Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen Things Justice Jonesie Accomplished This Summer 1. Cleaned the Garage!!! Whoo-hooo! This was on my to-do list for about 2 years but I seriously have been wanting to do this since Christmas break. Hubby and I took advantage of our time off with the kids and put up these great Rubbermaid products that allows us to hang the bikes, yard tools, and pretty much everything else that clutters up the space. Now Hubby can park his car in the garage. 2. Garage Sale. See number 1, above. I got rid of a bunch of baby things that I wanted to either sell or give away. Whatever didn't sell at the garage sale, I listed on craigslist or donated. 3. Hung up pictures that were laying on my office floor since August 2006. I actually just did that this morning. But I did it! 4. Cleaned out master closet. Some of the things from the garage have now been stuffed into the back of our closet. Hey, no one can see it back there. 5. Made a chic nap blanket for Daugther to take to school. I'll have to post pictures of my latest sewing project. It's soooo cute. 6. Cleaned out all the junky toys stored under Oldest's bed. It's amazing how many broken toys and junk you realize you have when you finally start going through that stuff. 7. I relaxed and slept in. Something you have to make yourself do, otherwise, you won't do it. 8. Read three books. The Shell Game by Steve Alten (great book!), Yoga for Dummies (skimmed it really), and Journey into Power, Barone Baptiste. I wanted to read at least five but oh well. 9. Hmmmmmmmmmm. 10. I went to the gym at least three days week. Yet somehow I gained five pounds. 11. I arranged playdates for Oldest. He always complains I don't do it so I did it. So much easier to do it during the summer than during the school year. 12. Bought a grill and had friends over for a BBQ. No, we didn't replace an old grill. We actually never had a grill. Nuts, I know. We always grill when we go to visit my parents or Hubby's parents but it was time to get our own. 13. Last but not least, I cut and restyled my dry, limp, damaged hair that I've been dealing with for the past year or two. Having kids has really done something ugly to my hair. I'm starting fresh, going to take good care of it, and will wait until my hair grows long and lovely like it used to look years ago. Keep your fingers crossed!

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The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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Turning 30!

Thirteen GREAT Things about Turning Thirty Good bye 20s, hello 30s! In honor of my 30th birthday, here are 13 things that make me happy about being thirty. 1. Saying I'm 30 something sounds sophisticated. 2. I have an excuse to celebrate it big for the next 12 months. Every big trip, purchase or whatever, will all be in honor of my big birthday. After all, this is a big milestone. :)) 3. Thirties are the new 20s so the next ten years should be lots of fun. 4. I've accomplished more than I would have imagined and I am only 30, go me! 5. A lot of my friends turn 30 this year so even more reasons to celebrate. 6. This weekend should be lots of fun since there are some big surprises planned by hubby. 7. I am going to Vegas next week to celebrate and that's all because I'm turning 30. 8. The look of shock on most people will be nice since most people think I'm 21 (if that). 9. I'm a real grown up now, if I wasn't before. 10. Hubby turns 30 as well this year and I'm looking forward to doing something nice for him. 11. This is the year I get into shape and I can't wait to have a fab body at 30. 12. I already like saying I'm thirty so now when I say it I'll be telling the truth (at least for the next 9 years). 13. Last but not least, I am older, wiser and I won't make the same mistakes I made in my 20s while I'm 30. Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. Jade

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The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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Thursday Thirteen

Since our blog's theme for this week seems to be "Moms Who Have to Put Their Needs On The Back Burner" [and don't get me wrong, I lovingly sacrifice my wants for my beautiful family but -- let's just pretend for a moment that I could have my cake and eat it too] here are:

Thirteen Things I Would Buy Myself If I Had Extra Cash

1. A fabulous haircut along with glamorous highlights.
2. A day at the spa. I'd get a manicure, pedicure, facial, massage, body scrub - the works!
3. The Brigitte Oilcloth Tote from Nepacena
4. The Sugar Lychee perfume from Fresh.
5. Creme de la Mer moisturizing cream from La Mer.
6. Dinner at Ceiba.
7. Lunch at Les Halles.
8. The KitchenAid Artisan Mixer in Pink.
9. A Tiffany lock necklace.
10. The MomAgenda Portfolio Planner.
11. A Valentine's Overnight Trip for me and hubby
12. Lasik surgery [I love my glasses but being blind without them is SO tedious]
13. And a North Face coat for hubby [I know this isn't for me, but hubby really wants one but is refraining in the name of "the budget"]

But alas, Oldest needs to be enrolled in a private school this fall, we have to upgrade our sports sedan to a family-compatible car this summer and these pesky kids of mine keep wanting to eat, so...this wishlist on my blog will have to do for now. At the very least it was fun talking about 'em!

