Cooking without the Smoke Alarm

It’s pretty common knowledge that I can’t cook. So much so that I’ve gotten these gifts over the years. I’ll add here that they were given by my mother and my mother-in-law.

An apron for all the times I do cook?


Everyone needs a spoon rester holder thingy, right?




It’s become a joke amongst my loved ones. My husband, my children, even my friends. I’m okay with it. Holidays I’m usually given the task of dessert or salad.

I have a friend who was born with the amazing talent of entertaining and being able to whip up a whole spread of food just like that. I even got so ambitious one year to try to recreate chocolate truffles that she had made. I made lovely choco-blobs that were super yummy!

My sister has friends over and calls my mom for clarification on a recipe and is one of the very few Caucasian women I know who make mean chicken enchiladas. Her Hispanic husband and mother-in-law are very proud!

My mother is Martha Stewart’s sister or long lost cousin, I’m sure of it. My mom can cook, decorate, sew, bake all before company shows up unexpectedly. Both my parents were/are great cooks. I grew up with dishes of shark, tortellini in cream sauce... No Hamburger Helper or meatloaf in my life until I got married!

It’s not that ‘lessons’ weren’t offered. Learning how to cook was just never on my priority list of things to do. I still don’t enjoy it. I don’t have any interest in learning. I still have offers from very qualified teachers. One girlfriend went to school to be a chef- Jim wants me to hang out with her more! I’ll be more than happy to keep someone company in the kitchen or taste test with a glass of wine in hand but teaching me?!?!?! No, thank you.

I’ve read Julie and Julia. I own The Basics: How to Cook Everything, Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook, Fix it and Forget it, Cooking for Dummies, Great American Favorite Brand Name Cookbook, the Ultimate Microwave Cookbook, Mealtime Express and a ton of other cookbooks from Southern Living, Pampered Chef, and Rachel Ray.

I own the microwave rice cooker from Pampered Chef and have only managed to make perfect rice once.

When my husband comes home and sees dinner on the table for two nights in row and it’s something I’ve actually made rather than just heated up or gotten out of a box, he has heart palpitations. Last night I made Stroganoff. It was a huge hit by ALL four kids. Tonight, chicken sandwiches. ANOTHER hit! I already have dinner pre-started for tomorrow night. I KNOW! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?!?!?

Now to my reason for this blog…. I made chips…. ALL MY MYSELF! I cut up the tortillas and deep fried them in oil ALL BY MYSELF. I only managed to kill a few of them and burn myself once!! They are for dinner for tomorrow night. The recipe called for chips and I figured we had the Costco size bag of tortillas so why not try it!?!?!?



I’ve just about worn myself out over the past few days with all this cooking. I hope the family won’t mind Mac and Cheese too much on Thursday.

Snow, Christmas, Snow, and More Snow

Geesh, I was on a real roll there for awhile. Blogging every day and now... yea... um... we got dumped on by the snow the week before winter break, for those of you that have not spoken to me or should I say heard my bitching. The kids had an entire week extra off because of the snow. I've been doing everything to try and retain some sanity. Unfortunately for my fans, that doesn't include blogging.

I am now on countdown until school starts. My kids start on the 6th. A Tuesday, you ask?!?!? Yes, the 5th is a development day for teachers. I know and love quite a few teachers. I think they are amazing people BUT SERIOUSLY a development day after THREE weeks of winter break?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!? What is the district thinking?!?!?!?!?

I have made cookies with the kids from scratch (they tasted like saw dust!), played in the snow (got some really cute pictures but other than that it was really cold and wet!), made some more cookies from the fundraiser cookie dough (they were super yummy but I burnt the heck out of my finger!), and done art projects with the kids. I'm pretty done with the holiday season.

Disclaimer: I truly love my children. I am a better mommy when I get a break.

Look at this great picture that did come out of the three weeks. I have discovered Microsoft Publisher! So love my babies and Publisher!!!!!!

Where in the world?!?!?!

I have not fallen in the snow and ice that blankets us. I'm having computer problems to where I want to throw it out into the snow and ice! Be back soon!

Cookies Part 2

Important note about the cookies~ don't use an entire bag of chocolate chips! You will end up with melted choco-blobs! Things could be worse, I guess!



I called Hallie's mom and in between bouts of laughter, she said she thinks she used about a cup if not less. She also suggested, after the kids go to bed, to crumble the blobs over ice cream. I thought I was going to start back to my weight loss regime on Monday..... did I mean NEXT Monday?!?!?!

Cookies

Hallie came over for a play date armed with cookies! Have I mentioned I love her mom?!?!? They were wonderfully delicious! Soft and chewy with big chocolate chips...... and Cheerios?

Recipe:
1 egg
1 cup of sugar
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup Cheerios
Chocolate Chips

Mix together and form balls of dough. Place on cookie sheet. Bake for 10-11 minutes at 350 degrees.

They are more chocolate-y than peanut butter-y. If I hadn't been told there was peanut butter in them, I wouldn't have even guessed!

Ladies Man

This is the second school year we have lived in the area. I have gotten to know quite a few people. I get recognized as "Natalie's mom" when I go to the school. For the first time today, I was asked if I was "Grace's mom".

Last year, Natalie was in class with two girls, Rachel and Cameryn. The girls have still remained friends. Natalie and Cameryn are in the same class again. Rachel's little brother is now in Grace's class. Cameryn's little brother is also in kindergarten but with another teacher. Cameryn's little sister is in my Cameron's preschool class. You have all that straight? I've also gotten to be really good friends with both moms. Us moms of a million kids have to stick together.

I picked up both my Cameron and Hallie from preschool together. Hallie was going to come over and play. Well, play in the same house but in separate rooms. Cam in the living room with his trains. Hallie in the playroom with the dress up box. After Hallie left, Cam expressed how much he enjoyed having her here and that he had a lot of fun. Uh... o..kay? **We found out that they have something in common... another blog for another day**



That afternoon, Hallie's SISTER, Camryn, came over. The two Cam's played together. Her chasing him. Him laughing. Him chasing her. Her laughing. They had a blast. Natalie wasn't all that thrilled with her friend being distracted by her little brother. The little brother was LOVING it!



