492 Tara Drive

Just in case you are interested or know someone who is, my listing is at 492 Tara Drive in Fruita. It is an immaculate custom built home with 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths and 1974 square feet. There is a built-in 1,000 gallon fresh water aquarium and the yard is beautifully landscaped. Also, I will be doing an Open House there this Sunday from 1-3. Here is a link if you would like more information on the house Click Here to View Listings.

I Did it Myself

I did my own virtual tour. It turned out pretty good. Normally I pay somebody else a good sum of money to make the tour. She was busy and wasn't able to get it done as fast as I'd like. So I purchased the software and decided to try to make my own virtual tour for my newest listing. It ended up not being as hard as I had made it in my mind. There are some parts that didn't turn out very well, but I have learned a few things so I think I will be able to do a better job next time. Check out the link!

http://tours.justsnooping.com/2310406/

I keep thinking of the money I saved and figuring out in my head how many virtual tours I have to do to justify buying a new camera. I already have a few cameras in mind.

Beach Kind of Girl

About 4 weeks ago, Kirstenator informed me that she is a beach kind of girl. Therefore, the next obvious suggestion was that she should have a beach party. I said, "We could maybe do that." and she then pulls out the Oriental Trading catalog (I swear she is my sister's clone). In an effort to buy time I told her to look through the catalog and we would talk about what she would like for her party. I then called my sister to inform her what her clone was up to. Of course, she thought it was brilliant, as my daughter is getting excited about a Pepsi Tree(an inflatable palm tree that holds ice and Pepsi). We then decided to have my sister's daughter and the Kirstenator's party together. Kirsten then brings me the catalog, with the cover missing and her initials next to everything she would like for her party(2/3 of the stuff had initials). She didn't get everything she had hoped for, but I did order leis, grass skirts, and a table skirt. No Pepsi Tree. My sister was making the cake. She has these princess molds and she had the great idea of making them into hula dancing girls. She then made the mistake of asking Kirstenator to draw her a picture of the what she wanted the cake to look like. The Kirstenator then decided instead of a hula girl she would like a hula lizard(because that is normal?). Of course the lizard she wanted to be dancing is hard plastic and twice as tall as the cake. My sister tried her best, but in the end we ended up with two hula girl cakes and all the guests were boys. The only girls there were the two birthday girls. Oh well, everyone had fun and the boys definitely enjoyed the slip-n-slide more than the grass skirts and leis.

School Shopping - Done

What a relief! Last year I waited too long and I was desperately looking for glue sticks that might have been discarded in the wrong section. It was miserable. I had to go to Target and Wally World to get all the supplies.

On Friday, my father-in-law took the kids. What a blessing. I was able to do the school shopping and finish buying a couple things for the Kirstenator's birthday party this weekend. I was even able to to do some clothes shopping in peace and mostly quiet. I say mostly quiet, because I didn't know how to handle myself and I found myself talking to strangers about nothing and for no reason. I don't think most of them appreciated it, either. You see normally when I go shopping(for anything from tampons, tires, to bread), I have at least one child with me. By default it is usually the Kirstenator and she is either asking A LOT of questions(usually about what I'm buying and it often isn't bread), talking about nothing in particular (at least judging from the first 10 sentences), or whining. None of this takes place in a volume lower than announcements coming over the main speakers. So if I had left my minivan lights ON, I would never know.

Root Canal #2

I went to the dentist yesterday to work on the right side of my mouth and pull one of my teeth on the left side. The good news is that he didn't pull my bad tooth and our insurance turned over in July(can I just say God is Good!). The bad news is I ended up getting another root canal on the other side. This one they were able to do in one sitting and it doesn't hurt as bad. It's sore, but not throbbing like the last one. I was glad I didn't have to get my tooth pulled, although, it is on the agenda for the next visit.

The last time I was there I was trying to talk the dentist out of yanking my tooth, because I'm a big chicken. I told him I needed time to prepare for it. Kinda like you need time to mentally prepare for having a child and he told me. "Well, we can't wait 9 months." Also, about that time a 8 year-old girl came out of one of the rooms and I could tell she had just had a tooth pulled. I felt pretty stupid, but I would still like to put it off as long as possible. I'm just not as brave as that 8 year-old girl.

