Proud AUNT!

And the baby is here! My sister had a baby girl yesterday morning at 3:40---Lotus Dawn Katzoff! She is beautiful! She brought all the joy we hoped and knew she would to our family. She is so sweet and it was fun to see my girls loving her so much already. Alyssa couldn't stand not being able to constantly hold her. We had to laugh on the way home as we asked everyone what their favorite thing about the new baby was...Victoria and Jason loved her cry, I loved her long feet, but Alyssa---she loved the bow on her head! Leave it to Alyssa for a laugh. She was 7 pounds 11 ounces and 19 3/4 inches (I think..). Denae was a trooper and had an accidental naural birth---labor started at home at 2:30 AM and baby barely at the hospital at 3:40! WOW---We are all so thrilled. Here are a few pics of the girls with her last night!

Late list!

Okay...so I am feeling a bit negative and a bit like Eeyore ---whiney, negative and complainy *my own word*---hence I haven't been writing. I will keep it to myself as to the many reasons why...but I guess you could say I have been in a funk. It's been a challenge to understand a number of the things that have happened in my life over the last year---but I guess what it all comes down to is that "no man is an island". I think one of the most crazy ironic statements one can make is "It's my life." Every thing we do affects others for good or bad. Okay...so this may be a myriad of thoughts. Despite all the drama lately, I am truly grateful for a lot of the little things. I have probably spent more time being grateful this Thanksgiving than a lot of other ones...grateful for random things...things outside "the givens"
So here goes my random list:

• Electricity in the basement! YEE HAA! Loving my new laundry room light!
• Employment---need I say more
• A good class of kids at my work---I love these little ones!
• A decent hair cut---it's not perfect---but it sure beats some of the 80's do's!
• A new niece or nephew in a week or so
• A warm halloween and Thanksgiving--it was great!
• Blogging-it gives me an opportunity to think about my life and keep in touch with people I have lost!

Allright it was short and sweet, but it had to be before I mentioned the "givens"---SOOO what are you grateful for beside the givens?

I am a FRIEK!

Okay...so WHY would I say such a thing about myself--well the truth is that it is time that I acknowledge my strange gift. We all have been given strange gifts some that we are born aware of and others that we come to accept, love, and deal with. SOOO...what is it I am getting at...? Well as some of my long time friends have discovered I have an unbelievable LONG term memory. My short term memory sucks rocks! I could hardly tell you what I did yesterday (I have been told that is due to Long term use of meds for my OCD--but justify it as I may...I think I am just stupid sometimes...NE WAYS---I digress), however I can tell you stories that often you won't remember and many I would like to forget. Okay...so that is dealable right? It goes a bit further, I have anability to recognize people I hardly knew, after having not seem them for long amounts of time. This wasn't such an issue when I lived in North Carolina, afterall how often did I really run into people on the streets that I went to college with or high school, but having returned to St. Louis I have opened a huge can of worms. Here's the latest story:
So Friday I am at my work picking up Alyssa from school, a girl walks by the doorway as I am standing in the room, I recognize her without a moment's hesitation and say "Hey Jessica"---She is walking by so she returns...she looks at me, I say "Jessica---Melanie Silva"---Now she is frieked out---and we talk blah blah blah. This was not a close friend, or anything, just someone I chatted with at times. It had been sixteen years since I saw her and undoubtedly we BOTH look different, yet my mind recognizes her. The worst part is I cannot tell you the number of times I have done this and it is like I cannot control myself---we all know I have a hard time keeping my mouth shut---but this is like some friekish, tourette's syndrome thing---I know you, I see you, I must yell your name whether you know or remember me or not. SO there you have it...it has created some pretty interesting moments (especially on a number of occassions when the person has no clue who I am and how the heck I know them (until of course I use my gift to tell them exactly where we knew eachother from) and then they feel sheepish if they have no clue. Oh well...what are your unique gifts? Spill the beans friends!

Mouths of Babes

SOO it's been a while...things have been unbelievably busy---I will leave it at that. I have to brag about my girls for a minute---I hope THAT is allowed on blogging. They are my joy in life. They make me laugh and the following are a few stories on why!

