Can you tell from this picture she is just like her Momma? !!!

She's a ROCKSTAR!

Ok, the link works now!

Our new bedtime routine.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8xwX7iHjRA

This is wrong on so many levels, but I laughed.

So I posted it.

I received my first ever blog award!! How exciting is that??!!! So...here's the deal: I got this awesome award thanks to GlamRBaby and I have to list 6 interesting facts about myself....SO HERE GOES!!



Six (not so interesting) facts about me:

1. I MUST have a Dt Dr Pepper first thing in the morning or else my entire day starts off bad. On the same note, I do not like talking to anyone first thing in the morning, not until I have swallowed my first gulp of DDP. And the best DDP is from Sonic!

2. I am OBSESSED with Coach purses. I have now started making my family carry Coach bags just so I can feed my addiction.

3. I am a Golf PRO. On the Wii that is.(QUIT JUDGING ME!!!)

4. My all time favorite body wash is actually not a body wash, but VO5 shampoo! I love the way it smells, so fresh and clean, and I get people asking me ALL THE TIME what I am wearing. The best part is VO5 is only $.88 a bottle at WalMart. Very cost effective!

5. I love going to the movies all by myself. I love going to the first showing of the day (in the middle of the week), when no one else is there. I am the only one in the theatre, treating myself to a bag of popcorn and of course the DDP I snuck in! That is the best way for me to get ME time.

6. I get daily updates via text messages on Amazon.com deals of the day. I get LOTS of great savings on all kinds of things there! You should check it out.

Now I nominate 6 people for the award:

1. Jenn

2.Photography by Dixie

3.Jeanette

4.Christy

5.Audrey Woulard Photography Blog

6.Cool Mom Picks

Another Quote of the Day from the lovely Photography by Dixie's Blog:

"So many people walk around with a meaningless life. They seem half-asleep, even when they're busy doing things they think are important. This is because they're chasing the wrong things. The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning.”

-Morrie Schwartz (To know who this wonderful man Morrie is, go here http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3863455317235235085

The book Tuesdays with Morrie is probably my favorite book so far. I LOVE it. If you haven't read it, READ IT!!!

Look, my kid is WAYYYY to cute to have a bad haircut.

I'm thinking I need to sue the JCPenney salon in Vista Ridge because every time I take her there she gets butchered.

No, I don't normally go there, but yesterday was one of those "hurry up and get your hair cut" moments. We were at the mall, I couldn't see Ava's eyes for her bangs, and I was in a rush. And we were already next to the salon because we just HAD TO HAVE a potty break when Momma is rushed.

(I know you can picture me rushing around yelling at my kid because she has to go the bathroom. I'm horrible sometimes.)

Ava's favorite Christmas ornaments.

Typical baby's first Christmas ornament.



You thought I was joking about Chewbacca didn't you? Look at how she looks at this hideous thing. SHE LOVES IT.



Last year's ornament pick.

This year her pick was the Star Wars spaceship, but dammit, I put my foot down. I demanded that she get the new Barbie 2008 with the beautiful silver dress. I KNOW my husband instructed her to get the spaceship. I KNOW HE DID. But joke's on him...

Now Ava will always remember HallMark as the place Momma lost her mind and threw a fit over an ornament.

Making memories is what it's all about right?? :)

Ava loves that Katie.

Laura and I met up on Sunday so the girls could hang out. We went to this place in Flower Mound called Life's a Beach and can I tell you it SUCKED. But whatever, the kids had fun and Laura took Ava home with her for the afternoon so I could trek over to Arlington to see Stacy and Jeremy at the hospital. Anyways, here are some shots of two shy little girls that together make so much noise an Areosmith concert sounds peaceful.

Thanksgiving

We spent Thanksgiving at my sister's house. I was skeptical that she and Doug could pull off an entire dinner for 14 people, but they did an amazing job. I was impressed. The turkey was perfect.



As with any Thanksgiving, you plan to eat at a certain time, and for whatever reason you end up eating an hour and a half later than planned. Ava had no problem filling her time playing Mario Kart on the Wii.



After eating we decided to take a little walk around the neighborhood. Sometimes Ava gets really tired of having a camara in her face. So she runs...






I chase her til I get a good one!!!

Afterwards, one last picture with Grandma and Grandpa Berend. Try to tell me this kid isn't rotten.

Put a fork in me, I am done.