Needless to say, I think he had a good day!

Where's the camera?

I had transferred all my pictures from the camera to the computer the night before. The next morning I took three pictures of the girls for our Christmas card. They were moved right away so the card could be made. Lo and behold I had more than just the three pictures I took.

Gee, I wonder who's hands my camera fell into...









I was too busy laughing for them to be in trouble. This time their cuteness sure did save them!

Fancy Nancy

We celebrated Gracie's 6th a la Fancy Nancy. The girls all came dressed up. We decorated tiaras. We also made and ate 'parfaits'! Yummy!

Gracie's grandma surprised lil' miss with just about the entire Fancy Nancy section from Target...



I want her purse....

I...

I am totally cute and adorable.
When I saw the castles in the UK, I was so moved I cried.
I choose convenience over economics.
I voted for the first time in the most recent election.
I like hanging out with my mom.
I can touch my nose with my tongue
I have a house fire phobia.
I am a recognition whore.
I think Grace was a fairy in a former life.
I’m the only one in my house that has an innie belly button.
I think Natalie has eyes of an old soul.
I love living near water.
I prefer mama to mommy.
I don’t like to cook AND I’m not very good at it.
I don’t have ugly friends- they are all beautiful.
I consider myself spiritual.
The first concert I ever went to was Bon Jovi.
I am a book worm.
I love dark chocolate, pasta, and wine.
I’ve been arrested.
I want a house in Wales.
I sleep with one pillow but have 6 on my bed
I’d rather be cold than hot.
I feel kick ass with the color red around me.
Intelligence is turn on. Stupid people are a turn off.
I want a washer and dryer in my house when I grow up.
I believe in miracles, God, ghosts, Santa, and love at first sight.
Cameron and Gracie are the only people who think I’m a good singer.
I’ve sat by the phone all night waiting for someone to call.
I’ve been cheated on.
I’ve had my heart broken.
I’ve lied, cheated, manipulated, stolen… a lifetime ago.

Just a bit of mud

The school nurse and I are on a first name basis. I have a child that has taken almost three years to adjust to school. Some weeks are better than others. I used to pick her up early on a regular basis. NOW I only get calls when she's bleeding or vomiting. So when I saw the called ID said "Unknown name Unknown number", I just knew it was Michelle calling. I grabbed my keys and purse preparing.

" Hi. I know who it is." (cutting her off)

"I have Susan in my office" (not the kid I was expecting at all! and you can tell she doesn't have any run-ins with this one because she's calling her by the wrong name)

"What? Grace? Oh my! Is she okay?"

"While out at recess, she slipped and fell and is now covered in mud. Her coat got most of it. Can you bring her clothes to change in to?"

"She's covered in mud?"

Did I mention today was picture day?

The kindergartners were headed to the gym for pictures in 20 minutes.

More me!

A special thank you to Leah for the wonderful job she did on making my page a little more me! Click on her name to see all the wonderful-ness she creates in her life :)

Good ol' Granny

Grandmothers WERE elderly with gray hair, a full bosom, and wide waist. They worn matronly dresses and aprons. They baked and cooked and cleaned. At 50, they were grandparents a few times over and looked as though they were 100.

Now, have you met my mom?

My mom works nights- 7 pm to 7 am, usually 3 or 4 days a week. She is high up on the food chain at a fairly large local hospital. She has been a nurse for a million years. She is a FANTASTIC nurse- very knowledgeable and very much a people person. I think she thrives on nights that her hospital is on trauma. One of the things I admire most about her is that she refers to her career as a calling. She LOVES being a nurse. She says that she doesn't go to church- she goes to work instead.

My mom is a fierce entertainer and dinner party thrower. Her's are the parties that you want to get invited to. It will look like she spent the last month preparing when in reality she just spent the last month making lists on the way she want things to look like and a day or two to cook and prepare. I tease her and tell her that she has the Martha Stewart gene. It skipped me and went straight to Natalie.

My mom has short, spiky, blond hair and wears leopard glasses. She came to Gracie's birthday party in heeled brown boots and Abercrobie jeans- you know the ones that you buy already worn and holey? Not the outfit of your 'typical' grandma-ma.

My mom travels.... north, south, east, west, sometimes needing a passport, and sometimes not. She shares her love of travel with her grandbabies and friends alike.

Did I mention that she's in school getting her Masters in Nursing with an emphasis in teaching?

Just your average grandma.



If this is what 60 looks like, bring it on!!

My day

I am a:

chauffeur, finder of lost things, alarm clock, chef, Mary Poppins, organizer, cheerleader, maid, dishwasher, coach, washer woman, librarian, Gal Friday, CEO, referee, secretary, litigator, hair dresser, teacher, doctor, sanitation worker, singer, maintenance, doctor, and sex goddess.

All in a day.

No wonder I’m tired.

6 years ago today.... this evening

After the police being called to locate my husband, changing my jammie pants a million times because I wasn't thinking clearly after my water broke, and 16 hours of labor, I got this.....



My Gracie girl!
8 pounds 8 ounces with a full head of dark hair that turned red a day later.



Happy 6th Birthday, my favorite Grace in the whole wide world! I love you more than you'll ever know! I am so proud of the person that you are... even when you are up to no good!

Proud

My children have been my proudest moments in my entire life. They are amazing little creatures who not only warm and enlarge my heart but are the only people who know how to frustrate me and make me completely loose my mind.

The only other person that comes close to "making me feel" those same feelings are my husband. I find him very funny, incredibly sexy (obviously because we have a passel of munchkins together). He knows me so well, it's scary. He's also very intelligent. He has a big bark and even bigger heart. He is one of the most stubborn, pig headed, opinionated people I know. He is one of my best friends. We have grown up together. We both know each others warts and scars and he still loves me and I him. We have been together almost ten years and it seems like the longest and shortest ten years of my life. In all the craziness of our life together, I have never lost my faith in him. He can move mountains and sell ice to eskimos.



