Coffee maker review, part 2

Since the Farley's may be in the market for the ultimate Keurig coffee maker, I thought I would expand on my love for it. The coffee is gourmet, plus it also brews hot cocoa and hot tea. Some of the brands include Paul Newman (he donates all proceeds of sales), Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Gloria Jean's, Tully's, Celestial Seasonings, and Ghirardelli (yum, chocolate). Each come in "K-cups" which look like little shot glasses of coffee. You put them in the top of the maker and choose which size you want made (small, medium, or large). Literally, 5 seconds later you have a hot cup of coffee, tea, or cocoa. Remove the K-cup and your done, no clean-up. And an hour later, if you want another cup you make a fresh one.

Obviously, nothing is perfect. The maker is larger than a regular coffee maker, so it takes up more room on the cabinet. Also, when the reservoir is filling it makes a vibrating sound, but it only lasts a few seconds. The K-cups are more expensive then Folgers, but not as expensive as going through the drive-thru every morning. Plus, Folgers sucks, just trust me. A box of 25 K-cups is around $13. You can order them on-line or buy at many department stores. I usually can find them on sale at Kohl's. So there, all you need to know. Any questions??

http://www.keurig.com/demo.html

Gift reviews

Did everyone get what they wanted for Christmas? Did you get the one thing you really wanted, only to realize 4 days later it isn't as great as you thought. So far, I really like what I received. Here are a few of my own reviews:First is Emily's cupcake maker. She wanted this so bad, told every Santa we could find. It's okay, a bitch to clean and the icier thing doesn't work as swirly as it claims to. Plus, I am not for sure how much I want to consume a cupcake that bakes in the microwave in 30 seconds.

Next, Pixos = Suckos. The whole thing blows. First, its a pain to get the little "beads" into the right place. Every time someone walks by, the beads roll off the guide. Worst, its suppose to dry in 15-20 minutes with the fan, but it took us over night. Its hard to explain to a 4 year old who has no patience.

Elmo Live, its amazing. His moves are life like, Hayden really likes him. He likes to carry him around and listen to his stories. It was a last minute gift from Santa, but well worth the money.

Great gift, even for the price. Emily and Hayden have spent lots of time playing in it since Christmas morning. Has 6 cup holders and a cooler. Both seats fold down and there is storage behind both of them. Turns and pulls super easy, I have rolled it all over the house in the last few days.

The kids got Hank the "Slider Station" We haven't used it for hamburgers yet, but did make the eggs yesterday morning. They would be perfect for egg sandwiches. So far, so good.

Best present ever for a coffee lover. Makes a perfect cup of coffee. I can have a cup of bold, then turn around and have a cup of flavored. There is no clean up and its always hot. I love love love it, thanks Suzanne!!!

So, what are some of your reviews. I may need to know, I have already bought a few gifts for next year.

Does this look familiar to anyone but me? Why is it every family function ends up in chaos at my house. I think its the stress+close space+rambunctious kids+stress+expectations that leads up to the ever inevitable family blow up. I tried really hard this year to enjoy the moment and remember the meaning of Christmas, but the intention ended there. I feel hung over today, I have a stress hang over. Is anyone else feeling the same way?

Arrangements

I wanted to post for everyone who wants to know, I talked to Betsy tonight. Josh's visitation is tomorrow evening from 4-8 at Templeton Funeral Home in Paris. The funeral will be held Saturday at the Lutheran church in Paris. 1030. I know the flower shop in Marshal is Green Brier flower shop, in case anyone was wondering about flowers.
Betsy is strong, stronger than I could ever imagine myself being. She is at home in Marshal with her family. She told me Olivia has her moments, she really can't understand it at 4. She told me she doesn't know how she is doing it, she feels like someone is leading her through.
I urge anyone who wants to, read Betsy's last post on her blog. Life can change in a moments notice. Please continue to pray for her.

I know everyone has been praying for the Riedle family. Bill Loy just called to let us know Josh passed away at 4:00 this afternoon. Please keep Betsy, Olivia, Josh's family and Betsy's family in your prayers.

