tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-128343862024-03-13T23:18:42.100-04:00my VIEW on things....Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697810828647974967noreply@blogger.comBlogger128125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12834386.post-27930151799727562732010-04-08T09:10:00.002-04:002010-04-08T09:20:56.941-04:00Family crapJust incase you think your family has issues....<br /><br />So, I just thought about something that's kinda been bothering me. Warren's aunt and uncle (the ones I may have mentioned here before) have 'custody' of Warren's 2 21 year old cousins. They are both 'handicapped' and one needs more care than the other. In 1995, the boys' mother passed away in a car accident. There are 3 siblings, and they split a $100,000. life insurance policy. The accounts were set up in such a way that they each got dispursements on their 18, 19, 20, and the remainder on their 21st birthday (which, for the boys was the end of FEB). The aunt and uncle have blown through all the money already, and are now claiming that one of the boys is too much work, and too hard to handle, so they are thinking about giving him to his father (who has had so little to do with this kid his entire life) or finding some home to stick him in. Warren and I had talked about taking him in the past, but with the new baby, I don't know that we could handle the strain. <br /><br />I am thinking about turning them in to some kind of authority. I know I might have to wait until they 'discard' of him to do it, but its not right, they have BLOWN his money for him, and he is none the better for it. And I am not talking about a few bucks, this is 10's of thousands of dollars...I would be willing to estimate at least $50,000 (after interest had accrued) and that was for each of the boys. I know they have gone on vacations, Vegas, and such, without taking them. And I also know that they have had both houses foreclosed on, their truck re-poed, and they are not making any house payments right now...In fact, they have been to the casino, blowing more money. I think it may sound like I am a little jealous, I do wish I had money to spend, but I would never even think about taking money from someone like that....IT JUST MAKES ME SICK!Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697810828647974967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12834386.post-89895448688716045142010-04-07T19:54:00.002-04:002010-04-07T20:01:55.656-04:0034 WeeksSadly enough, I have very little to report. I suppose that's actually a goo thing, the baby is doing well, the doctors have said everything is progressing normally. I am right at the right size for her gestational age...everything's going well. The shower is Sunday. I am so excited about getting to see some of my friends and relatives...some I haven't seen since my Grandmother's funeral (she's been gone a very long time!) and my Mom is loving the fact that she gets to put on a party...That woman loves to entertain.<br /><br />The belly is getting bigger, I will put pictures up after the shower...I want to wait so everyone can be surprised by how 'big' I am getting. I think its hard for people that don't see me every day to remember that I had lost a bunch of weight (100 pounds) before I got pregnant, so this belly I a sporting is ACTUALLY huge for me now....ah..oh well...I am feeling the urge to clean...more later!Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697810828647974967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12834386.post-55766024695305893832010-01-07T09:46:00.002-05:002010-01-07T09:49:54.650-05:0021 weeks YIPEE!!Well, today I officially start the downhill slide into Mommy-dom. Only 19 weeks to go until I get to meet my little girl. Warren and I are so excited...he's been talking to my belly, and we've both been making plans for our little Samantha or Abagail...I haven't decided on her name yet, I want to meet her first.<br /><br />I wanted to put new pics up, but my little lovely didn't want to be photographed! She would only show us her backside...sounds like she's already taking after her mother...POOR WARREN! Its a good thing we bought a house with 2 bathrooms...I don't think he knows what he has coming!Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697810828647974967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12834386.post-40711449804184677972009-10-28T19:21:00.003-04:002009-10-28T19:31:39.755-04:0010 weeks down...30 to go!<div> Everything is going well with the pregnancy so far. I am still a little gun shy about telling everyone, but the Dr said I have a 97% chance of carrying to full term. Barring any weirdness, I will be a mommy soon! Not soon enough for Warren, he wants the kid to come out now! I told him it wouldn't be very pretty right now, and that he should wait until spring like the rest of us have to! I will get another set of pics on New Year's Eve, they said to bring in a blank CDR or DVD and they will record the baby for me. I think that will be the BEST home movie ever! </div><div> </div><div>Just as an aside, if you have never been pregnant before, and have made jokes about morning sickness....STOP! It truly sucks, and there is almost NOTHING funny about it! I threw up water the other day....water! GEEZ! And as for 'morning' yeah right, or afternnon,or early evening, or midnight, or whenever the lovely little one decides it does not like what you have put into your mouth...AND SALTINES DO NOT WORK!