are you kidding me?!?!

takin' a trip...

2011-12-29T21:50:00.000-05:00

down memory lane, that is.

I've spent the past two hours reading the past five years of blog posts. Amazing the things you forget. In 2007/2008 (by far, my best 2 years of writing), apparently, my daughter frequently put fruit down her pants. My son peed on the train table. I yelled at a woman in Wal-Mart, calling her a "big dummy"...I ranted about Christmas decorations coming up too early, reconnected with an old friend, and just lived life. I shared some rough times and some things that most people might be embarrassed to talk about...

All of you who have been part of this blog world of mine, mean so much to me. You've given feedback, you've watched as my kids have gotten bigger, you've listened to me as I worked through depression and weight gain. And, now you're here with me now, as I get ready to take on what is likely to be the hardest time of my life.

In reading tonight, I realized just how much I truly love to share...even if it's a mundane story, we can only learn from one another if we share with each other. So, here's to being transparent and open and getting to know one another again in 2012.

Have a Happy New Year.

Peace.

and so it goes...

2011-12-27T12:57:00.000-05:00

Not a lot to report..I've met with my team of doctors, had an MRI, cut my hair really short and have tried to not let cancer be the only thing I talk or think about.

We finally told the kids...they were really good about it. Princess K thought I was contagious and Little Prince thought it was hilarious that I'm going to be bald. They both have definite opinions too on whether or not I wear a wig or scarf...I really didn't think they'd care, but they do!

I have a PET/CT scan this week to see if the cancer has spread. My MRI shows nodes affected BUT that could be residual "activity" from the biopsy. And, surgery is two weeks from tomorrow.

Emotionally, I think I'm doing rather well...waiting to have my breakdown moment, actually. Praying that doesn't happen. I'm blessed to have so many people who love me and are praying for me.

I read this in a devotional the other day and cant get it out of my mind..."The deepest level of worship is praising God in spite of pain, thanking God during a trial, trusting him when tempted, surrendering while suffering, and loving him when he seems distant." -Rick Warren

My prayer during this season is that I will truly feel God's hand in my life and that I will come out knowing that his strength is perfect.

and the results are in...

2011-11-28T22:54:00.000-05:00

Before most of you hear about this through Facebook, I wanted to take a moment to share my thoughts on my recent breast cancer diagnosis.

I have cancer. I am not cancer. And, I hope to only have cancer for a little while longer.

It's completely natural for you to be curious, to wonder how I found it, what is my treatment plan going to look like, etc. I only ask that you give me and my family the privacy that we need. When we want to talk about it, we will. I do not mean that in a rude way, AT ALL. We've only had about a week to process, so we still have so much to work through. Like, how to tell the kids. Without freaking them out.

I so appreciate all your offers of help, prayers, support. They mean more to me than you could ever know. This is the very beginning of a very long process. Unfortunately, it's not a case of having surgery and you're done. I'll still be going on the cancer train this time next year.

In the meantime, I'll post here any thoughts, struggles, victories I have during this journey. Believing God for greater things!

and the saga continues...

2011-11-15T23:20:00.001-05:00

Well, I'm no further than I was a few weeks ago...just more worried and more scared. I met with the specialist for the 'drain' and scheduled it for this past Friday. As I'm laying there on the table, waiting for the numbing, the doc says, "well, if it ruptures, we'll drain it and you'll be on your way, but if it doesn't, then we'll have to do the biopsy."

Ummmmm...WHAT?!?! Three days ago, I was told me it was a cyst. What's changed?

"Well, it looks more like a mass than a cyst."

This was not going well. Not what I was expecting to hear.

Needless to say, there was nothing rupturing that day. So my biopsy has been sent to pathology and I'm waiting. I have an appointment this Friday to find out what this thing growing in my chest is.

It's a very unsettling, scary feeling. I don't feel like I can vocalize what is really going through my mind. People don't want to hear that you imagine the doctor telling you that you only have months to live. Or, that you've already thought about how you will tell your children goodbye.

And, while I'm obviously praying that this is just some sort of fibroid/benign tumor, I need to prepare myself on the off-chance that it actually is something to be worried about.

think pink...

2011-11-02T22:25:00.000-05:00

No, not preggers, although at least at the end of that ordeal, you have something wonderful to take home with you. No, I'm talking about something we, as women, are all scared of, something every time we feel a twinge in our chest, or feel something odd in the shower, or visit the gynecologist - we start to worry. At least I do. Did.

About two weeks ago, while watching TV, I laid my hand on my chest and felt something hard. My husband was out of town, it was almost midnight and I did what most normal people would do - I panicked! I called my mom, crying, not sure what I expected her to tell me...but just needed someone to tell me, right then, that it's probably nothing and not to worry. I cried myself to sleep that night.

I'm a bit over-dramatic (surprise!) and as I tried to will myself to sleep, my brain was being bombarded with horrible thoughts...all the 'what-ifs' that you really shouldn't think about at one in the morning. Alone.

My doctor was able to get me in the very next morning and sure enough, it wasn't my imagination. There was a large lump sticking out of my chest. He immediately, but calmly, called for a mammogram and ultrasound. He told me that I appeared very calm and commended me on that (being cool in tough situations is not my strong suit)...but what else can you do? He can't tell me what, if anything is actually wrong with me. So I decided to not invite worry into my life.

I went for the mammogram/ultrasound and was so nervous. I'd only heard horror story, after horror story about how it felt like your boob is being smashed by the garage door. Well, girls, I gotta say - it was NOT BAD AT ALL! Sure, it's awkward - but it doesn't even come close to what I had imagined it was going to be like.

The worst part of the testing is that no one can tell you anything...so you lay there on table looking for clues in the ultrasound technician's eyes...wondering if they're seeing anything. Then you wait for a couple of days. The doctor called me, and of course, I missed the call. When he didn't just leave a message saying "hey, everything's fine," I knew that I wasn't yet finished. When we finally connected, his voice was normal and he simply said, "good news, bad news."

"The good news is that it's a cyst and we want to have it drained/biopsied. The bad news is that there is a spot on the other breast that we want better pictures of."

Again...that 'spot' could be a myriad of things...so, he tells me to go back, do a spot compression and another ultrasound and then take all my images to a breast specialist (didn't know there was such a thing).

So, that brings us to today...had the 2nd round of mammogram and ultrasound this afternoon. The mammogram technician commented that it didn't look as bad as she initially thought (the films from last week show a fairly large and what I would call 'organized' mass), so, I'm taking that as good news.

In the meantime, I'm not going to worry. I'm not going to think about the 'what ifs' - or at least TRY not to and I'm going to encourage all my girlfriends to get to their doctors and if they suggest you go have a mammogram...don't argue with them, don't sulk...JUST DO IT!

really?

2011-08-04T18:37:00.000-05:00

I'm having one of those moments where I think that it would make me a happier person if I could just suddenly not know the people I know (except my hubcaps and kiddos, of course!). It's not like someone has offended me, I just am surrounded by people and circumstances that quite honestly, I do not want to deal with anymore.

I'm tired of pretending that I find your life humorous, or cute. I'm tired of excusing your behavior. I think it all boils down to the fact that I'm going through a very selfish period in my life. Selfish, not that it's all about ME, but selfish, in that I don't want my energy to be sucked dry by stupid people anymore.

Sorry for the rant, but I DO feel better now.

Enjoy your day!

No, I didn't have another kid...

2011-07-29T19:22:00.004-05:00

Just wanted to take a sec to explain that the child pictured here (and on my Twitter account) is NOT mine!! He's my nephew and I just liked this picture, although I'm not really sure why.

I don't get to see my nephews much and since during this particular visit, we really seemed to bond, I just wanted to re-live it again, at least for a little while. Now, since I'm here, I might as well do a little bit of updating....so here goes.

On the work front, things are great...I think I've finally moved into a position that I can sink my teeth in and grow with. Hubcaps is doing well -- working WAY too many hours right now, but praying that will subside and we can get back into a fairly "normal" routine.

The biggest thing happening in our world right now is that I made a very difficult decision to take my kids out of private school - the only school, friends, teachers they've known - and move them into a Charter School. I'm a little bit nervous about all the growth and learning opportunities (for all of us) that are just around the corner, but each day since making the decision, I just feel like God has been confirming that the right decision was made.

I told them a couple of days ago that I had finally made the final decision and they took it like champs. I know they're nervous about starting over and making new friends, but I can tell they're also getting excited. Yay!!

I'm going through this very reflective period...maybe it's normal when you hit your mid-30s? I guess it's just hitting me that I need to be much more protective of, not only my time, but protective of anything that disturbs my familial peace. I feel like I've finally realized I don't need half the people in my life that are just taking up space and that I need to be much more selective in who and what gets my attention. It's a hard balance, I know...but I've decided that in this area of my life, it's OK to be selfish.

biblical bad words...

2011-03-30T20:36:00.002-05:00

So, apparently the word "piss" is in the Bible! Yeah, I know - shocking, right? I stumbled across this little nugget when looking at a blog about Ezekiel Bread and how awful it tastes. I thought it was a joke until I pulled out my handy iPhone and opened up the Bible app - tada - there it was... 2 Kings 18:27 and Isaiah 36:12 in the King James Version. The verses are both talking about men who eat their own dung and drink their own piss. Disgusting. And people think the Bible is boring. I think this just might be the beginning of a quest to see how many bad words I can find in the Bible...if it's in The Book - does that mean it's acceptable and no longer taboo to say??

it's been a long time....

2009-08-24T22:26:00.003-05:00

Over six months. Yikes. I'm terrible at this. So much has been going on I don't even know where to begin! The last six months seem like a blur to me. I'm sitting here trying to remember what all we've done and the only thing that stands out is that we moved last month. I think I've lost all my memory skills. I really cannot remember one thing. You really do lose brain cells with each child.

Speaking of children, mine are doing great! They just started back to school today and only a few tears were shed (by me, of course), so all in all, it was a successful day.

I promise, again, to get better at being more consistent but for now, I'll just ask that if you're reading this, you'll say a prayer for my brother in law, Bram and his family. Bram is 43 and suffered a stroke last week. He is in rehab, but has a long road ahead of him.

Thanks. Peace.

just updating...

2009-02-22T17:07:00.001-05:00

nothing is going on. no news to report. Sorry.

sick and sicker...

2009-02-04T15:12:00.002-05:00

So the past week has been nothing but illness in our household. Fun, fun, fun. Especially when I'm working a new(er) job and really shouldn't be missing so much work. But, you gotta do what you gotta do, right?

Last week, Princess K had tonsillitis, Little Prince had sinus infection followed by NASTY cough and now I have some nasty virus that the doc says will linger for about two weeks. It starts with sinus congestion and pressure, combines some coughing and follows up with diarrhea. Fun, huh? So, I've missed work the past three days, am going stir crazy and am sick of laying around. Going in tomorrow, no matter what.

Anyways, enough of that, how have you all been???????

happy new year....

2009-01-08T19:20:00.003-05:00

Yes, I know! We're already almost to the half way point for January 2009 - I can't believe it! Time sure is flying; but, so far, 2009 is giving me no complaints (knock wood).

Things at work are busy, which I am enjoying (as much as work can be enjoyed) and everyone in the house is healthy.

As for my mental state, things are going really well. I'm feeling VERY normal and even starting to feel a little bit of my creativity coming back. We shall see what lies ahead.

The kids are doing great. Excited to be back at school after a two week vacation. I am amazed every day at the things they say and the new things they're learning. Love them so much.

Well, that's all I've got to say right now, but I'll be back sooner next time. I promise.

update to the war in my brain...

2008-12-19T16:38:00.001-05:00

Things are much better for me. I am continuing with my therapy and it seems to be working, the only drawback, that I've noticed is that I just don't "feel" creative anymore, but I think maybe I'm just making excuses. Anyways, thank you all for your prayers and your kind words of encouragement. I truly do appreciate them all!!

Top Ten for 2008....

2008-11-26T22:22:00.002-05:00

This year, I've decided that I need to make a list of the top ten things I'm thankful for. Some will be obvious and others just might be silly, but I'm thankful nonetheless. And, by the way, these are not in any particular order, just in order of the way they spilled out of my brain.

I am thankful...

10. ... that my two gorgeous children are relatively healthy and have no serious medical conditions.

9. ... for my gorgeous husband who puts up with me and even cleans the house and does laundry when I don't feel like doing it.

8. ...for the smell of Downy fabric softener. Puts me in a good mood every time I catch a whiff!

7. ...for a clean house. Enough said.

6. ...for a place to live. Too many people don't have the privilege.

5. ...for friends who put up with my psychosis/neurosis, whatever you want to call it.

4. ...for facebook.

3. ...for my new job.

2. ...that I haven't totally screwed up my life and have made relatively good choices.

1. ...that God's grace is sufficient.

Hope you have ten things you are thankful for. Happy Thanksgiving!!

my name is april and i'm a ...

2008-11-21T08:50:00.002-05:00

facebook addict. Okay, there, I admit it. I said I wouldn't even use it, but now, hourly, here I am, checking to see if some blast from the past has found me. And you know what? Usually, it is something, or rather, someone that I've thought about many times and didn't know how to go about locating them. So there. I'm officially a facebook addict who doesn't even go on her myspace page anymore.

Have a great weekend!

help!!!....

2008-11-05T21:39:00.005-05:00

I need birthday ideas for Little Prince's SIXTH birthday which is fast approaching - we're down to 24 days!!! And, I have absolutely NO ideas on what to do. There are EIGHTEEN kids in his class, plus another maybe ten kids that he just knows that I must invite, so it needs to be something economical (read: CHEAP) and yet cool enough for six year olds.

Now, the good news is that tonight we went to dinner where they have a balloon artist and Little Prince asked the guy if he could come to his birthday party....so we've got a start, but how much can one guy entertain that many kids?!?! The problem with having the party at my house is I don't have a lot of room outside for the kids to play...I was thinking of doing an "old fashioned" party, with the old standard party games that kids don't play anymore, like pin the tail on the donkey, etc.

So, here's the contest. I want your ideas and in return, you'll win my undying love and adoration! Let's all get those creative juices flowin'.

and the winner is....

2008-11-01T02:22:00.005-05:00

Here's the pumpkin for 2008...isn't it great?? We took the kids to the "pumpkin patch" and this little guy won the prize! Here's a couple pics of my other little pumpkins, too, that'll have to make do until I can get the Halloween ones uploaded.

Hope you all had a happy haunting day and got lots and lots of treats!!

OH! On a totally different subject, Little Prince asked "Lauren" in his class to be his girlfriend and she said yes!! Could it get any cuter than that??? It's 330 in the morning and I need to get some rest. Peace out.

war...

2008-10-20T21:08:00.002-05:00

Really. What is it good for? Absolutely nothing, but...

Apparently, the war inside my head is still raging and there doesn't seem to be anything (aside from medication) I can do about it. I got to thinking this evening that I used to do my best writing between the hours of midnight and two in the morning. I did my best housework. I did my best scrapbooking. They say that made me bipolar. Is that really true? Nah. I can't be bipolar. That's for criminals and weirdo, psycho people. Maybe I am just one of those people who actually IS a nightowl. Maybe I really CAN function on less than four hours of sleep a night. Maybe I'm just moody. Maybe??

Only problem with that thought process is that I finally burned out over the summer and unfortunately, those things that I was doing so well during my manic episode have faltered greatly. My house is a mess. I haven't done ANY scrapbooking since January. The calendars aren't updated. I just feel, I don't know.....blah. Did I mention my house is in a constant state of chaos?

I do not like the chaos. I do not like the mess. Right now I'm thinking I would rather be in my manic state, if that makes any sense. I see the shrink lady on Friday, so maybe she can offer some insight. I know that people who are manic depressive or bipolar as we now are referred to, almost always want to come off their meds becuase they feel fine or they feel better in their alternative state.....I don't know. I just don't know.

we're sick...AGAIN...

2008-10-20T13:16:00.001-05:00

Took Princess K to the doctor, yet again, because she is full of snotty stuff and keeps vomiting at night time when she's trying to sleep....

anyways, turns out the amoxicillan isn't cutting it, so we've put her on a stronger antibiotic and decongestant, so hopefully, in the next day or two, she'll start feeling better!!!