School Starts in 1 1/2 Weeks!!!

YEEEEEEE HAW! I'm pretty darn excited. The Kirstenator goes to school ALL day this year. I'm going to actually have time to get stuff done. Last year was so crazy because I had to get her and Konman off to school, then rush to the office, sometimes being rude to my co-workers because I couldn't answer their questions or take time to talk, then rush to pick her up from school at 11:45(usually closer to noon), and then anything I hadn't gotten done that morning she would have to hang out with me while I worked. Lucky for me she is a good sport and can draw for hours happily. Needless to say, I always felt like I was flying by the seat of my pants and half-way to crazytown. So now I will have quite a bit of extra time and I'm so excited. I will be able to go to lunch with my friends and, just as exciting, I will be able to eat lunch by myself. I can't remember the last time I ate lunch by myself and by that I don't mean grabbing an apple on my way out the door. I hope I can use my time wisely.

Also, a big THANK YOU to my sister-in-laws. They have been a big help watching the kids this summer.

Letting My Imagination Get The Best Of Me

At 5:00 am this morning, Konman comes into our room and says that there is a boy knocking on our door asking for help and his name is Nicholas. Normally I would think he had been dreaming and send him back to bed. Except, for the fact that there is a boy named Nick who lives across the street from us. I make a point of trying to get to know the kids who live around us, so if they are in trouble they would feel comfortable coming to me. This has, also, come in handy because one time when some older kids took Konman's football at school and threw it over the fence, Nick went and got it for him and returned it to him when he got home from school. Anyway, Darktimber sends Konman back to bed and I tell him that maybe he should check it out because there is a boy across the street named Nick and if he was in trouble, there is a good chance he would come to our house. So he goes to check it out. I come downstairs and find him standing in his boxers with the front door open listening to something. He tells me that there is a van parked in the driveway next door and there are people inside it. I tell him that nobody has lived there for about 3 weeks. Then I go and make sure Konmans window is locked, because I am just sure that there are people outside who are want to take my son. I then convince Darktimber to call the police, because if someone took one of my children and my children tried to get help I hope that someone would help them. Well as the story goes, apparently, we have new neighbors with four small children. I'm willing to bet one of them is named Nick. There goes my first impression. I just don't understand why they were sleeping in there van on the floor, instead of on the floor inside their new apartment that has air conditioning. I guess you could say that my imagination was working overtime last night.

Feeling Better, Kinda

I'm definitely feeling better. Unfortunately they weren't able to finish, due to the fact that the anesthesia was wearing off and I could feel them filing away down by my jaw bone. It didn't hurt but I could still feel it and I kinda was grossed out. I guess they are going to complete it when I go in to get the right side of my mouth filled. That will be an extra fun day. Well I'm getting ready to go camping this weekend. I'd better get going. Hope you all have a good weekend.

A phrase I never thought I would utter...

I am relieved that I am getting a root canal done tomorrow.

I went to the dentist 2 weeks ago and got every tooth on my left hand side filled, except for the one they are going to pull. They told me my teeth would be sensitive and I would be in pain for a couple days. I was a little concerned when I was still hurting on Thursday and Friday. By Sat. and Sun. I was in major pain(motrin wasn't even touching the pain). I went to the dentist on Monday morning and sure enough I have an infection and need a root therapy(apparently that makes it sound more appealing), so they put me on antibiotics and had me switching off every 2 hours between 800 mg Motrin and Tylenol. The only problem as some of you might know I don't handle heavy medication very well. I have either been in a comatose state or major pain with about a 1/2 hour of foggy, but OK every 2 hours. I am anxious to be somewhat back to normal by Friday morning. Whooohooo!

WOW!!! It has been awhile!

It has been so long since I blogged that I forgot my sign-in and password. I must say I have missed blogging. I don't even know if anyone checks my blog anymore? If you do, you might shoot me a comment. I have been reading your blogs and have enjoyed keeping up on what you are up to.