<br /><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic7eAbEeOfS-NDMeiSjJJaF3FeKXqMsbYWxnfMHBvPpYPaZgftm1GPFRtc3UA07L2y1ZYsdVmqqyditY-jWTA2O1jfYM9mKaPSSkILBaCetllXPZJXbM7-FrnpjRT5FS_aAtRMZA/s1600-h/6weeks.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397795099441099538" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 236px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic7eAbEeOfS-NDMeiSjJJaF3FeKXqMsbYWxnfMHBvPpYPaZgftm1GPFRtc3UA07L2y1ZYsdVmqqyditY-jWTA2O1jfYM9mKaPSSkILBaCetllXPZJXbM7-FrnpjRT5FS_aAtRMZA/s320/6weeks.jpg" border="0" /></a> This was at 6 weeks 6 days...baby's first picture ever!</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /><br /><br /> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>These both are from Tuesday 10-27 <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjao3y1fCj2rQ4eg_yRRrN-NrG8kRtA3mwngd9j__s62Tq88QWY_CHIRWmHSJ03CQ8H5KPJIVWcXGsKKLDsISn9ceZnF_Z-ujuzap7Xz6X0F29lgmIEu5hJCjf2Y9mWjSC6NCVqZw/s1600-h/week10_1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397795104802583586" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjao3y1fCj2rQ4eg_yRRrN-NrG8kRtA3mwngd9j__s62Tq88QWY_CHIRWmHSJ03CQ8H5KPJIVWcXGsKKLDsISn9ceZnF_Z-ujuzap7Xz6X0F29lgmIEu5hJCjf2Y9mWjSC6NCVqZw/s320/week10_1.jpg" border="0" /></a> at 10 weeks 5 days. My how we have grown!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397795112734060866" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQCd2fcnXervB4VpdVMLWGufZmt3F9DDdtcpG4U2ztEHSIbkSzykrNBf0V0nvUtcxXHK45EwYmxtjQbpt9n8f-EVba4TRtwQmJtuH6RZGeZ4DiNsq-TK_g284kSO7U8-DRK5dy1g/s320/week10_3.jpg" border="0" /></div>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697810828647974967noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12834386.post-2405327763563989542009-10-07T20:10:00.002-04:002009-10-07T20:25:15.260-04:00Week 8So, I am officially pregnant. It took 7 years of trying, and a bunch of trips to the doctor, but, we're finally there! I am in my 8<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span> week, which means the 'baby' is 6 weeks old..they do some fuzzy math when you're knocked up...I think they like to confuse us...but any how. <br /><br />I had my 1st ultrasound on Sept 30<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span>. It was very early, only 6 weeks, 6 days, but because of all the fertility drugs and whatnot, they wanted to make sure everything looked good...and it did. Warren and I got to hear the heartbeat...which is the COOLEST thing ever! The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">ultrasoundographer</span> said everything looked normal, so I was poked for blood tests, given a flu shot, and sent on my merry way. I have another appointment on the 27<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">th</span> for my first actual prenatal appointment. <br /><br />So, I REALLY wasn't planning on telling everyone about my 'news' until I was 20 weeks, as I have been told, that is the kinda...'safe' line. But, since my mom's birthday was the 1st of October, I had to tell her, besides, I had already known since the 13<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">th</span> of Sept. So, we got her a 'happy birthday Grandma' card, and she thought it was from the dog...until she read the inside, where I had written, "I can't wait to meet you May 22, 2010!" That's when she started crying. I also gave her a copy of my ultrasound picture. SHE TOOK IT TO WORK! She was telling everyone! And I mean everyone...people I don't even like...everyone!<br /><br />So, now, being the stress-head worrier that I am, I am now hoping that nothing happens between now and May. I don't want to have to deal with that many people knowing about what is going on in my uterus...I mean <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">GEEZ</span>! I am trying to get over being upset about her inability to keep this 'little' secret a secret for me...but I am really a private person, and I don't like the people at work to know anything about me...They're mostly jerks, and will try to use any advantage they can find to get a leg up over anyone...Its really sad...but true!<br /><br />But, so anyway...the pregnancy, I am just now starting to get 'morning' sickness..and I am already peeing all the time. I have developed insomnia within the last month or so, which makes working the night shift a TON of fun!!! I haven't really craved anything bizarre yet, save a Big Mac, which I rarely eat, but I have developed an EXTREMELY sharp sense of smell, which those of you who work with the public can imagine how wonderful that can be! <br /><br />I will post pictures when our child looks like more than a grain of rice...hopefully soon!Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697810828647974967noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12834386.post-74961384362003372492009-08-12T14:21:00.002-04:002009-08-12T14:33:44.902-04:00House updatesFrom the beginning...you know that we bought this house in September of last year...but what you may not know is that when I put the Christmas tree away, we discovered a leak...water...inside the house. Some how, water was coming down the outside of the chimney..all the way down the chimney, it started at the roof, where, as it turns out, there was NO flashing or tar, or anything around the chimney! And the leak went through both of the bedrooms upstairs, the closet in my bedroom, ruined the carpet in the living room, the drywall on one wall in the living room, and ended up in the basement. <br /><br /><br />My Dad came over about 3 weeks ago to check out the re-modelling