It's never-ending, isn't it??

kids say the cutest things...

2008-10-07T16:14:00.002-05:00

The other day, Little Prince says, "Gee, I sure do miss those good ole days"...broke my heart.

Princess K, for some reason, has decided to add the letter "h" between "s" and "i" when she says "wall sits"...I laughed hysterically.

Today, Little Prince asked me, "How was your day at work, mommy?" Could anything be any sweeter than that??!!?? And of course, the simple, "I love you mommy" gets me every time.

Kids. Gotta love 'em.

rain, rain go away...

2008-09-30T19:19:00.002-05:00

It feels like it's been raining for days, and I think, actually, it has indeed been raining for days. Our pool is about to overflow and the kids haven't been outside in what seems like weeks. But, oh well, what's a girl to do?

Not much new in my life right now, EXCEPT, Little Prince has a new girlfriend named Lauren! We went to her birthday party a couple of weeks ago and the little sweetheart knew exactly what he wanted to get her...earrings!!So, we got her two pair of really cute earrings and she kissed him on the cheek to say thank you and has worn them every day since. Ahhhhhhh.....young love.

That's it for now. I'll try to be better at posting, but you know how it gets. You get home from work, fix dinner, do homework, get uniforms together, do a load of laundry, clean up the house, bathe the kids, fight with them to get to sleep and then you collapse into bed without ever sitting down on your own couch. Maybe it's not that way for all of you, but that's how it's been for me lately. No complaints though. We're all finally healthy and enjoying one another. So, goodbye for now, but I'll be back soon, even if it's just once a week. I promise.

Boring Friday....

2008-08-22T13:38:00.002-05:00

Ever been at work and literally, had absolutely nothing to do?? Welcome to my day today, hence the posting of a long overdue blog! There's so much to update you on, too.
Little Prince has a little girlfriend....her name is Shelby and she's too cute! We went on a date last week. Took her bowling and then to McDonald's for Happy Meals. He's asking when we can do it again! He also started Kindergarten on Wednesday!! What an exciting and nerve wracking day!! But he had a great time and now I hear of no one but his teacher, Miss Claire!!!
Princess K's hair is growing out and she's looking even more adorable...pics to come soon!!
Have a GREAT weekend and I'll get back to looking for stuff to do.

I'm back....well, sorta....

2008-07-07T09:51:00.004-05:00

I got a job!!! After looking for months, one just sort-of landed in my lap - Praise God!! Talk about an answer to prayer. The hours allow me to drop off and pick up the kids from school and my boss is my mother, so when they're sick, she'll understand. So, needless to say, I've been a terrible blogger. Just can't find the time or the inspiration right now. So, I thought I'd take a moment and just update you as to the goings on around here....
Princess K's hair is starting to grow. She actually looks really cute with the new short 'do.

The kids seem to be enjoying "camp" each day while mommy goes to work. We moved to a much more affordable house and are enjoying it so much. We have a giant pool and the kids are out there swimming every day! Plus, it's on a canal so they've been fishing quite a bit with the hubcaps also.

I had a bit of a depressive episode last month, which is probably the main reason why I didn't write much. But, things are better now. I'm seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. I've stopped crying every day, so that's a step in the right direction. Anywho, hope you're all doing great and having a fantastic summer!

it finally happened....

2008-06-18T18:20:00.003-05:00

I've lived the nightmare that I prayed and prayed would NEVER happen....

My five year old Little Prince decided to try his hand at hairdressing. Yep, that's right. He took the scissors to Princess K's long, lustrous, gorgeous locks and turned her into the achy breaky heart Billy Ray Cyrus!!!

Picture this...you're sitting at the computer, just finished a phone call and in saunters your precious little three year old, smiling ear to ear. You look at her, realizing something is different, but not quite sure what until she turns around and you see that all that remains on her head is a three inch strip of hair, the rest of it has been chopped as though it got caught in the Pampered Chef food chopper. Then, your son comes out and proclaims at his handiwork, "Look, mommy, now we can see her pretty face!"

Cut to a few screams of terror provided by yours truly and a "what do I do??" to the hubcaps. I did the first thing I could think of.

I made a quick call to my hair stylist, "I have a hair emergency" -- they got me in in ten minutes and the entire salon gasped in horror at my baby girl's lack of hair. Half an hour later and she looks adorable - it's kind-of a Katie Holmes/Suri Cruise haircut. Hubcaps thinks she looks like a boy, but this is better than shaving it and starting over!!

Three hours later and I'm still finding clumps of hair around the house, most of the evidence was lying in her closet. What I've found I've put in a Ziploc for her baby book, there's just SO much hair, it really makes me want to cry. Especially when she looks up at me and asks if its growing yet!

Hope your day was better!! Happy Wednesday.

I'm alive, well, sorta...

2008-06-10T11:33:00.002-05:00

I know it's been FOREVER since I've posted, and this is going to be a quick one. I just wanted to let you know I am still alive, things are okay with me, going through a lot right now and just haven't felt "inspired" to write about anything. Thanks to all of you who have sent me emails and notes, I REALLY appreciate it!! I'll try to get on here SOON, I promise!

Happy Tuesday!

you say tomato....

2008-05-20T22:10:00.004-05:00

So. As moms, I know we all anticipate the awkward moments when our little guys ask us about those certain body parts, right? I'm trying. I really am. I'm trying to be open and honest and give them technical terms - not 'wee wee', but you know, penis and vagina. I'm doing my part.

I know we've all heard the great V called v-jay jay by Oprah but I've got one better!! Drumroll, please.........
Little Prince has coined the term, "vajama" - sounds like pajama but the meaning is, oh, so much different!!

So, the next time your kids ask you what girls have (as Princess K has decided to ask me, literally, NINE times a day)...you can tell them boys have "enises" and girls have "vajamas". It sounds more fun anyways, don't you think?

Go Big....

2008-05-11T18:11:00.001-05:00

Just a quick update....if you go to this site, you can see some amazing stories of what people are already doing with the money they received at church this weekend! So awesome!!

i've got five bucks....now what????

2008-05-11T10:04:00.003-05:00

Today at my church our pastor spoke on generosity. I know what you're thinking, just wanting to collect more money...well, you'd be WRONG. What actually happened, brought tears to my eyes and made me so incredibly proud of Church by the Glades and Pastor David.

Over this weekend, Mother's Day - which is when we have record-breaking crowds, my church handed out $40,000.00 to its members to give back to the community to those in need, etc.

So, here's where YOU come into the picture. I received $5.00. I want to do more than give it to a homeless person standing on the side of the road. Send me your ideas!!!! I wish I had something to give away as an incentive for your ideas, but I don't.....sorry. The idea that does get picked, though, will receive the BEST shout out EVER!! Sound good??

Get busy!

~A

happy mother's day....

2008-05-11T09:55:00.004-05:00

I think I am a lucky woman. I don't get breakfast in bed (although I don't get to sleep in either - ugh). My husband has to work on Sundays and must be there before 7 AM and I have to follow so that I can sing in the choir by 8 AM....so today, was an early to rise day. The kids (and hubcaps, for that matter) made me the GREATEST cards EVER -- Princess K's had a picture she had drawn of herself in the tub and Little Prince drew me a car with a satellite dish on top?? It was so much fun though, because they were just so excited that it was finally Mother's Day....I hope and pray this enthusiasm continues throughout life!!

Not much else to report. Oh! I am looking for a part time job, so if any of you live in this area OR know of something that earns MONEY that can be done at home -- email me and let me know, okay?? Thanks.

Well, I just wanted to get on and say HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all my blogger friends, whether your kids are born or not, or are puppies or kittens, here's to ALL womankind! Have a GREAT day.

~A

It's 2 AM...do you know where YOUR children are????

2008-05-07T01:17:00.003-05:00

Mine are both coughing and wheezing and hacking and coughing some more. Poor Little Prince has been to the doc twice in the past week and still not getting better! Now, tonight (this morning, rather), Princess K can't quit the coughing and congestion. She's now half asleep on the sofa watching Curious George and here I sit. Wide awake. Only startled every few moments by her sweet, little, pitiful cough.

I HATE when the kids are sick. I feel so out of control. I am never sure whether to give them an antihistamine or a decongestant, Tylenol or Motrin....too many choices!! Anyways, if you think of it, please say a prayer for my little ones.

On another note, today something came out of my mouth that I just HAD to write down for future use....these words were actually muttered:

"K, do not bite the dog's tail - that's where poopy comes out!"

The best part, is that as I was saying it - I really believed it, but tell me, WHY did she think it a good idea to put the dog's tail in her mouth?? She thought it was hilarious. I know every day I must say something incredibly stupid like this, but this one stuck out.....how about YOU?? Please share!!

Until next time, have a great week.

AND, I can't wait to hear your quotable quotes!!

poison control???

2008-04-29T10:59:00.002-05:00

I woke up Saturday morning being handed a bottle of Spider Man gummy vitamins by my son. He was asking for two of them. I look at the bottle, I look at him, I look at the bottle again and in my groggy state of half sleep, I realize that this was the same bottle I had purchased just the night before. This is important because there were only two vitamins left! Out of SIXTY!! Yes, Little Prince ate 58 gummy vitamins on Saturday morning!!!!

Quick, I dial poison control and go through the list of ingredients and thank GOD, there was NO iron --- my cheapness paid off! The very sweet lady at poison control did, however, tell me that he is not to have another vitamin for two months!!! For those of you who don't have the number posted - here's poison control, I now have it in my cell phone. It's 1-800-222-1222. Hope you never have to use it - although, I will confess...Little Prince is 5 and I've had to call at least four times! Boys will be boys.

So, that was Saturday. We sailed through the rest of the weekend and on Monday morning Little Prince was screaming in pain and holding his ear. Full blown ear infection, so I have him home from school today and this is my first opportunity to even sit down at the computer.

Any good news to report? Well, I submitted Princess K to a couple of modeling agencies and so far, of the five - three want to see her, so I'll keep you posted on all that! Very exciting.

Fill me in on your lives....I miss hearing from you.

Happy Tuesday.

and the search begins...

2008-04-21T15:01:00.003-05:00

My kids have been AWFUL today. And I really, really mean AWFUL. Constant hitting, screaming and gnashing of teeth -- and that's just ME. Kidding, of course. But seriously, they seem to be going through this horrible phase of not getting along and it's beginning to send me over the edge. The big problem for me today has been that it's sooooo stinking HOT and since I ripped a contact lens, I have no sunglasses to wear that are prescription so when I'm outside, I'm in physical pain! So, I'm making them stay indoors. I know, NOT a good idea. They need out. They need to go play in the hose, or run around the cul-de-sac. Right now, though, I have each of them laying in separate rooms watching a movie. Little Prince - Ratatouille and Princess K - Polar Express. Maybe, just maybe, someone will get a nap out of this and if I am included, all the better!

On another note, I've started the dreaded job search. Resumes being emailed. Phone calls being made. All with my children SCREAMING in the background. Nothing says "professional" like two kids yelling over gummies in the background, right? Maybe if I can get them to shut up in twenty seconds or less I'll be considered for a management position. One can only hope.

for real....are you kidding me?!?!

2008-04-20T19:50:00.004-05:00

I went to the salon yesterday for some highlights. It's been awhile and I was officially a brunette again...can't remember the last time I was a brunette. Anyways, as she's putting the lovely foils on my head, my hairdresser Nicole, starts yanking on this hair on top of my head.

ME: Um, is everything okay?
HER: Um, yeah, just trying to pull out this gray hair
ME: WHAT???!!???
ME: THAT WASN'T THERE LAST MONTH WHEN I WAS IN FOR A TRIM
HER: It's just one, but it's curly and doesn't want to come out (as she continues to yank away at my head)
ME: SILENCE

She then hands me the "gray hair" like it's a collector's item, or something to be put under my pillow. Maybe if I had put it under my pillow last night I would've awoken to a new item of jewelry or something...maybe? Nah. I didn't think so.

Anyways, this "gray" hair was NOT gray. In fact, it was WHITE and coarse and curly. Does this mean that I now have to maintain constant color? Yepper. Ugh. It just keeps getting worse for me.

So, here's hoping your gray is covered - mine is, for now.

Happy Monday!!

thanks Nickelodeon, thanks!

2008-04-14T16:36:00.004-05:00

Okay, for starters -- I had THE MOST BESTEST BIRTHDAY, well, probably EVER!! I've never felt so loved, so appreciated and so liked. Thank you to all of you who sent me text messages and emails on the big day. Each and every one made me smile.

But onto more serious matters....have ANY of you seen the commercials for the Buxton over the shoulder organizer?? You know, the one that helps you find things in a flash???? Yes....that one. Well, my son, Little Prince, thinks I need to have one of those stylish "handbags" (that's what HE calls it).
Yep, that's me modeling the high fashion Buxton leather organizer - be sure to click on the picture so you can see it in its entirety! It's lovely. It holds an umbrella, all your credit cards, even a bottle of water! The reason my son knows every selling point of the Buxton?? Because Nickelodeon is EVIL. Evil, evil, evil. For some reason, they think it's a good idea to advertise for 70 year old women's handbags during the cartoon hours! Obviously it's working though, because my five year old knows that this handbag is JUST what I need to "find things in a flash!"

The other item he's dying for me to buy are Sketchers - so we "don't let laces slow you down!" Meanwhile, my little giant of a boy wears wide shoes and Sketchers do not come in wide widths so I had to spend twenty minutes convincing him that the Champions from Payless were just as cool!!! Thanks again, Nickelodeon!!

but I'm going to be 40....

2008-04-07T21:13:00.003-05:00

I wanna begin this post by saying a big Thank You to all of you who have written the sweetest emails and comments on my last post. I truly appreciate all of the encouraging words, really, I do. So, THANK YOU!!!!

This is a weird week for me. As some of you know, I will be turning 33 on Wednesday - the 9th. Yep, the big 3-3. It's kind-of surreal. I can honestly say that I never thought I'd live to be this old. Is that strange? Not that some horrible accident or disease would take me, but just that 33 was OLD. My mother had me when she was 17 so when she was 33, I was 16, which, I guess to a 16 year old - 33 IS old, right?

I know they say forty is the new thirty and fifty is the new forty and so on and so on, BUT, this birthday is different....I'm not only IN my thirties, but I'm inching so much closer to that forty mark. Yes, in seven years (insert line from When Harry Met Sally), but I can see it on the horizon. AND, the fact that my babies are now five and three?!?!? When did that happen???? If the next five years go as quickly as the past five years - then forty is literally, like next week.

And I know we shouldn't get caught up on what number we are, but how we feel, etc., but, people do judge you based on that number. I'm at that age where I may not be as cool as I think I am. I may actually be a big dork and what makes me even dorkier is the fact that I haven't realized it yet!

Remember how we used to say to our friends, "if I ever wear _____, please put me in the home"?? Well, remember how we used to peg our pants?? Yep, it's coming back. PEGGED PANTS? ARE YOU KIDDING ME?????????

And, by the way, if you ever see me in pegged pants....put me in the straight jacket straight away!

Have a good one, peace!

blessed are the poor...

2008-04-05T22:39:00.004-05:00

for they shall inherit the earth....

Don't know why, but that has been in my head for the past hour or so. Actually, I do know why...as, I've shared with you before, we are experiencing financial difficulties. Not difficulties like we can't afford groceries, but difficulty in figuring out how are we going to continue. I've been looking for a job, but with my husband's schedule, it really makes it a bit difficult with two kids and their school schedules. The bottom line is that my income hasn't been there for the past year and it makes things tight.

I know, I know, some of you are wondering, why on earth are you airing your dirty laundry??? Why? Well, I guess because I don't think of it as dirty laundry. There are a lot of hurting people in the world right now. There are a lot, and I mean A LOT of people who have things a heck of a lot worse than I do. I know that I am rich beyond measure. I have food to eat, I have a place to lay my head, I have two cars, I have two healthy children. I know that I am blessed.

But I also know that there are times in each of our lives when we don't feel blessed. We feel like our prayers are not penetrating the clouds above us. We feel like God has all but forgotten us.