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
1. raggedy

2. suki

3. stacie

4. justice jones

5. kimo & sabe

6. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
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Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen Things I Need to Get Rid of in My Garage Yes, I realize I am one day late but it has been a hectic week! Here are 13 things I need to give away, throw away, or put in storage that are in my garage that currently consume an entire space and make it impossible to even get out of the other space. I have included a picture of the disaster zone for your viewing pleasure. 1…. Get rid of the infant car seat that is over 5 years old. It probably was recalled years ago, but we keep it "just in case" there is an emergency and someone has to leave the house with Little B. So far, there has only been one such incident and that was when hubby was home with all three and he needed to get them out of the house before they (read, he) went crazy. So he took them to Chic-Fil-A. 2. The bassinette I bought for daughter two years ago. It's pink and pretty and I finally took it out of our bedroom but I refuse to get rid of it. I have considered keeping it for daughter when she has children but I don't think it will hold up. It's nothing really fancy. Just a nice looking Graco bassinette. It's not meant to be saved for years and years. 3. My file boxes from when I left the firm. I have a nice office that I can put all this stuff away in, however, I just haven't had the energy to load up my car, and then unload, then unpack all of those files. 4. My maternity clothes. Clearly, I am not having any more kids. I'm hanging on to it for the next preggers person I know. 5. My African statutes that I bought while in the Domincan Republic about 8 years ago. I told myself I was going to sell them on Ebay, just never got around to it. 6. Artwork. See number 5 above. 7. Oldest's training bike with a popped chain. So far, no one has tried to fix it. In fact, Santa replaced it one year so now we have two training bikes. He has outgrown them both. I suppose I can save the good one for Little Brother. 8. Some of hubby's tools, especially the ones that he bought, never used, or couldn't figure out how to use. I'm sure there is enough money to send one of our kids to college if we sold even half of the tools. 9. Pool toys. Put them in storage! 10. Christmas decorations. This consumes at least 20 % of useful space. 11. Hubby's punching bag thing. Bought it for him Christmas 2001 per his request. He used it that day. Has never used it since! 12. Propane indoor grill that someone gave to us Christmas 2002. I think it was regifted to us because the propane tank that the manual said, was included, was in fact not included. The grill looks really nice. Just never got around to calling the manufacturer and ordering the replacement tank. 13. Last but not least, the Pack-n-Play, swing, and a bunch of other infant necessities that I'm saving for my brother and his wife who "one day" plan to have lots of babies. This could all be in storage. Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. Jill http://live-your-live-and-smile.blogspot.com/ 2. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

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The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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J. Fergie's Thursday Thirteen #3

Thirteen Things I Plan to Do This Weekend

1. Purchase birthday gifts for the two-year-old twins whose birthday party my daughters have been invited to. Any suggestions for good gifts? Their mother has pleaded with me not to buy them any toys and clothes are so boring for a toddler to open.

2. Attend the party. I'm looking forward to it. The parents of the twins are a great couple [our age for once!] The mom is a Mocha friend of mine. The trick will be to convince Hubby that he will have fun at the party. He has been on an anti-kid party rampage for some months now.

3. Prepare and deliver a meal to a Mocha friend who gave birth last week. A definite perk of our mommy group is that we deliver the new mom meals twice a week for a month after she brings the baby home from the hospital. Having been a recipient of the meals, I can honestly say that it's a real blessing. I think I will make them my delicious taco casserole.