project in the bathroom (downstairs) and saw the water spots from the leak...We had been considering just fixing it ourselves...we thought it wouldn't require that much work...BOY were we wrong! My dad insisted that we turn it into the home owners company...and they sent someone out to check it out. The total bill? Over $3800 (estimated) in damages! Our cost? Probably nothing! The company that we are using had a coupon in the yellow pages for 1/2 off the deductible up to $250...so we are using that, and then they said that they would knock some off the price if we agreed to do some of the 'after' clean -up. Yesterday, 2 guys came to do the demo of the dry wall and carpet. They got here around 10:30, and they were done by 2:00..the best part? When they left, the house was CLEAN! Not spotless, but about as clean as it was when they got here. <br /><br />While the guys were inside tearing out all of the old damaged dry-wall, I had a roofing crew ( Rusty Manke and his brother) on my roof, installing a chimney cap and a ridge vent (there was NO ventilation in the attic)...What a crazy day. The dry wall guys will be here tomorrow to start the repairing process..around 7:30 AM! So much for having 4 days off to relax! I might have to take a nap in the hammock! I will post pics as soon as I get some more time!Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697810828647974967noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12834386.post-23317874510673024202009-07-15T16:32:00.002-04:002009-07-15T16:52:01.494-04:00Some People!<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ok</span>, so check this shit out....<br /><br />Warren has a handicapped cousin. His name is Robert, he has Cerebral palsy (just like Warren but more severe) and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">hydrocephalus</span> (water on the brain that causes seizures)...his mother died in 1995 in a horrible car accident, leaving him, his twin brother Mark, and older sister Amanda with Warren's grandmother. Three years ago, Warren's grandmother passed away from lung cancer. Since then, Warren's mom has been taking care of all three kids. Amanda just turned 21, and has moved out of the house to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">pursue</span> her drug using lifestyle with her newest boyfriend. Warren's mom just had to BAIL her out of jail for <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">possession</span> of pot....<br /><br />But that's not the bad part. When their mother died, there was an insurance policy that split $100,000 between the 3 of them. They got it in 3 installments, starting when they turned 18. They get the money on their birthdays. Amanda's gotten all of her money, and it is gone...she has an Aztec to show for it...and some really crappy tattoos. No college...no house...nothing!<br /><br />The boys are 20, and have one more installment left. Mark, is pretty able bodied...he's just LAZY as a stump...so he will be able to take care of himself one day. Robert, on the other hand, will require someone to live with him, to make sure he eats, and bathes and whatnot. He can't cook much more for himself than microwave meals, and can't really speak all that well, so he will never live on his own. I have always thought Rob would end up living with us. I had discussed it with Warren's grandmother before she died...and she thought that was the best plan. Since Warren's mother was willing, I thought, GREAT! someone will be there for him, he can stay in his house, and be with his brother. Mark has since moved in with Warren's aunt Shirley. The one that has screwed us a TON! Soon before his last birthday, she started calling him, asking him to come stay with her, and to come hang out over at her house. She took her 13 year old son out of school before thanksgiving, telling the school she was going to home school the boy (she only has a 9th grade education), and has done NOTHING with him, so he and Mark lay around all day and night, playing video games and watching <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">tv</span>...Shirley has gotten a hold of Mark's money, and its GONE! She said he was 'paying room and board'...Now, they have gotten a lawyer and are trying to get custody of Robert. Warren's mom has been pretty tight with all of Rob's money, knowing that some day, he might have to go into a home, and that he will need to pay for it some how. So, Shirley and her husband are trying to get a hold of Robert's money. She has said on numerous occasions that she wants nothing to do with him...She doesn't like him, and I think he will be neglected at her house. However, Warren's mother has decided not to put up a fight. She thinks that the courts will give him to them without question...even though their house is being foreclosed on, and they will have no where to live very soon. <br /><br />I have no doubt in my mind they are trying to get their hands on his cash....and it is killing me to see this going down. I think they used Mark's money to fund their most recent trip to Vegas...and I wonder what Rob's money will buy them.<br /><br />Did I mention that these people are the SCUM of the Earth?Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697810828647974967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12834386.post-88861651285248339812009-06-23T13:29:00.004-04:002009-06-23T13:47:26.123-04:00UMMMMMOk, so this whole Jon and Kate thing has me kinda irked. I have been a 'fan' of the show for a while now, having my own set of 'fertility issues', I could relate to their struggle. IN THE BEGINNING! So, <strong>I don't care much for Kate,</strong> its not because I feel sorry for Jon, but any woman that speaks to her husband the way she does ON TELEVISION! ( See comments at end of rant for semi-retraction) Is lucky when she wakes up and finds that she has not been stabbed! I saw her ask him to "stop breathing" in a certain way. I wonder WHY they are getting a divorce? I dunno. Yeah, maybe he IS cheating, but hey, can't say I blame him, at least he's trying to be happy. <br /><br /><span style="color:#006600;"><span style="color:#cc9933;">NOTE** I DO NOT condone cheating, I think if you want to cheat, <strong><span style="color:#666600;">leave</span></strong>, then you can be with whomever you choose...</span> but, in this situation, if he DID cheat...well...</span><br /><span style="color:#006600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">So anyway, in on of my friends' blogs, there was some talk about how the "Doctors are handing out fertility drugs like candy". I am going to have to draw on personal experience on this one and say that even if someone is given an entire VAT of drugs, it is still NOT EASY for some of us to get pregnant. And yes, I am aware that multiples could be a possibility, and I would think that if someone, say TLC, came to me and said, "We heard you were pregnant with a <em>litter</em>, and we would like to tape a few shows to let people see how you handle things. Here's a million dollars." I might very well JUMP at the opportunity. That is how things started for Jon and Kate, after all... Just an hour long special to show how things might be complicated by multiple children, and it took off, and now they have nice things, and if they have played their cards right, all EIGHT of their children can go to college..Would I take that chance to provide for my family?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;color:#660000;"><strong><em>YOU'RE DAMN SKIPPY!</em></strong></span><br /><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;color:#660000;"></span></em></strong><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><strong><em>Yeah, it IS easy for us to sit at home, and watch what the media puts out there</em></strong>. To form our own opinions based on the edited for television, ratings inducing crap they want us to see, but I think we might feel at least a little bad for Jon and Kate because I don't want to believe they set out to end up this way, some times, LIFE gets in the way of our plans.</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"> (End of semi-retraction)</span>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697810828647974967noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12834386.post-55650986150173522082009-02-25T21:56:00.004-05:002009-02-25T22:07:54.845-05:00TIRED!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrrd4nqM0o1dnIt3Dq_1j6ujxdEaI7OMFj3MvtMNnCuhITuO1Ip0vmmrc6K2jk5l2Gn1aaz6Bx2VZux-mXdLjpHtXq8PpK_YRYkoO5ejQYSsFr9PeMoETa54PExf-e5TWrSc70Ow/s1600-h/warrenboobs.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306936848208338738" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 218px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrrd4nqM0o1dnIt3Dq_1j6ujxdEaI7OMFj3MvtMNnCuhITuO1Ip0vmmrc6K2jk5l2Gn1aaz6Bx2VZux-mXdLjpHtXq8PpK_YRYkoO5ejQYSsFr9PeMoETa54PExf-e5TWrSc70Ow/s320/warrenboobs.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><<<is> Is this why we don't have kids yet???<br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">I think so...</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><br />I have been so tired lately that I have not felt like doing anything but laying around. Of course, life will not allow me this luxury, so I have been running around like crazy for the last month. Every day, I get home from work around 10 am, I take a nap until 12:30, when I get up, and hop into the shower, then I go to craps class from 1:30 until around 5. I get home, have/make dinner, and go to sleep...I get up at midnight and start all over again. I get a break from class on the weekend, but I am still trying to cram stuff in on those days too. Like right now, I have been up since midnight last night, no nap, no resting, nothing. Its 10 at night, and I am getting ready to crash. And tomorrow, I will wake up and try accomplish all the things I have been neglecting...wish me luck!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />And as for all of my long lost friends....spring is coming, and craps class should be over by mid- March..so I will be looking forward to seeing you again soon! I miss you!<br /></span><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;"></span>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697810828647974967noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12834386.post-7268579651660485642009-01-19T19:33:00.002-05:002009-01-19T19:46:34.938-05:00I HATE K-MART!So, I went to our 'local' K-mart the other day because I had to pick up my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">prescription</span> for baby making drugs....while I was there, I was browsing the men's section, thinking that I might find something for the hubby. They had a sale going on....30% off any clearance <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">merch</span>...so I found him a pair of snow pants. He's been snow blowing all winter in his jeans, I thought it might be warmer in snow pants. So, I look at the tag, they're marked at $12.00 (down from $39.99), what a bargain! Then I see the sign telling me that I get an additional 30% off! