Toys

I got through the Barbies...and the Babydolls...there are just Polly Pockets left to sort and purge...Man what a job that is!! I think we'll do that on Sunday though. I plan on staying home Saturday to scrapbook and do up a few sample invites for Bruce and Irene's upcoming wedding. If I get my book. I had to order another one...cause I just simply can't find mine. It's the Creating Keepsakes Wedding Ideas book. I used it for my friend Cheryl's wedding...and now I can't find it. And I never ever loan out books....so I know it has to be in a box that is more towards the garage wall...cause I went through all the other boxes...and I do mean ALL.

I even checked in the basement...no luck though. It just has to be in a box by the wall. Those are the only one's I didn't get too...and couldn't get too for all the furniture in my way. Once we haul that all out for the sale though..I will be going through them boxes. It's literally driving me nuts. I hope that book comes by Friday. I'll be calling that store today I think to make sure she got my order. For $5.99 I couldn't go wrong...and if I find my other one, I'll surely sell one of them.

Have a great Monday!!

I Survived!

Yes I survived another day of purging that garage. All I have left to do are the toys...and I'm doing those bright and early before the girls come home. Hopefully, Erik and I will get done before they show up...lol. Or they'll tell me to keep it all. And I think that 5+ tubs of toys...is WAY to much for ANYONE! And I'm not talking small tubs either...BIG ones...64 L ones...and bigger! Most of them are Polly Pockets and Barbie's. There is one tub of baby dolls and stuffed animals...which most of those are going!

Speaking of which...it's a quarter til 6am....I better get my rear in gear soon! I gotta shower up and head to town!

Happy Sunday...take time to smell the roses today! Life is too short not too!

5 Years

"If I could fall into the sky

Do you think time would pass me by?

'Cause you know I'd walk a thousand miles

If I could just see you tonight."

-Vanessa Carlton

That song was playing on the radio in my car while I was driving to see you on the day you died 5 years ago today. Kind of ironic too, since there is a noticable piano playing in the background and that's what instrument you played so skillfully for many years. To this day, I still tear up when I hear it. It will always be the song I remember you by.

It's hard to believe that it's been 5 years already. So much has happened in our lives since you left us. I know that you are looking down on us from Heaven and smiling proudly. That's how you were. Always proud of us no matter what we did and even when we failed.

I think I speak for all of us Dad when I say that you are very much missed and still very much loved. But your music lives on in our hearts and our dreams. I love you daddy.

7/27

Happy Friday!

I'm anxious for the weekend to begin and of course I have big plans, as usual.

Saturday I'm immersing myself in the garage sale project. We still have to sort and purge through a mish mash of things. I PLAN on getting it all done tomorrow so that I can stay home on Sunday and get ready for my upcoming scrap retreat. We plan on having a bbq at Lynn's house too...not sure what just yet...but something good I'm sure.

Saturday also marks the 5 year anniversary of my dad's death. I'll post a special tribute tomorrow morning on that.

For now, behave and have a great day.

Catch Up

I can't believe I haven't blogged since Saturday! What was I thinking? Better yet, what was I doing? These days have just flown by.

Yesterday, I took a vacation day. My little brother Remington had an appointment...a 4 hour tour no less...only to find that he is Autistic and Moderate to Severe MR along with his Down's Syndrome diagnosis. Even with all that going on, he's still a pretty good kid. And since my mom watches the kids usually...I didn't think she should bring them with on that tour.

So the kids (and mom's 2 foster teen boys) went to the beach. I took the 2 teen boys overnight as they'd drive mom nuts on her 4 hour tour. We went at 10 a.m. and had the whole beach to ourselves...we only stayed for an hour...and that was plenty I think. We came home, showered up and I made some pizzas for lunch. Then after mom got home, I brought the boys back home.

Monday and Tuesday...work...as usual. And Sunday...well I just can't remember what we did. Probably not much..since I can't remember...lol. It's tough getting old, I tell ya!

Happy Thursday.

1000

That's how many pictures I backed up last night. Well sorta. I put it on my 1G memory card to burn to a disc...only the disc isn't readable, so I think I'll have to get new ones. The ones that I do have were given to me anyway, so no loss of $$ there! I'll have to go get groceries tomorrow anyway, so I'll add that to my ever-growing list.

While I am there, I'll look at hard drives. I need a bigger one. Mine just ain't cuttin' it anymore. I think I'll look online too.