This is at his college graduation- three years of hard work, patience, sacrifice, another baby, and living with my mom. Watching him walk up on that stage was definitely one of my proudest moments. I didn't just cry... I bawled! I was and am so proud of him for the man that he is and has become. This is my favorite picture of us together. Not only do I look completely cute and adorable, he is extremely hot in that cap and gown!

And it captures that day perfectly.

Heaven

I think I am just about recovered from my trip and caught up with my life.

Today is my version of heaven..... jammie day with my youngest. We have been curled up on the couch since getting his sisters on the school bus. Watching Playhouse Disney.... can't get enough of the Imagination Movers. Heat is on full blast because I've turned into a mama-cicle. I cleaned my house and got it Cattigan-nized again day before yesterday. So I'm spending the morning with my baby giving him love and then he and I are headed to do laundry and to get bananas (his request).

Can't get much better than this!

Thank you to all my guest bloggers! I unfortunately had to take one post down because of naughty website solicitors. Sorry Liz!

I do have one more to post as soon as I get it. "She" must think I forgot! Muhahahah! I think not, love! Cough it up, sister! Remember, I see you in a month....

Second One In

Today’s guest blog is written by my long time friend Shango. He is an entrepreneur and galleried artist living in Seattle. www.ShangoLos.com

I found an old box of 1960’s and 70’s hippie papers. There was a large box of Heavy Metal Magazines in there too! They belonged to my friend Van. I don’t know if Van knew he was my friend.

He was an old guy in one of the buildings I managed. He had cancer on and off. He was frail but he was a machinist for like 40-50 years. He was brilliant.

His basement was like a laboratory on the wrong side of the tracks. Piles of tools everywhere. Petri dishes. Flasks. Dust. Rat Poo…and weird rubber molds that felt vaguely provocative. I found a plastic box with Psilocybin mushroom spore samples.

I only knew him for about 8 months before he died. He knew the cancer was back. He was getting ready to go to Thailand for one last time. He loved that place. The air. The, well…he really liked Thai PopGirls and such and had alot of their tapes. I don’t know if he liked the girls in Thailand or if he just liked the music but for whatever reason he wanted to die there it was a real disappointment to me that he didn’t make it.

He got sick right before he left and ended up going to Texas to die with his family rather than dying in Thailand where his heart was.

I was not the first but I was the second person to enter his house after he died. His family took his box of important papers but his entire life was left behind for me to remove. I called a junk removal company to take it all but I went back three different times to sit with his belongings. Van had a Rubik’s Cube and Old Computers and 70s magazines and so many old cords and electronics. He had the huge laboratory too.

My mentor thinks that I should do some sort of release ceremony for him so I can let go. I have yet to do that.

Cherish the moments

Hi everyone, and thanks, Cattigan, for allowing me to be a guest blogger while you're off having a blast in New York. I'm Leah, mother of three, and here is a little something that's been on my mind A LOT lately:

I say it a thousand times a day. "WHERE has the time gone?" or "They grow up far too fast." or "I remember when..." And it's true. Time passes far too quickly and my children have all three passed the baby stage and between the three of them, cover toddlerhood, preschool, and elementary school ages. WHERE HAS THE TIME GONE? THEY GROW UP FAR TOO FAST!

I remember when Emily was a new baby and it frustrated me that I couldn't put her down without blood-curdling screams (from her) resulting, to the point that she'd start to gag and choke. I remember how it used to take her up to an hour and a half to nurse, and how after about the first 15 minutes or so, my mind would start to drift towards the million and one things I needed to get done, and I'd be feeling frustrated that I was stuck in that darn recliner for an hour and a half, wondering why this baby couldn't just nurse and be done with it.

NOW, Emily is in 1st grade, spends five days of the week gone ALL DAY at school. Her afternoons and evenings are spent going through paperwork from school, doing any homework she might have received, eating dinner, having a bath, getting ready for bed, and going to bed. NOW, I desperately wish I could get back those moments I got to spend holding my baby all day long.

I thought I'd learned my lesson with Emily, and swore to take more time to enjoy Jared when he came along, but then splitting my time between TWO kids, doubling the amount of laundry and chaos proved no match for my vow, and I found myself rushing through life a second time. Not to say I didn't enjoy the moments as they happened, but did I really TREASURE them as they happened? Unfortunately, I don't believe I did.

As I look at my baby, Connor, who isn't even technically a baby anymore, I desperately miss those little lumps of flesh that snuggled on my shoulder and screamed bloody murder when I put them down. I miss the little body you could lay on a blanket and leave the room for five minutes, and come back to find it, still on the blanket. I miss how much they used to need me. Not that I'm usless these days, but it's not the same. They can all feed themselves, dress themselves, walk on their own two feet, etc. I was so anxious for all of those milestones, and now I often regret how quickly they came.

I take pictures of my children all the time, and go back to look at them often, and every time, I'm struck by how much more meaningful and special the moments are to me AFTER THE FACT. How each one lets me take a little trip back in time to enjoy that moment again, even if I was too rushed/stressed/whathaveyou to appreciate it to it's fullest at the time. So even if/when my kids get sick of me and my camera, I'll continue photographing them anyway, because I'll know there's a moment somewhere in the future where that picture will be our little time-travel device to enjoy the moment again and again.

Each and every picture is also a tiny reminder to try harder to enjoy life as it happens, instead of relying on pictures. To enjoy my children, and all of the chaos and clutter and drama and frustration (and joy and love and laughter) that comes along with them NOW. To try my best to make each and every moment count.