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">YAY</span>! So, they should be $8.40....YAY again! So, I pick up some other things...sleep pants for me...$4.19 what a great deal! And a birthday card for Eric 24 on the 18<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">th</span>....and my drugs, and I go to the register...<br /><br />This is where my good times stop. There is only one register open, so, I go to it, and wait. The girl barely looks at me as she starts ripping the hangers out of the clothes I wanted to buy. She's mindlessly scanning all of the good, and then, she scans the snow pants... They ring up at $14.00. No discount...nothing. I stop her, and point out that A: they are marked $12.00, and B: they are supposed to be 30% off the $12.00...so, she ROLLS HER EYES..and calls over her 'manager' Mary, who has been there since forever....she tells me, they are ringing up at $14.00, but she will call the dept....and she does. The person from the dept must have been asking her whether or not I looked like someone who could be reasoned with...and Mary looked at me and told he "no, not at all"...I don't know what the other side of the line said <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">exactly</span>, but I am going to imagine it went like that. So, anyway...the other side of the line tells her that they are INDEED $14.00...but she is willing to give me the 30% off that price. SO then, I go OFF! Now, I do know that it is not that much money...and I could have just paid the price and went on, but I was not in an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">accommodating</span> mood that day. I told them that "I don't care what they are supposed to be, they are marked $12.00, and there is a thing called a SCANNER law in Michigan..which makes them trying to overcharge me ILLEGAL! Then, for some reason, they stopped fighting me, and just gave me my price...and went back about their business...I swear...I will drive ALL the way to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Ludington</span> a hundred times before I go back into that store!Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697810828647974967noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12834386.post-72459330648738567602008-12-26T07:29:00.002-05:002008-12-26T07:35:26.738-05:00ham comaso, everything went off without a hitch...dinner was ready, early, when we ate, everything was hot...and I didn't run out of food...which reminds me...if anyone is hungry.....my fridge is FULL!!The best dish??? Green beans! Strange...but I made these garlicky green beans...and everyone LOVED them....weirdos...<br /><br />We were worried about getting the families together....saying it is like mixing oil and water would be a gross understatement. But, in the true spirit of the holidays...everyone was on their best behavior...and nothing got broken..except for the plate that I dropped. Correl Ware SHATTERS! OOPS!<br /><br />I will post pictures later..they are in my mom's camera...and she took it with her. I think I am getting drunk tonight, and celebrating the holiday in true white trash fashion...I have lots of snacky foods leftover...and a bunch of beer and vodka, if anyone is interested....Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697810828647974967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12834386.post-24014331028854679002008-12-21T12:38:00.002-05:002008-12-21T12:41:56.109-05:00new guest listSo, I come home from work yesterday, and my wonderful husband informs me that he is adding more people to the holiday dinner list. Now, I am cooking for my parents, brother, Jasmine, his mom, brother, brother's wife, her kid, and the kid they have together. Warren's grandfather, his girlfriend, cousin Rob, and now cousin Amanda...I have just enough seats...I HOPE! Actually, I have room on the floor if anyone else wants to drop by....I am anxious to say the least....and, to top it all off, I still have more Christmas shopping to do.....ARGH!Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697810828647974967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12834386.post-38132889529439201542008-12-16T18:18:00.004-05:002008-12-16T18:29:51.473-05:00OK OK OKAY! So its been a WHILE!I know....I always say this...but I just forget about updating this...not that I forget about my friends that might be reading, I just never think I have much to say...and I know all of you know better. Well, the holiday season is upon us, Warren and I are hosting Christmas dinner at our house this year...this is the first time I have been entrusted with a family dinner. We are having ham...and potatoes...and probably a million side dishes, since I am my mother's child and am always afraid that I won't have enough food for everyone! My guests are supposed to be my mother-in-law, brother-in-law, nephew, Warren's cousin Robert, my Dad, Eric, Jasmine, and hopefully, my mom...if she can get the night off work. I am a little nervous about all of those people being here...so I took the week off from work. I am working Monday night, and then not again until Saturday night. I figured that would give me time to finish all the little projects I have started here and there, and to finish my shopping...My mom called me and made me promise not to buy anything for her and dad this year...so, I am making gifts for them. She hates all the commercialism of Christmas and wants to go back to the time when everyone hand made gifts for their family. So, for the last 3 years, I have made her presents in addition to whatever little trinkets I have picked up. I always do stockings for her and dad...I think its kinda funny to watch to 50+ year old people open stockings...