And while I'm online, I might as well stock up on KI Memories cardstock from ScrapSupply! I won the "Poster of the Month" drawing...and got a $25 gift certificate too! I'll have to stock up before retreat in September for sure...that's fast approaching! AND best news of all...I found my Power Layout kit when we went through all the stuff in the garage the other weekend. Gettin' ready for a garage sale is hard work...but you never know what you'll find! We're planning that for the middle of August...I hope I can get that day off....we'll see though!

Happy Saturday to you...now go outside and get a lot done today!

11 Puppies Later....

I got a phone call at 10:50 a.m. yesterday....that's when the first puppy arrived. It was a white one. So I waited all day at work for more phone calls...there were none. I called before I left work...there were 5 puppies! So off to Kenyon I go...about 13 miles east.

There are 6 female and 5 male....2 tan, 3 blonde, and 6 black. And Ruby was a gem for sure...she did her thang without any help from us this time...and no twins this time either. This will be her last litter as she'll get fixed in 6 weeks or so. She hunts too hard to have any more babies...and she's had 3 litters in all. That's plenty for any pooch.

Besides, there's a new kid on the block. Lil Blondy...is only 6 weeks old and the newest addition to the Benzick family. I'll take pics of her next time I get out that way....and more of the new babies too!

So...Happy Birthday Lil Benzick Puppies! And Happy Thursday to the rest of you!

No Puppies Yet

Nope...no puppies yet. She is getting close though...and I'll spare you the details, but sometime this week, we will have new puppies. I keep calling the Benzick house daily, for anything new. I ask silly questions and thank goodness Cheryl is my best friend so that she can put up with my sillyness. I told her I'll sleep with the phone...just call me...I'll come running! Well, maybe not running...but you get the idea....unless I'm at work...then I'll have to wait until 5 or 6...depends on if I have to get Tom from work or not.

Speaking of Tom...his fuel pump went out on his way home from Camp Tomahawk...so he drove it straight to the shop...and he had them fix the brakes too. There's a nice $200 bill for us...that cuts into my funds. We'll deal though. We always do.

So...I have been driving him to work. Partly cause his car is in the shop. Partly because his license got suspended because he didn't pay his seatbelt fine on time. Maybe one day he'll learn. Or NOT. Thank goodness they have a state website so that you can check on things like that. Hopefully by the end of the week, he'll be reinstated. And then we'll get his car too. Cause this is getting old. After all, I'm a creature of habit...and I like my daily schedule not to be disturbed.

Oh and the Boss? He's not really on vacation this week...he's gonna be in and out of the office all week instead. Bummer for me, I wanted to hit the basement and organize those files and boxes! We'll see what happens, I guess.

And Welcome Home Minnesota Troops! Let's pray they set a date today to bring the rest of you home....and soon too!

Try to stay cool...it's pretty warm and awfully muggy outside. Happy Hump Day!

7-17-07

Happy Anniversary to this cute couple!

It was truly the most fun wedding I've been too in my life!

Here's to many more, Mr. and Mrs. Benzick!

July 16

Good Monday morning to you! I hope you had a productive weekend like I did!

Yesterday I was all set to clean house...until my girlfriend called. She wanted me to take a run with her to the Cities to get her a Kodak Dock/Printer. And we had to be back before 3pm because her husband had to go to work. She didn't want her daughter to be home alone in case Ruby decided to deliver them puppies. She is thinking she'll deliver them today or tomorrow. I have to remember to bring the camera to work with me, just in case. I'll have to bring some puppy delivery clothes along too...don't wanna get my work clothes all puppy-ized. According to the vet, there are 6 for sure...we think there are 9 total..just like last time.

I did get the computer desk cleaned and my printer hooked up. Now I need to get my cd burners working so that I can save my pictures to a disc. I only have about 1100 pictures on my computer, and it's taking up too much space now. I must invest in an external hard drive I think...lol. I'll have to go through and edit them first I think and delete the doubles.

And while I'm at work today, I have to make a list of all the places I've contacted about my uncle. And then follow up with them...maybe make a few phone calls today. Time will tell..and I need to learn some patience...I hope my Uncle Ronnie gets home soon...I really need that phone number to the person who knows all these answers.

On my other list of things to do today....
Make copies...of my meal planner and price book pages.
Check in with the girlfriend on the puppy situation.
Tell Tom what to make for supper.
Figure out my file folder labels.
Re-Analyze the Creating Keepsakes Magazine.
Stop for some groceries if I don't deliver puppies today.
Have Tom check on his fine repayment.
Shop on ScrapSupply...to spend my $25 gift certificate that I won!!
Dishes (going to do them after this).

I think that's enough to keep me busy at work while the Boss is in Court today.
Happy Monday, ya'll!

