You hear it? Me neither...

Hello? Are you there? Is anyone there? My stat counter tells me you are there...about 100 of you a day are there...reading, stalking, not commenting... I evidently have THE most silent readers in the world... I try not to take it personally :) Have a great Monday...you strong silent types!

Oh how I love a good power tool...

Look closely reader...

Do you see it?

There...perched on the corner of my fridge..

What is that you ask?

Let's look a little bit closer...

Why...it's my honey do list. I am a firm believer that the non list makers in the world, still need a list. Now, call me a bit controlling, but after almost 19 years of marriage I have found this system to work nicely...sometimes...with a whole lot of patience...but eventually it works.

See item #1 on the list? (I know they're not numbered, but in my mind they are) #1 on the honey do list is to puleeeeeeeez prune the trees with the sawzall. You see it?

Yep, me too :)

About a year ago, perhaps longer, I began to really believe our trees needed to be pruning. Typically this is a job that I have taken care of over the years, but at this point, our trees are too big and they now require the aid of a power tool to prune them. Mrs. Ruchus does not like power tools and let me tell you why.

Growing up with a dad that grew up on a Nebraska farm meant that no task was too big for a child to complete. One day I was assigned to trim the hedge. I guess my dad believed that no training was required for this task. So...I set off with the power hedge trimmer....

I was able to conger up this image courtesy of google...this is somewhat similar to the trimmer I used...but here's the thing...this trimmer is cordless...

so there is no need for one of these....

However...in the 70's cords were in! And...so were extension cords...

Back to the story...I set out to conquer the hedge, trimmer and extension cord in hand...I believe I may have even had some good 70's disco playing while attempting this feat...and in typical adolescent fashion, didn't pay attention to what I was doing and inadvertently ZAP!!! cut the extension cord with the trimmer...(pause to imagine the shock)

In all my days...and there have been many trust me, to date, I do not recall an event so shocking..pardon the pun...the trimmer handle broke right off and I was knocked to my butt...

Sooooooo...you get my dislike for power tools now right? Particularly power tools that trim trees/shrubbery/etc., and require an extension cord. Right? Great...so...about 8 months ago...the hubby in his ever ready to please his wife fashion, brought home the blessed power tool required to complete the job...

The SAWZALL.

Saws. all. as in everything.

Get it? OK, now this little darling happens to be one of my favorites...when someone else is using it, because just as the name implies it can saw about everything... Here is the one problem with this little gem. If no one is using it, it saws nothing...

back to the honey do list and fast forward to today...

After more than a year of patiently waiting...the honey did bring home the saw and the other day even pointed out that there were now two sawsalls in the garage and they both were in fact "ready to go". Hmmm...what does that mean exactly to you? Does that mean that honey will be getting around to item #1 on the honey do list? One would think so right?

So, I waited...and waited...and patiently waited...until I could wait no more! I cracked open that sawsall today to find it was in fact NOT "ready to go" and in fact, had no blade in it. I graciously asked my husband could he possibly put a blade in the sawsall that was "ready to go" so that some other honey, that shall remain nameless, could complete item #1 on the honey do list. Miraculously he obliged and put in the blade...

I got to chopping...and pruning...and chopping, and pruning...

and tying and chopping until all the trees were pruned...and with the help of some reluctant teenagers...the branches are all tied up and ready for pick up...

Cross item #1 off the list...

One week down, one to go...

My first week of vacation is officially over...did a lot of things this week that weren't too noticeable...and now I can move in to begin finishing some projects...top on the list is deep cleaning my bedroom, to hopefully help with some allergy issues...I got all of the king size bedding washed today...washed the dog beds...and tomorrow...well, we'll see what tomorrow brings...I really only have a few days left, since we will be going out of town next week. I prioritized my bedroom to the top of the list. There is a local clothes drive here on July 11th and I'd really like to be through all of our clothes and get everything out of here that we don't need. Less is more...you know? The older I get, the more I believe it! I'd prefer 5 nice things to chose from versus 50 so so things any day...so I'm narrowing down the 'things' in my life. Too many things, too much to take care of, makes me too tired...I'm feeling the need to simplify. My girls are going to the water park again tomorrow...so that'll give me some time to get some work done :)

Day two of the potty training project today went pretty well...I'll keep all the details to myself just in case you're not that into poop ;)

Potty training and permits...

