Midnight Marauder

Decision Time

2010-04-04T17:49:00.001-07:00

Friends, its decision time...

I've been thinking of having just one blog for a looooong time. I'm having a hard time keeping up with two blogs and really anything I post here I can post on my family blog. Even the craziness...it's just honest me being me.

I think I shall just have my family blog and put this blog to rest. I have had a good year run and am hoping any readers will just make the small journey to my family blog. I promise there will be some good stories and lots of craziness. Of course there will also be pictures of my family, but they are all really cute and my camera is broken (again) so there won't be a ton of them.

Thanks for all your comments and the love.
If you miss me you can just jump over to AAA Plus One. I'll be there with all my craziness having a good time.

Not Me Monday

2010-03-29T17:56:00.001-07:00

Head on over to the mother of Not Me Mondays to see what else has not been happening.

I did not send a desperate text message to a recently pregnant friend for some drugs to stop the morning sickness yesterday. That would be totally against all kinds of rules...to take someones prescription. That did not make me sleep from 5pm to 1am on the couch after taking said drugs. They make mama sleeeeeeeeepy.

I wanted to use two coupons when buying lunch for the family the other day and the coupons clearly state that you may only use one per customer per visit. I did not discuss the plan with my sweet husband in the car so he could order our lunch and I would order the kids' lunch and we could both use a coupon. That would be taking this budget thing way too far. The coupon karma fairy totally won...lunch was gross with a capital G. Yuck.

I went to a lovely baby shower yesterday for a beautiful young lady I have known for many, many years. I did not feel the least bit jealous of her. She only has a week or two to go and I have seven long months ahead of me. She looks like she swallowed a basketball and that is it, no pregnant face, no swollen feet...just absolutely beautiful.

10 Things Thursday

2010-03-25T17:49:00.000-07:00

10 reasons that a pregnant girl shouldn't go to the grocery store unsupervised

1. Polish kielbasa
2. Jalapeno flautas
3. Chinese food "for the sweet husband"
4. Beef and chile burrito
5. Lettuce
6. Bananas
7. Strawberries
8. Grapes
9. Carrot Cake
10. Chicken strips

10 Things Thursday

2010-03-18T15:25:00.000-07:00

10 Reasons I love Spring

1. The sun. Ahhhh, the sun, the glorious sun shows his pretty face again and warms the earth and my heart.

2. Tulips. One of my absolute favorite flowers and when I see the tips of the green leaves poking through the dirt I begin to smile. Now if only I could get them to last a little while longer.

3. Yard work. The sweet husband loves to be outside making our yard look better each year. I love being out there planting my flowers and cleaning my patio furniture for future fireside talks and picnics.

4. Letting the kids out after a long Northern winter is the best medicine for just about everything. The bikes, scooters, push cars and sidewalk chalk that clutter the driveway is a wonderful sight.

5. Daylight Savings. Need I say more?

6. After dinner walks with the family. Made possible by #5.

7. Caramel highlights which have already been strategically placed all over my head to make me brighter, lighter and spring sexy.

8. All the things I bought all winter long, while thrifting, that need a fresh coat of white paint can finally be beautified. Well not by prego me apparently, as I was told by the sweet husband today when he came home for lunch to find me standing outside with a can of spray paint in hand.

9. Bye bye Uggs...hello Tevas.

10. Most importantly...Easter. Jesus is Risen! Hallelujah! The new pastel dresses and the colored eggs are just a tiny bonus.

Would You Rather

2010-03-16T10:21:00.000-07:00

Last night when I was tucking in my son I decided to play a few games of would you rather with him.

Me: Would you rather have to wear big pink hoop earrings everyday or wear a skirt every Monday for the rest of your life?
A skirt you could hide in you pants.

Me: Would you rather have to sleep on a sandpaper bed or wear sandpaper underwear?
Sandpaper bed...wear lots of clothes and you wouldn't even know it.

Me: Would you rather have all your friends call you Elizabeth or wear a matching Easter dress with your little sister?
NEITHER. NEITHER.

I think mine are pretty funny and very difficult for a seven year old boy.

Here are his attempts.

Son: Would your rather never see me again or kiss my face off?
Um, kiss your face off.

Son: Would you rather hug me all day every day or kiss me goodnight?
Hug you all day...I could sneak a kiss in.

Son: Would you rather be eaten by a lion or a leprechaun?
Now that's a good one...a lion definitely. Leprechauns would take little tiny bites and it would last forever.

Color Me Bad

2010-03-14T16:16:00.000-07:00

Do you think color blindness can develop later in life? Because I can swear when I bought these pants they were gray. Warm, dark charcoal gray perfect fit for the growing belly-stay at home mom-yoga pants. Then when I got them in the car the sweet husband and the son both said they were purple. The son added that he really liked the color and I would look beautiful in them. Dang, I love that kid. And now, today when I put them on to lounge, nap and watch girl movies they are brown. Seriously.

Oooh, remember that clothing line that changed color when we were younger? You know the sweatshirts that were light blue and then when you blew hot air on them they changed to pink. Or purple to blue or whatever. It was like a mood ring sweatshirt. I didn't have one but a friend did and I loved to borrow it. I'm not making this up. Am I?

Book Club

2010-03-12T19:38:00.000-08:00

I don't actually belong to a book club. Well, I do but there is only one member. Me. I can read at my own pace, no upcoming book club meeting to be read up for. It is a quick discussion of the chapters and there is no arguing on which book to read next. It's quite lovely. And if I read one that I just have to discuss with someone else I give the book to a girlfriend to read.

I had a little tiny goal to read a book a month and February was a good month. I read three.

The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory is my new favorite book. I watched the movie first and was hooked. I was told the movie was not even comparable to the book so I was so excited to begin reading. Oh and once I did I couldn't put it down. It intrigued me and it entertained me and I fell in love with Mary Boleyn. I simply adore her.
Ms. Gregory took the historical story of Henry VIII, Anne & Mary Boleyn and wrote a little fiction about what else happened around court. She does a delightful job. Come to think of it, I adore her too. She has a list of other books that I still need to read. They are on the book club list. See how easy that is, I just put them on the list.

I also read The Effect of Living Backwards written by Heidi Julavits. My book club is still out on this one. This is one I just handed to a girlfriend and said read it. I need some help with this one. First, it wasn't the book I expected. I thought it was the book where two sisters write letters back and forth. It's not. It's not even close to that. Well, there are sisters in her story. One is funny and dark. The other one is not. It starts in some institution where they reenact things from your past to see what really happened. What? Weird, right. Then there is a plane. And a hijacking which may or may not be a real hijacking and a crazy hotel. I don't know. I didn't stop reading it...I had to see where she was going with all this. I had to see what the point was. I admit, even at the end, I still wasn't sure.
Ok, so this would have been helpful to actually have some other members to discuss what the heck was going on.

The last book I read in less than twenty four hours. I started one night before bed, stayed up waaaaay too late and then finished it the next morning. Jason F. Wright is the sweet little author of The Wednesday Letters. It is short and an easy read. It made me laugh and I finished the last pages through tears. It is a wonderful story of love and forgiveness and the amazing power of our God. The title refers to the husband who writes his wife a letter every Wednesday starting the day they are married. What in the sweetest idea ever, right?
I also gave this one to a girlfriend to read and she was sending me text messages that very same day about the ending of the book. You should read it. Make sure you have tissues.

Happy Reading!

10 Things Thursday

2010-03-11T08:47:00.000-08:00

Dang, is it Thursday already???

10 things about spending your days with four little girls under the age of three.
Oh this is going to be good..

1. I have thought about making gladiator costumes for two of the girls who just can't get along. I'm talking, tackling, hair pulling, eye poking, strong arm lean, pinching...you name it, it's been done. Any suggestion for stage names?

2. The skinniest one of them all is ALWAYS hungry. Her favorite way to tell me is "I'm really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, (you think I'm kidding, but I'm not), really, really, really, really, really, really, hungry. Perhaps she has a tapeworm.

3. The younger ones think books are for standing on, like little tiny steps to make them taller. They are so confused when I tell them books aren't for standing, but for reading. Crazy concept, I know.

4. There is nothing sweeter than one of them tells you she loves you or when one comes and rubs your arm and smiles her sweet smile.

5. Messy diapers are contagious. Oh, I wish I was kidding...one leads to two, which leads to three, which causes the potty trained one to have to go too.

6. There is such a thing as barrette envy. If one girl has a barrette in her hair then everyone wants a barrette in their hair. Including me.

7. You know the books that have the little buttons on the side that make noises. You are supposed to read the books and push the buttons at the appropriate time. I don't want to say I hate those books...but I do.

8. Sharing? What's that?

9. Toast is always a hit, as is popcorn and cocoa puffs. But, none of them compare to the time I found a bag of those little mini cookies. Jackpot!

10. Little girl nicknames are the cutest and I love my Boo, JuJu, Audrey Pie and Lola Beans to pieces.

Not Me Monday

2010-03-07T13:39:00.000-08:00

Pregnancy Edition

I would like to promise you that this will be the last you will hear about the pregnancy, but I just can't. I'm soooo excited and I just can't hide it...(sing with me) I'm about to lose control and I think I like it.

I did not take three pregnancy test in one morning to make sure that the three negative tests I had previously taken were completely and absolutely wrong. I did not run outside to show them to the sweet husband to see if I was crazy. (His response was this "Ok, I'm going to go get you some popsicle sticks and I will get a blue crayon and put a line on it and you can pee on those from now on.") I also did not text a picture of all three test to one of my girlfriends who is an expert at all things fertility.

I did not see a super skinny mom at the pool with her kids and only for a minute get a little bit jealous before it passed and I smiled to myself. She might be super skinny but she isn't growing a human.

I did not find it a little bit odd that twice while shopping in the last two weeks I have had some sort of crazy craving for orange juice and head to the cooler, get a bottle, open it up and drink it while finishing my shopping. I did not pray each time that this meant I was expecting. I can't tell you that last time I had a craving for orange juice (without vanilla vodka)...oh wait yes I can. It was last January when the daughter was born.

I was completing some forms for something and had to put the date my last child was born and my current due date. I did not freak out just a little when the dates were in 2009 and 2010. Um, who does that (other than my grandma who had twelve children)??? Yikes and Hallelujah all together!

I am not convinced that it will be a boy. When I was pregnant the first time I sooooo wanted a girl and I got a boy. Then I really wanted a little brother for the big brother and we got a girl. So now that I have decided that having daughters is fun and frilly and pink I will get a...you guessed it...a boy. Feel free to place bets. Odds are that I'm right.

I did not already think about my sweet baby belly in my black bikini this summer. This is the only time it is ok to wear a bikini and not have a flat supermodel belly...I plan on taking advantage. Um, I should note that this will only be in my backyard or up on the river where no one can see but those that love me.

I have not already put a plan of action into place to get my house in order before the morning sickness starts. I just think it will be easier to keep it half way manageable if it is in tip top shape to begin with. And as crazy as this sounds, I'm looking forward to the morning sickness. Morning sickness, if you have had two miscarriages, is a sign that things are working as they should be.

God is Good

2010-03-05T21:06:00.000-08:00

God reads my blog.
Either that or he knows my heart.
But it is kind of cool to think he reads my blog.
However, if He does I need to watch my language.
Oopsy.
Sorry about that.

You know the blog I wrote yesterday.
The 10 things that would make me happy.
Well today was sunny.
The sweet husband had the day off.
My sweet baby did not have a fever for the first time in almost a week.
And...
I finally got a positive pregnancy test.
Or three, but who's counting.
Except for the husband who wants to know how one can spend $50 on pregnancy tests.
Again...oopsy.

I also got a sweet tea.
But, that wasn't from God.
It was from the best sister in the whole world.
Who was initially from God.
It wasn't until later that I was having a drinky of that delicious bev that I realized she had read the blog and did what she could to make me happy.
Dang, she is good.
But, not as good as God.

Because God gave me a baby.
He answered my prayers.
He knew my heart and blessed me once again.
God is good.

We would double love your prayers.
We are praying.
We are praying that I can carry this baby until November.
We are praying that this baby is healthy.

Did I mention?
God is Good.
Good.
Good.

10 Things Thursday

2010-03-04T20:05:00.000-08:00

10 things that would make me happy

1. watching any episode of Glee (again)
2. a big glass of sweet tea
3. a positive freaking pregnancy test
4. the sweet husband to be home
5. a baby girl who did not have a fever (for the last 6 days) and was not crying
6. full custody of my son
7. a warm sunny day
8. a hot stone massage
9. to wake up and have magically lost forty pounds
10. and to be laying on a beach somewhere in Maui

I'm just sayin'

Nice to Meet You

2010-03-04T09:49:00.000-08:00

Was reading one of my fave blogs one morning and it made me think of a little story.

First, I'll tell you that I have the worst gag reflex of anyone on the face of the planet. It is crazy and gross and I unfortunately passed it on to both of my children. I know, right? Ugh.

