Found Dead
Do I dare admit I have no idea who this guy is?

Lauren Conrad Tops the Bestseller List – Again!
What a lucky bitch successful writer.

Tiger Woods's New Boat: A Peace Offering to Elin?
He had a 61-foot sporting boat custom designed and christened it, "Solitude." Hell, go back to him honey, you get a boat!


See ya next week for more People in Review!

friday follow and af: finances

I'm in charge of the finances around this messy house. I pay the bills and all that, but I've quit filing and just throw everything into a box. It was taking me hours to file (because I procrastinate of course) and I RARELY ever need to refer back. Everything is online now anyway!

I used to use Quicken, but I don't even do that anymore. I check our bank statements online and make sure there are no bogus charges, and leave it at that. It was much easier before debit cards! We don't have a budget either, but that hasn't been a problem for us so far.

Do you (or whoever's in charge of finances) balance your bank accounts? Do you have a budget?

For more Aloha Friday, visit An Island Life.

This is my first Friday Follow! Take a look around, make yourself at home! To find out how it works and play along click the pic!

video thursday: community

Hubby and I watch Community on NBC. Chevy Chase totally cracks me up. Careful, it's a catchy tune! Hubby and I catch ourselves singing it all the time. When Otter started singing it we decided we better stop. :)



For more Video Thursday, visit Pretty Pink Momma.

atwt: my love

In honor of Valentine's Day

ww: 2 months old

For more Wordless Wednesdays, visit 5 Minutes for Moms.