Day 9 - my last night

It was an wonderful busy day! I started by taking my mom to the grocery store. I kind of chuckled to myself, as I was watching her toodle on her merry way throughout the store, that a few years ago this was her taking Grandma Bert to the grocery store for an outing of the day. She did quite well. She is walking on her own really well, but did great holding onto the cart going around the store. She was ready to go home afterward. She said that she has been walking around the house to try and build up her energy again and then when it starts to cool down at night she will go out back and walk around the back yard (she takes some laps). She is still not feeling 100% secure on her feet so she doesn't like to go out front to walk. Which I am glad in case she falls - that would start a whole new set of problems. I am glad she knows her lmits, but at the same time is trying everyday to stretch those limits!
After taking mom out I had some last minute preparations for my MOM's group pokeno party. My MOMs group hasn't been able to get together for a long time and we decided to just amke it happen this month. Since my house was free AND CLEAN I decided to host. Typically, we get together for Bunco, but I wanted to play Pokeno. I sent out the invites and the theme of the Pokeno night was "Be There or Be SQAURE" so everyone was supposed to bring something square as a prize. I didn't get pictures of all the great gifts, but we had a really neat picture frame, a beautiful square serving dish, a Josh Grobin CD, a square jar with some square chocolates inside and a box of wine! So great! I won a round and won this little "beauty"! (NOT) I will be regifting this to TJ! :-)

Some photos of the DIVAS MOM's group.

Kelly and Harmony~
Harmoney & Monica (who was such a trooper...she had just flown in from London the night before and was very jet lagged!) Thanks Monica for coming!
Regina and her friend Lynette~

Brenda, Karen, Monica, and me~
My "something square" food presentation. Tried to find something sqaure for all the food to go on.

Day 7 & 8

Day 7 - Tuesday - Not much to report. Pretty much a normal day (except no kids to taxi around, be a maid for, or a referee to their fights). I took mom out shopping briefly then we had lunch and she went home to nap while I went to work. I worked the rest of the day until atleast 9:00 trying to get caught up. Crazy I know, but I am behind...thus the whole reason why I asked my boyz to take a trip without me so I could catch up! Feeling better about that. A little bit closer to feeling like I have a handle on my work load.

Day 8 - Wednesday - I went to work over at the Urgent Care. I knew I needed to get up early and get over to the Urgent Care becuase my last remaining free days are LIMITED! So I rolled out of bed at 7:45. Not bad, but not what I was hoping for. I had to leave the Urgent Care by 1:15 so I could get back to Mesa for a very important appointment...get my gray colored!!!!! :-) Anyways, you all will be happy to know I made it and now I don't look like a zebra anymore! YAY!! Then after my hair I had yet another important appointment! A MASSAGE! Matthew's school had a silent auction back in April and TJ "won/bought" me a massage that comes to your home! How luxurious!!!! It was pretty cool!

After my massage, Amy came over and we went to Phoenix to join the staff at Arcadia Urgent Care to say "so long for now" to EJ. We shared a couple of drinks and then Amy and I raced to the airport to try and surprise Steph, Ben & Morgan at the airport coming home from Japan. They had a long travel day so I knew they would be tired, but thought we could give them a ride home. Turns out Delta out sourced their flight to Alaska Airlines so we missed them! They got a taxi and home they went! Such a bummer, but it's the thought that counts, right???? No big deal, am just glad they are home and if I am lucky, I will be able to go and see Eclipse with Steph and Morgan tomorrow! OOOOHHH This just gets better and better! :-)

Until later....

Day 3-6

Days 3-5 I really can't excite anyone about my "Me Time". It was boring to most and LUXURIOUS to me. I practically did NOTHING. I slept in until around 8 (or later some days). I went shopping with my friend, Monica, Friday night. We went to Scottsdale Fashion Square. That was a fun time. I used to work at that mall and besides some of the stores changing, the mall really hadn't changed throughout the years. It still is a place to walk around after a nice dinner or a "meat market" for the single crowd. It is quite the place to people watch. Ranks up there with the airport.