<br /><br />There have been layoffs at the casino...100+ people so far. Warren and I both made it through. Hopefully, there won't be any more, but no one knows for sure. I don't know the reasoning behind the lay-offs, but I have a few guesses...not going to share them...don't know for sure...<br /><br />I remain hopeful...I mean, it IS that time of year....after all....Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697810828647974967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12834386.post-1204537351339273132008-10-01T20:19:00.001-04:002008-10-01T20:23:01.278-04:00UNPACKINGSo now I have to unpack. I have 6 years worth of our married life sitting, in boxes in our dining room. This is taking a really long time! I have no patience for this crap right now. I just want to snap my fingers and have everything be put away. Warren can't really help much either mostly because I have NO idea where I want to put things. My parents and grandparents are coming over Saturday for cake and ice cream...Mom's b-day today. So I will have to get everything out away before then. Wish me luck.Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697810828647974967noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12834386.post-62348876665038468122008-09-16T18:35:00.003-04:002008-09-16T18:42:47.179-04:00Moving day<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKvSwaQR8eBhBK3J2soSD8FIRhhFw3xMWMVHqUVXqg5sONlRsG_y5KAD2PQNXVscap-HMIRZeW3u9e-qdwpo3aAkrNwaOvO0I7dkxzw6xCCf9xtU401qZwKD2A8eBCGSGl3dAiLg/s1600-h/101_0126%5B1%5D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246752799543314882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKvSwaQR8eBhBK3J2soSD8FIRhhFw3xMWMVHqUVXqg5sONlRsG_y5KAD2PQNXVscap-HMIRZeW3u9e-qdwpo3aAkrNwaOvO0I7dkxzw6xCCf9xtU401qZwKD2A8eBCGSGl3dAiLg/s320/101_0126%5B1%5D" border="0" /></a> Well, its finally over...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlFj1WYQWuG0iTOpYhWU8Ak1Hd8q49pdfA0PNW00ji516xLhR1SfDNC01hwjpAZI9CENv-1cXcmpN8nG5YjFao9qA35cUZDiMxRKBQBc7yxnrfOSRydg1S0VPkyrnvOmdsTuH-ew/s1600-h/101_0128%5B1%5D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246752803867662466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlFj1WYQWuG0iTOpYhWU8Ak1Hd8q49pdfA0PNW00ji516xLhR1SfDNC01hwjpAZI9CENv-1cXcmpN8nG5YjFao9qA35cUZDiMxRKBQBc7yxnrfOSRydg1S0VPkyrnvOmdsTuH-ew/s320/101_0128%5B1%5D" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div> We are moving on Thursday! My appliances will start arriving then. I am getting an LG front loading washer and dryer..very nice...and energy efficient! YAY saving money rocks! And I decided on a GE spacesaver micro...it had the best reviews of the ones in my price range...I'll let you know...My new address is: 277 Hughes St. I think I am going to have to keep my landline phone since I have NO service inside the house with my cell, but I will let you all know for sure.</div>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697810828647974967noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12834386.post-28203211593754070272008-09-11T22:54:00.004-04:002008-09-11T23:05:11.414-04:00Dinner and other things<div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxXVJ3xLV01KnzUsaEF9XJd8mqrKdescOJW5axizRNc09stARzkFp7f1sK89UwQrYey8SmgVNg2WLs1CCAGPlgxlcZ_fp49xHO0H1EsZe3GfrW-DCijJ-Hn9IjB8bNL_aVvCOVLA/s1600-h/101_0073%5B1%5D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244964934533510498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxXVJ3xLV01KnzUsaEF9XJd8mqrKdescOJW5axizRNc09stARzkFp7f1sK89UwQrYey8SmgVNg2WLs1CCAGPlgxlcZ_fp49xHO0H1EsZe3GfrW-DCijJ-Hn9IjB8bNL_aVvCOVLA/s320/101_0073%5B1%5D" border="0" /></a> <span style="color:#3333ff;">Peanut shows the referee who's boss</span><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTRdxTEqLUVND6mp-CZjgiMRUjxPmP4w2yIR9SadA71SSeUuMZg7ytQEkUrsekFeW_nAs-pjnsgockwZ1lOrbk09EKwY7bZH5CaAUUOrHIHrM99Z3un5yVqVkvzR0jp7BtP8-Qfw/s1600-h/101_0124%5B1%5D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244964936502447410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTRdxTEqLUVND6mp-CZjgiMRUjxPmP4w2yIR9SadA71SSeUuMZg7ytQEkUrsekFeW_nAs-pjnsgockwZ1lOrbk09EKwY7bZH5CaAUUOrHIHrM99Z3un5yVqVkvzR0jp7BtP8-Qfw/s320/101_0124%5B1%5D" border="0" /></a></p> <blockquote></blockquote><blockquote></blockquote><span style="color:#993300;"> Nicole's son Henry gets a haircut</span><br /><br /><br /><div align="left">I had dinner with Nicole, Henry, and Irene last night. Very tasty...her kids are adorable! I am so happy that we are talking again. Its nice to have someone to hang out with that I don't have to talk about work with. </div><br /><br /><br />We are finally closing on the house tomorrow afternoon. The appointment is for 3:00... I am nervous and excited. I'll put new pictures from inside the house when I take them...tomorrow night. Warren and I are going to buy the appliances tomorrow too...I am having trouble finding a micro-hood that has good reviews. Anyone know of any? All the ones I like are either crazy expensive, or the reviews say they are REALLY loud...