The old Lady in the shoe has got nothing on me

happy new year

2011-01-01T18:17:00.001-08:00

Should old acquaintance be forgot.. and never come to mind..... I dont know the rest of the words to this song.. something something auld lang syne!! Happy new year!!

So, here I am. Last year I posted on this very blog about going on Weight watchers, I broke up with my Dr Pepper and all my fast food restaurants. Do you need a refresher? it was here: new Year-new me new tude and over here as well cause they say breaking up is hard to do. yep, I posted it out loud and held myself accountable.

What happened? Well, over the past year I have lost a super model and a half. :o) I was strong. I worked hard and I am thrilled with the results...

but...

It's just not good enough.

What is she insane? Yes, she is. See this year I turn 40. Yep 40.. I figure mid meal that day this guy is going to show up:

and dang it. .if he is I am gonna be ready for him. so this year my goal is to get out of the 20's and into the teens before I turn 40. That way it will not be oh no 4-0.. it will be wut ohhhhh 4--oooohhhhh ;o)

I hope you guys will stick around..

Oh another resolution, I plan to blog more. I sure do miss it!!

Is anyone still here?

2010-12-05T09:00:00.001-08:00

It has been an awful long time since I blogged, over the past few months tons has happened. So let's review from my last post in July:

July:

We let freedom ring, Chuck served his AT for the Navy and than he got a job with the Federal Govt. After years and yesrs of contractor work he is now a federal employee. Relief? yes a bit. Much time was spent at the pool and we played in the sun and fun of Norfolk VA. I started a bow business (we will get to that at the bottom I promise)

August:

Stephanie graduated from high school! She turned 19 and we all began to move about getting ready for this school year. Around this time we got a phone call from the people who held our rent with option... sighs. The woman we dealt with basically gave us an ultimatum we were unable to make happen. It is a long story and one that bothers me daily.

September:

The search is on for new digs, Chucks job is going wonderfully he graduates with his Assocites ALL the kids go back to school. Danny is a junior, AJ is a sophmore, Mary is in 6th grade and David is in first. Emily and Stephanie are home with me during the day one too young and one needing a break after the trying time she dealt with. The scale and I had a meeting of the minds and I declared diet 2010 to be a success. I wore my first size 20 jeans in almost as many years! Awesome.

October:

Halloween and fall in full swing. We start to get things going we think we find the perfct house but arent sure. We keep it in the back of our minds and try to figure out if we want to make things work on the old house. Ah yes until we find out the roof needs to be replaced for 10,000, the plumbing needs $5000 in work ah yes it is time to move. I work more and more craft shows and I have a ball. :o)

November:

we move to a five bedroom 2 bathroom house, we celebrate Thanksgiving with my family. There are certain benefits to this house (the extra bathroom and bedroom) but also disadvantages I miss my big kitchen :o( We Christmas shopped I got tickets to go see Garth Brooks in Nashville in December because Chuck rocks

December:

The house is decorated, the holiday season approaches and nervously I wonder what 2011 holds. I have lost 151 lbs this past year. I am under 200 pounds for the first time since I was in high school. Thats almost 21 years! WOW!!

Now onto my business, if you are on Facebook, look up Em & m bows. Tell me you found me via my blog!! We have such fun and I really am enjoying it. :o) http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Em-M-Bows/136283169739108

Let freedom ring.

2010-07-04T05:00:00.000-07:00

It has been awhile, but I had to take a few steps back from the blog. It started to become more important to slam people via this blog and that was never my intention for the blog. So I stepped away. Now, I am starting to feel semi human again, and decided it is time to start to write again.

Today the United States celebrates our independence. We celebrate that we can vote for whomever we choose (which in turn gives us the right to complain about the elected officials if we see fit)

We can wake up each day without the threat of war, we can wake up and go grocery shopping and enjoy the freedom to do so.

We can walk around freely thanks to the men and women who have fought for many years to keep us free.

We are free to make decisions --sometimes right, sometimes wrong--but free to make them just the same.

As we look up at the night sky, as the fireworks blast over head, remember that you are lucky to be a citizen of such a great land. Where freedom doesn't come cheap.

Where the heck have you been???

2010-06-11T10:35:00.000-07:00

Ok.. since May 25, life has been difficult and confusing. To make matters more fun, the past 24 hours have not gotten any better...to be honest they have gotten worse. :o( But I felt like I had to check in. So let's review my life, the Good and the bad:

Stephanie-

She is due to graduate on Tuesday but thnks to Virginia and their stupid Standard of Learning test (yes, the letters are SOL) she will not be graduating. She missed the Geometry exam by 12 points. The poor girl is so depressed. She can retake the test in July but right now all she sees is she is simply not graduating. The world can not offer her a big enough hug, I feel horrible for her and like somehow I failed her. I hate this.

My ex-

Still unemployed...we have not had child support in any fashion in 9 weeks. We have mostly survived but right now I feel like the walls are closing in, and it sort of sucks. I am trying to breathe and tell myself that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.. right now it feels like the damn thing is a Mack truck though.

The Good-

I started making bows to bring in some revenue.. Its coming slow but it is coming in some. www.emmbows.blogspot.com is the site if you want to take a peek. I hear I am pretty creative :o)~ I guess that is a good thing.

The other good-

AJ did so well 4th quarter he is going to play football next year. I am tickled for him. This will be very good for him and he has always wanted to play. I am excited for him and trying NOT to panic about him getting hurt. But the boy is a TANK ;o)~

So there is my news, what is new with you?

post it note tuesday

2010-05-25T07:50:00.001-07:00

Ok here we are again… another week I am ready… are you?

Absences and Promzilla.

2010-05-22T18:24:00.000-07:00

Normally, during the week I make a point to blog, half the time it is therapy for me. This past week after feeling like more of my blogs were coming across as a crash and burn than something worth reading I decided to take a break. Life lately has been complicated and rough, we are dealing with quite a lot of problems and it seems like everytime we might get control something else sprials us further out of control.

You guys have heard me trash my ex husband in jest, but really I am frusturated. He has been out of work for 9 weeks, while I know the economy stinks, he is habitually unemployed. This is killing us right now. To top that off, Stephanie had her senior prom tonight and with that comes tons of expenses and by the time tonight hit, I was ready to scream. Making things worse, we seem to keep adding more and more stress on ourselves lately. It seems like everytime we think "ok we will make it" something else breaks or gives in. The next thing to break or give in, will likely be me.

I do however want to show you what happens to a teenage girl as she gets ready for her prom, it looks something like this:

beautiful teenage daughter

Godzilla

PROMZILLA!!!

Surely you have all heard of bridezillas, in the past 72 hours my sweet daughter has had head spinning moments that would make even Mother Teresa want to kick her tail. I love her, and she looked GORGEOUS going out today but man oh man oh man.. what a rough few days!! I however, would not have missed them for anything. Isn't my baby beautiful? Er um.. the one in light green not the other one.

Well, I think that covers it for now, if you pray and want to toss a prayer or two our way we would gladly accept them. I promise, I don't look gift prayers in the mouth.

True Story Tuesday

2010-05-18T13:01:00.000-07:00

There is a blog, Once upon a Miracle, that really makes me go through my memory box... to peddle through the memories the good ones of growing up as a military brat with my family, the bad ones (my divorce), the good again meeting my knight in shining armour (or camo armour) The not so great my son David's diagnosis with Asperger's Syndrome and the good again.

My mind you see is an open book, sometimes I think I should close it and other times I want to fast forward to the next chapter to see what happens next. So, today I go back into the vault of Memories and from it I pull this:

In 2001, shortly after August I told my husband that I was done with being married to him. few months later, as I was leaving (on a jet plane.. no seriously I was) that I was totally done and when I got home we would work things out. I tried to make things work for a long time and was going to wrestle with my mind while I was in Los Angeles and we would talk when I got home about what to do and how to do it. My husband had been exposed in August 2000 of having a three year affair with my then best friend. At the time, I tried my hardest to forgive him but every fight "I didnt sleep with your best friend" came up. The day I found out, I searched out a very dear friend of mine on the Internet. My friend Chuck and I had been talking for nearly three years on the Internet, he and I both had marital woes (his mostly that his wife was a drunk who did not really think of their child). I found my friend and told him what I found out and he nursed me through my broken heart, hearing me tell him I was going to make it work "for the kids." In the midst of this in Decemer 2000, Chucks wife went on a two week "visit" to Iceland, and never came back. She kidnapped his son. (Insert bad word here). She kept telling him he was coming back til he moved his Duty station to Norfolk, VA when she told him she was not coming back she wanted a divorce. He searched me out and together we licked our wounds.

Fast forward, I was leaving on November 7th to go to LA to go see Garth Brooks with a very good friend Susan who knew I needed a vacation. While there I forgot my problems and had a ball. I returned home to a little girl who had been effectively neglected while I was gone, Mary was still in diapers and I returned home to diapers that had hardly been changed. I was not amused at all. GW and I fought I reiterated that I was done. We agreed to live together but we were apart (until he could get out), and we would not tell the kids just yet. Fast forward two weeks, Garth is going to be down in Norfolk, VA (Yes, I was that fanatical.. who are we kidding I AM tht fanatical). I went down there with my friend Mel (who is now the BFF).. called my buddy Chuck to see if he could get us on base (yea I used that Navy lifeline I admit it) he was unable to meet us, but told me to call him later. I called him later as I was getting ready to head home to Alexandria and said "its Now or never..." he said "Now" and told me where to meet him. I was a nervous wreck, although finished and separated with my first husband I was meeting a MAN. I was insane. .what if he was a serial killer (turns out he's just a cereal killer--dude can put away a box of Frosted Shredded wheat by himself I mean it!) So, I stood there waiting and he shows up gives me a GREAT big hug and I knew I was toast. In that second the electricity that shook us both could light up three city blocks during a blackout. Chuck and I took it slow but we have been together since.

He treats me like a queen, even on days when I don't deserve it. He treats my kids like gold and even respects my ex which is impressive cause half the time I can't pull that off. He took on four kids that were not his own, has paid for my ex's indiscretions numerous times (mostly because I have trust issues) and still loves us all uncondionally. I am lucky to have him, and I do have to remember to tell him more often.

We never did get to see Garth that day, but on March 12, we went over to the Capitol building in Washington DC. Chuck always knew that I had met Garth but did not believe he knew me by name.. til it happened. When he saw us he said "hey Tricia, let me put Trisha in the car and I will be right back to you" Chuck's mouth hit the floor, Garth is just the nicest guy you will ever meet. He immediately asked if I brought him cookies (well yes sir, I had and roses) he asked for them (I make him sugar cookies with M&M's he loves them and has told me so before as he has dug in BEFORE leaving us. (I have met him 10 times. yea I hate me too). Garth and Chuck spoke for a few minutes and Garth was as impressed with Chuck as Chuck was with Garth. Chuck registered the whole thing and was just shocked. The next day I had to rush to get the pics developed (cough long time ago) and online so he could show is senior enlisted officer he was not bsing.. he REALLY was late cause he met Garth lol. So there you have it.. a story within a story within a story.. sad (my divorce), happy (my knight in camo armour), and fun (I met Garth). See you back next week? :o)~

Post it Note tuesday

2010-05-18T10:00:00.000-07:00

Ok here we are again… another week I am ready… are you?

Garfield is right..Mondays..blech

2010-05-17T08:14:00.000-07:00

The weeks that start after a weekend of Chuck having drill are always a blur to me, sure I know that in theory what we just experienced was a "weekend" but the fact of the matter is, it feels like a regular week.

This past weekend was no exception to the rule, Chuck had drill and my alarms were set for 5:45 AM, 6:00 AM, and 6:10 AM (btw one FULL hour earlier than we have to set them during the work week. In my infinite wisdom I downloaded on the my new Droid Eris (btw the COOLEST phone EVER.... no really I mean it.. EVER!.. it does everything but make coffee and give it time, there will be an app for that).

Anywhooo...

This new alarm clock App is called Wake up! Get this.. when you go to hit snooze it asks you "are you really up? Enter this code" Ok now keep in mind I have a touch keypad.. and at 5:45 AM I am your typical garden variety IDIOT. (yep, I said it) you know those people who text at 5:45 AM and are peppy and awake?

That is NOT me. I am the one who means to say "Still sleeping" and sends "rujmm tmffnimh" Yes that is me, so I have to enter a code? Seriously? Let me tell you how well that went. It involved me cussing at it, and we are talking those $5.00 words that make sailors blush. (did I mention I am not a morning person?)

So, the alarm clock goes off this morning, and with it comes the ringtone that is chosen (btw I so need to put something that is not peppy.. because right now I want to kill Train and "Soul Sister". ) but the alarm clock goes off, I have to enter numbers it goes like it did over the weekend and here I am awake and snarly.. oh yea.. that rocks... not.

Dear Monday- not really fond of you.. not too fond of Tuesday either.. but come Friday I can turn off the alarms (no codes! woo!!)

Letters of intent

2010-05-14T08:55:00.000-07:00

Letters of Intent over at Julie's blog located at Foursons, was found a few weeks ago.. and well ever willing to join in on something fun and freeing.. here I am! Please join in and link up! they are so fun to read

Dear Lovely two year old daughter-

I think it is time for you and I have to have an important chat. Recently, you have decided that naps are for sissies and you are not taking any chances. (well, except yesterday when you were found like this:

(Oh and to you supermoms who’s kids were off pacis at 11 months, I am proud of you. I am! But Emily and I are working on it and day’s when she is having more explosions than Old Faithful:

I digress) Mommy would appreciate it greatly if you would not cut nap time out of your schedule though, because nap time as much as it is for you is REALLY for mommy. This prevents Mommy needing to bond with a big bottle of wine each night. (Are you seeing where I am going with this?)

While Mommy understands you are exploring your terrible two side, Mommy is exploring her “Mommy needs an hour or she’s gonna explode side”

Please cooperate.
Love,
Mommy

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Dear Telemarketers-

In the past two weeks, you have called at 8:30 AM on Saturday (which is punishable by death in some areas…do it again… you’ll find out). You have called TWICE at dinner time, and once as I was trying to put David on the bus.
I tell you what, I am a reasonable gal…give me your number I will call you back tomorrow morning, your up at 5:30 right?

The annoyed.
-----------------------------------------------------
Dear Nick Jr characters-

Where are your parents? In the past weeks I have witnessed the following events that disturbed me:

1) Go help release all the dogs form the dog catcher, I am talking to you Dora! You can’t assume every dog is nice!! Where is your mother?

2) Diego, where do you find that bag that turns into 100 different things? I could really use one of those nowadays.

3) Team Umizoomi…I appreciate your show, you make her think but now she wants to watch my belly screen and mine doesn’t light up. How rude.

4) Yo Gabba Gabba, DJ Lance Rock letting Jack Black wear your Gabba suit was disturbing.. don’t do that again.

I think part of your problems is lack of parental guidance, I know my kids would never think of doing these infractions, and if they do well trust me Mama will be there to NIP it in the bud.

Just sayin’
The concerned Mom who will still let her kids watch because she cares.

Things that make me smile...

2010-05-13T13:46:00.000-07:00

Lately, I have been having it rough... my kids and my husband are amazing so that is definitely not what it is. My ex (you've heard me mention him recently) is still unemployed... for a short while I was desperately concerned that my oldest would miss her prom but things have been happening soo fast it made my head spin. I want to tell you guys about things that make me smile:

1) January Moms-two of them in particular- Tabitha and Lisa who jumped in and gave us money towards Stephanie's prom. Her ticket is PAID for. My heart is smiling, because my baby gets to go be a princess for a night because people have huge hearts.

2) Other friends- I have had other friends jump in and help, I thought this was supposed to be the age of the selfish? People who did not have to help, helped in other ways. Stephanie went from a possibly eh prom to what will be a great night for her. I am just tickled about it.

3) My husband- He works so hard, goes to school full time and doesn't complain (much) about it. He does it because its necessary. Something my ex never understood. He makes me smile.

4) My kids- Even on the worst day someone can make a gesture or do something that makes me smile ear to ear and remind me why being a Mom just rocks. :o)~

There are so many other things, movies--Tv shows--success on the scale--My mom--Most of my family--life in general. You have to understand earlier this week I didn't think I had anything to smile about and now I realize how wrong I was .. Smiling is so easy and can change a room. Yes.. I am glad I get to smile.