My son has always been a puker. Even when he was little. Especially, when he was little. He would say he was hot which was little to no warning because seconds later...puke. Everywhere. I got used to it and could control my own gagging to a bare minimum. Which I found quite magical and miraculous all at the same time.

After I had been dating the sweet husband (before he was the sweet husband, just the sweet boyfriend) for a while he made mention that at some point he was going to need to meet my child. We decided that a fun afternoon of Chuck E Cheese and dinner would be a great place for introductions. We had a great time at the mouse house. The son, who was three, was busy playing games and running around. At one point I ran to the bathroom and there was some sort of, um, disagreement between the two boys. Ok, not a disagreement but I think there was maybe some throwing of shoes and then maybe my son punched the boyfriend. Oopsy. I swear he was better behaved than that. And, I did swear that...to the SB (sweet boyfriend).

But that is only the beginning. When we got to dinner we were waiting for our table the SB whispered something to the son. Something like "tell your mom she is beautiful". Well, apparently it was like a bad game of telephone like you used to play when you were younger...because what was said to me by the son was "He said you were old." I laughed and laughed. Was he trying to sabotage the date? Dang, that kid was smart even then.

The finale came at dinner when we were all eating and, I thought, enjoying our meals. I was sitting in the middle of my two boys. Aidan looked at me and said "Mommy, I'm hot." Oh, no. No you're not. Just rest for a minute. But I didn't even have a minute. He stood up in the booth and bent over and for some crazy reason my mama reaction was to put a napkin in my hands and cup them like a bowl under his mouth. It was over in an instant and I was nervous to look at the SB. Let's be honest...this may very well be the grossest thing ever. Is he really going to want to hold my hand after he just saw it full of chewed up and half digested grilled cheese? Ewwww. (By the way, I'm gagging just typing this...it's ridiculous) He was amazing, (of course) he asked if there was anything he could do to help while I was trying to get us both out of the booth and to the bathroom to clean up.

The good thing about the son is that he recovers very quickly and was back to throwing the SB under the bus in no time. The SB only joked about it later when he could kiss away my fears that it would be enough to chase him away. Thank goodness, because I was pretty much head over heels for him even then.

And although that first night wasn't perfect, it pretty much is now.

Crabby

2010-03-02T10:50:00.001-08:00

I am.
Crabby.
CRAAAAABBY.
I can't help it.
I haven't had any sleep for daaaaays.
I want what I want when I want it and that doesn't always happen.
My house is messy even though it feels like all I have been doing is cleaning.
My baby girl is sick.
My son just turned seven. (which only means I'm running out of time)
I haven't opened my curtains yet this morning.
I actually have no intentions of doing it either.
Just so you know.
I could take a nap but then I would just feel guilty.
So.
I am crabby.
Crabby.

The only thing that is saving me is that I'm watching R Patts* on Jimmy Fallon.

*Robert Pattinson...keep up.

Not Me Monday

2010-03-01T10:07:00.000-08:00

Head on over to the mother of Not Me Mondays to see what else has not been happening.

I had big plans for Sunday to include yoga, pedicure, and lunch. I did not spend the day at home with a baby who had a 101 degree fever. She did not nap all day and then stay up until eleven pm.

I had a house full of girls the other day. I heard a thump and a scream and when I looked for the cause found one girl had tackled another on the hard wood floors. I did not use a four letter word when I saw it was my little girl on the bottom. I did not realize I even said it until the three year old girl repeated me numerous times. Oopsy.

Afternoon cocktails sounded like such a glorious idea the night before. Even while I was drinking a bottle of hard apple cider it seemed delicious. It did not take just a few of them to make my head hurt and bring on the need for a nap.

Ramblies Ramblies

2010-02-26T10:03:00.001-08:00

Just gave four little girls (all under the age of three) some scrambled eggs, toast and some Sesame Street and am experiencing the first silence of the morning. It's nice, but I love when they are "talking" to each other and dancing more.

The eggs are from a girl that the sweet husband works with. She apparently has lots of chickens and too many eggs for her family so she brings some to share. I haven't eaten one of them. Can't bring myself to do it. I know, it's crazy. Trust me, I know.

You know what I can't stop eating? Mini bagels with cream cheese. It's the best 165 calories I eat all day. Funny thing is I wouldn't eat cream cheese at all until a few years ago.

Moved the furniture around in our bedroom yesterday. We try not to have "sides" of the bed. The discussion last night was who sleeps closer to the door. The sweet husband wants to be closer to the door because he is the man and he can protect me. I want to sleep closer to the door because I get up with my bebes during the night. I won. Guess what? The precious daughter slept through the night. Which is also a win for me.

Not a win is that last night when I woke up and was looking to the right I can see down the hall. Then I got scared that I could see someone walking down the hall. Wonder if I could talk the sweet husband into sleeping closer to the door and getting up with the kids? Now, that would be a win win.

10 Things Thursday

2010-02-25T18:47:00.000-08:00

10 things about the 2010 Winter Olympics

1. I love the USA snowboarder team jackets. Super cute.
2. I do not love their pants...bad baggy jeans. Really?
3. These athletes are in wicked good shape.
4. What is it with curling? Is this really an Olympic sport? It looks like a life size game of shuffle board to me. Super odd.
5. I have a girl crush on Lindsey Vonn. She is crazy beautiful and seems genuine and happy.
6. I cried when she hugged her husband when she won gold.
7. I get that ice skating/dancing is really hard and takes a lot of work but I do not want to watch it. Ever.
8. Shaun White looks way too much like Carrot Top, but I love him anyway.
9. I think that the Olympians have a responsibility to be well behaved and do what is right. Or at the very least, remember that everyone has cameras and cell phones (with cameras) these days and everything they do will be made public...very very public.
10. That being said, I think we should take it easy on them...some of them are very young.

10 Things Thursday

2010-02-19T09:17:00.000-08:00

10 things I do not understand about being thirteen months old

1. Since when is tearing up a paper napkin into tiny pieces the epitome of a good time.
2. You would think wiping your nose would be better than having snot all over your face. No?
3. Same with diapers...being clean and dry seems to be a better alternative. Again, no?
4. Can you just leave your shoes on for one minute?
5. Your daddy can hold you...you will survive. Or your grandparents. You don't need to be on mama's hip all day long.
6. I know you love buttons which is why we got you a toy phone and remote. You may not touch the real ones, no matter how many times you try or how mad you get.
7. A tantrum? Really? Really?
8. Rocks cannot taste that good. Why must you dig them out of my plants and eat them?
9. If you are deep asleep how do you know when I walk out of your room? How can you tell right when I lay down in my own bed that is time to cry again? Are you a genius?
10. How is it that you can make everything better with that one little smile? I wish I had that glorious skill.

Power Out

2010-02-12T09:07:00.000-08:00

This is what happens when your electric company turns off your power for an hour and you have exhausted all flashlight games and you luckily find Yo Gabba Gabba on the internet. Thank goodness my laptop battery was charged.

10 Things Thursday

2010-02-11T20:16:00.000-08:00

10 things I ate today

1. mini bagel
2. light cream cheese on the bagel
3. one slice of orange that I fed to four little girls
4. one bite of cheesecake ice cream (yuck)
5. mini sugar cookie from 1st grade Valentines Day party
6. half a burrito
7. chocolate chip cookie

Um, that's all I ate. I don't know why. Yesterday I was staaaaaarving. Today I didn't even think about eating until 7pm. Weird.

Top of the Morning

2010-02-10T08:25:00.000-08:00

Started the day with...

some giggles from a blog I love.
a son on the front page of the paper.
a mini bagel with cream cheese.
a date with the track.

The day will also include...

volunteering in my son's class.
making a "freezes beautifully" meal for a new mama.
doing some laundry in search of my fave jeans.
deliver said meal to new mama and squeeze on baby boy.
a little visit to check on a girlfriend.
a full night of sleep without interruptions. (a girl can wish can't she)

Again

2010-02-09T19:54:00.000-08:00

Well, it's always something isn't it?

Just when you think you have everything figured out and everything is going as it should you get a phone call or (this time) a text message.

Really?

Really?

I don't know if I want to take care of it right away or wait until next week and just act like it didn't happen at all for a few days.

Oh, let's be honest...I'm waiting.

I need some time to think.

Ramblies Ramblies

2010-02-05T18:45:00.000-08:00

The sweet husband gave me flowers last (not three days ago) Friday. They were my favorites...stargazer lilies. They are still gorgeous and super fragrant and I have half a dozen more to bloom. I can't believe they have lasted this long. It is such a treat. I double love them.

I double love the story behind them too. On one of our very first dates I mentioned in passing (in fact, I don't remember mentioning it at all) that they were my favorite flowers. On my birthday that year...less than a month after our first date he brought me those exact flowers to my work and smiled a sneaky smile when I was shocked he knew my favorite flower. Ahhhhhh.

Have been super stinking busy with little girls at my house almost every day and my little girl started walking so I've been doing a little chasing. Well, a lot of chasing. She is a go go. And her favorite place to play is under my kitchen sink. Which is where we keep all the Mr. Yuck stuff. Just kidding, we don't. Remember Mr. Yuck. The neon green stickers you were supposed to put on stuff so your kids wouldn't drink whatever was in said container.

I saw a guy at the gym today that I could name Mr. Yuck. I know, I'm terrible. But let's back up a little...I was at the gym. Hurray. I had a good visit with my friend the track and he missed me. He has changed a little...he has made a lot of new friends(it was crazy busy), he has new stickers on his lanes to direct all his new friends and call me crazy but I think he is a bit rounder than he was. Just sayin'.

My son and I were going to have a karaoke party but apparently my karaoke machine is broken and now, so is my heart. I'm afraid the only thing that will completely heal it (my heart) is a new sing a long fellow or a trip to Hawaii. Either one.

My favorite karaoke song. Bette Davis Eyes. Hands down.

All the boys thinks she's a spy. She's got Bette Davis eyes.

Not Me Monday

2010-01-31T19:17:00.000-08:00

Head on over to the mother of Not Me Mondays to see what else has not been happening.

I was not sick three times in the last week and a half. I did not get asked if I was pregnant at least a dozen times. It did not hurt me to my core every time I answered no. It may have been the flu or it may be an old ulcer acting up. Not sure and since I believe doctors are deliverers of bad news I do not intend on going to one. No matter what you say.

I did not finish reading two books in the month of January (which was one of my 2010 things to do Yeah me!) and not love either of them. One was Alice Hoffman's The Probable Future and the other was The Testing of Luther Albright by Mackenzie Bezos. Once I start a book I must finish it. It is an annoying fault of mine and often drives me crazy. Hopefully February will bring a book I adore.

I did not find my daughter in my bathroom using a tampon as her own personal chew toy. That would be disgusting. Ok, it was a little funny. The sweet husband didn't think it was funny at all. She was not just now chewing on a dishwasher square soap. Ugh. Looks like we will be headed to Target today to get some cabinet locks. ( I swear I'm a better mother than that makes me seem)

Beauty

2010-01-29T08:59:00.000-08:00

The family took a walk on Sunday afternoon down by the lake.

Ahhhh...53 degree weather is absolutely lovely and not at all expected in our hometown in the month of January. It was delightful. We took hot drinks and strolled the baby girl while my son rode his scooter all over the trail. We are super duper lucky to have a trail that goes for miles and miles and some of those blessed miles are next to the lake.

We are also lucky that the bicyclists were watching where they were going since my son clearly was not and almost got smashed not once, but twice. Geesh. For the record, I was watching him but I let him ride up in front of us so he could go at a lightning fast speed instead of a "mom & dad in love pushing his little sister in a stroller" speed. He tried to ride behind us, but (and please don't tell my son) I actually don't have eyes in the back of my head and the trail was busy that day and I don't trust strangers. So I let him ride ahead of us which is better so no one will steal him, but still doesn't matter if there is a bicycle coming at him also going at lightning fast speed. I did make sure to both apologize and thank said tight shorts bicycle man for not smashing that daydreaming child of mine.

Other than those two close calls it was a lovely and relaxing afternoon with the ones I love the most. I can't wait to do it again. For next time...should I make him stay next to me or just put a bubble around him?

10 Things Thursday

2010-01-28T13:49:00.000-08:00

10 Things I'm doing to my bedroom to make it the lovely space it desires to be

1. Hang the new sheer, white french knot curtains I found at Ikkkkea

2. Dyed sheets. Found some pink Ralph Lauren sheets, still in the package, I bought when I was single and thought I would finally get to have a pink bedroom. A little Rit will do the trick.

