Man's Best, Clean Friend

Baths are my favorite thing. They are my escape. The water bill proves it. I usually have one tub that I use and nobody else does because I don't like sitting in other's scum. So, this is what I found in my recently cleaned bathtub; a man and his large dirty dog. I had to do a double take because I was in disbelief that John would go to such great lengths to have a sweet smelling, furry friend. So, I did what every shocked wife would do. I grabbed my camera. I think I have shamed John into never doing this again. It's one thing to scrub people scum off of a bathtub; it's entirely another to deal with doggy scum.

Halloween

Here are some Halloween pictures from this year. The night was fun but quick. Both Christian and Coy were fighting colds/the flu. John and I just took them to church for the annual trunk or treat. Then, we went down to The District for a while. All the stores were giving out candy, and there was music and activities for the kids. Christian was some kind of military guy (we're not sure which branch). Coy was Peter Pan, and Corinne was Ariel (The Little Mermaid). They had a great time despite the fact that they felt yucky.

Psalm 23

This is sweet...

9th Anniversary Cruise

John and I celebrated our 9th wedding anniversary on October 27th. We went on our very first cruise and had the best vacation we've ever had. It was a four day cruise that went to Catalina Island and Ensenada, Mexico. Okay, so not the most glamorous of destinations, but we loved it, and the price was right. We spent four days relaxing, sleeping in, eating lots of great food, and being waited on hand and foot. The cruise offered so many fun things to entertain us. We sang way too much karaoke, played bingo, and went to some great comedy shows. We spent the days laying by the pool looking out over the ocean and enjoying what little bit the destinations had to offer. We rented a golf cart in Catalina and had so much fun driving all around the island. Lots of good memories made on that excursion. We even got pulled over by a golf cart cop. We weren't wearing our seat belts. How could we be so careless with all of the golf cart related fatalities? In Ensenada, we walked all around downtown while being very aware that I was in a foreign country where blonds are few and far between; I've seen Taken way too many times. We did the whole shopping thing where you get to haggle over the price of a fake Gucci purse. It was the best anniversary ever, and I'm so happy we were able to get away. I know it was a huge undertaking for my mom to watch all three of the kids for four days. We are very grateful for her and her patience. She even had to deal with all of the school Halloween parties, but she never missed a beat. My mom had them all in costume with treats in hand for every activity. So, thanks mom for allowing us to have a wonderful time alone as a couple. Now we have cruise fever. We can't wait to go again. Hmmm???? Where to go, where to go? Oh, by the way, I want to say that I have the most incredible husband ever who, for some reason, loves me endlessly. I'm so happy I've been able to spend the last decade of my life with this boy who makes me smile and laugh everyday.

Some October Pictures

Corinne loves preschool.

Lovin' on her brother

Showing off some artwork

Christian at his flag football game

They're the purple team...tough luck

Corinne and her friend, Marley, being cheerleaders

Their only cheer consists of "Goooooo, Boys!!!"

A little bit of a new do; I can't get used to the hair on my forehead.

Thought I'd try some bangs

Mary Kay

I've always been one of those people who can't stand when other people that are my friends or family try to sell me things. I feel bullied, put on the spot, and a bit awkward. Lets face it, even if the products they are trying to sell are good, who has the time to try them out? It seems that we would all rather cut out the middleman when we purchase anything. I have always been a "do it myself" kind of gal.

Okay, here comes the irony. I am now selling Mary Kay. Yep, I have a title and everything...Independent Beauty Consultant. Sounds kind of glamorous, huh? Why am I doing this, you may ask. Well, I have been using Mary Kay products for about the last year, and come to find out, I love it; the make-up, the skin care (gotta take care of the wrinkles before I have them), and all the other girly things they sell. Of course, they have stuff for guys too, and my husband is now a devout user of a men's daily anti-wrinkle moisturizer with a SPF of 25. He likes the Satin Hands too because it smells pretty like peaches and makes his hands so soft, but you didn't hear that from me.

Now, do you want to hear the really ironic part? I'm probably the last person that should be in sales of any kind. I'm not pushy, I hate putting anybody in uncomfortable situations, and I am more likely to give all of my products away before I actually sell any. So, I'm approaching this new endeavor with a very cavalier attitude. I'm doing this for fun with the possible potential to make a little income on the side. I've gained quite a few, fun friendships with some of the gals I've met through Mary Kay, and it is an outlet for me at this time in my life. It's also just fun to get to have my own website and the ability to take credit cards as payment; I'm right up there with the big boys.

Alrighty, you knew it was coming, so here it is. The pitch... I would love for you, my few but close-to-me readers, to enjoy what I have through Mary Kay. Let's face it, department store cosmetics can be ridiculously priced, and some store brands just don't cut it. So, isn't it superfuntastic that there is an alternative? Why yes, yes it is. We have stuff for guys, stuff for teens, and of course, a smorgasbord of womanly whatnots. My favorites are all the little Christmas gift ideas and sets. Mary Kay, in general, is just an incredible opportunity for many Americans to be self-employed and sell a quality product that is made and distributed in the U.S.

So, if you are at all interested in just checking out what Mary Kay has to offer, visit my website. This is basically an online catalog where you can get a virtual make-over, browse through the products, and make a purchase. I will then ship it to you free of charge or deliver it to you, personally. See, you don't even have to talk to or look at me. Let me just say, that I would be thrilled if you fell in love with the products and wanted to buy them, but in reality, it won't bother me a smidgen if you don't. If you have any questions about any of the products or would like for me to give you a free facial in order to sample products, just contact me. You can also host a little facial/pampering party with at least a couple of friends, and you can receive up to 75% off of some great products. See, it's a good excuse to have a girl's night. To the men, you could get some great Christmas stocking stuffers for that pretty lady of yours. Just check out the site, or I can mail you a catalog.