Yes, it's true. My last day in HELL was Black Friday. I left and never looked back. To be honest, I didn't say goodbye to anyone. I wasn't ready to say my goodbyes. It has taken me the last 4 days to (somewhat) come out of this state of depression I have been in over this whole tragic state of affairs. I know that sounds stupid, but whatever, judge me how you want.

I must return to clear my office and turn in my keys, but I will do that on Thursday. That is when I will finally say all of my goodbyes.

The new job starts Dec 8.

So to my peers: I apologize and understand why you are mad that I left and didn't call your stores to tell you Friday was my last day. I intended to call most of you this Thursday. All of my employees knew I would be in this week to finalize everything. I'm sorry they told you I was gone and I should have been a better friend/coworker. We all have the weight of the world on our shoulders right now, and I did not want any one person to think I was rubbing my opportunity in their face. I never meant to disregard any relationships I had built over the last 6 years.

We will all land on our feet.

I believe that.

GlamRbaby is giving away a Christmas bow on her blogsite. Go there and follow the instructions on the post entitled Christmas Spirit to enter. The website is http://www.glamrbaby.blogspot.com/

Here is the bow she is giving away.


I don't know why I entered the contest because Ava has this bow already. Hers is a little fuller than this one, but basically the same. Maybe if I win I will pass the bow to another cute Glamrbaby!

I get most of Ava's bows through Noelle because they are so cute and VERY well made.

Support GlamRbaby and tell Noelle I sent you!

Here is the product overview of the Kindle that I copied and pasted from Amazon.com. I am kinda tired explaining exactly what the kindle is....so here you go.



Product Overview

Revolutionary electronic-paper display provides a sharp, high-resolution screen that looks and reads like real paper.
Simple to use: no computer, no cables, no syncing.
Wireless connectivity enables you to shop the Kindle Store directly from your Kindle—whether you’re in the back of a taxi, at the airport, or in bed.
Buy a book and it is auto-delivered wirelessly in less than one minute.
More than 190,000 books available, including more than 105 of 112 current New York Times® Best Sellers.
New York Times® Best Sellers and New Releases $9.99, unless marked otherwise.
Free book samples. Download and read first chapters for free before you decide to buy.
Top U.S. newspapers including The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Washington Post; top magazines including TIME, Atlantic Monthly, and Forbes—all auto-delivered wirelessly.
Top international newspapers from France, Germany, and Ireland; Le Monde, Frankfurter Allgemeine, and The Irish Times—all auto-delivered wirelessly.
More than 1000 top blogs from the worlds of business, technology, sports, entertainment, and politics, including BoingBoing, Slashdot, TechCrunch, ESPN's Bill Simmons, The Onion, Michelle Malkin, and The Huffington Post—all updated wirelessly throughout the day.
Lighter and thinner than a typical paperback; weighs only 10.3 ounces.
Holds over 200 titles.
Long battery life. Leave wireless on and recharge approximately every other day. Turn wireless off and read for a week or more before recharging. Fully recharges in 2 hours.
Unlike WiFi, Kindle utilizes the same high-speed data network (EVDO) as advanced cell phones—so you never have to locate a hotspot.
No monthly wireless bills, service plans, or commitments—we take care of the wireless delivery so you can simply click, buy, and read.
Includes free wireless access to the planet's most exhaustive and up-to-date encyclopedia—Wikipedia.org.
Email your Word documents and pictures (.JPG, .GIF, .BMP, .PNG) to Kindle for easy on-the-go viewing.
Included in the box: Kindle wireless reader, Book cover, Power adapter, USB 2.0 cable

ABC’s of Thanksgiving.

Here is a list of things I am thankful for this year.

A - Ant killer. Yes, I am thankful for ant killer. (oh yeah--and Ava.)
B - Becky--the best sister and aunt in the world.
C - Coach Purses!!
D - Diet Dr. Pepper - Because without that I would be a serious "B" in the mornings. And afternoons.
E - my employees. The most loyal group I have ever had.
F - Family - I am thankful they put up with me.
G - Grandma--The one woman I wish I could be more like.
H - Hippo. That little pink stuffed animal purchased at a Grand Canyon gift shop was the best purchase my parents ever made.
I - internet--Without the internet I would never talk to my friends--old and new.
J - John. Goes without saying.
K - my KitchenAid mixer.
L - Laura--she forces me to be thankful and she doesnt even know it.
M - Mom and Dad -if we can be half the parents they are, I am doing good.
N - Norman, as in Susan Norman...my best friend.
O - Opportunity - The opportunity to start a new job next week.
P - Primrose- The best school ever.
Q - Quick Trip--best gas prices in town.
R - Rock Paper Scissors--the way we solve disputes at our house.
S - Sonic--like you didn't expect that.
T - toll tag--keeps me out of traffic and keeps you from being the subject of my road rage.
U - Upbringing--because after the things I have seen the last few weeks, I realize my parents raised me well.
V - Vacation - I LOVE traveling with my husband. And I can afford to do so.
W - Wii--brings my competitiveness to a whole new level.
X - I am thankful I have not had any xrays this year.
Y - year-end--2008 SUCKED.
Z - Zoo - Fun times with Ava!