3. Move furniture around a few times until I likey the feng shui

4. Take out at least two pieces of said furniture and find new homes for them

5. Make a big, soft, white headboard. Been reading blogs on how to do it and it looks pretty simple and the result is fabulous

6. Touch up paint

7. Paint trim white and add white chair rail and perhaps a white ceiling rail

8. Get brother in law to make granite tops for night stands

9. Hang sweet goodness all over (white frames, white mirror, white paintings)

10. Paint black large frame a lovely shade of white and turn it into a shabby chic mirror or bulletin board (yet to be decided)

Yep, February is the month that I am finally tackling my bedroom. Have the blessing from the sweet husband to make it beautiful and am going to do just that. I have plans to post on the transformation with photos. Yeah!!!

Not Me Monday

2010-01-25T15:05:00.000-08:00

I did not have a delicious lunch at our fave place with our fave people. Well, some of our fave people. The sweet husband's brother is in town with his girlfriend that we just met today. She is lovely. Lunch was lovely. All was lovely.

We did not realize that both of us couples watch the same bad reality tv and we did not happen to have the one from last night on our dvr and we got to watch it together after lunch. We laughed and poked fun at the people. Good times.

The sweet husband is seriously too good to me. He took the morning off to hang out with me and the baby girl (and of course his brother). He did not help me clean the house and we didn't spend the morning laughing and kissing. I wish every Monday could be like this.

I did not have to sneak a moment away to do this since my house if full of family and I'm missing out so it's short and sweet today.

10 Things Thursday

2010-01-21T12:43:00.000-08:00

10 reasons I love being married to the sweet husband
(other than the obvious ones like I'm madly in love and he is hot hot hot)

1. I hate to sleep alone. I love having him near to comfort me after bad dreams and I love that when one of us wakes up during the night we go for the other ones feet. We are always touching if it is even only our feet.

2. I don't have to get a chair to get things I can't reach. I just blink my long eyelashes and he gets it for me.

3. I always have a Valentines/birthday/Friday night date. Plus, he knows my favorite places to eat so there is no surprise that my picky palate won't be satisfied.

4. He takes incredible care of me. Have I told you the story how I didn't even know what side my gas tank was on for the first year I owned my new car.

5. If something is too heavy or too gross for me he steps in and saves the day.

6. It's like having my best friend as a roommate but with an extra bonus of kisses and stuff.

7. When he has the perfect bite of steak, or bread or pie he offers it to me.

8. Sometimes, still, when I look at him I wonder how I got so lucky to have him in my life.

9. He loves the little things; when I cook him dinner, when I wear his old baseball shirts to bed, when I scratch his back. All of these things make me smile when I see him smile.

10. He sings me to sleep. And that is one of the best things on God's green earth.

Get Away

2010-01-20T16:38:00.000-08:00

Had the most fun in Portland over the weekend. Stayed with my bestie and we got to visit without distractions. By distractions I mean my sweet beautiful bebes. The one year old is in need of attention all the time (like her mama) and the six year old loves my bestie like his own. In fact, they are second best friends. She loves him (as she helped me raise him the first few years of his life) and he loves her. So without those two, one on my knee and one on hers we got to have grown up girl talk. It was amaaaaaazing. We had some cocktails (that started at 4pm, don't tell), some snacks and some giggles. We discussed some of her troubles and some of mine. We got to shop a little and eat a little delicious mexican food. It was a laid back, relaxing trip that was absolutely perfect for me. It was just what I wanted and needed.

And now on this gray Wednesday afternoon I wish I was there.

Not Me Monday

2010-01-18T11:59:00.000-08:00

I did not develop my very first teacher crush this weekend. My girlfriend and I watched the first season of glee and I might be in love. I mean come on, he sings and dances and that is like my drug.

I did not go a little crazy while shopping in Ikea. I only get to go when we are in Portland or Seattle so I feel like I need to get all that I can while I'm there. I love it there...it is my own little heaven. I think I actually said that while walking through with a smile on my face and a shopping cart full of white.

I did not feel the least bit out of place when we went to lunch in the hippie part of Portland yesterday and I had my paid for french manicured nails, my bright pink purse and my silver hoop earrings. It didn't make it worse when the man cleaned our table and I thanked him a little too nicely. One of my girlfriends said "Don't be so nice, they aren't used to it and they don't like it." What? Where am I? If the dang flautas weren't so good I would've left immediately.

10 Things Thursday

2010-01-14T07:25:00.000-08:00

10 Things in my immediate future

1. 60 minute airplane ride with girly magazines
2. Cherry cider wine and/or apple cider wine
3. Many, much needed, long talks with my twin to fix me and the world at large
4. Late night trip to Ikkkkea with money to burn
5. A night of precious sleep with no baby feet in my ribs
6. A hot drink and a lovely morning at Powell's book store
7. Delicious lunch (Cheesecake Factory perhaps)
8. Sweet goodness pedicure
9. $8 ballroom dancing lesson
10. Glee marathon

What are you doing with this long weekend?

Change Schmange

2010-01-13T10:42:00.000-08:00

There's been a change of plans.

I don't do well with change. I also don't do well when I don't get my way. Blame it on my dad, he spoiled me. So when there is a change of plans and it isn't my plan its like a double whammy. I am working on it. I have acknowledged the fact and am trying to be better. I'm not doing so well so far. But isn't admitting it half the battle?

I get mad and a Flanagan temper is hard to quiet. In fact you can blame that on my dad too. It also takes me a long time to get over things. Just a few of my lovely quirks. (Makes you wicked jealous of the sweet husband, huh?) I like to think I have some charm to make up for it, but I haven't been very charming lately. What's the exact opposite of charming? That's what I've been.

Change is good, right? That's what they say. I bet the "they" are people who loooooove change. Bring on the change. I hate the "they".

Silver lining:
When I'm mad I clean. My house is looking good.
I write pretty candidly when I'm mad too. You might get some good reading.
I'm sure there is more I just can't see them right now. But as soon as I do I will let you know.

Hungry?

2010-01-11T18:46:00.000-08:00

Made stew, beer bread and fudge today. Hmmm. I wonder why I can't get this a$$ of mine any smaller. It's a mystery to me. A complete mystery.

By the way, the beer bread seriously is the best while its warm. Did you try it yet? Do it. I double love it. And my stew rocks. Every. Freaking. Time. Haven't had any fudge yet, but it's fudge. I mean come one. Fudge = yumm.

Been looking through magazines today. I have a little bit of a magazine addiction. Can't help it. I was going to give a pile to my mom but decided I better look through them one more time, one by one, to make sure there isn't anything I need out of them. Good thing I did. Phew. I found a few good recipes I need to try. Like, fruit filled coffee cake, granola french toast, clementine & vanilla bean quick bread. Did you get carb overload just reading that. I did. Where's the vegetables? Oh, right, I don't like vegetables. Oopsy.

Was looking at the photos of the birthday party, more directly the cake and dang, I want a piece of that right now. Fluffy white goodness with creamy lemon filling and pale pink vanilla frosting. Delightful. Speaking of the cake...

What is that little first layer doing down there on the counter by the cake plate?

Why are these three layers up here topless? It is not that kind of party.

Oh, clearly because the top layer slid off when no one was looking and this is how I found it after the party was over.

No cake for mama. Not because of the above mishap. There were two pieces left and they sat out all night after the party (I was sick & apparently didn't go into the kitchen to check) so I threw them away the next morning. But not after I had a bite to make sure they were inedible. Yep, I did.

Off to get the Bubba some stew and try that f to the udge (the half with nuts). Also known as MY half. Do you like nuts? I could share my half with you. Yes, you.

Not Me Monday

2010-01-11T09:59:00.000-08:00

Birthday Party Edition

I did not invite too many people to my sweet princesses first birthday. It did not result in a very full house. I did not just for a minute wish my house was just a little bit bigger. However, the house was full of smiles and love for a little girl in a tutu and I didn't hear anyone complain about the lack of seats. Or the delicious spaghetti.

I did not have a two layer cake ready to frost when I decided that her birthday cake should be four layers. This did not require a late night trip to the store and an eleven pm cake bake. That would be silly and over the top. It would also be the prettiest, most scrumptious lemon cake ever.

I did not add pink food coloring to anything that I possibly could. I did not turn this house into blush and bashful heaven. I did not love every stinking minute of it.

Really? Really?

2010-01-09T21:19:00.000-08:00

None of you that read this regularly have the love to tell me I am a grammatical idiot. Really?

I put a comma after every "but" in every post for the last nine months and now I find it goes before the word "but". AAAGGGGGHHHHHH.

Now I look like a fool. Geesh. I don't like looking foolish. I may have to take a sabbatical. My fight or flight is to flee so don't be surprised if the next you see of me is in March.

Maybe by then you will all have forgotten about my comma disaster. And even if you haven't maybe I will have, but let's be honest...probably not.

Radical Recipe

2010-01-08T09:37:00.000-08:00

I love bread. I love it fresh with butter. I love it toasted with jam. I love it white, wheat and grainy. Oh and I really really love beer bread. I found a beer bread mix from Tastefully Simple that my whole family fell in love with. It is delicious but it also gets expensive. Looking for recipes for Christmas I found a recipe by accident that claimed to taste just like it. I tried it. It needed something. I changed it a little and now it tastes just as good if not better than their boxed mix.

It is super simple. Did I say super simple? I meant super duper simple. Don't take my word for it...try it for yourself.

Beer Bread

3 cups self rising flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 bottle of beer
3 Tbsp melted butter (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Mix sugar and flour in bowl.
Add beer and quickly mix for 20 to 30 seconds.
Pour mixture into greased pan.
Pour melted butter over top of mixture.
Bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Bread should pull away from sides of pan when done.
Remove from pan and cool on wire rack.

Enjoy!!

Make sure your self rising flour is fresh.
Any kind of beer works. Sweeter the beer the sweeter the bread. I used a winter ale this Christmas but, the Kokanee I used yesterday was the best.
It is great with soups and stews.
Oh, who am I kidding? It's just good, dang good.

10 Things Thursday

2010-01-07T10:13:00.000-08:00

10 things DMV related
(from my trip today which was two weeks overdue and a certain must as it was a brief period where I didn't have my baby girl with me)

1. How long can the line really be? Oh, that long.

2. Tricky little sons of guns. They have a take a number thingy, you take a number and then they call you right away leaving you to believe all the other poor souls sitting around need something extra and your simple license renewal will only take a few minutes. What you find after your number is called is that they will only take your name and you will be called by name when it is actually your turn. Now, please join the other poor souls.

3. It might be a little entertaining to watch the people that come in after you that do not quite understand the process (#2). Ok, it is a lot entertaining.

4. The sixteen year olds look like twelve year olds. Can they even see over the steering wheel? Did I look this young to the real people when I was in there so many years ago? And little miss sweet sixteen, don't be mad at the dmv lady that you don't have the right birth certificate, it isn't her fault. It also isn't your mother's fault. Don't be such a brat.

5. I was proud of the man that gave up his seat for the mom that came in with two young boys one which was on her hip. I know that I shot the teenage boy a death look when an elderly couple walked in and not only did he not get up but he didn't even scoot over to make more room where he sat. Really? Do you have no manners? *

6. There were three people that opened the door, entered for enough time to see the room full of people and decide that they did not have the patience for this and then quickly exit. Good choice...good choice.

7. I'm just playing devils advocate here but, maybe people wouldn't be so grouchy and complain about you and your service if you all moved just a little bit quicker. I don't want you to break a sweat but I think maybe you all don't need to move like you have two broken legs. Just sayin'.**

8. When the lady asks you "Are your height and weight still the same?" and you (risking hell for lying) answer yes, she makes no audible or visible signs that she knows you are full of it. Thank you, ma'am.

9. The teenage girl in front of me barely passed the eye test, she apparently had one good eye. The mom couldn't believe it so she wanted to take the eye test herself. Go ahead lady, it's not like the rest of the room has been waiting forty five minutes. Please, see if your whole family needs glasses using the dmv as your own personal optometrist. Please.

10. The elderly woman after me barely passed her eye test as well. At least she admitted she had trouble with her left eye. The real kicker was when she was asked if she was a US citizen. Her rude answer "Of course, I am." I smiled and was quite impressed with the dmv lady who politely replied " Well, we have to ask. Some people aren't." But, Granny (who was hard of hearing but apparently right on with come backs) replied..."Well, you have my old drivers license in front of you so you already know that I am." Point for Granny.

* I stood the whole time I was in there or I would have given my own seat to the little white haired angel and her old, grouchy husband.

**I was uber polite and was sure to say please and thank you to every one I encountered. Maybe it will wear off.

Not Me Monday

2010-01-04T09:25:00.000-08:00

I did not eat hot wings and popcorn for dinner last night. That would be totally lacking in nutrition. I did not also wish there were some poppers to go along with my so called meal to make it perfect.

I did not have a Wii tennis tourney with the sweet husband at eleven pm on Saturday when we should have been in bed so we could get up for church the next morning. I lost. It was totally his fault that I did even though I did catch him making some really bad swings on purpose. I do not have any plans to practice while he is at work and challenge him again.

After announcing that I was going to win the board game the fam was playing before we even began I did not proceed to do just that. I got the first five points and since I am very humble I did not smile and dance in my chair each time. Woo Hoo.

