Got these, gonna try and remember to put these up each week if I can remember. I get these from Raley's via Table Talk email and you can sign up yourself here.
This weeks's Raley's Printable Coupons
They are good from January 28th until February 3rd (or while supplies last).
So much for updating my blog quickly. *laughs* I'm a strong believer in Murphy's Law and this last week was no exception.
On Sunday, I went to the ER for chest pain. It had felt like someone was doing a one-handed handstand on my chest and the weight felt like they were pushing all the way through to my back. At the same time, it felt like a giant rubber band had been wrapped around my upper chest and while I could breathe, it felt as if I shouldn't have been able to. I felt nauseous and light-headed and the worst part was getting an absolutely sudden sleepiness afterward. Well, after a bunch of bloodwork, EKG, etc and almost seven hours on a monitor, they don't think it was a heart attack. I would have had to hang around for another three hours for them to be positive and have more bloodwork done to be sure. Well, since I don't have good veins, they literally had to put a line in and manually pull the blood from them each time they needed a vial (and I had counted seven so far). Needless-to-say, that hurt like hell. The doctors said they believe my heart just went nutso for a bit and they mentioned a possible arrhythmia. They want me to do a stress test on a treadmill, but we'll see. Without insurance, it makes paying for such things difficult. I know, I know. I've had the lecture of you need to take care of yourself and your health is more important than money. However when you're in a situation where money doesn't grow on trees, that argument takes a different turn. Anyways, other than being massively bruised from the bloodwork, I'm feeling fine. I'm gonna be taking it easy this week and trying to avoid sick folks as the last thing I need is to get sick on top of everything else. *grin*
Now that that is out of the way (because I know you folks would hunt me down if I neglected to tell you about it.), let's move on to better news.
Erin had her winter performance at Byers. She's doing better than when she started. Part of me as a mom (and my own personality), is trying to resist the urge to push her harder. She's getting frustrated because she hasn't progressed and honestly, I think she could, but as with all things it is going to take work on her part. 
Since she only goes once a week, that means she is going to have to work on it at home. Beyond just working on the moves, she needs to work on getting her muscles built up in her arms, legs and stomach. I've tried to tell her you can practice mounting the uneven bars until the cows come home, but unless you've got the muscles strong enough to do the initial turn to do it, it simply isn't going to happen. I've told her this many times, but she seems to not understand or not want to put forth the effort. Now, if she was content with being a beginner perpetually, I think I could be alright with it, but the real problem is she isn't. On a weekly basis she is getting upset about it and frustrated. I know I need to be a better mom and set aside time with her each week to do some exercising and work on her point and balance. I know it sounds like an excuse, and I guess it really is, that I simply don't ever seem to have the time. When I get the kids back, my time seems to be spent trying to juggle not only the activities and homework, but also everything else I have to do such as housework, groceries, dinner, errands and having a somewhat erratic social life. *Hrms* I guess this turned into my own kick in the ass, which is usually what happens. Alright, so I'll try to figure out some way to make time with her at least a few times a week to do this. I don't know how, but I'll start trying to work on it. Maybe I can motivate her by doing the exercises with her. We'll give it a shot.