Tuesdays Quote

In any moment of decision... the best thing you can do is the RIGHT thing, the next best thing is the WRONG thing, and the Worst thing you can do is NOTHING.
-Theodore Roosevelt

A gift to myself.

After all of this nonsense I deserve to feed my guilty pleasure. And since I have been offered a job I am going to be sporting a new Coach purse from the Zoe collection.




I'll wait until after Christmas to see if I need to buy myself the previously blogged about Kindle.

Another day, a day closer to leaving...

So today I had the priveledge (HAHA) of breaking up a punch fest between 2 grown women fighting over a duvet. One started by pushing the other, the other punched in the shoulder, I told them both to get a life and get the hell out of my store. I told them if either touched the other on the way out or in the parking lot I would detain them (like I could do that) and press charges. I don't know if they left so willingly because they knew I was serious, or because I was yelling at them like an evil stepmother, or because they could see I was at my wit's end and I was just over it.

Funny thing is, if the dumb women would have looked at the bottom shelf they would have found more of the same duvet they were fighting over.

Then later I had another grown woman KICK ME IN THE SHIN because she didn't have a receipt to prove proof of purchase. When she kicked me I just laughed...because SERIOUSLY...REALLY...I told her my 4 year old doesn't kick and scream like that when she doesn't get her way. Another guest had words with the kicker and that made the kicker angry and she left.

Just another day in hell.

Yesterday

Don't you just love those new moms with fresh pink little babies who think they know EVERYTHING about how to raise a newborn? You know...that 20 something mom with all the newest, trendiest gadgets..all supposed to be the best for this little baby. The one who INSISTS to any warm body that is listening that diposable diapers are evil and cloth diapers are going to keep the ice caps from melting..(just joking..she didnt say that.) The new mom who insists that the latest blogger on her blog roll has more advice to give than her own mom and grandmother.

Meet my latest idiot "guest" yesterday. She had a newborn (3 days young) out in the 45 degree cold winds. This little baby was super cute all dressed in pink and brown, with a GIGANTIC pink bow the size of my head attached to her head, curled up all nice in her carseat. The mom of this cute little thing was one of those cute little things herself, in her designer jeans that were no bigger than a size 4 and her Louis Vutton purse the size of a volkswagon beattle. You know..the ones we all love to hate but secretly envy... She wore this really beautiful white coat as well, really nice...

Anyways, the mother and grandmother of the new mom were pushing the cart through hell (LNT as you know it) as the new mom was barking orders about how to push the cart with baby Maddie sitting inside. The cart was one of those annoying carts with a wheel that does its own thing, so I told the new mom I would go get another cart for her. This 20 something splinter of a girl thanked me and called me HONEY when I gave her the new cart. (Insert an UGHHH... and also a eye roll..)

Before I tell you any more, let me tell you that I was 5 days away from turning 30 years old when I had Ava. I was around little kids and babies my entire life. I practically raised Becky when she was a baby because I wouldn't put her down. So my mom says. But when I brought my own child home, I was hopeless. My mom stayed with me the first week Ava was home and my mom has been on call since then. So..I am NOT saying I am God's gift to mothers. No way...maybe my mom is...but not me...

Anyways, this new mom is having a very heated conversation with her maternal family members about what type of towel is best suited for little Maddie. Does Maddie need Egyptian cotton yarn with longer loops for silky rich texture, or the pure hand picked cotton that has extra long generous terry loops for faster drying? Or should we go with the celebrity towel that is made with Pima cotton? OH...such deliberation on towels... I was asked for my opinion...I spoke to the maternal grandparents when I answered. I told them the Rachel Ray towels were IMO overpriced and the colors were appauling... my preference is the Genesis...but if we are buying new towels for a newborn...just go with this everyday oxford ultra that is soft and absorbant and will withstand tough wear. I told them that I bought Ava oxford towels to use in her bathroom and I have all different kinds of towels in my bathroom. The new mom was insulted that I thought she would buy her precious Maddie cheap towels. She dismissed me. ("You're dismissed." is actually what she said.) I told her to buy whatever she wanted for the baby. It didnt make me any difference.