I do not have the craziest week ahead of me. I have a birthday party to get together with invitations that were supposed to be hand delivered this weekend. Oopsy. I have a list of things to do a mile long. And I have to get some parties in there as well. Wish me luck friends I'm going to need it.

2010

2010-01-01T09:07:00.000-08:00

2010
happy
new year
a new
decade
a bright
future
super
smiles
more
giggles
less hurt
and lots
and lots
and lots
of
love
happy
new year
2010

10 Things Thursday

2009-12-31T07:08:00.000-08:00

10 Things to do in 2010

1. Get back on the track. Not to be confused with getting back on track. The track. Running track. Get on it.
2. Get pregnant.
3. Read at least a book a month.
4. Get my yoga body back. Preferably pre-pregnancy.
5. Try one new recipe a week.
6. Save money. Save money. Save money. (I'm saying it over & over so maybe it will stick.)
7. Try something new each month.
8. Put house in order from top to bottom.
9. Take waaaaay more pictures.
10. Volunteer.

What's on your list?

Reminder

2009-12-29T10:14:00.000-08:00

Life can change in the blink of an eye.

Life that you think is perfect and happy can be turned upside down and have you questioning everything.

Life that you have invested in, nurtured and loved can be a total disaster in the next moment.

Sometimes it feels like you have been hit by a bus. Sometimes it feels like it will never end. You have to fight through it. You have to believe that it will get better. That that which doesn't kill you makes you stronger. This is survival. And sometimes it is terrifying and more difficult than you think you can handle.

This is when you call in reinforcements. This is when your girls stay up all night with you and a bottle of wine and a few games of hearts. This is when you share tears and hopefully some giggles. This is where the healing begins.

The crisis isn't mine. This time. This time I'm the one trying my best to help. But it has reminded me to be thankful for what I do have. It has reminded me to not take things for granted because things may not be the same tomorrow.

And that is a reminder that I think we can all use.

Not Me Monday

2009-12-28T09:44:00.000-08:00

I did not have a bigger reaction to my pink fishing pole Christmas gift than to my new laptop. That would be ridiculous. Laptops are amazing gifts. As are fishing poles, apparently.

I did not almost hyperventilate during the Christmas Eve church service. I did however recover quite quickly and then sing my heart out. Silly story that only a few know.

We got a Wii for the family this year. I was playing baseball home run derby with my son. While playing I most certainly did not hit him in the head with the Wii bat. I also did not find that I am a wicked good tennis player, the equivalent to a professional bowler, and an amazing archer.

Christmas Surprise

2009-12-27T17:07:00.001-08:00

There might be a new member of our family. It just might be a sweet little pink laptop that is only for mama. The sweet husband once again showed me how amazing he is. I was speechless and that my friends is very very rare. So, I'm testing it out. Can you tell the difference? Don't you like it better? Me too.

I will have to put some photos up once I get them on my new little friend. Hmmm, my new little friend definitely needs a name. Any suggestions?

2009-12-25T06:57:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas friends.

Hope you have a lovely day.

2009-12-24T11:44:00.000-08:00

10 Things I got for my hey shorty it's your birthday we're gonna party like it's your birthday Birthday.

1. Airplane ticket to Ptown to visit the bestie...much needed & greatly appreciated.

2. Finger painting done by my bestie, KT...loved for months.

3. Panini pan...can't wait to use that.

4. Black rain boots with pink dots...always wanted a pair and they are comfy.

5. Hot stone massage...bring it on.

6. Rachel Ray cookbook...mouth watering.

7. Lord is my Shepherd necklace...might have picked it out myself.

8. Lovely Anthropologie apron, lip gloss and measuring spoons...all incredible.

9. Digital frame...where oh where to put it.

10. Carrie Underwood cd...dang, she is cute and her voice is like an angel.

10 Things Thursday

2009-12-17T10:32:00.000-08:00

The next 10 days and the fun I will be having

Thursday: Christmas program for my cute nephews
Friday: A little beauty treatment and a delightful visit with girls I adore. Also, a big date with my sweet husband for my birthday.
Saturday: A trip to the airport to pick up my twin.
Sunday: My family birthday party at my parents with cake and prezzies.
Monday: Happy Birthday to me! It will include breakfast with my bestie, dinner with the family and a cruise to the North Pole to see the lights and Santa.
Tuesday: A day spent with my bebes hopefully out in the snow.
Wednesday: Christmas Eve Eve...cooking and crafting and last minute prep.
Thursday: Christmas Eve church service, West Virginia sammies and new jammies.
Friday: Merry Christmas! Busy day of family and photos and fun, fun, fun.
Saturday: A girl night with all my lovely brunettes to celebrate each other.

Ramblies on the sleepy side

2009-12-16T00:25:00.000-08:00

I should really be in bed. The sweet husband is in bed already. We very rarely do not go to bed together...feels weird without him. It is late and my left eye is hurting. Just hurting. Weird, right? I just touched it and it hurts. Stop touching it...I know. It still hurts. Do you think it is from sleep deprivation. Very well could be. Know why????

I'll tell you...the almost one year old for some reason thinks that the cure all for teething is sleeping side ways in my bed in between me and the sweet husband. Side ways. Little tiny feet in my ribs. All. Night. Long. You would think that little tiny feet wouldn't be so bad. But on those little tiny feet are even littler tinier toes that feel like little tiny pokies. Little tiny sword toes. Tylenol, no. Teething tablets, no. Sideways sword toe sleeping, apparently yes. I love her but, COME ON.

I'm not sure how it got so late but it might be because I just spent waaaaayyy too much time on Walgreen's website. I was ordering some photos for some Christmas crafts I am doing and when I hit the button "to order" the lovely Walgreens computer people had so sweetly and conveniently placed all my photos in a nice little collage that I could play with until I double loved it and had to buy it. And I did. And then I went back in and made another one. Hee hee. Sooo much fun. I'm doing it tomorrow too. Just for kicks. $4 kicks. Cheeeeaaaaap. Want one? Just let me know...I'm a pro.

My eye is still hurting...in case you were wondering. Even when I blink. Dang. It's probably a brain tumor. Great. One week until my birthday too.

Speaking of birthdays, I have successfully ruined two birthday surprises in as many days. Apparently, the sweet husband and my bestie have been in cahoots (is that how you spell that?) about the most wonderful day of the year and every time they have something worked out I take it upon myself to do something that ends with my husband rolling his eyes and fussing about how I can't just leave well enough alone. Oopsy. Sorry you two. I love you and I love your fabulous ideas. Can't wait until Monday. Even if I do know my prezzie.

Did you know Monday is Winter Solstice. (I don't know if it is supposed to be capitalized but it does sound pretty important so I did) Winter Solstice also known as mid winter but that doesn't sound half as good. Midsummer...sounds delightful. Midwinter...blah. It is the shortest day of the year. It is also my birthday. Don't think for a moment that this goes unnoticed. Don't think for a moment that I am not thoroughly convinced that this is a little trick from above to remind me that my birthday is not as special as I make it out to be. I hear you. I get it. I fight it with all I have, but I get it. Geesh.

Ok, so snow is falling off our house and some of it just hit the three tall windows behind me and it scared the living daylights out of me, I jumped out of the chair and almost dropped the computer, so I am off to bed. Where the snow will keep falling but I will be cuddled up with the most delicious man I know. That is until the sword toes get me.

Nighty night.

2009-12-15T08:53:00.000-08:00

10 days until Christmas.

Don't panic.

Breathe in. Breathe out. Breathe in. Breathe out.

Memorial

2009-12-14T16:36:00.000-08:00

Went to a memorial service today for my dad's best friend. My dad did the service. This isn't the first funeral or memorial service he has done. And not the first one he has done for a close friend of his. It always amazes me how well he does. My dad is a strong but emotional man. He loves his family, friends and Jesus and isn't afraid to say it. Or preach it, whatever the occasion. He got choked up a few times but he made it through and made his old friend proud.

I always lose it during the slide shows at funerals. I might say that it is my favorite part. If you can have a favorite part of a funeral. It always shows the smiles, the friends, the family and the good memories. Today was no different. He was smiling, fishing, riding his Harley, hunting and with his family. The pictures made me smile, some made me giggle but in the end it made me cry. Knowing we won't see his face again (here on earth) is a hard realization.

It is also hard to see my parents in such pain over this. The pain is easing and they are healing but it was a hard loss. My dad told the story of the last time they saw each other and how he wished he would've hugged him longer. If he had known that it would be their final goodbye he would've said so many more things. If only.

I guess that we can all use that as a lesson. If you have something you want to say...say it. If there is someone you love...tell them. Don't let them get away without a hug. I think I have a lot of people that already know how I feel. I also think there are some people I should visit and tell them thank you. Tell them I love them. Tell them how much they mean to me and why. Not that I have any plans of leaving this earth any time soon but in the end it isn't my plan at all, but God's.

Not Me Monday

2009-12-14T08:17:00.000-08:00

I got out of the shower and walked into my bedroom with only my towel on when I told my six year old son to go out for a minute so I could get dressed. I did not watch him walk out and then drop my towel only to see him come back in to shut the door. He did not then inform me he saw my bum.

I did not go into the big sportsman store with the sweet husband and find myself a pink fishing pole and my daughter a new pink Nalgene sippy cup (I know, right) for her stocking. I did not give it to her in the store to keep her happy. She has not been drinking out of that cup for two days. I don't know that I will get the fishing pole from Santa but if there is a pink bow and arrow out there it needs to live here with me.

I did not work a craft fair and spend too much money made on homemade jam by the sweetest adoptive grandma I have ever had. I also did not get to spend the day with my sister without our five (her three, my two) adorable children and the needs that come with them. Delightful.

It is not one week until my birthday where I will spend the day with my two precious bebes. I will not have breakfast and hopefully a pedicure with my bestie. I will not have a birthday dinner with my family. I will not have a birthday date with the sweet husband the day before and birthday drinks with my girls the next weekend.

Radical Recipe

2009-12-13T11:13:00.000-08:00

Creamsicle

Get a small glass. Drop a couple ice cubes in it. Pour vanilla vodka over the ice. Add orange juice to top of glass.

Cheers!

The most simple, delicious cocktail that taste like your favorite summer frozen treat.

Mmmmmmm. Mmmmmmm. Mmmmmmmm.

Details, Details

2009-12-11T08:54:00.000-08:00

Here is a little picture of our big fabulous tree. I bought all new decorations this year at the dollar store (surprise, surprise). It is my favorite tree that we've done. It is pink, purple, blue, green, silver and white with sweet little birds. It is sweet and girly and perfect for me and my precious baby girl.

But, do you see that glittery pink cone shaped ornament? Do you see anything that may perhaps be out of place?

Like, I don't know a price tag? Apparently, the sweet husband missed it when he hung the garland on the tree. I found it when I sat down later that night. And then I took it off right after I took this photo so I could blog about it. Hee hee.

*I know the price tag says $1.25 but really it was only $.75. I know, right? Found two silver and glass bead garlands while thrifting one day. They were exactly the same thing with two different prices so I got them both for the lowest price. Yeah!

10 Things Thursday

2009-12-10T16:33:00.000-08:00

10 things about today

1. I got to watch my niece. It has been entirely too long since she has spent the morning with me and my daughter. I tried to paint her toenails but she only let me get one done. Hee hee

2. The sweet husband and I watched The Proposal (Ryan Reynolds & Sandra Bullock) for the second time this afternoon. We laugh and laugh.

3. I did a little thrifting and found some goodies. I stopped in a few new stores; one ran by a local church and one ran by a local devil. Well maybe she wasn't a devil but she acted like it and the prices were ridiculous. $13 for an oversized Ball jar. Really?

4. I turned my room upside down looking for a black cardigan that I now think I may have been stolen in the night by a girl who now has a really fabulous black cardigan. Ugh.

5. We went to watch my son's Christmas program. It was a big group of first graders that sang their hearts out. Yes, I cried. I know, I'm a cry baby.

6. They sang snow songs and jingle bells and one called Yes, Lord. Maybe it was just me but I'm pretty sure that song got the most cheers from the crowd. Yeah!!!!

7. Had dinner with the in laws and although two of the sammies were wrong we still had a good time watching my daughter make faces and her daddy chair dance.

8. Made list of prezzies for the family and a list for the daughter' first birthday. I love myself a list.

9. Got to visit with my bestie KT. Love that girl and love a good late night visit with her.

10. Slept with my daughter kicking me in the ribs. (Ok, this hasn't actually happened yet but I'm sure it will since I can see a new tooth trying to come through.) (Ugh.)

Shhhhh

2009-12-09T16:05:00.000-08:00

Shhhhh, don't tell the sweet husband but I spent too much at the dollar store today. I went in for ten more Christmas cards and came out with bags of goodies.