Today, I volunteered to help my niece potty train her little boy...I was a little rusty...right after I put his underwear on he pooped :( But since then...success! He's going on the potty and loving the m&m he gets each time he goes...last time he even told me had to go :) HooorayRobert!!!

I have a full list of things to do today...the number 1 of which was to take my son to get his permit. I called yesterday to ask them exactly what we needed when we went down there. Of course when I get there they tell me we also need his social security card...Soooo, we had to run down to the social security office to quickly get a copy. We headed back to the DMV where the new lady told us..."Oh, you don't need the soc sec card now...just when he gets his license" *sigh* Brennan was really stressed out worried about the test...When we went into the DMV and I told him the test was on a computer...he immediately relaxed...He did his very best and only got 2 wrong!!! 90% and he is now the proud owner of a permit... Uhhhh...it was slightly sunny :)

Last night we celebrated my hunny's 49th birthday with pizza, yummy cake...and terrific family... My baby Cameron especially enjoyed his cake...

ewwwwwww! I'm grateful that his mama cleaned him up!

Finally...the other night I was sitting at the computer and heard a knock on the window...I turned around to see this... My daughter had found a bunch of tadpoles in a ditch for her pond...

We've tried to put a few frogs in her pond, but they always hop away. Rumor has it they have to be raised in the pond from a tadpole in order to stay...we'll see if these stay... and gee...where do you think the other frogs hopped away to? I don't know either.

I love when the mood strikes...

I hate cleaning...I really really hate it. I LOVE having days when I get a lot of cleaning done. Oh, but I hate when it's the kind of cleaning that doesn't really show...you know? Today I cleaned all of my drawers, the hubby's drawers and both of our closets. Many bags for the Goodwill for sure! I continued on with the laundry struggle, began scrubbing the kitchen top to bottom...and then headed to my mil's for the hubby's bday. I'm quite pooped right now...so I'll post the pics tomorrow....too much pizza and cake :)

I brought my baby nephew home, so I can help potty train him...wish me luck!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

This week is often referred to as Christmas week for the Ruchus...due to the inordinate number of birthday's in our family...My mama's bday was yesterday...I remembered to call her AND send the card...all be it a bit late...today is my hubby's birthday...Friday is my mother-in-laws birthday and next week it's my brother's! Whew what a busy time. We used to have more birthday's this week except that some of those folks have passed away. But happy birthday to them as well :)



Today we went to Magic Waters for the hubby's bday. He left work for a few hours and met us there. Because we have season passes we got great coupons for free tube rentals, plus 5 free passes for friends to attend. We also got free yummy strawberry shortcake at half past 1which was a fabulous summer afternoon treat. Yum.my! While perusing facebook earlier this evening, I realized quite a few people I know were there and miraculously I didn't see any of them.



Today there was "0" accomplished on the tackle it list, oh except I did make a wonderfully yummy dinner...pork steak, corn on the cob, and my favorite pasta/broccoli salad. I love summer meals. Of course, I also like winter meals. I'm just a season kind of girl. I love the seasons...each one for its' own reason.



I wanted to close by sharing the latest phenomenon as the Ruchus raises 3 teenagers. There was a time not too long ago, where my kids would always say to me..."Turn that music down, it's too loud." To which I would reply..."Just wait, your day will come when you're music is too loud for me." Guess what...that day has come. I'm wishing for a nickle for every time one of them says, "Turn it up!!! I love this song!" Followed by, "Turn it up more, I still can't hear it!" (sigh) -- is this where I say I told you so?



PS, that crazy judge from so you think you can dance has got to go! My big girl is watching that show three rooms away from me on another level and that judges voice is still annoying me. OK, I'll stop now...back to tackling tomorrow.

Tackle it Tuesday...

I'm feeling a bit unaccomplished in my tackling so far this week. I'm not sure if emptying the TIVO counts for anything, especially since I don't have the TIVO emptied yet AND I'm kinda tired of watching TV! I have found cement on the basement floor however somewhere under the world's most enormous load of laundry...but there is still MUCH, let me tell you MUCH to be done! I did work a bit today, and went to a meeting at my second job which was quite productive...but really today...I'm just not feeling the tackling. I think it could be the 95 degrees and the 4000% humidity. I ventured outside for a brief moment to water my flowers (in the shade, under a tree) and came in drenched. Instantly drenched! I couldn't have been out for more than 5 minutes. Let's just say that if this keeps up the cleaning of the garage is being removed from the agenda. (sigh)

Tomorrow is the hubby's birthday and to celebrate we're going to Magic Waters. I'm gonna need at least two cans of sunblock 90 to get through the day, I'm sure. Earlier today I asked him what type of cake he wants. Two hours later still no decision...