Update

I talked to Betsy this morning, this is what she told me. A car crossed the center line and hit them head on. Betsy was driving, but the majority of the impact was on Josh's side. Olivia was in the backseat. Olivia is fine, Betsy told me there isn't a scratch on her. Josh isn't, he is on a ventilator and his prognosis is very poor. Please, please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers. I can't even type the words I need to, its unimaginable.

The Riedle Family

We received a phone call about an hour ago that Josh, Betsy, and Olivia Riedle were in a head on car accident earlier this evening. Betsy's mom talked to Hank and let him know Betsy and Olivia are stable, but Josh is in critical condition. All three were taken to Carle. I know everyone is very busy this time of year, but please keep the Riedle family in your prayers. I will post anything I find out.

Sight is the first thing to go.

A few weeks ago Angie, Heather and I were goofing around in a rare down moment. Dr. Saliba had recently marked off the distance the eye chart. We all decided to check our sight, I failed. In the past few days my left eye had been twitching and I have a constant headache. I think it's a combination of working in an office, studying for hours every night, or turning 30. Whatever it is, I went to my appointment today and left with contacts and a new pair of glasses.

I have a "thing" about touching my eyes or having something in my eye. I am willing to give it a try. I also picked out a cute pair of glasses, just in case.

My peeps

I have the best 2 co-workers around. No drama between us, we have fun and laugh. I actually look forward to Monday mornings to hear about the weekend and catch up. Today was extra special. This morning was normal busy and this afternoon was just crazy busy. I had a lot of catching up to do after 5 o'clock, basically phone calls and faxes, charts to be finished. I didn't want to have to take care of in the morning. I don't like walking in to an already cluttered desk, it gets enough during the day. So, I called home to say I would be late and planned on being home after 6 o'clock. Heather and Angie were done with their work and could of went home to their busy families, but they didn't. They pitched in with "What can I do for you" and helped me get done. Anyone who works in an office or hospital or a job with mainly women can understand where I am coming from, gals aren't always the easiest to work with. I am so lucky to have the 2 women in my office I trust and enjoy.

Now, check out my elves.

http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/MWArXjDt5oIIPC6S

Check out my 2 little elves and 1 big elf. I think the big elf could possible play Hermie in a Broadway rendition of Rudolph. Remember to scroll down to turn off the volume of my music.

A correction to my wish list

It came to my attention a vacuum shouldn't be a "Christmas wish", so I racked my brain for another gift idea. I came up with a little something, I would take it in my drive with a big red bow anytime between now and the end of the year. Thanks;)

Dear Santa,

All I want for Christmas is this purse and a new vacuum cleaner. I'm not asking for much, just 2 packages under the tree.

Baby J.R. is on his way home

Ryan, Sarah, and baby J.R. are on their way home. I can't tell you how relieved I am. J.R. is perfect, I will post pictures of him as soon as I get them off my mom's camera. He is beautiful, looks a lot like my daughter. Not to sound goofy, but God has a way of showing us how small we really are just when we need it. Thanks to everyone for all the prayers.

Update on Baby Jereme

Happy Thanksgiving
I wanted to post Jereme will have surgery in the morning at 7:30 to correct his defect. Today was long and without turkey, pumpkin pie, or sweet potatoes. I did have a Philly steak and cheese sub with onion rings. I shouldn't complain, I did get to hold baby Jereme and sing to him and see him stare at his mommy for the first time. It was amazing, he knew who Sarah was as soon as he saw her. I can't wait to post the great pictures I took today. Please keep baby Jereme, Ryan, and Sarah in your thoughts tomorrow

Jamee

Please pray for my family

Tomorrow, when you are sitting around your dinner table, please pray for my family. My brother Ryan and Sarah were blessed with a beautiful baby boy today. Jereme Russell Higginbotham was born at 12:59 pm. He weighed 7.2 lbs is 20 inches long. To look at him, he is perfect, but inside he has a problem. Baby Jereme was sent to Children's Hospital in STL quickly after he was born due to a defect with his colon. Sarah is still in Mattoon, unable to be released from the hospital until tomorrow. So, tonight I sit in a hotel room with my scared brother and mother, thinking about what I am thankful for.
I am thankful for my husband who is home with my kids. I am thankful for my 2 healthy children who give me joy everyday. I am thankful for my mother and grandmother who give me strength. I am thankful for my brother who is becoming a father before my eyes. I am thankful for the rest of my family and friends for their support.
Baby Jereme will most likely have surgery on Friday. The physicians believe the surgery will be a success and Jereme will make a full recovery. During this time, please think of my family and pray for them.
Jamee

Baby Higginbotham

My new nephew is on his way, Sarah J. is dialated and 50 percent thinned. I am extremely excited, can't wait to meet him and see if he looks like my bro. I also can't wait to see my brother as a dad, wierd. I know he will be a great. First babies change everything and as much as I have told them, they can't get it untill they are in that place.