But before I walked away, I had to tell this new mom who knew everything that old moms and new moms like myself might question where her head is when she is fighting over towels, but has her 3 day old child out in 45 degree cold and wind with no socks, no shoes, no hat, NO BLANKET, BUT in a super cute sleeveless princess onsie with a pink and brown tutu. YES...that is what precious Maddie was wearing yesterday. Mom has on a beautiful white coat...Maddie has purple feet and a purple head that is clashing with her GIGANTIC pink bow.

(I wore a sweater at work all day because it is so cold in the building.)

Normally I would not say anything to a guest like this...but when you talk to me like a dog I bark back with harsh words.

If you are wondering what towels she bought, she got some white promotional towels that are crap. (Sorry, ALL SALES FINAL!) She got the white because she didn't want any dyes to irritate Maddie. BUT..she also bought a cinderella mutli colored dye infested towel wrap that has a "PRECIOUS!!!" princess crown on the head. Makes no sense.

The mom of the new mom actually thanked me on her way out for what I said. She said her daughter (the 20 something) threw a tantrum in the car on the way over because she did not want a blanket on Maddie that would possibly squash the tutu. She said my comments embarrassed her daughter...which was a blessing...because the older mom knew if she said anything to her daughter she wouldnt get the chance to see her granddaughter for a few months.

It's just another day in hell.

A good quote that I like to read regularly.

“Watch your thoughts, for they become Words.

Watch your Words, for they become Actions.

Watch your Actions, for they become Habits.

Watch your Habits, for they become Character.

Watch your Character, for it becomes your Destiny.”

I'm doing this for FREE!! From Oprah.com

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Nana: Ava, what do you want for Christmas?

Ava: Roller Skates

Nana: What else?

Ava: That's all. I don't need anything else.

Later, I asked Ava what she wanted for Christmas. She told me her Nana already asked and she said roller skates. I asked, what else do you want?

Ava: Momma, let's think about it. THINK Momma.

Me: What?

Ava: Ain't I rotten enough?

This is true!

"Every morning you are handed 24 golden hours. They are one of the few things in this world that you get free of charge. If you had all the money in the world, you couldn't buy an extra hour. What will you do with this priceless treasure? Remember, you must use it, as it is given only once. Once wasted you cannot get it back."

So you guys from Windthorst will understand this. No one else will.




We signed Ava up this year for religion class at Immaculate Conception. I didn't think there would be much adjustment for her to attend this weekly Sunday class, considering she goes to school Monday through Friday. Can I just tell you taking her to religion class is a beating? She HATES going. She tells me she does not like the teachers, she does not like the kids...I have to bribe her with donuts every Sunday just to get her to walk into the classroom. Last Sunday she cried the entire time, 75 MINUTES..I don't blame her teachers for cringing every time they see us. They probably think Ava is the worst child born, and I am the worst mother to give birth.

When I grew up religion class was part of our daily routine in elementarty and junior high school. We had religion class Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 730-8am. I wish I could give Ava such a privelege. The only way to make that possible is to enroll her in the Immaculate Conception private school. Tuition is not that expensive, probably no more than any other Catholic private school in the metroplex--and quite frankly, the tuition per semester would be cheaper than what we pay for Primrose per semester. The problem is Immaculate Conception is not convienant. The trip is probably 20 miles out of my way every morning (at least) which calculates into about 45 minutes of traffic. And then another 20 miles out of the way in the afternoon...which could be an hour plus extra in traffic.

So, which is more important? Convience?? Or introducing my child to the Catholic faith? The answer is quite clear. Unfortunately my lack of patience on the interstate and my unwillingness to give up precious free time is clouding my judgements.

I have to find a way to make Ava enjoy Sunday school AND participate. Some have suggested teaching the class myself, but I can tell you that that is simply not a solution at this time. Others have suggested I move back to Windthorst for Ava's sake. Again, I can assure you, that will not happen.

So, I must ask myself: How important is it TO ME to make sure Ava has the best religious education? The answer: I have to send her to private school. There is no other way.

