Our Anniversary Week

 

 

Arnold and I celebrated our 8 year anniversary this past Tuesday. We have actually been celebrating for over a week though. I have been a stay-at-home-Mom for 7 years now, but this past Christmas I worked a seasonal job at Target. I used some of the money I made to buy Arnold a new guitar. I made it his bday/anniversary gift since both are in January. He knew I was going to surprise him with something, but he wasn't really sure what. He has started a duo with a friend of his, and they practice now, hoping to play out in the future. His friend mentioned that he would probably like a 12-string acoustic, and so that is what I got! Thank goodness for his friend helping me out, or I wouldn't have known what to get. Anyway, Arnold loved the gift.. he stayed up really late that night playing it. I was so excited to be able to get him something with money I actually earned myself, it felt more special to me :)

 

Since our anniversary fell on a weekday this year, we decided to go out of town this past Friday and have a day to celebrate. We dropped the kids off at school that morning together, then headed out on the road around 7:45am. We decided to go to Charlotte for the day. I had been wanting to go to Ikea forever, so we thought we'd do that and some other things in the area. We ended up getting there a little earlier than it opened, so we went to a few other stores first. When we went in at 10am, we were so overwhelmed. We didn't even know where to go at first! We headed upstairs which is actually a showroom.. they have rooms set up to give you layout and decorating ideas. When we got through with that, we went downstairs to the Marketplace, and that is where the real fun was. All the things for your home you could ever imagine buying. I would have liked to get a LOT more, but we were on a budget for that trip. We did end up finding a pretty rug for our bedroom though, and a new set of kitchen dishes, so I was happy. Before we left we stopped by the cafe and got some cinnamon buns. Everyone had told me to try them out, and they were YUMMY!

 

After Ikea, Arnold said he wanted to go to the Guitar center. He thought it was only fair since we had spent all that time looking at home stuff ;) He dropped me off across the street where there were lots of shops, so I could look while he was gone. Probably a bad idea.. you know how it is letting a woman loose to shop ;) I found a LOT of good stuff. A new pillow for the living room, a new shirt for me (with an OWL! ;) some Christmas ornaments on deep discount that I picked up for next year, and some other things. Eventually I was out of hands to hold my stuff, so I tried to call Arnold to come pick me back up.. but he wouldn't answer. So dummy me thought I would try to cross the road to get to him. But there was a hill with a lot of bushes and pine needles, and I started sliding down.. so I decided that wasn't a good idea. I found a sidewalk and walked down to the stoplight, but the traffic looked pretty bad. So I stood at the corner with all my bags, looking like an idiot, I'm sure. Eventually I got ahold of Arnold and he came to pick me up. He fussed at me for trying to cross a busy road.. I knew he would!!

 

After all that we went over to Concord Mills Mall. We grabbed a quick lunch in the food court, then did more shopping. Mostly for the kids this time. Have to hit the Gymboree and Carter's outlets and all that good stuff ;) We went to the Disney Store and they were having an awesome sale, so we picked up some presents for the kids when we got back in town (yes they are spoiled!  you don't have to tell me!) In between shopping we stopped by a stand and got some treats-- chocolate dippin dots for me, and a peach milkshake for Arnold. We stopped by the movies to see if there was anything we wanted to watch, but nothing really caught our eye, so we kept on walking. We did so much walking that day that I ended up with blisters on my foot (bad walking shoes) and we ended up stopping by a store to get me flip flops.. it was instant relief! I sat on a bench to rest while Arnold went into the outdoor store to look at guns.. he is obsessed lately.. he wants us to get one for the house. ANYWAY, eventually we were just so tired and sore that we decided to leave the mall.

 

We went to an early dinner at Applebee's, that was right down the road. We wanted to take some pics of us so Arnold propped my camera up on a thing a little ways over from us, but it ended up getting blurry pics and it was sort of embarassing, ha. Thankfully we had a really nice waiter who took more pictures for us.. that was a lot easier ;) After dinner we still had a little time to kill before we had to drive home, so we went to a few more stores. We stopped by Hallmark to look at the ornaments and Arnold ended up buying me a new Willow Tree (I collect them) The new 2014 one :) Then we drove home to get the kids. We love to turn up the radio and sing real loudly when we are alone in the car.. I know we are major dorks but who cares.. we had fun ;) The kids were happy to see us.. but I think they were mostly excited to see what surprises we had brought them back ;)

 

 

On our actual Anniversary the other day, I was SICK! Great timing huh? Strep and a respiratory infection. I was in bed for 2 days straight. Thankfully Arnold took great care of me. We did get our our wedding album and look through the photos, so that was sweet :) Happy 8 years honey, I hope we have many, many more!! :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The big box got delivered to our house. Someone was excited! ;)

Checking it out

A new 12-string! Yay!

