put my &*#^% pants on!

I swear the cabinets have been a true test of my faith. I took about 6 different bids to make sure I was getting what I wanted in my Kitchen. We finally decided that _________ would be the best one to go with. My only problem (before Friday) was this guy says "ya know what I mean" after EVERYTHING! Gets kinda annoying, but I could deal. THEN, on Thursday while I am in Heber, stressing about the house, I call him to make sure we are good for delivery on Friday - and the story begins.

THURSDAY:
man: Oh, I'm sorry Margaret, the paint needs to dry a little more before we put the knobs on, "ya know what I mean"
me: you mean the second coat? (my kitchen cabinets are white)
man: yes. I want them to be perfectly dry, "ya know what I mean"
me: we'll, I'm not very happy, but I can understand
man: we will try to have them out Friday night. If not - First thing Monday morning, "ya know what I mean"

FRIDAY:
me: Hello man, are we going to be able to get cabinets delivered today
man: uh, I don't think so, that paint is hard to dry "ya know what I mean"
me: so first thing Monday?
man: yes, we get them loaded tonight and have them ready for Monday, "ya know what I mean"
me: we'll, I'm not very happy, but I can understand

MONDAY:
1st phone call-
me: good morning - what time should I expect you today?
man: we need to let that paint dry, "ya know what I mean"
me: I thought that was Friday?
man: well, that was the first coat, "ya know what I mean"
me: (BIG SIGH) so, what are you thinking your timeline is then?
man: first thing tomorrow!

2nd phone call-
me: What time tomorrow?
man: can you unlock the house at 6am?
me: that will be fine

3rd phone call-
me: I just can to CONFIRM that we will have cabinets tomorrow. We are supposed to be moving in this weekend, and I can't have counter TOPS, until I have COUNTERS!
man: were just putting on the knobs, and then we will load them up for tomorrow....."ya know what I mean"
me: Is this a guarantee? I need to make a time with counter top man
man: yes, Margaret.
(do we think the man is getting annoyed?)

TUESDAY:
6am - Unlocked house
8am - NO CABINET MAN YET!
8:10 - phone call to cabinet man
me: Good morning - I hate to be that pain in the ass customer, but you are staring to be the pain in the ass cabinet man! Where are my cabinets, and why did I unlock the house at 6am if you aren't there yet?
man: We had to load them this morning, "ya know what I mean"
me: you mean the loading that was being done at 3pm yesterday when I was talking to you? You do understand that counter tops take 1 week, and I don't have a week? I would very much so appreciate your honesty, not smoke up my ass!
man: (getting grumpy) I am sorry, and they should be at your house any minute
me: Well, I sure hope so... It is Tuesday, "YA KNOW WHAT I MEAN!!"

so...at 8:30 on my way to work I stopped at the house...and....cabinets are in my house. Not installed, but at my house - with two very "cheerful" installers starting to install cabinets!

pictures to follow... :)

Still 29...

My mothers birthday would have been this Wednesday, and since I will be at a Managers Retreat...and it's on my mind, I will write my thoughts now.
My Great Aunt passed away Sept 23, 2008. She had been sick, and in the hospital for a few days. I've always thought that my mother came to escort her to the other side, because she wanted one of her favorite people to share her birthday with her. Mom always loved a good party, with lots of yummy food!
I've been thinking so much of my mother these past few days, and have been on a pretty emotional roller coaster. Tonight when I got home, the kids asked what was for dinner - I was so happy to make Tomato Soup and Noodles - yep, that's it...elbow noodles and tomato soup. Mom used to make it all the time - so simple, yet the best thing on a cool fall evening.
We sat at the table and remembered wonderful things about my mom. Jos talked of how my mom could make friends with ANYONE, even in the grocery store line. She always had a positive attitude, and would drop anything to help you. Addy gets a little more emotional when she talks about her Mauree. I watched the tears well up as she remembered my mom making special treats for her, tea parties, walks to play with the kittens or feed the cows. Mom and Addy were the best of friends.
So many thoughts fill my soul as I think of the time I had with my mom. Jayson and I lived with my parents for 2 years - 2 glorious years that I am so thankful to have had. I loved taking my mom on rides to town, making something tasty, driving to 1888 to check on Gran and Grandad, watching a good Doris Day movie, or watching her love my Addy as if no one else in the world could be any more perfect than her.
It's been almost three years since I lost my mom, and some days the tears wont stop. Oh how I wish I could just call her up, and tell her about Ashtons new Halloween costume he's been running around in for the past two days, or how Addy gets 100% on her spelling and Math every day, or how Jos is a TEENAGER, and I am so sorry for rolling my eyes! I wish she could see my new house, and my wonderful kitchen, because that is in fact the MOST important room in any good wife's home (thanks mom).
Birthdays are for celebrating, so I will hold back my sobbing emotions. Life is so wonderful, and I was taught to live it to the fullest!
I miss you mom! Happy Birthday.