Saturday, my high point was brunch with my mom at IHOP. Fun huh! Was for me because I could eat breakfast foods all day if I could and was for my mom as she is feeling better and wanted to get out of the house for a bit. Then we went back to her house and I noticed her water heater was leaking so we worked on getting that fixed. She had an expensive day on Saturday!

4th of July was another day that I stayed inside the majority of the day. Cleaned the refrigerator and did some laundry. See I told you...boring! But on the bright side I have a clean fridge and clean clothes! Ha ha

It was an eventful day for Luke as he had his 1st ER visit. He hit his head while in Ohio and ended up with staples. I was really bummed that I wasn't there with him for this momentous occasion, but everything ended up alright in the end. TJ did a bang up job! (can you believe they handled everything without mom? Crazy that they can manage without me, right?)

Here is a picture taken of Luke's head after the staples.

After the ER visit, Luke took a little nap and then they were off to a 4th of July carnival. Again, proof that Dad did a terrific job! Know I now he can do these things so no excuses, right?

Today, I went to work for a few hours and then after a brief hello to my mom I decided to go and see a movie. I wasn't in the mood to sit at home. I actually thought about seeing Eclipse again (I know I am obsessed) but, am hoping that I will be able to see it with Steph and Morgan when they come home from Japan. I went and saw Knight and Day with Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz. It was terrific. Just what I needed. I laughed a ton! They were great together in the movie. Very entertaining! Two thumbs up!

Now I am off to bed! I am actually setting my alarm for the morning because I am taking some friends to the airport so they can go get out of the heat. They are going to visit family in Alaska! I think they will actually be COLD. They say it is in the 50's and 60's during the day which is like our winters!

Having a nice time, but missing my boyz! It is very quiet....and CLEAN in my house! I am getting a little weirded out about that. I haven't had to yell at anyone in many days so either that will make me more patient when they return or I will have saved 9 days worth and BLOW! I am a little nervous to find out...poor boys. They have no idea what they are in store upon their return! :-)

Until later...

Day 2

I woke up at 6:05 am and rolled right over and fell back asleep. Woke up at 7:25 am. YAY! That was terrific! I had to FORCE myself out of bed to get in the shower to get ready to start the day! I just wanted to lay in bed and watch movies ALL DAY. I did end up going to work.

After work I went to get my well overdue pedi! You know that you need one when your heels start getting snagged on the couch. Poor technician had to pull out the sandblaster. Ha Ha Really not that bad, but Feeling a little patriotic so got a little design on my toes.

Stopped by Mom's house after my toes. She was doing well. Stopped by the pet store to try and get some fish food that I wouldn't have to touch. I told the boys I would feed the fish, but the smell of the food makes me want to gag so I was hoping I could find some that I didn't have to touch. I was surprised that there were as many types of fish food to choose from as chocolate.

Anyways, a mostly uneventful day.

Until later...

"Me Time" - Day 1

I feel a little like Doogie Howser, but I thought I would journal my time while my "boyz" are gone. It was a nice relaxing day. Didn't seem any different; just like if they were our fishing or something. I did enjoy the quiet time. I watched a couple shows that I had DVR'd. I did find myself RUSHING through some of them as I was afraid they would come home in the middle of the show or something and I wouldn't be able to finish it! Guess what!? That didn't happen! Ha Ha

As I was getting ready to go out on my date with Edward, I cranked up my ipod and sang to all of my GLEE songs that TJ really doesn't care for. I wasn't too bad, I guess, but I am not auditioning anytime soon! :-) Even though I would be the best Gleek EVER!!!

Went to see Eclipse with my sister Amy and my friend Brenda. It was AWESOME!!!!
Scott went to Jared (aka: Burger King drive-thru) and bought Amy and I these Edward rings! Aren't they just one-of-a-kind? Anyways, super sweet of him! I will treasure it forever...until my heart stops beating!!!! (you'll understand that one if you have read the books or seen the movie!)