Mostly were things we needed:
aluminum foil
Christmas Cards
Wrapping paper
latex gloves (poppers are on the menu all day everyday)
paper plates
plastic containers to store son's toys in
red velvet bow for our lamp post
stickers to seal our Christmas cards (licking envelopes makes me gag)

Some were stocking stuffers:
pink sparkly unicorn on a stick (you know the kind little girls hold and ride through the house...normally it's a pony)
Toy Story coloring posters
pink bib with fat little birdie on it
fun socks
skull & cross bone pencils
clippies (to take apart to make my own flower clippies for my baby girl)
bookmarks
board books

Yeah! I love a good trip to the hollar dollar store.

Not Me Monday

2009-12-07T08:26:00.000-08:00

I am not currently watching my daughter tear up a paper towel so I can blog for a few moments without her typing help. She adds letters to every word. Thank goodness for spell check.

I did not totally miss my daughter getting her four top teeth. I did not just find them this week, little and white and perfect. That totally explains why she has been sleeping in my bed for the last month or more. However, the last four days I have been sleeping next to my sweet husband who does not kick his feet into my ribs and it is wonderful.

After a few days of not being home for more than an hour at a time my house does not look like a tornado has been inside and bounced off all my walls like a pinball machine to destroy it from the inside out. Ugh.

Driving home from Christmas shopping on Friday the sweet husband and I passed a state lottery billboard for the weekly amount of 41 million dollars. 41 million dollars. We definitely did not spend the rest of the ride home deciding how we would spend it, give it, donate it and save it. It was a fun few moments of fantasy where I had both a country home on the land I've loved since I was sixteen and a lake house. Ahhhh...

I had three little girls under the age of three here last week. We spent the morning watching The Little Mermaid, dancing, singing, playing with dolls and sharing snacks in the floor like a picnic. The sweet husband thought this would help his cause with how many children we will have. It did not completely backfire on him when my cheeks hurt from smiling the whole time the girls and I were together. Oh, I want lots of kids and I want them all to be girls. Yeah!

10 Things Thursday

2009-12-03T07:58:00.000-08:00

10 things on my if you win the lottery birthday/Christmas list

1. a new bigger home with land for my sweet husband & a big kitchen for me
2. a family vacation for ALL my family
3. a new car (my car is fine but my husband wants it so if I got a new one he could have mine)
4. a pink laptop all of my own for my blogging, shopping, facebooking needs
5. a second honeymoon trip
6. a shopping spree to include but not limited to Sephora, Nordstrom's, J Crew, Williams Sonoma, Restoration Hardware
7. new furniture for the whole house
8. a condo at Silver Mountain for our New Years Eve tradition
9. a weekly cleaning lady
10. a little recording studio

10 in real life things on my birthday/Christmas list

1. pedicure
2. airplane ticket to Portland to visit my bestie
3. hot stone massage
4. jeans
5. puffer vest
6. new camera
7. books books books
8. fingerless gloves
9. angel fern
10. new shoes/purse (not matching)

Radical Recipe

2009-12-01T08:33:00.000-08:00

Glazed Apples

6 large apples, peeled, cored and in wedges
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1/2 cups sugar
1/2 packed light brown sugar
2 Tbsp flour
1 Tsp cinnamon
6 Tbsp melted butter

Drizzle lemon juice all over apple slices.

Mix all remaining ingredients except melted butter in bowl. Sprinkle over apples and stir to coat all slices.
Place apples in slow cooker and pour melted butter over top of them.

Cook on low for 3 hours.

************************************************************************************

These apples are delicious and can be used for tons of things.

Serve warm over ice cream or use for apple pie filling.

Our favorite is caramel apple french toast. Use thick slices of french bread.

I just made turnovers using puff pastry and they were mmm mmm good too.

Not Me Monday

2009-11-30T17:36:00.000-08:00

Check out tons of other things that did not happen at the mother of Not Me Monday.

Wednesday night after blogging, facebooking, working, looking for recipes and shopping a little bit, I did not try to watch the Adam Lambert AMA performance that was all over the internet and completely break my computer. It was down for the last four days. I was not upset that I didn't have access. I, also was not the least bit relieved.

We put up our Christmas tree yesterday. I did not buy all new ornaments at my favorite dollar store. After years of swearing that I would never use any colors other than the traditional red, green and white etc. I did not buy all pale green, pale blue, pink and purple glittery and sequined ornaments. It did not turn out to be my favorite tree of all time. All time.

Thanksgiving is spent at my parents house and it is always delicious, delightful and da bomb. (No, I did not just say that. Sorry, I ran out of d words). The only problem is there are no left overs at my house for hot turkey sammies. So, Saturday I did not prepare my own Thanksgiving dinner just for the leftovers. It made for some good sammies.

Not Me Monday

2009-11-23T15:18:00.000-08:00

I did not freak out the lady who was taking my blood this afternoon by moving my arm (not the arm she had a needle jammed into) in some sort of fashion that she assumed I was going to be sick. I really don't like having blood work done but I have never been sick before. When she was done she said to me "I hope you get the results you are hoping for." I did not cry all the way out of the building.

I did not stay up until 3:30am reading a book that was recommended by my besty. She is amazing at books. It is called Hunger Games by Suzann Collins. I am going to start the next one as soon as I get home from dinner. Dinner at my parents. My dad just called and asked if I would come over for dinner and bring the kids to see him. I did not act like it wasn't already on my agenda for the night. Hee hee.

I did not try on a horizontal navy & white striped shirt that was in a bag of clothes from my besty even though I know stripes aren't the most flattering thing. I did not fall immediately in love with it and actually think it made me look thin.

Ramblies Ramblies

2009-11-20T16:40:00.000-08:00

My dining room table is covered in crafties. Paint bottles & paint brushes, wooden frames, wooden ornaments, books, glitter, flowers, buttons, ribbon and numerous other things I can't see from here. I have been busy trying to get some things done while I have a 10 month old tugging on my leg and a six year old that wants to try his hand at everything I'm doing. Good times.

Tonight I'm going to a craft night with my sister at her church where I might just get some stuff done. Unless, that is I'm distracted by something...like a gorgeous, pale skinned man that sparkles.

Speaking of a sparkling man...I definitely stood in line last night for over two hours to see the midnight showing of New Moon. It was cold and there were some crazy girls and one really cool boy near us, there were stories and screams, a man with burritos for $5 which soon turned to free(which three of us shared during the previews). The movie was incredible and I giggled more than once at the young girls around us who were audibly in love with Jacob and Edward both. Love myself a vampire.

I also love myself a good thrift store. I am addicted to them. I love to find something that I can turn into something else. I love finding something that needs a little white paint and will belong in our home. I love the sticker that says $1. Ooooh, boy. I love finding old material that I have big plans for. I love a bag of buttons for cheap cheap cheap. I have found some really good treasures in the last few weeks. I will post some photos of some goodies that I am absolutely in love with. Something to look forward to.

Also looking forward to my birthday which is in one month from tomorrow. That's right the countdown has begun. I will apologize now for the reminders which you will most certainly be sick of by December 21. I can't help it...

10 Things Thursday

2009-11-19T10:19:00.000-08:00

10 things that have made me smile in the last week

1. making pirate sugar cookies with my kids even if they looked nothing like pirate anythings
2. family dinner with the people who love me the most, always have, always will
3. finding $100 worth of my old craft goodies at my parents
4. my son's parent teacher conference where the teacher told me she wishes she had 24 of him
5. our first week of home group that made me proud of my husband and my kids (for different reasons) and a feeling of belonging for myself
6. making a little bit of money for my family without having to go back to banking
7. a dozen different naps with my sweet baby girl, I love naps and I love her...double whammy of wonderful
8. text messages from my girlfriends just to check on me, make me smile or just tell me that they love me
9. having a husband that happily took care of everything while I watched girl movies and cried
10. believing in God and knowing He loves me

My Own Medicine

2009-11-14T15:03:00.000-08:00

This hopefully will be my cure.

Don't worry, I won't have too many.

And, yes I know this isn't a healthy way to cope.

But, it is a delicious way.

Maybe I will stop crying.

Maybe I won't feel so empty inside.

Literally empty.

My head hurts.

My stomach hurts.

My freshly broken heart hurts the most of all.

10 Things Thursday

2009-11-12T23:20:00.000-08:00

10 things I can unfortunately do today that I could not do yesterday

1. Have a cocktail
2. Relax in my hot tub
3. Go tanning
4. Eat soft cheese & seafood
5. Paint my laundry room
6. Get back on my running schedule
7. Take medicine
8. Go to the hot springs for my birthday
9. Drink coca cola
10. Stop taking my prenatal vitamins

I wish I could have posted the 10 Things Thursday I wrote last night. It was much more fun to write.

I will save it and post it someday. Hopefully soon.

Dream Girls

2009-11-10T09:45:00.000-08:00

Last night I had a dream that my dad called me in the morning and wanted me to get tickets to a concert that night. It was Sarah McLachlan, Nora Jones, Tori Amos, Ingrid Michealson and a few other lovely ladies that I can't remember. I do know this...my dad would never go to this concert. I also know that minus Tori Amos those ladies are among my favorites. It was like my own personal Lilith Fair. I remember looking online for the tickets and there were four seats left at the top row on both ends and they were only $34. Two tickets for me and a girlfriend and two tickets for my parents. I called to get the tickets and this is what I hear..."Hey Ada, it's Chad what can I do for you?" They must have some sort of ultimate caller id. I told him I needed tickets for the show...at least two. Apparently I was going to talk my dad out of it. Those tickets were most definitely for me. He was processing the tickets when we got disconnected. For some reason I didn't know we were disconnected so I was just waiting patiently for him to give me a total. When I realized Chad was not on the other end of the line I panicked and called him back. "Hey Ada, it's Chad. What can I do for you?" Um, friendly little Chad we got disconnected and I NEED those tickets. He had to look again because the tickets he had for me were now gone. While he was looking we got disconnected again. Are you kidding me? I was beside myself. I had to call him back. "Hey Ada, it's Chad. What can I do for you?" Well, for starters you can call me back using your crazy caller id when we get disconnected. And, then you can GET ME SOME TICKETS. Oh and I was standing in some mall. And my dad showed up and I was trying to talk him out of going to the concert. He was telling me that the guys he works with wanted to go too so could I get as many tickets as I could. (My dad is a mechanic and I was in his shop yesterday and I can pretty much guarantee the guys in there do not know who Sarah McLachlan is.) Chad was still looking for my tickets when I woke up. And I woke up mad. Mad that I was not going to spend the night with some fabulous, beautiful ladies with voices like angels. Ugh.

Not Me Monday

2009-11-09T11:00:00.000-08:00

Normally you can check out tons of other things that did not happen at the mother of Not Me Monday. But, she is still in the hospital with her dear Stellan. Please pray for him and his family.

I have paid for my daughter to have her picture taken at three months, six months, nine months and twelve months for a framed picture with her name on it. I did not have her nine month picture taken when she was actually ten months old. I also was not late for the picture appointment because I was taking my own pictures of her in all her cuteness all over our house.

Nutrition is super important to me so I did not realize on Sunday at 5:30pm that I had only consumed...caramel apple cider, pepper jack cheese with wheat thins and poppers and sweet tea all day. I promise that my daughter ate better than I did.

I am not obsessed with the idea of homemade Christmas gifts. I have not made friends with the ladies at the local thrift stores buying so much furniture to refinish and pillowcases to make into little girls dresses. I do not have so many ideas running through my head that I can't choose what to do for whom. I do not have any plan whatsoever to make two of every thing I make, so I can keep one for myself. Hee hee.

I did not miss my son so much while he was at his dad's for the last five days, that after his dentist appointment this morning let him spend the day at home in my lap and by my side. This really isn't like me so I did not feel super guilty about it but decide that some days a mama just needs her baby and her baby needs her.

Loss

2009-11-08T16:46:00.000-08:00

I read one of my fave blogs the other day. It was Pregnancy & Infant Loss Remembrance Day. There were hundreds of women commenting on their own losses. Remembering and praying and sending words of encouragement. It is more common than a person would think. In fact, I was having breakfast with three girlfriends and out of the four of us, three of us had lost a baby. Startling, right.

I was watching an old video from 2004 with my son the other day. He was one and a half so we were watching him dance and sing and say "I yuy you". I forgot how little he was and how dang cute. I smiled for days just hearing that little voice.

One of my birthday parties was also on the video. We watched a little bit and I started opening presents. One was a cosmopolitan set with pink sugar for the rim of the glasses. I smiled (as a cosmo is my fave drink) and said to the camera..."Mmmm, for next year." And then without thinking I said aloud "Oh, that's right, I was pregnant." My son heard me and looked at me funny. He had just seen himself on the video, so he was confused. Dang! Big mouth mama. I tried to explain to him that I was pregnant but, the baby wasn't healthy in my belly and so it didn't make it. He was confused and concerned and then he said to me "You mean we would have another baby right now?" Yes. Well, not so much a baby but a four year old. A four year old. Wow.