True story Tuesday

2010-05-11T07:37:00.000-07:00

Last week I found this wonderful blog, Once upon a Miracle, she is brilliant and does a blog called True Story Tuesdays. Here I am again, This week I had struggled with what to tell...and then Saturday baseball happened. So I will start this today with a joke (trust me it fits) --What is the difference between a Northern fairytale and a Southern fairytale.. Northern Fairytales begin "Once upon a Time" and Southern fairytales begin "Ya all ain't gonna believe this sh*t"

Forgive me for the crass ending.. but I have to tell you this week, my husband and I are the Southern fairytale. We were sitting waiting for AJ's game to begin, watching the scenes and exchanging words with his coach (who I adore). We were talking about how AJ used to play ball in Hampton and that we were not particularly fond of his coach (trust me.. what was said was not as clean as that.. in reality it was much more colorful. So here we are sitting eating lunch and Chuck says "The Ump looks like Dave" (btw he's the evil coach) I reply "No way" So Chuck in his infinite man wisdom yells "Dave" and he turns around. Ya all... there was our "ya all ain't gonna believe this sh*t" moment! Right away my mind says "oh crap! he's gonna spend the day striking out my kid!!" btw he never even heard us he was over by the other team but still! So we exchange pleasantries (I can fake it real good.. ask my ex husband.. oops sorry!) and I point out AJ on first base, he goes "oh hey"

So he heads back to behind the plate and I zip over to see Billy (Good coach) and tell him he starts to laugh and he replies "no sh*t" (yea we are just not good people in the language department.. but in my defense I am married to a sailor). I laugh and head back over to sit with Chuck, AJ comes by and Chuck tells him and he is just stunned (I am sure he said it too.. he's 15 and he has diarrhea of the mouth as well).. we go sit down watch a rough game (they lost 7-1 and he struck out twice.. but my moment in the sun? Oh AJ played beautifully at first base and I know Dave was thinking "well holy sh*t look how good he is" Cause in my mind he was saying it too :o)~

Until next time..... :o)~

Post it note Tuesday

2010-05-11T07:23:00.001-07:00

I am not sure I can express how much I love Post it Note Tuesday, mostly because I love that you can express how you are feeling in one little stickie.. It really is fun...and freeing. So here are mine for today:

Mothers Day, Mystery Meals, and Manic Monday

2010-05-10T17:29:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day came and I totally didn't even think of blogging...we were not killer busy but I kind of took the day to lay in bed and just hang out. It was relaxing and lovely. I woke up in the morning to an attempt at breakfast in bed. I am going to includ the picture of this year's offering. I am not however going to tell you guys what it is, nope.. I want to see what you think it is. Leave me your answers in comments, be nice though remember they tried! I will say I did not eat it, I tried. I couldn't. i ate the grapefruit and was told it was ok to offer the other part to the dogs (who refused) Its not encouarging when animals that eat dirty diapesr say no though, ya know? Ok so here it is:

Today, was one of those Mondays that by 11 AM I was wondering when it was going to end and by 9 PM, I am sitting in PJs. We have been dealing with drama in the house for the past few weeks, drama always in turn leads to a long week. Danny's now ex girlfriend Crystal moved out, and in with Danny's replacement. (Oh I should probably not put it like that huh? yea. but it's true), Stephanie's boyfriend Jonathan (who I love) was down this weekend, and the rest of the kids just have the usual drama...

Btw, for those wondering the meals got better, Chuck made me a delicious ham and cheese sandwich for lunch, and then he made me steak, twice baked potatoes (the Hungry girl ones), spinach puffs, and diet friendly punch bowl cake. I ended the day under my point total for the day, and had a nice day!

As crazy as my life may sound, I am thrilled I am a Mom. Thrilled to be a mom to these kids (most of the time. ok ok all of the time). Happy belated Mothers day to my mommy friends :o)~ I hope it was lovely!!

Letters of Intent

2010-05-07T08:47:00.000-07:00

Dear Children-

It is not that I do not unconditionally love the breakfasts in bed you serve me each year. I mean hey you guys hit it out of the park with the Cap’n Crunch and milk four years ago! But well other years your meals have been well, um scary. I leave you with exhibit A, last year’s offering:

This lovely appetizing meal consisted of the following items scrambled eggs, pancakes, 1 fried egg, 1 cup of coffee and a glass of V8 splash. While I am grateful and have eaten every bite with a smile, I ask that this year you go off the menu I suggest:

Super Cheesy Ham-Stuffed French toast (Page 284, HG 1-2-3) 5 Pts, Grapefruit (from the jar, 2 pts) coffee (use the good creamer… it’s my day! (2 pts)

I after all am thinking of my diet, honest! I only ask to keep the menu within point ranges to keep my shrinking waist.well, shrinking. Do not hesitate to get Chuck involved this year as he has the day off (And owes me BIG or Father’s day will become payback)

I am grateful for each of you and for anything you do for me.
Love
Mom
-------------------------------
Dear Pollen-

I am sending you this letter to please cease and desist the unreal and out of control pollen counts. Aside from the fact that it is only May, you have my head pounding and my nose running and the rest of me aching. I think you just need to go, NOW. I am not asking, I am telling you. If you are worried about not having anywhere to go, I have no problem with you reeking havoc on those lovely flowers in the yard just stay outta my nose ok?

Thanks
Sneezy
-----------------------------------
Dear Husband-

I am writing this to thank you, for the past 9 years you have been the most outstanding support to me, but in the past five months if it is possible you have kicked it up a notch. You have supported me through every step of this journey of mine. Even joining me, you have never ever made me feel that you were anything less than honored to be my husband. You have made however, in the past five months made me feel like I am a queen. You constantly brag about the feat I have accomplished, and constantly tell people as they comment on how much weight you have lost, “yes but you should see my wife! She has lost 82 lbs” You are the most amazing remarkable man, and I am just the lucky girl who stopped kissing frogs the day I kissed you. I am the luckiest woman in the world, and if anybody ever thinks different, well they just haven’t met you.

Head over heels in love with Prince Charming,
Mrs Mapes

When life gives you lemons.....

2010-05-06T14:55:00.000-07:00

If I was not dieter, over the past few months I would have consumed more lemonade than any other person in the state. My ex husband has been out of work for just shy of five weeks, I am starting to panic as the bills come in each month. But then I go through them, I pay what needs to pay and make phone calls to the other people and beg and plead for some mercy. Mercy is such an interesting word, isn't it? I am pleading with you to understand that my minimum right now is the best I can do, and most of them truly do get it.

But the thing is, it is not even just the money thing. Last night, I found out that my 16 year old son's tart er um I mean former girlfriend.. no, let's go back to tart started dating someone else 5 weeks ago. Yes I know teenage love comes and teenage love goes (I really wasn't born in the day of the dinosaur) but she lived in our house, under our roof. When my son broke his ankle, she basically declared him "broken" and moved on to the next conquest. My son's heart is in shatters, and I am making lemonade to fix it. She is supposed to come over tonight to pick up her belongings, she is moving in with the new flavor of the month, and I want to put a hammer in with her things . When asked why, I want to smile and reply "Oh that's for the new conquests heart, I figure that's probably yours."

How do you make lemonade out of lemons when you just don't have the sugar to add? I am so fursturated with so many things. Between worrying about the bills, between worrying about the kids needs, and now worrying about Danny's broken heart.

So my mantra for this weekend is this:

This and That

2010-05-05T10:22:00.001-07:00

Today is one of those blog days, when I don't know where else to go with this so we will use This and That.

This--I am a giant sap, I have discovered this year the Biggest Loser and I watch the show and just boo hoo my way through it. No, it's not always sad, but I so feel each of their victories. And no, I haven't been there. I am there now. For those of you new readers. On January 4, I set out on a new Weight loss adventure. The fact is, at 38 years old, I was killing myself. I weighed 321 lbs and I could not walk five steps into my house without losing my breath. Now, I sit here 82 lbs less! 239 lbs. Ok yes, I know I am still fat. I know but I started at a size 30/32 (tight) and I am now a 22/24 h-e-l-l-o! So each milestone these guys hit, I am RIGHT there with them. I am so proud of them and I am so proud of me! I gave up some major things. I hated myself for so long its nice to look in the mirror and smile. To look down and not see a crazy amount of belly. This might be my time.

That-- on the same note, I am currently prepping for my first 5K. It will be June 5th or 6th, the day before I turn 39. I will walk it with whatever friends wish to join me. I am walking for my son who died from Cogential diaghragmatic herenia and all the Cherubs. I am walking for my life that I got back. I am not asking for anyone to pay money to enter if you want to walk, but we will pass a can. I am proud of myself for doing it. I need this and I can do it!

This--in the past few months, I have had more stress and rough patchs to crawl over then three people my size. I am still trying and I am still stressing.. but I am not self destructing. I am not sure why but I don't want to. I find pure ioy of taking frusturations out on a punching bag and not beating myself up. I guess in a way I am growing up, but I am not sure I am ready to admit that yet.

That--Did I mention this weekend is mothers day and I fear the plate of food? Luckily this year Chuck is off for breakfast and I hope he is reading this and knows that I want the hungry girl french toast stuffed canollis. (is that subliminal enough? if not its on page 286 of HG 1-2-3 and if you fear looking up the recipe (which you don't) have one of the kids help you :o)~.

Ok that does it for this edition of This and that.. tonight Chuck and I are going off to a Delbert McClinton concert :o)~ (Blues guy. great look him and his band Dick50 up!) Happy Cinco de Mayo:

True Story Tuesday

2010-05-04T07:02:00.000-07:00

Last week I found this wonderful blog, Once upon a Miracle, she is brilliant and does a blog called True Story Tuesdays. Last week I decided to play along because I needed to relive.. this week I am playing along because I had fun last week ;o)~ Now this week's story..I was going to tell one about my habitually unemployed Ex who wore a beavis and butthead tshirt under a white dress shirt to a job interview but decided that I will not trash him.. even though he deserves it. Instead, I chose a happier memory.

My Uncle Stanley was a big guy, he was easily 450 lbs and a gentle giant. Easily one of the funniest men I have ever met. He was one of those guys who would take any chaotic moment and for the sake of it, just pull a joke.

Picture this: My grandparents 50th anniversary. At their house we had four dogs, our two dogs (Shakey and Dani-no relation to my son :o)~ lol), My Grandmothers dog (Minky), and Uncle Stanley's dog (Oscar). Needless to say we also had about 60 people in the house (because we are from the east coast and every party after the party is as big as the original party). As we are sitting down this black dog comes running in the room and jumps up on Nana's friend Jennie who was in her 70s and this little tiny thing (maybe 4'6 max). Well, as we are all yelling "Minky! Minky! get down!" (It was a black dog) Jennie is yelling "its not minky! its not Minky!" Uncle Stanley is near on the floor laughing... I mean hysterically laughing. Apparently this stray black dog came to the door and Stanley just for giggles let the dog in.

Because well that was just the kind of person Stanley was. He would look for a moment to add some chaos to, and seize the day. 21 years ago last week, my Uncle suffered a massive heart attack and passed away. I will always remember his humor. His ability to make people smile and his warm heart.

I mean besides whats not to love about a guy who on a job interview was talking to the interviewer and when she says "why did you leave your last job" he replied "Well I had to" She asked back "Well what did you do?" with a straight face he told her "I was a jockey.. " She replied "oh?" and he said "yea it was too hard on the horse" .

Rest in Peace Uncle Stanley, you are missed and you are loved!

Post it Note Tuesday

2010-05-04T06:47:00.000-07:00

Just another Manic monday...

2010-05-03T08:01:00.000-07:00

Okay, so let's be real there is nothing really manic about this Monday. I am sitting in my living room curled up on my couch, covered with a blanket, tissues in front of me and so congested that Emily keeps asking "K mommy? K?" Yes, Emily I am ok. I am just feel like Mr Snufflupugus today. He always sounded like he had a cold to me.. and if you have no clue who I mean I am talking about Big Birds buddy that nobody knew about til the 1990's when they decided that everyone would know who he was. (And HOW confused must all the kids at home have been when THAt happened.. ok sorry I am back)

This weekend, we spent all 3 days in the sand and sun at the beach. I laid on the sand and soaked up the sun. I was at one point a hammock for my sweet two year old who leaned against me and rested her tired little body. .. Complete with sunglasses because hey a Diva doesn't just lay on Mommy she strikes a pose:

I should have known I would get up feeling less than fabulous since Danny was sick yesterday, Mary was feeling moderately blah, by last night AJ was sick, Steph sounded like she ate a frog, and TADA Mom is sick today. Murphy. I HATE YOU! Just sayin'.

Tomorrow I embark on one of my first major adult civic duties... that's right.. JURY Duty. I have been summoned. So now, my kids in their own unique way have thought of the scene in the Grinch with Jim Carrey when he is throwing the mail into the mail slots "Jury Duty, Jury Duty, Jury Duty, black mail, pink slip" can be seen here (yea yea I am not smart enough to put a youtube video on blogger.. sue me) I told my husband I hope they at least give me something interesting.. although at this point I would settle for not walking into the court room and being excused because some way somehow I know the defendant.. yikes.

I guess we shall see how this goes huh? In the mean time I am going to lay on the couch, and be still like vegetables today, because that is the best way to spend a sick day :o(

Until next time.... :o)~

Saturday...

2010-05-01T18:02:00.001-07:00

Today as I sat on the beach surrounded by sand, sun and SPF all I could think of was how relaxing it was. The bad part was I knew that when we got home chaos of having six children would ensue. Because you can't have dysfunctional without fun, and that is my family. By the time we were heading up the sand dunes back to the cars, we were toting 3 buckets full of shells. FULL. and 3 petrifed crabs. yep.. and my kids were thrilled. Of course I saw them, and all I could think of was this guy:

Yep, I am a mom. I see a crab and immediately my mind goes to Spongebob. I had a Lady bug who spent the past two days stalking me.. she was all over my bathing suit top. see:

But then we started to question whether it was a girl or boy..... why? because of this guy:

yes, yes we do watch entirely too much TV and Disney Movies here, but I guess it could be worse right? Until next time:

the end ;o)~ (if you are old.. like me.. you know that is how the Wonderful world of Disney ended on ABC in the 1970's and 1980's)

Letters of Intent

2010-04-30T08:33:00.000-07:00

Dear Fairweather Friend-

I am sort of over it, you have disappeared over the last month. Was it something we did? No, its that you know things are sort of crappy for us right now. We really appreciate it. Really. We mean it. It is worth noting, you have been through some crap, and we stuck around. Now, when things suck for us you bail.

Please feel free to piss up a rope,

Ticked off.

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Dear Bill collectors-

I know.. we are late. I am sorry. It's not from lack of trying it is from an ex husband who has went on two job interviews since he got fired a month ago. We are a little short thanks to the lack of child support and having children (four of them) who still need to be supported some how. I promise if he ever decides to get a job again, we do plan to pay. Right now, I am just trying to figure out how to breathe in a breathless room.

Signed-

The one who's give a damn's busted.

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Dear Mr Sun-

Thank you for making such a welcome return and bringing your friend heat with you, I need that so bad. I tell you what meet me at the beach, Saturday noonish. We will bask in your glory. I promise to bring the sunblock you promise to bring your bright sunny side.

Signed-

Glad this weekend is blue skies and hot

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Dear Boy dog down the block-

I seem to remember telling you that unless you had flowers not to return. I saw no flowers or candy in your mouth this morning when you stood on my front porch barking and asking if Lily and Sadie could come out to play. Something tells me you have not so nice intentions with my girls.. please do not come back we are not interested in your kind here. Sure, your cute and all but my girls can NOT come out and play. Sorry bud it may be a dog eat dog world, but we are all out of milkbones.

The stern dog owner

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Dear Lady who came knocking-

1) I don't need to find religion, I have my own thank you. 2) I am not trying to judge, but if you ever tell my children that if they want to go to Heaven and be with their family we have to be part of your faith I will kick you in your face. 3) That last one's not a threat.. it is a promise. 4) Next time you come, I am gonna ask you to hold my cigarette and glass of wine (I don't smoke but I will have no problem opening a bottle of wine at 10 AM.. just for you). 5) No, I don't want your papers that you are peddling. yes my kids do trick or treat and we do celebrate Christmas. Don't like it.. don't visit.

Until next time,

The one who is damned if she doesn't but she's not gonna anways. :oP

Firefighting

2010-04-29T09:38:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had one of those days, that drama seemed to fill your day? Today.. is mine. I have put out more fires this morning then a mother with 19 kids.

Fire number 1: Mary is having school pictures.. Mary is that adorable 12 year old in the picture above, Mary has mood swings. We are not talking your normal run of the mill mood swings.. on a rough day Mary resembles this:

So, when I suggested that we just pull her hair back into a half ponytail (a fine hairdo most days)we had a melt down that had me on the phone with the rectory pleading for a young priest and an old priest. After throwing holy water on her that led to this:

I convinced her (rosary in hand. I wasn't taking any chances) to let me just braid her hair in two seperate ponytails and I got a smile, and relief.. and I didn't have to have the priests over after all. Whew fire one is out.

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Fire number 2:

Stephanie is 18 and a pistol, this morning unable to find her ROTC pants (which I am 90% sure a brother has in his room.. shh don't tell) begged me to call the ROTC teacher and explain they were at the cleaners. ::hangs head:: I did it ok? The guy in charge is kind of a well douchebag (sorry I am not a fan of that phrase either but when the shoe fits).. so I spoke to him pinned it on someone else (Sorry Chuck!) And she has to find them and wear them on Monday. Fire is out.

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Fire number 3:

Mom got a letter in the mail that said she was in trouble with someone for something and she knew the bill was paid.. and I said Maybe they crossed in the mail.. No they didn't I just know it.. I said "did the check clear" Yes yes it cleared.. ok ..so let me call them. fine fine call but I know thats not the case. So I called got a really nice lady who told me that the letter was sent out by mistake (surprise surprise) And Mom's fire is out. Mom btw who is NOT allergic to calling me 50 times a day, is allergic to calling pretty much anyone else. Yep my mom is special :o)~ And I wouldnt have it any other way. But her fire is out.

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Fire number 4: I rescued Dora from a rather intimidating animal (ok it was a stuffed Dora and the animal is Sadie who's not intimidating at all but she is a chewer.. damn dog) But seriously does this face look intimidating to you?