• Torie (7) and I had a discussion on how it probably wasn't best to tell people on the phone I was in the shower or bathroom, and so if she could just tell them I was in "dispose" (after the following scenario, I would MUCH prefer she just told them where I was). As life would have it, I was in the potty and the phone rang and of course Victoria answered, much to my gratitude or so I thought. As I emerged from the bathroom Victoria said, "Mom, I answered the phone, but don't worry I told them you were Exposed"---In shock, I said "What did you tell them"--to which she repeated "exposed"---I broke into laughter and was greatful that she could bring such a good laugh to a friend! When Victoria actually realized the word she accidently used she was horrified---which made it funnier.
• Alyssa (3) did the child like thing to do and farted in the car---Victoria was appalled (while Alyssa giggled her heart out) and said "Alyssa--that is gross--it's not funny." To which Alyssa happily replied--"It's funny to me."
• Torie recently went to the ward chili cook off---when she was talking about it the next day she said, "You know mom, last night at the hot chili stand off."---It painted quite an interesting picture!
• Alyssa was outside watering plants with my mom...my mother told her that the plants were saying "thank you" to her for giving them water...my mom then sees Alyssa watering the plants and saying "your welcome, your welcome."
• Alyssa was helping me fold laundry tonight and was doing quite an amazing job of folding wash cloths---I expressed my gratitude to her for doing such a great job and gave her a hug, after each wash cloth she reached out for more recognition and another hug---to which I said, "you really love mommy to hug you don't you," Her response was, "yes and I like it when you call me the "bomb"---
• Torie loves to play soccer, however we have had a lot of laughs as she would literally skip to get to the soccer ball. I once stated, why does she want to play soccer when she is dancing on the field. We also enjoyed as she would run after the ball, and next to it, but rarely kick it.
• Lastly, Alyssa was a Poodle for Halloween---however no matter how hard she tried to pronounce it --it came out "piddel"---when people would ask what she was going to be for halloween---she would say "piddel" and people would say..."A pillow"---and I would explain a Poodle. It became a joke at work as none of the teachers could understand her and would laugh when the heard it...she got tired of saying it and a wee bit embarassed so she would just say "I don't know." I suggested she say a puppy---but she had other plans...when people would ask her then, she would say "A piddel" - get on all fours and run around like a dog. She figured if they couldn't understand her ---she would FIND a way to get the message across!

And there my friends is a little insight into my world of laughter. They make me laugh and bring a ray of sunshine into my life. EVERY DAY! I can't say enough how much I love my little girls!

It happened

Got tagged!
I guess with blogging, it's inevitable someone will eventually tag you and here it is!
Answer the questions with one word (or a little more) and then tag three people.
1. Where is your cellphone? purse
2. Your significant other? making a living
3. Your hair? back to natural dark brown
4. Your mother? giving
5. Your Father? funny
6. Your favorite thing? holding my kids
7. Your dream last night? don't recall one
8. Your favorite drink? Dr. Pepper (unfortunately it's come down to DIET)
9. Your dream goal? ability to find complete joy in life
10. The room you’re in?basement
11. Your hobby? Mmmhh..nothing off hand....
12. Your fear? Offending others
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? St. louis is fine
14. What you’re not? mean
15. Muffins? cinnamon struesel
16. One of your wishlist item? finished basement
17. Where you grew up? st. louis
18. Last thing you did?the park
19. What are you wearing? jeans/T-shirt
20. Favorite gadget? Pampered chef stuff--love it!
21. Your pets? two cats
22. Your computer? on
23.Your mood? moody
24. Missing someone? yes
25. Your Car? subaru
26. Something you’re not wearing? my glasses
27. Favorite store? Target
28. Like someone? lot of someones!
29. Favorite color? dark purple
30. When was the last time you laughed? today
31.When was the last time you cried? yesterday

Mmmh and so here it is...who do I tag???? Gillie, Pinky, and Jessica. Have fun!

Mini-me....