On our trip to Charlotte! Ikea was huge! 

Headed out to the car with our new rug and dishes

At dinner that night. We were holding up fingers to show 8 years ;)

Beautiful roses Arnold surprised me with this week

The willow tree he bought me when we were in Charlotte

This is what Sheldon and I were doing on my actual anniversary... resting! Sheldon actually got fixed this week too, so he was lounging around trying to get better also ;)



What I'm Loving Wednesday

~Arnold surprised me and he took Friday off from work, arranged for sitters to pick up the kids after school (his parents) and he said we are going to go out of town to celebrate our anniversary! I am so excited to get some time with him. Our anniversary isn't until Tues the 21st, but a weekday is not a good time to be able to get away. We plan to go have a few nice meals, maybe catch a movie.. just enjoy some time kid-free. We probably will try out IKEA.. never been before. He says if I get to go to Ikea, he gets to go to Guitar Center.. so we will see ;)

~Speaking of annivesaries, I tracked Arnold's surprise gift last night and it said it is supposed to be delivered by tonight!! Soooo excited for it to get here so he can open it! I will be sure to post pictures soon.. I hope he is going to love it! His childhood bestfriend assures me he will (he helped me pick it out for him.)

~The big Target toy clearance is supposed to be happening really soon.. rumors are tomorrow or next Thursday. That is when they take a bunch of toys and mark them down to 70 percent off. They do a big markdown in January, then another one in July. I use that time to stock up for birthdays, gift closet, etc.

~The friend I mentioned who was in the hospital (that I took the sunshine package to) finally got to go home the other night! She ended up staying for a total of 10 days, so I know she was ready. I had a hospitalization after having Rachel, and it was for 9 days.. so I know how she felt. She is doing a lot better. I hope I get to go hold baby Liam again sometime! :)

~An American Heritage Girls group is being started in our area.. actually not TOO close to us, but within reason. I pulled Brooke out of Girl Scouts last year after I found out all the news about Scouts being partners with Planned Parenthood and cookie sales going to support the organization. I know that doesn't bother everyone, but as a very, very pro-life conservative (who spends her time volunteering at a pro-life center every thursday!) I didn't feel right about being involved anymore. Brooke has really been missing it though, so I thought this would be perfect for her. It is a Christian-based organization that does the same sorts of things.. meetings, service projects, learning skills and earning badges, etc. It focuses more on GOD and faith though, which I LOVE! She will start in FEB and I can't wait to see how it goes! :)

~I decided to do some WII FIT yesterday while the kids were at school.. but when I put my disc in the WII it wouldn't read it.. so I broke out Just Dance 3 and danced some ;) I think Sheldon thought I was CRAZY! But who cares.. it was fun.. and it is somewhat of a workout! There are some good songs on there including Black Eyed Peas and Lenny Kravitz.. so we were jamming out ;)

~Brooke came home with her spelling words this week and they were a lot harder than last week.. and she told me since she knew all the "regular words" she got a harder list! That means my girl is a spelling champ (just like her Mama ;) Some of her words this week were "unicorn" and "bulldozer" and she seems to be doing well with those, too. I am proud of her!! She is doing a lot better in school lately. We are still working with the ADHD mess, but I am optimistic.

~Tomorrow I am going to lunch with my BFF Erika! We will probably hit up Olive Garden, as that is one of our favorite places to go. I haven't gotten together with her in awhile, so I am excited. I'm sure we have lots to catch up on.. we both like to talk ;)

~The kids' Uncle Gene gave them giftcards to the movies back at Christmas.. so we will probably take them this weekend to see the new movie "Nut Job." A movie with squirrels.. obviously :) They have seen the commerical many times and crack up over it.. they say they want to see it.

