Stop that kid, she's got a bowl of peas!

o.k.  this is so My life.  Olivia thieves a bowl of peas from the dinner table and high tails it out of the kitchen.  I catch up with her in the living room, tackle her down and retrieve the peas before spillage.  I mark brief Success in my parenting book for the moment.  Then she traps her foot in the baby doll stroller, screams her head off and I declare:  bedtime for the baby!  And that is where the lovely little sticky faced , mismatched, buggered faced girl is now.  In her caged bed, with her bottle and many special blankets and attachments and I pray for rest for us all.   There are still parts of the baby's string cheese snack laying around the house from earlier in the eve.  She asks for the cheese when the other kids ask, I always give it to her regretting the act, knowing the fate of the dairy product.  It is always the same.  String cheese stringed around, waiting for me to collect and depost among the other junk that goes in the garbage.  Speaking of cheese: Ben likes to shorten words of things , his own personal language.  So when you ask him would you like a snack?  He might respond, I'll have some Cottage.  Or how about some Cottage?  Now the whole family refers to Cottage Cheese as Cottage because Ben has penned it so.  Seriously, it totally cuts down on time and effort just saying Cottage verses saying cottage cheese.  It totally makes sense.  Especially if you are a cowboy.  I am granted with a cowboy in my kitchen at least twice a week if not more.  TOday is one of those full gear days.  He wanted to bring for "free choice " showing tell, his cowboy gear (once again).  I told him, no Ben, you've brought that oh so many times before, choose something else, for your little friends must be bored to their gills with seeing your cowhide vest once again?  This time he reluctently chose:  a military beany baby bear.  He likes the bear, but much rather would have brought....you guessed it...Cowboy gear.  Tonight I made a new recipe:  Coconut Curry Pork (well and stolen peas as a side!).  Not my favorite.  Of course it is not up there on my NEVER MAKE AGAIN list, like:  Vampire Chicken (lets just say lots of garlic but not in a good way).  O.k., I must be honest here and tell you that I do believe that the 3 legged dog has just peed on the deck and part of me does not care, cuz I am tired.  The end.   So, our fish willy william, he doesnt seem to be doing super grand.  He won't eat properly.  I wonder if it is something I said?  Sometimes I try to keep him company with a mega blocks girl figure (I know this sounds dirty but it is totally not... her figure is blockish, like I said...It's like a big lego girl ) that I put next to his tank. ((Side note:  even though the children have begged for a fish, they have seemed to quickly forgotten that they do in deed have a fish.  I mean, I know a fish is not the most exciting of all creatures that tread water and earth, but it still ranks as "Pet" but anyway, I degress....)  He swims next to it and seems happy ...but he's not eating so who knows.  Maybe he is just stupid.  Stupid as he does not seem to realize that the shrimp pellets that I fling into his bowl are his nurishment for life.  I pray for the fish because his beauty is soothing and I do believe he has a purpose.  Even if it's mini, it's a purpose.  I hope I don't find him upfloat, but honestly I wonder if I should have got the Sea Monkeys instead? 

William for short

 Family activity yesterday morning:  whipping grapes at this sneaky stealy squirrel to get him to leave the bird feeder alone for a smidge.  well eventually I hit him with a grape and he still didnt budge, that is when I gave up and asked God to grant me the serenity for the things I could not change...

 This is our new fish:  Willy.  Willaim for short.  (hehe)

 This is Ben calling Grandpa Al, to wish him a Happy 60th birthday!

 If this trio does not say trouble, I don't knowwhat does...

 I love that Ben decided to upgrade his flower (and weed) giving to me by ripping a flowering limb off a tree and "surprising " me.  I told him it was quite lovely...but the branches do need to stay on the trees in the future.  The tulips are from my mom!  I wonder if Ben was trying to one up her...

There is nothing better than seeing a sleeping baby girl.  Seriously, this kid has not been sleeping again latley to well...so when she does its such a blessing (for me).  She needs to have all her stuff just so.  Her pillow in the right position, her several blankets and her baby...oh and her milk.