As I was dropping Amy off at home after the movie, it hit me! I didn't have anyone at home to tuck into bed (because they are rarely asleep early when TJ has them) nor anyone to check on before I went to bed. I was a little sad! But, then I got over it and thought...I am not setting my alarm tomorrow morning! I wonder what time I will wake up! I am sure it will be odd in the morning when I get up and won't have to rush around getting little ones dressed and out the door.

Not a bad 1st day!

Until later!

This Lenten Season

Matthew is in RE (Religious Education) and has a fantastic teacher! He comes home from class and wants to know what "sacrifice" we are going to give up for Lent this year. Last year, I did nothing and Matthew gave up his favorite, chocolate milk. This year, well...thought it was time to actually give something up. Matthew has given up ice cream (really not that big of a deal for him. It's not like he had it everyday), but who am I to tell him what he should "sacrifice". TJ, well his lenten journey is to give up over indulgence. He is a very extreme person. His explanation is long and thought out so I won't even go into the details on that one. If you would like to discuss with him his "sacrifice" e-mail him at tj@udallcaseycpa.com . What did I give up? The most extroidinary sacrifice one could give up, well next to giving up one's life for us, Diet Coke/Diet Dr. Pepper! Yes, this is true. I did it and I am going on 5 days clean. Hi! My name is Jennifer and I am Diet Coke/Diet Dr. Pepper Addict!!!! Haven't really had any problems until today! Thought if I shared my heroic venture it would make me feel better, but I must say...I WANT A DIET DR PEPPER!!!!! :-)

I'm Back in the saddle again!

I am gearing up for another busy tax season. Need to start posting again so I can keep up with everyone. Trying to get some pictures uploaded tonight from our trip to Disneyland, Christmas, & Matt's 8th birthday party.

But for now here are some of the Chistmas card picture rejects. What? You didn't get our Christmas card? That's odd? I will take that up with the post office! :-)


This just makes me smile...or laugh hysterically!

It just seemed weird to have our Christmas picture in a sleigh when it was 80 degrees outside.
This is just one of the many funny pictures in my "2009 Memories"...
I made Pluto get down next to Luke because we paid for his dinner and the little S _ _ _...I mean scoot (as my Mom calls him) fell asleep at the very beginning of dinner! I want to show him this when he is older! :-)


This was last Easter. The boys had the flu. They had gotten a movie from their Grandma Casey for Christmas and I can rarely get them to sit still. They didn't move. In fact shortly after this picture they fell asleep. Bummer of an Easter for us! :-(

This was taken in Florida on our summer vacation to Disney World. I will look at this picture and remember what it felt like that week when it hits 115 degrees here in AZ. I LOVE the Dry Heat!

Squirrel...

One of the few family pictures we have. LOVE Luke's shirt! Isn't it funny!

Showing off our Cardinal pride!!! (And my LOVE for Kurt Warner!!!!!) For some weird reason TJ wanted that stuffed reindeer in the photo. Things that make you go hummmm?

And my #1 reject....

Need I say more? I guess it doesn't look so bad when I preview, but TJ's eyes look like they are going to pop out. It probably isn't that funny to everyone since you can't see it close up. It reminded me of his "military picture." I wish I had a copy of that to share so you all could laugh with me.

Our Day Off!!????