~Arnold is a huge night owl.. and he usually goes to bed much later than I do (which usually bums me out because I feel lonely) But this week he has been pretty tired at the end of the day, so we have been going to bed at a decent hour.. and getting a GOOD night's rest! I am happy for that because I love my sleep! ;)





Hope everyone else is having a wonderful week!! :)

Weekend Wrap-Up

 

 

We had a busy and fun weekend, just how I like it! :) Friday afternoon after I picked up the kids from school, we went to Target to pick up my last paycheck, and swing it by the bank. It paid for Arnold's big surprise that is showing up sometime this week! It is a combined bday/anniversary gift and I will post pics when he opens it, but I can't post it on here or Facebook in case he would see it! But I am SO excited for him to get it! :) Anyway, then we met up with Arnold after he got off from work, and we went to dinner at a new place that opened near us called PDQ. It's specialty is chicken. It reminded me of an upscale Zaxby's. It was nice, but nothing spectacular, a little expensive for all of us. But they did have the thin fries which I love, and the machines that let you add flavors to your drinks, so I could get some cherry coke!!! After dinner Arnold took the kids over to Chuck E Cheese (bless him-- it is packed on weekends!!) and I went over to the hospital to visit a friend who had recently had a baby. She was supposed to have gone home already but she was having some complications. I know how rough it can be to be stuck in a hospital for several days, so I went to take her a gift to hopefully brighten her up a little bit! I also got so snuggle sweet baby Liam, only 6 days old! He was supposedly VERY comfortable with me because as soon as I got him in my arms he EXPLODED in his diaper! It was hilarious.. but you know what? After 3 kids, it just doesn't phase me anymore! Jessica-- you WILL get used to it, I promise ;)

 

 

Saturday was a nasty day around here, it poured rain, and poured some more. There was a full-on river in our front yard.. it was pretty bad! Mom called us up and asked if we wanted to go out and celebrate Arnold's bday, a little bit late. We went to this store downtown and she bought him some really nice designer shades for his bday. He is big on sunglasses so she knew he would like them. But I just hope he is CAREFUL with them and doesn't break them, ha! Then we went to lunch at Da Vinci's. I had never been before. I got some yummy manicotti! It was fun to spend some time with mom, and get out of the house, even if it was so rainy! Later that afternoon we went over to Arnold's parents' house so Arnold could help his dad set up his new recliner. Poor Pop barely got to try it out because the kids kept jumping in it.. they approved of his new chair ;) That evening we made some dinner and then hung out watching DUCK DYNASTY Seaon 4, which I just got in the mail. We don't have cable so I always end up buying the seasons right after they come out.

 

 

Sunday morning I got up early and went to early service at church.. it was my Sunday to work with the babies! We ended up with 6 kids, so they definitely kept us busy! I also got to snuggle sweet baby Abram.. who is only 5 months old! :) I can't believe how quickly the kiddos in there are growing up.. I remember holding some of them as newborns, and yesterday I was taking them on a trip to the potty! They aren't even my kiddos and I am sad! ha! ;) Anyway, after church we went to Walmart and the kids used their Christmas and toothfairy money to get a new toy. They never want to save money.. ever.. it doesn't last long around here, haha. Brooke got a new monster high doll, and this one moves it's eyes and moans.. it is a little freaky! And Rachel got a My Little Pony train, and Caleb got a set of walkie talkies. They were all happy with their stuff and played with them all afternoon. Then we headed over to mom and dad's for lunch and the big game. Unfortunately our Panthers lost, but we had a great time supporting them!!!! They did a great job this season!!! The kids were so cute about helping cheer them on.. Rachel kept saying "Go Panthers go!!!" :) I fell asleep during the game.. I got way too cozy on that couch! :)

 

 

 

 

I hope everyone else had a great weekend too! :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I made this "basket of sunshine" gift for my friend in the hospital. As you see, all the things are in yellow packaging, to go along with the theme. I also found some yellow EOS lipbalm at the last minute that isn't pictured. I had a fun time looking all over the store for yellow  things! And yes they DO already have Easter candy out in stores.. crazy, right?!

Trying out PDQ on Friday night. The kids sat at their own table right beside us. 

Hanging out at Chuck E Cheese. 

Arnold had just picked out his sunglasses. Caleb jumped in the pic of him and Mom :)

Out to lunch at Da Vinci's afterwards. Brooke and Grandma.