Noah is out running this morning.  The kids are still sleeping.  I am enjoying listening to the spring time birds singing.  I had my coffee already.  I am almost ready to start the day.  So recently, I have turned 37 years old.  I can't believe it.  I always feel so blessed by all the greetings, cards, calls and gifts that I receive from friends and family, that make feel like I am someone special!  It is a wonderful reminder of all the amazing people that I have in my life and how lucky that I am.  I announced that I have gray hair and I love my little Ben because he answered:  No mom, you have brown hair!!  Just brown hair.   (thanks Ben).   I've been enjoying walking at the park a bit in this early spring weather.  We already started grilling quite a bit as well.  Noah has already planted much in the garden.  I have not got to paint in a while (sick kids and other obligations and events), so I am really hoping to get my materials out today.  I am feeling the need.  I hung up my hummingbird feeder for the season.  Hope to see something soon. Can't think of anything else for the moment, so have a lovely day!

quick cuz my battery is dying.

 Let's go fly a kite...up to the highest height!   Here is my Ben enjoying the wind today.

 Rainy Baby.  The thunderstorms yesterday got Olivia quite frightened.  She found her favorite blanket and hid under it, crying.  

 The tricky Leprechaun made his way to our homefront again.  This time causing more trouble then usual.  He turned pictures upside down, cushions thrown, chairs tipped, toliet paper tossed...green milk, green water....  On top of all that, here is my Green Trio of of Trouble all sporting some kind of illness.  Olivia, broke out with some reaction from bug(s) bite (s), Isabelle had an eye cold type situation going on and Ben had a cough/throat thing going on. 

Today, Olivia and I took a walk in the woods near our house.  I sure wish I could find her shoes.  She hid them somewhere recently and I cannot locate them.   And... like I said that's all I have to report at the moment because my battery is about to cease.  Love & Blessings.

Spring has Sprung that good ole gal...

Ready, Set, Go...

Arrival.  New.  Beauty.  Breathe it in.  The Fresh.  The Energy.  The Light.  The Song.  The Amazing Gift of this day.  The Earth is calling ...go see what she has to show you.  Dance in the Mud.  Be Happy.

snow flurries & super suits

As I just begun this post I realized that I don't have any new pics to share so I looked in my recent pic folders and found this one of Ben proudly displaying one of his favorite Sweatshirts (even though it has chicken blood on it...seriously I think I got all the chicken blood out).   Also , as I just begin this post on a quiet Sunday morning, I hear Olivia is awake.  Olivia is saying several new words lately:  Book, weed (read) and baby.  I made a new side dish this week that was surprisingly very good:  Roasted carrots & avocado salad.   I started operation: " clean closets out" this weekend.  Wow, what an overwhelming task.  I should do this more often.  Anyway, there were so many clothes piled on Ben's bed last night that he had to camp out on the floor in his sleeping bag!  I knew starting this would be way overwhelming but obviously has to be done.  The best thing is finding things we forgot about!  It's like getting brand new stuff!  Treasures uncovered!  whoah.  The best part about closet clean out so far is when Ben announced very seriously that he will make a section for his superhero suits!  It is a requirement of his closet.  It put a smile in my heart and reminded me how wonderful it is to have this little boy filled with imagination and creativity.  So all lined up , awaiting Ben's next adventure is:  green lantern, spider man, power ranger, cowboy, batman, super Ben cape,  etc...  /  I introduced the children to one of my favorite childhood movies this weekend and they have watched it several times since:  The Goonies!  Today, we are going to look at some houses in the afternoon.  I am hoping we fall in love with something.  The hardest part is trying to decide if we want to be town mouse or country mouse.  Seriously feeling so torn these days.  Happy Sunday!  Until we meet again...

Homemade...awesomeness.

Today I made some awesome Homemade Granola (bars) except that I didn't cut it into bars, It is more like granola bites/squares.  I got the recipe online and thought I would give it a whirl.  They are grain free.  It's basically made of  misc. nuts, dried fruits, coconut, honey, cinnamon.  Ben didn't like it (I am assuming because he knew there were raisins in it).  Everyone else in the fam super loves it.  I wanted to update on my niece, Ava since I asked for prayers last post.  She has now been diagnosed with  Kawasaki disease.  This is treatable and shouldn't have any long term effects.  She is already getting better and in a few days should be able to go home.  I am thankful that God heals a little girl.  I am thankful that he promises that Springs beautiful blooms will follow Winters harsh winds.

flowers and showers and snow

 Winter's whisper has found us again.  What a beautiful site to wake up to on Friday.  To top that off, No School...so no rushing around , layering up and shipping out. 

 Here is a self portrait of my recent hair cut.  I love it.  It can be messy and crazy and wild or it can be neat and nice.  For the most part if you see me about it will mostly likely be on the messy wild side..just naturally of course. 