Am I perfect in my quest to follow through with my own advice? NO! Does it make me strive that much harder to be successful tomorrow? YES! Am I alone in trying to find the balance between motherhood, being a wife, being a maid/chef/taxi driver/etc while still finding time to appreciate all of it? PROBABLY NOT (though it often feels like it).

All I can do is try my best to remember to cherish the moments because these:


turn into these:


IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE!

Turkey Troubles

Oh, the conundrum of Guest Blogging! Although I love to write, my own personal blog is only updated once or twice a month due to time constraints (ie. laziness). So now I need to write for our sassy friend Cattigan, and naturally, I don't want it to be crap. But everything that comes out is immediately met with the thought, "Man! This really needs to go in MY blog! I'll have to write something else . . ."

Sigh.

With that, I finally figured out that I could use this to my advantage. It's my guess that C has more readers than I do, and I know she definitely has more who leave comments. And I need your help!

You know that charming (ha!) drama with the in-laws that always seems to stir up when everyone is crammed into the same house during the holidays? How everyone maaaybe has a little too much wine and people start feeling brazen and saying what they REALLY think of everyone else? Voices are raised, tears are shed, and you spend the following year trying to forget about the incident altogether, only to repeat the routine next Thanksgiving and start all over again. (Don't look at me like that, you KNOW what I'm talking about!)

Well . . . nope. No thanks. Not this year.

The hubs and I have decided to skip out on all of that nonsense and attempt to cook our first turkey at home where it's quiet and peaceful, AND we get to eat ALL the leftovers. Muahahaha.

I'm certainly no newbie to the kitchen, but we only have one oven. And since it'll be just us, we won't have the convenience of the "potluck" Thanksgiving where everybody brings a dish. So, I need some ideas on how to accomplish this undertaking without completely losing my head. Do I cook the side dishes the day before, and try to make recipes that can be viably reheated in the microwave while the turkey is roasting? Do I say screw it and just order one of those nice pre-prepared holiday spreads that the grocery store has been advertising? Perhaps most importantly, am I mad to think I can actually do this myself?

If anyone has ever shared a similar experience and could offer up some much needed advice before the big day (seriously, even if it's "Stop now and just order take-out!"), I would be greatly thankful and indebted.

Blessings!
A.C.

Big Apple, baby!

The count down is complete! I am New York chic, dah-lings!

Stay tuned for a superb line up of guest bloggers..................

Heavy

For the first time since I became a registered voter fifteen years ago, I actually voted last night. I stood in line with all the other history makers and took advantage of the touch screen computer poll thingy. I was even more thrilled to receive my badge of honor....



I make it a point to keep religion and politics out of my friendships. I have friends of every race, religion, political party, sexual preference, shape, etc. in my life. I see people for who they are and I feel as those things don't define who a person is. I recently had a friend who has found calm and happiness in her life. Her choices to get there make us on complete opposites of the fence in most of life. It took her three months to tell me. My response... I was upset she took so long to tell me. I don't care if she were to turn orange with green polka dots and go to live on Mars with three husbands and a girlfriend. As long as she's happy. It's almost 20 years of friendship that is too precious to me.

I was raised this way. I have tried to raise my children the same way.

With that said, on the way home from voting, we stopped at our local discount department store. There were people in the parking lot celebrating the win of our new president. As my husband walked by, a woman make a comment to him that a black man is now president and he probably voted for the other guy. Jim's response "Why? Just because I'm white?".

Is this how it's going to be? About race? The exact way my husband and I ARE NOT raising our children? For ME, it's about the best person for the job to run our government. I have hope for the future.

I hope our next president is orange with green polka dots and lives on Mars.

A day in the life of Cameron Bubba James

As I was TRYING to sneak into the shower ALONE this morning, I was caught by a three year old wanting to join me. I was told he wasn't 'clean and shiny' and he HAD to take a shower.

Cam doesn't have the letter or sound S in his vocabulary. It is so damn cute! Words like school, sneakers, Slurpees. I miss some of his former 'baby' words. The lack of S's will pass too and I will miss not having S in my life.

Usually he runs up to pre- 'chool, filled with enthusiasm to be there. He loves his teacher, the toy trucks and is sooo proud of the work and projects he brings home. Today, he decided half way up to the door that he forgot something in the car. Then we had to go home so he could brush his teeth. Then.......... I finally got him in the front door. We sat on the stairs together talking about how he was feeling and what he needed (okay so I was doing the talking- I'm BIG on communication, can you tell?!!?). He just wanted to leave with me. Mrs. Hurley (Amazing disguised as a preschool teacher) told Cam that they were painting in class. He decided that he was staying and I was leaving. So much for my communication skills.

** The title of this posting.... when asked his name, Cam used to tell people it was Cameron Bubba James. His 'REAL' name is James Cameron D%#&@ Jr. His mama nickname is Bubba. Poor kid was so confused! Now he just reverses the Cameron and James. Hopefully by third grade, he'll get it 'right'.

The smack down

Why do stranger feel the need to tell others how to parent?! I have had this happen to me so many times, I have lost count. I want to come up with a comeback so intelligent and sassy and it be said no matter the comments made. I have visions of smacking the stranger across the face but my name isn't Scarlett O'Hara so I don't think I could get a way with it.

A friend of mine recently had a stranger yell at her for "hurting" her son. My friend.... let's call her Bob... is one of the NICEST people you could ever meet. Hurting defined as keeping a Cameron type small person confined to one spot by holding him using her legs while she was checking out in Target. This stranger even had the nerve to call what Bob was doing child abuse. Bob will be the first to admit that her youngest is a wild man. Aside from using duct tape and 2 X 4s, how do you keep these little guys safe? You can't stay in your house forever. Bob is an amazing mom- she is SO involved with her children- NOT abusing them. Plus, Bob is not 'new'. Her youngest is her third so she kinda knows what she's doing.