The things they picked out on Sunday, with their Christmas money.

Supporting our Panthers on Sunday! Brooke and Rachel got into their grandparents' closet to find some gear to wear ;)

Dad, me, and Brooke right before the game

The pups wanted to snuggle with me on the couch while we watched tv

That afternoon, Mom taught me how to make her famous homeade lasanga. We made a pan for her and dad, and a pan for us to take home. We ate it for dinner last night, it was soo yummy!

Arnold and Sheldon seemed pretty comfy on the couch Sunday evening :)

Arnold helped Rachel make her winter project for school. Can you tell? The snowman is playing guitar. Arnold actually took apart an ornament and glued it on, lol. 

To-Read list: 2014 Edition!

So I wanted to make a blog post about the books I want to read this year. This is not all of them, of course. I could only fit about 1/3 or 1/4 of them on here right now.. but these are the ones I already have to read or am planning to get in the next few months. So let me know... have you read any of these? Or have any other suggestions for me? Let me know!!!

She is a great author. This is her brand new book, so I am looking forward to it.

No, I never got around to reading it, I am always behind.

She has written a million books now and they are starting to be very similar, but I feel the need to read this one too! 

She is one of my fave authors! She hasn't come out with a book in FOREVER, so I am thrilled!

Her books usually make me upset or sad, but she is a great writer.

I read GONE GIRL this past year and it was awesome (although twisted) so I think I will try this one, also. But the name does worry me a little bit, ha.

I heard this one might be a little messed up also, but I am intrigued.

Picked this up on one of the Amazon deals of the day back at Christmas.

Heard a lot of good things about this book.

This was up at the top of the BEST SELLERS list on Amazon. I am surprised I haven't gotten it yet!

Loooove Neta Jackson! Have read all her stuff so far.

This one is being made into a movie soon.

This one was on my Christmas wishlist this year, and I can't wait to read it.

 

And here are a few NONFICTION I want to read, as well.

I know this has been out forever, but I have heard so many positive things about it.

Yes, that is DJ Tanner from Full House ;) She has grown up to be very beautiful, motivating, and so forth. I hope her book is good.

Picked this up at the Christian bookstore back around Thanksgiving. Figured I could always used a good, encouraging book. Especially since I suffer from some anxiety and other related issues.

Got this on Kindle recently. Supposed to be about focusing more on filling your life with God and putting a religious spin on weight loss. I have tried everything else, so I figured why not?!

This looks really interesting. If you are a fellow kid of the 80s or 90s, you probably know all about Nickelodeon and SLIME!!! This book makes me feel so nostalgic about my childhood! Every sat. night spent watching Doug and Rugrats.. yeah baby. And my husband admits that he had a crush on CLARISSA from Clarissa Explains it All! ;)

Yes, they have written a ton of books already, but this is from the wives' perspectives, so I think it will be an interesting read. I just love their family!

2014 Resolutions

 

 

I kinda hate doing the whole resolution thing every year. I start out with good intentions. Then when I mess up or get off track I pretty much quit. I think this year I won't be AS specific on things, just a general goal I want to meet, and maybe that will make it more achieveable. Like not a certain amount of lbs I want to lose (then I stress over numbers) but rather the goal to get healthier. So I don't know if you would call these resolutions, goals, or what, but here is what I would like to accomplish this coming year!!

 

 

 

 

Learn all about my new camera-- I got a new camera this past year and am so very excited about it. It takes crisp, clear pictures. And I like to take it with me everywhere. I even got a case for it, after months of Arnold hounding me about it. He seems to think I don't have the best track record with expensive things. BUT ANYWAY, I know there is so much more to it. I would like to take a class, maybe just an online class, and learn what all it can do. More about the features. And then take some really pretty Spring pics of the kids myself this year!

 

 

Have lunch with the kids at school-- I already do this, but I want to do it more often. At least every other week or so. It thrills Brooke to no end when she comes through those cafeteria doors and sees me sitting there, waiting on her. I think Caleb and Rachel enjoy it also, but maybe not quite as much. Brooke is just like her mama and takes great excitement in even the little things :)

 

 

Read the Bible-- Once again, I already do this, but it is very sporadic. I have never really dived right in and seen what all it has to offer me. During tough times I have jumped to verses I knew would bring me extra strength. But I want it to be a basis for everyday living. So many answers to our questions can be found right there in those pages!