Just catch'n up

I had decided not to blog anymore, just be a blog stocker. I am busy and I don't have a lot of extra time right now. But, I have found over the last 4 weeks, I really miss the blogging. I don't feel like I get to talk to friends very often, everyone's lives are hectic right now. I feel like blogging gives me a way to stay in touch with everyone. So, moral of the story, I am trying to catch up. Please forgive me, my goal is to post once a week.




Halloween, Emily was a witch (her idea) and Hayden was anything I could find in his closet. The story is, I bought him a really cute monkey costume but he had a growth spurt and grew out of the damn thing before the "big show". Being crafty and cheap, I tried to cut out the feet so it would fit, but it ended up looking ridiculous. 30 minutes before trick o' treat, I decided to scratch the monkey costume and find something in the house to dress him as. He ended up being a farmer/cowboy, lame I know. Emily made up for it.

Emily's birthday, she is getting ready to get on the bus for Pre-K.

Random picture of Emily posing, she does a "thumbs up" with almost picture now.

Hayden trying on monkey slippers. They are truly fitting, because he is a monkey. He has figured out how to climb out of his crib, how to climb on top of the counter tops and Emily's dresser. I am just waiting for him to fall and crack his collar bone, its inevitable. What am I suppose to do, put him in a bubble? Emily told me the other day we need to call him "spider" because he can climb up anything.

Hank, Emily, and Hayden getting ready to go swimming.

We took the kids to Indy for Emily's birthday. Note to anyone with an 18 month old and a 4 year old, just wait to do any over night trip. For one, the Holiday/water park in Indy was horrible, we ended up in 2 different rooms because of faulty door locks and then we kept having other guests come into our room, thinking it was theirs. Next, there was a dilemma with the sleeping situation. The cribs in the hotel were super small and Hayden didn't want to sleep with us in the same room. So, we decided next trip, we will be getting adjoining rooms or we will not go. In all, the kids had a great time at the zoo, it's as nice as everyone says. Plus, we ended up with free tickets to the children's museum because of all the room crap. I think our next trip will be a day trip.

In a nutshell, this is what has been going on over the past 6 weeks. Again, I hope everyone hasn't wrote me off and erased my site from their favorites. I really enjoy conversing with everyone.

Life on Mars

Is anyone else watching Life on Mars? It airs right after Grey's Anatomy, I think it's good but really bizarre. I want to discuss with someone, so do I have any takers? First thought, main character (pictured above) is a super hottie.

Also, a note on Grey's Anatomy, I am not impressed. I keep finding myself turning the channel and finding something better to watch. I have been avid, but I don't think this season is great, so far at least. I am glad George passed his exam, but what the hell is the situation with Grey and Yang hanging out in the "trailer". Is this like their club house? Is Yang moving into the trailer since her 2 roommates are now lovers? I liked it better when Grey and McDreamy weren't dating and they are not showing him enough, not nearly enough.

Life Update

Tomorrow I turn 30. I'm really not upset, I am too f'n busy to think about it I guess. I am in the middle of writing my first paper in grad school and I am a little stressed to say the least. Plus, after 8 birthday parties/cakes in 2 weeks, the whole celebration has kinda fizzed out.

Emily has been sick twice in the last week, once with bronchitis and then the flu, pukeing flu. Hank started an outage, so he isn't home. This will be the 2nd year in a row that I won't see him for my birthday. Hayden is climbing and getting into everything, and he is starting to run up to Emily and hit her in the head. It's kind-a funny becasue he laughs and she is Miss Drama over the whole thing. I have to make myself punish him, he is so cute.