Happy Birthday Baby!

September 18, 2000 I was blessed with my first born. Addy Lee Gittins was born at 10:38am, weighing 7lb. 6 oz. My beautiful little pea had NO hair - and was perfect in every way. Addy is the light of my day, keeping me on my toes. My family keeps telling her she is a tiny little mini me! :), poor girl!

Love you Boo - Happy Birthday!

Just a little reminder...

Were having a Party...
Saturday,

yes THIS SATURDAY
at the Paradise Town Hall
10:00-1:00
*Shoes
*Purses
*True Religion Jeans
*Scentsy
Please come...

bring a friend, gab, and enjoy a treat!

It's really going to happen!

We are 20 days from moving into our new home! YEA! I took my lunch today with Todd, our contractor, to finalize up some things. Jayson is finishing the back porch tonight, tomorrow is trim and closets. Monday will finish up closets and start priming and paint. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday I have taken vacation to do all the "accent" painting! Mike will be installing carpet, wood, and tile the week of the 21st, and cabinets should go in that week too---oh my heck, it's going to happen so fast, and then
WE WILL HAVE OUR NEW HOUSE!
I can't thank those who have been helping Jayson on the side enough. Tony Sharp and Dusty Gillman have put so much time into our electrical. Sammy has been so much help with the concrete, Brenton, Brett, Jason, Red, Jody, Pisser, Jake,and Jeremy. This list goes on, and I feel very fortunate to have such great friends! Thank you to all!
Jayson has put so much time into this house, and all his extra side work has made it possible for me to have my amazing kitchen, thanks babe! I LOVE YOU! Todd was great to work on sweat equity with us, not all contractors HONESTLY are, so thank you Todd.

This house building has been a great experience, and I can't wait to show you all the finished project!

I want to be like Julia

So for a great sabbath evening, we took the kids to the movie. I know, not a Sunday activity. I went to church, made a wonderful home cooked meal, and wanted to see Julia and Julie.... Okay, no excuses...I just do whatever I want no matter what day of the week it is!

Jayson has been wanting to see GI Joe, and the ONLY reason I want to see this movie is so that I can drool over Channing Tatum, YUM! BUT, Julia and Julie was playing at the same time. Problem solved - boys to GI Joe, girls to Julia and Julie.
I have been inspired! Did I mention that I CAN NOT WAIT FOR MY NEW HOUSE WITH MY WONDERFUL KITCHEN, Butcher Block, Double Oven, DISHWASHER, counter space, HUGE pantry and my cookbooks at my fingertips? More excited that I can even begin to utter out of my mouth! My kitchen is my love. I have put more thought into that kitchen than an other thing in or on the house.
Back to Julia and Julie...This movie could be about me...well not really, but I would love to do it! She cooks the entire Julia Child cookbook in 365 days. How great would this be? This might just make the diet a complete loss, but It would be so worth it.
When my mom passed away Jennifer wanted the China, and I wanted the cookbooks. I remember my mom cooking from the Joy of Cooking, and I think I might just need to crack that sucker open. However - I feel the urge to go to Borders tomorrow, and grab some new books. I love going to Borders for cookbooks. They are always on SALE, or better yet, on CLEARANCE. I once bought 5 cookbooks for $10. Even if I only love a few ideas per book - it's still great! It's fun to have a freash idea and an option.
I wanted to come home and COOK, but it's a little late...and I AM OUT OF EGGS! Who runs out of eggs? Oh yes, that would be me after cooking Banana Bread, Banana Bars (I had lots of bad Bananas) and the most wonderful meatballs, I have gone through...36...yes...36 eggs in two days! And the worst part...I couldn't eat any of it! (diets SUCK!) I tried a new recipe for the bread and the bars. The meatballs - they are heavenly - and I don't do meatballs! Jaysons mom gave me that one, and he said I make them better than his momma...sad I know. No, not that she gave me a great recipe, or that I have perfected them, but that Jayson still calls her MAMMA. I tease him ALL the time. His mom is a wonderful cook, and I am lucky to have such a wonderful mother-in-law.
What to cook...oh, only dreams will tell. I'll post about it tomorrow :)"SWEET" dreams.
PS - you can pre order your copy of Pioneer Woman Cooks on Amazon NOW!