But seriously?!?!?! What are people thinking?!?!?!? I had a woman tell me that I need to have a talk with Gracie about running off after it had taken me 15 minutes to find her in Safeway. REALLY, lady?!?!? Why didn't I think about that?!?!? Or the 'fill in' pediatrician who gave me a 'lesson' in the difference in spit up vs. throw up. Cam had acid reflux as a baby and had a stomach flu. His acid reflux happened in the exam room so she felt the need to 'teach' me. SERIOUSLY?!?!?! I'm not new! Or the sales woman giving me 'advice' about having the baby back pack on while in the store with the baby in it. Did she not see the other children with me?!?!? I tried to tell myself that I probably just looked too young for all those babies be mine. My favorite of all time is the cashier at Target..... the same one all three or four times this has happened....... my mom and go shopping with the two youngest. Two adults, two carts, one kid in each cart. In the check out line, while we are standing right there next to the cart, my kids are each given a 'lecture' about sitting down and staying put while in the cart. Yes, in her defense, I understand safety and all but did I mention that MY MOM AND I are standing RIGHT THERE!

Bob, none of my rant was to take away from your feelings and the things this crazy lady said to you. Just to let you know that you aren't alone and that it happens to the most bestest, wonderfulest moms!

Halloween

Yes, this is a real pumpkin... grown by our friends, Brad and Stephanie. Brad currently holds the record for the largest pumpkin in the state.

By this time, the kids have pretty much exploded out of their costumes. It's the end of a very fun and tiring evening of Trick or Treating. So much for all the weight I've lost by (among other things) staying away from chocolate!

Bunnies and Sponge Bob

My children have wonderful and full imaginations.

Picture my wood nymph and my pint size man's man playing pretend on a car ride. They had just received stuffed animals as gifts from my aunt. Grace got a sheep and Cam got a bunny.

They were the bunny family.

Bad people were trying to get the baby bunny.

Cam was making shooting and car noises.

Some how the police were involved.

I stopped asking them questions and just wondered why we were bunnies.

(I don't want to tell you how I REALLY felt about the shooting, police, and bad people. I don't even let them watch Sponge Bob and they come up with this?!?)

New York City

Custom Countdowns & MySpace Layouts




To make a long story short..... my mom has told Natalie since the womb that she would take her to Paris when she turned 7. Circumstances beyond our control (my husband), it's now New York City and 8 years old with a chaperon (ME!).

I am to be on the same plane. I am to be in the same city. Other than that, Natalie and my mom are on their own. They already have a very fun and FULL itinerary. I have a girlfriend that I'm going to be staying with for the six days without kids or a husband.

I grew up in New Jersey so seeing the tourist sights doesn't interest me all that much but seeing my girlfriend of 20+ years and wandering the city sounds divine!

My wardrobe screams suburban mom so I've lost weight to be able to have more of excuse to buy a more New York chic wardrobe. My hair is cut to absolute cuteness.

Counting down the days not so patiently!

Cupcakes

"He's a strong, little package of cupcakes, isn't he?" Used to describe my son when he locked himself in the house because he was upset while the sitter was outside.

Names

I have a slight fascination with names. One of the highlights to having children is getting to name them. I had names picked out since forever..... then when it came to naming the little mites, I had never factored in my husband's opinion about names. To say we differed in the names we liked is putting it mildly.

I hope Gracie doesn't have that same problem.

She announced her children's names are going to be Pineapple, Pear, Penelope, and Baylee.

Catch up

The threatening phone calls, emails, text messages, and letters can stop now! I know I'm a little behind but revoking my blogger's ID/membership card is really not needed, people! I do a quick sweep of my email and your blogs once a day... doesn't that count for something?!?! ;)

So WHAT is the game when you find a fork and a bag in the playroom? Well, ARIEL, of course! Grace and one of best friends, Jayden, love Ariel. They even try to sing like her... you know the part when Ursula takes Ariel's voice in return for legs. The girls have gotten quite good at it. J's mom and I are done hearing it though. It's gotten even funnier now that both G and J's little brothers are trying the song too.

So where in the world have I been?!?!? As you've heard me say before, I'm sure, I have become one of THOSE moms (I'm referring to the PTSA of course). I have taken on fundraising yet again and we just wrapped up a fund raiser. So I'm not lost. You aren't the only thing neglected in my life.... my husband, my kids, my house. I've taken the day off from PTSA stuff and have started to clean my house, have dinner marinating, have snuggled my babies, and plan to kiss my husband, tonight A LOT!

I have an envelope that I've been carrying around in my purse with notes of all the funny-must-blog-about stuff that's gone on lately. I plan to work on that.... blog ahead of time. So until tomorrow.....

Fork and Small Trash Bag

What would be your guess on the game being played if you found these two items in a playroom? (Clue: The answer is given by the five year old wood nymph)

Kid Says What?

Not into chick lit or anything with vampires? Then I highly recommend books by a hysterical woman by the name of Celia Rivenbark. The titles alone are funny... Bless Your Heart, Tramp; We're Just Like You, Only Prettier; Stop Dressing Your Six Year Old Like a Skank. Very funny short stories! Right now, I'm on a section called Kids: Just because they don't have gills doesn't mean they are human.

Reminded me of something said out of the mouths of one of my babes....

Gracie informed me she knew what "in comet" meant (comment made completely out of the blue). Her and her friend, Jayden, have "in comet" they both like Ariel and the color pink.

Oh of course!

The Last Chick

My last baby chick started preschool today. He's had his backpack on since we took his sisters to the bus stop. He was VERY excited ! I have managed not to cry.... okay so I was a bit teary eyed when I dropped him off. I managed to get a TON of errands done and then realized I still have an hour before I have to pick him up. Now, it's 37 minutes.

Every Tuesday and Thursday for two hours, I am completely kid-less. I'm not sure what to do with myself. Good thing I went to the library.... that has me covered for Thursday. Not sure about next week, or the week after, or the week after..... Anyone want to get together?!?!?

The Male Species

Cameron, at three, has yet to be in preschool. He has three older sister and a set of parents and lots of grandparents and more aunts and uncles to count. I think we do a pretty good job in the academics department. He also is pretty socialize with other kids.