On the subject of exercising, I have lost weight. Dan, Wendy, Sean and I currently have a weight loss couple's contest going. They need to lose some weight before their wedding in June and well, we just need to lose some pounds. It started on January 1st and will go until March 31st. The couple who loses the most "healthy" weight will be treated to dinner by the losing couple. So far I've lost almost 15 pounds. Sean is struggling, but he's lost a few pounds too. I know friends and family probably didn't believe me when I told them prior to this that I really did watch what I eat and didn't just chow down. Well guess what? I was right. The -only- thing I've done differently to lose the 15 pounds is cut regular soda from my diet. I'm down to a couple diet sodas and coffee with a small amount of cream and sugar substitute and wham... 15 pounds lighter. During the day, I'm so busy that most of the time I honestly usually never ate breakfast and lunch only sometimes. I was simply not hungry and that's the honest truth. I thought when I cut the calories from regular soda out of my diet that it would change, it hasn't. I have been trying to make myself a couple eggs and eat it for usually what turns out to be lunch, but even then it isn't because I'm hungry, but because I know I should. If this keeps up, past the healthy weight, I might have to look more into why. I never noticed my lack of appetite before as much as I just figured it was the sodas that were making me not hungry. I don't know at this point if it is the caloric intake from the sodas and cutting those out is causing me to lose weight, or if there is something else going on. I knew I'd get in an initial drop in weight as my body adjusted for the lower calories, but I honestly didn't think it would be this dramatic. I didn't stop sodas until like Jan. 9th or so.. that's less than three weeks and that weight loss seems pretty dramatic, especially considering nothing else has changed either in my diet and goddess knows, I'm not exercising. I don't know. I guess its a wait and see thing. Poor Sean I think is frustrated as hell because I'm -not- really doing anything and the pounds are coming off and his are sticking like glue. I really need to think of ways I can better support him and finding some way that works for him to get the results he needs. I might need to get another new pair of jeans soon. I just got a pair of jeans that was a size smaller than what I did wear, and I'm now having to pull those up a bit, despite washing them. Upside to weight loss is you're healthier, downside is having to buy clothes that fit.
Now on to the other kids... let's start with Andrea. We've been telling her since her sister Erin got her ears pierced in 2006 that she had to wait until she was 7 until she could. 
Well, 7 came and passed last August and it seemed like every week since then, we have been getting the "When are we going to get my ears pierced?". Well, some of it has been finances. I know it's only $30, but sometimes its hard to make even $30 happen. At Christmas, her aunt and uncle gave both her sister and her a beautiful necklace and earring set. Well, then she went full force and enforced guilt of how she truly couldn't show appreciation for the gift if she couldn't wear them. She's a smart little bugger. I'm always telling the kids when they get gifts to really show their appreciation by using them with respect and enjoying them as that was the spirit in which they are given. If you let a gift simply collect dust, than you don't honor the thoughtfulness and love that went into the giving. I didn't figure that one would come back and bite me in the ass, but apparently I was wrong. We had some family photos to do, so I called up her father (had already cleared it with him) and we went and had it done. Megan, his new wife, came too. I do my best to try and include her in such things as she is a part of their lives and as far as I'm concerned, all the positive role models they can get, the better. I don't know her really well, but so far she seems like a nice, young lady. Back to the piercing. It was hilarious watching her facial expressions, but in the end she did just what her sister did. She miracously became older as soon as the earrings were in. Before earrings = "My little girl... awww..." After earrings = "Where the hell did my little girl go?" *scowls* I guess it was bound to happen at some point, but still... I'm a mom, I can grumble about it.
An' now onto Austin. He's been doing really well. He's been keeping up with his schoolwork and still managing to keep up with Karate fairly easily. He continues to walk by himself on Saturdays and as a mom, it's getting easier. For the first time this last week, I actually didn't wait on the balcony like a hawk for him to come back. Well, he's raising the ante on me realizing that I'm losing my little boy. We're going down after school to talk to Lynn as he wants to begin helping out with the little samurai and beginner classes. He'll become an instructor's aide. Lynn said he has the skills to do it, but there is some paperwork involved. So my little son is becoming what is called a dojo rat which is a slang term for a kid who basically treats the dojo like a second home. *laughs* I have a feeling pretty soon he's going to be spending all his free time there any chance I let him. Honestly, I can't think I've ever met such a loving group of people as the staff there. Lynn and all the instructors are so sweet, supportive and thoughtful. The Monday before last, the kids didn't have school and the dojo was hosting an all-day karate camp. There was an additional fee of about $40 a kid and with three kids, well it added up quickly. We just couldn't afford it as much as the kids wanted to go, but I told them to not mention it and that we would try our best as we always do the next time around. Well, they didn't and we go to the dojo as we usually do. While Austin is in classes, the girls usually "help" Lynn with things from sorting, filing attendance cards or cleaning the windows or mirrors. Sometimes I cringe as I think that it would be done faster without their "help", but bless her heart, Lynn, takes it all in stride. That's just the wonderful, loving person she is. Well, it was the end of class and Erin was finishing up one of the room-length mirrors. I was just watching her and let her finish it and Lynn came over and we started talking. She asked me if the kids were going to attend camp on Monday and I said unfortunately not this time. She asked politely if we had plans and I said just told her no and that it wasn't going to work out financially, but we were going to try our best next time. She then complimented me on how helpful the girls' were and how well-mannered they all were. Of course, I beamed and thanked her, chalking it up to the fact they are just good kids. She then did something that almost brought me to tears. She touched my arm and smiled at me and told me that she would like to invite all the kids to the karate camp, free-of-charge. I was floored. Not out of surprise as she really is a sweet and loving woman, but just at the generosity of it. In these tough times, I'm sure that they aren't rolling in money either as usually when family budgets get tight, the extra activities are the first to get put on hold. So for her to not only reserve one spot free-of-charge for one of my kids, but three and when the camp is limited space, was just so touching. So they went and had a blast. Later that week, I took the kids out and we picked up some potted mums and the kids gave them to her as a thank you. We couldn't afford a lot, but I know she really appreciated them.