I extinguished that fire before Emily found out.. cause I am just that good.

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Ok readers whatcha got for me? I am ready... Yep, you heard me. I am readddddyyyy..

Why Me Wednesday?

2010-04-28T06:39:00.000-07:00

Sometime in 2009, I posted a blog called Why Me Wednesday. It at one point was popular to read and I even had my picture stolen a few time for it. So I figured this week, when things are sort of blah was a good week for a Why Me Wednesday. If you want to play along, please do. I don't have a neat linky thing, but if you comment I cross my heart that I will come visit! The point of this is to get all your whining out so you don't take it out on someone else. Everyone is entitled to a bad day, everyone else should not be forced to go through it with you though.

My ex husband is still out of work...why me? To my knowledge he has had two job interviews. This leaves us without child support...why me (ok why my kids). I know the job market sucks, but this guy spends more time unemployed than employed. So my stress level is UP HERE! I just want him to get a damn job already!

My children think money grows on trees, they want things constantly and saying no is hard on me. Now, I can do it. Trust me. But I feel bad when the things they want are not extravagant they are merely things that we have never had to say no to before. This point btw goes right back to the one above. So why me?

It is said that friends come and friends go, and that is certainly true. But lately it seems like frineds who have been around are sort of disappearing into the wood work. It is almost as if they are sick of hearing 1) about my diet or 2) they are just not in the mood period. I am sad that some friends are like this, and sad that the ones who I seemed to count on most are doing it.. why me?

I have the most crowded bed in the state. In the past few weeks I have at one point had Chuck, Me, Emily and both dogs in our bed. This is not merely as fabulous as it sounds, it seems to me that everyone on the bed seem to think they are 500 lb gorillas and moving them is about as easy as moving a 500 lb gorilla. Sleep sucks. Why me?

I had a bill scheduled for April 30th, and the jerk put it through five days early.. grrrr. Which set off a ricochet of issues, thankfully they are mostly fixed now but I hate that we went through some major stress due to the situation. I am so over having to rob Peter to pay Paul you have no idea... Why me?

Ok so there they are. I promise there will be no whining tomorrow but for today.. I feel better. :o)~

True Story Tuesday

2010-04-27T16:46:00.000-07:00

I found this wonderful blog today Once upon a Miracle, she is brilliant and does a blog called True Story Tuesdays. Now, I have heard of her before from Julie over at
My Foursons (she btw is brilliant too). Previously I have thought of participating.. I have honestly! but.. I was afraid that I would receive a stern email reminding me that this is TRUE story and that fiction is not allowed. But see you all don't know my family...my family puts the fun in dysfunctional. And today.. today is a good day for this because I have had a horrible day. I have had the day where Murphy and his law has spent the day mooning me. So on to my story:

My mother, a wonderful Catholic woman, who attends Mass regularly. Growing up, we as a family attended Mass every Sunday and were constantly looked on as ohh "There goes the Claassen family, look how well behaved they are" My parents had raised four boys and me, and we knew if we acted up in Mass what the punishment was. My mother mastered the art of pinching us quietly with nobody seeing us. She would reach over and grab us in that upper arm flap, enough to get our attention and sting. Ya know what I am talking about THAT pinch that would make a sumo wrestler cry. The thing is that worked great for my mom until she met her match :::cough cough::: me.

So, the story goes that I was acting up in Mass (who me? yea, I don't believe it either) and apparently my Mom reached over to get her point across. I decided it was the right time for me to get my point across as I said in a non-whisper:

WHY ARE YOU PINCHING ME?!?!

Needless to say, this mortified my poor mother who could not believe that one of her children would make this much noise or that she had met her match (She still won't tell me which). Ah but the morale of the story: Don't pinch in church.. or you might get that one kid who lets everyone know that they do not approve.

This story is true and certified, much to my delight.. by me :o)~

Post it Note tuesday

2010-04-27T09:03:00.001-07:00

Misc Musings on Monday.

2010-04-26T07:00:00.000-07:00

Yea I am not sure about the title either... but hey why not right?

Lack thereof blogs:
I can partially blame stress in my life, I have a lot going on and this sort of fell to the wayside. I really don't want to trash the person who has me upset and I know if I blog I am going to. so I sort of stepped away but then I realize I love it, and miss it.. so here I am. :o)~ I promise to stick around more.

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Hannah Montana
I had mostly emerged unscathed from the Hannah thing.. for the most part my kids were just not that interested. Sure we watched the show, and that was fun but that was it. And I was ok with this. This weekend when we cleaned out the garage, Emily found a Hannah Montana guitar that Mary had... oh yes shes in love. She even sings Nobody's Perfect (which is really cute).. please pray this is a passing phase. Please?

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Teenagers
There should be a clause that when they turn 13-14 you can turn them in for a new model or at least offer a front lobotomy on the ones you have. My oldest daughter and two sons have mastered the "I can't believe I am related to you" look. Yep, life in our house is fun. My oldest who graduates shortly one minute is determined to go to college and the next wants to get a job and take a year off... ugh. Danny and AJ are just in the "What I can't hear you" stage.. And Mary (although she is 12) is God's way of paying me back for thinking of st uff to do when I was a kid.

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Spring
I love spring, I hate spring cleaning but I love spring. I love that the flowers are blooming.. but I hate the pollen that comes with them. I love the newness of everything.. I hate the allergies that come with it. I love flip flops and cute sandals, I hate that my toes definitely have to look nice all the time. I love baseball.. I hate when the games don't go our way (little league or major league). All in all, I love spring. I really do.

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So there now you are all caught up on me. Have a great Monday and see you tomorrow for Post it note Tuesday :o)~

My top ten Movies.

2010-04-22T10:58:00.000-07:00

I was looking at different ideas for blogs, and trying desperately to find something that today I could blog about. And today it landed up that I was stuck on movies, some that I love. Ok perhaps my Top 10, so here they are:

1) The Notebook- What can I say about this movie? I sit down with a box of Puffs to watch it each time. I love everything about it. If I am flipping channels and find it on, even if it has 10 minutes left I watch it. I am hopelessly in love with this movie. Memorable line:

Young Allie: Why didn't you write me? Why? It wasn't over for me, I waited for you for seven years. But now it's too late. Young Noah: I wrote you 365 letters. I wrote you everyday for a year. Young Allie: You wrote me? Young Noah: Yes... it wasn't over, it still isn't over

2) Mr and Mrs Smith- I know we are not supposed to like this movie, because it was the end of Brad and Jennifer or because its the start of Brangelina. But I loved it, I thought the whole "secret lives" of spouses was great. It was a fun movie to watch. Memorable line:

John Smith: [during a car chase] I never told you, but I was married once before. Jane Smith: [slams on the brakes] John Smith: What's wrong with you? Jane Smith: [hitting John] You're what's wrong with me John. John Smith: It was just a drunken Vegas thing. Jane Smith: Oh, that's better. That's *much* better. [pause] Jane Smith: What's her name and social security number? John Smith: No, you're not gonna kill her.

3) The Breakfast club- I can't tell you why I still love this movie after so many years, but perhaps its because no matter how many times you watch it, its still funny. You can see people you knew from high school. There are tons of memorable lines but the end sums it up best:

Brian Johnson: Dear Mr. Vernon, we accept the fact that we had to sacrifice a whole Saturday in detention for whatever it was we did wrong. What we did *was* wrong. But we think you're crazy to make an essay telling you who we think we are. You see us as you want to see us... In the simplest terms, in the most convenient definitions. But what we found out is that each one of us is a brain... Andrew Clark: ...and an athlete... Allison Reynolds: ...and a basket case... Claire Standish: ...a princess... John Bender: ...and a criminal... Brian Johnson: Does that answer your question?... Sincerely yours, the Breakfast Club.

4) The Outsiders- This movie is where I was first introduced to the hotness that was C. Thomas Howell, Rob Lowe, Emilio Estevez, etc. I had read the book the summer before, and knew I had to see it. I love this movie too, there is just something so great about it. Memorable Quote:

Johnny: [his last lines] Stay gold, Ponyboy. Stay gold.

5) The Sandlot- You guys had to expect to see a baseball movie, I love baseball. But this one was the first movie AJ really memorized. Watching him fall for this movie, made me fall for this movie. But some of the lines were so funny and so classic, I laugh each time I see it.

Phillips: It's easy when you play with rejects and a fat kid, Rodriguez. Benny: Shut your mouth, Phillips! Ham Porter: What'd you say, crap face? Phillips: You shouldn't be allowed to touch a baseball. Except for Rodriguez, you're all an insult to the game. Ham Porter: Come on! We'll take you on, right here! Right now! Come on! Sandlot Kids: Yeah! Phillips: We play on a real diamond, Porter. You ain't good enough to lick the dirt off our cleats. Ham Porter: Watch it, jerk! Phillips: Shut up, idiot! Ham Porter: Moron! Phillips: Scab eater! Ham Porter: Butt sniffer! Phillips: Pus licker! Ham Porter: Fart smeller! Bertram: [sniffs] Ahh. Phillips: You eat dog crap for breakfast, geek! Ham Porter: You mix your Wheaties with your mama's toe jam! Sandlot Kids: Yeah! Phillips: You bob for apples in the toilet! And you like it! Ham Porter: You play ball like a giiirrrrrrrrl! [entire group stands in shocked silence] Phillips: What did you say? Ham Porter: You heard me. Phillips: Tomorrow. Noon, at our field. Be there, buffalo-butt breath. Ham Porter: Count on it, pee-drinking crap-face!

Its great that the biggest insult in that movie is "You play ball like a GIRL!!!" Love that movie!

6) Dirty Dancing- You know you have seen it.. you know that secretly you have wished you were dancing with Baby and Johnny. Yep, you know I am right.. just say it. RIP Patrick Swayze I bet you are dancing in Heaven.

Baby: I carried a watermelon. [Johnny walks away] Baby: [to herself] Carried a watermelon?

7) Ghost- Two movies, back to back. But this is another that is just a great movie. Don't we all wish we could have that moment to just say goodbye? I love this movie...lots of puffs needed to get through it. .but great movie

Sam: Molly, you're in danger. Oda Mae Brown: You can't just blurt it out like that! And quit moving around, because you're starting to make me dizzy. I'll just tell her in my own way. [pause; then, to Molly] Oda Mae Brown: Molly, you in danger girl.

8) Beauty and The beast- This is my favorite Disney movie of all time, I know every line and will recite it if you watch it with me. You will never understand how much I love this movie.. Memorable quote:

Belle is washing the Beast's wounds] Beast: [roaring] Aaargh! That hurts! Belle: If you'd hold still, it wouldn't hurt as much! Beast: Well if you hadn't have run away, this wouldn't have happened. Belle: If you hadn't *frightened* me, I wouldn't have run away! Beast: Well *you* shouldn't have been in the west *wing*! Belle: Well, you should learn to control your temper. Now, hold still. This might sting a little. [presses cloth to wound; the beast growls in pain] Belle: By the way, thank you for saving my life. Beast: [stops growling] You're welcome.

9) PS I love you- If (God Forbid) Chuck ever goes before me, I hope he does this before he goes. Every person who loses a spouse, should be this lucky. A tearjerker but the most amazing movie.

Gerry Kennedy: I'm sorry I said the wrong thing to your mother. God, I still get nervous around her. I still think after nine years she doesn't like me. I know I'm being stupid. Holly Kennedy: No, you're not being stupid baby. She doesn't like you. Gerry Kennedy: Really? I kinda thought deep down she really loved me. Holly Kennedy: No... she doesn't. I was ninteen when we got married. You corrupted me with sex and charm and the longer it takes you to make your fortune the less sexy and charming you are. Gerry Kennedy: [Gerry starts looking for something] Holly Kennedy: What? What are you looking for? Gerry Kennedy: My balls. They were hanging there a minute ago.

10) The Blind Side- I am not one of those people who normally loves the Drama-documentaries. But the Blindside was everything everyone said it would be and so much more. The story is great, Sandra Bullock was amazing! This is one of those "if you haven't seen it.. GO see it" movies Memorable quote:

Leigh Anne Touhy: Find some time to figure out another bedroom for you. Michael Oher: This is mine? Leigh Anne Touhy: Yes, sir. Michael Oher: I never had one before. Leigh Anne Touhy: What, a room to yourself? Michael Oher: A bed.

There are so many many more that are honorable mentions: Save the last Dance, Back to the future, Steel Magnolias, Top Gun (volleyball scene. Thank you Jesus), Aladdin, Good Morning Vietnam, Sound Of Music, the Toothfairy, Valentines Day, Ghosts of Girlfriend Past, Sweet Home Alabama, Hook, Mary Poppins, Risky Business, The Patriot, Legal Weapon, Old School, Step Brothers, American Pie (the first and second ones), Men in Black, Night at the Museum (1 and 2), Field of Dreams, Bull Durham, Twilight and New Moon (yep i am one of *those* moms), Harry Potter movies, and I think that will do it. We are movie junkies but we cant help ourselves. Did I miss any of your favorites?

Life is a puzzle

2010-04-21T08:13:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to figure out why I don't want to blog, or blog as much and my only answer is writers block. The thing is, I have plenty to say but I think to myself "will anyone else really want to read that?" Eh probably not. I live a unique life, there is no other way to say it. I have six children who in their own way fit into my life to form a puzzle.

You see, I have my 18 year old daughter Stephanie, her life at this point revolves around seeing the prize at the end. All she wants is to get her diploma and finish high school. Who doesn't understand that?

My 16 year old son Danny, well he is all about his girlfriend. Who I have decided has something that I can not put my finger on but I am not sure I like. Don't misunderstand me, she is a great girl but she sometimes forget to put her head and heart in the same place.

My 15 year old's puzzle piece is easiest set for one word. Baseball . The Mets season has begun, the baseball season for him has begun and life as he knows it has returned to normal. God bless em.

My 12 year old Mary has recently discovered drama and angst. She is constantly over the top about everything, I think for the most part Mary is not suffering with this drama instead she is enjoying it. With Drama comes flair and tude--and God knows the girls got that

David is 5, with Aspergers syndrome. We were told this year not to expect much from school, and to understand that some hardly ever grasp sound concepts. David is reading and overcoming and I am so proud! He has done everything he can to keep his mind on learning words, and the ones that challenge him he sounds out. Big deal. Great kid.

Emily is 2, she is expressing interesting in pottying and major interest in being the princess. So why shouldn't a princess have a throne? Right? I adore that little girl, I love that each day is different and always fun. She is talking in full sentences and is so funny, she will get down next to you and tell you if she likes or dislikes something and is the biggest lipgloss theif in the state (and to think.. I thought it was her sister)

Chuck is busy with work and school and keeping this family going. He is the strongest man I know and willing to sacrifice things he wants for the kids or me. He is everything I always knew my knight in shining armour would be. He's my knight in camo :o)~

Me? I am all about change this year. No, not political change. Personal change and growth... or pesonal shrinking. I am losing weight, and proud of the way I feel. I love the energy and wonder why it took me so long to find it. Yes, for me.. this is about change but at the same time not letting go of who I am or where I came from.. so change but remain the same.

This whole thing in the end means just one thing.. family. We may have pieces but in the end we can take them together and form the perfect puzzle.

Post it Note Tuesday

2010-04-20T09:29:00.000-07:00

There we have it.. my post its.. :o)~ More next week.. this week I decided to shape them differently . one at a time was killing the space on my blog.. :o)~ Have a good week.

Not Me Monday

2010-04-19T07:02:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week

This past week, I certainly did not (again) pick my battles and (again) let me son go to school wearing socks that were from Halloween and Christmas (again) because the fight was just not worth it.

This past week, I did not have give in and let Emily have her pacifier during daylight hours because she was in a horrid mood and given the options of screaming or her sitting and watching Dora. I chose sitting and watching Dora

I certainly did not put out more fires then one person should be forced to, in one week (not literal but you know what I mean)

I did not get flustered and aggrivated this week over a situation that I can not fix, and I do not have control over mostly because I am a control freak.

I did not fight with my children again about their inability to do their chores...Is it just mine with springitis??

I did not suffer through many innings of baseball the other night, but got the payoff when they won. (something that does not normally happen this year)

and finally..

I have not spent the past four days worrying myself sick over a situation that I can not change. While I know that this situation is not my faulr or in my control. .it sure does suck to be stuck like this! Prayers would be appreciated.

Letters of Intent

2010-04-16T09:33:00.000-07:00

Dear US Economy-

What can we do to fix you? So far in the past two weeks you have been the reason why a few people I know have lost their jobs. Please try and get over this hump, and help them get back on their feet. I am so sad that this great country of ours has let stuff like this happen. I am sad that politicians and others are oblivious and keep saying that the Economy is fine. While I am still paying $2.00 for a loaf of bread.. that is NOT fine. Iam not FINE with that. Anyways.. please take two advil and get over it ok?

Concerned

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Dear Ugly Betty Writers-

Ugh. Ok. the last episode was good, the last 2 minutes of Betty and Daniel was well.. anti climatic. How do I put this nicely.. I wanted the *ahem* climax. (for those of you who have your mouth on the floor.. pick it up.. I went there.. I am grown its ok). I did find that your solutions to some things were awesome. I was happy to see that everything was tied up with a nice bow, and I love that at the end "Ugly" disappeared and left just Betty" Nice.

Will miss you-

The fan.