HOWEVER, he needs little people his same age to play with. I know this. So I've been looking into preschools.

We went to one yesterday where Cameron was instructed to decorate a green piece of paper with stamps to spell his name, stickers, and markers. If he attended, it would be laminated and be his snack place mat. Simple enough.

Cam decided after we put his name on it (I did the C and A- he did the rest of the letters)that the picture was FOR Daddy. I asked him who it was a picture of.

"It's Daddy".

"It's a picture of Daddy for Daddy?"

"Yes" he says somewhat irritated.

Cameron then told me as he drew "Daddy" what the different parts were out loud.



Eyes..... mouth...... arms....... legs........ penis..........

I almost fell off my chair.

Jim's response was OF COURSE the typical male crude response about the size it was drawn. GEESH! MEN!





This is one of Cameron's pictures he drew over the summer of "Jack and Jill". At the time, it didn't even cross my mind about things being anatomically correct. Now I'm beginning to wonder. GEESH! BOYS!

Man's Best Friend

I had a whole plan last night in my head about what I was going to write about today. I am aspiring to have my number next to the month of blogs match the date.

Now I've been sidetracked by a dog that won't relax. He is completely stressed about my husband leaving for work and not taking him. Gus has been scratching at the door and whining. Making assumptions, I put his least on, trudge outside in the dark and cold with major bed head. He instead high tails (hee hee hee) it over to the garage looking for Jim.

Jim's office is pretty relaxed. He wears jeans or shorts to work- he has contemplated wearing 'lounging' pants but not sure if that was pushing it. He has brought the girls and Gus into the office. The girls LOVE going and so apparently does Gus. Jim says Gus hangs out on his desk, sleeps in his bed, and plays with the couple other dogs that are there on a regular basis.

On the flip side, Jim's department gets yelled at most of the day by mad, stressed out, and upset customers wanting them to fix their computer problems. Natalie went to work with him right before school started and all she talked about was how busy he was. Her eyes get wide when ever she tells the story. She's never seen him in action like that before. I think it was a great learning experience. Daddy just doesn't sit in his office all day playing video games. This is how Daddy takes care of us.

I'm not sure how this went from me venting about being up during dark and having a pesky puppy to appreciating my husband for being up this early on a regular basis and how hard he works. Thanks, Gus and more importantly, Thank you, honey!

Books books books books and more books

My bookshelves are filled with them. I could get lost for hours and possibly days in a book store. The written word entrances me. They are an addiction for me. It's been said that a tornado can hit and as long as I had a book, I'd miss it. My husband feels as though he is in competition for my attention.... no, honey, no competition- the book will win every time!

I have, through the power of the Internet, found my book soul mate. We went to school together and were in similar social circles. We crossed paths on a few occasions but nothing significant that I can remember. She is a mom of 4 also trying to stay sane 90% of the time. Now here we are shipping our favorites back and forth to one another because it costs less than our what book shopping sprees would be. She has introduced me to new authors for which I am so grateful. I would have run out of books a long time ago! Plus, she likes to have a glass of wine while reading. Sound like someone else, you know?

So here is just a smattering of what is on my shelves.....

Childhood Favorites that I have MY own copies of:
*Where the Wild Things Are
*The Very Hungry Caterpillar
*Mary Alice, Operator Number 9
*Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
*Charlotte's Web
*A Light in the Attic
*Where the Sidewalk Ends
*The Giving Tree

My prized possessions:
*Annie Leibovitz Coffee Table books - MY DREAM is to one day have my photograph taken by her
*Little Women- a copy that once belonged to my grandmother
*My first published book copyright 1983 "My Stories and Poems" (typed on a typewriter)

Can't live without:
*The Woman's Comfort Book
*Motherhood and Hollywood by Patricia Heaton
*The Three Martini Playdate
*Politically Correct Bedtime Stories
*Once Upon a More Enlightened Time
*For One More Day by Mitch Albom
*Feminist Fairy Tales
*Down Came the Rain by Brooke Shields
*Julie and Julia
*Girls Night In

*And just about everything written by:
Marian Keyes (Lucy Sullivan is Getting Married, my favorite)
Sophie Kinsella (aka Madeline Wickham) (The Undomestic Goddess)
Jennifer Weiner
Janet Evanovich

I've just come across two new authors that I am falling in love with:
Emily Giffin (I have only read one of hers and can't wait to read more!!)
Celia Rivenbark (I have never laughed so hard while reading a book- this woman is hysterical!!! I am currently reading 'Bless Your Heart, Tramp and Other Southern Endearments' How could you not love a book with that kind of title?!?)

I have also discovered a FANTASTIC website called SHELFARI.COM Have I mentioned it before?!?!?!? (I thought of Kristina and Kellen's twin daughters here)

As soon as the kids go to bed, I would rather, more than anything else in the world, be left alone to read my book. A friend of my husband's came over a few nights ago and tried to engage in conversation while my nose was buried in the pages. GEESH! Obviously Jim didn't inform him of the rules before he came over! My husband has learned over the years so now we can sit in the same room while I am reading.

If you can't find me, I'll be lost in the pages of my book.

Fashionista Part 2

At least the Barbie pink sparkly ho boots are on a break.....





I am fully aware that when she is 16 and looks back at pictures, I will get an earful about how could I have possibly let her wear that outfit to school. Then when she's 35 and becomes a mother for the first time to a little girl, she'll call me and tell me she now completely understands! *sniff* sniff* I love being her mommy!

My friends ROCK!

This was my comment to a friend’s blog about her friends and the support she has gotten during some not so glorious moments with her kids:

It's all in the fine print in the handbook of being a good friend. Swapping stories of whose kids take the cake in those less than glorious moments and laughing! I think we are tied.... Conner vs. Cameron! Probably a good thing we don't live in the same town.... I see a lot of bottles of wine while the boys are duct taped together!

