Picasso in training....

Need I say more??? YES it is yogurt that she is fond of in these pictures for painting.....Oh ROLO!!!


CHOCOLATE FACT: By the end of the War when the doughboys arrived home, the American chocolate business was assured. Why? Because the returning doughboys had grown fond of chocolate candy and now as civilians wanted more of the same.

QUOTE: I never met a chocolate I didn't like.

Encouragement

You thought you were happily smiling at your child
from a hard stadium seat or a hot packed auditorium......
But your child looked at your face and saw approval of him
and joy in what he was doing.

You thought that you were just patting him
on the back or on the head, or just ruffling his hair.....
But your child cherished the warm loving touch
and his heart was brightened.

You thought you were reading a bedtime story
with all the funny and scary voices......
But your child enjoyed the fact you read every word
even though he had heard them a hundred times before.

You thought you were letting your child help paint the house
even though the paint got kind of runny and drippy in places......
But your child knew that you were working together
as a family and felt a sense of accomplishment as a family.

You thought you were singing silly songs
or counting the cows on a long boring trip......
But your child learned that it was fun
being together no matter where you were.

You thought you were spending a few minutes of your time
by throwing a ball in the back yard or baking some cookies......
But your child, who realized that your time is precious,
knew you were investing it in him.

You thought that you asked your child's opinion
about something that wasn't too important......
But your child thought you asked
because his opinions and thoughts were important.

You thought you were being a good host
by inviting your child's friends in for a cool snack
on a warm summer day......
But your child knew that his friends were important to you
and always welcome in your home.

You thought the tears in your eyes went unnoticed
when your child accomplished an important goal in his life......
But your child knew that he was deeply imbedded
in your heart and you sensed his accomplishment.

You thought that the refrigerator was as good of a place
as any for hanging all the art work and "well done"
papers that came home from school......
But your child felt important when he came home
from school each day with something to show you
and tack up in his personal hall of fame.

You thought you gave your child some simple chore
or job to do and told him, "Well done," with a smile when he did it......
But your child learned responsibility
and began to realize he could tackle even tougher things.

You thought you were helping a troubled restless child
get some sleep by fixing a cup of hot cocoa......
But your child felt that you were opening your heart around
a kitchen table and making all the problems a lot smaller.

You thought the vacation wasn't much of a success
because the fish didn't bite and the sun didn't shine......
But your child still remembers everything
that happened and he still laughs at all of the funny parts.

You thought you were just giving him a quick hug
at a special moment or "just because"......
But your child carried it with him for a long time,
because what you really said was,
"I'm proud of you!", or "I love you!"

You thought you were just giving him a little kiss
on the cheek to tell him good bye as he left for school......
But your child felt warm and loved
because he knew there would be another one
waiting for him when he got home.

It's Friday....

Passion to have fun
Eager to live
Outrageously different
Pieces of the world
Long living
Everyone's different


CHOCOLATE FACT: In France, chocolate was met with skepticism and was considered a "barbarous product and noxious drug". The French court was doubtful and accepted it only after the Paris faculty of medicine gave its approval. A French queen finally saved the day. In 1615, Anne of Austria, wife of Louis XIII declared chocolate as the drink of the French court.


QUOTE: Researchers have discovered that chocolate produced some of the same reactions in the brain as marijuana. The researchers also discovered other similarities between the two, but can't remember what they are. Matt Lauer on NBC's Today Show, August 22

Mmmm... Chocolate!!!

Here I sit, eating chocolate chips.
To quit eating chocolate, I need more than tips.
There are so many kinds of chocolate, it's hard to choose.
No matter which one you pick, you just can't lose.

There is milk chocolate, sweet chocolate, and semi-sweet.
I really like dark chocolate! It's such a treat!!!
There is also mint chocolate & white chocolate -- I'm not through!
There is cereal, cake, cookies, candy, pudding, pie & ice cream too.

Chocolate tastes so rich, and sweet, and sometimes smooth.
It can help make you feel better, or help your heartache sooth.
There are many chocolate drinks. Have some, just for fun --
cappuccino, chocolate milk, mocha & cocoa -- try more than one!

Is chocolate as good as a hug, or a pat on the back?
What if I'm out of chocolate, when I have my next attack??!!
I could just imagine that I'm eating chocolate, I suppose.
If I eat lots of chocolate all day long, would I overdose?

Where would I go... what would I ever do... without chocolate?
Nothing can compare. Not even one word rhymes with chocolate!
Do I take it for granted that I can always get more?
I could eat chocolate candies, by the score!