I love my job, every crazy part of it. And, ah, thats it. Hope everyone is as good as I am.

Damned Debate

Where in the hell is my Grey's Anatomy? Damn debate. I watched a few minutes and all I could see was Tina Fey.

WTF

Can someone smarter than me explain this whole situation. Why do I need to bail corporate assholes out of debt? Why should my tax dollars pay for overspending idiots who can't afford their mortgage payments? I pay my own bills, don't you think everyone else should too?

No, I'm not dead

I am really busy, notice the time I am posting this and the fact I have to work tomorrow. Between work, which is super busy right now, and school (I spend up to 3 hours a night on the computer), and the September run of birthdays called financial hell for the Baltzell family, I can't get a damn thing done. I am getting ready to consume birthday cake 3 times this week (yeah for this pre-menstral girl) and drop a small fortune at Hallmark. But, I get it all over with in one large swoop.
So, I wanted to drop by my blog and say hi, I have a ton of pictures to post, I am planning to do it sometime in the next few weeks. Don't give up on me, I'll get my shit together soon.
By the way:
Happy Birthday to my WONDERFUL, FUNNY, HANDSOME husband Hank. Without him, my mass chaos would only be just that, but instead its my life and I love him for his support. He is the best dad Emily and Hayden could ask for and the best friend I have.

Emily's new kicks.

Emily has new shoes, they are Kangaroo's. Does anyone else remember Kangaroo's? I loved them as a kid. I let her in on the "secret pocket", she wants to put quarters in them.

Shots, fleas, and my day off.

I didn't work today, Dr Saliba is taking every other Thursday off so Dr. Braddy (new ob/peds Dr. in Dieterich) can come to Newton to see patients. I am happy for this, ever since I started working 5 days a week I can't find the time to get everything done, like paying bills and cleaning the house. Today was my day, Emily and Hayden had an appointment to get their shots updated, Emily had school and I was going to study during this time, and then she had tumbling and I was going to run errands while she was up town. We were going to come home, eat dinner, and then go to bed early so I could start my Nip/Tuck DVD. This was my plan, here is my reality.

I took Emily and Hayden to get shots at the Health Department and Emily was 2 weeks early. It slipped my mind when I made the appointment that she needed to be 4, so she has to go back. Hayden did get this shots and TB test and lead test, he was super brave. We came home to find Hank on the front porch. Hank has been working nights for the past few because something is broke, can't tell you much more than that. Well, I had forgot he didn't have a key on his "new" Ford Focus key ring and I locked the door. He wasn't happy to say the least. I got everyone in the house and settled down. I put Hayden down for a nap (ah, quiet time) but Emily yelled for me and he woke up after 45 min. Its 1100.

1200, Hank is in bed and Emily is getting ready for school when I look at Kyzer (Mem's dog that use to be our dog). Meme tells me Kyzer has been acting up lately, running off and getting into trouble. She thinks he may be mad at her for leaving him at home on occasion. So, I am looking at him and thinking he looks really skinny. Then I see a patch of hair missing on his side. I decide to make him an appointment with the vet and give him a bath. Its at this point I notice he has fleas, really bad fleas. I should mention now that I HATE BUGS. Me and bugs are like Sarah D. and frogs. I immediately take him outside and start itching. Then I start cleaning like a mad woman.

2:30, I take Kyzer to the vet, who acts like I am a dirty-butt woman with my flea ridden dog. I felt so bad for the dog, I asked for pain killers for him and took him home. Then I went to pick up Emily for school. I came home and continued to clean my house, vacuuming for the 3rd time. At 4:30 I woke Hank up to go to work and realized I had forgot to take Emily to her tumbling lesson, crap.

Now normal stuff happens, like dinner and baths and night-night time. Hayden's new thing is give everyone in the house, no matter who is here, a good night kiss and wave "night-night" Emily usually gets 2 kisses and he will actually tell her night-night sissy. Its pretty cute and usually one of the highlights of my day.

8:30, time to study. I log onto blackboard and watch my video-stream of my class that is posted and then search for theory articles for my discussion post this week. P.S., I flip'n hate theory, I don't get it at all and I don't really care. Its only the beginning of the 2nd week and I am already done with it. Done in the sense that my mind is done with it. December can't get here quick enough.