The next question is this: How will I possibly maintain self control on the interstate for an extra hour and a half each day? I can barely maintain self control now...

Pray for me..and Ava...but mostly me.

Cutest Cat in the Neighborhood!

I've decided!!

The day I get the job offer, I am ordering a Kindle.



This little peace of electronic heaven has been calling my name for about a year now. I have actually had dreams about seeing the UPS man drive up to my house to deliver it. SERIOUSLY, I have! I haven't ordered it because I was kind of afraid my husband would think I was a dork.

Last week Oprah did a show about the kindle being her favorite new gadget. Not that I needed Oprah's opinion, but her excitement got me excited all over again. When I told John I wanted it, he was suprised. He said he thought about getting it for me for my birthday a few months back, but he thought I would think HE was a dork for getting it.

So, its settled. I'm getting a Kindle!!!

A day at the fair.

She REALLY wanted her face painted. She wasn't so sure after I paid the money...



Ok, she's ok with her cat face!!



Notice the little blond boy checking out my kid. When the ride was over he RUSHED over to Ava's car and unbuckled her seatbelt. He helped her out of the car and pointed to the exit. The mom of the little boy was a little embarrassed, but I told her she had quite the gentleman!!



Her response to attention from BOYS!!!

A creative approach to redistribution of wealth.

(This was in my inbox today and I felt the urge to pass along...)


Today on my way to lunch I passed a homeless guy with a sign that read "Vote Obama, I need the money." I laughed.

Once in the restaurant my server had on a "Obama 08" tie, again I laughed as he had given away his political preference--just imagine the coincidence.

When the bill came I decided not to tip the server and explained to him that I was exploring the Obama redistribution of wealth concept. He stood there in disbelief while I told him that I was going to redistribute his tip to someone who I deemed more in need--the homeless guy outside. The server angrily stormed from my sight.

I went outside, gave the homeless guy $10 and told him to thank the server inside as I've decided he could use the money more. The homeless guy was grateful.

At the end of my rather unscientific redistribution experiment I realized the homeless guy was grateful for the money he did not earn, but the waiter was pretty angry that I gave away the money he did earn even though the actual recipient appeared to need money more.

I guess redistribution of wealth is an easier thing to swallow in concept than in practical application.

Nana and Peeps Peeps

Your presence is requested to come to our house and play Cowboys and Ghosts (??) with the kid.

Peeps Peeps is supposed to bring along a pink princess gun (??) to protect Ava from the COWBOYS.

She is not worried about the ghosts, only the COWBOYS.

This may have something to do with the childish actions her father displayed during the last NFL game in which a certain Dallas team got, well, you know....

The kid!

Ava told me today she wants to move to a new house with a new family that only eats bread and jelly for dinner.

A few things.

Just some things.
Here's a few things that have irritated me over the last couple of months.

1. I really think it is RUDE when I leave a message (not in the comment section, but a personal message) to someone, in the form of either asking a question or complimenting on an event in their life, and my message goes without a response. I mean really..I have a pretty hectic life, as we ALL do, but when I take the time to directly acknowledge you, common courtesy is to do the same. A couple of people on my "friends" list continue to live the high and mighty life they did years ago. Get a grip. I hope you aren't teaching your children to have the same hateful attitudes.

2. I hate that I some of my "friends" are notorious for not returning phone calls. I return phone calls within 24 hours. You know I do. A couple of "friends" had to be deleted from my phone this weekend because I was REALLY hurt over the lack of interest shown towards my own personal life issues that they know about. They know because I left them messages telling them about what was going on. AND, of course, they never returned the calls. But, I promise, when they read this they will call. I won't answer.

3. I hate that certain businesses do not recognize my loyalty to their "brand". They will no doubt question my actions (and theirs) when they realize I have left them.

Here are a few things that have simply AMAZED me over the last couple of weeks.

1. Long time vendor friends, past employers, and customers of my current store location and other store locations I have officed from have called offering incredible support, job connections and a few have even sent words of wisdom in the form of letters and cards to my home.

2. My wonderful liquidator who is working with me to close the store called me this morning to tell me that I have one of the best store teams she has seen in her 17 years of liquidating. You see, I was on vacation for the last 12 days and today was my first encounter with the liquidator. She said that my team worked so well with me gone...and that was an incredible reflection on me as their manager. She said she couldn't wait to meet me...that was pretty incredible. I don't deserve those kind words, but I will take them.