Yes...two posts in less than three days...it's a miracle....I really must be on a roll here. Or maybe I just figure that I can take a break for like two months.
So seriously...the other day I asked Jason "Jason did you really think that when you married me, you would end up with TWO more of me? " And yes that is how it is at the Lott home...Jason, myself and mini-me 1 and mini-me 2. Victoria is very orderly about everything and likes things a certain way ----everything is fairly clear to her...there is a way for things and that is the way it SHOULD BE (like me) and Alyssa is the more spirited side of me...loves to tease. Now I must say that these two sides of me have fought amongst themselves at times, but it is quite interesting to see the two sides in two different miniature people turn into literal fights. "Mom, Alyssa said this...." (Victoria taking life too seriously/literally as I do)...Alyssa meanwhile snickering at the joke she just played on her sister (Alyssa letting the "Dennis" (and yes...Melanie) side of her out). So there you have it...meanwhile Jason is living with all females --including our Female cats who have even taken things out on him (One peed on his stuff once, once ((Johnny Dangerously---for those who know that flick))and even ate his pizza---they would have eaten mine had I left it down though.)
Is it just me or do you see strange ways your kids are like you and it totally makes you laugh...at least usually...there's been those moments when I say..."OH NO---PLEASE DON'T BE LIKE ME ...at least not in THAT way!" What do ya think?

Missing: brain

Mmmhh I am wondering where it is I last saw my brain. I like to think that I once had one, but lately I am wondering if that was ever the case. It seems these last two weeks I have grown dumber than I ever thought possible. I can hardly think straight, hence writing any type of blogging is next to impossible, and yet then again, it might be more amusing than ever, kind of like that joke that was hilarious at 3 AM isn't so funny a week later at the dinner table with your family. So we have been working on a house my parents bought and fixing it up...HOW DO WOMEN WORK FULL TIME? If I weren't working for my parents, I'd probably be fired for lack of motivation---I felt like I was walking circles today as I couldn't think of what I might do next (Have I ever said I have a short attention span? Church is a bear!) We have visited the Dr.'s three times in the last three weeks...we didn't see her over the summer so we thought it was time to start making our regular visits. The first time a cold (SO I was a bit paranoid...pnuemonia last year made me worry even more than normal!), second time ear infection(YEAH---something was actually wrong) and yesterday was making sure that Victoria didn't have an infection from the nail she stepped on last week and this morning I was greeted my PINK EYE from Victoria! My brother Matt topped it all though with Spinal Meningitis for a second time! Sheesh! And that my friends is why I hardly ever blog, can't think straight...I always thought it came from "motherhood", but seriously those who have known me fore years...be honest did I ever really have much sanity to start out with...Maybe I don't want to know that. DENAE you don't need to comment. Do you lose your brain as a mom? Or is it simply an excuse...what do you think?

What's makes you you?

Okay, so I have thought a WHOLE lot about this for the last couple of months...and wondered what I have done with the crosses life has given to me (or through actions of my own I have created) and have I turned them into some kind of studwork for the mansion I am hoping to create out of my life....Too deep?
If you had to list the top things that were your so called "crosses to bear" what would they be and what have you done with them? I have thought about this a lot and for me ---this is more personal than I usually delve into on my blog ---but these would be the things and what I have done whether good or bad with them....you may already know these things but I will divulge them anyways...Mmmmh I do believe I am rambling.

Top one---of course my Obsessive Compulsive Disorder---not my own choice of course, but has undoubtedly changed my life and who I am. Many people have no clue what "being Obsessive Compulsive" means, but it means that you don't ever have a day free of worry. You worry about everything from the way that your house is cleaned, to the way that your children appear. It is a constant---medications make it livable, but definatley not gone. Okay...so that's the downer....the upper is that I am a different person because of it---I have been able to discuss my disorder with many and found that they too suffered from it ---I have hopefully been able to help others not feel so alone in their trial. One of my biggest pet peeves about it though is that people use the term "OCD" so loosely---I am NOT talking about when they are like oh that's my OCD--ha ha ha---it's when the say "oh I used to have OCD"---it's not something that just goes and comes...it is a part of life. Okay...so OFF my soapbox on that.

The next would of course be "ERIK" ---other than saying it caused an emotional break down and was the most obsessive relationship of my life...it certainly was a cross to bear. It caused me to question everything I had believed and was. It was a choice of my own to date him, but the consequences struck me like nothing I had quite experienced before. It stole my innocence and taught me how the "world was". I won't delve further...I know it gave me compassion towards others who had been cheated on and emotionally abused and manipulated and I can only hope that I do well with this one.