It is what it is. It's like my son says, "you get what you get and you don't get upset." I love that!! What a great way to live your life, don't you think? Why get stressed out about money, weight, jobs, relationships??? You don't have to .... you're dealt the cards you're dealt...deal with it. You can make it better or worse. But don't get upset about it. Don't be ashamed of the cards you're dealt. God has allowed those cards to be dealt to you. He has something better in store. Something that you wouldn't be able to attain on your own if you never went through those/these hard times.

My mother-in-law wrote something today that really resonated with me, I don't know who said it but here it is:

"Be kinder than you think necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle."

How true that is.

And as for the earth? I'm waiting for it. I know God has many blessings and riches awaiting me. Maybe not during my lifetime, but I will see it one day.

isn't she lovely?????

2008-04-04T21:11:00.005-05:00

Had a friend take some pictures of Princess K yesterday....here are a few of my faves.....

My house was shown today - so here's hoping other people start coming to take a gander...really not a whole lot has been going on. Oh!! EXCEPT....
My children were playing 'house' tonight when I heard, with my own ears, my son say to my daughter "I don't have a mommy, my papa gave these to me" - referring to the shoes I bought him today! Gotta love 'em, right?
Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!!!
Peace.

uh...i think i just threw up in my mouth...

2008-04-02T23:06:00.006-05:00

Um, okay, I was at the mall today. To be precise, I was eating in the food court nasty Sbarro's pizza and Chick-fil-A, YES, all at the same time, but that's not what this story is about.

So, I'm sitting there with a girlfriend and my Princess K when I look around because I hear a baby fussing. She was fussing because she didn't like what her mommy was feeding her. So, she did what most babies do...she spat it out.

No, that's not the gross part. The gross part is that the mother, while the baby was trying to spit it out, kept trying to shove it back in the kid's mouth with her OWN finger. No, not gross yet, although, kinda. So, I'm watching this progress and thinking to myself, "why is she shoving that food with her finger into that kid's mouth?" Just as I turn to look away, this mother PUTS HER FINGER IN HER OWN MOUTH AND EATS THE FOOD THAT THE KID WAS TRYING TO SPIT OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I literally had to turn away and start chanting because I just couldn't handle the thought, the texture, in fact, just got the shivers again now....that's how gross it really was. ICK, ICK, ICK.

Well, I hope you weren't eating while you read this, but if you were, I am very sorry. Have a wicked Thursday and keep coming back as I will be launching something you will all be interested in over the next couple of weeks!!!

sunday morning rain is falling.....

2008-03-30T22:51:00.004-05:00

It hasn't stopped raining here today. At one point, I was locked out of the house, traipsing through the water to the back yard to see if by some miracle I had left the back door unlocked (I had NOT) and as I'm walking through the lake that was my backyard, the water had come up over my ankles. Now, keep in mind, I was wearing three inch wedges and had to roll my jeans up. It was awful! I cannot remember the last time there was that much rain in such a short period of time.

So, I've got a lot to update you guys on. One, I changed shrinks!!! Yeeeee-haw! I am now going to a woman who seems very empathetic and couldn't believe the man I had been seeing said that it was my fault I was gaining weight...never mind that the medication he has had me on causes extreme weight gain. He was just rude. So, no longer seeing him. She also gave me a more detailed diagnosis and explanation as to why she was diagnosing as such.

Finally, I put our house on the market today. Just too expensive right now. Until I get busier selling, there's not a whole lot I can do about it. I'm not sad or upset or anything. In fact, kind of looking forward to not having the responsibility.

I also wanted to share a couple of pictures of Princess K from her birthday, but of course, I can't leave it at just one.
This, I just had to share because I thought the cake was SO fantastic! It's a Barbie cake.
And, finally, this picture was snapped today as we hopped in the van to go to church. Couldn't resist. She's such a cutie - I know, I'm a bit partial!!
Hope you have a Magnificent Monday!!
PS: the title of this blog is a Maroon 5 song. How appropriate!

my sweet princess k....

2008-03-24T23:19:00.002-05:00

Well, it's happening. She's growing up. My baby. She turned three on Thursday and I saw my future, along with hers pass right before my eyes. Pretty soon she'll be a teenager. Then she'll be driving. She'll go off to college. My baby. One day she will leave our home and start a life of her own. She'll get married and have kids of her own. I only pray that I God will allow me to see it all.

She's started to look like me in a lot of ways. Makes it a little bit harder for me, to be quite honest. We don't like to punish or deny ourselves anything, right? How can I punish or deny myself at three? She's such a sweet child, but in a flash, she can be cruel (flashback to Billy Joel "Always a Woman").

It might seem like I'm favoring my girl over my boy. I don't think that's what I'm doing. It's just so different. Little Prince breaks my heart, too. They are my love, my life, my all. So not sure if I'm doing the best job of being a mom that I can. Do I yell too much? Do I give in too much? Am I making them egotistical? Am I making them have low self esteem? Am I too strict? Am I not strict enough? Am I giving them too much junk food? These are the thoughts that, seriously, I believe, keep all moms up at night.

Here's to some sleep for all of us. Goodnight. Sleep tight.

sorry if I got you fired....

2008-03-13T20:01:00.003-05:00

but you should not have been yelling at, pushing, jerking around the girl in your care!!!

Today, I took the kids to the park and met a friend with a brand new baby. We spent HOURS there. It was a fantastic day....high 70s, very low humidity, crayola blue sky blue with a few white puffy clouds scattered around. Picture Perfect. Until my eye spots a group of mentally handicapped "kids" and their three caregivers. One of the caregivers is being absolutely ridiculous to this poor girl.

My friend and I sat and watched to see what exactly was going to happen. When the woman smacked the girl in the head (for the second time, mind you) - I decided I must call the police. This girl was sitting in the sand, and apparently the caregiver did not want her to be sitting in the grass, so she yanks on her arm to pull her up and when the girl doesn't follow the "caregiver" smacks her in the back of the head!!!

Luckily, the police took my call very seriously. VERY seriously. I was able to get the license plate number of the van they were driving and give the police the direction in which they were heading. The traced it to a home in the next city and that police department went to the house. Turns out it's a group home and the woman who owns and operates it ended up firing the "caregiver" (a term I'm using very loosely) on the spot. She filed an abuse report and called me to let me know - on another note - why did the police give her my phone number??? But anyway, she wanted to make sure I would be able to identify her if called upon. She also informed me that the kids in her care are all non-verbal so it just re-confirmed that I did the right thing.

I had a nice chat with the owner and fully believe her - I don't think she had any idea this was going on - the woman she fired had only been working for her for a few weeks, she said. Oh well. It made for exciting drama in my world. I felt like I was on some secret mission as I stood next to my minivan waiting for them to drive by so I could sneak a peek at their license plate!!

The craziest part was that I actually started to second guess myself. When I first saw them, the hairs on my neck stood up!! If that doesn't get your attention, I don't know what will. But my gut was telling me something wasn't right and to keep watching. But then, after I made the call, I started saying to my self, well, if someone called the police every time I yelled at my kids, I'd be serving ten years in a state penitentiary. But then, common sense came back to me and reasoned that these are people who are being paid to care for others, number one and number two, these are children who are not competent, children who cannot and do not have anyone fighting for them.

Well, anyways, that's all she wrote. I'm exhausted, you know, with all my crime fighting, I have GOT to get some shut eye.

stop this train...

2008-03-11T21:34:00.005-05:00

AAAACCCKKKKK!

Wanna know why the real estate industry, as a whole, is in free fall???

I have the answer. The banks...those big guys who are taking people's property back...the big guys who made the loans to begin with....yep, them. They are not willing and ready to deal. Plain and simple.

I had a deal pending that is Freddie Mac owned and they, no kidding here, were going to let the deal go because of $1100. Not $11,000 - ELEVEN HUNDRED. My buyer wasn't going to pay it. Seller's agent never disclosed that the seller wasn't going to pay the transfer tax. So, I had to make a decision. I chose the door that had a commission check behind it. I'm allowing it to come out of MY side of the commission. Totally not fair, but I'd rather have something than nothing, right? Plus, this is a client I want to LOVE me, as she'll be purchasing more....and SOON.

This debacle is what I've been dealing with for the past two days. It's very frustrating. People honestly think that Realtors do not DO anything all day long - we just drive around in expensive cars, show people a few houses and collect the big check - HA! - I wish! They have no idea what goes on behind the scenes on their behalf. Yes, we have slow periods, but when the s*&# hits the fan, you have to take care of the problem right then and there and if you don't, you don't get paid and you certainly won't be called to handle the next deal.

Okay, so the frustration is out, I've vented....for the most part. LOL At least in the business arena. The other areas? Well, I'm not allowed to write about those....LOL. I will one day though. You wait and see.

My son had his first sleep over this past weekend....Friday at our house and then he and his friend went to the friend's house on Saturday...they say they're "brothers" and decide that they're going to move into the others' homes on any given day. So cute. Best buddies they are. It's such fun to watch them develop socially, isn't it? Six months and Little Prince starts kindergarten. I can't believe it! Can't think about it now or I'll end up in tears and unable to finish typing.

Life is moving way too fast. Do you ever wish that your life could have its own soundtrack with the music swelling at all the good parts? I think that if I had a soundtrack to my life right now it would be John Mayer's (who, by the way, is my boyfriend, he just doesn't know about it yet) song...Stop This Train
No I'm not color blind
I know the world is black and white
Try to keep an open mind but...
I just can't sleep on this tonight
Stop this train I want to get off and go home again
I can't take the speed it's moving in
I know I can't
But honestly will someone stop this train

Don't know how else to say it, don't want to see my parents go
One generation's length away
From fighting life out on my own

Stop this train
I want to get off and go home again
I can't take the speed it's moving in
I know I can't but honestly won't someone stop this train

So scared of getting older
I'm only good at being young
So I play the numbers game to find away to say that life has just begun
Had a talk with my old man
Said help me understand
He said turn 68, you'll renegotiate
Don't stop this train
Don't for a minute change the place you're in
Don't think I couldn't ever understand
I tried my hand
John, honestly we'll never stop this train

See once in a while when it's good
It'll feel like it should
And they're all still around
And you're still safe and sound
And you don't miss a thing
'til you cry when you're driving away in the dark.

Singing stop this train I want to get off and go home again
I can't take this speed it's moving in
I know I can't
Cause now I see I'll never stop this train

(think I got 'em now)
If you don't have Continuum...download it! The entire album is awesome. But this especially, is one of my favorite songs. It's one of those where you want to be driving late at night, all alone, with the windows down on a warm summer night and the stereo turned up real loud. Or, if you're not alone, have the love of your life sitting next to you and the other loves asleep in their seats in the back. Yummy.

soccer moms rock.....

2008-03-06T23:13:00.006-05:00

Went to see my shrink today. Not the greatest visit to date. I made him laugh. He just made me MAD. Apparently, and, well, you know, it has no reason to lie, but the scale said that I have actually GAINED THREE POUNDS. Yes, that is correct. I've been doing Weight Watchers for almost two months and have GAINED weight. Of course, HE says it's not my medications...nooooooo, couldn't be that. It's that, and I quote, 'you're not making wise food choices." That's when I wanted to take a fork and stab him in the face. But, I digress. Back to my weight.

Is this the way it's supposed to work? 'Cause, really, not diggin' it. It wasn't enough that I not only am hauling around a couple of muffin tops, but it's really turned into a four tier wedding cake around my middle. My pants are too tight, my shirts are too tight. I'm just plain uncomfortable.

I've been sticking (for the most part) to the plan...eating the number of points allotted. Maybe, though, they didn't mean that I could have as many of the cakes and fudge bars each day, maybe I'm supposed to actually eat that green stuff and lean proteins? Maybe. I don't know. I really thought that it meant I could eat like 19 of those delish cakes and would still lose weight. Can't find that answer on the message boards anywhere. So, it's back to the drawing board.

I thought I had found the solution...thought, okay, I'll take that SlimQuick stuff AND do the WW and surely, the weight will come off. Fast forward back to shrink's office where I do not admit I'm taking anything, but simply ask the question, "can I take any supplements to help me lose the weight?" I thought he was going to slap me. Of course, he had to be a kill joy and say no, that it would just speed me up even more and that is NOT what I need. Maybe that's why my heart rate was up to 102, I thought to myself - I shall never admit that little tidbit to him. So, no more pills for me, at least not that kind of pill.

OOOOOOOhhhhhh....the coolest thing happened this week, too! Came home Monday and lo and behold there was a box of the most wonderful cleaning products from Swiffer and Febreeze and Mr. Clean. I had signed up for free cleaning products if I agreed to write a review....so, I should probably do that now, for fear that if I don't, I will most assuredly forget.

So, NOW, they're making these awesome swiffer duster cloths that have the scent of lavender febreeze - so great and they really do make dusting, especially around the little areas (like in the entertainment center) much easier. AND, my favorite of all the items was the multi-purpose cleaner made by Mr. Clean with the scent of lavender febreeze - I immediately had to clean the outsides of all my kitchen cupboards. So, do I recommend? Highly. They even smell good.

As for the title of this blog.....just thought it was appropriate to say that soccer moms do, indeed, ROCK. And, by soccer mom, I mean anyone over the age of 30 who may or may not have children but are starting to get the feeling that they may or may not be acting age appropriately and then discover that other people think of them as "eeeww, soccer mom" - there should honestly be a day that is celebrated with BBQ and fireworks JUST for young, hip moms. If only I were president.

Have a GREAT weekend!

off with their heads....

2008-02-28T00:19:00.004-05:00

Mojito lost his marbles today. What a sad, sad day. The poor pup is being dragged down by a clear cone collar around his neck and quite honestly, it just might be one of the saddest things I've ever seen. If I knew where I put my camera, I'd show you!!

I just finished watching American Idol. Um, okay, of the girls, I like Brooke (earthy, blond, innocent) and Carly (Irish, tattooed), oh and I also like the other blond girl who sold her horse, can't remember her name, though. The other girls, ugh. I'm so sick of the constant "licks" and Mariah and Whitney-esque movements with their voices. If you can't sing a single note straight - you can't sing. Just an opinion. But I really think the boys are SO much better this year. That little David kid melts my heart every time he opens his mouth! This is the first year I've been able to watch all of the episodes - thank GOD for Tivo...so I'm really looking forward to it.

Oh, so back to Mojito....my kids were so excited when he came home this afternoon and unfortunately, we did not do a good job as parents in warning or explaining the procedure that poor pup had just undergone, but that they needed to be gentle and not to get him excited, jumping and running, etc. So as I'm cooking dinner, Little Prince begins the questions:

LP: why did mee hee toe go to the doctow today?
HC: He had to have surgery
LP: Huh?
HC: They had to cut off his balls
ME: ***clanging and sputtering out of the kitchen with evil eye***
LP: Huh?
HC: You know that sac under your wee wee?
LP: yeah
HC: They cut that off so that he doesn't get a girl pregnant
ME: ***again, evil eye out of the kitchen***
LP: huh?

THEN, like a light bulb went off in his head, the hubcaps decides that's not the appropriate line of conversation! (UH, DUH!) And explains it in a much more scientific and general way.

About an hour later, Princess K starts asking ME if the doctor cut off Mee Hee Toes wee wee....and, was I sure? And "did he go to the hofpital? Yes, that's how she says it. Pretty darn cute, if you ask me.

I can only imagine what the conversations at school will be like for Little Prince tomorrow. Apparently, when you go to the doctor, your wee wee is going to get cut off....however, that's might be better than my friend...and you know who you are...whose husband told their son he was going to tie it in a knot if he didn't start shooting straight in the bathroom....you be the judge.

snip, snip Mojito!

2008-02-26T23:51:00.004-05:00

Hee hee. Tomorrow is the big day!! Mojito loses his manhood...I think he might sense it, too. Has not been his normal annoying, yippy self. Kinda seems like he's a little bit depressed, but I guess I would too. Nah, if womanhood is defined by ovaries, they can take 'em!

I've started looking for a job. Real estate is not cutting it anymore. I'm actually trying to get in good with the banks and start doing broker price opinions, that way, I can stay home with Princess K and my kids won't have to be at "camp" every day all summer long. AAAAGGHH!!