My image was no doubt tarnished when I told her I had marked out a wine refrigerator at her expense and had wine chilling in the office to get me through the afternoon!!!

I was joking...

3. Ava has a little friend at school who was put in a different class this past August. I dropped Ava off at school one day last week and when I left I noticed that this little girl was crying hysterically..I was like ohhh so sad....Miss Kendra had to take the little girl from her mom so the mom could leave. When we got outside of the classroom the mom told me that her child was crying because they saw Ava and I walking to her classroom and Hannah called out to Ava but we didn't hear, and Hannah misses Ava so much. The mom was practically in tears, which of course had me crying too, and she was saying Hannah comes home every day saying she misses playing with Ava. Now I make sure Ava tells Hannah hi in the morning and bye in the afternoon. This makes me SO PROUD of Ava.

Melissa, if you read this, you should put Hannah in Ava's class. But don't put Ava in Hannah's class.... :)

Our Destin Vacation

We made the trip to Destin, Florida last week for Kevin and Traci's wedding. This little peace of paradise is freaking incredible!! If you have never been I would definately recommend going. We played on the beach all four days. The Gulf water was cold, tolerable for about 15 minutes at a time, but that doesn't stop an anxious 4 year old!! We (actually Ava) built fun sand castles while I easdropped on conversations about the presidental campaign, the bail out, the oil crisis, some "stupid" conferance this man was attending at the resort(stupid was his word), and I had quite a time sitting back and people watching--which happens to be my FAVORITE hobby. The BEST place to people watch is on the beach!!! The hotel resort we stayed in had nice heated pools. Ava learned to swim in this nice heated pool. I would have more pics to publish but most of my family chose to stay in the room and watch the TX/OU madness and various other sports programs. SOOOO...Ava and I enjoyed the beach by ourselves minus the camara.




Site of the wedding






Perfect sunset



Ava loves that Katie



Happy cousins



Katie to Ava: Your daddy is watching us with a camara.

People have asked

Many people have asked why I don't blog on here more. Actually I blog quite a bit, just not here. I blog ALOT on myspace. I post ALOT more pics of Ava and our family on myspace. The reason is this: I can control who sees my myspace page. This little google analysis thing I have on my blogger page reveals some crazy stuff... so I don't know who all is looking on here. If you want to keep up more with the kid..and me and John, get a myspace. You can set your profile to private so only your friends see your page. You can even set certain blogs to private so only the friends you want reading specific blogs can read it.

I like myspace much better than facebook also. I rarely even get on facebook.

See ya at myspace if you want. You might be suprised at everyone you find on this crazy site!!

http://www.myspace.com/berende

You wonder what I have been up to?

Well, I'm officially on the job hunt. I found out on October 7th, 4:59pm, that I would be losing my job. Corporate blames poor sales and the economy. The 20,000 employees (who survived the first 120+ store closings) that will be losing their jobs blame Mr. Leon Black and Mr. Bob DiNicola for mismanagement of corporate funds, lack of skill and know-how on running a multi billion dollar company and maintain its profit margins...

I would say more but, frankly, I am tired.

BUT, do me a favor. If you plan to shop a LNT in the next 11 weeks left of their existance, have a little compassion for the employees who are losing their jobs during such a poor economy, not to mention right before the holiday season. The liquidation sale that starts on Saturday is only starting at 10% off the entire store. Most of the inventory will be sold before it hits even 40% off.

I will have little tolerance for guests that come into my building looking to haggle over prices or try to return items bought ALL SALES FINAL. My team and I have worked way to hard, missed way to many family funtions preparing/executing the daily taskloads, preparing for corporate visits...to deal with such behavior. I have had to deal with miscommunications from corporate about this situation for the past year... I am now going to protect the employees who have been so extremely loyal to me. It's unfortunate I have to protect my associates from my guests.

I am lucky. I have a husband that can support our family on his salary. I have many, many friends in this company who will no doubt be hurting over this tragic state of affairs.

I will say this: I have never in my life had the priviledge to work for and with such great people. From the VP's, Regional Staff, DM's, my own peers, and then my own personal staff... I can't say enough great things about my staff. Eden, Jennifer, Melody: you ladies are part of the best team I have ever had the priveledge to manage. I will do everything I can to make sure you find great jobs. I have already started reaching out to my connections to get you placed.