Lastly---REALLY hope this isn't a "debbie downer" blog today----was when I was in college and my best friend's cousin was killed in a car wreck. I will spare all the details...but it gave me a run in with death closer than I had known before. The other deaths I had experienced up until this point all made sense...my grandpa was sick and elderly (or so I thought---I now know he was only 68 which is MUCH younger than I knew)---but this seemed to defy all I had previously known. Teenagers, and children weren't supposed to die. It consumed my heart in ways I still can't express, however since then I have had several close friends lose brothers, sisters, parents and even a child recently...and I feel/hope that I am not afraid to discuss death with people...as a result of having experienced this challenge.

Okay...so there it is...what helps me "me" ...now what makes you "you"-???? Feel free to
comment away after all this IS a loaded question!

UPDATE: FYI---think this was misinterpreted a bit--wasn't meant sacreligious...just should have titled it--what has changed and created who you are?

Top ten reasons I haven't blogged!

So it's been a couple of weeks and I haven't posted SQUAT! So here are my top ten reasons I haven't blogged (some are legit...some well...not so much!)

10. I was too busy documenting everything I ate on weight watchers! ( I lost nine pounds and still going...however I did manage to find two of those pounds!)

9. I was recovering for two weeks from my huge two day trip out West ALL by myself

8. I have been trying to eliminate from my body, the gas that leaked from our oven for a day and a 1/2 before my return home...my husband mistook it for the cat having a litter box problem! Whoops! Near death experience!

7. Victoria started 2nd grade and soccer the same week!

6. I have been too busy painting with Alyssa --My hidden talent

5. Hours of cleaning up imaginary cat urine from before stated gas leak! (not really but let's pretend)

4. Been too busy trying to figure out the (*&*&^* to put music on this thing and how to download my latest photos!

3. Working one day a week....intense I know

2. Reading everyone else's blogs!

and the number 1 reason I haven't blogged....

I HAD so many things to say I didn't know where to start!!!!!

Here are some updated pics of the kids!

My little three year old!

Today Lysie-lou is 3! WOW! I can hardly believe it has been that long since she entered our lives! She is truly our joy---she is a serious comedian. Whether she is falsely accusing my father of bugging her--(All he has to do is look at her and she says "Papa top (stop) buggin' me.---at which point of course he must begin!), asking us if we are happy---(whenever she is in trouble she says "Mom-you happy."---unfortunately lately my responses haven't been as kind as they were a month ago when this started--"You took the debit card OUT of my purse and now I have no money at the store ((good thing dad was there))---do you THINK I am happy?" The response is always "yes" ), or just saying "mom, do you like my Kittheth (kisses--she has a lisp now)?" "Yes Lyssa, I love them." "mom, I like your kithteth."

She IS our joy. She is our love bug too---never misses a chance to love on us. She is our middle of the night cuddle bunny---we have tried to change this on numerous occassions...but I must admit there is something sweet about waking up with her in my arms and wondering how on earth she got there and how long she has been there! Don't tell Jason, but I even miss it when she isn't there...at least a little bit.

She is such a helper...the teachers at her school tell me she is always the first one there to try and comfort another child and will do all she can to try and make them happy. They call her the little mother hen. Last week she went and got a wet wipe for a child without the teacher asking..and before the teacher had noticed the need...the teacher said she was literally being a helper!

She wants to be just like Toria---she must do a BIG pony tail! As long as Toria is doing it..she wants to also! I could go on and on! We are so glad she is a part of our family---she adds the energy and randomness that sometimes we lack! We love you so much Alyssa Marie!

Am I alone here?

No, I don't have anything of major importance to say here...no major catastrophies or phenomenons...just comtemplating my job as a stay at home mom?
Do I go back to work (more than one day at a mother's day out)? Like most, we are fine financially, but always seem to wonder where that extra goes for the little things--a rec-plex membership, (we have an amazing huge recreation facility here --indoor pools, weight rooms, ice rink--it's got it all-yet we don't have a membership), vacations, misc birthday gifts, dance lessons, savings, savings, savings. No matter how much Jason makes we always seem to have some expense that suck it all up.
Or do I somehow justify the fact that I stay at home lately and do nothing of upmost importance, (like blogging when I have clothes in the washer and an upstairs floor that resembles that of the pioneers (DIRT!))---MMMMhhhh---I love being with my girls, but seriously sometimes I wonder if I would do more with them if I had less time with them---does that make any sense---or if I would just be more worn out...? Okay so I am just blabbing as I think.
What do you think? I know it my heart what I believe is most important---but isn't there some happy medium---without doing daycare in my home, or selling my soul to a 40+hour a week job? Help!