And the Plot thickens....

This whole Uncle Jerrill thing keeps on getting more and more mysterious as we undig the past.
I can't wait to talk to my aunt and find out a few more things.
I'm thinking that I have been "Up North" for so long, I just don't know or understand the Southerner's Ways...but I sure can't wait to learn!
And Lord, Don't make me go to Heaven to ask the Elder's either. They all should have known us young'ns woulda been asking questions. If they only woulda wrote it down for us...we wouldn't have to ask then.
I am prepared for what is to come though. My expectations are not very high and no matter what...you gotta love your family...they're all you have in this world and you sure can't pick your family.
And let THAT be the lesson of the day.

And hey, I actually have 3 grandma's and not 2 like I thought. It sure woulda been nice to know all of them...I'm hoping to learn more when I go to San Antonio soon!

And last night I requested my dad's Military records. I think I'm gonna request Tom's dad's today. Then we'll have some military paperwork to scrapbook. It's all about leaving a legacy...something my elder's didn't think to do. That is even MORE important now.
The Marlar Legend WILL go on. Outlaws or not...we will prevail!

My Dad

My dad then...circa 1950's I think. My dad now.....and mom too....circa 1990's. Now you can see the Marlar ears...and the resemblance to Micah.

Marlar's Reunited!

I got an email from my third cousin Donna the other day. Seems that she's been busy communicating with my dad's 1/2 sister...Debbie...my aunt. Donna passed along my email to her and we had a great chat the other night. I found out more about my grandpa...things I really needed to know...medical history things and more!

We are trying to find out more information on my uncle Jerrill. He died in a car crash..at the scene apparently...and all the information is buried deep...so much so that it's like he didn't exist. I will keep digging until I get the answers...and then I will have a proper headstone put on his grave instead of a lil old rock that's there now.

So I think I have to plan for a trip down to San Antonio, Texas...to see my kinfolk...and hopefully find some answers to the questions we have about Uncle Jerrill. These are the days when I wish my dad was here...he could have helped for sure with this one.

I also learned that I have a cousin in Iraq...his name is Micah....here's a picture...ETA: Here's a better picture..I edited it. Feel free to save it to your computer!

It looks dark..but he looks like my dad and grandpa...big ears and all. Hopefully he'll see this..or one of ya'll will let him know...he is truly loved and appreciated for serving our country! Love me some Military Marlar's...lol!

Have a great day...and I look forward to meeting the rest of the Marlar's very soon!

Camping Trip

The Camping Trip from hell....is more like it.

Saturday morning, the boys tried to leave. Tom had no gas in the car, so he had to take my van and fill up the gas can. It's 8:20 a.m. and he's supposed to meet the other 2 boys 5 miles down the road. I got a phone call from the Troop members, they are at her house waiting for him.
All day goes by, no phone calls, no nothing. So I think they made it ok and are having a grand old time. No...not so. Tom got lost and didn't read the map or stop for directions. It took them almost 12 hours to go only 3 away...maybe 4. And I only sent $100 with him. I figured that'd be enough to get him there and back. I was mistaken. He had called his sister to wire him money. She in turn called me to make sure it (KMart) was in Wisconsin and not Minnesota. I googled and mapquested.

In the meantime...and it's Sunday by now...The Camp calls me...."We haven't seen your husband or kids, when did they leave?" OK...maintain composure and try not to get angry at this guy...."He left yesterday morning at 8:30...got lost on the way...and arrived last night at 9:30." "Ok..do you know what camp he is at? Is it Souix?" "Yes, I believe so...Don't you have walkie talkies?" "Yes, but not every staff member has one." "Well go find my husband and kids and then call me back to let me know they are ok." At this point I'm thinking..."Dumba$$"....I DON'T have patience like that....for stupidity...it would make sense to check all the campsites first, THEN call the wife and see what's going on...I'm not letting them go again...lol.

I'll be glad when they are home safe. I was looking forward to peace and quiet...but not all this stress.

Meanwhile....the girls and I, and my neice Megan, played M&M Monopoly all weekend. Natalea won the first game on Saturday and Megan won the game on Sunday. She's addicted now...gotta love it! Her mom is gonna be mad...she'll wanna play all the time now!

I'm off to wake the girls up and get ready for work...try to have a Happy Monday!

7-7-07

Happy 7's Day to you all!

Be sure to check out the Live Earth Concert on Bravo today!

And if you're lucky enough to get tickets, Prince is giving his 7-7-07 concert today and releasing his new fragrance at Macy's!

Now, go have a 7-7-07 party and have a great day!