A short time later I received an email from her with just these two pictures. I just about fell off my chair laughing so hard….. with legs crossed, of course, as to not pee in my pants!

Fashionista

Do you see a trend? Gracie has been dressing herself every morning. She picks out the clothes the night before. Too bad you can't see the socks.... stripes and designs in the brightest colors!

First day of Kindergarten


Second Day of Kindergarten


Third Day of Kindergarten

Reasons

Reasons not to blog.......In no particular order....

1. School just started this past week for my 2nd grader and kindergartener.

2. Which also means I have to play with the remaining child at home rather than catching up on all my internet whoring like I usually do.

3. I am the co- chair for fundraising for the girls' school AGAIN this year and with the start of the school year means the start of my fundraising fun!

4. I have battled for the last few weeks with the forces of moisture ants. My house has been sprayed a gazillion times and I think we now only have a few stragglers. One night we couldn't sleep in our house because the chemicals have been so bad.

5. Kids hit the bed and I hit my book or newest People magazine. I was turned onto a WONDERFUL website called SHELFARI.COM It's like myspace BUT with BOOKS! I am so addicted to it and love seeing what my friends are reading! Have I mentioned I'm a geek when it comes to books?

Reasons to Blog

1. I get threatened by the Blog Goddess at a set of 6 year old twin's birthday party!

2. I like the attention when people leave comments.

3. I want to try to be as witty and a great writer as Kristina (Did that sentence even make sense?)

Unexpected wonderful-ness

You've heard me talk about my favorite city in the world. I would do anything to live there again. Unfortunately, my husband doesn't want to make the commute (The nerve!?!?!) so we live, as far south as he would go, in a great community similar to my favorite city. The only thing it lacks is my group of friends (and a larger body of water other than a lake). I have a few here in my new city of similar caliber but I still hang on for dear life to the favorite city ones!

When we first moved to the new city, I was feeling very sorry for myself regarding my favorite city friends. I had a group of them actually say good bye like I was moving to the moon. There is only a 45 minute drive separating the two cities. I was visiting my mom one day, still feeling very sorry for myself, mourning the friendships I thought I had lost, and feeling very unloved (What a drama queen!) and had walked out to my car for something. I heard my name being YELLED! I looked up to find a mom I was aquaintances with waving frantically. She made my day. I thought to myself "I really am loved!".

I had another similar thing happen yesterday- the reason for my blog topic today.

BACKGROUND- A very dear friend of mine became ill recently and found it was easier to be taken care of the way she needed by going to her mom's. She also required surgery. Did I mention that she has three kids all under the age of 7, a husband that works full time, and her mom's is almost 1500 miles away?!?!? I would have camped out at my mom's too! I felt as though she'd been gone the entire summer. We don't see or talk to each other on a daily basis but when we do, it's as though no time has passed at all. Her family and the time they spend together is VERY important to her so I try not to call her on the weekends or any time after 8 or 8:30 pm.

Last night I was driving home from my favorite city. We attended a Luau 7th Birthday Party. My cell phone rang. To my surprise it was my very dear friend! Did she know it was the weekend and almost 9:15 pm?!?!?!!? She called to see what my schedule looked like for this week so we could get together! They had literally just gotten home from being 1500 miles away (her husband flew down and they drove home). I was so excited I could barely contain myself. It was a phone call of unexpected wonderful-ness. That reminds me, I told her I would call her today to let her know. I only have an hour before my cut off ...... where's the phone!?!?!?!??!

The facts

I was a Woman's Studies major in college.

I was raised by a liberal women's lib-er.

I am the mother of three daughters.

These are the facts.

I don't feel comfortable stating my beliefs (political or religious) in my blog. You can come to your own conclusions.

With that said, you can only imagine my overwhelming joy when, yesterday, during an argument with my wood nymph over what she was going to wear, she yelled at me "It's MY body, I can wear whatever I want!". I told her she was right and walked away.

Another proud parenting moment in my life.

I was only fighting her because her clothes didn't match in my eyes. As much as try to embrace her Gracie-ness, I regress every once in awhile.

Reality vs. Fantasy

I figured I'd better post something so I don't loose my readers or get knocked off Leah's list of blogs she reads.

The kids and I have been on vacation for a few weeks. Sounds exciting, yes?

My idea of a vacation would be kid and husband free, on a beach with gorgeous blue/green waves hitting the shore, me (40 ponds lighter of course) on a lounge chair with a big floppy hat and sunglasses- think Rene Russo in Thomas Crown Affair (Pierce Brosnan optional), being served fruity drinks with umbrellas in them, and a collection of my favorite books.

Reality is 'camping' in my in-law's front yard. My mom-in-law rocks! She set up the front yard amazing-ly (is that a word?!). Pool, sandbox (newly build by my father-in-law), 'food'/arts and crafts tent. We picked blueberries and blackberries (enough for TWO pies), picked veggies from the garden. We also rode quads and I had my first 'accident'. No major injuries.... just thorns and stinging nettle in hands and legs. Plus I have a seven year old who told me that she will never trust me again and won't get on a quad as long as I'm driving (She is so dramatic!). I had no cell phone service because we were out in the middle of no where! No where so much that someone has a 'pet' camel nearby! We also went school shopping for the girls and they got their hair cut (Natalie's is exactly the way she has wanted since preschool- did I mention she is starting 2nd grade!?). Plus my cousin's daughter came up to stay with us and she is AMAZING! She's going to need a vacation when she heads home in a few days! My kids have been attached to her since I picked her up.... especially Gracie!

Okay, so reality ain't so bad!

Just a little dude

My baby is three and a half. He's all boy. Loves cars, trucks, trains, tools. He is a very rough a tumble little boy. He sometimes doesn't realize how much of a not big boy he is.
Our neighborhood 'gang' is made up mostly of boys ages 5 and up. I know most of the kids and to which parents they belong and vice versa. A few days ago, Cam was trying to rough house with one of the 'gang' (J is 6...he has a younger brother who is almost 2 and his parents are wonderful.... his mom works at Kindercare, so she knows a little something about kids, and his dad is just all around a great dad). Cam kept running into J trying to "take him down" (in Cam's words). J told Cam numerous times that he can't play with him like that, he would hurt him if he did (see great parenting!) Did my son stop?! Nope.....