 

 

Read at least a book a week-- This one shouldn't be too hard. I am an avid reader, and have been since I can remember. Last year I read about 62 books, give or take. I would like to increase that number this year if at all possible. I already have a stack a mile high of books I have gotten, either from consignment, thrift stores, friends, or just bought at a great deal. I have so many to read it is overwhelming. But I get great enjoyment from books and buy more and more whenever I get the chance! I will be sharing my 2014 to-read list in a future blog :)

 

 

Drink more water-- Because let's face it, our body feels soo much better when you do. I need to fill up one of my cute tumblers with the straw (because Lord knows I have enough of those things!) and keep it with me whenever I can! Maybe then I will remember????

 

 

Find a new job- Now that the kids are in school, I would like to do something if at all possible. Right now I am in between jobs.. I just finished my seasonal at Target. So if anyone has any ideas, throw them my way! I have already applied at a few places, and know of a few other possible opportunities.

 

Continue on my educational path-- which is getting my degree in Elementary Education. I accidentally missed the cut-off to sign up for classes this Spring.. I was so wrapped up in my Target job and getting used to being a working mom there for awhile. I can't believe I let the deadline slip me by! However, I am going to try and go by and see if there is anything available when people start dropping their classes after the first week. Because you KNOW that will happen!

 

Save $$$ to take fun vacation with kids-- We have done a few little trips here and there. And gone with my parents on a few trips. But I would love to save the money and do something awesome!

 

 

Get organized in my house- I say this every, single year. I am not the most organized person. I try.. I really do. But it just doesn't seem to be one of my God-given talents ;) I may be for awhile, then it all falls apart again. I need some sort of system. I am always losing things, or forgetting things.. and I know for a fact it has to be bugging my kids' teachers. I have apologized to them several times about missing things. But geeeez, no one told me how hard it would be to manage a household with 5 people in it. Or maybe they did and I just wasn't listening :)

 

 

 

Do something active at least 3x a week- Whether it be Wii fit, going on a walk, a workout video, or whatever. But yes, we know exercise is good for us... blah blah. It is hard to fit it into the schedule sometime, but it makes us feels better and is even good for our mental health (which I know mine could use some improvement ;) So I will try to be more active!!

 

 

 

 

 

So there ya go. My goals. Pretty do-able, don't you think? What are your goals for this year??

 

 

 

 



Weekend in Review

 

 

This past weekend was the last few days of Christmas break. Two days before the weekend the girls had come down with the stomach bug. I was woken up in the middle of the night with Brooke beside my bed saying "My tummy doesn't feel too good!" And a minute later she was running to the bathroom and puking everywhere. Didn't quite make it all the way.. she puked in the sink. Thank goodness I have a hubby who always handles puke duty... so he cleaned it all up. When we finally had her settled down and relaxed on the couch (to try to keep her away from Rachel) we heard Rachel start heaving. But she was still in her bed. Girl threw up all over her bed and it was all over her and even in her hair. Arnold gave her a shower and got her all cleaned up and we got her back to bed. I was also sick, but in another day (too many details lol) and so we were all miserable. Thankfully Arnold took great care of us and we all eventually started feeling better.

 

 

Friday evening I had had a girls' night planned, and I was so bummed out I had to cancel it. I didn't want to spread any germs around, plus the house was a disaster from being in bed sick for a few days. Friday we hung around the house and watched tv. We finally got around to watching Despicable Me 2 on dvd that we had bought. That movie is hilarious! We also tried to clean up around the house. By that evening everyone was stir crazy, so we tried to get out for a little while. We went to Ihop because we are in the birthday club and Arnold had his bday coupon for a free meal. Thankfully everyone kept all the food down! :) Then we headed to Barnes and Noble to browse around. Surprisingly no one walked out with anything-- even me-- but I already have a huge pile of books waiting for me to read, so there would be no point to buy more right now! We also went back to the mall to see if they still had that big sale going on at Belk's, but it was over.. booo. I am loving my Sperrys and pretty pjs I got there the other day! I did find some awesome stuff in Kirkland's though. A wall hanging for over our bed, a pretty decorative plate for the kitchen, a pretty shower curtain for the hall bathroom, and a bowl with some "orbs" for the kitchen table. So it was still a successful trip :)