Bathroom

Can we talk about the bathroom for a minute?

It's the most used room in the house.
It's where everyone congregates.
And no matter what, everytime I'm in there, SOMEONE always comes in with a question or comment.
Why are we talking about the Bathroom this morning? Well, I'll tell ya.....

Last night I was in there packing up the toiletrie bag and restocking the first aid kit for the boys to take on their camping expedition. I thought I was alone...as our bathroom is not big at all...and in real life it might be 6 feet x 4 feet....it's teeny tiny. I was just packing away, kind of in my own little world ya know? All of a sudden I realize that Monique is talking to me...from the toilet seat. I turn around and just look at her...that's when I thought..."Geeze...I can't even pack up the boys in peace!" And that's when I knew I needed to post that thought here.

And those of you with kids, you KNOW what I'm talkin' about!
Now I'm off to sew on a patch for a Boy Scout...Happy Saturday!
(And it seems I have an admirer...Hi Raj!)

Weekend Going's On

Ahhh....the weekend. My favorite part of the week too. I love Friday's. I think I said that in another post. This weekend will be different though.

Tom and Erik are leaving for Camp Tomahawk tomorrow. Peace and quiet. Just me and the girls after 8am. We will be going to my mom's for her cousin's birthday party. It should be a good time. I think we are supposed to be there at noon. At least that's the usual time for such family gathering's at our house.

On another note, my sister and her husband were supposed to go to Las Vegas this weekend. They didn't get their tickets in time and at a cheap enough price so they took a roadtrip instead! I called her last night and she sent me a text to landline saying that they were in Chicago! I told her to call me...but no phone is ringing here yet! Too bad they didn't go in a week or 2...during the CHA Convention! Oh well, maybe they'll see Oprah today...lol!

Oh and we had a blast on the 4th of July too! I am sunburned to prove it! It's been so long since I've been swimming in a lake, I almost forgot how! We were at the lake for about 3 hours...then came back to the house and grilled our Hobo Dinners....yummmm! After Bruce and Irene left, the kids lit off the Sparklers and some firecrackers and then we went to bed. I had to work the next day, so we didn't even see any huge fireworks shows. We were in bed by 9! Sad...but true!

Well I'm off to do the dishes...then maybe get ready for work. Happy Friday to you!

Happy 4th of July!

I wanted to take the time today to wish you all a Happy 4th of July.
I also wanted to take the time to remember all the men and women that have served and died for our freedom.

Without them, I wouldn't be posting this today.

You see, I'm very passionate about my freedom.
Because I could never serve our Country due to my seizures.
I take it for granted some times, but on these kinds of holidays, I truly remember and reflect what it's really about.
And I try to thank those who have or are serving our Country.
Because truly, if it wasn't for them, we wouldn't be safe and sound and free to be and do like I do.

So if you are reading this today, take time to reflect on your freedom.
Thank those who have fought for it.
Appreciate it every day.
Be proud to be American.

And if you know someone in the military, please link them here so that I can thank them for my freedoms and let them know I appreciate them.

Thank you. You are very much loved and appreciated.
These Colors will never run.

I did it!

I purged my scrap stuff. Papers galore...5 inches to be exact...of paper that I had too much of, or will never use...up for sale! What doesn't sell, I'll donate to the school or some where else. I'm selling my QuickKutz too....along with some stickers, die cuts, etc. I went through it all yesterday...organizing and purging. It feels good...I emptied one whole Paper Holder full! AND I organized my Bazzill...and took inventory of the stuff I use the most! I'm on a roll now...and a patterned paper spending freeze! I'm only gonna buy cardstock...until I use up this patterned paper. I didn't go through the embellies though. I think I'm not gonna either.

Now, to get the rest of the house like that. I did purge my Tupperware cupboard too on Saturday. Can't wait to Clean Sweep the rest of this house and the garage too!

Saturday found us having a nice, relaxing afternoon at Annie Lynn's house. She bought the kids squirt guns...and bubbles..lol. We had a family squirt gun fight...Tom and I ended up the wettest! Then we had supper and smores! We sat outside all day, it was gorgeous. AND of course, I forget my camera on this day, of all days! Lynn took pictures...so when she gets them developed, I'll post them. I needed that stress-free time.

And on Sunday while I was purging, I watched the Diana Concert on VH1. Very cool. If you missed it, you can watch the whole thing...all 6 hours of it...on VH1 VSpot. The Princes turned out all right...just like their mother. She would have been so proud of them.

I'll leave you with the thought of the Princess on this fine Monday morning. Happy Monday!