I really don't want to go back to work, at least, not in the "traditional" sense. I do not want to have to commute (really bad here!), I don't want to have to dress a certain way and I sure as heck don't want to leave my house. I haven't had a "job" since 2002. The thought sends me to that place. You know, that place where I just want to crawl back into bed, pull the covers up and sleep and dream of days when I was seventeen and not a care in the world.

Today, too, I was watching Oprah and Henry Winkler was on...I was very inspired by him. He had all of these obstacles, he was dyslexic and didn't know until he was 31 and NOW, he writes kids' books and tells every kid he comes into contact with "you're going to be great, you have greatness"...what an encouragement. Sometimes I wish people in my life as a child had been a bit more encouraging. No one ever told me I could NOT do anything but they never really said I COULD.

I have sung since I began, and maybe before, I began to speak. My voice teacher wanted to submit an audition tape for Star Search. I sang in church and got standing ovations. My first public performance was before 1500 people. I'm told every day that I have this special gift. I know I have a gift, but why did I not pursue singing as a career? Why did I not think I was good enough? Why did I sell myself short? And, more importantly, why do I think I'm not good enough at a lot of things? Am I sabotaging myself or am I just being realistic?

good to be back....

2008-02-22T11:18:00.003-05:00

It's been far, far too long since I've written. It's not fair to say "I've been so busy", because the truth of the matter isn't that I've been too busy, but rather, just haven't had much to say. Yes, me, the one who never shuts up. I guess, I just haven't had very many coherent thoughts...or at least thoughts that I felt I should share with people.

It's been a rough sort of week for me, professionally speaking. Someone who was a friend of mine actually fired me as their agent! And then turned around and put an offer on a house within 24 hours. The kicker of it was his excuse "God told me it was time for a change". PUHLEEZE. At first I was double ticked. Still am, really, because that's just not the way you treat people. Especially when I've been "helping" he and his wife since before Thanksgiving.

They changed their minds on what they wanted every other day. They changed the locations, the age, etc., kind of the important things that help a Realtor know where to look. AND, when we'd find something that they liked, he'd put in ridiculously low offers. So, to say that I was getting frustrated with him, is just the tip of the ice berg, so I guess it's a blessing in disguise.

I attended a commercial real estate investing seminar in Orlando and learned so much that my brain is still trying to hold in all the information. There are a lot of conflicting thoughts in there, fighting for space. You know, movie quotes, phone numbers of old friends and boyfriends from high school and what the names of the American Idol contestants are. So, it's been a bit tricky putting this new info into motion. Becuase of that event, my father and I have started a new company. We're partners and I'm very excited about it. Praying that we can get it launched successfully. We have three agents in multiple states looking for property for us. So, we shall see.

AND, yesterday, I got my hair chopped off. It's a very short bob, slight stacking in the back with bangs! I haven't had bangs in forever. I don't think hubcaps is all that thrilled with it, but it was time for a change. Besides, it's just hair. It grows back and if it looks really bad? I'll do what I've been doing. I'll wear a hat.

Oh, and the kids!! Princess K is addicted to High School Musical 2 - and might I add, so is mom...we sing and dance all the moves. Little Prince is smelling his hands all the time. I think he might be OCD. Driving me crazy, but he's such a sweet boy.

I've missed hearing from and reading all of you, my blogger friends. I will be catching up over the next couple of days!
So good to be back!

there's no place like home....

2008-02-07T00:04:00.001-05:00

I realized this evening that I (pretty much) start all my blog entries the same. I guess becuase I write how I speak, maybe? Who knows. Anyways, auntie em, there's no place like home. Ain't that da truth?

I left home this afternoon to spend the next four days in Orlando at a seminar/conference on commercial real estate. Doesn't that sound like a grand time?? Oh, and did I mention I'm with my dad? Just kidding. He and I will have a lot of fun, even if the conference turns out to be a dud.

I also realized this evening, that I'm raising a rocker. No kidding! He was in the back seat singing "I.....wanna wok and woll all night....and party every day...I" - nothing cuter than a five year old who can't say his "r's" singing the words rock and roll....just too dang cute.

And, my daughter is still putting fruit down her pants. I don't know where she gets these ideas...it's not like I'm shoving grapes down my britches. Her father isn't shoving bananas down his pants! Today, though she moved on to something else. Are you ready for it? Golf balls! Not one, but TWO golf balls. Couldn't find the camera fast enough and missed the shot of the year.

Well, it's late and I've got a looooooooonnnnnggggg day tomorrow. Have a Happy Thursday. Peace out.

OH - and for those of you who care....I've officially lost ZERO pounds in the past two weeks! ZERO. So when I get home on Sunday - the fight to win begins....that's right, I'm going back to the gym. UGH.

won't you be my neighbor?

2008-01-31T00:15:00.000-05:00

Today was a great day, aside from the fact that after I got home from showing homes to a client, started dinner (well, sort-of, it was mac and cheese in the blue box) and got the kids and their friend inside the house and cleaned up, my doorbell rang.

Standing on the front porch is my local police officer. I open the door cautiously, holding back Mojito from licking him to death. He says to me, "ma'am, would you mind talking to me about your neighbor?"

Me: uh, uh, what would you like to know?
PO: well, he says your kids are driving some scooters?
Me: No, they don't have scooters, they have the little Jeep power wheels
PO: Well, he claims that your kids were on his property and that the Jeep got stuck under his car and his daughter had to move it
Me: I highly doubt that, see, officer, last year, this very same crazy man stood in the middle of the street yelling at me and another neighbor about how we don't watch our children and just let them run willy nilly around the neighborhood, how we allow our kids to draw on his driveway and that he is the owner of the sidewalk. You see, sir, the man next door is CRAZY. He has a camera pointed at the driveway and another camera on the back side of his house. He keeps the window of his front door boarded up. Quite honestly, sir, I wouldn't be surprised if he's got a meth lab in there, or maybe he's producing porn in the garage. I really don't know. All I do know is that under NO circumstance was my child or children EVER on his property. This I know because each and every parent on my street KNOWS that the kids must stay off of his driveway.
(I took a breath here)
Now, Officer M, my father was watching the kids, so if by some mistake, one of them crossed over onto his property, I apologize, please let him know it will never happen again.
PO: Thank you ma'am. I'm not writing a report but here's my number if you have any problems. Maybe you could have a barbecue and invite him over and become friends.
Me: Mmmmmm, yeah, I don't see that happening. And, I would like it if you wrote up a report, just so there is a record someplace of this man's lunacy.
PO: Okay, well, uh, have a good evening. Sorry to bother you.

Can you believe this guy????? Aack!!! This man is completely insane. I swear to you, in the three years we've lived here, they have had ONE guest!! Seriously. (I am a nosy neighbor, in case you were wondering) So, I'm waiting for your ideas on how to plot my revenge....remember, there are cameras so it has to be fast and I can not be identifiable. Ok?

On another note, it's midnight and I just now realized that I've been walking around with my underwear on backwards. How on earth did I not notice? I mean, they're not a thong, so I guess, maybe....but, no, I think I just was having one of those days.

Happy Thursday to you all!! Don't forget -- post ideas!!

oh no she didn't....

2008-01-29T22:40:00.001-05:00

Today was one of those hysterical days where everything that comes out of the mouths of the babes just sounds really silly. I know we've all thought, "oh, there's something I'd never hear" - but here's just a few of the things that I have uttered most recently...

"K, get the lime out of your underwear"
"K, don't suck the dog"
"K, don't put coins in your panties"
"K, I'm serious, get the lime out of your underwear"

I wanted to post the picture of the Princess with a lime in her underwear, but, decided it might border on distasteful. So instead, I will describe it for you. It all started when Princess K decided to put a lime in her shirt - around the belly area. "Look, I have a baby in my belly"

Fast forward ten minutes and all of her clothes have come off, except the little pink panties. The pink panties that now house a very large sized lime in the front! I really, honestly, tried not to laugh. But seriously? If you saw your almost three year old with a lime in her underwear, you'd react just the same - you'd grab the camera and laugh until you cried, which is exactly what I did!!

So instead of embarrasing her for life with that picture, I've decided to post a photo that shows just how girly and sweet she really is.
I pray you're having a good week so far. And, yes, I've joined Weight Watchers. Will report on progress next week, after I've done it for a full week....so far, so good, though. Peace.

friendship

2008-01-24T01:40:00.000-05:00

I just hung up from a lengthy phone conversation with one of my oldest friends. We haven't spoken to each other in over ten years and until last year had no contact whatsoever. I'm so thankful and happy that we are now "together" once again. Isn't it amazing how you can not talk to someone for such a long time and pick up right where you left off??

She said to me, "I feel like I know you again"....me too. I can't wait for our kids to meet each other and to play, maybe in the surf, or maybe in the mountains.

I also think how incredible it is that we were not in each other's lives and still ended up on the same path....kids the same ages, same faith, same values. Life is so much more wonderful with a friend. A true friend.

She knows all about my dorkiness in high school and loves me just the same, or rather, loved me just the same. We were so alike, most thought we were sisters and deep down, she is my sister. I love you, RS. Thanks for a second chance.

holy cow!!!!

2008-01-22T23:02:00.000-05:00

I'm not responding to my recent venture on the scale; but, rather, I am shocked that it has been SIX days since I last posted anything! Wow.

Hmmmmmm, what to tell. I saw my shrink again. Gained three more pounds. Found out my insurance pays for Weight Watchers. Starting this week. I just need to lose 20 lbs., that's it. I'd be happy with 15 but ECSTATIC with 20. Definitely. Will go online and sign up. Tomorrow. For sure.

I did read a book over the weekend. Can you keep a secret? by Sophie Kinsella - basic chick lit. It was eh, pretty good. I also saw 27 dresses - it was cute but if you have any friends who are expecting - go see it with them because apparently it can help induce labor. My friends Amy and Jen and I went Sunday night. I looked at Jen and said "you're having that baby any day now" (EDD was Feb 8) - she went into labor that evening!!!!! Pleased to announce little Hannah Lynn was born yesterday evening! She's just a tiny little five pound darling!! Can't wait to get my hands on her!

Also, have you ever noticed how everything seems cooler if you add "licious" to it? As in, bootylicious? Yea, I thought so too, so I've coined "vomitlicious" - it really could have multiple meanings and uses, like

a. you're covered in baby vomit - yeah, you're vomitlicious
b. you're so full of food - you could become vomitlicious
c. you've had five days of cleaning up puke - yep, again, you're vomitlicious

Vomitlicious could even be a smell.....as in, you smell vomitlicious - that lovely aroma of vomit and peanut butter and jelly.

Have a Happy Happy Wednesday and I'll try to do better this week. Oh, and any of you who have ever done WW, HELP! LOL

i've been tagged!

2008-01-16T00:22:00.001-05:00

Okay, so I've never done a meme before and am very excited (and scared) to do one finally! Thank you, Smitty76...this ought to be fun!

So here are the instructions:
Archive Meme Instructions: Go back through your archives and post the links to your five favorite blog posts that you’ve written. But there is a catch:

Link 1 must be about family.
Link 2 must be about friends.
Link 3 must be about yourself, who you are… what you’re all about.
Link 4 must be about something you love.
Link 5 can be anything you choose

.
Link 1: HERE
Link 2: HERE
Link 3: HERE
Link 4: HERE
Link 5: HERE

Now, just a little bit of explanation - I try not to write about my friends and family in such a way that anyone would recognize them so some of these links may not be totally relevant. And I also came across this and had to add it. Good luck getting it out of your head! LOL

Hmmmmmm....now I tag Keri and Dawn at stripeycat and thoughts from along the broken road. Can't wait to see your posts!!

Have a great rest of the day!

the crack....

2008-01-16T00:01:00.000-05:00

yep. we went to the crack for dinner tonight with my parents. you know, cracker barrel...my kids' favorite toy store on earth!

little prince finally went back to school and now is complaining that he doesn't feel well, is tired, thinks he's going to throw up and hubcaps said he felt really warm .... could this week get any better?

saw my doc today ... more on that another day when I feel like divulging all the gory details...not a great visit, but one that made things a bit clearer for me.

oh. and apparently, i've forgotten my brain at the door, because our insurance changed with hubcaps work and i allegedly signed up for the wrong plan! hopefully, they'll let me switch to the one i thought i had signed up for!! double ugh.

i tivo'd american idol, so i'm sure after i watch, i'll have something to say about the lack of talent that is being constantly perpetuated on our society.

hope you're all having a productive week. i'm looking forward to the weekend.

am I the only one???

2008-01-15T01:03:00.000-05:00

Totally bizarre thought for the day - - do you think that when we look in the mirror we actually see what the rest of the world sees, in a literal sense?? For instance, when I look in the mirror, I will notice that my nose is crooked. But when you look at me, do you see that not only is the nose crooked, but it's green and boil covered? I know, I know, gross. This is a thought that keeps me up some nights.

For example, does a severely obese person really know that they are obese? Do they SEE it?? Kind-of a reverse anorexia. The main reason I wonder this is because those who deal with anorexia always look in the mirror and see themselves 'fat'....so it would only make sense that the rest of us, who might have a challenge with weight, see ourselves thin.

So, yeah, these are the thoughts that cloud my head, day in and day out. Do ugly people know that they are ugly? I am almost 33 years old and I swear to you, I have been asking people these questions since I was 11. Anywho, hope you've had a great Monday, have a terrific Tuesday and hopefully I'll have something with more meaning to talk about tomorrow! OH - I will!! I go see the shrink tomorrow, that alone will give me something to vent about, and the vet, yippee!! What a thrilling day awaits for me.

could it be my hair?

2008-01-11T00:47:00.001-05:00

School started back on Monday. Did Little Prince attend?

Nope.

He's been home all week because our house has been struck with THE PLAGUE. What's even better is that we don't all have the same symptoms. We each have gotten a different strand. Lovely, right? I've had a fever for two days, achy body and today, I awoke to the sensation of razor blades going down both sides of my throat.

Convinced I had strep, I hauled myself to an Urgent Care this evening after hubcaps got home from work, sat in the waiting room for an hour....
side note: I did almost finish a book I've been reading, so all was not in vain!
...had the throat culture, ONLY to find out, nope, not strep. The doctor said "I can see why it feels like razor blades - your throat is disgusting" - gee, thanks doc. On a good note, he did say that I looked much younger than 32 (almost 33). Must be the hair.

So yesterday, sickness and all, I showered, put makeup on and dressed myself and went to get my hair done. I couldn't cancel with twenty minutes notice!! So maybe, just maybe, my additional low lights made me look younger? Nah, I didn't think so either. Too funny. But this doctor went on and on and on about how the women in Florida look so much older than they really are because of the sun damage. Yikes. The strange thing, though, is that even though everyone knows you should wear sunscreen EVERY day - there are A LOT of people who don't. I love to go to the beach. I love the look of a tan, but honestly, I buy it in a can. I wear a hat, a t-shirt, sit under the umbrella and yes, all of my makeup has SPF 15 or higher. Not something I'm willing to risk for the sake of vanity. Can I get an 'Amen'??

Alright, so the soapbox is put away for now. There is nothing new to report. Just trying to get and STAY healthy. AND, maybe, just maybe, get the Little Prince BACK to school on Monday.

Welcome, 2008!

2008-01-06T21:58:00.000-05:00

Well. 2008 is not starting off the way I had hoped it would. My big deal that was supposed to close this month has gone down the toilet. That was my catch up fund. Now what??? Thinking about selling the house. Simply cannot afford to keep it. Plain and simple. The market has tanked so badly that it will be YEARS before I can get out of it what we've put into it....
I found a great blog last week written by a mom who is a millionaire (self-made) - and the biggest lesson/advice that I've learned from reading her posts is that they were able to attain financial freedom by NOT owning a home. Used to. Downsized and took the difference (and the equity) and invested. Hmmmmmm, sounds like a great idea to me. I know, I know, too simplified, BUT, I do believe in the adage that you never really own your home, it ends up owning you. In this market, it just makes more sense to rent. At least for my family. Especially when my income literally is down to nothing...oops, sorry, I made 25% of what I had made the year before!! How's that for job stability?
Oh well. Life goes on, right? These are not the things of great importance. Both kids have developed really bad colds and Little Prince has a fever tonight. This is the greatest time of my life, in terms of my family life. THIS is what is important. It's sometimes hard to focus and remember those things. We get sideswiped by the mundane, the bills, the mortgage, the maintenance, all the things we "think" we need to have right now. We think we're poor, until we see that we have so much more than 90% of the rest of the world. We are truly blessed. God is good all the time. And all the time God is good. As one of my favorite songs says, "I'll praise You in the storm."
Have a great upcoming week!

princesses, pee and poop, oh my!