It was a difficult moment for a few reasons. One that I had to explain the miscarriage to my six year old son. Then I realized I would have a four year old right now. We would be getting ready for kindergarten next year and my family pictures would have one more little person in them.

It was difficult for a lot of personal reasons at the time. It was hard on my family and I had complications. I remember laying on the couch of my best friend late one night. I remember burning up and she kept taking my temperature and she finally told me if she didn't get my temperature to go down she was taking me to the emergency room. It was a long, hard time in my life.

It was difficult for those around me as well. If you haven't been through this before it is shocking and it is painful. Sometimes you don't know what to say. I would tell you this. Just say you are sorry. Just hug them. Please don't say "at least you have a baby already". I know I already have a baby, but I wanted this one all the same. Please don't say "You'll have more babies". Maybe I will or maybe I won't but that does not discount the fact that this was a baby, my baby. Please don't say nothing at all. It's like it never happened and that is unfair to me and my baby that I won't be having.

I know things happen for a reason. God has a plan for me and my babies. I know that something was not right and that is why that baby did not make it. Knowing that makes it a little easier. I'm not saying I didn't blame myself. I did. It's normal. But, I know now that anything I did or didn't do was not the cause.

Do I get scared still? Yes. I remember last year when I found out I was pregnant with my daughter I would pray everyday that everything would be ok. I was scared every morning that something would happen that day. She, of course, was fine and is now 10 months old and stubborn like her mama.

So, I just read over this and it is a mess. Sorry. Been writing this for a few weeks. I would write some, cry a little and stop writing. Thought maybe I wouldn't post it. Thought maybe that was my way of keeping it to myself for the next four years. Don't think I have ever said any of this out loud. Feels a little scary and honest at the same time. So, I will and please just know that I know it sounds a little bit crazy. But, I'm a little bit crazy so that makes perfect sense.

Found the decorations

2009-11-08T12:09:00.000-08:00

I decorated the house the other day for Thanksgiving. Beginning of November change of scenery.

The kitchen table pumpkin and scarecrow love.

The buffet in the dining room. Soon to be apple pie. Not the buffet, of course, just the apples on the buffet.

The dining room table with a pinecone turkey.

The front door deco. The pumpkins that were out front froze and didn't looks so super.

Stuck

2009-11-07T20:07:00.001-08:00

I cannot for the life of me get a little ditty by Miss Taylor Swift out of my head. I've tried. I am not a big fan of hers. I became a little bit more of a fan when she was accosted by Kanye West and handled it with such grace. Very impressive for a young lady. I heard the song at a party I did today and the whole time I was working in the back of my head was her little curly haired face singing her little Romeo & Juliet song. After I got home, kissed my bebe, made dinner and made dessert* there was a commercial for something on in the background with her singing that song. Nooooo...now it will be in my head until tomorrow morning until hopefully one of the songs at church gets stuck in my head instead.

So for now, I leave you with this...

Marry me Juliet
You'll never have to be alone
I love you and that's all I really know
I talked to your dad go pick out a white dress
It's a love story, baby just say yes

* I should, for honesty sake, point out that dinner was take and bake pizzas and dessert was chocolate chip cookies made with dough I bought at the pizza place. It wasn't like I slaved away all night.

And again...

Romeo take me somewhere we can be alone
I'll be waiting all there is left to do is run
You'll be the Prince and I'll be the Princess
It's a love story, baby just say yes

10 Things Thursday

2009-11-05T09:19:00.000-08:00

10 Things I Should Be Doing Right...Now

1. Clean the living room which has been destroyed by a baby girl who must touch everything. And then put it all in her mouth.

2. Wash all the pillowcases, curtains and material I bought at the thrift store yesterday. I have found some new fabulous blogs with crafties that I plan to do.

3. Hide the Christmas gifts I found for the kiddos while at Target & Michael's. $1 section stocking stuffers. Yeah!!

4. Get ready for yoga. I dreamt about it but somehow I don't think that has the same effect.

5. Get clothes ready for baby girl who has her 9 month pictures today...yes she is 10 months.

6. Get working on the Christmas crafts/baby gifts/birthday gifts I'm making. Busy bee.

7. Start dinner...homemade stew. Delish.

8. Pack up kids clothes that no longer fit (clearly both of them grew over night)and put away the bag of goodies I received from Seattle from my sweet friend.

9. Find recipe for something delightful for the mother daughter tea party on Saturday. I'm so excited, it's my first time being a daughter and having a daughter.

10. Go to the 12 hour bake sale and stock up for Christmas goodies.

Radical Recipe

2009-11-04T08:03:00.000-08:00

It was my turn to make dinner for Family Dinner Night. My family has had dinner at least once a week for many, many years. I love it. I made homemade chili, baked potatoes, cornbread muffins and apple cake for dessert. I have been trying for years to make a chili that I loved. I have tried more than a dozen different recipes and mixes. I found one that I had yet to try and it looked pretty delicious. I made a few changes, of course, it's what I do. And, guess what? Last night I did it. I made the perfect chili. Ohmygosh it was good.

It got rave reviews from everyone but my own son...who refused to even try the chili. Picky little eater that he is. Like mother like son. Hee hee.

Here is the recipe if you want to give it a try.

In a large pot...

Brown 2 lbs hamburger.

Add one medium chopped onion. Add three cloves of garlic. Add two stalks celery. Cook until tender.

Add remaining ingredients and mix well:

Large can tomato sauce

2 cans Pinto beans

1 can black beans

1 can kidney beans

1 can red beans

1/2 cup diced green chili

3 cans chopped tomatoes

2 cups water or beer

3 Tsp cumin

3 Tbsp chili powder

Salt & Pepper to taste

Simmer for 2 to 3 hours.

Serve hot with shredded cheese, chopped onions, sour cream or any of your fave toppings.

Enjoy!

*You can make it with any kind of beans you like. I like lots of different kinds.

*I didn't take pictures because I forgot, plus, let's be honest...Chili isn't that pretty to look at it.

What?

2009-11-03T21:04:00.000-08:00

I just saw a commercial for the George Lopez show that is starting or started or whatever. Do you know who is on the commercial with him? Obama. Um, I'm just wondering if I'm the only one who is thinking he has better things he should be doing than filming commercials for TBS tv shows.

Right?

Not Me Monday

2009-11-02T08:52:00.000-08:00

Normally you can check out tons of other things that did not happen at the mother of Not Me Monday. But, she has been in the hospital with her dear Stellan. Please pray for him and his family.

Last week kept me busy...I did not agree to the addition of our family with only one more baby. Then I did not decide I didn't want any more babies. None at all. Then I did not go back to my original plan of a dozen more babies. Crazy girl that I am.

I definitely did not just remove a Sharpie marker and a box of matches from my 10 month old daughter's hands. She was not alternating putting them both in her mouth. The marker lid was on and the box was closed...no harm done.

I did not still have my pajamas on when I heard a knock on the door at two in the afternoon. I did not get big eyes and contemplate not answering it. It turned out to be my besties mom. Once again, no harm done.

I did not start making the Christmas Lists. Things to do, gifts to get, gifts to make, wish list, cards to mail, etc. I did not get all excited to sing carols and watch White Christmas and Love Actually.

Announcement

2009-11-01T15:01:00.000-08:00

The Chic Chic Boom Chic took second place at the Halloween party. Yeah!!!! I lost only to the most amazing Mr. T I have ever seen in real life. I had the most fabulous time. My hat was perfect if I didn't move too quickly or bend over and duck the light fixtures. Ha! By the end of the night it was a little crooked so I removed it and took off the massive amount of jewels. Then I was told by my bestie's husband..."Without the hat you just look ridiculous." Oh, right Trav...the twelve inch hat covered in fruit was what kept me looking not ridiculous. Hee Hee.

Celebrate Good Times Come On!

2009-10-30T10:46:00.000-07:00

Celebration Reason #1

I lost 14 pounds.

Celebration Reason #2

Halloween party tonight and my costume came together quite nicely.

Celebration Reason #3

I get to spend tonight with two of my besties.

Celebration Reason #4

I lost 14 pounds. I will probably be celebrating that a lot!

10 Things Thursday

2009-10-29T09:58:00.000-07:00

10 Pieces of jewelry I wear everyday

1. Beautiful three row diamond wedding ring

2. Diamond stud earrings

3. Circle tag bracelet with my son's name engraved on it

4. Circle tag bracelet with my daughter's name engraved on it

5. Watch

6. Pearl and silver ball bracelet

7. Silver ball bracelet

8. Family tree necklace

9. Silver & cz drops necklace

10. Silver double toe ring

Sicky

2009-10-28T20:16:00.000-07:00

Sicky.

My Fit Mama sidebar hasn't changed since last Friday. I'm sicky. You know what that means? It means I did not do Week 4 Run 1 on Monday. It means I didn't get my beloved yoga yesterday. It means that today I didn't do Week 4 Run 2. It means I am off track. Track, indoor track...I miss you. See, I have it on the brain. It means that I have to wait until Monday to start Week 4 which should really be Week 5. It means that it will probably be more difficult since I sat on my ass the last thee days. I'm dying to go to yoga tomorrow. I'm hoping and praying I will feel good enough.

Sicky.

*Silver Lining: the only good thing about being sicky is that I probably did lose a few pounds. I haven't eaten much of anything since Monday. For the record I would rather work my butt off at the gym than be sick. Ugh.

Sickness

2009-10-27T15:35:00.000-07:00

I think I have a disease. And I'm pretty sure it's at the advanced stages. It causes me to have a stomach ache. It puts enormous amount of stress on me. It makes me crazy and crazy Ada is not a good Ada.

It's called caretoomuchwhatothersthinkaritis.

I care waaaaaay to much what people think. What my family thinks. What my friends think. What strangers think. I know...some people don't understand this. Why would I care what strangers think? It doesn't matter, they don't even know me. I can't explain it to you...it just does. And my family and friends love me already so that doesn't make sense. Yet, it is a constant in my world. Crazy.

You know how I've mentioned that I'm a judgey judgerton. I think that is part of the reason. I am a people watcher and sometimes I judge them. So I assume that everyone else is doing the same thing to me. I assume I am being watched and judged all the time. Crazy.

This morning I made a comment on a blog and there was a comment made after mine by another reader that referenced mine. I have been sick all day about it. Seriously. Crazy, right? I don't know if I should say something and try to defend myself (with humor of course because I HATE confrontation). Or if I should let it go. Most people wouldn't have had a second thought about it. Again, crazy.

There have been many things I haven't done because I was scared of what someone might think or say. I freak out if my son says something he shouldn't because what if someone hears him and thinks I am a bad mom. I don't like my daughter to have a messy face because then it looks like I have a rug rat child and I don't care enough to wipe her face. I don't like the pine needles in my driveway because I don't want someone to drive by and think it is trashy. I freak out at church about people looking at the back of my hair. I have to have my toenails painted to even leave the house. I also have to look good because what if I run into someone. And not even someone I know. But the lady at the grocery store. I would prefer if she thought the best of me and my children. It's sick, I know. Sick and also crazy.

There is a website, of course. It is the Experience Project and they have an anonymous group I could join. They also have a group called "I remember my first kiss" and "I love to read" as well as "I have a dog". I could, in fact, join all those groups. (I found the website when I googled my disease to make sure it didn't have a real name when I gave it the name of caretoomuchwhatothersthinkaritis)

Is there a cure for this that I am unaware of? Do you know of a magic pill I can get my hands on? I would love to go to Target and not think the whole world is watching.

Not Me Monday

2009-10-25T20:20:00.001-07:00

Check out tons of other things that did not happen at the mother of Not Me Monday.

I definitely do not have an issue with time management. I was running around like a crazy person trying to get me and the kiddos ready for wherever it was we were going. I definitely did not run into the bathroom and grab the closest bottle and spray it under my arms. It did not smell different than my deo. It did not smell exactly like my hair. It was most definitely not hairspray. My sweet husband did not catch me in the act and since he knows whats good for him...laugh himself right out of the room. Dang!

It is clear to anyone who knows me that I am a little bit spoiled. Ok, a lot spoiled. Date night was postponed from Thursday night. Postponed turned out to be a good thing. I did not have a hot stone massage on Friday afternoon while the sweet husband had a regular massage in the next room. I did not get dinner at our fave spot after that even with my greasy hair. (Greasy hair from the massage oil. I had clean hair before that) (I also pulled it up into a pony so you couldn't tell it was greasy) I guess I should have said I did not go out to dinner with greasy hair. Ha. And because a massage and dinner is a complete date I did not go to a Sunday matinee and hold hands in the popcorn bucket with the sweet husband.

Speaking of the sweet husband he did not stand out in the cold for the tickets and tell me to go inside to keep warm. He did not just laugh at me & tell me how much he loved me when I dropped popcorn all over him and the floor of the theatre. I did not start dancing when the movie started and look over and see him dancing along with me.