Alright, that's all I'm writing this time. Here are some links to some of the new gallery images:
Been a long time since I've had the chance to sit down and do some major updating... so let's get to it. Please forgive how big the pictures are. I'm being lazy. Heh.
Even as I sit here and type out this entry, Styx has attempted to smash himself between my back and the the back of my chair in an effort to get at the heating pad. His demands for it have been increasing over the last few months. I've tried putting it on the ground, but he knows when its not on and will meow until I do turn it on for him. Its not safe anywhere if its on. I was sick awhile ago and had it on my back while in bed. When I got up to use the bathroom, he came out of no where and ninja'd it. An' when I came back, not only did I find him having taken it over, but that he'd actually crawled beneath it hence sandwiching himself between it and the comforter. *hangs head* My cat has become modernized... apparently a patch of sunshine on the carpet isn't good enough for him. I should just break down and buy him his own damn heating pad and it would probably be money well spent if it got him from hounding me for mine. To see more images of Styx and the wussy Charon, click here.
Austin had been promoted to a Green Belt in Karate. He's been doing really good and his moves are increasing not only in difficulty but complexity as well. Austin wanted to invite his teacher from school, which we did, but I didn't think he would come. Not because he isn't an awesome guy, but I know he's got kids of his own and I imagine after dealing with his class all day he wold just like to relax. Suprise, suprise! He showed up with one of his kids. I thought it was absolutely above and beyond for him and it really gives me faith in this new school the kids are in. Austin has been doing better and I really can see the changes in him.
Now an example, with a bit of background to help those unfamiliar with the Kovar's understand. When a kid does good on a report card or has some academic achievement, the sojo hands out a gold star to the student for them to have sewn on their gi. There are many different colored stars, but each one is for a different achievement. One is academics, another community service, another helping out in the dojo, fitness, etc. Well Austin took in his report card and his proof of having made honor roll. Unfortunately at the time, the dojo had a huge influx of outstanding students showing their good grades and they had run out of gold stars. Austin's instructor had pulled him to the front of the class as they always do when a kid does good. He informed him they had run out of gold stars and would be getting more the next week, but he had a choice. He could either wait for his gold star or pick a different colored star instead. Austin paused and then answered, "I'd like to wait for the gold star, sir." When asked later why he made the choice he did (I expected honestly something like, "I like the color gold"), he informed me that the other color stars are for different things and that he didn't -EARN- those ones and it wouldn't be right to take something he didn't earn. Oh my goodness! I about popped with my utter amazement at the statement and told him how proud I was that he was showing such strong integrity. For those who have known Austin awhile.. this is a big step for him. Not because he was some dishonest kid before this, hell no, but he had problems communicating -his- thoughts. No problem this time and I can't even begin to explain how proud I was in that exact moment. It has been a long road to get here, but I can truly see the light at the end of my tunnel.