 This last weekend we spent in the Chicago area visiting family and celebrating.   In the Spring, our family will be expecting two new babies!  Two of my sister in laws are due with boys.  This last weekend we had a shower for one of them. 

 Olivia's favorite part of the shower was:  balloon chasing.

 Isabelle's favorite part of the shower was:  Chocolate Fondue

Ben's favorite part of the shower was:  The cupcakes (of course!).
Also on this weekend we visited with my parents.  The time always goes way too fast.   My brother took Ben to Riley's Trick Shop.  (we used to go there as kids).  It was neat that it was still open and fun to see the things that they brought home.  Some how Ben managed to get a green lantern costume out of the visit.   This morning I woke up to a cold or something in my eye.  I could not open it at all and now It is red.  I am wearing my glasses until further notice and I am half blind because of it.  This week girl scout cookies have entered our life and have somehow quickly disappeared.  This week we had the wonderful opportunity to watch Ben read a prayer intention at church in front of his school/parents.  He did awesome.  I was especially smiling when he hopped of the podium in traditional and expected little boy fashion.  For lent I have decided to give up:  Wine (with maybe one exception on my birthday).  Isabelle has decided to:  work harder on homework.  Ben has:  forgotten what he decided.  I have done no art in a long time.  Maybe this week, time will allow.  My chalkboard currently says:  " o' wind, If winter comes, can spring be far behind? "  I am so thankful to see the sun  these last couple days.   It does in fact give me hope that spring will come.  Something that I have neglected for a long while has been my gratitude journal.  I got it out and restarted it yesterday.  (this is an ongoing list of simple moments/gifts that I record).  So, hopefully I will be sharing some of those along the way again soon.  Sometimes I wish that I had an endless supply of Pistachios.  Well, I have to go because these people keep begging me for food.  It's like they want to eat every single day.  ugh.  I would like to leave with a prayer request.  My little niece Ava (2 years old) is very sick and in the hospital.  Please pray that answers and healing will come for her quickly.  Poor little baby, breaks my heart.

Sweets, Tweets and garbage man in the Street

 This is the Chalkboard that I made.  Every day I put a little saying or quote on it.  It has been so fun.

 This is a recent breakfast that Noah made.  Pumpkin muffins (almond flour) and Egg/Bacon cups.

Valentine's Day was filled with Sweets and Love, Reds & Pinks.  It was nice.  But, I am glad this holiday is over.  Ben's party at school turned out so great.  I am so thankful for the all the awesome parents that helped pull off this event!  The next day we celebrated Noah's birthday, very low key as he does not make a "big thing" of birthdays.  This week, I met our garbage man... I heard the trucks coming as I was laying in bed at 5 in the a.m. I realized we did not take the garbage out.   Risking the thought of getting run over by the truck in the dark, but knowing I did not want to be stuck with extra garbage that I had no place for all week, I took the chance.  I found my boots in the darkness and ran out the door just in time to meet the truck at the street and handoff the unwanted loot.  I made it.  This week I started in a new bible study with a group of amazing women.  I am excited about this Spring session.  The book we are discussing is:  Creative Counterpart.  The weather is supposed to be up to 40 today.  So weird.  Feels like spring latley, although that is still far off, it gives hope.  Enjoy each season you are in.  There is a time to sow, there is a time to reap.  There is a time to eat sweets and there is a time to listen to tweets.   I really need a haircut and so does Isabelle.  I might go long messy bobbish.  Or neat chin length bobbish.  I just know I want the length gone, I think.  And of course someone will have to fix the bangs I decided to cut one day. The kids have a four day weekend, we have lots of  happy stuff planned.  It will be nice to get away for a little bit.  Change of scenery.  Visit special people.  On the Road again, just cant wait to get on the road again.   This morning I got to watch the sunrise over the woods.  The pinks and blues turned to light behind the black shadowed trees. I heard the first "tweets" of the day.  It was awesome.  My head is hurting very badly.  I have a big bump on my forehead.  Last night, Isabelle was putting her ds away and dropped it on my head....it hurt like I imagine it would feel to be hit like a brick.  ugh . I thought I was going to throw up and pass out.   Isabelle was crying.  Ben was crying.  Olivia was crying.  I was crying.  (Noah was at poker).  It was horrible.  But, we made it through.  My favorite snack these days is:  pistachios.  I started reading a book last night:  Riding the bus with my Sister.  Here comes Ben and his blanky cow.  He has awakened for the morn.  Everyone has slept late this am (which is fine cuz no school). I need to make a library return run today.  We need diapers.  I should make a list as my mind is suddenly clouded with musts, shoulds, got tos and all that jazz.  I hope it's sunny.  Happy Friday. 