Valentine's Day hints for 3 billion idiots

I stole this from an article in my local paper. I know a few people who could use this advice.

For all you clueless men out there, (meaning every man on Earth), tomorrow is a big day. That’s right. The Nuggets play Minnesota in a key Northwest Division match-up. It’s also Valentine’s Day. That means that you have less than 24 hours to go to the store and find that perfect gift for your special someone. And while you’re there, you should also get something for your wife. To help you along, I’ve compiled a comprehensive list of the Valentine’s Day do’s and don’ts, that hopefully will keep you from having to sleep on the couch tonight. Read these hints, learn from them, and successful romancing is guaranteed. Please note that neither the Grand Junction Free Press, nor I will be held liable for any conceptions that may occur. Let’s begin.

When you are competing with others to win someone’s heart:
CORRECT — Outclass the competition by lavishing your potential mate with generous gifts and displays of affection.
INCORRECT — Strap on a diaper, drive 900 miles and pepper spray your rival.

What you want your waiter to say before your Valentine’s dinner:
CORRECT — “I recommend this wonderful 1996 Chardonnay.”
INCORRECT — “That will be $6.57 at the first window.”

Valentine’s Day Email Message to your sweetheart:
CORRECT — “I feel so lucky to have you. Happy Valentine’s Day, and I love you.”
INCORRECT — “Don’t forget to pick up dog food on your way home.”

Future activities you have planned together:
CORRECT — Taking ballroom dancing lessons.
INCORRECT — Joining the bass fishing tournament circuit.

When shopping for that special Valentine’s Day present:
CORRECT — Jewelry store or a flower shop.
INCORRECT — The “Everything Under a Buck” store.

What you say to your wife after she opens your present:
CORRECT — “The salesman assured me that this necklace contains authentic 14-carat diamonds.”
INCORRECT — “The salesman assured me that this is the top-of-the line chainsaw.”

When preparing a special dinner for your sweetheart:
CORRECT — “Please enjoy this fondue appetizer as I put the finishing touches on the chicken cordon bleu.”
INCORRECT — “Do you know how long you’re supposed to microwave corndogs?”

Renting a romantic movie:
CORRECT — “Titanic” or “Sleepless in Seattle”
INCORRECT — “Lusty Librarians Part II”

Romantic music to play during dinner:
CORRECT — Frank Sinatra’s classic: “The way you look tonight”
INCORRECT — Rapper Akon’s hit: “Smack that.”

When giving your sweetheart a single red rose:
CORRECT — “I saw this in the flower shop window, and it reminded me of your beauty.”
INCORRECT — “I plucked this off of Jenny’s desk at work. I figured she already had 12, she won’t notice if one’s missing.”

Comments you make during Valentine’s dinner at your house:
CORRECT — “I thought it would be romantic if we dine by candlelight.”
INCORRECT — “Sorry. I forgot to pay the Xcel bill.”

Your response when your wife leaves for work, and says, (with a sparkle in her eye), “I can’t wait for tonight.”
CORRECT — “I’ll miss you all day long.”
INCORRECT — “I know! Tonight’s episode of Law & Order is NOT a repeat!”

Unique gift idea:
CORRECT — A trip to the spa
INCORRECT — TrimSpa

Message to write on the Valentine card that you mail:
CORRECT — “I’m sorry I cannot be there to deliver this to you in person, but know that my heart is with you now.”
INCORRECT — “I had to mail you a card, since that stupid judge says I’m not supposed to get within 500 feet of you.”

Pledges of Eternal Love:
CORRECT — “You’re the only woman for me.”
INCORRECT — “You’re the only woman for me...at least until Melissa’s divorce is final.”

Romantic Get-a-ways:
CORRECT — “I’ve booked us a cozy room at a charming Bed & Breakfast in Ouray.”
INCORRECT — “It’s usually against Motel 6 policy, but the front desk lady says we can rent the room by the hour.”

What to say to the host or maitre d’:
CORRECT — “My lovely companion and I request a quiet table for two.”
INCORRECT — “My old lady and I are hunkering for some grub.”