 

Saturday we mostly just lounged around the house. That evening was my last night at Target. It was just a seasonal job. I hated having to leave everyone.. all my co-workers were really nice and I am going to miss hanging out and talking with them when we aren't busy. But I can say I officially survived the season, and especially BLACK FRIDAY which I had never done. I also am back in the groove of things now so I can hopefully find another job soon. Anyone heard of anyone hiring? I have been worried about how hard it will be to find another job.. and that evening, the sweetest lady who I go to church with came through my line. She told me that they are going to be hiring soon where she works, and she wanted to let me know the info. Talk about good timing! I know that was a God thing! Totally made my night-- gave me some hope. Anyway, it was strange to clock out that evening and look around the locker room knowing it was my last night in there. I know it is only Target, but I get really attached to places/things/people very easily and so it was emotional for me. I am turning in my badge and red and khaki and moving on! I had a good time while I was there, and am greatful for the opportunity. The extra $$$ helped out greatly during the Christmas season!

 

 

Sunday morning we all got ready to go to church. We went to the early service since I was working in the baby class. It was a NASTY, cold and dreary day out. Apparently most people wanted to stay indoors because we only had 4 little ones in our class. But we had a great time, as always. I love those little girls and guys so much. I miss my kids being that small. When one of the little ones in there comes over to me and lays down in my lap with a book, or busts out laughing at me when I do something silly, it brightens my whole day. I may not have my OWN babies/toddlers anymore, but those guys sure do mean the world to me too! :) Anyway, after church we went to Ocharley's to do their Sunday brunch.. which is oh, so yummy! Rachel was wearing her fox dress that day and everyone kept telling her how cute she was. Everytime I saw her though, I just wanted to sing that darn song. I'm sure all the parents know what I am talking about!!! After that we went to Target..  yeah I guess I just can't stay away! ;) They finally went 70 and 90 percent off their Christmas stuff. Most of the shelves were wiped off, but I was able to find some reindeer animal cookies for 59 cents, and a kids' spinbrush for 50 cents! Score! I was in there for organizational stuff and I completely forgot about that, of course!

 

That evening I went to the grocery store to do our weekly shopping. We were done to the bear minimum of stuff in the house.. I always dread going out to get lots of stuff at once! I also had to stop by the pharmacy to pick up my monthly medicines.. and since it was a new year and Arnold's company just switched to a new insurance.. it took FOREVER to get it all changed in the system, so I had to sit in the van and wait for like 20 minutes.. but I did sit there and sing while I waited :) And the awesome thing is, they FINALLY came out with a generic of one of the meds I'm taking, so it went from $35 to only $10 a month! That makes a big difference when you have to buy it EVERY month! I was so, so thrilled about that. I almost did a double-take when I saw the label because I didn't think it was the right thing. Anyway, that night we had yummy tacos for dinner, and I read the kids some of their new books before bedtime. When they were all cozied up in bed, Arnold and I laid down with my ipad and watched "Raising Hope". We love that show and needed to get caught up on the current season. It is hilarious like usual! :)

 

 

 

Hope everyone else is having a GREAT new year so far!! :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All bundled up on Friday evening, ready to go out. And I'm wearing my new OWL scarf that my brother and his girfriend gave me for Christmas! I love it!

Caleb got this Sully mask for Christmas. Everyime he talks or moves, the face parts move with it. It makes him look so animated and it's hilarious!

Some of the stuff I got at Kirkland's. The little owls were given to me by my best friend :) And the tablecloth and napkins were from Target. 

It was a dress up-kind of day.

Rachel got her haircut on Sunday! Her hair had gotten so long! She looks just beautiful and like such a big girl now! They gave her a balloon afterwards too, that is what she is holding :)

 

Arnold captured a pic of Caleb running around crazy. He looks so happy :) Notice the big gap in his mouth? He lost his 4th tooth this weekend! 

Arnold decided to play some banjo. Was he burnt out on guitars???? Nah, never.

Sunday we decorated the mantel for Valentine's Day. We can do it early because our anniversary is in January ;) All the cute banners, hearts, etc came from Target. The little Willow tree with the heart is from Arnold.. he gave it to me a few years ago :) And I need a little red candle to put on top of my candle stick!