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Dear Mom-

So, about those rotten teenage years, I am really sorry. Was there something I did between 5 and 12 I am being paid back for also? Honestly, I know there had to be something or is it all Chuck's and the ex's fault? Either way.. I really am sorry. Can you please take the pins out of my vodoo doll please?

The obedient forever...

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Dear Stupid guy in traffic-

Yes, you are right it is probably not to call someone I do not know stupid, however, anyone who drives for not one, not two but three stop lights with his finger in his nose can not be the sharpest knife in the drawer. To make matters worse, when you FINALLY moved you popped open a 40 ounce of something (no, I don't care what it was). One can only hope that from digging your nose up so far that you scratched or poked your brain and obviously needed something to numb you. However doing so while driving, makes you a moron and someone completing an illegal act. I hope that you got caught.

Signed,

Will NEVER be that stupid.

Ok there you have it.. my letters.. not all very nice this week.. it hasn't been a nice week.. but done none the less. Have a great weekend!

Friday night leftovers

2010-04-16T08:04:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the 6th (personal) edition of the lovely Danired's over at Sippy Cups Are Not For Starbucks Friday night leftovers. Where we get to Clean out the refrigerator of life and tell you whats new with us. **Edited to add that Danifred did not do FNL today, and I hope she is not mad that I still chose to do so!!**:

We went to the circus last night, If you are a huge fan of PETA and not a huge fan of the Circus, please stop reading now. I don't want hate mail, and I know there are probably questionable things there.. however I am pretty sure there are questionable things in everything we do daily. So anyways.. public service announcement over.

We went to the circus last night and we had a ball. This was the first time for quite a few in our group. Emily, David, Diem (my friend Nikia's daughter), and Chucky! I was expecting excitement, but little did I expect to see my two year old sit in one spot for the ENTIRE show. She did not budge. She started to nod off for a minute and snapped up to attention when something else happened.

David did suffer through the noises a bit because of his Aspergers Syndrome, but ya know Cotton Candy contained him JUST fine :o)~. I didn't cheat on my diet (I did have a few swipes of Cotton Candy--but 100 calories a serving.. woot woot).

Ok some funny and great moments:

David upon seeing Emily was wearing the poodle backpack leash thingee.. asked "Can I walk her?"

We explained though that we do not walk our sister.. even though it is hilarious to be asked that...but isn't she cute?

Stephanie has a tattoo of "Goofy" on her Arm, a clown after inspecitng her arm repeatedly walked up and wrote "I'm" over it. LMAO. Hilarious.

Watching my husbands face as they kept putting more motorcylces inside the big circle thingee.. That was just cool.

Having my picture taken for a newspaper with Emily and realizing AFTER that I had a red clown nose on. Here are me and Chucky :o)~

David during the preshow bringing us every clown he could find to have his picture taken with him lol.

And my daughter getting picked up by an acrobat in spandex. Wow.

Mary had a ball plotting ways to torment her sister who claims she is scared of clowns.. she So wasn't.. she then explained she doesn't like killer clowns like Pennywise from IT

The circus was amazing, the animals were beautful, my animals behaved, and when all was said and done there was not one person in my car who could say we did not truly just attend the greatest show on Earth.

Who am I?

2010-04-15T05:00:00.000-07:00

The question was posted on a friends blog, that really out there we have no idea who we are reading, or who is on the other end of the keyboard. For all you know I could be a 50 year old man who just enjoys talking about make believe kids. I could be.. but I am not.

I am a 38 year old mother of seven, six on Earth one in Heaven

I am a Navy wife, and an Army brat

I am a Roman Catholic (in case of emergency.. call a priest),

I am a daughter,

I am a daddy's girl,

I am a mommy's girl

I am a sister to four brothers (3 alive, 1 who passed away in 1997 to AIDS),

I am a (ok some of my friends don't know this one yet.. so hold on to your hat) grandmother (technically--my now 18 year old at 15 gave birth to a little boy who she gave up for adoption to my brother and sister in law (she was not ready for a baby and they were ready to be parents)

I am an Aunt (not just to Caleb (thats his name) but to many nephews and a neice),

I am a believer in equal rights,

I believe that we live in a great country,

I am not a crunchy Mama,

but I am a mother that will DARE you to mess with her babies,

I am a chicken (I come off as brave.. its a farce),

I am a victim of adultery (the ex not my sweet husband),

I am your best friend

but

I can be your biggest nightmare if you hurt me

I am a baseball fanatic

I am a New Yorker by birth

a Virginian by length of stay

and a Military brat by proof of passport.

I am a dieter but I know I could be a food addict in a second if the desire hit

I am paranoid but proud

I am strong but weak

I am me.

So, while you may be able to say you don't know some bloggers, you now know some stuff about me. If I missed something, ask. I am not shy, did I mention that if not.. well, I just did.

Almost Wordless Wednesday

2010-04-14T05:14:00.000-07:00

I know this will probably make no sense, but I am posting this one as a proud to be Military spouse. My husband served 8 1/2 years of Active Duty Navy, he has served the last 6 1/2 as a US Navy Reservist. And I could not be prouder.

I am also an Army Brat, my father was a US Army Officer, he served for 32 years with the US Army. I am proud of him as well, I am proud and humbled to be his daughter, and now he lays in Arlington National Cemetary to quote Trace Adkins in the song Arlington

"And every time I hear, twenty-one guns, I know they brought another hero home, to us. We're thankful for those thankful for the things we've done, We can rest in peace, 'cause we were the chosen ones, We made it to Arlington, yea, dust to dustDon't cry for us, we made it to Arlington."

So my pictures today are of the two men I am most of proud of who served their country, and continue to serve their country because freedom is not free

I am grateful to both of these men, and to every man and woman who serves their country. We live in the land of the free because of them. But because it would not be me without lightening the load a little bit, here is a picture of our favorite lifeguards before Memorial day:

Protected by the US Navy, can't get much safer than that :o)~

Post it Note Tuesday

2010-04-13T06:19:00.000-07:00

And there you have it.. :o)~ So who's gonna play today? It's fun I promise...and freeing. Sort of like that new Jeans in a smaller size freeing fun feeling. Trust me.

Dirty Laundry Sunday

2010-04-11T18:47:00.000-07:00

My very young friend Rebecca (young because we graduated high school together and we both know that we are both only 29, right?) over at Letters from Crazyville (a mom on the edge) has this ever wonderful Sunday thing. Dirty Secrets--Laundry day. I love it. So now we get to air our dirty secrets... So here is mine:

I am a cheater.

Yep, there I said it. I put it out there for all the world to see (ok those of you who read this blog..the ten of you I am sure there are lol). I have been faithful to this diet since January and today, well today I let that slip. Today I went to lunch with my friend Mel (who knew I needed it) and I had a pina colada daquiri. Yes, I took my points and yes that does mean that I technically did not cheat.. but here is the thing. I got the mega.. which was easily 10 points.

I know I know.. what was I thinking?!?! I was thinking it was the last day of spring break, I was thinking that I needed it, and to be quite honest I was NOT thinking about Weight Watchers (today I weighed in at what is now 75 lbs gone so in my mind I was allowed).

I gave away yet another two bags of clothes, and I truly believe made a woman very happy. But today, for the first time in months I can honestly and freely admit to you guys.. I am a CHEATER. I had something out of the normal for me, but trust and believe if I have another night like last night anytime soon I am gonna be right back to El Rodeo for another Mega shot of courage.. DAMN skippy... there I feel better now. :o)~

My life is a reality show..

2010-04-10T15:48:00.000-07:00

I have determined, without a shadow of a doubt that my life, is a reality show. We have love triangles (ooo this one has your attention huh?.. I am getting to it ok?), we have adventure, we have miscommunication, we have drama.. oh do we have drama, we have comedy, and we without a doubt have at least once every few days someone who needs to be evicted off the Island.. even if we don't do it.. boy there are days we want to.

Love triangle-Bed time comes for the most part we all sleep in our beds, but than there are those nights we have Chuck, me, Emily and both dogs in bed. Now, I know you are thinking that is not a love triangle. Bet me. I love my bed. It is one of the few places in the house I can snarl and truly say is MINE MINE MINE. Until 2:45 AM when a little hand comes up and tells me to scoot. Yep, love triangle.

Adventure- have you EVER chased a 2 year old out of the bathroom while keeping the dogs from running outside, something on the stove from burning, and telling the pre teen daughter to GET off the damn phone? Been there, done that.. own the trophy.

Miscommunication- Did you see what I said about the preteen and the phone? Constantly I am communicating to get off the phone and she is communicating that she is deaf. At which point I inform her that I will simply unplug the phone.. Apparently that makes me the worst mother in the world. ooo a new trophy.

Drama- you all have been paying enough attention to have read that I have teenagers right? So this one just sort of covers it self right? If not, allow me to throw in my new Drama Queen who at age 2 pretty much anything that does not go her way is worth a melt down of dramatic proportions.

Comedy-David walks in the room the other day wearing his sister size 11 snow boots someone gave us. Did I mention they have princesses on them? when I asked him why he was wearing them he informed me in a very clear and concise voice that because they fit and I want to wear them. yep, is cross dressing a category?

Evicted- 18 years old, thinks she knows everything hardly wants to help with anything. Used to do chores but is now 18. Numerous times I have suggested she can move out at anytime knowing that I won't let her do that.. I just wish she would realize that the crown in this house is worn by, well let's be realistic.. the two year old.

Yep, my life is a reality show, we got it all here.. now who should host Jeff Probst of Julie Chan?

Letters of Intent

2010-04-09T09:53:00.000-07:00

Where do I start? ahh I got it!

Dear Abby:

I always thought I was so smart, and then I had children. I now know that I am not smart, that in fact I know nothing. I also have been taught that I never got away wtih anything, or so they think. why is that children automatically assume we all start out at thir..errr twenty nine year olds? Seriously, will I be an alien forever or will God pay it forward and get even with them someday too?

Sincerely
The Used to be Smart Mom

-----------------------------------------------
Dear neighbor-

We are polite, we wave and even have sprinkled salt on your steps during the snow. We have two annoying dogs, and you have a grandson that is incapable of not harassing them. I'll make you a deal.. the day you muzzle your grandson is the day I "put a muzzle on my damn dog"

Sincerely
The owner of the two dogs that are loud
----------------------------------------------------

Dear New York Mets-

It was my fault, I can say it. I thought this year would be different, I should have known better. You do understand though if you guys do not learn how to start getting hits soon you are going to force me to do something drastic ...BECOME a YANKEES fan!! I expect better behavior from you all soon

Signed-
Mets fan but fading
--------------------------------------------------------

Dear Team Umizoomi-

I would like to thank you for this morning.. ya know keeping Emilys attention for those 20 minutes so I could grab a shower. You are the best, and better then Barney ever was to me.. don't ever change.

Love,
A squeaky clean Mommy
---------------------------------------------------------

Dear Readers-

surely you have someone you need to politely tell off, if you do come play along. It is a lot of fun and Julie doesn't bite (to my knowledge). Have a great weekend

Signed
Tricia :o)~

Friday Night leftovers

2010-04-09T09:30:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the 5th (personal) edition of the lovely Danired's over at Sippy Cups Are Not For Starbucks Friday night leftovers. Where we get to Clean out the refrigerator of life and tell you whats new with us:

This week has easily been one of the longest ones of my life ever....The kids are on spring break. The first few days it felt like this

But by today five day... it feels a lot more like this

So far my children have fought over the following things in no particular order:

1) child one claimed child two ate the last two pieces of bread knowing child one wanted them. (btw there were TWO more loaves, on top of the freezer)

2) child three (the one with the broken leg) was accused of not helping around the house... um hello he's on crutches. What do you want him to do?

3) Child one and child four fought (physically FOUGHT) over shot gun in the car.

4) Child six decided to torment child five by "looking at me" and I had to hit her because "she kept doing it"

Yea. I wish I was making this up.... don't get me wrong, parts of it have rocked... the sun shined.. we went to the beach.. it was AWESOME.. but then we had THOSE moments and so um Dear school bus drivers -- don't be late Monday.. Mommy is READY.

This and That

2010-04-08T06:46:00.000-07:00

Again, this week I am going to an old standby. This and that. Mostly because it is spring break and my brain cells (like my Dell laptops charge port) is fried. So here we go:

This-My dell laptop is D.O.A., the charge port went bad in it. Fabulous. I was told by the guy at the computer shop that I am looking at $180 to fix it. Yep, so I tell someone that and get told that is cheap... in who's world? My world $180 is not cheap. In my world $180 is groceries for the week etc. So the Dell is sitting in its laptop bag until I can get it fixed. R.I.P. Dell Laptop You were always so good to me.

That- We headed off yesterday to find a laptop, and found a new HP laptop. The reasons why I am happy we did that are the following: 1) It has a built in webcam and when Chuck talks to Shane (his son in Iceland), Shane will be able to see him now (after 10 years.. don't ask I am in a grouchy mood and might tell the whole story) 2)it has a number pad on it. I have never had a laptop with a number pad on it.. and I am one of those people who balances her checkbook like 100 times a day. and 3) I can blog again because without the laptop I would have to use the dinosaur..... I mean desktop and I can't sit in my room and do this

This- Is it normal to want to murder your own children after being home with them for a week? Just curious.

That- Seriously? They go from children to Pac Man's. They just eat and eat and eat and eat. I seriously do not think they stop before bed time.. sometimes.

This- Did I mention this has been the longest week of my entire life? If not It has been. Truly. Not to mention the following items have occured this week: the computer broke, we had court for Chuck (case dismissed--stupid traffic tickets for a bad headlight.. seriously? he told the cop I am driving to advanced RIGHT there to get it fixed.. cop gives a ticket....ticket at 8:23 PM, receipt at 8:50 PM done), Danny broke his ankle, we went to the beach (love the beach I needed that!), I went to Trader Joe's and had a love affair with them. (TJ's + Me =Love), Ignored the evil Easter basket of candy (can I get a big ole Amen for that one?), worked out still, OH and wore a size 22 jean skirt for the first time in 16 years. (oh yeah!). I thrift stored and found some great finds and I must have yelled "PLEASE do NOT harass the dog, your brother, ME, or the mailman" fifty times in one day.

That- I am obsessed with the following items in no particular order: The hungry girl (The new cookbook is the best one yet!), The Biggest Loser (I can not STAND Melissa), American Idol (ok its Big Mike and Casey James and Crystal mostly), My Ipod (but GOD I want an Ipad.. is that bad? I want one so bad), Nicholas Sparks (Love his books) and 100 calorie snacks.

Ok there we go .. it was a whimpy way to do a blog.. but I got one in.. can I get a point for at least working on getting one in today? Please? Ok. Back to Spring break Hell. I mean fun. .fun fun. thats what I mean..

Post it Note Tuesday

2010-04-06T04:54:00.001-07:00

Not Me Monday

2010-04-05T08:29:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

Ok, I did NOT go sit on the beach all day yesterday, I mean who would sit on the beach on Easter Sunday?

And if I was on the beach, I would not take this picture to share with all of you, because that would be gloating.

I did not get up at 6:46 AM this morning, even though the kids were on break and get up and workout. Because that would be insane.

And if I did get up early and workout early, I certainly would not then find a little girl age 2 working out with me because shes a bit of a freak too.

I did not do an Easter lunch yesterday so when we got home from the beach we didnt go to we would not have to make dinner.

I did not just spy my son David, sporting a pair of size 11 snow boots someone gave us for Emily and when we asked him why, he did not say "Mom because they fit!" (as if it was a stupid question.

My two year old did NOT sit in front of Sound of Music through the whole thing, she LOVED it. Would not move, and I did NOT take a picture of her

The same two year old is not walking around the house with her backpack she got for Easter on singing "Backpack backpack" and stuffing things that belong to pretty much everyone but her in the backpack.

oh and I did NOT ignore the Easter bunnys made of chocolate who taunted me all day because well, I have come to far to kill it

What did you do? Eat the ears off your kids chocolate bunny? Suffer your way through the Sound of Music even though you don't like it? (and WHO doesnt love thatmovie?? I love it!) Just sayin'!! and say it at MckMamas blog!!

Happy Easter!!!

2010-04-04T05:57:00.000-07:00

So, I sat here thinking of what I could say to you guys besides the usual Happy Easter!! And then someone sent me an email and I had an epiphany. Yep, the light bulb went off in my head.. so without further adieu....

After viewing these images I have decided that life is similar to these photos. You see, sometimes we have accidents
Sometimes someone gets mad and busts someone else in the head, and just walks away.
Sometimes we are afraid, and we are right to have that fear!
Sometimes even when we don't think life is funny, someone else will laugh til we get the joke.
Sometimes the tragedies in our life outweigh the good times
Sometimes we get into hot water, and we just need a helping hand!But then there is that one guy who has to fork you in the endWhen the world turns its back on you, and you feel like everyone is coming down hard.And sometimes you know in the end that one person might be a little weird, but you just gotta try and smile and to through.
And you just have to remember you have someone to rely on to put your head on their shoulder and know "Don't worry about a thing... cause every little thing is gonna be alright!

Yep, I know I am lucky to have my friends, although some may be a little cracked, some a little hard boiled. .I know in the end they are are all good eggs.

Happy Easter!

Friday night leftovers!