Self-Improvement Gift Idea for her:
CORRECT — Gift certificate to a beauty salon to get her hair and nails done.
INCORRECT — Gift certificate to a plastic surgeon to get implants.

What to say to her after your romantic dinner at home:
CORRECT — “I’m going to turn on some soft music. May I have this dance?”
INCORRECT — “You going to eat the rest of that corndog?”

Ways to surprise her at work:
CORRECT — Hire a barbershop quartet to sweetly serenade her with romantic classics.
INCORRECT — Have American Idol reject William Hung sing “She bangs.”

Compliments:
CORRECT — “You look absolutely stunning.”
INCORRECT — “You look absolutely stunning ... then again, I’m kind of drunk right now.”

What to say when renewing your wedding vows:
CORRECT — “I do.”
INCORRECT — “You’ll do.”

Remembering all of these hints may seem overwhelming, but guys, don’t worry. When it comes right down to it, women aren’t concerned about fancy gifts or extravagant Valentine’s day plans, they just want to know that you care. So as long as you just act like you care, you’ll be fine. As for me, I’ve spent days working on plans to ensure that my lovely bride has the perfect, most romantic evening possible. So if you’ll excuse me, I have to get going now.I think the corndogs are burning.

Reach Steve Beauregard beauregardsteve@hotmail.com.

American Idol!!!

American Idol has started and I'm so excited. I watched it last night and I'm watching it right now. I'm still amazed at the people who can't sing and they don't know it. Have they never recorded themselves singing and listened to it. Are their family members deaf. I'm not that good of a liar. If my children sounded as bad as some of these people, I'd have to ask them nicely not to sing in the house. Especially, if they were 23, living at home, and expected me to feed and cloth them until they made it big. McDonalds is always hiring. Now, if they brought me a McFlurry with M&M's home every day after they got off work, we could maybe work something out.

Couple of Things

Konman has started bringing friends over to play with. It is such a weird, but cool thing. It's fun to watch these boys interact as they hang out and just play. The weird thing is that I finally met one of the boy's mothers after taking him to church with us. She let him go to church with us and he gets into the car and I ask him if I should call his Mom and talk to her and he doesn't know his phone number. This boy's mom is a single parent and he is the sweetest and nicest boy. The other boy's mother I have never met and when I took his coat to his house one night the 15 year-old sister answers the door. I called and told them I was coming over. If I was the Mom I would've met me at the door and introduced myself. One afternoon he was over here and the boys were on the computer. I heard music playing and I thought I should go check it out. This 9 year-old boy has a MYSpace page that says he likes hot girls. WHAT! I promptly told them that MYSpace if off limits. This boy isn't so sweet(He called Konrad a butthole and jerk on the bus) and he's not my favorite.

I knew I'd have to deal with some of this stuff eventually. It just seems so soon.

It's been awhile

So, it's been awhile since I posted. Some of it is because I've definitely been busier, but partly because there hasn't been as much to say. It's so weird if I blog daily there is usually some story I have to share, but if I wait awhile I forget my stories (I'm turning into my mother. If this continues I'll be lucky if I call my children by there correct names in a couple of years.). I can tell you I had a fun Christmas with some creative planning, but I'm having trouble remembering specific stories. That is my lesson on why I should blog more often.

I Live with Rainman

Maybe it is because our van is in the shop and we are driving DarkTimber's little Isuzu pick-up around town. All I know is that after driving around town with Konman, yesterday, I realized that I live with Rainman. This is what I hear as I am driving. "School bus crossing, speed limit 45, speed limit 40, construction ahead, Hotel 1 mile, Mcdonalds .... I like Mcdonalds, we should eat there again, speed limit 45, stop light ahead......blah, blah blah, you get the picture. Now, I am very happy that my 2nd grade son is reading, in fact I'm glad he's excited to read. I just wish he would read quietly to himself. I guess, I should just be happy that he's not rocking back and forth while he's doing this.