Cam just wouldn't give up trying to take J down. I told J he did nothing wrong when the crying and blood started. I told J's mom about it and she asked Cam if she could kiss it... Cam's response was no, because she would get blood on her. Maybe he isn't so rough and tumble, maybe there is a sensitive side to him after all! We are in need of some testosterone in smaller packages! (I personally think that his lip looks worse in person than in the picture!)

Manic Monday on Thursday

(I'm a little slow these days)

Nothing compares to an Arizona storm.... from dust to monsoon. You will never see or experience anything like it. The sight in the sky and the smell afterward is amazing!

(Thanks to one of my Arizona friends who I stole these pictures from! She has them posted on another website and I live through her Arizona photos when I miss my 'other' home.)

Harbor Love

I'm again in my favorite town. We spent time out at the pool today. My mommy made Sloppy Joes for the kids and a wonderful chop chop salad for us for dinner. She's off at work. All my laundry is done. The house is picked up. The kitchen clean. Puppies are asleep (hers and mine). I have a new Madeleine Wickham (aka Sophie Kinsella) book. I have a glass of very chilled wine (I forgot it in the freezer while hanging out with the kids). A "vase" of yellow tulips is next to me on the end table. "Vase" is a very expensive gorgeous Hall teapot (they have huge sentimental value for me). My favorite candle burning- Gold Canyon Vanilla Ylang. It's scary how a lot of my favorite things are already at my mom's. My mom's house is very warm and cozy and sophisticated and eclectic and homey. She has tons of pictures and a fireplace and big, over sized furniture that is well loved plus tons of books and magazines everywhere. So I have a spot in the middle of all this to read my book and drink my wine. The kids are in bed.

NOW, if only they'd STAY in bed and fall ASLEEP!

Strong Boy

Gracie, Strong Boy, Cameron, Miss Emily Grace

Once known as Jared, he becomes STRONG BOY with the toss of his shirt! With the toss of his shoes, he apparently becomes THE HULK. Mama Strong Boy ruled out turning into THE HULK at the park that day. Strong Boy took it very well. I asked who the Super Hero was when everything came off.... SUPER STRONG BOY! Gotta be the influence of Daddy Strong Boy because if you ask me, it's dripping in testosterone!
It was wonderful to see the STRONG BOY kids and especially Mama Strong Boy! I really needed it- to heck with the kids playing at the park and seeing their friends!

Where was their mother!?!?

In my state of exhaustion yesterday, I spent a good portion of the day on the computer wandering around all my favorite websites. I read blogs, blogs, and more blogs. I read the news. I checked my email. I blogged quite a few times ( I was delirious!). I checked my myspace page (yes, I have one. In my defense, I have friends and relatives all over the U.S. and it's a great outlet to keep in touch with them without a whole lot of energy or time. Those two things are precious to me as selfish as that sounds!).

Our computer is in the family/ living room. My house isn't very big but the FR/LR is the hub. So I'm fairly close to the kids; keeping an eye on them. They wander around playing in the playroom or their rooms or coming to tell me they are hungry.

Let me just clarify that these days don't happen very often. Wandering jammie days are just needed sometimes.

I was keeping a great watch on the kids and spent hardly any time on the computer as you can see by the picture. The red 'x' shows you where I was sitting.

New Face of the Family

This is Gus. 8 week (+ a few days) old Jack Russell puppy. He is the newest addition. So stinkin' cute! I have really lost my mind now ;)

I wish, kid!

So after reading the previous blog, you can only imagine how tired I am, right?

I was just told by my three year old that I needed to go to my room.

"Why do I need to go to my room?" half expecting there to be something that he got into and wasn't suppose to.

"You are crabby!".

SLEPP! (or however it's spelled) ZZZZZZ's

I can officially be deemed INSANE! We got the puppy on Thursday. The same one I showed in pictures in an earlier blog. He's adorable and lovable. The kids are doing a great job with their 'jobs' when it comes to Gus. HOWEVER, it's 6 am and I was woken up to puppy crying. It's been like this since we got him- just various times during the night. I know he's a baby and he doesn't like being baby gated in the kitchen all night (where by the way, he's got anything and everything a puppy could ask for aside from a warm human body). I am soooooooooo tired and just want to sleep until my three year old wakes me up. I don't want to be a new puppy mama during the night time! My neighbor saw me outside at 5:45 am with Gus and chuckled at how cute he was. I said this early he's isn't so cute!

Run Away

(The pictures you are about to view are in the wrong order. I haven't attended my classes yet with my professional photo blogger guru. Thank you for your patience!)

I ran away from home recently and hit the MAC make up counter at Nordie's, lunch and wonderful lemonade drinks at the Olive Garden, and just some general wondering aimlessly with my mom and a girlfriend. So glad I had my camera in hand. Remember when I said in a previous blog that I love photographs (especially of me)? Here's proof :)

My evening was coming to a close. New shirt, new make up.... I felt great! Even if my free day was ending.

My mom modeling scarves and sunglasses. We were being very chic and silly in the middle of Macy's. I highly recommend it!

After my MAC make up make over. It's a fun and inexpensive (FREE!) boost to the self-esteem!


My girlfriend, Lacy and I after both of our make overs- We are two hot mamas! Just a side note is that Lacy was terrified of getting the make over... someone else doing her make up.... and guess what?!?! Her make up was exactly the same as when she walked in!

Right after buying two pairs of shoes (the non-mama kind) at Payless and NOT looking even once at kid's shoes, we headed to Target. We didn't quite know what to do with ourselves without kids hanging onto the cart... can you tell?