Oh! An' with the added responsibility he has been showing, Sean thought we should let him walk to/from karate on Saturdays by himself since he has been asking to do so for a few months. Oh boy, my first big apron string and I whined and whimpered to no avail even though I knew he was right. I was a wreck that first time, my stomach felt like it had a swarm of bees in it, not just butterflies. He did fine of course and he's done it a couple times since with no issues. Sean put it in real perspective when he reminded me Austin could be driving in less than five years and that I needed to cut some of my apron strings if I wanted him to grow into a man. He's right and although part of me wanted to choke him for having brought the idea up, I am absolutely and eternally grateful that not only is Sean in their lives, but he helps balance me. Still gonna grumble and protest loudly with each apron string... hrmph. To see more images from his green belt promotion, click here.
Our tarantula is doing well. We named him (least we think its a him), Hairy Lardbottom. He's been munching lots of crickets and actually went though a molt not too long ago. 
You can actually tell the sex of a tarantula by their molt, but I haven't had the time to do it. We did save the molt of course so I can do so later. Kinda hesitant to check as I am hoping its not a girl. I'm kinda proud of his name and don't even want to think of having to come up with another name. Hairetta? He's starting to come into his mature coloration now it seems. Much brighter colors and the pink on his back is actually iridescent. He's still super friendly and hasn't bit or flung hairs at anyone. When I'm reading or alone in my room without the cats, I bring him out and let him cruise around for a bit.He seems to enjoy the exploration. To keep an eye on more pictures of our hairy friend, click here
Well, that's it for now. I do have more stuff to write on, but I need to get some housework done before the New Year's Eve Get Together tonight. I am hoping this weekend I can do some more updates on Grandma and Shane, Erin's Winter Performance at gymnastics, Christmas, more pictures of the kids and such. Sean and I spent a couple hours last night building a naughty gingerbread house to take to New Years and we had a blast doing it. I took pictures of it and will share them later. Thanks for being patient all and I hope all of your had a great holiday.
I'll add more and commentary at some point, maybe a permanent section here for it.
You Know You Grew Up In the 80's if:
1. You've ever ended a sentence with the word PSYCHE.
2. You can sing the rap to the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and can do the Carlton
3. You know that 'WOAH' comes from Joey on Blossom
4. If you ever watched 'Fraggle Rock'
5. It was actually worth getting up early on a Saturday to watch cartoons.
6. You wore a ponytail on the side of your head.
7. You got super-excited when it was Oregon Trail day in computer class at school.
8. You made your mom buy one of those clips that would hold your shirt in a knot on the side.
9. You played the game 'MASH'(Mansion, Apartment, Shelter, House)
10. You wore stonewashed Jordache jean jackets and were proud of it.
11. You know the profound meaning of ' WAX ON , WAX OFF'
12. You wanted to be a Goonie.
13. You ever wore fluorescent clothing. (some of us...head-to-toe)
14. You can remember what Michael Jackson looked like before his nose fell off and his cheeks shifted.
15. You have ever pondered why Smurfette was the only female smurf.
16. You took lunch boxes to school...and traded Garbage Pail Kids in the schoolyard.
17. You remember the CRAZE, then the BANNING of slap bracelets.
18. You still get the urge to say 'NOT' after every sentence.
19. You thought your childhood friends would never leave because you exchanged handmade friendship bracelets.
21. You ever owned a pair of Jelly-Shoes and some Jelly-Bracelets.
22. After you saw Pee-Wee's Big Adventure you kept saying 'I know you are, but what am I?'
23. You remember 'I've fallen and I can't get up'
24. You remember going to the skating rink before there were inline skates.
25. You have ever played with a Skip-It.
26. You remember boom boxes and walking around with one on your shoulder like you were all that.
27. You remember watching both Gremlins movies.
28. You thought Doogie Howser/Samantha Micelli was hot.
29. You remember Alf, the lil furry brown alien from Melmac.
30. You remember New Kids on the Block when they were cool...and don't even flinch when people refer to them as 'NKOTB'
31. You knew all the characters names and their life stories on 'Saved By The Bell,' The ORIGINAL class.
32. You know all the words to Bon Jovi - SHOT THROUGH THE HEART.
33. You just sang those words to yourself.
34. You still sing 'We are the World'
35. You tight rolled your jeans.
36. You owned a banana clip.
37. You remember 'Where's the Beef?'
38. You used to (and probably still do) say 'What you talkin' 'bout Willis?'
39. Girls wore biker shorts under their skirts and felt stylishly sexy.
40. You watched the Pound Puppies.
41. You owned those lil' Strawberry Shortcake pals scented dolls.
42. You yearned to be a member of the Baby-sitters club and tried to start a club of your own.
43. Two words: Hammer Pants.
44. You had plastic streamers on your handle bars... and "spokey-dokes" or playing cards on your spokes for that incredible sound effect.
45. You can sing the entire theme song to "Duck Tales ". (Woo ooh!)
46. You saw the original "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles " on the big screen... and still know the turtles names.
47. L.A. Gear... need I say more.
48. You remember Vicky the Robot
49. You thought She-ra (Princess of Power!) and He-Man should hookup.
50. You wore like, EIGHT pairs of socks over tights with high top Reeboks.
51. "Miss MARY MACK MACK MACK, all dressed in BLACK BLACK BLACK "
52. You remember watching "Rainbow Bright" and "My Little Pony Tales "
53. You know what it meant to say "Care Bear Stare!"
54. Homemade Levi shorts. (the shorter the better)
55. You had big hair and you knew how to use it.
56. You rolled up the bottoms of your splatter painted jeans.
57. You owned a doll with 'Xavier Roberts' signed on it's butt.
58. You remember when ATARI was a state of the art video game system
59. You own any cassettes still.
60. You ever had a Swatch Watch.
61. You had Wonder Woman or Superman underwear.
62. You were shocked and horrified at the Challenger explosion (which you were probably watching in school at the time)
63. You ever owned one of those embarrassing crimping irons
64. You ever had nightmares about the giant red evil robot Maximillian from the Disney movie "The Black Hole" and those blender attachments he had for hands
65. You solved the Rubic's cube.....by peeling off the stickers
Awesome WoW video/song "The Captain's Wife's Lament"
Joke #1 "Ships's Log"
The first mate on a ship decided to celebrate an occasion with a "little" stowed away rum. Unfortunately he got drunk and was still drunk the next morning. The captain saw him drunk and when the first mate was sober, showed him the following entry in the ship's log: "The first mate was drunk today." "Captain please don't let that stay in the log", the mate said. "This could add months or years to my becoming a captain myself." "Is it true?" asked the captain, already knowing the answer. "Yes, its true" the mate said. "Then if it is true it has to go in the log. That's the rule. If its true it goes into the log, end of discussion" said the captain sternly. Weeks later, it was the first mate's turn to make the log entries. The first mate wrote: "The ship seems in good shape. The captain was sober today."
Joke #2 "A Pirate's Tale"
An able-bodied seaman meets a pirate in a bar, and they take turns recounting their adventures at sea. Noting the pirate's peg-leg, hook, and eye patch the seaman asks, "So, how did you end up with the peg-leg?"
The pirate replies, "We was caught in a monster storm off the cape and a giant wave swept me overboard. Just as they were pullin' me out, a school of sharks appeared and one of 'em bit me leg off."
"Blimey!" said the seaman. "What about the hook?"
"Ahhhh...," mused the pirate, "we were boardin' a trader ship, pistols blastin' and swords swingin' this way and that. In the fracas me hand got chopped off."
"Zounds!" remarked the seaman. "And how came ye by the eye patch?"
"A seagull droppin' fell into me eye," answered the pirate.
"You lost your eye to a seagull dropping?" the sailor asked incredulously.
"Well," said the pirate, "it was me first day with the hook."
Joke #3
What's a horny pirate's worst nightmare?
A sunken chest with no booty!
Joke #4
A pirate and his crew were busy plundering a ship. When he entered the captain's quarters, he saw the captain hunched over a table, obviously deep in thought. When the captain didn't move, the pirate came closer with cutlass raised, but stopped short when he noticed that the captain was involved in a game of chess ... with a parrot! The pirate watched for a few seconds, and soon the captain made a move. "Good move! Good move!" the parrot cried, "Nice! Nice!"