In Raising them, I am Raised up

We have had some wonderful "spring like" days this February.  Of course, when I let lance out at 4am this morning at a frosty zero degrees, I tried to recall the warmer moments of just a few days ago.  Between Ben, Olivia and Lance, my night was interrupted much and I decided just to stay up in the early hours and enjoy the quiet time.  I am sure I will regret it later today when I can barely make it to dinner time, but somehow I will make it, I always do.  So much on my mind lately and so many changes ahead for my family.  We have wonderful plans in the works and we shall go wherever God leads us.  Lately I have been feeling a little kicked in the shins (bit in the butt) - ((literally, Olivia bit me the other day) and just exhausted of games and attitudes of the world.  I don't have the energy or the time to not focus on the Good.  As I am trying to especially teach Isabelle, to think and focus on the good, I must do so as well.  I must be an example, so she knows that her thoughts should linger on the sunny side of things as much as possible.  I have been letting certain situations get me down, but what I really need to do is make the best of these falls/ fails/ disappointments.  Let them be lessons and move on.   I think the dreary weather has a lot to do with my "funk" mood as I think it has a lot to do with many people's ways these days.  I just know that at the end of the day, I am in my warm house with my wonderful family and we support and love  and enjoy each other and nothing much else matters.  For those that steal, let them steal and those who can't show kindness or those who create difficult situations, it is their loss, their challenge, their sadness, it doesn't need to be mine.  I choose different.  -- so anyway enough gloom and doom....let's talk about chalk!  I made the most fantastic chalkboard and I am so excited.  The frame is old wood and I hung it in the kitchen and everyday I write a different saying or quote on it and the family gets so excited to see what's on there next.  so fun.  This is one of my long awaited dreams come true.. to make a chalkboard.  My next dream is a Terrarium.  But, I need to find activated charcoal somewhere around these parts.  I haven't seen a deer in a long while.  But, yesterday as Olivia was trying to cover my face with a pillow, I gazed out the window yonder into the woods and amongst the brown and the dreary of the outer world in the midst of winter decay, I witnessed a beautiful display of bright red cardinals all spread out on one tree's branches.  It was an amazing site to see.  I have really been thinking about scrapbooking alot lately.  It bothers me that I have not done it in so long.  I have not documented our memories (well here and on facebook are filled with tidbits) but what I am talking about, is the kind of stuff that the kids can take off the shelf and browse through with laughter and smiles and remembrance.  Ben has been looking at albums , books, etc. lately and it makes me wish I was more up to date .  Honestly since Olivia has been born, I have taken a lot of photos but have not done much with them.  I am looking into an easy system/way to get that going again.  I guess, even if I throw the pics in albums so they are accessible, is the main thing.  I love mini albums and special projects... I will have to see what I can manage.  I think we currently only have 3 eggs in the fridge.  Thing one is now awake (that is Isabelle). I should make some coffee and start my day.  Happy Saturday.

Embracing it all.

 It was Catholic Schools Week at school and each day the kids could dress up for a different theme.  This was ethnic/Heritage type day.  Olivia felt the need to jump into the picture as well, even though she apparently wasn't dressed for it. :)

 For Career day, Isabelle was an Artist and Ben was a Cowboy.  (I know , big surprise on both counts, hehe)

 Here's my little snuggle bear being a ham bone since I had the camera in hand.

 Isabelle plays alot of pretend at home.  This is a binder of hers that holds some important STUFF.  I love the combination of content.

This is an awesome meal that I made this week.  It is dry rub burgers (paleo) and Yummy Yam Spears.  The burgers have a little bit of a spice to them and the Yam Spears were amazing (who needs fries?).  We all loved them, there were none left (baked with misc. spices and coconut oil).

Olivia is crying as I type this (5 ish in the a.m.).  My battery is dying.  I must be quick at this moment.  This week has been crazy busy.  I will update more soon (hopefully later today!).  Good Saturday Morning!

A Sunday Round-up.

 Olivia just loves to torture Lance.  Here she put some of her blankets on him.