Linens 'N Things to begin liquidation this week

By MAE ANDERSON
AP Business Writer

NEW YORK (AP) -- Specialty retailer Linens 'n Things, which filed for bankruptcy protection in May, plans to begin liquidation sales at its stores as early as Thursday after failing to find a buyer that wanted to operate the company.

"It's a straight going-out-of business liquidation sale," said James Schaye, president and chief executive of Hudson Capital Partners, one of the members of the investment group buying the company's assets. He expects the process for the company's approximately 371 remaining store locations will take about 11 weeks.

Last week, the Linens Holding Co., the parent of Clifton, N.J.-based Linens 'N Things, said it would put itself up for a sale in an auction on Tuesday.

The company agreed to a preliminary "stalking horse" bid from a joint venture between Gordon Brothers Retail Partners LLC, Great American Group LLC, Hilco Merchant Resources LLC, Hudson Capital Partners LLC, SB Capital Group LLC and Tiger Capital Group LLC for about $475 million for its assets.

A stalking-horse bid is an initial offer on a bankrupt company's assets from an interested buyer chosen by the company. Linens 'N Things planned an auction including the initial bid along with others for its assets on Tuesday, but since it received no other qualified bids, it canceled the auction, according to documents filed late Monday with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware.

After facing weak sales and a slumping home furnishings market, Linens 'N Things, based in Clifton, N.J., filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in May. In August, the company said it reached a plan of reorganization with the bankruptcy court. However, it later decided to auction its assets as conditions in the financial markets worsened.

Things I can control.

I can control most things. Things like what Ava eats, drinks, watches on tv. I control who she interacts with, what books she reads, when she goes to bed.

Last night I realized she controls one thing: her body. And let me tell you, she CONTROLS it!

Last night I noticed her shaking her leg, which if you know me at all, drives me INSANE. (This hatred for all leg shakers started with my mom...she shakes her legs all day every day. I can feel her shaking her leg now..and she is an hour and a half away. UGHHHHHHH. And then I married a leg shaker. The house is shaking. KILL ME NOW!!!)

Ava wouldn't stop shaking her legs. Then I noticed the "dance." I told her to go to the bathroom. She refused. So I literally DRAGGED her to the bathroom, and MADE her sit on the toilet. So far, I'm still in control. She is on the toilet, but refusing to go. I can tell she needs to go, so "GO!!!" (This is me starting to lose control of my temper, which I tend to do with leg/body shakers.) "JUST GO ALREADY."

Then the mood changes. Something is terribly wrong. She has the most terrified look in her eyes. Not a look of fear of me, because I have lost control of my temper. She, unfortunately, is used to my own personal lack of self control. (That's not a proud blogging moment right there.) She is terrified of peeing. She starts crying uncontrollably, begging to get off the toilet. I ask what is wrong. She won't tell me. She calls for her daddy. Daddy comes in the bathroom too.

I'm totally lost. What's the problem? I'm losing all control...

John tells her to use the bathroom. Screaming ensues. A few hours later, after an emergency call to the pediatrician, a couple of baths, a TON OF BRIBES, and finally a rush to go to the emergency room, she pees.

Long story short, I believe she has a urinary tract infection. 48 hours will tell. The doctor thinks it is because of bubble baths. I think it is because I let her have soda. She is now enjoying the distastefullness that is cranberry juice.

I am also enjoying the distastefullness that is cranberry juice. Mine is on ice with a splash of vodka. This is how I regain control.

(No, I am not an alcoholic. I very rarely drink. So quit judging me.)

Random blog.

Growing up my parents had a hidious avacodo green electric can opener. This can opener was so incredibly ugly that I was embarrassed to have anyone see it. Whenever our babysitter (or anyone for that matter) came over, I would hide the thing in the back of the cabinet. This can opener lasted until I was a senior in high school. So, we had this can opener for at least 17 years. When that can opener finally died my dad bought one of those crappy metal manual can openers. I think they still use it.

My grandma has a white electric can opener that has that fake wood panel on it, made by Black and Decker. She still uses that same can opener from when I was probably 5 years old.

When I was registering for my wedding, I wanted to register for an electric can opener, but John didn't want one. Didn't matter anyway, because on the night of my wedding one of my great aunts walked up to me and INFORMED me that I didn't register for an electric can opener and she got one for me. I was so excited.