This is my day off, at least I get to go back to work tomorrow.

Best thing since sliced bread

I have been getting daily e-mails from Netflix for awhile, and they wore me down. On Sunday night Hank and I decided to join. I signed up and picked our movies, first 2 choices was Mary Poppins for Emily and the 1st disc of season 1 Nip/Tuck (a.k.a prime time porn). Low and behold, on Tuesday the movies were in the mail box. Wow, plus no postage on the return label and NO LATE FEES, pinch me. Hank and I are notorious for taking movies back really late, this is a god send for us. I give Netflix a huge "2 thumbs up".

New Harley

Since Hank has a new job, he decided we needed a Harley. Check out our new ride. Aren't ya jealous.

First we traded our car for a hot tub, now we have a freak'n golf cart as an ATV. We are 2 steps away from being featured on "My Big Fat Redneck Wedding".

What are the chances

Today was suppose to be Emily's first day of school. But she didn't go, she is sick. What are the chances.

Emily started with sinus/allergy crap on Friday. I treated her over the counter with medicine but it got out of hand by the end of the long weekend. Yesterday she started vomiting and by this morning she was really ill. I took her to see Dr. Saliba and he said "no school". What, its her first day, she can't miss this. But she did and we are both very sad, me more so than her. Her teacher thanked me for not sending her, I felt like a super bad mom becasue I really wanted her to go, sick or not. Then I imagined her vomiting in her classroom, she would be so embarassed. I feel like I am partly to blame.

Tonight, she feels better. We are going to keep our fingers crossed for tomorrow. I hope she didn't miss out on a lot today.

Pre-K Orientation and crazy pills

Tuesday night Emily, Hank, and I went to her Pre-K orientation, it was great for Emily and Hank yet a little overwhelming for me. I think it has a little to do with the fact that I have been in denial over the whole situation. The book bag, the school bus, being gone everyday, me not being there with her to protect her from bullies and such. Up to this point I haven't even gotten her immunizations, birth certificate, or physical done. Well, it all came to head on Tuesday when I was filling out the paperwork. There I was, sitting in a tiny chairs filling out paper work. Answering question like, who can pick her up and who to contact in case of an emergency, I started feeling a little panicky. Its a combination of my baby girl starting school and the job change and starting my NP program, why can't I do anything in moderation.
So, today I took the plunge and went to see Nicole Wochner, who is wonderful in my mind. I explained all of this and how I feel and god bless her, she wrote me a script for Zoloft. Now, it may be taboo to some that I am admitting this, but not me. I am not above saying I need help in the form of a tiny pill. I started it immediately.


Emily and her Build a Bear "Pretty" getting ready to leave for orientation. Pretty has a book bag a well. Emily has no separation issues at all. In fact, I think she would have went into the high school by herself if I would have let her.

A least I still have Hayden, perhaps he will show a little hesitation when it comes to leaving for school.
Scratch that, he would have followed her out the door given the chance.

Welcome Baby Dominick

Travis and Janice welcomed Dominick Joseph at 12:22 today, he weighed 8 lbs 11 oz and was 22 inches long. He is beautiful. Like a proud new aunt, I forgot my camera at home.

Good Old Jasper County Fun

Saturday afternoon we joined the Farley's for a fun evening on the river. This was not Hank or my first trip, but it was for the kiddo's. We weren't for sure what Hayden would think, mostly afraid he would consume a belly full of sand. After a few rocky moments, he was off. And, he did consume a belly full of sand, we couldn't keep it out of his mouth. Emily had fun with the "Farley boys", she has talked about them all day today. Here are a few pictures.




The toys;)



Emily chasing Ross, he sure is a cutie.
Cole, Ross, and Emily digging in the sand.
Ross and Cole exploring.

Up on the blanket with the girls and baby boys. Hayden liked Holly a lot, she had treats.
Luke watching his older brothers.
The Farley's, what a good looking family.Hayden all pooped out. Too much sand and river water.

We had a really good time. If we lived anywhere else, my kids wouldn't learn to enjoy places like the river and driving around looking for deer every night. Ah the traditions.