Tackle it Monday...

And so begins my two weeks off...what is on the agenda today you ask? Weeeeeeelllll...I already had lunch with my bff...during which time we created her resume...in preparation for the completion of her Master's Degree AND her new job. I've completed all my web surfing for the day...gave the cats and dogs adequate lovin to get them through a few hours...and now...I shall begin the tackling of the world's largest laundry pile...

Not to be limited to just one accomplishment today, I also intend to empty the TIVO...that means I'll have to cram 23 hours of TV into one day...that doesn't sound possible...I suppose I'll have to cram that into two days, but the season finale's must be watched and today is the day!

If the swealtering heat and humidity subside, I will also begin cleaning the world's most cluttered garage!

The joys of my life...

I am certain I have mentioned on more than one occasion what a blessed life I lead. As I look forward to two weeks off, I am also taking a minute to reflect on the blessings of my life...

I am a person that stops to smell the roses, despite a super busy schedule. I love to see the beauty in the world around me. This week I went to Naperville for 3 days of training. Even though I don't appreciate the drive, I love that the school I go to is smack dab in the middle of the historic district...this was just a taste of the beautiful architecture and gardens that are typical of this neighborhood...

Family is definitely at the top of my list...this weekend Stephanie 'shook the can' (begged for money like a homeless person) at Logli's for her dance team on Saturday morning...
When she was done, we headed to Algonquin to spend some time at a fabulous mall. Due to the state of the economy at the Ruchus household...we mostly window shopped. I was able to finally find a paring knife to replace the 20 year old one that is now losing chunks of metal. Ummmm...definitely time to be replaced...and although it is the 3rd one I've purchased, I think this one is the charm...

Saturday afternoon the honey and I were wandering around the grocery store when my sil called to invite us over to my niece and nephew's for dinner...The day before my brother had given my sonshine his birthday present...leading to this... (It was a buy one get one sale you know!) So...on with the mosquito spray...and outside we went!
Those little cars top 40 mph and my nephew painfully realized that my son's driving skills leave a bit to be desired....OWWWWWW~ (Sorry Ry...hopefully he learns how to stop the crazy thing)

Another blessing I have in my life is the abundance of babies...right now I am blessed to have 8 great nephews and nieces under 4 years old! 8!!! Can you believe it? (Not to leave anyone out I also have a great niece that is 10 :)) If you've been a reader a long time, you might remember Robert Wednesdays...well Robert is 4 now, and was over this weekend. I gave him a trim...before...
and after... What a handsome young man! When we dropped him off, we picked up Lizzie, and then of course we had Aubrey over today... They had a wonderful time playing together and it is so wonderful to hear all those giggles!

OK, I have to regress just for a minute to earlier this week...the precious one had softball practice, and got to pitch...
Although catching is her thing...it was nice that she took a brave step and tried pitching...fast pitch is no easy gig that's for sure!

Finally...let me just share this picture of my honey...who forgot his jacket at the precious one's most recent game... I'm not sure a caption is really necessary here...what do you think?

Where is that life I was waiting for?

Months ago I blogged about life slowing down a bit...about graduation...time to garden, season passes to the water park, shorter work hours...and yet, I have not had the chance to experience much of that. Besides longing for the down time, I find myself going back to school in August to get two more certificates. Today was my last day of work for two weeks. Not really, cuz I'm going to go in a few days to get caught up, but really...I don't HAVE TO work for two weeks. During this time of course...I have a HUGE to do list! This list primarily has to do with long overdue tasks that await me here at home: Cleaning the garage, catching up the laundry, cleaning the scrap room, cleaning my bedroom...and once those projects are done...it is time to start remodeling this house. Our bathrooms sorely need updating...and so does our kitchen. The kitchen is a huge project that will have to wait...but there are many other things that need my attention. Over the next two weeks I'm going to try hard to stick to a schedule so I can get a lot accomplished. I also want to spend some R&R time at the water park with the kids. So far we've had a cold rainy summer and haven't broken 80 degrees yet. This week the 80+ sunny days are finally in the forecast. You'll find my butt floating down the lazy river....ahhhhhhhh.