2010-04-02T05:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the 4th (personal--do I get a prize when I get to 10??) edition of the lovely Danired's over at Sippy Cups Are Not For Starbucks Friday night leftovers. Where we get to Clean out the refrigerator of life and tell you whats new with us:

So, Monday brings on the new baseball season...now surely you all have heard me mention that I love baseball. For some people baseball is well its that annoying game that takes up too much time for guys to run around the bases. For me baseball is this:
For me baseball is this too:
And even though he wears the wrong uniform, this:
Baseball while these are great (and hot) this is my REASON for baseball:

This is my all star, my guy who will someday be a professional (at least in my eyes). AJ has played baseball since he was 5 years old, one of the first words this little boy could say as he would pretend to pitch and bat was "BASEBALL" oh yes. That is my reason for baseball, I may complain about 100 degree games but I will be there. I may complain that my life is taken over by it, but I love every second of it.

Monday starts the professional baseball season, I root (1/2 the season with a bag over my head) for the New York Mets, but then when February hits I get all fluttered and excited.. I start a count down! I know BASEBALL is on the return. I start watching baseball movies (My son can recite the entire section of insults hurled at the two boys in the first Sandlot movie)

Yep, here it comes.. PPPPPLLLLLAAAAYYYYY BBBAAALLLLLLLLLLL!!! Just remember please..

there is NO Cryin' in baseball!!

Blog giveaway winners

2010-04-01T20:09:00.002-07:00

This has to be easily the hardest decision I have ever made… and I HAVE SIX CHILDREN!! So, with that being said, and I suck at decisions.. I have picked (With my favorites for most creative and funniest) I am also awarding five honorable mentions that will be sent a small little token of my esteem for entering (as soon as I figure out what to send that is—It won’t be too long but spring break starts tomorrow so please give me a few days!!).

Please email addresses to me at Gbrksfan@aol.com (OMG she posted her email address on her blog she is insane!! Um.. No, she just has a quick finger on the spam folder :oP lol. So be nice ok?)
Most Creative:
Buttons and bows with “It’s so big… I so little” which is classic because it reminds us, it won’t be like this for long. Thank you for the reminder especially on a day when that adorable two year old has gotten into everything she possibly could at least FOUR times.

Funniest:

Martha Carolyn with “I really really want to put my toes in the ocean water, but the man in the black is really creeping me out” It is really safe to say this would not have made us laugh as loud as a family but… that guy who’s creeping her out is her big brother and his job was to run interference :oP It made us giggle, Thanks for the submission!!

For the people who win honorable mention--

Oohhfire- To swim or not to swim…. Boy do you know Emily well  You came very close to the win!

Susitravi- You think I’m getting close to that water.. I had a bath just last night!” This came VERYclose to a big prize…we all giggled.

Sarah- Nemo? Again my five year old insisted this was the winner. He was adamant that you had the greatest reply EVER.

Buckeye Mom- “Mommy, I know I asked for a sandbox, but this is kind of ridiculous!” Hilarious because when we put her in a sandbox she looked mortified at the beach played for hours!

Amy- “They don’t know what they are talking about, the world is flat!” I giggled, good job!!

Thank you everyone for entering :o)~ I do run blog giveaways usually once a month, please come back

This and That...

2010-04-01T05:50:00.000-07:00

At somepoint a few years ago when I had nothing else to blog about I simply did a post called This and that. It was never really a specific set day and normally just fell on Thursday because well... to be honest.. it starts with Th. (the creativity NEVER stops with me) So with that introduction said...away we go:

This--Some how this week had the nerve to fly by, my kids go on spring break tomorrow at 2 PM. Please know by next week on Friday I will look something like this guy:

I know its not nice to dread breaks, but you have to understand my children double as Pac Man when they are home. I seriously think they roll out of bed and start eating and do not stop until just before bed time. (go ahead think I am kidding.. I dare you) I have no doubt that 4 points of each day next week will be reserved for wine.

That--The New Hungry girl 123 book is out and I am almost obsessed with it. Ok that was a big fat lie. I am obsessed with it. I have already made 4 things out of it and plan on working my way through it during Easter. Which brings me to my next This.

This--is the first Easter we will not be together as a whole family in a number of years. My mom and their family drama up in NOVA basically canceled Easter as a family. Last I heard my brother is going gambling for the day. Yep, thats right we are THAT family everyone points at and laughs at. The good news is me and my normal family (hahaha) will be going to the beach on Sunday..85 degrees and sunny. WOOO HOOO :o)~ If you happen to be anywhere near Norfolk, VA come along it will be fun

That--it seems like every few weeks I am starting a new fight with the kids, if its not about them cleaning their rooms it is about their inability to behave. Is it me or is it something about Spring that brings out the demons in children? They used to be so normal... I swear at one point they really were now as they go to sleep at night I find myself checking for antennas.

This--a friend of mine called me last night to tell me she was wrapping Easter presents.. um. I suck I guess. The younger ones are getting baskets the olders get a big bowl of family community candy to share. I don't do huge baskets .. most of it is Target $1 section and even GASP! dollar store... Easter is not and never will be Christmas version 2 in this house.

That--Tune in tonight when I post the winners for the 2 Starbucks cards! There are some REALLY great ones!! We are going to go through them as a family (I can hear the groaning already ..*giggles*)

Have a nice one!!

When you grow up...

2010-03-31T06:20:00.000-07:00

This is a blanket letter to my children all of them.

I hope they take this as seriously as it is meant....

Dear Children:

When you grow up I hope at least once a week you have to question your children if they were raised in a barn. While we both know there is no livestock in our house, I also remember that each of your rooms had carpet on the floor. Can you please identify the last time you saw it?

When you grow up I hope that you field phone calls discussing with you the way your child is behaving, that your son or daughter swings from the rafters and is defiant. I hope your child makes you question passing on your DNA. Yep, paybacks suck.

When you grow up I hope you make at least one meal that causes a head to be cocked to the side, as if a loud pitched sound is being played in their head. I hope you have spent more than 30 minutes in the kitchen just to hear "Can I just have cereal?"

When you grow up I hope your Saturdays are spent at the baseball field, your weeknights are spent driving your mini van that should have a meter inside because welcome to our world. (Not that baseball and chorus is not fun, but there are times it is also WORK)

When you grow up I hope your child screams at you that you are the meanest parent in the world, because if that happens I will know I have done my job right.

See, I am not wishing you anymore than I have been given. I do hope you have a very happy life and I am sure each of my grandchildren will be as perfect as my children are to their grandparents.

I also know that halos and horns go hand in hand..

you can not fool me.

Just remember this kids, someday remember this.

Post it Note Tuesday

2010-03-30T07:25:00.001-07:00

So there you have it.. my post it notes. This is really alot of fun! I hope you do it too!!

Not me Monday!

2010-03-29T05:50:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week

I did NOT go to dinner on Friday night determined to finally cheat because hey I could, only to discover the only things that were cheat worthy I did not want. So instead I counted points and behaved

I did NOT get woken up Saturday morning to my 2 year old dropping my cell phone on my face as it was ringing with family drama at 8:21 AM

I have NOT had to deal with more family drama than most people do in a year this week.

I certainly did NOT eat Jelly Belly Jelly Beans for dessert last night because if i counted them out they were only 3 points. .. I did now however eat my last 6 points worth :oX oops.

I did NOT discover (again) that even though Emily was zonked out on the couch I was still watching Dora.. fun stuff.... someone has got to get me to turn off the TV

I did not wake up for the third day in a row happy that the weather is warmer, but really feeling the change in the weather. Gotta love allergies!

and finally.....I did not find Emily the cutest Disney Easter dress at the Thrift store with TAGS still on it! I paid $2.98 for her dress and its adorable!! :o)~ I know some people oogie out over the thought of the Thrift Store, but I am a mother of six. .and something with tags on it. .cha ching! :o)~ Go me!

Dirty Laundry Sunday

2010-03-28T07:57:00.000-07:00

Family Drama and Tattoos.

I am not sure there are any families out there that can say they are truly drama free, and if they do...well, they lie. The thing is this, while some have drama that is well, mild. My family takes drama to a whole different hemisphere. No, I am not talking my household...we are relatively mild. However after this week I have told my mother if she is going to call me with family drama, that I am requiring she starts the conversations with "You all ain't gonna believe this..."
This week we had the police involved, not once but three times. My family up in that area tend to think that they need to stir the Drama pot and it drives me crazy. In the midst of this whole situation is my poor mother who I swear to you is waiting for COPS (The TV show) to show up complete with cameras.

She called me and started the conversation with (And trust me I can not make this up.. ) "Did I tell you about the 3 foot machete?" I told her "okay stop! Let's discuss ways you should not start a conversation!!" So Mom explains as she was sitting on the couch she picked up a blanket to fold up because it was driving her nuts and out drops a 3 foot machete. She said she put it away quickly before anyone saw it, but in my mind I am still stuck with two questions 1) Why was there a 3 foot machete in my mothers living room and 2) When did the woman who can't NOT tell a family secret to save her tail end learn how to hide things before someone sees it?
Suffice to say this was a wild week in my family, and yesterday was just the cherry on the Sundae when I got a phone call asking me to go pick someone up from the drunk tank. Yep, that's right.. we are just waiting for COPS to call and try and schedule an episode.

Tattoos.

Long ago, I was asked if I would ever get a tattoo, and I immediately replied "HELL NO!" Then I married my circus freak, er I mean hubby. And I am a firm believer that a tattoo if you are getting one has to mean something. For example:
My first tattoo, this is a small heart with my anniversary date. It is on my ankle and easily covered if need be. We do not do names because well, D-I-V-O-R-C-E. NO, we are not getting one but can you imagine if we ever did? Chuck loves the logic that he never got his ex wifes because her name is very Icelandic and the chances of wife number two having that name was slim to none.
My second tattoo is a Koi fish that my oldest and I got together, this is for good fortune. I love this tattoo, because it holds meaning and its really pretty :o)~
My third tattoo, :::Cough that I got last night::::is an angel on a moon sitting backwards looking over my shoulder. the purpose is to remind me that my son Matthew is always with me. This is now my favorite.

Am I done? who's to say. I won't do anything on my neck or that can not be covered, but ink is addictive. And I also believe that i you are gonna ink... then you need to think before you ink.

So that is my laundry.. I have a redneck family (we all have a bubba right?) and in my own special way I guess I am too. :o)~

Letters of Intent

2010-03-26T11:55:00.000-07:00

Dear Barney-

This is your pink slip, also known as your termination letter. While I truly did expect you to remain on this family's payroll for a few more years, Emily seems more creeped out by you then thrilled to see you. I know what you are thinking and don't worry.. its not her.. Its you. I will be willing to provide you with references for the services you provided over the last 18 years but I have to be honest, please do not ask me to give one to someone I like. After awhile, well I start to understand why dinosaurs are extinct.

Coordially

No longer forced to sing "I love you.. you love me" and mean it.

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Dear Readers-

Speak up! let me know who you are! send me to your blog! Even if you think I suck, put on your big girl pants and tell me. I hate to think of people out there lurking but not speaking up... come on say something!! :o)~ Please?

Signed

That need one on this blog

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Dear Jillian and Bob-

You guys are so cool! The more I watch the Biggest Loser the more intriqued I become, I think "yea I can do that" I would love to be put through a last chance workout with you, and then I realize I must be nuts! You guys can be so mean.. you sort of scare me! I do love you though

The whimpy dieter

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Dear People who keep sending me Farmville, Mafia War, etc links on FB-

I have six children. I have six children and a busy schedule. I barely have time to breathe this time of year let alone play 8 million games. Please understand that if you do not stop I am going to send this guy:

And trust me.. thats not a good thing. Please stop immediately or don't open your door, ok?

The annoyed.

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Dear 5 year old-

You are so cute at times, and then when the teacher calls Dad to tell him you are behaving well not well, saying to Dad "Knock it off Dad" is sort of like risking your life. So because I love you i will be relocating you to a Witness protection program, you are welcome.

The Warden aka Mommy.

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ok I know I am not alone.. you know you have some.. write em up and link em up! its fun!

Friday Night Leftovers

2010-03-26T06:52:00.001-07:00

Welcome to the 3rd (personal) edition of the lovely Danired's over at Sippy Cups Are Not For Starbucks Friday night leftovers. Where we get to Clean out the refrigerator of life and tell you whats new with us:

Have you ever had one of those weeks that you felt that there was a perpetual bulls eye on your fanny? It sort of felt like this:
This past week the following events have happened in no specific order:

We had to go visit a car lot to find a car to replace the one my dear (or is that deer?) husband had, we found the perfect little around town car but had to deal with this guy: You know the guy. .the guy who keeps repeating the words "Trust me" which we all know means "!)%* you" Anyways.. we survived found someone who we have gotten a car from before and it appears as if this worked out for the best. So far.. ask me in a month ok?

I have discovered that I just give sucky blog giveaways. In the past month my blog giveaways have consisted of 2 Hungry Girl cookbooks (15 entries..yay me) and 2 Starbucks $10 gift cards... I have one entry guys. One. Wow. I suck. Sighs. Worse then that. I am not sponsored its just me trying to do something fun and nice. Epic fail.

Yesterday I went out shopping trying to locate a new couch for the family room, the long and short of it is, we had futon in there and it looked liked it was beaten to death and needed to well just go. So we went and bought a couch to put in the front room and we have a raving success.. with the dog. Lily was never much of a fan of the futon but oh boy the couch and her are in LOVE. Earlier I had this loud noise that can not be described I ran to find out what on earth to find the dog SNORING. yep, I think I did something right.

This past week I have dealt with stress from 100 different directions to include family drama (my family that lives up in Norther Virginia is incapable of not having drama), I have dealt with buying a Nused (new but used) car, I have suffered through some of the people on American Idol. WTF happened this year?!?!? really?!?! I am better. .sorry, I have pulled out spring clothes, put away heavy sweaters and pulled back out light long sleeve shirts (seriously VA weather has more attitude than most teenagers), and teenage drama (The 16 year old and the girlfriend....prom drama.. fun stuff) So its Friday and at the end of the day I am going to open a bottle of wine, so what goes best with Shrimp scampi? Yep, its been one of those weeks.

Therapy...

2010-03-25T05:29:00.000-07:00

I have always described blogging as free therapy, I am able to get it all out and it doesn't cost me a dime. So forgive me but today is one of those days that I am just gonna climb on my coach and ramble a bit ok? Even if its not, well its my blog, and the rules are mine. So here it goes:

I realized a few days ago that my oldest child is merely months from graduating from high school. Even now as I say it, I can not believe it. When did my baby become a big girl? Who let this happen? She has a boyfriend she is getting serious about, they were talking about at some point getting married (I have already threatened her life if she does it before she graduates college I will kill her so that at least is resolved) but the thing is..I still remember her sitting on my bed in my room 4 years old playing with Barbies and telling me she would NEVER grow up. Hmph. she didn't mean it. This kid, has been through so many many things... things that well.. most of my friends know but the ones who don't would surely be turned on their ears if i told them. She is more grown up then some people who are twice her age and I am so lucky to be her Mom. I just don't want to be the mom of a HS graduate. I am not quite that ready.

I realized that I probably have ten great friends that I can honestly say I have their backs and they have mine. On the other hand, I have many other people who I can say are my friends but probably half the time can't remember or even know much about me. For some reason while that should make me incredibly sad, instead I feel blessed that I have 10 people in my life that mean the world to me. Does that make sense or am i a few sandwiches short of a picnic?

I realized that for every one negative thing in my life I have at least three postives and sometimes I forget that. I forget that during the rough patches that life is not so miserable instead I am really pretty darn blessed. I have six fabulous kids, a husband who adores me and lots of other things that make my life pretty remarkable.

Next time, I decide to have a therapy session feel free to remind me ok? thanks

Blog Giveaway!!

2010-03-24T17:06:00.000-07:00

Ok so I have been trying to think of something all day.. I sort of suck lately. So finally I came up with one. I want a caption for this photo:

The winners (gasp! did she says winners?!?!) yes she did! Pay attention...sheesh...The winners will each get a $10 Starbucks gift card. I know I know "What can I get at Starbucks for $10" Oh come on now, we both know you can get something.. so just play along ok? :o)~

1 winner for most creative

1 winner for funniest

This lovely fun contest will end on April 1st (yes April Fools Day.. NO this is not a joke!) I just love this picture and can't think of a damn caption.. so help a Momma out will ya? Please and thank you!!

**If you live in my house you are not allowed to enter.. I know its a great prize but well tough beans!!**

Post it note Tuesday

2010-03-23T05:30:00.000-07:00

The genius that is Supah Mommy has created this, and I have to say this is one of those things that you plan for.. when something happens you think and giggle out loud "oh boy I am gonna make that into a post it note!!" yep.. that was my reaction... so here they are

Ok those are mine.. who else has some.. I know you do.. come on...you can do it.. its freeing.. really really freeing.

Not Me Monday

2010-03-22T06:59:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week

I did NOT have a full house this weekend: my ex, my daughters boyfriend, and the rest of the family all in my house under one roof. Nope because that would be insane.

and if I did do that I certainly would not be here to tell you that I survived it all, and to be quite honest we had a really pretty nice weekend.

Although, that being said I did NOT also find out that my 16 year old son was bought CONDOMS by my ex husband who obviously wants me to kill him.

And with THAT being said I did NOT yell at him to have him say to me "Well think of it this way if they are going to have sex at least they are protected".