 Snow baby .  When I tried to get her off of her sled and back in the house after we had spent a good amount of time in the winter wonderland....she pointed her finger at me and yelled:  No!  that got her a few more minutes, a few more times. 

 Here is a proud creation by Isabelle , Ben and a neighbor friend. 

 One of my recent paintings:  Rainbow Tree. 

 I was very inspired to paint this yesterday after watching Olivia play with a balloon that Ben brought home from a birthday party.  She giggled the whole time.  She told it to:  up up go up.... (she LOVES the painting, it is now hanging in her room. hehe)

 My winter bird viewing lately inspired this painting.  I have been seeing a lot of juncos and cardinals all merged together.  I call these: Poker Trio.

 We have been cooking so many new meals latley.  Changing things up a bit.  This is one Ive been cooking for a bit, it is part of the process of Shepherd's Pie (when I make this , there is none left).  This is potatoe-less.  Instead blended cauliflower is used...and it's awesome!

This (paleo) dish was amazing!  Coffee Rub Pot Roaast and Baked Bacon Brussells Sprouts.  I have been so proud of myself latley....the things I have been cooking.  Wow, you follow a recipe and it works!  Other things we have tried lately that are all successes for the most part:  Greek Meatballs, Ginger Beef with Mango, Scallops & Sauted Spinach,  Spaghetti Zucchini, crustless pizza.  This meal planning, big grocery shopping in the beginning of the week has been working really well for us.  This morning we plan this upcoming week.. (it is a flexible plan , depending on how things go).  Then Noah goes out and gets everything we need (meal ingredients, school lunches, snacks, basics) and we are pretty much set.    Painting - I have been enjoying a little painting time at the end of this week and I have a few I need to get done for custom requests.  I've got such wonderful support from friends, family and strangers...so it has been amazing.  I feel so blessed to be able to paint when I can and when a painting touches someone...that is my favorite part.  I need to update my website (the link on the side of this blog), I haven't in a long while.  I've been trying to put some pics on here and some on my facebook artist's page...but I don't have everything organized and up everywehre...so I need to work on that.  Homefront news...We have decided it best to wait on the chickens til march.  hehe.  That's o.k., we have enough turkey's around here anyway.  School will be very busy this week.  It's catholic schools week and 100 day of school...lots of activities.  Also I will be planning the Valentine's Party for Ben's class.  I got so many wonderful volunteering parents to help with things...I just need to get my act together and organize, tasks and needs.  All the dishes in this kitchen are whispering to me as I type "I'm dirty, wash me, I'm not going away, you can't throw me away, I will wait here..put some soap in the sink...).  Ugh.   Happy Sunday!

birds, baking, books

Found this pic online (pinterest) and I absolutely LOVE it.  Brings joy straight to my heart. so funny.   I just love when our library system works for me!  Sometimes dragging the children into the library , upstairs (don't like to take the stroller in the elevator with the homeless people if I don't have to), and then having the youngin's not so patiently wait while I search for my titles....is one of the most torturous tasks on the planet...so when I can look something up online and put it on hold, be notified when its ready/in and then go pick it up at the front desk...that is a wonderful thing.  I wasn't even annoyed to pay my 80 cent fine today, that's how happy I was. I am So excited about some of the books that I picked up today!  Got to keep them away from Olivia so she doesn't add color (crayon drawings) to them.  Of course, one of the gross parts about library books....as wonderful as the system is...the gross part is opening one up to find obvious food or something else type stains...and it totally grosses you out...makes you want to put surgical gloves on or just return it into the book drop and speed away.  Well, I noticed some kind of Cheetos stain on one of the books and all I can say is geez people!!!! do we really have to eat Cheetos as we read a library book?  seriously.  what the frick is going on in your head when you put that combination together?  anywho...I just baked the most awesome dessert/treat/snack and I can't wait for the kids to try it after school.  Not only is it super yum but its pretty darn good for you as well.  It is coconut milk custard.  I found the recipe on line and I am in love.  I have some funny pics of Olivia eating it.  So funny.  I must scoot, as I have to shovel my way out through toys and household items and such now laying in my pathway.  Olivia has been quite the busy girl today.

Random just because...I am.

 Olivia decided that she would fry up some chicken for dinner.

 Found this book under our kitchen table after dinner tonight...with cottage cheese all over it.  Quite appropriate. 