Is chocolate something to fear -- is it really a curse?
Is it something to be avoided, or is it much worse?
Or... is chocolate the eighth wonder? Is it a total delight?
Something you savor for so long? Or love with all your might?

CHOCOLATE FACT: It was World War I that really brought attention to the chocolate candies.

QUOTE: Chocolate is good for three things. Two of 'em cannot be mentioned on public television.

Hi.....

Today is a new day.......
The clock just chimed at 9am....kids are eating breakfast, of course seeing who could be the messiest.....I have a squirrel, a chipmunk, a rabbit, 2 geese, 4 ducks, and hundreds of birds eating on my deck....we have the nature channel in our back yard....the chipmunk, the smallest of them all, is chasing all the other animals away from the BIG pile of seeds on the lawn. and he won.

It's a beautiful day outside, a little on the chilly side, but who's complaining, the sun is shining, the kids are happy, the cat is crazy....who could ask for anything more....

Hey did you know that Britney Spears is pregnant again. Her other child is only 7 months old....man is she ever in a hurry to grow up. From the day she started in the industry she was in a hurry....There's one person my children will NEVER look up too. Sad that these stars know that kids look up to them, just like sports stars, and yet they do what they do. And the worst thing is, THEY GET AWAY WITH IT!!! I mean seriously, how many chances should Robert Downey Jr. Get...If that was anyone of us, we would rot in prison. BUT NOT HIM....I just don't agree with politics in the entertainment industry.

Anyhow, I hope everyone has a great day! Were going to play outside today. Since yesterday it was raining and FREEZING....My poor tulips =-( there confused!

CHOCOLATE FACT: U.S. chocolate manufacturers use about 3.5 million pounds of whole milk every day to make chocolate.

QUOTE: See the chocolate...tasted the chocolate......BE THE CHOCOLATE......!!!

CHOCOLATE.....Give me CHOCOLATE....

So I don't have as much energy as yesterday, but I'm awake. The wind woke me up last night, heard my house creaking...Thought someone was in here....But it was the wind....Or my fat cat *S*

Took a shower this morning...I know I know, write it on the calendar...(you all will have a better day since I told you that!!) Then I did the silliest thing....Went OUTSIDE and fed the birds....Now why is that silly....Well I will tell you....I walked outside in the wind/rain/ 40 degree weather WITH WET HAIR....Man it was cold...But I did not complain, cause it was my own stupidity....Felt like I had ice coming from my hair when I walked back in......Sure was cold...(am I complaining now hehe)

So I'm sitting here, talking to Buddy, helping him drink "REAL" Orange juice as Sweat Pea says....I have "real" juice and "fake" juice....Just like "real" chips and "fake" chips....But I tell you, when any of these kids smile...I know why I do what I do.

So I was thinking that I might have to get an "out of the house" job. You know, get up, dress up, make up, drive up, kinda thing. Go back to the "office" life. I sat and thought and thought and thought about it, even applied at some places. BUT then I see the kids, and I play with them, and they tell me "I wuv you k" nope, not going back to the office life. I love what I do. I love being with these kids, and it will be a SAD day when they go off to school. In hopes I still have contact with them as they grow up *S* But the office thing flew out the window and was carried with the wind. I don't and will not go back. I love providing a "comfotable" place for these kids to feel like home away from home. I know how hard it is for a parent to be away from their kids. And I want them to know that there taken care of, that I take care of them like my own kids. I take pictures and send them to the parents, so they (in hopes) don't feel to guilty about having to leave the kids. It's hard. That's why I don't say "Its my way, or you can't come here" I have been to places that do different things, and when Krackel would come home, she would always say "well that's how we do it there or here" well not here.....Working with the parents to keep the same routine as home, and to discipline, or teach the same things as home. I remember for a while when Krackel would go to a babysitter, it started to get about the "money" (always well this month we have to increase the rate) seemed the older she got, the more it got raised, which was weird, since she was becoming more self sufficient. Then when Rolo was born, we took her to the same place as Krackel. BIG MISTAKE. This babysitter would leave her either in the crib upstairs, or in her car seat. And till this day, Rolo HATES her carseat, and would NEVER sleep in a crib. I tell you, these kids are small, but they do remember. Sometimes I think, that even though they can't talk, they are ALOT smarter then us adults. So my conclusion is that I will be in this line of business until the next ice age (altho sometimes in Chicago land it feels like an ice age) I love this work, and can think of nothing better or more rewarding that what I am doing now......