I did NOT think of that logic because I am NOT old enough to have a son having sex. You all understand that right?

I did not open my fridge and find a tuppperware that I could not remember using this week and fearing the unknown did not just toss said tupperware in the trash ::I fear the unknown, ok?::::

I did not two hours later hear my 12 year old ask what happened to the sandwich she was saving in the fridge from the day before.. D'oh!

And I certainly did not yell back "oops!" :o/

I did NOT have David ask me on Saturday "Mom how do you spell Shark?" and tell him to sound it out and when he did, ask him well how do you spell "cat" and he spelled it. Then I asked him how do you spell "hat" and he replied "sound it out"

Yep, I do not have a smart aleck child who would do that... nope I have SIX of them :o)~

I did NOT spend all day on the beach on Saturday, soaking up the sun and really enjoying the warm weather... because God knows I needed it.

And I totally did NOT watch my kids run down to the freezing cold water, because who would do that? (oh yea my kids. nuts!)

So what did you or did you not do? Tell us! We want to know!!

The Good Wife--1950s Vs current

2010-03-20T16:36:00.000-07:00

This is a reprint by request from a friend who said that I have new readers who never saw this. So, here it is...

On May 13, 1955 Good Housekeeping posted an article called "The Good wife" Since I am feeling saucy and quite frankly a bit peeved today, I will now show what was written in 1955 and then give my translation on what it means in 2009. **warning** there is question on Snopes whether this article is real or not, and since I don't know and know of nobody to ask, I am going to post that it MAY or MAY NOT have appeared.

1955-Have dinner ready. Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal ready on time for his return. This is a way of letting him know that you have be thinking about him and are concerned about his needs. Most men are hungry when they get home and the prospect of a good meal is part of the warm welcome needed.

2010-Aim to at least have an idea of what the meal will be, if you cant do this then at the very least have a backup plan of at least three take out menus. Have your speed dial finger ready ladies, he wants to eat in a hurry.. oh the heck with 3 menus.. Dominos delivers in 30 minutes .just call them or order online and track your order.

1955-Prepare yourself. Take 15 minutes to rest so you'll be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your make-up, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh-looking. He has just been with a lot of work-weary people.

2010- try not to look like death warmed over, and if you have had a helluva day give him the evil eye and DARE him to say something stupid like "Damn didn't you take a shower today?" as you stand there covered in fresh spit up or god knows what other bodily fluid.

1955-Be a little gay and a little more interesting for him. His boring day may need a lift and one of your duties is to provide it.

2010-see even in 1955, men wanted two women.. kidding. I know.. it means happy. you try and be happy after 8 hours at home with no adult contact.. Good luck with that one.

1955- Clear away the clutter. Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives. Run a dustcloth over the tables.

2010- pick up the big messes and hide them in the hamper, go back tomorrow and empty it out while he is at his job. As for the dustcloth, if the dust bunnies are fighting back.. i agree.. do it.

1955-During the cooler months of the year you should prepare and light a fire for him to unwind by. Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give you a lift too. After all, catering to his comfort will provide you with immense personal satisfaction.

2010- Go back and read a few blogs ago.. a fire is NOT a good idea for him. We have heat.. turn it on..tada.

1955- Minimize all noise. At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of the washer, dryer or vacuum. Encourage the children to be quiet.

2010- HAHAHAHAHAHA.. encourage them to be quiet. oh thats good. Why should he get quiet when i have had noise all day. Nope Daddy's home.. PARTY on kids.

1955-Be happy to see him.

2010- hand him the baby... and run.. FAR away. Give him "Bonding time" and you go pee..ALONE.. trust me.

1955-Greet him with a warm smile and show sincerity in your desire to please him.

2010- even if your teeth are gritted.. try and smile.

1955-Listen to him. You may have a dozen important things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first - remember, his topics of conversation are more important than yours.

2010- Can I just say after a long hard day, if he doesn't let me vent first (and i don't mean the coors vent can vent) then i can't promise he will make it to the hot dinner dominos will deliver in 30 minutes.

1955-Don't greet him with complaints and problems.

2010- really then its probably better if he NOT come home.

1955- Don't complain if he's late for dinner or even if he stays out all night. Count this as minor compared to what he might have gone through at work.

2010-I won't complain if he doesnt come home, as long as he doesnt complain when he brings his tail home that all the locks are changed, his stuffs on the front porch, and the dog bites him.

1955- Make him comfortable. Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or lie him down in the bedroom. Have a cool or warm drink ready for him.

2010- if hes smart he does this for the wife..

1955- Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes. Speak in a low, soothing and pleasant voice.

2010- take off his shoes? um no. Hes on his own.. I don't like touching my feet let alone his.

1955-Don't ask him questions about his actions or question his judgment or integrity. Remember, he is the master of the house and as such will always exercise his will with fairness and truthfulness. You have no right to question him.

20010- BWAHAHAHAHAHA I think this one is my favorite.... Master of the house my tail..ask him where things are, ask him if the checkbook is balanced.. yea ok.

1955-A good wife always knows her place.

2010- And a good husband knows his is right next to her...holding her purse

Letters of Intent

2010-03-19T06:46:00.002-07:00

I am back again for Letters of Intent thanks to Confessions of a Semi-Slacker Mom who is not just funny but also really fun to read and she pointed out of Letters of Intent over at Julie's blog located at Foursons and ever willing to join in on something fun and freeing.. here I am!

Dear Boy dog two doors down-

I don't care if you show up with flowers and candy, Lily can NOT come out and play. She is not your type.. you are a big dog, she is mine. You are loud, and well so is she but it will just never work. See, I have six kids, two dogs, and a husband.. we do not need to add anyone else to that mix. Please refrain from barking at my door. Thanks so much

Your neighbor

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Dear Picky Eaters:

How did you manage to get in my house? Every night I catch grief over dinner, seriously? Enjoy your hot dogs until you figure it out. Cereal is also approved (its healthy for breakfast its healthy for dinner). Be glad Grandpa isn't around you would have gotten the look and would have eaten it and LIKED it. Yep that would have been fun.

Love,

Mom

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Dear Bathing suit-

Ok we have worked hard since January to lose this weight. When I wore you in February it wasn't so bad for either of us, now was it? So, I request you be nice to me when I put you on again in a few months. Play nice! Iam working on it ok

Sincerely.. your friend

Tricia

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Dear Baseball coach

I appreciate that you are trying to put together a baseball team that consists of the next Babe Ruth, Cal Ripken, David Wright, and Lou Gehrig. However, keeping my child out until 8:30 PM every night we have practice is getting old and effecting my life. American Idol starts at 8!! What are you thinking!?! Just had to get that out there.

The Mom who screams like a maniac during the games..yep thats me

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Dear Rielle Hunter-

You are a homewrecker. You are a tramp. and I think you suck

Just sayin'

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Dear Jesse James-

Are you an idiot? Don't answer that! Why on God's green earth would you be dumb enough to cheat on Sandra Bullock? Seriously! When God said Brains, did you hear trains? You are an idiot.

Signed,

Sandra's fan.. so NOT yours

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Dear Martha Stewart, Rachel Ray, and 1950s moms-

My house is not perfect, my dinners are not always 100% home made and organic. But my kids are happy, doesn't that say something? I tried to live up to the standards you guys have set but well, I suck. Confession is good for the soul right?

Signed-

The non perfect Mom.

Friday Night Leftovers

2010-03-19T06:07:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the 3rd (personal) edition of the lovely Danired's over at Sippy Cups Are Not For Starbucks Friday night leftovers. Where we get to Clean out the refridgerator of life and tell you whats new with us:

My 12 year old got suspended for "inability to behave" Yep, thats right. She's hardcore. Or so she thinks. If she makes it to 13 I want a medal. Yesterday my husband asked what do you want on her tombstone, I replied:

Here lies the disobedient sh*t

Who's parents had to put up with it

She didn't care and continued to scream

and now she won't see 13.

I swear this child is the one that God sent me for everytime my mother would say "I hope when you have kids you have one JUST like you!!" (and yes, I said that to her yesterday) the only difference is I never got suspended. grrrrr. or phone calls. I was a good kid or a really good suck up. Sighs. This is my photo of Mary for the day:

she's not amused.. too bad its not all about her huh?

We are going to have a full house this weekend. My ex is coming to visit the kids, he and I are friendly so that doesnt bother me at all. oh and my 18 year olds boyfriend is coming... this should be fun.. they haven't met yet. Anyone looking for me, I am gonna pop (100 calorie) popcorn and watch the show. (Check back here Monday for details) I think it will go something like this:

This has been the LONGEST week known to man... daylight savings time is kicking my butt big time. And if you can imagine, my two year olds as well. This photo was taken at at 10 AM.. she got up at 8 was asleep by 10 because she just could not do it.

My husband got pulled over on the way to Autozone to buy a headlight and brake light for the car. He was about 2000 FEET from Autozone..Wanna guess what he got pulled over for? yep.. not having a headlight and brake light. So he obviously is not female and does not own the Smile and blinky eyes we all do, so instead of getting out of a ticket he got two for driving with faulty equipment. See I would have pulled the "But officer..." batting the eyes... Yep, women rule.

So I took a slew of pictures of Emily on St Patricks day, and I made this collage:

I sent it to my husband, my mom and my MIL. All 3 went crazy about it, and than I realized as cute as it is, I put two pictures in there that she just has the goofiest look on her face.. hmmm. .see and my MIL and says the good looks run in the family.. and she does look like her dad. Ok I feel better :o)~

ok now that you have read mine. .go play along.. go visit my dear Danifred and play along!! this is really freeing.. and who doesn't like to let it all hang out on Friday? no pictures of that.. you're welcome :o)~

Questions without answers....

2010-03-18T05:40:00.001-07:00

Why is it that my son can throw a balled up paper towel across the room but can't manage to NOT pee on the toilet seat? Should I make him a eye doctors appt and see if he has a vision issue?

Why is it that in November we turn the heat on when it turns 60 degrees but in the spring the heat goes off when it is 60 degrees?

Why is it that everyone will jump up for dinner, but nobody wants to jump up for dishes?

Why is it that my 2 year old can destroy any room in the house in less than 5 minutes but it takes 30 minutes to fix what she did

Why is it that my kids can make the time for video games but can't seem to find the time for homework (I know this answer but I wanted it put out there so if i have to kill the teenagers its justifiable homocide)

Why is it that if you are in the room and your child falls asleep a full half hour later you realize you are STILL watching Dora?

Why is it that Mommy's food tastes better then the same food on the kids plates?

Why is it that I am such a sap that I can cry at TV shows, commercials, and movies?

and finally why is it that weeks that involve Daylight savings time move so s l o w. I am so ready for the weekend.. am I alone? Sighs. have a good one. :o)~ Tune in tomorrow for Fridays leftovers and letters of intent ;o)~

what the .....??

2010-03-17T06:33:00.000-07:00

Okay... this is one of those weeks that you just wish you were too young to see some of the stuff that is making news headlines. Seriously!! Yesterday I saw on the news that a woman named Donna Simpson in New Jersey who is on a quest to (are you ready for this?) be weigh 1000 lbs! She has a website that you can go and pay to watch her eat. If you want to read this.. and believe me.. its totally up to you.. you can read her article here

Oh I wanna be ill. How gross! I am a big girl... you guys know that.. I am not gonna lie. In January 2010, I made the decision at my largest weight EVER to start Weight Watchers and exercise. I made the decision that seeing my children get married and my grandchildren born was more important than eating a Big Mac at lunch!! So this just sickens me! She pays $750 a week for groceries... are you kidding me?!??! She has two children and I hope for their sake she realizes how dumb this is before she kills herself!

Okay from one moron to another....

Rielle Hunter. You guys know who that is? That is the mistress-aka baby Mama of John Edwards. What a piece of work this broad is! Elizabeth Edwards is sick with Cancer, she finally got smart and kicked John to the curb but holy cheese and crackers batman, this woman decides to do an article in GQ so we can "meet her" eh.. I never cared before, and your GQ interview did NOT help my opinion of you.

She claims in this interview right here, that she is NOT a homewrecker that the marriage was wrecked before she got there. Yes but you and Johnny certainly did not help matters any did you? Course I am a possibly bitter woman who saw her first marriage destroyed by an affair..hate to break it you sweetie you are a homewrecker.. She took pictures in a white shirt and undies with a bunch of stuffed animals and dolls (Poor Dora, Kermit and Barney! I am sorry you were subjected to that!!) , she had the nerve to say she was "repulsed by the pictures" and she thought they were just headshots. Yes, I normally put on a mans dress shirt and lay on a bed with stuffed animals to get a picture of my face. What an idiot.

Two stories.. both true.. and both leaving you to say "what the........." My apologies to anyone who thinks this rant is wrong.. nah.. I am not wrong.. and I am not sorry..

Post it note Tuesday

2010-03-16T06:16:00.000-07:00

The genuis that is Supah Mommy has created this, and I have to say this is one of those things that you plan for.. when something happens you think and giggle outloud "oh boy I am gonna make that into a post it note!!" yep.. that was my reaction... so here they are:

Not Me Monday

2010-03-15T10:47:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

I completely and totally did not just complete a 30 day workout on Wii EA sports Active because I have never been that disciplined to work out like that.

When I did NOT complete that workout I did not take these two pictures because I was so giddy:

I certainly did not share them on Facebook or email them to family members because that would be silly.

I did NOT call Mary's school and growl at the Vice Principal (again) after a little boy hit her (again) at the school bus stop again. Of course the principal did not call me back and tell me that my daughter hit back (which she had told me also) and the little boy was scratched up. That while she was not sure she saw nothing and could not punish either party, Mary apparently gave worse than she got. @@

I was not momentarily proud of Mary because she FINALLY stood up for herself but than did firmly tell her not to hit people (Even when they deserve it)

I did NOT spring clean the entire house this weekend and for the first time in days feel completely blissful that the house is clean.. lovely ;o)~

I am not mad at the sun for hiding today, whats up with that? We were nice why would you leave? Please spring come back and leave your friend Mr Rain somewhere else.

And finally, I did not let my daughter all day today because hey.. some battles are just not worth fighting.. besides isn't she cute

So what did you or didnt you do!! Come on share it feels good!

Dirty Laundry Sunday

2010-03-14T11:39:00.002-07:00

My friend Rebecca over at Letters from Crazyville (a mom on the edge) has this fabulousSunday thing. Dirty Secrets--Laundry day. I love it. So now we get to air our dirty secrets... So here is mine:

Tomorrow if all goes as planned, I will have completed my first Wii 30 day workout in 30 days! (Yea thats not so much of a secret) and in the past 30 days I have learned something while i used to think I hated physical activity the truth of the matter is, I don't mind it.

There is something sort of exciting about getting a good workout done, you feel like the guy in the Toyota commcercials from the 1980s when he jumped in the air, for you young uns see the pic belowLets be honest here ok? before January my idea of working out was lifting the remote and pointing it at the TV. When it came to needing something my idea was to yell for a child to come do it for me. Walking up the five stairs it takes to get into my house was brutal.

Now I can walk, now I can exercise and in the end I am glad i did it. My how things change huh?

The Mom a like

2010-03-13T19:48:00.000-08:00

Last week, Rebecca over at Letters from Crazyville, posted a blog (this one right here) about the Mom-alike. And I tried to think of someone and thought and thought and thought... and thought some more. At that point I decided "I got nothing" I could not think of anyone who is my Mom alike which is defined to be a "Mom who totally gets you"

One week later, here I sit to post about my Moms-alike, I have quite a few and I was too out of touch with myself to realize it. I think sometimes I feel like I am in this box, all alone. That I am the person that could go into thin air and nobody would notice. Yet, there are other days I know thats just the manic depressive part of me (no I am not diagnosed I am a Mom of six and I just know I am nuts :o)~ lol) and I know I got Moms.. today is my day.

So now on to my Moms alike:

Mel- Mel is the cool Mom, she is the concert Mom, the Mom who everyone wants to have THAT relationship with her kids. That mom who overcame the speed bumps of teenage life, and THANK GOD she did because I know that means I have a finish line ;o)~ Mel is my Mom a like.

Nikia- Nikia is the "If I can fix it, I will" I am that Mom too. Nikia and I met on Craigslist over a single can of formula, and I would be lost without her. Nikia is the person EVERY woman needs as a friend, she loves you even on the days when nobody can love you. Nikia is my Mom a like

Desere- Ever had that friend that you meet and right away your heart just swells? That is Desere and for Desere that is Me. Desere is the one person who has never met my Emily that I would give my left and right arm to meet her. We can fight, and we can forgive in the same breath. Desere is my Mom a like.

Ellen- Ellen is my cousin in law, yet it is so much more than that. We "remet" over Facebook sometime last year. We share TONS in common, No I am serious its scary. She will put a verse from a book and I will finish it. She is my sistah from another mistah. Ellen is my Mom-alike

These are four women, all who totally get me. All who love me on days when I don't know how I love myself. All who have supported me through everything, even those rotten days when I said "how does this look" and they were nice enough to say "you look fine" I love them with every bit of my heart. They are my Mom-alikes. Thanks Rebecca, I almost forgot how many I truly have!