 Right after school today, Ben made me make him a viking hat.  It wasn't staying on so he tied his bandana on it as well.   Olivia always jumps into a picture any chance she gets.  She bats her eyes and sways.  Yesterday Ben was a ninja turtle.  I wonder what he will be tomorrow.

 Winter Woodland friends. ...squirrels have to eat too...I keep telling myself as they help themselves to the bird's grub.

Isabelle working on handwriting homework tonight as I prepared dinner.  (bunless hamburgers, cottage cheese and PeAs).

So, a big storm is brewing supposedly.  We shall see what tomorrow brings.  The kids are now waiting for me to read to them (after we get the baby to bed).  Last night we started LITTLE HOUSE IN THE BIG WOODS by Laura Ingalls Wilder.  We are all really enjoying it.  Today I made a lapbook for us to go along with it.  A lapbook is a learning tool that is a fun interactive way to review and recall and discuss the item you are studying.  Ill take a pic of it later on in life when we get it all filled out.  Isabelle's horse folder is falling apart.  I should tape it.  Olivia likes to put Ben's batman underwear on.  I have set up the potty for her, now I have to properly introduce her to it instead of her putting the bath toys in it.  U2 is on my ipod.  The dog is barking. ugh.  Must go retrieve him.  Wish me luck.  I must lure him inward with a piece of bacon.  Well , the children are waiting.  Good Night & God Bless.

flakes and feathers

 Olivia and I had inklings of colds, so we watched the sledders from the window.

 I get so excited to watch the birds come eat during a snow storm!  It's amazing.   Nothing like a Cardinal in the snow.

 Seriously, this is one of my favorite winter past times.  Nature just becomes so alive out there and you can see it all. Neat to see the relationships and routines.

 Lance is loving the snow as well.  I think he would sit out there all day if I let him. 

Despite the fact that I and Olivia have colds and I strongly dislike feeling this way, I am enjoying being home this weekend, get a few projects done, reading with the kids, making some nice meals (homemade chicken soup for example and lots of tea).  I played Angry Birds for the first time ever.  I wanted to see what all the excitement was about.  It is kind of fun, flinging those birds.  I think we might start selling our honey coming up next season.  If so, I need to think of a cute little label/name...cuz that is the most important part (well besides the taste and content and all).  Noah and I planned a whole week or sos menu of meals this week.  It is flexible for the most part ingredients are bought and the days are mapped out.  Hopefully this will make things easier, I feel like Ive been in a meal idea rut lately.  Also trying to change up the kids school lunches a little bit.  I am praying for many situations and people this week.  I am especially thankful for a warm house and a healthy (for the most part despite the temp. colds) family.  Excited to see what this day has in store for us (no school, MLK day).  Just waiting for the sun to come up.

Paintings on display

Hey local friends, some of my paintings are up on display through the art museum at FHN/Burchard until Feb. 24th.  Go check it out if you get a chance!  I'd love to hear what you think.  I need to get over there.  The kids are very excited to see them (and I am too).   Ugh, I just woke up feeling very dizzy and sick.  I drank some water and ate two cuties (the best little snack in the world - seedless, easy peel, sweet , mini oranges).  Hoping the combo of those things help.  I think it's dress up day at school today, I need to check into that.  I wonder if I have anything to make for lunches.  I hear that snow is supposed to come tomorrow.  The kids will be thrilled.   Better put gas in my car today and find my gloves.  hehe  I have a horrible wonderful new addiction...I have been visiting the used book store in town.  Problem:  Olivia.  She doesnt let me stay long and she is quite horrific the whole time we are there so I can barely think or look.  If she's in the stroller she screams (unsatisfied with snacks, drinks, looking at nearby books) - If I let her loose, she hightails it as far away from me as possible, giggling the whole time in which of course I cannot look at books, but need to chase her instead.  There's even coloring there, but she takes no part in it.  She does try to rearrange all of the shelves though.  It's kind of nightmarish to tell the truth...but I torture myself anyway, because I so desperately want to see what gems that I can find in this paper & word filled wonderland.  Speaking of Olivia, I was at Joann's getting paint the other day and while waiting in line, she decided to whip a bottle of paint that was in my cart.  It landed between the cashier and an elderly customer.  Gave us all quite a fright.  Luckily they laughed about it, probably because they were in shock or just so relieved because they were not injured by the projectile merchandise.  Oh, sweet little Olivia.