That can opener lasted me about a year. Since then I have gone through 4 more electric can openers. I threw the latest victim away last night. (So, 5 can openers in 9.5 years of marriage.) I am preparing to buy another can opener tomorrow. This time I am bypassing the Black and Decker/Hamilton Beach brands and going for the Cuisenart for the stupid price of $49.99. At least I get a discount.

This is KARMA. If only I hadn't despised that avacodo green can opener. If only I had proudly showcased the thing on the counter for all to see.

I would give anything for an old avacodo green can opener that would last me 17 years.

Sarah Palin

Wow!

I don't even have the words to describe how excited I am to have her run with McCain. Move over Hilary, there is a new woman about to make history!

First day of PreK.

First day of school and she acted like she was on the catwalk! What a rotten kid!

Water Buffalo and Lions with Crocs

I am so sad.

I feel an incredible saddness over what has happened in Scotland. I did not know the woman who had her life taken, but I have on overwhelming sense of grief for her and her family. I do not want to begin to imagine how her family feels, but I do pray they feel the love I send to them. I have grieved all weekend for this woman. I don't think I have ever grieved so intensely for someone with whom I had no relations with. I pray that her family, with the help of friends and surrounding communities, can push past this devestating tragedy and live a blessed life.

A few months ago I was in Windthorst for a benefit. I remember getting out of the car with my husband and this van slowly drove by watching us. That man kind of gave me the creeps. Usually I can recognize the people who are driving past and watching us. Having people stare at us is something I have become accustomed to when I go home. I think everyone in Windthorst knows when a strange vehicle is in town. It might be that we are the only vehicle in the parking lot that does not have a Windthorst/Trojan/Trojanette decal. Anyways, I could tell that this van/man did not belong at the benefit. I told John to go back to the car and get my purse and camara because I didn't feel safe leaving them in the car unattended. (Usually I leave my purse in the car in Windthorst, at church, at my parents, whatever. That day in March was the first time I ever felt creepy on the beloved church hill. John noticed the van parked by the grotto when he went outside to get my stuff. He came back in and I told my dad I had a weird feeling. My dad went outside and looked for the van but it was gone. I dont know what he would have done had he found the van, but he went out looking for it. Maybe it was coincedense, but I think that man was out and about to search cars.

Point of my story, I guess the bubble of protection in the Windthorst/Scotland area has been burst. I've been gone from the area a long time, but I know how strong the sense of community is there still. I hope we all do our part and take care of this family who has been dealt such a devestating blow.

I'm not going to open the bag of politics, but I also hope this man is tried in Archer County. I hope the judicial system learns that any person who has to be registered as a sex offender does not have the right to be walking our streets and hurting innocent lives.

God Bless Mindy Daffern.

Keaton Issaic Berend

He was born July 28th and he is a very healthy little boy. Kenslie is so great with him. We are so thankful!!

Ava's Birthday Party

Ava started planning her Backyardigans party almost a year ago. She knew she wanted a Backyardigans theme and she really wanted the party in HER back yard. I was nervous about her plans for two reasons. First, there were not any Backyardigans party supplies available until about 2 months ago. The first time I saw the supplies at Party City I scooped up all I could find for fear of never finding them again. I knew I was going to have a dilema with finding a Backyardigans cake as well, but Sams got the template for the cake design 2 weeks ago. So, the way I see it, GOD really wanted Ava to have this Backyardigans party as well. The second reason I was nervous about the party is because I am NOT the hostess type. I HATE having parties where I have to be the planner.

We themed the party a Backyard Splash Bash and rented 2 large waterslides for the event. We also set up a kiddie pool for the little kids who may not like the water slides. We had our 2 gazebos up for shade and tables and chairs rented to make people more comfortable. In the house we layed down our painting tarps on the carpet as protection because we KNEW people would have to use the bathroom. That was John's idea and thank GOD he thought of it, or my carpet would be trashed.
















Ava and her friends had tons of fun on the slides. They played and played. Then they ate and played more. A lot of the parents had a hard time getting their child off the slides when it was time to go.











After all the kids left we opened presents. Ava made out pretty well. I tried to put most of the toys away for a later date but that did not go over well. As soon as I got in the shower Ava had Becky take down some toys. Her favorite toy from the party I think is the barbie car or the Little People airplane. The least favorite is the barbie storage container I told Becky to buy.











I'm not really sure what Ava and Grandma are looking at, but it sure is a funny picture!!


I think the party was a success. When I counted there were 24 kids (not counting the newborn of course!!) and about 29 adults. Good times!