I've tried desperately to see when we can get a vacation in this summer. I think it's going to be a spur of the moment thing...I have a few destinations in mind. What I want to do is wait til the last minute...get the best deal on a condo that isn't rented and go to the beach. That's the plan...we'll see if we can get it done. My girls are heading to Arizona for a few weeks. It'll be really quiet here, that's for sure. The Mama is having knee surgery and will need the help. Her surgery is scheduled for a time when I'm out of town for training of course...so I can't go. Hope she recovers quickly so they can have a little fun while they're there.

My sonshine is really busy with driver's ed, passed his permit test, and as soon as we have a few minutes, we're gonna get down to the DMV to actually get his permit. Y'all might want to limit your driving time after that, cuz he's rather a scary driver! Here's hoping that improves real quickly with some practice.

I hope this week to catch up on blogging a bit. I've cut my blog sidebar way down to just my very favorite blogs...and still have a hard time keeping up! Oh and did I mention I'm about 23 hours behind on TV. Should a person really have to schedule TV time into their life or should I just forego TV all together? The thought has seriously crossed my mind.

On today...the longest day of daylight of the year, it has been pitch black here most of the day. It seems finally the storm clouds have cleared and as I look out the window, it seems we are in for a beautiful sunset. It hadn't stopped raining for more than 10 minutes when the girls both headed outside...they were more than tired of being inside all day!

I try not to talk about work...but here's the thing...my job is still wonderful. I still enjoy it and appreciate it every day. Today I got a letter from my boss thanking me for my valuable contributions to the organization, along with a commitment to pay 100% of my tuition, books and fees for my next degree. Have I mentioned how much I love my job? And need I say why? The place I work now has employee appreciation down to a fine art. I am grateful every day, especially in this economy to have such a wonderful fulfilling job. Now, I need to set some goals to get my house organized, my kids ready for school (I know it sounds like forever away, but they start school again in 2 months which is 4 short paychecks away), and take some time to spend time with the ones that mean the most.

Have a wonderful Friday Blog friends...and stay tuned for frequent updates of all the progress around here!

For Me, It's Official!

It's just not summer until I've attended my Kenny Chesney concert of the year. This year is no exception. Well, perhaps a bit of an exception...this year I had sandbar tickets...as usual, but this year...I touched him... :) It was an amazing night...Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Montgomery Gentry, Sugarland, and of course Kenny. I went with my friends Carlene and Sam...Left my house at 11:30--- got home at 3 AM! What a night!

Let's meet to discuss a meeting

Did you ever have one of those days that were so consumed with meetings you could hardly stand it? Today, I was scheduled to work 6 hours and during those 6 hours I had 7 meetings scheduled. Now that hardly seems reasonable doesn't it? Of those 7 meetings, 4 were IEP's which made it especially painful!

Ok, enough of that, onto life as I know it. The kids officially finished school yesterday which always bodes for a big sigh of relief for the Ruchus. As I left this morning, two of the darlings were still sleeping and Steph was off to dance practice, bright and early! Outside of the fact that three teenagers may eat me out of house and home this summer and may kill each other while they're at it, I'm glad for school to be over. I'm now the proud Mama of an 8th grader, a freshman and a junior! Hard to believe isn't it?

My sonshine started Driver's Education tonight. He was quite a bit anxious and chose a chair in the back corner. I'm waiting for him to come home as we speak to hear all about it. He gets his permit on Thursday, and then the adventure begins! As his anxiety was increasing he said, I don't think driving is really that important any more! In fact, he thought he'd stay home. I told him that driving is an important and useful skill especially if one would like to get a job. So, he thought maybe he'd give it a try. He was quite dismayed that he had to take a pen since in school he types all his work. He was just a bit freaked out at the prospect of having to write! Thank goodness this is only 4 weeks. Say a little prayer for him...and for me :)

This week I'm taking a little "me" time--scrapbooking with the girls on Thursday and then Kenny Chesney with a friend on Saturday. What a fabulous week!