Rebecca said you could steal her word just make sure you tell people that you got it right here

Letters of intent

2010-03-12T13:11:00.000-08:00

So due to my new friend over at Confessions of a Semi-Slacker Mom who is not just funny but also really fun to read has pointed out of Letters of Intent over on Julie over at Foursons and once I passed extreme jealousy about these brilliant ladies coming up with another great idea that I was not smart enough to think of (yea I said it and I meant it) I decided I am joining in:

Dear Bills-

This month has been rough for us hasn't it? I am sorry. But the thing is well, February is a short month and ya know we have seven mouths to feed not to mention me and Chuck. And see well the thing is I promise to make it up to you next month ok? Don't hate me. Don't look at me like that. I know I am late. I am working on it. I didnt even do a pedi this month!!

Sincerely,

The one who is writing the check today I swear

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear 1950's housewife-

You all had to go and make it look soo easy with your perfectly prim houses, your perfect meals, your perfect kids and your perfect like. well you can perfectly kiss my. Sorry, that was not lady like. How bout instead if we just say I hope someone thanks ME in 50 years for not being perfect and setting the bar high.. I will just go ahead and say now, you are welcome.

Sincerely,

The Mom without the perfect house, who scrambles to make dinner, and who's kid is eating dunkaroos on the couch with icing on her face and thats ok.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Teenagers-

I apologize for the Post its the past two weeks where I outed you for not having a prim and proper room. That was wrong of me, and I am sorry. However, tomorrow is spring cleaning day!! YAY!! The plan is to find your floor, to clean the room and to make Mommy happy...without the medication. Work with me ok?

Love,

Mom (the one with bald patches because you won't just clean your room.. thanks for that)

Friday night leftovers...

2010-03-12T08:24:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the 2nd (personal) edition of the lovely Danired's over at Sippy Cups Are Not For Starbucks Friday night leftovers. Where we get to Clean out the refridgerator of life and tell you whats new with us:

So last night I went to see Train with Butch Walker. I went with my BFF and truly expected to know two songs.. three tops. Yea I was wrong, I knew most of the songs. If you ever get the chance go see Train, they put on one helluva show.

Before the show we went to dinner at Kelly's Bar and Tavern (AKA my second favorite place for a fabulous burger and other bad for you goodies) I looked at the menu and ordered a chicken pita (skipped the pita just ate the grilled chicken and veggies. I did eat 10 fries but I was behaved. I had a 1/2 glass of sweet tea mixed with 1/2 unsweetened and drank only water the rest of the night. I BEHAVED!!! This is huge for me. I could have been bad and I wasn't. I feel so proud.

My husband is becoming Catholic, did I mention that? I think I did. (Yea I am one of those repeaters sorry) last night he went to Eucharistic Adoration (without me!!). I can not tell you how stunned I am. I never thought he would embrace this, and he is.

I have a complaint.. Lily Scott who I think is extremely talented got kicked off of Idol last night. was the rest of America watching with me?! What the hell!! How is the guy who sang Genie in a bottle still there? UGH!!

Remember a few weeks ago I mentioned black jeans that have been taunting me for years (or is that the other blog I do? I digress) Anyways I was able to wear them about a month ago after a long time. Last night I found they are getting too big. Success comes in small packages for me, I take them as I get them but that one had a BIG bow.

Corey Haim died of pulmonary congestion, I was wrong. I assumed it was drugs and I was wrong. Corey Feldman asked the fans where we were during all Corey Haim's rough times, where was he? People who live in glass houses should not throw stones.. just sayin'.

Ugh so I mentioned the Mets were playing well on Post It Note Tuesday. To fellow Mets fans I am sorry.. they are falling apart now. @@ idiots.

Ok go to visit Danifred and play along. See how easy it is and how much fun?!?!

Maybe its just me....

2010-03-11T11:46:00.000-08:00

But is there something wonderful about putting your feet in the sand at the beach, like this in March:

Doesn't it just mean that the cold winter weather is on its way out? Yes, it does. Does it mean that soon we will be able to take more pictures like this one?

Why yes, yes it does.

Does it mean the heat gets to be turned off finally.. damn skippy er I mean yes it does!

Yep, thats it.. VIVA la spring!! I am ready!! And if you are insanely jealous of us because we were at the beach in March well:

Someone explain ok?

2010-03-10T06:43:00.000-08:00

Can someone explain to me why so many celebrities my age and some so much younger are dying? I know that theoretically speaking this is the nature of the beast of the actions they choose and the things they do but Jimminey Christmas! When is it going to end? When will someone step up and say "STOP! no more!" In the past six months people who should be planning their lives were gone in the blink of an eye.

Last week although not a celebrity in his own right, Marie Osmonds son committed suicide, his life long depression got to be too much and this was his only way out he felt. I am so horribly sad for him.

Brittney Murphy, beautiful and wonderful actress died in December, they say Natural causes but even so, that is just too young to die naturally for me. I am so sad for her family, I am so sad that her light was turned off before it was fully bright.

Chris Henry a Cincinnati Bengal who was just getting back to making his life outstanding, died from falling off the back of a truck. he died from head trauma, and leaves behind 3 beautiful babies. With no answers.

Heath Ledger dies from an accidental overdose of meds to make him feel better from pneumonia. Trying to do the right things, he dies! Tragedy!

Micheal Jackson dies from a basic overdose (Although given to him by his doctor), and has three children he leaves behind. Is there something wrong with this to someone else?

Andrew Koening last week was found dead, suicide. Again his demons got the best of him, he was Boner on Growing pains for those who can't place him. I just don't understand. I really don't.

And today, I wake up to see Corey Haim is gone from an overdose. His demons have been fighting him for so long, but his death is a hard to swallow.

I am sad for each of these young stars, I am sad for their families and I am sad that their spot light is no longer lit. May each of them find the peace to rest in, may they be remembered forever not for their celebrity but simply for being human.

Post it Note Tuesday

2010-03-09T05:30:00.000-08:00

Not Me Monday

2010-03-08T08:51:00.001-08:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week. (Although she is in Kenya I am not sure she is doing Not me Monday, I figure I would just go ahead.

I did NOT take a swig of Chucks Diet Dr Pepper on Sunday and discover how much I missed the flavor. Sighs. I still have not had a regular one and I won't it would rip me right off my diet wagon. I am like a Pepperaholic.

I did NOT skip working out on Thursday and justify it because I had religious cleansing (we went to Eucharistic Adoration. I did however feel like crap for skipping the rest of the day, penance is good right?

I did NOT discover how frusturated I am that I am a blog giveaway failure. I posted a GREAT giveaway and there is no interest. Seriously? I have friends begging me to find out how I am doing this.... aggrivated.

I did Not make a birthday cake for one of the kids friends, only to get stood up becuase he never showed up. The kids ate the cake, I ate 1/2 of a 3 point piece and was sick cause it was too sweet.

I did NOT grocery shop hungry on Saturday and land up spending 25 dollars over budget for the day. Sighs. Good thing we are now stocked for the week, huh?

I was not the parent in the church yesterday with the kid who had no desire to be quiet. Yep, I was that Mom. AJ the wonder brother did take her out but I am sure there were lots who wanted to cuss us out.

I did NOT have this conversation with David who was playing with the Ipod touch during Mass David: Why is there is no sound? Me: Because we are in Gods house, we have to be quiet?" David: Why God doesnt like sound? Sighs.. yep.. thats my life

So what did you do or not do? Share it if you want, no pressure but it sure is freeing to do it.

Dirty Laundry Sunday!

2010-03-07T18:40:00.000-08:00

My friend Rebecca over at Letters from Crazyville (a mom on the edge) has this fabulousSunday thing. Dirty Secrets--Laundry day. I love it. So now we get to air our dirty secrets... So here is mine:
I need a 12 step purse program. There I said it. I feel better. But wait theres more...I don't buy them the traditional way. I ::::::insert horrorified look here::::
I bargain shop! SCREAMS!!! Ohh a cultural scream I am kind of cool today.. don't tell my kids. .they will never believe you.. oh er um about the purses... In the past month and a half I have found a Louis Vuitton (the real thing.. its numbered and all!) at a Thrift store for $5.99curious I got home and looked the SAME purse is going for $499 (no Decimal!) on Ebay. Shut up! At the same Thrift store I found a XOXO purse (ok I know its someone else but I just know its a cute purse ok?) the same one I found at a boutique which was $50 I found for $1.99 yep, I am that GOOD. But wait there is more.. I found a Coach purse for $4.00.

So as a Mother of six, my dirty laundry is I thrift shop.. damn skippy but I got some great purses :o)~ so that makes it ok, right? Now, who wants to hear about the brand new with tags Timberland boots David got for $3.99.. oh yea.. its a gift. I am a thirft store snob, and I like it!

Sometimes I wish I had a pacifier.......

2010-03-07T06:17:00.001-08:00

Yep, there i said it. Not necessarily for me but sometimes for situations where I could use it to stop someone from saying something or stop misbehaving. This magic button (that my two year old is still addicted to, does that make me the worst mom on earth? I am gonna take it away again soon I swear) can fix thing almost as fast as a bandaid. For example, she falls down we give her the paci and things are better all healed (The kiss logic works but at 2 the paci works better). She's having a major meltdown the paci heals it usually pretty quick. Situations where a paci would come in handy in any size would be:

Your husband has the ability to go on and on about a topic and you were done five minutes ago... here honey take your paci. Problem solved.

You have a mouthy teenager who simply does not want to shut her mouth and you are against child abuse, what do you do? Pop the paci in the mouth and give a stern look before it pops out. Yep, the Paci rocks.

Bad news? Something that has your tummy doing more turns and tosses than a roller coaster? The Paci will help you feel better.

At work your boss is on the war path, unable to control his attitude and behavior. Leave a paci on his desk, maybe that will cure it.

A friend goes back to the deadbeat she has broken up with/ got back together with six times, suck a paci so you don't tell her what an idiot she is. Nah.. hand her the paci and make her listen as you tell her what an idiot she is. Go with that option instead.

Stuck in traffic, suck a paci it makes it better. Yep, I can think of lots of reasons for pacis....Pacifiers are the sure all cure all for a bad day. Now if only we can find them in grown up size.. Whos in?

a blog giveaway.

2010-03-06T11:39:00.000-08:00

I am not about self promotion. .HAHAHAHA see I said that with a straight face.. are you impressed? You should be ;oP . Anyways.. I am running a giveaway on my other blog,Fighting the fatty. I am giving away a Hungry Girl cookbook, I am a big big fan of hers. She has completely saved me and showed me healthy eating habits. I am able to still eat and not starve, still have flavor and not calories.

If you are interested, please feel free to enter. If you do not want to, I promise you will not hurt my feelings. Have a great day!

Baseball and our family positions

2010-03-06T08:13:00.000-08:00

In our house and growing up, I have always been a diehard red, white and blue American in mad love with America's Pastime. No no, I don't mean shopping.. I mean baseball. That's right. I know people say that the sport is boring, but for me it is so exciting to see what happens when that pitch is thrown, from the crack of the bat, to making it to first.. he is SSSSAAAFFFFEEEE or OOOOUUUUUTTTTT?

Yep, I am a fanatic. I follow the New York Mets because well, I grew up with my grandpa and learned early "we are Mets fans" Yes sir. So when I brought home a Yankees hat from a visit with my cousin Tommy, my grandpa said again "we are METs fans" I of course was 8 or 9 had a New York baseball cap, wasn't that enough? Sure it was. (now, I know better.. the Yankees are evil and we are METS fans.. did you get that?) Oh and PS don't mention last season....it was bad. .we know it. .we are over it.

Watching a pre season baseball game the other day someone put up a saying it said "There are two seasons: Baseball and Winter" That is now my mantra. Yep, it will get me through winter to know the other season is on the way. So as a Mom who has six children, and has been told numerous times that "wow one more person your family could be a baseball team (bite me.. this shops closed.. permanently) I think I can safely assign positions to members of the family.

Pitcher and Catcher- These are the parents, one is always throwing something at the other (figuritively not aiming ok?) They work together and they keep the team going if you will. The Pitcher and catcher are the two who basically run the game.

First Base- This is the oldest sibling, this person is in charge of the diamond, they make sure that plays are made but they do make some errors and sometimes can not complete the play.

Second base-this position is best held to someone who can handle a situation, they have their eye on the field but they also have to sometime scoop in and make the play. Yep, this position belongs to Grandma.

Shortstop- normally plays the game with precision and is the unofficial guy in charge of the field. This goes to the youngest. In our house, she rules the roost. she plays the game and she plays it well.

Third base- The second to oldest child the one who seems almost forgotten but than comes along and makes an outstanding play that nobody can believe their eyes JUST happened! Yes, he is the guy who can handle the field but on other days makes a bonehead play that makes you want to kill him.

Right field--The teenager who has decided that while he can play an infield position and sometimes does, mostly he is out in right field because he gives the pitcher and catcher tude and needs to be as far away as possible. This in our house is the 12 year old.

Center field- This is the middle who is in charge of the outfield. He wants to play infield, he knows he can but right now he's in center field because someone needs to be in charge out there and he can't play Catcher cause Dad's got that. (Sorry AJ)

Left field- This is the guy who would rather play with the grass than play the game. this is guy who would rather watch Toy Story but can scoop up and make a play in the blink of an eye and surprise even himself. there you have it.. we have David.

So see? I can lay out the entire field. I even have a trainer. Danny's girlfriend Crystal can help fix things, and usually does. She keeps the plays going sometimes and most of the time plays well. So there you have it. A baseball team, may not be professionals but we are PROS :o)~

Friday Night Leftovers

2010-03-05T07:10:00.000-08:00

Danifred over at Sippy Cups Are Not For Starbucks has this brilliant way of wrapping up the week with Friday night leftovers. I found it sort of vicariously through Rebecca from
http://lettersfromcrazyville.blogspot.com/ and Ellemes over at 365 of 30. After reading theres and deciding it was ok to venture into the unknown I decided to wrap up my week this way as well.

1) After numerous discussions about why my husband would never convert to being Roman Catholic, all of which I understood and never pressed the issue (not once!), he announced to me and our priest that he is thinking about it a few weeks ago. Last night he and I went to Euchiristic Adoration, and I found a new name for him. he is now a C.I.T (Catholic in Training). He says it was because he had to get back to church and I guess this fits for him. Secretly.. it thrills me. But don't tell him I said so.

2) I wait all week for Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice. Last night? Yep, I was sound asleep (only I doubt it was sound.. I am pretty sure I snored) on the couch. Woke up pale and with a fever.. lovely. Only I get sick right before the weekend.. Fab. Guess its good that I had nothing planned.

3) My 12 year old is trying to drive me crazy. She is in this stage where she is all drama, screams all the time and has no control over her emotions. When I look at her sister I wonder if we went through this with her? And than I look at Emily and think "Oh God if we did are you next" Pray for me. alot ok?

4) I have decided to stop surrounding myself with people who are rude. For whatever reason I seem to be a giant punching bag and I am tired of it. While one of the people who did this recently did apologize (Sort of) I am taking it with a grain of salt because I know its bound to happen again.

5) Baseball returned my life this week, I am a HUGE Mets fan (we don't discuss last season, if you are a Yankees fan... I don't wanna hear it.. sighs) This year they have been shown during two games already on MLB Network and it has been so nice to see spring come back. For awhile there I thought the US as a whole ticked Mother nature off and she canceled it.

6) So I want to see Alice in Wonderland but I am waiting til the crowds die down ( I figure Easter), I have not read any reviews yet but have heard from a few friends who saw it last night that it is wonderful so here is hoping!

7)I am a whimp. I walk 1.5 miles every two days and I have decided that I can't do a 5K when I know (ok I am pretty sure) I can.. what on earth is wrong with me? Ugh. Am I the only one who does this? I have been dieting on WW for over 2 months, I have lost 46 lbs (before anyone says anything I had a BIG number to start with.. it happens!) I work out daily and I am a chicken. Yep, bok bok. Thats me.

Ok so how did I do? Did I get them in? Is there any you want to share? Sure there is! who doesn't have leftovers. Go visit Danifred over here at Sippy Cups Are Not For Starbucks

A Cyber Vacation.

2010-03-05T06:04:00.000-08:00

I can't be the only one who is not only getting sick of winter but in need of a vacation. Why? Because I the winter blues. You know them, by the time March hits you are so sick and tired of the sweaters you were dying to wear in August when it was 104 degrees out. Now you just want to be in those comfy clothes and not the seven layers you need to put on to walk the 15 steps to the mailbox only to find out all of todays mail is addressed to "resident" Seriously? In our house that belongs to the first person who says "is there anything for me"

So I decided to take a cyber vacation, it does not cost a dime and it might make me feel a little better. So let's try it shall we:

1) Destination 1: Walt Disney World. My home away from home. I know, I know its a theme park! but what a Theme park! It truly is the happiest place on Earth. This would be Nirvana

2) Destination 2: The Bahamas. Ok I have never been anywhere tropical, and I REALLY feel the need to go somewhere sunny and warm. I wanna dip my toes in the water, feel the sand on my feet. Yep, I am in desperate need of this and I think this would hit the spot.

3) Destination 3: Ireland. Hey, its March. Why not? Go see the plush green grass, and hey why not grab a pint or two at a pub while you are there? besides if you are drunk you won't care that you are cold.