Relaxed and It Feels Good

So I'm sitting on my couch in my mostly clean and somewhat organized house. My laundry is mostly done and put away and the kids rooms are mostly clean and somewhat organized. My house hasn't been in this good of shape for awhile and it has been very hard for me to concentrate and focus on much of anything. Now this isn't the only reason for my lack of concentration and focus, but is sure has added to it. The best part is that it has been this way since Friday night and it has helped me to be more relaxed, focused, and better organized this weekend. Shoot the kids and I even made cookies, played games, and watched a movie together. I just got to say that "It feels good!"

I'm Not Making Any Promises

I must apologize profusely for not blogging. I just haven't had much time. I noticed that my last blog was about the time I got my real estate license, and I've been busy, I'm still working my part-time job at the athletic club, volunteering at the kid's school on a weekly basis, and I've been putting in atleast 30-35 hours a week doing real estate. Needless to say my house is an awful mess and I'm always running around trying to remember what I'm doing. The good news is that I'm starting to figure out how to balance things, somewhat, well as best as I can. And I'm enjoying the real estate business. So, I'm not making any promises, but I am going to make an effort to spend a few minutes blogging weekly. I really enjoy doing it and I have missed my blog friends and what they are up to. Here's hoping for more posts!

Toad Hunting

The other day it rained here and my children had a bunch of fun finding baby toads. I'm guessing their legs are extra tender when compared to frog legs. Anyway, they caught 6 each and they were only like an inch long. They enjoyed torturing them or as they called it "playing with them". The Kirstenator used the top from a milk jug as a boat for them. The maximum capacity for that boat was 3 toad babies, if she added a fourth the boat would start to sink. Of course, we got the million dollar question "Can we keep them?" Exactly what am I supposed to feed 12 toad babies? Besides the fact that I don't want those in my house. I just know atleast one would get out and I would be the one to step on it or to smell its rotting carcass behind something immovable. Anyhow, Darktimber(my husband) saved the day. He decided that baby toads eat baby insects and since we didn't have any handy we should set them free. I let them torture them for awhile longer, because how many baby toads can say they've been on a boat ride. And then I made them set them free. It was a sad moment for the Kirstenator, but she rebounded and is now trying to make a pond in our back yard so that they can come back here to live. I've included some pics. The last one is when I told her she needed to let the toads go.

Chapter 4

After reading chapter 3 and 4, I found myself not wanting my daughter to ever get wounded. When she is a woman I don’t want her to ever feel some of the hurts I have felt. I don’t want her to be a wounded women. I was on a mission to be the perfect Mom and to tell my husband how to be the perfect Dad. Then I realized how impossible that idea was. If I can teach her what I’m learning, then she can with God’s help overcome these hurts before they become wounds. If I show her as she is growing up how to clean and bandage her small wounds. When the big hurts come her way she will be able to perform first aid on her wounds so that they won’t become infected. If I can teach her this, hopefully, she can avoid the trap so many of us women have fallen into. Instead of being busy cleaning her wounds she can be busy making a difference in the world.

Chapter 3

I have a 5-year-old daughter and after reading this chapter, I have begun to see my daughter asking “Am I lovely?”. It’s not that she is doing anything different than before I have just become more aware of it. For example, when she dresses up in her princess attire the first thing she does is prance around in front of her dad. She just looks at him and continues doing it until he says something. Sometimes my husband is in the middle of something and doesn’t see her right away, and the longer she waits the more the look on her face changes. At first I see anticipation, then just a smile, then she’ll call his name, and if he still has not said anything she gets a look of fear and worry. And once he says something she has a perma-grin on her face as she dances away excitedly, and the better the compliment the bigger the smile and better the dancing. Keep in mind that if you are trying to fix the air conditioner when it is above 90 degrees in the house, as a man, the last thing on your mind is your daughter fishing for compliments. Yes, in a perfect world he and I would notice every attempt and always stop and say the right thing. However, we aren’t perfect people.

I think when we were little girls we all did stuff like this. Only for me it was “Am I lovely when I hit the softball? Or ride my bike?” Between being that little girl and growing up, I became wounded. Then I became some weird mesh of the dominating, desolate, and indulging women and behind almost all my fears and hurts, I usually find some fear of abandonment.