4. Go with Hubby to see Blood Diamond. He has been dying to see this movie since it came out. The last opportunity we had to go to the movies he was outvoted and we went to see Dreamgirls instead. Well, he didn't actually go. My MIL, SIL and I went while Hubby, his dad and my BIL watched the 5 kids. Apparently "men" don't go to see that movie.

5. Attend my second Weight Watchers meeting. Wish me luck on the weigh-in!

6. Visit a new church. Ever since the pastor dies at the church I belong to, I haven't felt compelled to go and I've been searching for a church home. You know, one that just "fits."

7. Clean the house. Again. And finally put away the Christmas decorations and obsolete baby gear that have been piling up in front of our storage space in the basement. Hubby will be ecstatic.

8. Catch up on my missed episodes of Top Chef. And watch a chick flick. I've been trying to watch one every week thanks to On Demand. This is my "me" time. Last week I watched The Family Stone. it was sooo good. I even got teary-eyed at the end.

9. Purchase booster seats for Oldest. Now that Youngest is in a convertible seat, we no longer have a set of car seats in each car [we put both convertible seats in Hubby's car]. It doesn't make sense to buy two more convertible seats since Oldest will be turning three this year, so I figure we can buy two booster seats since Oldest is 35lbs, and have a set for both gorls in each car. Any booster seat recommendations?

10. Visit one of my dearest friends who is giving birth to her second child tomorrow. I'm so excited. Don'cha just love new babies?

11. Purchase baby shower gifts. My office is throwing a baby shower for one of my co-workers next week and I'm in charge of getting the gifts. My weekdays are jam-packed, so if doesn't get done on the weekend, it's not getting done!

12. Volunteer for MLK Day. See MamaLaw #9.

13. Enjoy my family! I am looking forward to the boundless energy, contagious laughter, snuggly hugs, lazy mornings, pizza-ordering, family-errand running and general company of my nutty bunch.

Did you just get tired reading about my weekend plans? I did. At least it's a 3-day weekend!

Have a good one.

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
1. Johnh985
2. starrlight
3. raggedy
4. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)


Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
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Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen Things To Explain WHY Our Holiday Cards Have Not Yet Been Sent!

1. I saw this design for a holiday card that I absolutely loved online.
2. That company was charging $3.25 per card.
3. I decided that I could design a similar card myself for a fraction of the price.
4. I did so approximately one month ago.
5. I then asked my Hubby to touch up what I designed since he is, in fact, a software engineer.
6. After several days of harrassing, he finally did.
7. He was tired of me harrassing him about the doggone cards so he said that he "would handle it."
8. This was my mistake.
9. The night before we were to leave for Atlanta for Christmas (about 2 weeks later) he takes the digital file to Ritz Camera to be printed.
10. Their photo printer is broken.
11. I decide this is ridiculous and plan to take care of it myself.
12. The day we are to leave for Atlanta, I leave work early and take the digital file to MotoPhoto.
13. They print the card but the image is cropped.

Ok, there's more than 13 but I need to vent so please indulge me if you would and read on:

14. They can print the image as a super-large card that will not fit in any standard envelope.
15. In any case, they can only print the image in about 4 hours, by which time we will need to be at the airport.
16. We fly to Atlanta and I give up on the card for the time being.
17. Christmas comes and goes.
18. Because of this, I can no longer (seriously) use my cute return labels with my family wearing Santa hats.
19. We return from Atlanta and I decide to upload and order the cards online through Kodak Gallery for in-store pick-up.
20. I go back to Ritz Camera (who assures me over the phone that their printer is working) to pick up my prints.
21. The image is still cropped although I had harrassed Hubby once again to shrink it before placing the online order.
22. Hubby decides to resume "taking care of it" since I am at my wit's end with the darn cards.
23. He takes them back to Ritz Camera after shrinking the image once again.
24. They print successfully!
25. It is now 4 weeks later.
26. Hubby forgets to ask for envelopes.
27. I go to 2 stores today but there are no envelopes to fit a 4x6 photo that aren't business-y looking (you try and find one).
28. I decide that $3.25 per card just might have been worth it.
29. I will locate envelopes and mail my cards tomorrow if it kills me.

Thanks for bearing with!!