<br /></div>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697810828647974967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12834386.post-58957436081540678232008-09-04T10:22:00.002-04:002008-09-04T10:26:58.005-04:00The Race is onOK..so, we are closing on Sept 11th (hopefully) I am waiting to hear the final details, and then we will get moving. I have started packing...and packing and packing. I am already sick of this stress...I am taking the night off tonight, and Warren and I are going to traverse city to celebrate me birthday and relax for a minute. More when I know more.Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697810828647974967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12834386.post-30345894734900064882008-08-10T16:29:00.002-04:002008-08-10T16:37:59.693-04:00OUR house<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_EXxC8VAtlDW9eA-oG2hBdMk-TCNwPiZl2iqMU-auIGfK1Hw3SeYpk9D2CjiEdl-uoEZXsxO5zvwWo5UOncqg9o5R5eU5P4AAh5ngF1bEde3J60oH-nHkOkRfUNNBEYZCd5cDgg/s1600-h/front+of+house.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232990961519958514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_EXxC8VAtlDW9eA-oG2hBdMk-TCNwPiZl2iqMU-auIGfK1Hw3SeYpk9D2CjiEdl-uoEZXsxO5zvwWo5UOncqg9o5R5eU5P4AAh5ngF1bEde3J60oH-nHkOkRfUNNBEYZCd5cDgg/s320/front+of+house.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHk-W4RYihYD9UcYhLiYRJ4UHMtpYHYGSRUp_LzbH-9_N-uneaUBb4NVHFQP5gEKQK07e6xFUmZYbGmXlFb6G8nmIYxc-vfOr_q1mlCLfSK5o4TKa8ylnrCpY90pK22xQf87xDTA/s1600-h/from+backyard.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232990972505187442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHk-W4RYihYD9UcYhLiYRJ4UHMtpYHYGSRUp_LzbH-9_N-uneaUBb4NVHFQP5gEKQK07e6xFUmZYbGmXlFb6G8nmIYxc-vfOr_q1mlCLfSK5o4TKa8ylnrCpY90pK22xQf87xDTA/s320/from+backyard.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZCgR-is7vEVU7nXL08iiiVHix-_zzLhkDL5GDq62He8_DDAXv3JS5uTF7aHHzYjwjM9GbPhsTh0nsDflXMiI9XKDmnvUjd-UU8tV2xLycJspNShQpnkQYj8qhzwbqZUL00hCKVA/s1600-h/light.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232990980769237970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZCgR-is7vEVU7nXL08iiiVHix-_zzLhkDL5GDq62He8_DDAXv3JS5uTF7aHHzYjwjM9GbPhsTh0nsDflXMiI9XKDmnvUjd-UU8tV2xLycJspNShQpnkQYj8qhzwbqZUL00hCKVA/s320/light.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div>Is a very very very fine house.....</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Well, we put in a bid, they countered, and we are going to sign on Monday (tomorrow) they agreed to everything we asked for, plus $4000 more than our original offer. So...here we go. Now, I have to get inspections and appraisals, and hope that everything goes of without a hitch. I will keep posting pics and whatnot as I get them</div>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697810828647974967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12834386.post-75593610718690146222008-08-07T07:03:00.003-04:002008-08-07T07:11:31.367-04:00Too much of a good thingNow I am really in a bit of a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">quandary</span>...there are 2 houses that I really like. We went to look at these other houses yesterday. I thought that seeing them would solidify the idea that 'our' house was the perfect one for us. Then....<a href="http://www.momboard.com/listings/145580/slideshow">we saw this one</a>. Now, I don't know. This has all the same stuff, a back yard twice the size, and a way bigger kitchen. And Kim <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Gorley</span> owns it, so we are wondering if she can give us any info. Our Realtor is trying to force us into putting in a bid. I am REALLY resistant to someone trying to force me into doing anything. Especially when it concerns my finances for the next 30 years! Since I haven't signed a contract with this Realtor, I am thinking about firing her, and going with someone else. I really want a house, but I am going to get one on MY terms, not someone <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">else's</span>!<br /><br />More on this drama as it unfolds....Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697810828647974967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12834386.post-66147076128314508772008-08-05T19:47:00.002-04:002008-08-05T19:58:04.854-04:00OK OK OKAY!I am doing it. I am making a bid on a house. I am going completely insane with worry. I am stressing beyond all belief! This is a big deal. First, I didn't think we'd get approved (obviously) then, I didn't think we'd find a place until at least spring...and now...I am going to write a bid tomorrow. AHHHHHH!!! The next door neighbors are making this a really easy decision..they had a raging party last night, and there were all kids of chairs and cups outside when I got home this morning. Their dog is crapping on our walk...and they are spray painting the porch on their house. The smell is going right into my dining room window...and it is killing me!! I would love to go over there and give them a chunk of my mind, but at this point, I really wonder how much I have left to spare??<br /><br />But anyway...the house is SUPER cute! It has new everything--plumbing, electrical, drywall, fixtures, kitchen, baths..everything! It smells like a new house when you walk in, all the floor coverings are brand new. It has 3 bedrooms, and 2 full baths. There is even an office area on the 2nd floor, so I don't have to take up a bedroom for my computer and junk! It has a full basement, and a fenced in yard. The other day, while we were looking at the back yard, you could hear the jet skis on Lake Michigan. You can't see the lake from the house, but you are totally close enough to walk...I am nervous as all hell, and since we have never done this before, I am asking everyone I know for advice...of course, the one real estate agent I know, I don't know hoe to get a hold of...and I would NEVER call her Dad to ask him...ugh! So, if anyone has advice, I am listening....Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697810828647974967noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12834386.post-29005311052858920192008-07-31T20:22:00.002-04:002008-07-31T20:25:46.551-04:00DAMNIT!Well, its a no go on the houses...we saw the inside of 5 of them today...NONE OF THEM are great. Some of them weren't even good...I am hoping to see more <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">tomorrow</span>...keep your fingers crossed...We're looking for something out of town/Bear Lake or somewhere around there...I don't care where it is at this point. I am actually looking at a foreclosure in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Manistee</span> too. I know the former owners, but I can't reach them...I was going to ask what is owed on the house BEFORE I even look at it...I am trying to be smart about it....Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697810828647974967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12834386.post-78528702135892220702008-07-31T09:23:00.002-04:002008-07-31T09:29:45.378-04:00today is the day!!At 1:30 this afternoon, we are meeting the Realtor for a house showing. We have about 6 homes that we are going to check out. I am almost positive one of them is where we are going to live! There are three of them that I REALLY like already....but I haven't seen the inside yet...I will fill you in after I go...I am just excited right now!<br /><br />Speaking of exciting things, Jasmine sent me an e-mail yesterday and asked me to be one of her bridesmaids. They set a date of Aug 29th 2009....she wants me to go dress shopping with her, and help her with the invites and stuff. I love planning things, and doing invites....I get to help...love it! They are going to come to Manistee so we can get some pics done for their engagement announcements in the papers. Jasmine wants some black and whites down by the beach...I'll post them when I get them done.<br /><br />OH YEAH>>>and what the hell!!! I can't believe the Tigers got rid of Pudge! Don't get me wrong...I am happy to get to watch Inge more...(I love him!) but still....Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697810828647974967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12834386.post-55213665983315164482008-07-25T10:26:00.001-04:002008-07-25T10:28:14.606-04:00HOLY SH**I just got a phone call from my mortgage lender...they are going to give us money!!! I can't believe it...they approved us for a home loan....what are they thinking? In this economy, the fact that they see fit to give us bunches of money BLOWS MY MIND! Hmmm....time to really start looking for a new place to hang my hats....Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697810828647974967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12834386.post-41743133456741033832008-07-24T18:47:00.002-04:002008-07-24T18:52:59.226-04:00NO BabyStill no baby. The drugs aren't working, so the Doc is trying a different approach. She is going to try to treat my <a href="http://women.webmd.com/tc/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos-treatment-overview">poly cystic ovarian syndrome </a>first. Wish me luck...Now, since I don't already have enough stress in my life, I am waiting...right this moment to hear if I am pre approved for a house. We have been kinda looking for a few weeks, but now we have applied, and are waiting to see if we can really do it. Hope a pile of money falls into my lap too!Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697810828647974967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12834386.post-61616882964711082622008-07-24T09:29:00.002-04:002008-07-24T09:38:17.097-04:00Eric the chef?!?!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK7uYz5Fjzoe4CeSq-KBc-TP0475-Ca0CFbfuU_vC9l5EbMGpqEah0EjR5yO2uvyLuTEi4LAHvIMAlITcCEWr0ArhylI3lS2mRrmGbsLpjz1X3HkJ5VbG2_S6DqOFoE0uFGxVcuA/s1600-h/ericjazz.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226574419040800754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK7uYz5Fjzoe4CeSq-KBc-TP0475-Ca0CFbfuU_vC9l5EbMGpqEah0EjR5yO2uvyLuTEi4LAHvIMAlITcCEWr0ArhylI3lS2mRrmGbsLpjz1X3HkJ5VbG2_S6DqOFoE0uFGxVcuA/s320/ericjazz.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>So, my brother, the massage therapist, is now cooking at <a href="http://www.redmesagrill.com/pearls.asp">Pearl's</a>. He really likes that type of food, so I think it will be a good fit for him. Of course, he is still working at the <a href="http://grandtraverseresort.trvlclick.com/coupon/?scid=736831&cid=204441&tc=08072406312932759&dynamic_proxy=1&primary_serv=grandtraverseresort-px.trvlclick.com&se_refer=http%253A%252F%252Fsearch.yahoo.com%252Fsearch%253Fp%253Dgrand%252Btraverse%252Bresort%2526fr%253Dfptb-msgr-s%2526toggle%253D1%2526cop%253Dmss%2526ei%253DUTF-8">Resort</a>, so he will never see his fiance, Jasmine. She is really mad about this, but since she is stil not working, there's nothing else they can do. She hasn't found a job in the area, because she is still in school, and is very difficult in general....don't get me wrong, I love her, like a sister-in-law should, but I wonder sometimes if they are in for more trouble than they know. They have very expensive taste, and not really any money making ability. I just hope a big pile of money falls into their lap soon...</div>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697810828647974967noreply@blogger.com2