2008-01-03T10:54:00.000-05:00

So, now I remember WHY, exactly we didn't have a dog. I've been successful at gettting two human beings potty trained. I thought I was done cleaning up pee and poop all over the house. Boy, was I wrong.
A few days before Christmas, we were given a beautiful puppy (about 14 weeks old). He's a Havanese and we fianlly settled on the name "Mojito".

Well, Mojito was being paper trained by his previous owner - I'm crate training. The first time he had seen grass was two weeks ago when he came home with me...needless to say, he does not like going number two on the grass. The booger will play outside for twenty minutes, come inside, and literally, within two minutes in the house, he's left his deposit somewhere in the house! It's beginnng to get a little bit frustrating! Argh!! If any of you have any ideas, please share!!
We've taken down all the decorations (except the outside lights, of course!). And today, as I sit here it is not even 50 degrees...unheard of in Fort Lauderdale. My kids are even wearing winter coats and little Prince insists on re-enacting The Christmas Story scene where the little brother "can't put my arms down"!! Kids are so funny.
Princess K is pictured here modeling her new threads from Gran:

Have a Happy Thursday, I can't believe the weekend is already here.

and his name shall be.........

2007-12-30T00:19:00.000-05:00

Are you waiting with bated breath??? LOL.
It's Mojito.

I lost on Johnny Cash - although I'm secretly calling him that!! We'll see, he doesn't really seem to be responding to Mojito anyways...but we figured since he IS Cuban, he ought to have a Cuban name....and what's better than mojitos?? Always make me happy.

Oh, and just becasue I've finally gotten all the pictures off my camera, I had to share this one...
sweet, sweet baby...sleep in heavenly peace....

sunny and 80...

2007-12-29T23:16:00.000-05:00

I have been so busy the past week or so that I just simply have not had time to sit down and type and I can honestly say that I've missed it tremendously!! It really is therapy for me. I can vent to actual adult humans AND, here's the kicker, no one interrupts me or has a better idea...no, I can just vent and if you choose to continue reading then you do, and if not, c'est la vie, right??
Anyways, we spent the entire day yesterday at the beach! It was 83, sunny, very low humidity and there were actually waves. Hard to imagine that just a few days ago was Christmas... this is one of those fantastic moments when your kids are getting along and all is right with the world. They played so hard, I was shocked that there were no naps on the way home, but I can testify to the fact that there was still sand where you don't want sand today!! Ouch!

Just a few more of the kids on our fun day in the sun...the one of Princess K running makes me think and HUM "chariots of fire" and the others I just think are plain cute.
Now, onto other topics...I've had a deal pending since the end of August on a BIG house...got a call from another homeowner in the same neighborhood that the people who are "renting" the home currently - are scam artists...I pulled all their court records and they seem to move twice a year - that's how often they're evicted!!! How is it that it is not illegal to repeatedly enter into agreements with people and then never deliver your end of the deal?? How is it that these people, who are obviously, abusing the system can continue to do so time and time again?!?! I just don't understand how the judges in our court system don't see these people (a couple of the judges have had them in their courtrooms on more than one occasion) and intervene? And the beauty of it all is that as squatters, they have more rights than the homeowner! So, this is how I will be starting my 2008 - at the police station, so that my seller can gain access to his house! It is really unbelievable!! But then again, it is not illegal to steal someone's identity either. One of my best friends has LITERALLY had her identity stolen on THREE occasions! Found out the thief ordered stereo equipment, where it was being delivered and what time and the police refused to go set up a sting to catch the person. UGH!!!
For those of you who don't live here in the lovely state of Florida, you may not be aware that we have the highest rates of fraud and identity theft and scam artists than in anywhere else in the country....and guess what part of Florida they like to live in? Yep, you've got it....South Florida.
Yes, the weather is great. But at this point, really, I don't know if that's enough of a reason to stay here. If I had my way, we would be moving next week. I love my friends here. I love my church. BUT, I'm not sure this is where I want my kids growing up. But it's hard, hard to just pick up and move...for those of you who know me personally, we're not moving, we're not looking, don't worry...this is just me wishing. PLUS, I just found out that a friend of mine is moving to Michigan. Really bummed about it. It's not like we hung out, but I definitely felt a kindred spirit in this person and really care for their family. I'm happy for them, I know they'll have a much better quality of life and their kids will be happier, but the selfish side of me is going to hate to see them go.
Anywhoo, hope you're having a fantastic weekend!

i ain't gettin' nuttin for christmas....

2007-12-22T15:49:00.000-05:00

because I got my gift yesterday. I am pleased to introduce to you (drumroll please)

How cute is this dog?? He is a 12 week old Havanese puppy - with NO name. I am interested in any and all ideas!! Help! My kids are calling him "dog" or "puppy" - which will not do. I liked the idea of calling him "johnny cash" and calling him "cash" for short - which then turned into my son calling him Dash (from Incredibles or short for Dasher, the reindeer). Sooooooooooooooooo, any assistance ya'll can offer would be GREATLY appreciated.
Have a very, merry Christmas!!!

nutcracker...

2007-12-19T10:55:00.000-05:00

okay, so this is completely juvenile but, today on the way home from school Little Prince says "I'm gonna crack a nut" - it all began with "coconut, cracknut" then became "crack a nut" - for some reason, this had be howling with laughter. Then, he says "mommy, I'm schwedde" (sweaty) and all I could think of was Pete Schwedde and his Schwedde balls. (SNL)

Have a Fabulous Friday.

sleepwalking....

2007-12-18T01:02:00.000-05:00

Okayt, so it's ONE AM. My Little Prince just came out of his room ten minutes ago. He was coughing and I could tell he was half out of it. I asked him if he wanted me to come lay down with him. No answer. Asked him if he wanted some water. No answer. He stumbles back behind the sofa - the play area. I'm sitting on the floor on the laptop when I hear, ever so faintly, water dripping.

I turn around, and lo and behold, he has proceeded to PEE on his train table!!! Luckily, I guess, he and hubcaps had just assembled the train (so there weren't hundreds of cars to clean up, just a few tracks)...but it was still pretty gross.

As moms, we get used to cleaning up these disgusting displays. Poop in the tub - that's a favorite of mine. Vomit of all sorts. Snot. Eeeek. Honestly, the mere sight of snot makes me dry heave. Literally. All kinds of snot. Adult snot, kid snot, baby snot. I'm not talking about the clear runny nose snot - that doesn't bother me one bit. I can wipe it off the kid's face with my bare hand and then smear it on my jeans. It's the green globby snot that hangs there, dangling in the wind....THAT snot makes me heave!! Not even the rotavirus poo made me heave like the snot thing.

I can't take it anymore. I cannot wait until I don't have to hear a "mommy wipe me" from across the house! What a glorious day that will be, no? Don't get me wrong, kids are GREAT - but come on, coudln't we have figured out some way to overcome this? You know, we are so technologically advanced and yet, we still have this "problem" - but I guess it's like Oprah says about "we all poop" - it really is the common denominator. LOL.

Well, I think that's enough of the potty humor. Have a Happy Tuesday!!

Baby It's Cold Outside!!!

2007-12-17T10:12:00.000-05:00

Brrrrrrr. I woke up this morning with the blankets pulled tight to my ears. Poked my feet out from under the covers and shivered! Yowza....it's 53 degrees!!!!! In sunny South Florida - this is reason to break out the winter coats. In fact, when I heard the forecast last night, I actually said to hubcaps: "I don't have a coat". Oooooo, we even had a "windchill" temperature - 42!!! I cannot believe it. I pray, pray, pray that just maybe the temps can stay cool through Christmas. If I'm going to heat up my house cooking a FEAST, then I'd like it to at least be a little cooler outside, BUT, then we wouldn't be able to eat outside....it's a toss up.

Life has been pretty uneventful for me...oh, except that I got a bill from the hospital where by daughter had outpatient surgery for A THOUSAND DOLLARS. They billed the insurance company almost $6000!!! Um, my c-section only cost like $9K. So, the thousand dollars is my deductible. Didn't know I had a deductible. Because it was in a hospital, apparently they can make me pay this. Whatever. Good luck to them, because I will not pay it. Asking for an itemized bill today so I can go through it. AACK! I hate when stuff like that happens.

We've got 8 days till Christmas!! I only have a few more gifts to buy - hallelujah!
Hope you're having a good Monday....

ummmmm, is that bacon I smell??

2007-12-13T04:38:00.000-05:00

Okay, so it's twenty till FIVE. FIVE IN THE MORNING. I am completely WIDE awake. Straightened the house, did the dishes, wrapped a ton of gifts. To top it all off, I just put some bacon in the oven! Yeah,at 442AM. Crazy, I know. At this point, I'm just going to stay up until I take Little Prince to school and come home and nap. But, we're having friends over tonight, too, so I'm feeling the pressure of having my house look decent.

Tomorrow??? NO CAFFEINE for me! I drank a large sweet tea today and then topped it off with a can of coke around 6PM. Gee, I wonder why I'm not sleepy????

The Polar Express

2007-12-13T00:30:00.000-05:00

When I was younger, one of my favorite family Christmas traditions involved reading The Polar Express - actually, we had it on audio and my cousins and I sat around looking at the beautiful pictures and wondered if Santa was really going to be stopping at our houses later that evening!

Lucky for the me, last year (I think)they made Polar Express into a movie - it is now my daughter's favorite movie. She wants to watch it every single night before she goes to bed. Needless to say, I've now seen it about fifty times.

The thing that gets me each time I watch this movie is that the little boy who has never experienced a nice Christmas, when he realizes there is a gift for him, he hangs onto it with every ounce of strength he has. He even goes sliding and falling through all of the North Pole....and then I wonder, why do we not hang onto our faith like that little boy? Why do we not hang onto the relationships around us that are so important? Why do we not work harder at our marriages? Why do we not try harder with our kids to be better parents? Why do we not forgive the people who have hurt us? Why can't we cling to the things that are important to us the way that little boy hangs onto his Christmas present?

i'll step down off my soap box now, thank you

2007-12-12T00:13:00.000-05:00

My little Eskimo did it! Little Prince had his very first Christmas program at school tonight! He attends a very small private school here (its actually part of the church where my hubcaps is on staff); anyways, his class dressed like Eskimos from Alaska and sang Let It Snow. Of all the classes, I think his class got the biggest applause because they were just too darn cute!! I was so proud of him! He did almost all of the motions and even smiled from stage. I was a little concerned when we got there because last night he started in on this "I'm a little nervous" thing. Where he heard and learned what nervous means, I don't know...but let me just say thanks to whoever taught it to him. BUT, he overcame and it was great!

One of my best friends and I exchanged our gifts today -she's going to be in Michigan for three weeks, so I think today is the last time I'll see her until the middle of January (ugh!)...she got me this HUGE Vera Bradley duffel and makeup bag - so cute and I LOVE LOVE LOVE Vera Bradley. But I digress..

So, I've done the Christmas Program, opened a gift, bought lots of gifts...the Christmas Season is upon us. I'm really trying hard, can you tell, to NOT say 'holiday'. For those of you who don't celebrate Christmas, I have to believe that you're not offended because I do celebrate, am I wrong? I am not offended by your menorahs and whatever those of you who celebrate Kwanzaa use... but I am very irritated by the signs for 'holiday trees' and 'holiday cookies' - what other holiday has a cookie shaped like Santa Claus? Give me a break. Yes, it's the holiday season - there are a lot of different faiths celebrating different occasions, but more than 90% of our population (USA) celebrates Christmas. Stop telling me to have a happy holiday when I've just dropped $300 in your store for wrapping paper, toys, a tree and ornaments....isn't it kind-of obvious what 'holiday' I'm celebrating?? Geesh. Have a great Wednesday.

14 Days....are you ready??

2007-12-11T00:25:00.000-05:00

I am almost finished with Christmas shopping!! Yee Haw! Actual shopping, though, is highly overrated...I'm enjoying not standing in line, not searching for a parking space and not dealing with rude salesclerks. I LOVE online shopping. I always have, but this year, especially, it has brought new found joy. AND, everywhere I've gone has offered free shipping! What's better than that?

My SIL in California is such the sweet person - she sent each of the siblings in her family a package with three gifts, to be opened on the 8th, 15th and 22nd...that way, we will all be together in spirit, if not physically....SUCH A GREAT IDEA! This weekend's gift was a foam 3-D gingerbread house...here's mine :-)

Also, she sent the old-fashioned Jiffy popcorn and M&Ms. We had so much fun as a family doing the craft and eating the goodies; although, I didn't know you couldn't pop that corn on a glass top (thank heavens for burners on our grill!).

We had a really fun weekend...this was sitting in our backyard on Friday...it was HUGE! The tail alone was probably three feet...

THEN, on Sunday, we spent the afternoon (after church) outside! It was such a great day. Both kids were trying to skateboard -- and the Princess is going to be really good! This was her first time on one and daddy let go of her hand for a second and she totally had control....we told her no more until we get a new helmet. She wants a pink one! So, here are a couple pics from the weekend...

Well, enough of that, for all my griping and complaining about the commercialism of Christmas, I am now SO excited!! Mostly, as you moms out there can attest to, because my kids are just so darn excited about it! Princess K is constantly talking about how Santa is at the North Pole, making toys for us. She tells her baby dolls this daily!! Little Prince is going to be in his first Christmas program Tuesday night and he said this evening: "I'm getting a little bit nervous"!! Such a big boy. But their ages right now, are just so much fun. Right now, Santa can do no wrong, he's the guy to know, let me tell you. I actually had to take the little guy to my computer and have him show me what the toy was that he told Santa he wanted becuase I had NO idea what he was talking about - and he's like, "oh, Santa knows"...I made up some story about how Santa called me and wanted to make sure he had the right one. I know, you shouldn't lie...but technically, it's not really a lie, right??

Anyways, I hope you all had a great weekend!! Have a fabulous two weeks before Christmas! Bake some cookies, go to church and love the people around you. Peace.

congrats to me!!

2007-12-06T23:29:00.000-05:00

I did it! I just received the BEST award EVER! My son told me this evening that I, yes, me, the one who thinks that if you heat it up yourself - voila, it's homemade - well, anyway, he said that I make the best cookies in the whole wide world and I do the best decorations!

Let me begin by saying that the cookies came out of the Pillsbury tube. The only thing homemade was the icing and that was only because I had forgotten to buy a tub at the store. The decorations? Oh, yeah, it consisted of red sugar crystals. That's it. Simple pleasures, huh?

Illness has been running amok at our house so little guy and hubcaps have been home all week! Now on antibiotics as of yesterday. So today we finished the hanging of the lights outside and then after dinner, we hopped in the hubcaps Jeep sans top and drove around the neighborhood looking at all the lights. The absolute best part of the whole evening was while we were driving, we started singing Christmas carols. It was cool outside (by Florida standards), we had the top off with the wind in our hair and were singing at the top of our lungs...all four of us! It was one of those moments. You know the ones. Where you wish you could freeze time and just stay in that moment for just a bit longer than you actually get. One of those moments where all is right with the world. But, alas, as my son says "you get what you get and you don't get upset" - right? You pull in the driveway, walk up the sidewalk, into the house and BANG, reality sets back in. You have to be the mommy and get little ones teeth brushed, hands washed, PJs on, and tucked into bed....and so it goes.

I hope you get one of those moments, too. They don't come along all that frequently, but when you get one, relish it! Good night.

they're just grapes!!!