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
1. Jill
2. judy callarman
3. marmeesez
4. katie
5. le laquet
6. amy
7. janie
8. samantha
9. justice jones
10. raggedy
(leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)


Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
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Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen Things That Surprised Me About Motherhood 1. New born babies really don't sleep. 2. Mother's intuition really does exist. 3. Your children can really turn out to look and act just like you or your spouse. 4. The love you feel for your children is amazing. 5. Breastfeeding is not that easy the first 3 weeks. 6. The baby is not the only one wearing a diaper the first 4-6 weeks. :) 7. Children cost a fortune. 8. There is a secret cult of moms and especially SAHMs out there. Visit any Target at 10 am on a weekday and you'll know what I mean. 9. A car can never be too big. 10. Breastfeeding can be really easy. 11. I can function with no sleep for months at a time. 12. Pregnancy can be really difficult. 13. Motherhood can be really difficult, but even more rewarding. Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. chickadeesmusings 2. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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Thirteen Things I need to do in 2007

1. I need to stop nitpicking when my husband tries to be helpful!
2. I need to stop saying I'm going to do my Windsor Pilates videos and just do them!
3. I need to finish (ie. start) my scrapbooks.
4. I need to spend more time with my oldest child!
5. I need to do more things that I enjoy doing.
6. I need more girl time.
7. I need to learn to let it go.
8. I need to remember that my oldest is 5 and not 10.
9. I need to finally hang those curtains I bought for Oldest's room two years ago.
10. I need to go and buy those curtains for Middle's room that I picked out 2 months ago.
11. I need to find curtains for the rest of the house.
12. I need a new wardrobe. (okay, that's not a need but a desire)
13. I need to plan things much earlier.

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

1. MommasWorld
2. GuusjeM
3. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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Thursday Thirteen #2

Thirteen Things That Get On My Nerves!!

Just in case this post leads you to believe that I'm a negative person, let me assure that you that I'm not. It's just that one or two things got on my nerves this morning so here I go!

1. Returning from vacation to a messy house.
2. Unpacking!!
3. Having a dirty car in cold weather (b/c it's too cold to wash your car and DH doesn't want you driving the car through an automated car wash)
4. The fact that there is no post office that is a convenient distance from my house.
5. Using a brand new bathtowel that sheds! I really hate this.
6. Hearing the same 3 annoying songs on every radio station. "Walk It Out!"
7. Leaving my office in the dark.
8. Cleaning my George Foreman grill. There's gotta be a better way.
9. When my pantyhose runs.
10. Spending more than 2 hours at the hair salon.
11. Mothers who hurt their children (the news has been so awful lately).
12. The times of year when all shows are re-runs (I'm a tv junkie).
13. My ridiculously small owner's suite bathroom! I swear I can't take it anymore.

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
1. Amy
2. Chickadee
3. My 2 Cents
4. Angela/SciFi Chick

5. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
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*New* Our 1st Thursday Thirteen...

Thirteen Things about J. Fergie's Week I'm learning! I found out about Thursday Thirteen yesterday (after finding out about "Works for Me Wednesdays") and decided to try it. Basically, every Thursday you post a list of 13 things about yourself or your week so that other bloggers can get to know you better. Here are 13 things about my week... 1. My family and I are leaving for Atlanta this evening for the Christmas holiday. 2. I have developed a paranoia about saying the "C" word (Christmas) b/c so many people get offended very easily nowadays if they don't celebrate it. 3. I have somewhat finished packing. 4. I am determined to bring along some presents for my DDs to open even though my hubby is against it (b/c he doesn't want to carry extra stuff). 5. I am proud to say that I am done all of my holiday shopping. Holiday cards area another story. 6. I desperately need a mani/pedi. 7. I will never have the time to get a mani/pedi. 8. My DDs are recovering from bad colds. 9. This means sleep has been elusive this week. 10. My Grandpa turned 90 years old yesterday! 11. Since we couldn't be there for his party (in Montreal) we sent a cake. 12. I burned my arm taking the casserole I made for my office party out of the oven on Tuesday. 13. I am new to Thursday Thirteen and hope this works! Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. SciFiChick 2. Rene 3. -r- 4. amy ruttan 5. allie 6. ms. george 7. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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