P P P POP POP POP

2009-10-25T19:56:00.000-07:00

Look at this sweet old chicken that was guarding the corn when we went to pick pumpkins last week.
Just looks like regular dried corn on the cob right? Like indian corn which is perfect for decorating for fall. But, it isn't just regular corn. It is special. Special magic corn.

When you put this corn in a brown paper bag and put it in the microwave...

You get popcorn.

The lady that owns the farm grows it and then dries it and then pops it for a snack. I looooove it!

10 Things Thursday

2009-10-22T19:17:00.000-07:00

10 things that I like about my Bubba (written by the Bubba)

1. Because I have so much beautiful eyes.
2. His hugs
3. His kisses
4. His voice
5. Because you love me.
6. He is cute.
7. He cleans his room for me. (you can totally tell this was written by him)
8. His hair
9. He gets in the car when I tell him to.
10. He is really good at baseball.

* I was having a hard time writing my ten things list and he was sitting in the chair with me and he told me what to write.

October 21st

2009-10-21T15:13:00.001-07:00

Just so you know...it is definitely two months until my birthday.

Random Ramblies

2009-10-20T14:44:00.000-07:00

About the gym...

The soap smells like a watermelon jolly rancher. Every time I wash my hands I get hungry. Who thought up this brilliant idea?

The indoor track is ran clockwise on Mon-Wed-Fri and counter clockwise on Tues-Thurs. (clearly, you can run on Sat or Sun. But, I don't so I don't know which way it runs) Regardless of there being signs that clearly state this; there is always someone going the wrong way. Last run I had to audibly (to myself) check what day it was and the guy that started running when I started could see my puzzled face and said to me "WE are going the right way...don't worry I have your back." I'm not sure but the lady that was going the wrong way didn't look like much of a bruiser to me. Nonetheless, I appreciate his support.

Speaking of the track...if you are taking a tour of the facility (which I encourage) please be aware that you are ON A TRACK. There will be people running. You standing in the middle of it and having a conversation about the pool downstairs is not the best idea. Move aside...

Are the ladies that use the gym provided yoga mats unaware of germs? Have you heard of this little thing called the swine flu? Bring your own mat, you grossies.

The kiddie pool area is only so big so just because a dad and his son are in close proximity to you and your daughter it doesn't mean he is hitting on you. It means that his son wants to play on the splash table as well. If they return and you happen to have a conversation it continues to mean that his son wants to play in the kiddie area. (yes, this is for you babe)

If you are in the pool and you swim in your white cover up please understand that it is completely transparent. We can see you and your swimsuit and even your belly button. And, for the record...you didn't need a cover up.

When a person has an ipod with earphones in, it is normally on. This means I can't hear you when you talk.

Um, I know it's hot when you are running on the stairmaster. I know you get sweaty but a little additional piece of material is not going to make that big of a difference. I promise. They even make material now that is designed for exercising. So, please, please put on a shirt. If you aren't in good shape we really don't want to see you in all your glory. If you are in good shape and want to show off all your glory then you should go out for cocktails with your girlfriends. Just saying.

Not Me Monday

2009-10-19T08:20:00.000-07:00

Check out tons of other things that did not happen at the mother of Not Me Monday.

I have been working out every weekday (rest on Saturday & Sunday) and counting calories like a crazy supermodel. I have been feeling great and I can see a difference already in my legs and my face. So when I weighed myself and lost five pounds in less than two weeks I did not get super crazy mad. Don't get me wrong...I love that I already lost five pounds. It was the number on the scale. This is why I got rid of my scale. No matter what I was feeling or how I thought I looked and how my clothes fit if I got on that dang scale and it said something I didn't want to see I would go into a crazy mood and get all upset. I am not going to weigh anymore. Well, maybe just once a month. Maybe.

After buying my costume for the pumpkin holiday and realizing that aside from a few ruffles it is pretty much sleeveless and that I only have two weeks... I did not, after my run, work out my arms until I could barely pick up my baby girl.

I most certainly did not give the name Jesus (pronounced Hay Zeus) to an unfortunate soul who carried his belongings with him. Please let me explain. One of my besties and I went shopping for costumes on Friday. We were talking about explaining the Trinity to children on the way over. I had mentioned that I guess when I picture Heaven I see a God figure and a man figure of Jesus. So we were discussing that. Then we started talking about what Jesus looked like when he was on earth. We decided that all the pictures that look alike probably aren't wrong. I told her that I think he looks like "that" and I pointed over to her side of the car where she had her visor down and on her visor was a card with a picture of Jesus that once belonged to her Grandma. She looked past the picture and out her window where there was a homeless man sitting on the street corner. She looks at me with a puzzled look on her face. I quickly realize that she has not seen the card I was pointing at but thinks I was referring to the transient and we both start to giggle. We giggle and giggle and that turns into all out laughter. Laughter that we cannot control and that takes our breath away. Ahhhh, good times.

I politely and happily held the door open for a mom with two kids and when she didn't respond with a thank you, a smile, or a kiss my ass, I did not let her fend for herself with the second set of doors.

I was not completely and utterly embarrassed when my above reference bestie commented on the state of my bedroom. I had started cleaning it (packing away summer clothes) and you know how it gets worse before it gets better??? Well, she saw it at the "worse" stage so I did not spend hours in there making it shine like the top of the Chrysler building.

Budget Belle

2009-10-17T14:55:00.000-07:00

I waited all week and it finally came...The MOPS sale. Its the Mother of Preschoolers semi annual sale where I try to find clothes for my kiddos for cheap cheap cheap. And I always do. Here is what I brought home today...

For the now 9 month old baby girl
11 pairs of pants
5 skirts
9 dresses
4 shirts
6 sweaters
3 hoodies
2 pairs of pjs
5 outfits (pants & shirts w jackets)
2 pairs of tights
2 pairs of shoes
1 winter coat
4 toys

This includes numerous, Gap, Childrens Place, Old Navy, Kenneth Cole and XOXO brands in sizes 12-24 months. It also includes a Christmas dress for next year with the tags still attached and I paid a quarter of the price.

For the 6 year old boy
4 shirts
1 pair of pants
1 Vest
1 Sweatshirt
1 pair of shoes

The shoes are Adidas cleats for soccer...$.75. Yep, they look new and I didn't even pay a dollar. The sweatshirt is a red Hurley hoodie that I got for $1. But my best find for him was a school shirt. We got the order form for school shirts and I totally forgot to get him one. Dang, I felt awful. Well I found one today and it cost me $1. Yeah!!!

In summary I got 62 items and I paid $73 and yes I am really bad at math but, isn't that just over one dollar an item???? What? That is AMAZING!

Now I have to get all these clothes washed and put away. Ugh. I didn't wait all week for this part.

Chica Chica Boom Chic

2009-10-17T08:51:00.000-07:00

This is Carmen Miranda...this is who I will transform into on the night of the 30th for my sweet friend Kelly and her annual halloween party.

After hours of shopping and many giggles and one weird man who seemed to be following us around we found a bright turquoise dress worthy of Carmen. We also found some plastic fruit to strategically place upon my head. With my dark hair and a little tanning (bottle not bed) I might just do this Brazilian bombshell justice.

Chances are at some point during the night I will do my own rendition of Chica Chica Boom Chic. Oh hellsyeah, I will.

10 Things Thursday

2009-10-15T08:21:00.000-07:00

10 movies my son watches over and over regardless of the many options we have...

1. Scooby Doo

2. Ratatouille

3. Meet The Robinsons

4. Chicken Little

5. Night at the Museum

6. Narnia

7. The Sandlot

8. Pirates of the Caribbean

9. School of Rock

10. Prince Caspian

Sam I Am

2009-10-14T08:14:00.000-07:00

You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams." Dr. Seuss

Found this quote the other day on a blog. How true it is. When the sweet husband and I first started dating we would stay up all night. We would talk and kiss and talk and kiss until the early hours of the morning. There was just so much stuff to say. We had so much catching up to do. We didn't want to spend any of our time asleep. What a waste. We would eventually fall asleep. Then about 5am he would get up off the couch and we would both rub our aching necks and he would drive home and I would go crawl in my bed with my then 3 year old son.

I remember those late nights where we laughed and learned all about each other. The night we watched the meteor shower in the hot tub. The night when my little boy had a night terror and he worried right along with me and told me what a good mom I was. The night I told him about my divorce and what exactly he was getting in to and he smiled and told me he wasn't going anywhere. Those were the nights we fell in love.

Dr. Seuss was right...and not just about the lorax.

Friendly Reminders

2009-10-13T15:37:00.000-07:00

When someone holds the door open for you...say thank you.

When someone sneezes...say God bless you.

When someone smiles at you...smile back.

When someone gives you a compliment...graciously accept it.

When someone offers to help...allow them.

What did I forget?

Not Me Monday

2009-10-12T07:26:00.000-07:00

Check out other Not Me Monday posts at the mother of Not Me Monday.

I went with my mom on Sunday afternoon to run around and went to a store that I never go into. I knew I would be safe to not spend any money there. I did not end up spending $15 and get five shirts and a pair of shoes. I know, right. I am the best shopper in the world.

I went to yoga twice this week. Looove it. I did not fold in to a swan dive pose, hit my toe with my hand and knock my toenail polish off. Since I am completely in the zone whilst doing my yoga I did not worry that the girls next to me would see the naked toe nail and make judgements of me. I certainly don't care what people think. Oh, and I for sure did not paint said naked toe nail in my car before I got out at the airport even though I was a little bit late already.

I did not speak of one Edward Cullen like he was real. I did not look like a complete crazy person talking to myself about a fictional character and how he sparkles and sings. What? You didn't know he sings...he does. It's glorious, isn't it?

Went to my nephews birthday party this week. Well, at least for a little bit before I snuck to the gym (thanks Mom). It was a skate party, which is sooo cool when you are ten. The kids had a fun time skating. So did the two guys that showed up in their matching waist long hair, white pants, tie dye tees, bandannas with actual synchronized routines. I watched them for at least three songs until YMCA came on and I had to teach my 16 month old niece the moves. I did not want to kick myself when I found out they had done a whole performance in the middle of the skate rink while I was gone.

It is only two and a half months until Christmas. When that realization hit me in the shower I did not double freak out because I have not started one craft and not bought one present. Oh, I take that back. I got the baby girl a Care Bear movie the other day and when I got it home realized it was a Halloween care bear movie. Ugh. I do not hate Halloween so I'm not returning that move today.

Random Rambles

2009-10-11T06:29:00.000-07:00

Did you know there is a goldfish in Smart Water bottles? There is. Take a looksy next time you go to the grocery. Or even better...buy a bottle and have a drink. It's like the most delicious water on the earth.

Did I just type "it's like"? That's like crazy...I like never talk like that. Please envision me chewing gum and flipping my hair around.

I had no plan to go to the gym today. It was a day off. A much needed day off. My body aches from head to toe. I had wicked painful shin splints on my last run. Yet, I felt guilty all day for not going. Crazy?

Got advice from the sweet husband on what to do to make my shins feel better. Also got unsolicited advice from the ex husband for shin splints. They weren't the same at all. I googled it and got total different advice. Ugh.

I have jury duty starting on Tuesday. I don't mind serving. I enjoyed the last time I was a juror. Not looking forward to it since I know they are choosing for a murder that happened around here starting Tuesday. And I have the sweet baby girl I would rather spend my day with than twelve strangers, two suits, a robe and a murderer.

When you tell people you got the jury letter you automatically get a million different ways to get out of being chosen. Most include radical views. Can't I just be honest and tell them it is inconvenient for me and my daughter and my new exercise program?

Had the new tv show Flash Forward on our dvr. We watched two episodes. I like it. The sweet husband isn't sure about it yet. Premise: the whole world blacks out for two minutes at the same exact time. Causes disaster. During the black out each individual sees into their future, six months into their lives. Made me think if I would want to see my future. I'm going with no.

Salsa update

2009-10-10T22:03:00.000-07:00

Remember this post about the delicious salsa?

Well, I made it today with yellow tomatoes from my parents garden and it was even better. Delicious to the tenth power. I know, right? Yummmy. Yellow tomatoes aren't as acidic so somehow that makes the flavors of the jalapenos, garlic, onion, cilantro stand out even more. I don't know how but it did.

Yummy. So if you know my mom you can cruise right up to her house and get some...she has boxes of tomatoes. If you don't know her you need to because she is the most amazing lady ever. And you also need to find yourself some yellow tomatoes. Hee hee.

Love Actually Is All Around

2009-10-09T08:01:00.000-07:00

I went to the airport today to pick up some family. It is hunting season so the boys flew in to spend a week in the woods with my dad. I love when they are here. My dad smiles and laughs and we hear the best stories. When they are gone I get to spend some time with my mom. It's good times all around.