Well, needless to say, the pirate was quite impressed. "Arrgh, matey! That be quite the talented parrot ye be playin' against thar," he said.
The captain looked up at the pirate, somewhat startled, as he had been so involved with the game that he had not noticed the tar standing there. "Ahh, he's not so smart," he replied, "I've beaten the blighter two out of three." (Bah-dum-dum)
"So what would the bird do if ye made a blunder?" asked the pirate.
"Somersaults," was the quick reply.
"Somersaults?" the pirate said, "That be incredble! How many would it be doin' then?"
"That would depend on how hard I slap him."
We've had this snake for a long time and never had any problems. He was a garter snake we found terrorizing the preschoolers at Edward Kemble. We nursed him back to health and just adopted him long term. We've had him in the same terrarium for well over a year so wasn't anything we did per say. Sometime in the night however he got his head stuck between his watering dish and the glass side and either cut off his oxygen or possibly broke something if he thrashed because I found him still wedged in the morning. *pouty lip* When I went to pick him up, I had to move the dish as he really was wedged tight. I loved this little snake as silly as it sounds. He used to go everywhere with me when I ran errands, either around my neck or if I had a supported tank top he loved to ride around between the girls (i.e. breasts). I had him out a lot when watching tv or using my computer (as you can see in the picture above). Well, as such it understandably made me upset inside and I texted Sean as soon as I found out just saying that he had died with a sad face. I wasn't going to dump on him as I still had to break it to the kids and needed to be strong as well as feeling a tad self-conscious because it was just a snake and not like one of my cats I've had for over 6 years.
Well, I suppose this story has a happy ending and is one of those things helps reaffirm not only how much Sean loves me, but how well he really has gotten to know the real me. He came home and pulled me in privately to let me talk about the snake because he knew how upset I probably was inside. A bit later he produces this paper bag with holes in it and hands it to me. He had me remove the staples holding it shut, got a big plastic container and told me to lay it on its side without looking inside the bag. I was honestly perplexed.. because for one the bag felt empty and had no weight at all to it. Further confusion formed when the bag was laid on its side, angled and even turned upside down without anything coming out. For all it seemed the bag was completely empty. When that didn't work he told me to go into the bathroom, open the bag so I could reach in and get whatever it was out. 
Imagine my shock when I opened the bag and the most beautiful, soft fuzzy tarantula greeted me. It was so beautiful and I reached in, picked him up and sat there with tears in my eyes. Not only had he known how upset I was going to be about Captain Hiss, but he tried to make me feel better by trying to give me something else that my fill that spot in my heart with time. He's (supposedly a he) a Chilean Rose Tarantula and right now he is only as big as my palm due to being fairly young. When full grown he'll be about 4.5 to 5.5 inches across and have a pink carapace and pink hairs mixed in with the brown. Beautiful! I had to share with all of you the newest member of our family who will hopefully be with us for the next 10+ years (females can live 20-25 years).
This last Friday was buddy day at the dojo and that means Austin can invite friends to join him on the mat. All three kids got to go on the mat and I think they had a lot of fun. Erin was slightly uncoordinated, but I think it was mainly because she was self conscious of herself. Really made us review the possibility of the family plan. Basically they charge for the first three members with a discount for second and third person. After three people it becomes free for any additional people in the household. We are really considering working it into our budget once I start for a job and having Sean and I start it as well. We'll see how it goes... now just have to find a job - hehe.
Sorry this is so late in getting up, good health decided to give me the finger finally.. that means I'm sick. *laughs* I think its probably beginning pneumonia or what not, but I've been in bed a lot due to it.
Austin had his orange belt promotion last week and had a crowd of people cheering for him (Sean, myself, the kids, grandma, Lora, Ryan, Dan and Megan. I am so glad so many people were able to make it to support him since this was a big promotion for him since he is officially no longer a beginner. I've uploaded some photos on the gallery of the event HERE.