2 Year old up for temporary adoption

Very cute two year old up for temporary adoption!

• She is very cute and thinks everything is a joke. (this works well with families with little or no rules)
• Loves running (away as you call her)
• Loves tic tacs (will poop for them!)
• Has a contagious laugh (as she steals tic tacs from her sister)
• Speaks English with an Asian accent (we have heard that it is chinese, but were also informed it may more likely be Korean---a sibling interpreter would be helpful in her new home)
• Lives on very little food and what she does eat is cheap and high in carbohydrates for more energy (items like soda, pringles, suckers, and tic tacs in large amounts ((see previous information))
• Has extensive earning potential ---if you can bottle even 1% of her energy you will make millions--PROMISE!
• Prefers dresses (they make better curtsies!)
• Communicates well when alarmed or upset (SCREAMS!)
• Works independently even when she has NO clue what she is doing, and does NOT give up easily
• Uses a variety of creative words such as "AWTUM!" (Awesome) and "Oh yeah."--
• Provides constant entertainment at ALL hours of the day and night...and at night loves to be in bed with you.

If your home is in need of a little extra love and affection for the next year...give me a call---she is just on loan until she reaches age 4---however she may be up AGAIN for adoption once she reaches age 13!

Seriously we DO love you ALYSSA!

Our misc...last two weeks or so...

Grandma, Torie, Lys and Grandpa
My Little pioneers---it was a 90* --HOT!

Alyssa trying to ride a sheep---sort Victoria with our carriage ride horses
Alyssa ALL tuckered out!

Okay...so it's been busy...VERY busy and our computer is not working...it will drop me after a while, so I am hoping to get this done BEFORE I have no more time...PHEW! My in-laws drove in from Utah a week and a half ago and left today, so needless to say we have been on the go! We visited EVERYWHERE! We went to the Zoo (and visited Ted Drewes! of course after), went to Nauvoo for two days, went to my parents for the 4th...kids, dad and g-parents all went to Grant's Farm, okay so it seemed like we did more...give me time to think up what else. Seriously though it was busy. So here are some pics...there are some where the girls dressed up in pioneer attire at Nauvoo, and some where they went to the zoo...and a few misc others. All in all we are doing okay...just happily busy. It will be wierd going back to work on Wednesday (even though it's the only day I work...reality will still be strange...) This picture is what happens when I ask DADDY to water the plants....wrong plant!

SIBLING RIVALRY---HELP!

Help! Victoria has been out of school for about 3 weeks and all she and Alyssa do is fight! They will argue whether the sky is blue or blue green (not literally of course...but seriously over STUPID STUPID things). It is really causing misery in our home and I have no clue how to deal with it. It is hard not to get upset with Victoria---afterall she IS four years older...however despite her age...Alyssa is the crap stirrer! She can get my logical...always right child in a big fit. I recently read that Sibling rivalry teaches children how to deal with things in life and is helpful to their growth...but seriously...at this rate my children will have grown enough to leave the house next week. I have known (although rare) a few people who managed to teach their kids not to fight...and for my sanity's sake...I am hoping to learn how to be one of those. I swore I would never have those kids that fight (Talk about arrogant)....but now I have them and am beside myself. Any ideas! HELP! HELP! HELP!

Take me out to the Ball Game

Okay so Friday night we went to a Baseball game with my Dad's work. We got to be in the "Coca-Cola" area with table and chairs. Must say it was the almost the most fun I have had at a baseball game (the world series makes it a toss up---the cold weather at the World series give this one an advantage). As Jason put it, it was like a "family reunion" at a ball game. All of my siblings, spouses, and nieces and nephews were there...lots of fun! We saw some of my Dad's co-workers that we love and just had a great time. The kids all convinced Mike (a great friend of my Dad's) to buy them the BIG RED #1 Fingers....problem was that he would buy one or two and another grand child would want one---took him three trips and cost him $90! The kids ALL had one --THANKS MIKE! Major investment! We all had fun and it was great to all just be together...this pic is of my Dad with all the grand kids...unfortunately...my camera...well basically sucks...sorry it's not that clear.

