Me at 38

I always do age posts about the kids I thought since today is my birthday I'd do one for me!

*I love to cook but hate to make the menu and lists of what to buy. Lately it hasn't been too much of a problem as I am only shopping the store sale fliers and coupons thus we eat what is on sale. We have saved a ton of money in groceries by doing this.

*I love reality shows. American Idol, Biggest Loser, Top Chef, and {I hate to admit} Rock of Love with Brett Michaels are my favorites at the moment. I can't wait for Celebrity Apprentice to begin next week!

*Brad Paisley became a lot hotter when he had kids and I love his music but I'm really digging Gary Allen a lot and he's not to bad to look at either. I do not find Brett Michaels attractive in any way and I think I just watch that show to figure out why all those women want to be his girlfriend. I do not see the enticement of it all.

*Donuts are my crack and Diet Mountain Dew is my alcohol. I decide almost everyday that I am not going to eat donuts anymore. But if I know where they are in a store and I always do. You'll find me there staring at them and I'll buy one and eat it in the store or the van. I don't like to share with the kids.

*I haven't been to the Y since December. We are going back next week.

*I have been in a funk the last few weeks. I think it's cabin fever in addition to the fact that Ethan doesn't take naps there's not much time left for "me" lately. . . that's the way it goes.

*Being a mom is hard, sometimes harder than others. I love it though even the hard times.

*I hate winter . . . I don't remember feeling this strongly about it in the past but it's really on my nerves. Cold, cabin fever, boots, coats, mittens, hats, scarves, snowpants, buckling car seats over all that while freezing my rear end off times 4 -- Uggghhh!

*I haven't been scrapbooking for several weeks and every night I intend to do it and look forward to it but never have the energy. I think I have been sleeping way too much. I do best if I only sleep about 5-6 hours a night lately I've been going to bed at 10 and getting up at 7. That's way too much and makes me feel so sluggish all day long.

*I have been working on being less annoyed with people this year. It's working . . . why get all stirred up about people who I have no control over and aren't going to change anyway?

*I really hate answering the phone so I don't that's what my answering machine is for.

*Flavored Hershey Kisses are another one of my vices -- the Orange Creme ones I just bought today are really good, so are the the NY cheese cake and the raspberry creme and the cherry cordial . . . I need bigger jeans because of them.

*I know my husband spoils me. He does all the dishes, cleans up the supper table every night, bathes the kids, stays home with all the kids (even overnight) any time I ask, and the last two Sundays he's done all the laundry (and there's a lot of laundry here). My neighbor Neal told Aaron to keep me away from his wife so she doesn't get any ideas.

*Aaron bought me these rain boots. I love them and plan on wearing them all the time and you will see me out there splashing in the puddles with the kids -- come on spring!

*I really am considering a tattoo but I have 2 problems what to get and where to put it. I can't think of anything I would love to be on my body forever (except a flat tummy). Like right now I really like owls but do I want an owl on me in 10 years or twenty years . . . and where does one put an owl. When I was in 6th grade I loved Garfield. I hate Garfield now. What if I had gotten a Garfield tattoo when I was 12? Hmmmm . . . No place seems good to put one either . . . I don't want it showing all the time like people who get them on their face and necks but if it's covered all the time what's the point . . . maybe this is the sign I shouldn't get a tattoo.

*I love reading blogs and writing on mine. I am real on mine. I don't move stuff out of the shot before I take a photo, I don't apologize for my mess or lack of decorating. What you see is what you get and lately that's how I handle visitors too. I don't stress or clean up before someone comes -- this is my life and how I live and if you come over here, you get to experience it first hand.

*No matter how much complaining or how tired I am, I would have to say that this is the happiest time of my life. The path I have traveled to get where I am has been rough at times but this is exactly what I wanted and I wouldn't change one thing about my life (except that flat stomach thing).

Happy Birthday to me!