Sundays are our only day off these days. The last month or so TJ has been taking Matthew to some spring training games. The Cleveland Indians (one of TJ's favorites) started playing spring training here in AZ...not usually a good time for a CPA to go watch games. However, he wanted to spend his day off going to see the Indians play. I couldn't say no. He even took Luke to a game one Sunday. He has asked me to go before, but I have passed because this is the day that I get my laundry caught up (well kind of-it truly never is done), clean house (at least pick up) go grocery shopping (I have my MOMMY helping me with this...she has been cooking me dinners once in a while. I have her pick up the boys then I come home from work and she feeds us. Then I (try) and help her clean her kitchen). Anyhoo, I decided that I should do the "good wifely" thing and compromise ONCE so I said I would go today since they were playing the Cubs here in Mesa. Soon after I agreed to go (and he bought tickets) I realized I needed to have a den meeting for March and this Sunday was the only free day. So we went to the game-left at the end of the 6th inning and then came home to have a den meeting. We are preparing for the boys to participate in a cub mobile race. So everyone got to have a turn at riding the cub mobile. Luke was patient for a while then started to get a little ticked when he wasn't getting a chance ( I have 10 Tiger cubs in my den). Finally he had his chance and he was happy again. He is such a drama "queen"!!!! I don't know where he gets that! I just pout - so must be TJ! :-)

TJ and Matt go super early to try and get autographs. Today he got Johnny Peralta's autograph.

The Sports nuts!LOOK! A picture with me and my 2 boyz! This might be a collectors picture! These are very rare!

How cute is this??? This is Matt's hat. He won't wear his own hat, but he will wear Matt's. I think he does it because he knows it bugs Matt. Do you really think that he thinks like that at 2?

How do you like Matt's pit crew?

After dinner Luke and I got in the jacuzzi! It was so relaxing! (but still need that massage!)

So we had a GREAT day off - had some beautiful weather and now I am getting ready for bed to start the work week again! But, only 16 days left (and counting!)

October Bunko @ Amy's

Every month my MOMS group gets together for Bunko. This month Amy MADE us dress up for Halloween. We always have such fun anyways, but we had a ball tonight. Amy really knows how to throw an awesome party! Check these pictures out!

Who knew she had these sexy legs??? Aunt Amy???

The Naughty Vampire & the Spa Girl (this might be my NEW profile...what do you think? Boy scout Den Mom or Spa Girl???)

The rabbit jumping out of the magicians hat! She is soooo clever!

A Waist of Time...nice one Susan! And the one who guessed it was Sisi! Way to go!

The Kitty Litter cake...yes it's edible!

Look at my awesome cake...not my cleavage!

No one was really sure they were going to be able to eat it....but have no fear in the end everyone had at least a taste!

Here are the Daffodil Divas!

It was a great night Amy...I hope we got out of there early enough for you & Scott! :-)

Mike's visit

"Big Jet" and all of us!

My cousin, Mike Robert, flies a jet for Pella Windows. He called yesterday and said he would be in town today for 3 hours and wanted to meet for lunch. Matthew, Luke and I hopped in the car and drove over to watch his plane land (even though his co-pilot actually landed) it was SUPER COOL to watch. I got to hear him talking to the tower while we were in the lobby waiting for him to land. Matthew said to me as we were walking up to the lobby "Mom you are so lucky to have a cousin who flies jets" and then he said "and I am cool too because I get to meet him!" He was so excited...so was I actaully. Amy, Garrett and Connor made it to the airport just after he landed, but Mike brought us over to his jet and we got to go in to see how the cool people fly! It was incredible! The bathroom toilet lid was covered with the same leather that is on the seats! How cool is that?

We then jumped in the car and went for lunch. We decided to go to this restaurant over at Desert Ridge that one of our clients owns. I had only been there once...about a year ago...well I didn't remember exactly where at Desert Ridge it was. I was driving around looking for it knowing Mike, who was in Amy's car, was probably FREAKING out...and he was! I finally found it and atleast they got to see what cool stores are over at Desert Ridge for the next time they fly in and need to buy their wives a gift or something! :-) See I am always thinking! Thanks Mike for the visit and the tour!

Matt playing his DS while we were waiting...he was pretending he was catching the ball...he was playing Madden 2009

Mike taking Matthew and Garrett out to "Big jet!"

"Big Jet" that is what I decided to call his jet...for those who watch Little Einstein's...

The Bathroom...