Shameless plug...complete.
P.S. You get a free Satin Hands Gift Set with a $40 purchase...okay, I swear I'm done now.

courtneyromo@marykay.com
www.marykay.com/courtneyromo

September Pictures

September is already over; I can't believe it. Am I really seeing Christmas decorations already? Well, I don't know about everyone else, but my life seems to be flying by. September was fun for us. The kids were cured of their boredom after school started, and now I'm already getting, "do I have to go today?"

John and I were able to switch Coy into another kindergarten class that I am very happy with. Still, there are a lot of students, but at least now, I have confidence in his teacher and her experience. He's also in a normal kindergarten classroom now with the little sinks and little potties. His other room was somewhere in the back of the building because they ran out of room. Because I went to private school from 1st-8th grade, I can see the vast difference between public and private school. It is only getting worse here in Vegas. Too many students per classroom, teachers who don't give a rat's patoot (did I spell "puh-toot" correctly?), and curriculum that is catering to the lower half of students. I do have many friends who are teachers, and I know some care very much, but in my opinion, my generation is one of slackers. We are the teachers now, and it's nothing like the way I saw my mom teach for 30 years. It's my goal to have my kids in private school in the next several years, but if that never comes to pass, then hopefully we will have moved to another part of the country where the school district is better.

Christian is on a flag football team this fall. It's a lot of fun to watch him because he seems to constantly get distracted by something or someone. Once the ball is in play, he starts out a couple seconds behind. He's so fast, though, that he still gets to the ball before the other kids. That's not to say he knows quite what to do once he gets the ball. I'll put up some pictures once I remember my camera at a practice or a game.

My birthday was last week, and it was wonderful. John spoiled me and had everything decorated when I woke up. There was princess stuff everywhere along with balloons and banners and lots of fake money because I told him all I wanted for my birthday was a million dollars. I had two cakes thanks to my mom sending me one in the mail. John also got me a cake batter ice cream cake from Cold Stone. I don't know whether I love him or hate him for that one. I received lots of sweet presents, and John took me to Texas de Brazil where the glutton in me had a heyday. All you can eat meat of every kind and lots of salad, potatoes, and fried bananas. You never leave that place feeling really happy with yourself. You kind of say, "Hmmm....Why did I just do that?" But while you're doing it, it's oh so good.

The next night, John took me to see Britney Spears at Mandalay Bay. He had bought these tickets in July and of course, he can't keep a secret. She actually put on a really good concert; not at all as trashy as I thought she would be :-) My favorite part was when the drunk girls sitting next to us somehow got their nacho cheese sauce from a pretzel on my jeans...good times. They informed me they did all their drinking before they left the house because it was so much cheaper. If only we could all be that smart! I'll put up all the b-day pictures soon.

I love you all, friends and fam.

First Day of School

Today was finally the first day of school for Christian and Coy. They are in a 12 month school, and the track they are in had their first day today. Corinne started preschool a couple weeks ago. Everybody had great first days. I'm happy about everything expect Coy's situation. That's for another post. Let's just say it makes me very sad that I can't put the kids in private school.
Here are some pictures...

She was a little scared at first.

Getting better...

Now, she's great!

The cool 3rd grader

Kindergarten, finally!!

It's been a while

Wow! A month has flown by, and I haven't posted anything. It's been kind of nice actually. Sometimes it feels like making a post is like doing homework that is overdue...that's dumb. So, all that has been going on this last month are trips. We've been traveling fools.

We took a two week family vacation that was so nice and relaxing. It was great just getting out of the heat. It started with a couple days in Yuba City visiting my sister, brother-in-law, and five of my nieces and nephews. Yep, there's a 5th one now. I got to cuddle my sweet new niece, Gracelynn; she may just be the best baby ever. That's extremely good for my sister, Bethany, who is now dealing with 5 kids under the age of 7. You're a better woman than I, sis.

Next, we drove even farther north to my dad's house around Eureka, CA. I love being there. I feel better, and I can actually breath; it must be the 65 degree weather and all the moisture in the air. We spent a couple days camping with my mom and dad around Crescent City and the Smith river, which was beautiful. Our campsite was surrounded by redwoods, and a couple of them right around had fallen long ago, so they made some fun balance beams for the kids. Anyone who knows me would be proud of the camper I was. I got dirty, I let the kids get dirty, I didn't bath for two days, and I slept in a tent even though I knew some crazy mountain man was going to get me at any moment while I slept. Let's be honest, I really didn't sleep. Even the Excedrin PM couldn't help me on this one.

While camping, we had fun on the river with the raft my dad bought, and the boys tried to do some fishing, but I don't think there were too many fishies in that water. Apollo, the animal, loved all the nature he was taking in. I've never seen a Boxer too keen on water, but we couldn't keep him out of the river or the ocean. The boys did a good job setting up and tearing everything down. I did help put together some canopy thing. I was very proud of myself. Even though the kids had a great time camping, I'm still a hotel with a bathtub and make-up wearing kind of girl.

While at my dad's, we played at the beach; very chilly but beautiful. John and I also went trap shooting with my dad. It was my first time, and it was a lot of fun. My shoulder killed the next day. Then, John and I were able to spend the night in San Francisco while my parents watched the kids. It was actually a little trip to get our air conditioning fixed where we got taken for $170, but we won't talk about that. We were able to have a couple nice meals and do some San Fran sightseeing.

Returning to the heat of Vegas was hard. I would love to live in Northern Cal if it wasn't so expensive. Well, now we've just been getting back to business and getting the kids ready to start school. It was a fun trip.