I hope everyone has a GREAT day! It's hard typing right now cause Buddy is on my lap helping me type....He's talking to my pictures *wink* looooooooooooooove it!!!

ttfn

CHOCOLATE FACT: The Northwest Fudge Factory in Ontario, Canada, created a slab of fudge that weighed 2,002 lbs, making it the record-holding largest slab of fudge. The chocolate-and-vanilla-swirl fudge measured 166 ft. long, 9 in. wide and 3 in. high. The fudge took a total of 86 hours to prepare and 13 individuals to pour it into shape.

QUOTE: Exercise is a dirty word... Every time I hear it, I wash my mouth out with chocolate.

And it's monday.....

Woke up early today....Rolo asked for some water at 4am....so I got the water, and couldn't go back to sleep. So finally at 515am I got out of bed. Cleaned up the living room, did the swifter on the carpet, ate a yogurt, and drank a coke hehehehe......I finally got enough energy to make it over to curves by 6am and exercised for about 35 minutes, came home and felt great!!

Kit-Kat's birthday was this past weekend. She got a new bike and FINALLY knows how to peddle the darn thing by herself....LOVE IT! We went to Colonial Cafe for her birthday dinner, and had a GREAT time. She really enjoyed herself this past weekend. Krackel and I went to WalMart to spend her birthday gift card from great grandma Wonka. She got a new outfit and a jacket ($3) was awsome.....

Great Wonka is doing WONDERFUL from the surgery. She's up and walking again. She had a hip replacement surgery. Momma Wonka is doing good. She's still in California, though she's trying to get sick. I think it's just the smog, but smog will do that to you when your used to clean air for many years *S*

Well I hope everyone has a great day!!

CHOCOLATE FACT: The largest chocolate bar ever manufactured weighed 5,026 lbs. and was exhibited by Elah-Dufour United Food Companies at Eurochocolate in Turin, Italy in March 2000.

QUOTE: This guy found a bottle on the ocean, and he opened it and out popped a genie, and he gave him three wishes. The guy wished for a million dollars, and poof! there was a million dollars. Then he wished for a convertible, and poof! there was a convertible. And then, he wished he could be irresistible to all women... poof! he turned into a box of chocolates.

100 UNSEXY men of all times......(Times)

001. Gilbert Gottfried
002. Randy Johnson
003. Roger Ebert
004. Dr. Phil McGraw
005. Alan Colmes
006. Chad Kroeger
007. Mike Mills
008. Osama Bin Laden
009. Jay Leno
010. Don Imus
011. Michael Jackson
012. Wallace Shawn
013. Mike D. of the Beastie Boys
014. Richard Simmons
015. Jon Lovitz
016. Carrot Top
017. Jerry Seinfeld
018. Malcolm Gladwell
019. Chevy Chase
020. Raffi
021. Ron Howard
022. Clint Howard
023. Bill Gates
024. Paul Shaffer
025. Axl Rose
026. Tim Burton
027. Edward James Olmos
028. Gerard Way
029. Don Zimmer
030. Tony Kornheiser
031. Chris Kattan
032. Otis Nixon
033. Julian Tavarez
034. Christopher Lloyd
035. Willie McGee
036. Pat Cummings
037. Scottie Pippen
038. Larry David
039. Michael Moore
040. Al Franken
041. Paris Latsis
042. Rush Limbaugh
043. David Gest
044. Gary Busey
045. Nick Nolte
046. Leif Garrett
047. Andy Dick
048. Scott Stapp
049. Lyle Lovett
050. Ric Ocasek
051. Bill Wyman
052. Danny DeVito
053. Peter Jackson
054. Drew Carey
055. Newt Gingrich
056. Rob Schneider
057. Ed O'Neil
058. Bill O'Reilly
059. Clay Aiken
060. Joe Lieberman
061. Jim Gaffigan
062. Bill Maher
063. John Popper
064. Dennis Miller
065. John Madden
066. Robert Englund
067. Robert Patrick
068. John Ashcroft
069. Joe Gannascolli
070. Kevin James
071. George Steinbrenner
072. Grady Little
073. Harvey Pekar
074. DJ Qualls
075. Joey Buttafuoco
076. Garry Shandling
077. Meat Loaf Aday
078. Joe Walsh
079. Tom from Myspace
080. Art Garfunkel
081. Brian Posehn
082. Howie Mandel
083. Barry Bonds
084. Dick Vitale
085. Richie "La Bamba" Rosenberg
086. Jeff Van Gundy
087. Jimmy Johnson
088. John Clayton
089. Don Vito
090. Lemmy Kilmister
091. Jose Canseco
092. Bill Parcells
093. Ric Flair
094. Ralph Nader
095. Dennis Kacinich
096. Horatio Sanz
097. Dom DeLuise
098. Emeril Lagasse
099. Kevin Federline
100. Brad Pitt