Today when we were waiting for one more flight I saw the best homecoming. It was like I was in the opening airport scene of Love Actually. It was a mom with three little boys at the luggage carousel. They were joined by Poppa soon after. They found the luggage of whoever it was they were waiting for although they had yet to see the actual people. Then a young couple with a stroller were spotted. There was screaming. There was running. There were hugs and smiles and giggles and more hugs. I got a little teary through my own huge smile. It warmed my heart to see such love and happiness.

I thought that the airport might be a good place to come when you needed to see some human goodness. Where you can see that embrace of two lovers. Where you can see a mom return home to her babies and squeeze them super tight. Where you can see old friends reunite for this years hunt. Where you can see men return from war and see their newborns for the first time. This is the backdrop of love and they are all over the country.

It also is the backdrop for some really good photos. Take a looksy at what I found yesterday.

10 Things Thursday

2009-10-08T08:09:00.000-07:00

10 Shows I watch on a regular basis

1. Grey's Anatomy
Can't help it...I love these guys.
2. The Office
Jim & Pam, need I say more?
3. Fringe
My boyfriend Joshua Jackson is on here, plus his dad is funny.
4. Mad Men
The clothes, the men, the women who drink & smoke, even while pregnant.
5. Parks & Recreation
Like the Office, but not.
6. The Hills
Please, please don't judge me
7. Private Practice
Spin off from Grey's, its debatable.
8. Barefoot Contessa
DELISH!!!
9. Fantasy Factory
Rob of Rob & Big...sweet husband loves it.
10. Daddy's Girls
Rev Run's daughters who moved to Cali.

No Namaste

2009-10-07T19:52:00.000-07:00

Stretch and Tone.
That's what they call the yoga at the community center.
I like it.
I mean I like the class.
I also like the name.
I think its kind of funny, since clearly it is yoga but whatever.
Its the best class I've ever been in.
The instructor is very instructional and thorough.
She also is cute.
But not too cute where I am intimidated.
The class was full.
Of more cute girls.
I fit right in.
It had been over a year since I had been in a yoga class.
Way too long.
She calls them practices.
She also doesn't do any "ommmm" or budha schmudha talk which I like.
I was proud of my body for what it could still do.
I was sad a little when there were a few things I used to be able to do but couldn't now.
Surprised me that she said namaste at the end.
I don't say it.
It is like saying "the god in me honors the god in you".
I'm pretty sure there is no god in me.
I wonder if the other girls know what they are saying.
I pray during the cool down.
She reads quotes.
This week theme: take care of yourself so you can care for others.
Mom's sometimes forget this little bit of information.
It really is important.
I left smiling and feeling good.
I can't wait to go back tomorrow.

Four Letter Word for Starvation

2009-10-05T13:38:00.001-07:00

Let me tell you what happens when you say the word diet to me...I get HUNGRY!

It is no secret that I have some baby weight to get rid of. Like 20 pounds. Ugh. And if I'm being really honest I have some happy weight to get rid of as well. You know the "fat and happy" that happens to you. When I got divorced I was pretty skinny. Skinny and miserable. I worked out a lot and didn't eat much. Stress did wonders for my figure. Now that life is good and I am happy some of that weight found me again. I thought I lost it but apparently it was just on vacation. And now it is home.

So, today I am starving. Know why? I said the word. The dang diet word. Ugh. Why do I do that. I know better. I ate a peanut butter toast for breakfast and a lean cuisine for lunch but right now I am starved. Starved on the verge of famished. Seriously. Luckily I have no junk food in the house. Anywhere...trust me I looked. I looked everywhere for popcorn, ice cream, leftovers. Nothing. Which is a good thing for the (shhhhh!) diet.

You may have noticed that my running took a vacation as well. It did. We went to Cali for a week and when I got back there was this incident with a van that was for some reason on the same route as my run. My run course quickly changed and since I am a scaredy cat my running suffered. And by suffered I mean stopped. My 5k was supposed to be this week and now I have to start all over. Double ugh! Just like me though to go big and then stop. I am starting again tonight. Joined a local community center and they have a (drumroll, please) indoor track. YEAH!!! Come and get me now scary man in the gray van with no windows that probably had four other pretty running girls in the back.

The plan is to start the 5k training again on the track and run M-W-F. Yoga is on Tu-Th-Sat. I am taking advantage of being home and having this membership. I am going to update my sidebar with my activities. Keeps me accountable. Plus I am dying to get back into my skinny jeans.

Not Me Monday

2009-10-05T07:17:00.000-07:00

Check out other Not Me Monday posts at the mother of Not Me Monday.

I did not get a bag of fresh jalapenos from my mom and proceed to make poppers for lunch Saturday. I am not addicted so I did not have them for lunch yesterday too. It would be ridiculous if when I went yesterday I got more just in case the craving strikes during the week. So, I didn't do that.

Speaking of those dang poppers... my girlfriend and I aren't soooo in love with this little treat that we did not decide that the heat of the jalapenos melts any and all calories so it's really like not eating at all. Genius!

I never leave my children unattended. So there is no way that I turned on a movie and told my little boy to watch his even littler sister so I could sneak just a few minutes of alone time with the sweet husband on a Sunday morning when we did not play hooky from church.

I am probably one of the most vain people I know so I would never for any reason under the sun walk my son to the bus stop in non matching yoga pants and sweatshirts with messy hair. I have a reputation you know.

My little girl goes with me to the salon when I get my nails done. This week I had lunch in the diaper bag for the sweet husband so he could swing by and pick it up since we are so close to his work. I did not smell something funny coming from a pair of size 9 month jeans. I did not call the sweet husband to see when he was going to be by to get his lunch. And I for sure did not tell him to hurry because his princess was stinking up the whole salon.

Random Ramblings

2009-10-03T08:14:00.000-07:00

Sold our 52" tv and got a 42" flat screen to mount on the wall. My first comment..."It's so small...I hate it." I didn't mean it to sound as mean as it did. I do love that I have more room in my living room. The old tv took up so much room it was ridiculous. Ridiculous. I was just used to having my Joshua Jackson (Fringe) in real life size like he was in my living room and now he is just on a tv screen. It's like we broke up. Sad, huh? Not sad like I'm pathetic. Sad that we broke up.

You know I love myself a dollar store. We went yesterday to buy crayons, toothbrushes, stickers, chapstick, jump ropes and other small toys for a gift box we were packing for a Christmas project at church. We filled up two boxes that will make one little girl and one little boy smile and giggle. Saw a girl there that went to the same high school. She kept making snide remarks about the stuff. Um, it's the dollar store. I'm not sure what she was expecting. It was almost like she was embarrassed to be there. Don't be embarrassed...I'm here too.

Going to a double header soccer game in an hour. Hoping it doesn't rain. Seven wet six year olds running around and then trying to get warm doesn't sound like the most fun. Nor does a bundled up 9 month old who wants to crawl and cannot. Last but not least I'm pretty miserable to be around when I'm cold. Did I talk you into joining us?

Really want to to do the antique white, shabby chic look in my house. I love the look. Always have. But, there is a fine line between antique and junky. How do I mix what I have and get the look that I want? Thinking of starting in my bedroom. It is completely red so I use a lot of white to brighten it up anyway. Might be the easiest and safest and cheapest. Hmmmm...

As I write my son is tying up my baby girl in his Indiana Jones whip. I would put a stop to it but she seems to be ok. Well, she did. Apparently the Indy hat was the last straw. She is giving him what for now.

The family did ro sham bo to see what to make for dinner last night. I lost. I made stroganoff. From a box. Clearly my son won. The sweet husband and I made salads with huckleberry dressing, feta cheese and walnuts. Delish.

Turned our heat on. I made it to October 1st. Partly because we had a late warm summer which I loved but partly because I couldn't do it. No heat in September. It just doesn't seem right. It was just last week that I was having mid day cocktails outside in the sun and now it is 53 and gray and wet. And there was snow on one of the passes nearby. Too early. Waaaaay too early for snow.

Not really sure how my sweet husband puts up with me but am so glad he does. I can be, well lets say, trying at times. He is entirely too good to me and I'm still not sure how I got so lucky. He makes my life wonderful even when I don't deserve it.

I'm crazy addicted to the sweet tea from one fast food chain with golden arches. I adore it. It is sweet and cold and makes my mouth water. It would be watering right now if there wasn't one sitting on my left. I have had one a day for the last week. One day it lasted me two days. Or is that because I had two which would really be one and a half that day. Oopsy! They are only $1 so it isn't the money but I have yet to check the calories because I don't want to know. I probably could make it at home but I don't want to know how much sugar they put in it. So, I will just make friends with the drive thru girl and live in denial.

10 Things Thursday

2009-10-01T07:19:00.000-07:00

10 things I got for my precious daughters birthday party which is three months away, but the stuff was all pink and 80% off so I had to get it now and it only cost me $20 instead of $100 and thanks to my wonderful mother in law who loves me and my precious daughter I was able to. Phew...

1. Princess invitations (they definitely have the word queendom on them)

2. Princess thank you cards

3. Princess plates & napkins

4. Princess candy bracelets and candy castle puzzles

5. Pink happy birthday banner

6. Princess cookie cutters (high heel shoe, crown, wand, diamond ring, castle, etc)

7. Candy princess cupcake toppers and sprinkles

8. Paper princess tiaras for all girls to wear (I will be wearing my real one, yes I have a real one)

9. Pin the crown on the princess game ( I will use tape instead of pins...that would be just mean to have pins stuck in the princess' face)

10. Pink Princess Ribbon for the birthday girl

Radical Recipe

2009-09-30T15:06:00.000-07:00

I can't stop eating these.
Seriously.
Every day wouldn't be totally true.
Every week wouldn't do it justice.
You know how your mom used to say...if you eat any more cookies you will turn into a cookie.
You can call me Ms. Jalapeno.

My Poppers*

You need:

6-12 jalapenos
1 large can chicken breast
1 package 1/3 fat cream cheese, softened
Salt/Pepper to season

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Cut off jalapeno tops
Cut in half lengthwise
Clean seeds out

Drain chicken
Mix with cream cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Line pan with foil

Generously fill jalapeno halves with cream cheese & chicken mixture and place on pan

Bake for 30 minutes or until golden bubbly and delicious

Best served warm

* My dad's version
Leave some seeds in jalapenos for more heat
Replace regular cream cheese with garden vegetable cream cheese
Shred sharp cheddar and top all poppers with cheese

Do where gloves when preparing peppers.
Don't blame me when you get addicted.
Do call me if you need my help or want some company while snacking.

Vintage Barn Sale

2009-09-29T06:46:00.000-07:00

Went to the Vintage Barn Sale with my mom, mother in law and her bestie. We had a great time. We saw some great stuff. We got some good ideas. We giggled and soaked up the sun. Oh and we all found a few goodies.
It was a good day.

One of the vendors...she had amazing aprons. And the sweetest pink Raggedy Ann dolls. Of course they were gone when I got there. Sorry baby girl.

This is like my own little heaven. Look at all the goodies.

Cute sign, cute stuff.

My absolute favorite vendor. Do you see all that pink stuff? Hello lovah. I must have walked through a dozen times. She had a bed and the bed skirt was pink tulle. Adorable. I could've taken it all home.

These chairs are numbered. Not so sure why.

Photo for my sweet husband.

Oh, I am sooooo doing this next spring. An old door with wire garden fencing with plants in it. Ohmygosh!

Here are the pretties I came home with...

The old typewriter key necklace...its our letter.

Old pink plate for cakes, cookies, etc.

Old brackets for nightstand I'm making.

Not Me Monday

2009-09-28T10:30:00.000-07:00

We went on a walk after dinner last night and saw a friend/neighbor of ours who is pregnant (due in 5 weeks). She looks absolutely stunning. I did not turn green with envy when she rubbed her belly. Ohhhh, I can't wait to have more babies.

I had three parties (my job) scheduled in the month of September. They all got rescheduled. I did not freak out a tiny bit. No parties...no money. It's ok, right about then God sent me some good news in the form of more work but more money. Yeah!!!

I did not find statements for two different retirement accounts that still have my ex husband as beneficiary. Oopsy! Don't worry, I did not call today and talk to Joe, who thought it was hilarious, to get that remedied immediately.

I was going to make a sammie for lunch last week...no bread. Was going to eat tacos...no cheese. Was going to have cereal...no milk. So, instead of going to the grocery store I did not have ice cream with bananas, walnuts and chocolate syrup. Too bad I went shopping this weekend...that sounds good right now for lunch. Hee Hee.

I did not clean out the freezer and find two pie crusts from who knows when that were broken to pieces. Um, I'm not really a pie maker. Must have been on sale. I am however a cake maker. I tried my luck/skill once again at a two layer cake. Usually they taste delicious but look a mess. I did not do a little dance, literally, when the cake turned out absolutely perfect. My dad said it was the best dessert I have ever made. My nephew said it was ultra good. And it was...good looking and good tasting.
Ahhhhh...Fluffy Vanilla cake w/pineapple filling and Vanilla frosting. Delish!