2007-12-05T21:43:00.000-05:00

I had to run to the grocery store this evening to pick up some milk (rice milk, don't even get me started - no one wants to stock it in their dairy cases for some reason), cereal and something for dinner. I went to my favorite grocery store (Fresh Market) because I find it very relaxing, even if the prices are a little more than Wal-Mart, it's a much nicer shopping experience (see earlier post).

So, I'm picking up some fruit because they have THE best selection of produce. I grab a tub of raspberries, blackberries and then saunter to the grapes. Hmmmmm, those look good, I think to myself. Wait a second, let's back it up.

I visited my shrink today. In case you've forgotten, I started a new medication two weeks ago - right now I think it is a miracle drug. I'm sleeping like a baby, not snappy and edgy BUT I have gained FIVE pounds in TWO weeks. Guess what this genius doctor says to me!?!

DR: the pills are giving you an appetite, huh?
ME: uh, if you mean only craving sweets and shoving them into my face then yeah, those pills give me an appetite
DR: well, you control how much and what you put in your mouth
ME: (staring blankly at him, trying to decide what object in the room has the sharpest point) then I stammer, uh, yeah, I know, I know
then he says:
DR: you need to surround yourself with good foods, not cookies, and eat less and exercise more
ME: (trying not to scream expletives at him) yeah, I know

Like I didn't KNOW that I'm supposed to eat less and workout more. Big dummy (see shopping at Wal-Mart post) - for those of you who really know me, you know big dummy is not the first phrase that came to mind. LOL.
So, now I'm at the grocery store, buying fruits and veggies, because I've gained five pounds in two weeks. By New Year's I'll be weighing in at the truck stop. Kidding. So, I grab a bag of grapes, my kids like them, I like them. Good. We'll snack on those instead of the butter cookies in the tin.

Now I'm in the checkout. The grapes get rung up last. I look at the screen. I actually, literally did a double take. They were $9.30!!!! NINE DOLLARS AND THIRTY CENTS. FOR GRAPES. GRAPES. A bag of grapes. Not grapes a la gold. No diamond accented grapes. Just your plain old, run of the mill, seedless red grapes.

I had the checkout girl take them back. I'm not paying what could be a bottle of wine for a bag of grapes. Ugh.

vomit and pizza and games OH MY!!

2007-12-03T21:10:00.000-05:00

Okay - so it's been a super, super busy weekend, which is why I haven't written in a few days. The hectic life started on Thursday, my son's birthday. We celebrated by going to downtown Delray Beach to eat Cuban food al fresco and then to meet Santa Claus - you know, he comes to Florida by firetruck, and we made sure we were sitting on the corner of the street the truck comes to a halt! Santa climbed down from atop the truck and the crowd went crazy.

We then rode a gigantic 200 seat carousel. We ate caramel apples. It was a wonderful birthday for my little prince and a great way to bring in the Christmas season. A grand time was had by all.

Friday, I had invited three boys to go to Chuck E Cheese for pizza and games and then back to my house for a sleepover!! Am I crazy? Yes, I think I just might be. I made sure the adult to child ratio was 1:1, which was good. The boys had a great time, the adults even had fun, too! We ate pizza, played skee-ball and ate cake. All in all, a typical birthday party. Until, little prince says, "I think I should go wash my hands". Me: "um, yeah, that's a great idea"...his papa takes him to the little boys' room.

Unfortunately for all of us, this is when the party comes to a screeching halt!!! My little angel proceeded to fill all three of the sinks with vomit. In between purging episodes, he tells my father aka papa "i don't ever want to drink orange soda again"!!! I know I shouldn't find that funny, but I do. I think it is stinking hilarious! Now, him throwing up in my van on the way home? Not so funny.

So, on the way home, I called the other moms and asked them to meet us to pick up their little guys. We really thought he had just over-drank and played and got sick, but now, we know he actually had a little bug. Later the same evening, he had a fever of 100.9 and fell asleep playing his brand new Leapster L-Max. So sad.

So does this mean I've survived my first sleepover? Or does it mean I still have to face that challenge?? We'll see. I'm up for the challenge, let me tell ya.

All in all, it was a wonderful weekend and I'm so glad it was, because today has turned out to be a day from hell. More on that later. Have a good one.

dirty sexy money

2007-11-29T03:07:00.000-05:00

Is now my new favorite show (aside from Boston Legal). For those of you who miss the days of Dynasty and Dallas -- THIS is the show for you. So much drama - the Baldwin brother is in love with a transvestite and he's running for Senate, Donald Sutherland (yes, Kiefer's papa) is the patriarch of the Darling Family and lots and lots of soap opera type activities - hee hee hee, I love this show. Honestly, liking this one better than Grey's Anatomy which has turned into a major snore fest!

So, totally not important stuff going on around here. Today, the 29th, Little Prince turns FIVE! I AM THE MOTHER OF A FIVE YEAR OLD! Yowza! That one is kind-of hard to wrap my brain around. I remember when my own mother was the mother of a five year old, you know?

I'm also wondering if all five year old boys are horrible listeners or if I'm just a terrible parent who hasn't been doing a good enough job? Little Prince got in trouble at preschool today. So much so, that he was actually sent to the Principal's Office. No remorse either. Yes, he was upset that I found out about it. Was begging them not to tell me. Then begged daddy not to tell me. All of this because 1. he was excited to show his class his Monster Jam folder - he just wouldn't shut up about it apparently, even after multiple requests by his teacher to sit down and listen. THEN, 2, he decides, for some ungodly reason, to take a pair of scissors and cut a hole in the center of his uniform shirt! The $30 Lands' End polo shirt that can't be patched. Thank you very much for that.
So the punishment was no video games, no Jeep driving and no visiting his papa to go swimming. The result? He was a perfect, sweet, compliant little angel the whole evening! He even was helping to do laundry!! And the cutest thing is that he's been walking around the house singing "o the weatha outside is fwightful, but the fye is so dewightful" - it breaks your heart. My little angel. Can't believe it. Can't remember life before him. His sparkling blue eyes, his raspy little voice. So thankful and grateful to God for sending me this precious life and entrusting his care to me.

Happy Birthday, Prince Michael. I love you.

Top Ten Christmas Songs....

2007-11-26T22:33:00.000-05:00

Okay, now it's time for some audience participation!! I want to know what YOUR favorite Christmas songs of ALL TIME are!! I want to do this early, while we're all still excited about Christmas coming and not sick and tired of hearing our favorite songs raked over the coals of Muzak systems worldwide. So, here is my top ten, in no particular order:

1. O' Holy Night
2. Merry Christmas, Darling
3. Mary, Did You Know?
4. anything on the Charlie Brown Christmas CD - Vince Giuraldi (spelling??)
5. Let It Snow
6. Winter Wonderland
7. O' Come All Ye Faithful
8. O' Come Emmanuel
9. Carol of the Bells
10. What Child is This

Okay, now it's YOUR turn...inspire me, tell me what songs bring you those warm feelings and make you feel like Christmas is here. Can't wait to see. Have a Happy Tuesday.

and she's back!

2007-11-25T20:00:00.000-05:00

First, let me apologize. I ranted on about how depressed I've been and then I fall off the face of the planet for what feels like a year!! Sorry about that - not that I'm egotistical enough to think you're sitting at home twiddling your thumbs wondering....what's happened with her?!!?? Puhleeze.

Secondly, saw the doctor on Wednesday. Went great!! I've started a new medication that is actually for migraines! Seems to be doing the trick. The wonderful side effect is that it knocks me out! I take it around 8PM and I am out like a log by 10PM!! So I guess that means I'll have to get my work done either via computer or here at home before then. AND, I've now gone five whole days with no headaches! That, in and of itself, is nothing short of miraculous. I'm not feeling like I'm in the abyss of gloom and despair. I'm back to my normal, silly self.

Thirdly, I have succumbed to the pressure of Christmas! My tree is up. The lights and stockings are hung. The wreath is on the door. I even have ornaments in the kids' bathrooms!! My kids have a stuffed Rudolph who sings and they are joyously singing 'Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer' 24-7 and so far, I haven't had the urge to THROW the reindeer out the window! LOL

I even got up at 4AM on Friday to head to the toy store - mistake. Left and went to Target where I purchased a ton of movies for next to nothing and then to Michael's where I made out like a bandit! So fun.

I've been reading your blogs, and everyone made these beautiful lists of the many things they are thankful for. Well, I don't really have time for that but I will highlight the things I am truly thankful for.
1. My hubcaps thinks I'm cute and silly and puts up with a lot of my crap; 2. I have THE most adorable kids on the entire planet - they break my heart every day with the things they come up with like when Little Prince says to the Princess "K, I'm so lucky to be your big bwother" (that's how he says it!) - brought tears to my eyes!; 3. I attend a great church that is supportive and FUN and a pleasure to be a part of; 4. My friends and my family. You're always there for me to vent to, complain at and be a pain to. Thank you.

I hope all of you had a wonderful, safe, love-filled Thanksgiving. Peace.

Depression Bites!

2007-11-19T19:03:00.000-05:00

Ever since the birth of my Princess K, I've been dealing with depression. It's not something I would wish on my worst enemy. I thought, as has my doc, that it is a hormonal thing. Maybe it is. It doesn't seem to be getting better, though. I am feeling myself sink. Quickly. Sinking faster than a 300lb man who gets tossed over by Tony Soprano.

Not writing so that you'll say 'oh, it will all be fine' - deep down, I think I know that, but it doesn't change the fact that I'm questioning everything I've ever believed in. Questioning my own reality. I have never, repeat, never felt this bad.

I laid in bed this morning with the blinds closed and blankets up over my ears. Sobbing. Not only not wanting to get up, but just not wanting to be.

The only thing helping me get through the past few days is the realization that I do have an appointment with a neurologist/psychiatrist on Wednesday. I've been shaking the family tree to see what mood disorders or mental health issues run in my family and it is quite startling, to say the least.

A few weeks ago, I "met" another mom (a blogger, of course!) who is dealing with some of the same issues. All I could offer her was encouragement to get help, not to be ashamed of treatment. I'm glad I did. I'm so glad I ran across her blog because it made me realize that the medication my doctor had me on was not working. So, my doctor weaned me off. This, what I'm going through now, is the result - three weeks of no meds. And I know that there is no pill to make us happy 100% of the time - who would want that, seriously? I know that we all have "down" days and "up" days but, when your down days are outnumbering your blah or up days, and you don't want to answer your phone to even talk to your friends - there is definitely a problem.

I'm looking back at my entries the past couple of weeks and begin to wonder - is the constant cleaning and organizing part of this? Is that my "up"?

I see the new doc on Wednesday - met with him once before and he is the one who suggested I look into my family history. So, now it is time for an official appointment. We'll see what happens.

Sorry if this was depressing! Just need to get it off my chest. Thanks for letting me vent.

WHAT??!!??

2007-11-18T02:19:00.000-05:00

I am sitting here watching Oprah. I am flabbergasted!! She has this family of hoarders (husband and wife) on the show and they were living surrounded by clutter - SEVENTY FIVE TONS OF CLUTTER! They had black mold growing throughout the house, 70% of their furniture was destroyed by mold, windows had to be replaced, drywall ripped out, rat nests, etc.

They filled up a 10,000 sqft warehouse to sell the stuff she had hoarded.

Okay, so first of all, yes, I feel bad for these people. I feel bad that they have this obsessive compulsive disorder. BUT come on!! Oprah and GE and Broyhill, and others furnished their house, re-did the kitchen, new flooring by Lowe's!! What about those of us (you and I) who are daily keeping up, or trying to keep up with our housework?

Can Oprah and Lowe's please come replace my flooring? I've had two kids spill milk, juice, cereal on it. Never mind the fact that I've also had these same two kids PEE on said carpet during the potty training times. Am I rewarded for trying to keep the clutter OUT of my house? No. Instead, I have been paying MONTHLY to have my carpets cleaned because I cannot stand it being dirty. Although, you know what's going to happen? A few years from now, they'll find out I have mold in my house and it will be from my carpets not drying completely or something lame.

I'd even let them renovate my kitchen too. The nasty laminate cabinets and counters are beginning to warp. Maybe O can send Nate to my house??

I'm really not trying to be insensitive, but my other gripe about this show, is that this woman's core problems have not been dealt with. Yeah, she has a sweet, new pad. But she's not going through therapy to treat the underlying issues. Let's see the house in a year. I know, that makes me so negative, but come on, let's be realistic.

I've spent every day this week cleaning some aspect of my house and attempting to get organized. How hard is it, really, to throw out an old towel or pair of shoes that you don't use anymore? Maybe I have a different disorder. One that is the complete opposite of hoarding. I have a tendency to throw things out. If I haven't used it recently and don't foresee myself using it soon, I pitch it. Sometimes I regret it, but I have a great feeling when I look in the drawers or the linen closets and can find what it is I'm looking for. And contrary to what you've been reading about me, I am not neat freak, by any stretch of the imagination! I just have two kids under the age of five, so it's constant picking up. Whatever. I just get irritated seeing people being rewarded for bad habits and behavior. Especially when this "behavior" isn't being treated through therapy. But who am I to judge, right? Oh well. I hope they can keep it up. I really do. I hope they can prove me wrong.

Now, if you or anyone you know would like to donate new flooring to someone - I'll make myself available!!! LOL.

Gotta Love The TIVO....

2007-11-18T01:45:00.000-05:00

Whoever invented TIVO should get a Nobel Peace Prize. Seriously. One of the top inventions EVER!! Without a doubt.

For those of you who don't have TIVO, you're thinking that this contraption is for the truly addicted.....it's actually just the opposite. I watch probably HALF of the TV as I used to BT (before TIVO). Now, I only watch what is good and worthwhile....and the best part is I can watch it when I want to. Usually that is at 2AM.

The other great thing about TIVO is that I have recorded all my kids' favorite shows so when it's 7PM and they're bouncing off the walls - I've got something they'll want to watch - other than Spongebob!! It's great. Love it. WELL WORTH IT.

Right now I'm watching Oprah - I record all week and then watch the ones that look interesting. BT, I would watch it every day and sit (and sit and sit, through commercials and everything!), watching, waiting to see if the show would become more interesting. Now, I fast forward and if it's not interesting, I delete it. I don't sit and waste an hour watching something I really don't want to watch.

So, here's the question, why would I continue to sit there watching something that wasn't interesting when I was watching it live?? Why didn't I get up and go do something else?? Who knows?! I think it's the hope that something would get better - or then you start to flip the channels, to see if there's something better. I really, honestly, now watch only the things I really want to watch. So, if you've been wondering what the rage of TIVO is, now you know.

And, now, for those of you I've been complaining about the Christmas decorations to - well, I'm putting the tree up on Friday!! I think I've totally gotten into the spirit because it finally cooled down here (it's been in the high 60s when we wake up and only getting up to about 76 during the day!! - that's a cold front for us!). So, as soon as I finish, I'll get the pictures posted - hee hee.

Hope you're all having a wonderful weekend. Love all your comments, emails and fun stories! Have a great one!!

excuse me???

2007-11-16T00:22:00.000-05:00

Today started out as any other ordinary day. Took Little Prince to school and Princess K and I headed to Super Wal-Mart for some grocery shopping. Yee Haw! My least favorite place on Earth - Super Wal-Mart. But I digress.

So I shop for about an hour or so and go to the checkout lanes. It's almost noon and the store isn't all that busy, but the lane I'm in has a whopping three customers in line. One lady who is almost finished, another lady who is starting to put her things on the conveyor belt and then me.

I was standing there for about three minutes probably, when a manager comes over and asks me to go to Aisle 5 - new cashier coming on! I look to the woman in front of me - she's not paying a lick of attention and is busy talking to her friend. So, I go ahead and go to Aisle 5 and begin unloading my heaping, overflowing shopping cart. Just as I lift the Clorox wipes onto the belt, this woman comes up from behind and proceeds to yell at me: "I hope YOU have a nice day, don't YOU worry about us, WE weren't in line apparently".

Did I mention that she was SCREAMING???