Max...the butterfly

Okay...so who thought that a silly butterfly would make it on our blog...but I must say that this was not just ANY butterfly...it was Max. A friend at church raises butterflies...gave us a cacoon and a live one---(and two baby caterpillars) the one only lived under a week however...apparently our butterflies were of the opposite gender and...in that week were VERY busy! Hence our butterfly MAX was created! Max was handicapped and unable to fly ---much to our joy as both the girls and I held a butterfly for the first time. He lived almost a month and we were all excited to hold him as he would only flap and land on his back and not fly away....which was much less intimidating...so here' s a pic of my girls with MAX! May he RIP in my potted flowers! LOL!

The Men in my life....

Father's Day is Sunday...so hey maybe this is a good time to think about the "Fathers" in my life. (And No Denae--I am not copying anything from your recent post). Hopefully I will soon learn how to download pics from the camera and you may get more up to date pics.
Jason is a great daddy to my girls. It's neat to see how they get excited when he comes home from work. Alyssa is constantly saying "I missed you" when he comes home. He is Victoria's play mate. All three love to wrestle around on the floor (until I as the party pooper) have to keep them a little under control. He is great at getting the kids to learn new things and be well-rounded. This year he took Victoria snowboarding and she LOVED it! He is contstantly involving them in his projects recently the two of them sat on the garage steps and watched him change the oil filter on his car. ( I can imagine much more exciting things, but they love to just be around him). He is constantly serving them and it does NOT go unnoticed. He is a very devoted husband and does all he can to improve our lives. He is such a hard worker. I don't know that I have ever seen a person that works so hard at all he does. I am also very blessed to have a husband that is so handy--I have just realized lately that not all husbands can just put up a wall or learn how to put in wood floors. That is really a great talent he has. We appreciate you JASON and love you!
The next "man in my life" is of course my Dad. Where do I start? I have to thank him for my inability to ever take anything too serious in life. Recently when he had his stroke and didn't know who we were and was saying things that simply didn't make sense, we didn't know if he was joking or serious as we can NEVER take him too seriously. I advised him afterwards (when he was back to his normal state) that from now on there was no more joking, we just can't handle that. He is one of the biggest examples of unselfish service I have ever known. No matter what the calling and what the requirement...my Dad gave his time willingly and without complaint. As I grow older and realize all the sacrifice this requires I am more amazed. My Dad has a gift with people...one I can only hope to emulate. People everywhere love my Dad. He has mastered the ability to be a good boss/leader and friend. He has friends in all walks of life---I love that about him. As a teen a girl once said to me, "You're friends with everyone (as in all the cliques-cool or uncool)--how can you do that?" I certainly do NOT have that mastered, but my attempt to do so has been from watching my Father (and mother too). I have learned some of the most rare and amazing gems of friends are found in those off the beaten path in a more quiet serene world of their own. As to not get over emotional I won't mention his health....it's something too close to my heart to talk/write about, but I am grateful for every day/hour/moment he has still with our family and pray that the Lord will only continue to allow more so that his posterity will be able to learn as all his children have. Stopping now before emotional.
It wouldn't be complete without mentioning my Father in law. Claude is a good man, who has done a good job raising his son. He has taught him how to care for his family and taught him skills beyond those many men know. Claude is very intelligent (a literal rocket scientist) and has used his skills for good in teaching others. He has a quick whit and cracks me up. Some of the funniest things I have heard come from Claude when he is softly saying a hilarious remard under his breath!
Happy Father's Day BOYS! We love you all!
Happy Father's Day BOYS!

My own blog!

Welcome to my blog! Yes, I am trying to fit in! Everyone is doing it! There has been lots of things going on with our little family! So where do I start?

My oldest Victoria is now 7! Seems like just yesterday I was pregnant and now she is quite a little person of her own. She is finishing up first grade and has enjoyed Brownies this year (with Mommy having made the foolish mistake of being the Troop leader of 16 1st graders!). She is a very sweet child and loves being alive. She often says "I am so glad I am on this earth."

My baby Alyssa will be 3 in August. She is a handful, but quite funny. Everything is a joke with her. The other day she came in with her hand on her chest saying..."I can't beeth (breathe)...I can't beeth mom!" (Having had a bout with pnuemonia only two weeks before I was concerned). However her following statement made it clear she had figured out how to manipulate..."I need a teet! (treat)!" Mmmhh. I am already being outsmarted by her!

For now this is the beginning! I will have lots of fun setting this thing up and you can all know what is going on with me...should you desire to!