Kids are slowly getting into the routine of school. Erin is not happy with us for putting her in an advanced class. We are putting our foot down though. I know she can do the work and has the brains for it. Problem is she has never had to really study before and now she has to learn. Previous years, her homework might have taken her ten minutes or twenty tops... super easy. Now, she can't do that and it upsets her. So we are just going to be working on getting her into proper study habits and find out what she needs to concentrate and focus. Austin and Andrea seem to be doing great as well. Andrea is pretty bored out of her mind so I'm back to having to give her more homework. Last night they gave her addition double problems (2+2, 4+4, etc) so I had her do them and then write the multiplication equivalent with answer next to them too. She's gonna be a handful to keep motivated and I'm gonna have to work extra hard to make sure she's stimulated. I think I'm going to start teaching her out of Erin and Austin's science book since they both have 5th grade books instead of giving her more math to learn. She knows division, multiplication and square roots now for the most part so we'll work on another aspect of education.
I think that's all that is coming to me right now. I gotta get back to bed to try and rest before I have to pick kids up at 3 (karate at 4). Hopefully this weekend I can just stay in bed so I can get over this crud.
Austin passed his testing and has earned his red tip for his gold belt. This means he will be promoted to his orange belt (tonight). His grandma should be coming and I think Jeff or Lora are going to try and make it as well. Sean is going to try and make it, but work has had him staying sometimes as late as 9pm - that's a 12 hour day. Not sure if Daniel will be going or not, but I hope so for Austin's sake. The photo is from Austin's actual test with the instructor - He did really well! I'll be taking pictures tonight and will upload them as soon as possible.
We also had a small party for Andrea this weekend. She turned 7 on Saturday! Wow! I can't believe my "baby" is 7. My youngest! Yikes! She had a good time. We asked everyone to get her something art related as she seems to be really into that. Sean and I got her a few art gifts and I'm gonna work on trying to get her a short art class. Might do a drama one as well to help with her shyness. I uploaded the pictures of the party here, please ignore the current arrangement, its chaotic and I'll sort through them when I get time.
The "Birthday Day" started out with me going out to target and buying the party stuff (crepe paper, balloons etc). Sean distracted Andrea by telling her to go to the bathroom before she goes out with me, so I sneaked everything inside. Andrea and I left and Sean, Austin and Erin got to work decorating to surprise Andrea. Our first stop was the beauty salon. 
I took Andrea there to get her fingernails and toes painted. I figured out of every princess-type thing I could do, that would last the longest for her to enjoy. The salon was wonderful and even made cool flowers on her larger nails with little pink rhinestones. She absolutely loved it. Then we went to pick out her cake because SHE wanted to do it personally. *laughs* She is kinda a perfectionist at times and I don't think she wanted anyone else to do it because in her own words, "I love you mommy, but you might not get the right one." So more than one store later we find "THE" cake and get her name and such added to it. 
We make it home and I get a few last minute things done while Andrea looks around at all the decorations (they did a good job!). Our friends came over and the party ensued.
Since none of the other adults were brave enough to get in the pool, I knew I had to! Of course this was complicated by not being able to find my bathing suit (poor planning on my part.) So with bravery I put on a black tank top, a pair of pretty purple shimmer underwear and went for it. *laughs* No one even noticed until I said something afterwards! We played for awhile and I took Andrea and Savannah into the deep end since neither of them could swim well. We stayed for well over and an hour and then went inside. Sean cooked the pizzas and I made the salad. Then we had cake and ice cream and opened presents. The kids scampered off to watch movies while the adults played some trivia pursuit. I hate the sports category!! All and all it was fun and I think Andrea really enjoyed her birthday.
I found this when poking around after getting my "private" weekly coupons from Raley's. I imagine if you don't shop at Raley's that if you search your own store's website you can find something similar. This let's you peruse their weekly ad and select the items you want and at the end it prints out a "shopping list" for you. The nice thing is that it is categorized via section and shows their sale prices. I find that a lot easier than looking at the paper ad for some reason, perhaps its the no nonsense of the text rather than all the flare of the marketing images. Anyways, enjoy