So, I then apologize and offer to let her go ahead, that I didn't realize, blah blah, blah. She continues to repeat very loudly "No, YOU have a nice day" in a very nasty tone. She walks away from me and goes back to her aisle, but is complaining about me under her breath the whole time. This is when I lose it! I literally began to yell back - first saying that I already apologized, please go in front of me, and then she wouldn't even look in my direction but kept talking to her friend, which irritated me even more. So, I say "Lady, if you've got something to say, say it to my face, don't stand there and talk about me under your breath, you big dummy!"

YES, I called her a "big dummy". Apparently, I'm in second grade AND a dork!! Too funny. Sad, but still funny. I just couldn't understand why someone would want to take their items OFF of the conveyor belt to go to another aisle at all. Still don't, actually. I mean, really, you're already there, by the time you get all your stuff back in the cart and hauled over to the new cashier, you would've been done!!

Unfortunately, for me, I think she just wanted to prove to her friend what a big shot she was. I should've just let her do it and kept my mouth shut. I should've just kept it at the apology. She chose to continue with the negativity, but so did I. I showed just how rude I was when I called her a big dummy.

Doc, I need to up my meds NOW!

monica bang....

2007-11-15T01:09:00.000-05:00

Hooray for me! Seriously. Hooray for ME! Let me begin by saying that Sunday night I spent FIVE hours cleaning my closet! Yes, FIVE entire hours. I labeled my shoe boxes, tossed three bags of trash and three bags to donate. I can now spend time in there without having an anxiety attack. It's fabulous.

Between yesterday and today I have:

~cleaned/organized kitchen cabinets;
~cleaned/organized two linen closets;
~straightened kids' closets;
~re-organized my dresser drawer configurations to give my husband an extra drawer to himself (yea, that's the way I am, completely selfless HA!);
~cleaned/organized my laundry room;
~organized about 400 CDs/DVDs;
~organized all my tons of scrap booking crap;
AND, I am 100% completely caught up on laundry!

I can't believe it. I know, lame, lame, lame to be this excited about it, but I don't know if my house has ever been this organized. It is amazing to me. I am not a Monica. By any stretch of the imagination. I am the girl whose room in high school looked like the closet had exploded. I have always let things slowly become a mess and then I spend hours trying to clean it again instead of just maintaining and keeping it clean from the get-go. So, the fact that my laundry room and linen closets are perfectly organized (and they even have extra space for more stuff!) is almost miraculous.

Whatever shall I do with myself tomorrow??? Grocery store and Home Depot. Hee hee. Can hardly wait.

I am exhausted!

2007-11-14T02:14:00.000-05:00

The past week, I've been operating(if that's what you want to call it) on less than four house of sleep per night. I'm sitting here now, yes, at 2am, and I can not even keep my eyes open. So, I'm done for the night, will write tomorrow.

people are blogging...

2007-11-12T23:11:00.000-05:00

this is an idiotic post, but what the hay, here goes...if anything, you'll catch a glimpse of my pseudo-neurosis (is that even a term?).

Today, for some reason, the song "Let's Give 'Em Something to Talk About" - got stuck in my head - so now, it's turned into let's give em something to blog about...you try it...you'll come up with a doozy of a song! Here's mine so far...make sure you're channeling Bonnie Raitt on this...
people are blogging, bloggin' 'bout people,
I think they're funny,
you won't believe it
....they post their pictures,
they post their stories,
I keep on reading, but they don't know I
laugh just a little too loud
scroll just a little too long
I read the blog like it is my job
Maybe one day, the publisher will come along,
lets give 'em something to blog about....

that's it so far...I know, it's so dumb. LOL.

On another note, tonight was one of those nights where I roamed CVS for about an hour. Supposed to run in and get girly items....came out with a pair of socks, B12 vitamins, Self magazine (love Carrie Underwood's hair color and need a picture of it), water pills AND my girly items. It was heavenly. I literally went up and down EVERY SINGLE aisle. The office supply one twice.... love office supplies, don't get me started!

I then came home and scrubbed my entire body - like it's never been scrubbed before and now I sit at my computer, in my bath robe, with wet hair and perfectly moisturized face. I just finished putting together a purchase contract for a client (yippee!!) and changed some details of my own listings in the multiple listing service. Soooooooo, I actually did get some work done, had some time to myself, time with a friend, made a home made dinner, got laundry done and its not even midnight! Woohoo. I am on a roll. Now if I could just get more than three hours of sleep tonight.

i'm succumbing to the pressure!

2007-11-11T12:33:00.001-05:00

Okay, okay, okay. I'm almost there. I now want to put up the Christmas decorations. I want to listen to my Diana Krall, Charlie Brown Peanuts and The Carpenters' Christmas CDs.

Last night, I started my wish list. You know, the list you put together methodically, and in a certain order so that your husband and family members know exactly what you want. You know, the one that isn't looked at when they finally go shopping on the 23rd so you end up with the Romancing the Stone DVD (yes, that was one of my gifts last year, along with Jewel of the Nile!).

I'm even contemplating putting Christmas plates in my china cabinet this year AND wrapping any thing that is hanging on the wall - is that dorky? I've seen it in model homes and thought it was adorable.

My problem is that I have my son's birthday on the 29th. My husband and I agreed when he was born that we would not do anything Christmas related until after his birthday - we don't want him to feel like he's getting gypped out of his special day. Soooooooo, it is what it is. But, as soon as his birthday party is over, I'm going to haul the boxes out of the attic. Clark Griswold, I'm going to give you a run for your money this year!

the vagina monologues??

2007-11-11T12:19:00.000-05:00

Last night I finally got caught up on reading all the blogs I like to read on a regular basis - I was up until 4 AM, not good. But, I'm caught up. One person I like to read is Cecily - http://mychaosmybliss.blogspot.com/ - check out her blog... her most recent post is about using proper terminology for body parts with kids. I completely agreed with everything she said. We don't use the right words in our house either!

So, how random is this? I am reading Good Housekeeping this morning - Faith Hill on the cover, December issue. Here is what made me laugh out loud:

"It's just so funny. You know, we've done what all the books tell you you're supposed to do, and taught the girls all the proper names for their, um, anatomy. Now in my day, that is not what was done; we definitely had cute little names for things. But the girls know what a vagina is. We have this little rope swing in our backyard. And the other day, some lifelong family friends were over, and Audrey was on the swing. One of our friends was pushing her, and she was swinging pretty high. So he said to her, 'are you OK, Audrey?' And she said 'yeah, I'm fine...it's just that sometimes this swing gives me a vagina wedgie.'"

And that is why my kids do not yet know the word vagina.

i can't spare a square...

2007-11-10T02:01:00.000-05:00

So. Yesterday I was shopping, yet again, and found myself getting pissed. Not just a little bit either. I was beginning to become irate. Wanna know why?........

Because being played on the muzak system at Macy's was "Let It Snow"! Hellloooooo....this is South Florida, for starters, it will never snow here, so don't get my hopes up. Secondly, it's really bothering me that the decorations have come out, the santas are out and now, the music is playing overhead. I bet tomorrow if I run to CVS, they'll have the Christmas crap on sale for 75% off and Valentine's Day cards will be out! It's ridiculous.

Have a couple of companies I want to plug here today - took the family for our Christmas card photo -

Got them taken at Kiddie Kandids - those places in Babies R Us stores - it was fantastic. I was in and out of there in an hour and it really is affordable!! Highly recommend. Also, went online to design our Christmas card (I'm just trying to have everything here and ready for me to get them sent out on December 1st). I normally order from Wal-Mart, but this year - shutterfly! Awesome designs. You can change and customize the greetings and the fonts. They're way cool and only a few cents more than Wal-Mart.

Oh, and in case you're wondering....I had a Seinfeld moment today in a public bathroom, as evidenced by my title. The poor woman next to me couldn't get the TP out of the holder-thingy. So of course, she and I both are quoting Seinfeld in the bathroom. Too funny. Geez, I miss that show.

Oh - and the recipe for the leftover turkey - yummy.
2 cups (or so) of chopped turkey (I used jennie-o sundried tomato seasoned turkey)
8 oz of pasta (macaroni or penne - I used rice penne b/c my hubcaps is allergic to wheat), cooked.
Saute onions and bell peppers (and celery, but again, allergy so I eliminated) in 2T of olive oil.
Then add:
one can of cream of chicken soup (or whatever kind you want, really)
1/3 cup of sour cream
you're supposed to put like 1/3 of a cup of milk, but I was out
CHEESE - I used handfuls of: sharp cheddar, monterey jack and mozzarella
(the recipe called for cheddar, mozz, gouda so you could be super creative here)
I salted and peppered it and then added 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Mix those ingredients together until it is gooey, then add your noodles and tuna to it.
pour it all in a lightly greased 9x13 pan and top with more cheese
Bake at 350 until golden (mine only took about 20 minutes - I think because I didn't add the milk, so it wasn't too liquidy)
ALSO, the recipe called for 4 ounces of frozen broccoli - didn't have that either....hope this recipe makes sense. It was delish!!!!
Have a fantabulous weekend!!

Here Comes Santa Claus...

2007-11-08T01:39:00.001-05:00

So I went to the mall tonight. Had to buy a couple of things for the family picture which is taking place Friday and guess what!!!???!! Can you guess? They already have Santa's Workshop set up! There are freakin' wreaths hanging EVERYWHERE and Christmas ornaments and wrapping paper is already marked down 50%!!!

COME ON PEOPLE, LET'S GET THROUGH THANKSGIVING FIRST!!!!

I want to listen to my Christmas music so bad, I can hardly stand it.....BUT, I'm going to make myself wait until December 1st. That will be the day that the decorations go up and we begin the countdown. Not a second before.

Oh, and as for the shopping, if you need to get outfits for the kiddos for Christmas pictures/church events, etc....I'm telling you, go to Children's Place...stuff I thought I got a good deal on (on Monday) - is now 40% off! So, taking my receipt back tomorrow to save more money.

Daughter is doing GREAT. We had a family day today - we all stayed home and caught up on laundry and yard work. fun fun fun. I even made a fantastic casserole (I don't normally make 'casseroles') using leftover turkey breast..... All I can say is my husband ate almost HALF of it himself. It was really good and super super easy (can even be made gluten free)! Will definitely be using again. If you need a good leftover turkey recipe - this is the one. I won't post it on here unless requested though, so let me know.

It's almost Friday - so have a great day, make the most of it and kiss those babies!!

all is well!

2007-11-06T15:49:00.001-05:00

We're back from the hospital (a few hours ago, actually) and princess K is doing fantastic! She was a little groggy when she woke up but we got some juice in her, gave her a special toy from the hospital and she was happy again. In fact, when they wheeled she and I (me holding her in the wheel chair) down to the floor for discharge - she perked right up and says, "what is this chair?" - the nurse was howling laughing.

I realized once again how fortunate I am to have a family that is relatively healthy. There were other kids there with leukemia, another little adorable boy with a huge cyst in his neck. His parents looked horrified and scared to death, understandably, too! It's always an eye opener though when you see just how fortunate you really are.

Thank you all for your super sweet and thoughtful comments and wishes, it means a lot to me.

please pray for my daughter...

2007-11-06T00:39:00.000-05:00

This might seem like an odd spot to do this, but I'm asking those of you who visit this site, to please say a prayer for my daughter, K. She is having a procedure today that requires she go under general anesthesia for about 15 minutes. The actual "surgery" is only about five minutes BUT, she's never had any type of anesthesia, and I'm really nervous about it.

I don't know why this time is making me so nervous. My son had to have a fairly major urology surgery when he was barely one. I wasn't half as nervous about that one as I am about this one. She has what is known as "labial fusions" - men who are reading, you may want to stop now. Basically, from my understanding, the body is looking at the opening as a "wound" and keeps "healing itself", so the doctor will go in today and open it back up. No stitches are required and she'll be a little sore for a few days when she goes potty.

The amazing thing is that she hasn't been complaining about it at all. Our pediatrician said it's mind boggling that she hasn't been screaming whenever she goes to the bathroom. That helps me to know that she is a really strong little girl. But, I'm still scared. I'm really scared.

What if? What if she doesn't wake up? That's a horrible thing to think, I know, but all evening, that's what I've been thinking. I cannot imagine my life without her. Daughters just have a special place in our lives. I honestly just LOVE spending time with her. She's so much fun! I've spent the past two and a half hours crying at my computer. Sending emails to friends, asking them to remember her tomorrow. To remember my husband and I. Wondering if I'm feeling this way because my intuition is telling me to cancel the surgery? Am I PMS-ing? Am I sleep deprived? Why am I freaking out like this? Maybe I'm just ultra sensitive because I, as a female, can't imagine what it is that they're going to be doing to her later today. I don't know.

Waiting in the hospital waiting room has got to be one of the most awful experiences any parent can go through. When my son had his surgery, they had given us an idea as to when they would be finished. That time came and went. I started panicking! Finally, a nurse came out to tell us he was fine, the surgery went fantastic and that our doctor would be out in a few minutes. The floodgates opened!! This mommy really thought for a moment or two, that things had not gone well and that I might not see my little boy alive again.

So, if you think about it, please say a prayer for us today. I truly appreciate it. I'm sure I've shared too much personal information here, but more than anything, I need to get it off my chest. I have to get up in four hours, so I'm going to go snuggle with my little princess. Goodnight for now.

Seriously, are you kidding me??

2007-11-04T23:43:00.000-05:00

Why is it news that Katie Holmes ran the New York City Marathon?? Does anyone really care????????????????????????????????????????????????

Cute girl and all, but come on. This is not really newsworthy. Congrats, sure! That's really hard and so cool that she finished, but does it really warrant publicity?

Whatever.

Show it to me on ET but don't bombard my inbox and websites with this "breaking news", puhleeeeze.

Enough rant for now.

Fall Back!

2007-11-04T23:23:00.000-05:00

Well, we fell back last night; or, rather, this morning, right? I love time change Sunday in the fall - that extra hour - mmmmm. Makes my week! Although, when you spend every spare second on the computer, that hour really gets eaten up quickly. I think that the time changes are really rough on kids, though. That's been my experience. Every time - regardless of if we're 'springing forward or falling back' - my kids act like terrors for about a week after! They can't sleep at night and they wake up at the butt crack of dawn! It's awful.

I did have a great weekend. Hope you all did, too. It was a super busy weekend, with a school Christmas Village - to raise money for the school, kind-of a crafts fair sort of thing, a birthday party, church, had a girlfriend over, etc., etc. But, all in all it was great. I went to Hallmark and got tons of FREE stuff....and bought some new foundation at the MAC counter - loving it! I'm a totally girly-girl. I LOVE makeup. In fact, my girlfriend who came over last night, we spent a couple of hours just going through my old makeup bags and deciding what to keep and what to pitch. It was very empowering somehow. Sorry, Dev, if you were bored out of your mind!

We are experiencing "cold" front here with temps in the mid-upper 70's! It is absolutely HEAVENLY. So, I will be taking the kiddos to the park tomorrow and spending as much time outside as possible, before it's back in the 90s again.

Have a FABULOUS MONDAY!

it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

2007-11-02T00:37:00.000-05:00

Everywhere you go......

YIKES!!!

I'm not going to sit down and count how many days until Christmas but, gosh, getting a little stressed about it. September last year I was almost done with my shopping! (I had money then) - this year?? Nada.

Every store at the mall is decorated already.

Macy's had their trees up a month ago! Right now, before the entire world, I am committing to not go crazy trying to get gifts for everyone, finding the "perfect" gifts, setting the "perfect" table, decorating the "perfect" tree, creating the "perfect" family portrait Christmas card, etc., etc., etc.

Let's remember what it is all about, people! Hard to do that when your kids are continually saying "i want that one" over and over and over again. Is it me or are there more and more commercials playing on Nickelodeon right now? Every two seconds there is an ad for some sort of doll or race car! I can't take it anymore and it's only November 2nd. Augh!

I'm not the grinch. I will not be the grinch. I LOVE this time of year. It's my favorite. BUT - for the sake of sanity, I need to set some boundaries, set some limits. In fact, I'm so very much NOT the grinch, I'm going to listen to some Christmas music - and just so you know, I was eyeballing the eggnog at the grocery store tonight. Mmmmmmmmmmmm.

The day after...