Its official, I am starting back to school 09/04. My class is scheduled, I received an e-mail welcoming me to the distance program today, and my books are on the way. I am scared stupid, but so ready to get back into the swing of higher education. I know it sounds crazy, but the busier I am, the more organized I am. Honestly, I haven't gotten a dang thing done this summer. I am welcoming my 8 hour trips to Solid Grounds, staying up late reading, and getting my fresh new planner. I ordered it with my books, can't wait to open it up and write my name in it. Good luck to all my colleagues who are taking this journey with me.

Ouchy

I came home today from work, Emily was asleep on the couch with her leg up on a pillow. Her knee was red and bloody, oh no. Emily had apparently suffered her first real fall on concrete. She woke up when I came in the door and informed me she had fallen out side. Mommy to the rescue, I cleaned it and put a bandage on it. I told her it was called a strawberry, this made her feel better, even a little proud of the "strawberry". Hank told her she had to be tough if she was going to play sports, because she couldn't cry in softball when she got a strawberry, OK Tom Hanks.

Emily's strawberry


Pretty proud:)

Emily decided to take a picture of my knee. Huh, don't know why but here it is.

The King

For my mom, who is a huge Elvis fan, especially his 1968 Comeback show. I am sure she was in mourning yesterday, it was the anniversary of his death. Hope you enjoy the music mom.

Tips for making parenting easier

I love Parents magazine, when I have a chance to read it that is. I really like the "It worked for me" section. Here are a few of this issues suggestions.

1. Fill a large plastic storage container with sand and toys so that kids have a sandbox to play with when they travel to their grandparents, park, etc. When you are done just snap the lid on and throw it in the truck.

2. When your kids outgrow bibs but are still messy eaters, have eating shirts. Take an adult-size t-shirt received from a free giveaway and let them put it on when they eat. You don't have to worry about spills and removing stains. (smart)

3. When you pack your school age child's lunch, make one for the child at home and put it in the fridge. That way you are only make lunch once.

4. To prevent your child from burning their tongue on hot cereal, make "milk ice cubes" and drop them into the cereal. It cools down the cereal and makes it more nutritious.

5. Instead of wasting money of paper gift bags that get thrown away, package presents in reusable grocery totes. They only cost $1 and can be used for so many other things. (THIS ONES FOR GREEN ASHLEY)

6. To keep kids occupied in the Dr. office, pack a couple crayons in your purse and let them color on the paper table cover. (how smart is that)

Hobby Please

I need a hobby. Hank has fishing and I have....work. Today I rushed home so Hank could jump in his truck and head to the lake. Tomorrow I am working and Hank is jumping in his truck to go to the lake. I am not complaining about him, he hasn't actually fished much since he has been laid off, he has been building me a deck and helping other people with projects. I am just jealous he has something that can take him away from home once or twice a week. I need that, what mom doesn't need that. I have thought about bowling, but I am not athletic in the least. I have thought about working out, but the second I get home I get into mom mode and Hank isn't going to let me work out at the gym since I had to have my own treadmill. Anyone, what do you guys do?

To school we go, in style

Emily starts Pre-K this year (tear in my eye). She is going to the big high school, scary. As many of you know she has never been to daycare, oh I take that back, she went for 2 weeks and she (I) hated it. Adding to my anxiety is the fact that none of her little friends are going to the high school, only St. Thomas. But, no matter where she goes or who is there, she is going in style.

During our zoo/shopping trip I picked up Emily's back pack. I wanted to buy one shaped like an apple, but it wasn't standard sized. This one is a Jr. but she looked ridiculous with the full size, I mean she is only 3.

What else do I have to say

Miss Current River 2008.

Jesus turning fish into cigarettes. Oh Jesus, sweet baby Jesus.

River Apparel

We went to Wal-Mart tonight to get supplies for our canoe trip this weekend. I can't explain how much we look forward to this weekend all year, it's usually magical. Anyway, Hank came up to me and said he had found the ultimate river hat, the bottle opener hat. See, it has a bottle opener on the bill. This is double funny because a few weeks ago we went out with the crew, Chad and Holly needed a bottle opener and Amanda and Jeff's van door had to do. If only we had the bottle opener hat, we do now.