2007-11-01T09:22:00.000-05:00

So exhausted. High on candy. And that's just ME. We had a fantastic time trick or treating. My 'rents came down to walk with us and we all had a great time. The kids got along famously and there were no bad moods or temper tantrums.

Went to the Children's Place to buy Alice in Wonderland some tights and found the most adorable dragon costume for $4.99!! Bought it just to have for dress up. The little guy decided that's what he wanted to be for trick or treat. It was a BIG HIT! We went to dinner beforehand (in costume, of course!) - and the manager of the restaurant brought out a gift certificate to Learning Express because, and I quote, "your costume is so cool"!! All that was missing was the fire breathing.

Here are a couple pictures of the big night.

You can't tell by the pictures, but my little girl actually let me put sponge curlers in her hair yesterday - when we left the house her hair was gorgeous!! But, since we have a Tropical Storm hovering around, any curl quickly disappeared once we went outside. We even did mascara (just a little) and some pink lipstick. She thought she was "IT"!! Too much fun. And on my little dragon - yes, that's green face paint, but it started to sweat off. Overall, though, the rain held off until we got back in the car and it wasn't too hot! Can't complain.

By the way, I gotta plug the Children's Place again. Geez, when they have a sale, they're not kidding! The costume I bought yesterday is normally $29.50 - it's well made, good fabric, etc., it really is a dangerous place for me because I always find something. They even had boys jeans for $4.99 - but not in the sizes I needed. So if you're near one, you must go check it out.

We're loaded with tons of candy, a fair amount of pictures, and really good memories. It's an early bedtime tonight for sure! That's what Halloween is all about.

It's Halloween!!

2007-10-30T23:01:00.000-05:00

Can I just say how excited I am that today is finally here! It's 1202AM and I am so excited for this evening to come, I just can't stand it. We're not doing anything special, just trick or treating, but both of my kids are excited this year!! My little girl is going as Alice in Wonderland and my son aka Buzz Lightyear, is going, after a change of heart, as Mr. Incredible.

When the princess wakes up today, we're going to wash her hair and roll in sponge curlers. Then we are going to have a tea party. We've already planned it all. Oh, and we mustn't forget the manicures. Girls are so much fun, aren't they?

We carved our pumpkins this evening (or last night, rather) and they look fantastic. Every year I promise myself that the next Halloween I'm going to throw a fabulous party, and never do. So, I'm going to say it again. Next year, I'm throwing a party. A FABULOUS party.

On another note, I read a blog the other day that was really good; although now I can't remember the name, of course. Anyways, this woman was talking about how much time blogging sucks out of our lives. So true! I'll be telling stories and say "I should blog about that!" or, instead of telling someone a story, say "read my blog, it's there"....what is that all about?

For me, this blogging deal is simply cathartic. I find it relaxing. I find it rejuvenating. It's cheap therapy. I used to do retail therapy, but can't afford it anymore, so this is what I do now. I absolutely LOVE getting comments, especially from random strangers, but I feel like in the process of it all, there is a sense of "frienship" or at least "community" that we don't get in "real" life. Too many ""? Have you seen that blog? It is hillarious - all about the inappropriate times when people/businesses use "quotation marks".

Well, off to fold some more laundry before I head to dream land, will write again soon. Peace.

do i have to get up??

2007-10-29T12:52:00.000-05:00

I have been sleeping so much the past two days, it is absolutely crazy! I came home from church yesterday afternoon and took a two hour nap ALONE. Went outside with the kids for a short while, came inside and fell asleep with them for another two hours! Then, my husband let me and the kids sleep until we woke up this morning. That hour?? 10:30!!! I am feeling good now, although, honestly, I could go lay down right now for another hour or so! Mmmmmmmm. Love sleeping. Love my bed. Love snuggling under the blankets with the kids. THAT is a perfect day. Give me some rain on top of it, and I've died and gone to heaven.

Because we decided to sleep all day today, I let my son stay home from preschool. I know, BAD MOMMY. Oh well. He and his sister have been playing beautifully all day today. They've been helping put the toys away. So, um, really not feeling so bad about keeping him home. Plus, when she's entertained, I can get other cleaning and work done.

So, enough of that, or I will fall asleep right here and now. Took clients out on Saturday - I think they may have found a house they like, so we'll see what happens. Other deal? Still pending. Ugh. That one is a big paycheck, so of course, it will take longer, but it's still frustrating. It's been in pending status for over two months now!!

We have a busy week of doctor's appointments, birthday parties and Halloween events. Glad I got rested up over the weekend. Tell me how you're doing!!

Kiss Your Babies

2007-10-25T21:54:00.000-05:00

Today was a most wonderful, fabulous day! It was not hot. It was in the low 80s with low humidity. In fact, I kept my son home from preschool and we all went to play at the playground. TWO playgrounds, to be precise and we had a wonderful time!

On the way to the playground, I got a call from a new client who I'm taking out to look at property on Saturday morning. He and his wife are already approved for the loan, so now I have to get to work! Then, I made a couple calls about lowering my homeowners insurance. The first person I talked to was able to lower my premium by over $1700!!! Wow. It's been a rather good week. I'm still broke, but am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, you know?

I'm working in the office tomorrow for a few hours (which I never do), so that will give me time to schedule my day with the buyers on Saturday. Is it wrong that I am really looking forward to being away from my house and my kids for four hours straight??!!?? I know that as soon as I walk in the door in the afternoon, I will have started missing them tremendously, BUT, the thought of being able to surf the net, get some work done AND have some adult conversations that don't involve the words "pee pee, poopie, NO, don't, please pick up" is just overwhelming.

I'll let you know how Saturday goes. In the meantime, savor the small moments with your families (and your friends). Don't let an opportunity to tell someone you love them pass.

True Friends

2007-10-25T10:32:00.000-05:00

A friend of mine sent this to me today and I thought it was too good not to share, so here is what True Friendship is all about:

Are you tired of those sissy "friendship" poems that always sound good, but never actually come close to reality? Well, here is a series of promises that actually speak of true friendship. You will see no cutesy little smiley faces on this card -
Just the stone cold truth of our great friendships.

1. When you are sad -- I will help you get drunk and plot revenge against the sorry bastard who made you sad.
2. When you are blue - - I will try to dislodge whatever is choking you.
3. When you smile -- I will know you are plotting something that I must be involved in.
4. When you are scared -- I will rag on you about it every chance I get.
5. When you are worried -- I will tell you horrible stories about how much worse it could be, until you quit whining.
6. When you are confused -- I will use little words.
7. When you are sick -- I will tell you to stay the hell away from me until you are well again. I don't want whatever you have.
8. When you fall -- I will point and laugh at your clumsy ass.

This is my oath.... I pledge it to the end.
"Why?" you may ask. "Because you're my friend!"

Friendship is like peeing your pants: Everyone can see it, but only you can feel the true warmth.

Al Roker says....

2007-10-24T22:42:00.000-05:00

Hallelujah! Can you hear the Hallelujah Chorus? I'm singing it at the top of my lungs! Not that I think I'm Al Roker, but tonight the temperature is supposed to drop to a brisk (hehehe) 69 degrees!! I'm thinking about sleeping outside. Although, I don't think I'd like waking up covered in bug bites, which would definitely happen.

My brother, who lives in Ohio, has decided that next year, he wants to come down to Florida for Halloween. He thinks it'd be fun for the kids to go trick or treating together. I don't think he quite understands exactly how hot it truly is. Although, I think he's just afraid of taking two kids out in freezing temps, and rightfully so! I, on the other hand, am thinking that taking the kids to the air conditioned mall (although not as festive) is a grand idea!

Just kidding. Could never do it. We must be outside. Even if it is in the sweltering heat. I shouldn't be complaining though. Our church actually does a really cool thing called Trunk or Treat. Last year there were about a thousand kids that showed up for candy. People decorate the trunks of their cars and park so that the kids just go from car to car. None of the cars are allowed to be decorated scary or "evil" so it's great for the wee little ones. Any of you in South Florida, check it out at www.cbglades.com

On the home front, hubby is complaining that I never spend time with him. Mostly because after the kids go to bed, I am either on the computer, reading or doing a Sudoku....he got kind-of offended when I told him that I just need thirty minutes to myself...BY MYSELF. I need time to decompress. By the time that has happened, though, he's long asleep. So, I guess I can understand the frustration.

Do any of you have any ideas?? Well, I guess for starters, get off the computer and go spend some time, right? OK, I'm on my way! Good night.

and the heat Jerry, the heat!

2007-10-23T19:05:00.000-05:00

I can't handle the heat anymore.

It was 89 degrees today. Where else in the country can you go to a pumpkin patch and water park at the same time??? It's just not natural. This is the hardest time of year for me. I so miss autumn leaves falling, the smell of wood burning fireplaces, the electricity that you feel in the air on Friday nights before high school football games. Where it's just starting to be cool and crisp. The air feels so clean.

Not here. Weather report is the same for the next seven days. 89 and chance of thunder storms. I know, I know, at least I won't have snow in the middle of February - and that's reassuring, BUT, also know that because it stays so warm here that in about a month, we enter "season".

Eighty-five percent of the population of Canada's elderly people migrate down to South Florida from the end of November till the middle of April. There's more traffic. Waits are longer at restaurants. And forget about driving on I-95. Traffic jams are the norm.

So, today I'm missing FALL and wanting and wishing and hoping to move to a milder climate. Even if it's just to Georgia or South Carolina. I want my kids to not sweat to death or die of heat stroke next year when we go trick-or-treating. And quite honestly, I could do without a lit palm tree for awhile. Going to the beach on Christmas Day just seems sort of sacreligious to me.

By the way, I hope you got the title of this post and know what it's from!

Have a great day - and hoping your fall is all you could want it to be!

Happy Monday!

2007-10-22T10:24:00.000-05:00

Well, where to begin? I had a very uneventful weekend, albeit painful.

At our house, the weekend really starts on Friday morning. My husband has the day off, so at least for now, we keep our four year old home for "Family Day". This particular day we actually DID something as a family! No phone calls were made (by either of us!) and we took the kids to the South Florida version of a pumpkin patch. For those of you fortunate enough to live where they haven't built over every piece of land, here in Oz, we have parking lots full of pumpkins with a few bales of hay scattered around to give you that warm, autumnal feeling. Actually, the two we go to, are held at local churches and they do a good job, considering.

So, we bought some pumpkins, some funky looking gourds and proceeded to ACE Educational Stores to buy PAINT! As my hubcaps fell asleep on the couch, the kids and I proceeded to paint the ugliest pumpkins you've ever seen. I'd post pictures, but quite honestly, not worth the space!

Did I mention that I had a migraine that lasted for THREE days? It finally went away on Sunday morning, but I lived with it from Friday morning until then. Terrible.

The BEST part of my weekend?? Yesterday afternoon from about 4-6pm. I went to a brand new Target that just opened - ALONE. I wandered each and every aisle, looking at things I don't need, can't afford, and don't have room for. It was pure heaven. Moms everywhere know what I'm talking about. I could spend two hours in a CVS - just roaming around - looking at lipstick, nail polish, butt cream, toothbrushes, magazines, vitamins, diet pills, etc. To me, there is no greater stress reliever than just wandering around with no shopping list or to do list. I love drug stores, especially because I always walk away with something really cool, whether I needed it or not. Last time it was a Burt's Beeswax lip gloss.

Anyways, it's now Monday morning. My son was late for school. My husband was late for a doctor's appointment and work. My daughter and I have already painted her toes and fingernails!! The laundry is caught up. What am I to do with myself?? Hmmmmm.... Just kidding, there's tons to do, but I think I might take it easy today.

Have a wonderful Monday.

To Infinity and Beyond......

2007-10-19T11:15:00.000-05:00

So, last night I have two girlfriends over to watch Grey's, eat brownies and DISH. Our kids are having a fabulous time, playing video games and Hullabaloo. Then they decide, let's get dressed in our Halloween costumes. We've got Alice in Wonderland, various Power Rangers and my son, Buzz Lightyear.

Let me begin by saying curses to the Disney Company for the way in which they made this year's BL costume. It is made out of 100% vinyl. Living in the South Florida heat with a little boy who "sweats like a fat kid" - not a good combo. He has the outfit on for maybe, five minutes, and his underwear are DRENCHED WITH SWEAT!! Tell me, how on God's green earth he is going to be able to go trick or treating in 90 degree weather in this thing? But I digress.

So, Mick (BL) and Isaiah decide it's a great idea to FLY. You know, to infinity and beyond!! My little astronaut proceeds to climb up on to his dresser. Yes, mom was standing there. Told him he could do it ONE time and ONE TIME ONLY. He spreads his arms out, launches himself off the dresser - and lands on the planet (his bed).

I then say, "okay, guys, that's enough, out of the costumes."

Well, their intergalactic hearing as it is, does not hear "that's enough". I think they heard "let's do it again". This time for our guests to watch.

So, again, he climbs up onto his dresser. Same pose. Same launch.

But this time, something goes terribly wrong. "Houston, we have a problem."

He lands face down on his carpet. By way of hitting his forehead on the edge of his bed (the wooden slat) AND, gets rug burn on his chin.

TEARS. From mommy and Buzz. And mommy's friends.

Call my firefighter/EMT friend. "Do I need to take him to the ER?"

Within five minutes, he was playing VeggieTales video games. He's FINE. Amazing the resilience of little kids. But from now on, our feet will be planted FIRMLY on the ground.

who faaahted??

2007-10-18T09:19:00.001-05:00

Okay, so this is totally not anything important or profound, as I don't really have profound moments...BUT, I was chatting with some girlfriends a few days ago and came to a realization....when your parents told you when you were younger that no one would remember something embarrassing you did - they lied!!

Out of nowhere, the memory of a girl (RS from hence forward) who passed gas during a church youth service came flooding to my mind and I DIED laughing!!!!!!!!! In fact, as I sit here and type I am laughing...I know, so mature!

See, this girl, RS, on multiple levels - funny. She had bright orange, troll-like hair. She had been trying to use the old self-tanners from the 80's. You know, the ones that turned your skin a nasty orangish-brown color. She had not washed it off of her hands, so her hands looked disgusting. She had super pale skin, except between her fingers, where she was dayglo orange!

So she was sitting directly in front of me during church and passing notes to her boyfriend. When he passed the note back to her, it fell on the floor. She leaned over to pick it up (sitting on a blue hard plastic chair) and just at that moment some air passed and REVERBERATED on the chair, creating the longest, loudest fart ever heard by human ears. Instead of just pretending like it didn't happen, RS yells out (IN THE MIDDLE OF THE SERMON) "WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO FAAAAHTED?"

Two rows of teenagers bust out laughing and then she stands up and runs out of the room. Well, I guess that question was answered!!

The thing is, you know her parents told her when she went home that night that "oh don't worry, they'll forget all about it" ---- No, they LIED. It has been maybe 18 years - yes, I'm getting THAT old and I have not forgotten about it, and it is AS funny, if not more so than it was back then!! Is that awful??? Does that make me a "Mean Girl"?? I don't think so. I hope not. Maybe I am mean, but come on, this is stinkin' funny!

So, now as a parent...what on earth am I going to tell my kids to make them feel better when they do something mortifying?? 'Cause I now know that kids don't forget....or maybe it's just us mean ones that don't forget??

Brown and Fuzzy.....

2007-10-16T20:56:00.000-05:00

Okay, so this may seem like a silly post, BUT, it's just too cute not to share!

My son was telling one of my best friends about a kid in his class who won't stop sucking his thumb. He's going on and on and on about it and how it really bothers him that this boy won't stop sucking his thumb. So Devin asks him which kid it is and his response is, "it's Bory, you know, he's brown (long pause, thinking really hard about how to describe his little friend), he has hair like I do but its fuzzy"!! So, that is how my son describes those of African descent!! But even better is my friend Joycy (who happens to be black) - well, her son who is in first grade describes his girlfriend as "peach with green eyes"!!

Aaaah. How refreshing. How truly inspired are these two precious little boys? Even though they notice that there is a difference in the color of their skin they also notice that there is no difference between them - that they are both God's children and equal.

Just wanted to share. I thought it was cool. You??