4) Destination 4: Paris. Yes, the City of lights. It may not be tropical or warm but ya know what, in a place like Paris who would care? Besides I lived in Belguim for three years I am used to that weather. (PS does anyone else find it disturbing that when I googled Paris for pictures I got pictures of Paris Hilton? just sayin')

So there I have taken four mini trips in my mind, and still feel.. Well like crap cause I am still sitting in my living room watching the wind blow, no leaves on our trees, and the grass in the yard that lovely shade of brown winter dead. Yep, I need a vacation, that's all there is to it. Now, what is the likelihood of this happening ? Slim to none. Why? because with six kids, they come first. We have one who is going to college in the fall, and it seems as if everything we get in has to go back out for her and the things she needs. Sighs. So I guess for now and probably for many years to come my vacations will be in my mind. I just hope its warm there ;o/

An open Letter to my children

2010-03-04T05:48:00.000-08:00

Dear Children-

It has come to my attention that you as a group are trying to drive me insane. You are waiting for me to start singing "They're coming to take me away HAHA HEEHEE HOHO" Nope, it is not one person or one event, its all of you. My proof is laid out in the following ways:

Exhibit A: Dear oldest child--As you apply for colleges, you are making plans for your dorm room. Wait.. your leaving? Who said that was allowed? Nope. I am sorry I am not ready for that. Please try again at a later date....when I am ready. I have scheduled that for 2015.

Exhibit B: Whoever told you (I am talking to you 16 year old son of mine!) that it is ok to take showers every so often.. Lied. Please for the love of God and all things holy, shower. You made my valentines day roses wilt.. and they are made of wood. Please oh please do something.

Exhibit C: To my son who has recently discovered girls, and feels as if he is Vince Neil and Tommy Lee (GIRLS GIRLS GIRLS) please be aware that girls are evil. They are not like your mother--please remember this.

Exhibit D: To my 12 year old Drama Queen.. lets talk.. ok? being forced to clean your room is not child abuse. Being told that you are not leaving the house in a hanky for a shirt is NOT child abuse. However, being a genunine Drama Queen and a pain in the rear is parental abuse. Please stop now or I will have to report you.. thats right. I AM GONNA TELL YOUR DAD!!

Exhibit E: To my sweet 5 year old little boy. Creepy crawlies that are outside are best left outside. Mommy is a whimp... she doesn't want to be friends with your new pet please do not bring it in the house and please do not smuggle it in to the house in your pockets, the pocket full of worms last spring was not a fun surprise in the laundry.

Exhibit F: Two year old beautiful daughter. I do your hair every day because it amuses Mommy. Please stop taking your hair out five minutes after it is done. I promise when you guys finally send me over the edge you can make me wear the bows ok?

Please guys if you are going to make me cuckoo for cocoa puffs, at least let me give me fair warnings so I can start leaving messages around as to which mental hospital I want to go to.

Thanks in advance-

love Mom

"When I was your age" Wednesday

2010-03-03T08:18:00.000-08:00

I have been trying to think of a theme, and the bottom line is I am not creative enough to make a pretty graphic. That being said I have decided to go with "When I was your age...." If you want to join in, feel free if not just read along (Again, I won't know. .I am not creative enough for Mr Linky lol I am so pathetic)

When I was your age....

The cost of milk and gasoline did not constantly flip flop to see which was more expensive.

When I was your age...

I did not spend 8 hours a day in front of a TV or a video game, instead we were outside playing kick the can or Red Rover.

When I was your age...

the video game I had came with one stick on the controller and one button, and we LIKED it that way!!

When I was your age...

Barbie had one house and one car, that was it...now Barbie has more accessories than Bill Gates

When I was your age...

if kids got in to fights they used their hands and their voices.. Never did you hear of someone being shot in school.

When I was your age...

you could make a phone call for a quarter and buy a stamp for a quarter.

When I was your age...

We didnt worry about global warming or the ozone layer (we have proof I used about a can of aqua net a week.. my hair NEVER moved)

When I was your age...

Sunday was for family time and friends understood if you called during Sunday dinner I would not be talking to you until the following week.

When I was your age...

I didn't worry about paying bills or where the money came from I just knew Mom and Dad had it under control

When I was your age..

I did not question my parents when told No, I just understood that the argument was over and to slowly walk away... s l o w l y

When I was your age...

we supported our military, respected our flag, and even if we did not agree with our President we had respect for him and the job he was doing.

When I was your age...

it was ok to use your imagination, it was ok to be creative, and if nothing else it was expected and praised!

Ok. I know there are more than these.. WAY WAY WAY more, but these are mine. What can you add?

Almost Wordless Wednesday

2010-03-03T06:33:00.000-08:00

I have been putting a lot of time into figuring out what I wanted to use for this post, mostly because I have over 4000 pictures on my computer from the past year and a half. The thing is, the picture I took that i am going to use is one from this weekend, and the reason this is my choice is because to me it says something about being little. So here is my pic for today:

This is my daughter Emily and my friends daughter Dasha they are four months apart and while they really do not see each other as often as we like, when they get together all they care about is spending time with each other. While neither girl talks a TON they both talk enough to get their point across to each other. They are easily best girlfriends and I love that about them. They just giggle and giggle. Even when they are laying down, they can be exhausted but instead of sleep we get this:

See? This is something that will last I hope for a long time. Even just now as I am typing this Emily came over and saw the pic and said "awwww" . :o)~ Sweet girls. I hope they both remember this for years to come!

Post it Note Tuesday

2010-03-02T05:00:00.000-08:00

The genuis that is Supah Mommy has created this, and I have to say I was REALLY looking forward to it all week, so without futher adieu here they are:

So if you go to Adventures of WannaBe SupahMommy: Post It Note Tuesday: What Will You Say Today? You can find more info but this one is just too fun not to join in on!!

Not Me Monday

2010-03-01T07:27:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

I did NOT curse the alarm clock this morning because the idea of getting out of bed was not making me feel happy.

I did not take pictures of my daughter in Rabbit ears this weekend because its soo cute

and i certainly did not do it to my friends daughter cause if one is cute two is cuter

I did NOT get told that Toy Story 3 comes out on June 10, 2010 and we HAVE to go see it "only in theaters MOM" because my five year old did not spend this weekend watching TV.

We did NOT spend the better half of our Saturday in DMV because we had to take care of stuff and nobody would wait til the end of the month well except the other 300 people who were there with us.

I did NOT witness my husband taking pictures of me on the Wii Active the other day because he does not have a death wish.

And if he did I would not put it up on Not Me Monday because this is NOT Me because I don't look that bad working on the Wii Active I swear

I did NOT barely sleep Saturday night because Emily was in a mood which than in turn made the rest of us crabby on Sunday well except Emily because she slept in.

I did not have someone call me from a private number, answer the phone find out it was a wrong number and still talk to them for five minutes. Yep, I am special.

And Finally, I did not create a new WW dessert this weekend using chocolate cake, light cherry pie filling, and seltzer (only) because hey I wanted chcolate covered cherries without the points! ok that one I Did because I just rock like that :o)~

So what did you NOT do? tell me I wanna know!!

Scenes from the Asylum

2010-02-28T16:15:00.000-08:00

Now, I realize that referring to my household as an Asylum and I should be horribly ashamed. However, I am sure you have heard me state on numerous occasions that I have six children, my sixteen year old son has his girlfriend living with us, so that means seven kids, four of which are teenagers, one who is a preteen and has mastered the "you are so stooopid look", a five year old and a two year old. Yep, its an asylum.

Heard from Chuck: "I liked the second Twilight better because it has more man parts" LMAO Ok let's review, my husband is straight. I swear. This was sad because he was trying to point out to a good friend of ours that he preferred the second Twilight because it had more action. Ok that works.. don't worry Chuck we believe you :oP

Heard from the Oldest to her brother: "Run upstairs and get my purse" This is met with a "Why?" To which she replies "Because you want to!" of course this was news to said brother but hey now he knows huh?

Heard from the five year old "Mom I don't like Baby sauce" I said "David its apple sauce and you like apples" he replies "Yes but I like apples that don't look like they've been run over by a car Mom" Ah ok good point. .. but eat your apple sauce.

Heard from the over dramatic twelve year old to her brother "No, you can't sit there I am sitting in the princess chair" To which the question is asked "Why does it matter" Before she can reply David replies "Its not like you wear a crown" Game set match David.

See, this is how the weekend goes here.. people say stuff, I mentally write it down. I am risking life and limb for you guys ya know, my husband took pictures of me working out with the Wii Active today but he won't post them.. Right honey? um.. Right??

Letters of intent.

2010-02-27T13:48:00.000-08:00

These are the letters I would write to different people, seasons, etc if I could. Why? because they annoy me and this is how i would tell them off:

Dear Winter-

While you and I both knew you needed to show up because the calendar said so, your stay has been too long. You may take this as your two weeks notice that I am severing my relationship with you. Please pack up your cold winds, and everything else and take them somewhere else... I hear Florida is looking for you.

XOXO-
Me
---------------------
Dear Teenagers-

I know you think that you are not required to pick up towels off the bathroom for, because that requires bending and that is too hard for you. Therefore I will leave you a roll of paper towels in the bathroom for you to use after your shower until further notice. Good luck!

Love
Mom
----------------------
Dear Fast Food people and your damn commercials--

Kiss my ass I am not eating a 28 point Big Mac.. so there! Nor will I try your new Monster omelet or the new 16 point burrito.. I am talking to you TACO BELL!! Yep, go ahead and show your commercials they have no effect on me :oP

Sincerely,
Your former friend.
-----------------

Dear TV shows this year:

All of you, I am disappointed. Really.. Conan loses the Tonight show, True Blood goes on a 9 month hiatus and now I hear that Pam Anderson is going to be on Dancing with the stars? What is this world coming to? Please try and do better next year.

Still watching
----------------------

Dear Informercials at 3 AM-

When i turn on the TV you are supposed to entertain me, not make me wonder why the hell I would want want a BowFlex at 3 AM, I am not interested in sweating to the Oldies with Richard Simmons version 510. Please find new products that entertain... the guy who does the Amwayish real estate one is creepy.. just sayin'

Me

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Dear guy in traffic with the hot car picking your nose.

The car was hot, the shades looked good, and you were golden. . til you dug for gold. That's disgusting.. GROW up!

Yep, I mean it
Me

"Do you know...."

2010-02-26T05:39:00.000-08:00

Ok, so we have all been in that place, you head out somewhere and a life toucher (usually my husband and I am SO sorry about that!!) strikes up a conversation with you. Part of it is that my mother is a good woman who taught me to be polite, so since I am so polite normally when a life gets touched (or is being touched) I stay in the conversation. Look, I can't help it.. its my genetic make up to be social. Really..which makes me question why my husband is because well his parents aren't exactly social. (seriously.. they have seen David twice and Emily once... yea pathetic I know! but that is a WHOLE different story)....

Anyways, So you go out and you are caught in this conversation where at one point you hear "So where are you from?" I normally reply the Northern Virginia area, mostly because even though I am a Army brat I lived in 7 different areas, by 10 I had more stamps in my passport than most grown ups. (yea I know. .I hate me too) Dang what is with my shiny object syndrome today?? Ugh.. ok so We get caught up in where are you from.. blah blah blah. I have had at least on more than one occasion someone look at me and say "oh do you know the Smiths they live in Springfield?" Now, while I may know the Smith's they are speaking of. Can we review the fact that um that is 1) not a uncommon name 2) chances are slim that the Smiths lived in Springfield when I did (over 20 years ago)

Normally, I just smile and tell them "gee I am not sure I do know them" and that is good enough. I had one lady who decided she was going to make sure i KNEW the family. "but they live on such and such" Do you know where that is. "yes I know where Rolling Road is, and I would bet there are probably at least 30 Smiths on that road" but I smile and still try to desperately get away. Finally, as this poor woman's anxiety attack is about to hit an all time high, I give in. Yep, OH you mean the Smith's... from Rolling Road. Of course I know them" The woman and I than talk about how nice they are, and than with a smile on her face she turns on her heels and walks away. Probably to call the Smiths and tell them about their lovely friend she just met.

Sighs. I know I know its wrong, but what do you do? When approached by someone who will not relent? Are sure you know the family they are talking about? Do you give in? Is it like when the Jehovah's Witnesses come to the house? And all you want them to do is go away so you open the door holding a glass of wine and ask if they are interested in a mid day cocktail (ok it was just this once but they were driving me NUTS) Seriously though.. I can't be alone in this boat.. right? Right??

Things that make you go hmmm....

2010-02-25T17:04:00.001-08:00

Why is it that when you are extremely tired you can't fall asleep but when you are wide awake you could sleep for hours?

Why is it bananas can go from green to yellow to brown in 2 days unless you want to make banana bread than they hold onto that yellow as if it was for dear life?

Why is it that before the Olympics occur you are anxious for them to come but by the middle of week two you want to know when the damn things will end and you will get your TV shows back?

Why is it that two pairs of jeans that are the same size NEVER fit the same way?

Why is it that when your teenage daughter borrows something from you and swears when you get it back it will be the exact same it never is?

Why is it that nothing feels better than a fresh hair cut? AWESOME!

Why is that the last five minutes before you wake up are the shortest five minutes in the world but when you cat nap on the couch five minutes feels like 8 hours of sleep?

Why is it that when your kid is in trouble every teacher in the building will call you .. twice.. but when they do something amazing they send home a note?

Why is it that Sportscasters for most sports have to yell to get their point across but the guys who do prissy sports whisper so low you can't hear them?

Why is it that a 2 year old can find the one thing you do not want them to have?

And finally..

Why is it that someone will want to debate something until you hit a nerve and than they want to bail on the conversation....

You might be a housewife if.....

2010-02-24T08:18:00.001-08:00

You might be a housewife if your best shoes are flat and comfortable and your two year old now owns all your old pumps.

You might be a housewife if you have a pile of "at home" tshirts and "dressy" tshirts.

You might be a housewife if you can pay the bills, bathe and dress the baby, and write a grocery list all while on the phone with a telemarketer as you explain NO you really don't want to go visit their resort unless they want you to bring all your kids. (funny when you say "6.. and the youngest is 2" how fast they hang up)

You might be a housewife if a successful day involves nobody throwing up, nobody having any kind of explosion and not hearing the phrase "Moooommmm... come here, you've GOT to see this" :::::shutters too many times. .don't ask:::::

You might be a housewife if you can clean the house in less than an hour and can shower, shave your legs and have your hair done in less than 20 minutes ( I am an expert.. don't try this at home)

You might be a housewife if you can plan a week's worth of menus out of five days worth of meal staples because you got this and pay day is on day five.

You might be a housewife if you have ever glared at someone who had the nerve to ask you with doe eyes "Yes but what do you for a job?" Seriously walk a mile in my shoes..

You might be a housewife if you have found something truly disgusting on the floor just wiped it up and not asked questions, because hey chances are it was left for you in the first place.

You might be a housewife if you have planned and packed for a vacation with precision in less than 5 days because you are just that gifted.

You might be a housewife if you have packed up a house and moved your entire family, set up a new house all within the blink of an eye and before the new neighbors ask "when did you move in?"

You might be a housewife if you have a list of Blogs you have to read daily, Facebook you have to maintain, and numerous other activities but still have time to make lunch, plan dinner, take care of the kids because you are super Mom (just no capes.. I have seen the Incredibles!)

So the next one.. fill it in...

You might be a housewife if............

Worldless Wednesday (well almost)

2010-02-24T04:31:00.000-08:00

I have seen this posted on countless blogs, the idea of posting a picture that to you leaves no words. It is some miraculious aww inspiring photo that just makes you go "oooooo yeeeeaaa" and today it is Wednesday and today well, I am in need of spring/summer. This winter (while NOTHING compared to Nothern Virginia where my mom lives and has had by the last count I heard 57 inches of snow and are due for more today... I really think that Mother Nature is mad about something and they all just need to start writing 1000 times each "I will not piss off Mother Nature" We have had rain.. so much rain in fact that I feel like everytime its getting bad someone is gonna yell Tsnuami!! No we are not that close to the water but damn.

So my almost wordless Wednesday post is this:

Is she kidding? Nope, shes not. That is my warped sense of humor and I find my then 4 year old peeing in the Chesapeake Bay on March 10, 2009 to be hilarious and it is the pinnacle of spring to me. Why because that means we are only about 2 weeks from Spring in my mind. Wooohooo and also because well it makes me laugh. And today I am overtired and my glee matters.. to me :o)~

and I am gonna add this, no its not spring or summer in this picture.. it was February and snowing. But we were at Great Wolf lodge and this makes me smile too. This shows me that summer will involve alot of swimming cause my fishies love it!!

And finally this, no this has nothing to do with spring or summer.. I just think little girls who let me do Pigtails are adorable! :o)~ oooh wait.. do they do pigtail bows? does anyone know??

There you have it my Wordless Wednesday (Well almost). Hope everyone has a good day and I hope spring is gonna sprung for you (and me) soon!! :o)~

XOXOX

Beautiful blogger award... for me??

2010-02-23T07:56:00.000-08:00

Cybil over at A Big Pot Of Crazy who found me through another friends blog, gave me the Beautiful blogger award (a few days ago.. I am so sorry I am so late in thanking you!! Geesh I stink. .but in my defense.. its been a bumpy few days) Thank you so much for the award and thank you for reading my blog, sometimes I think its mostly cheap therapy and while people are out there who would want to read what I write? (don't worry its not blogger bipolar just curiousity I promise!!)

•Be polite, say thank you to the blogger that gave this to you & give 'em a linkback.
•Pass it on to about fifteen (or another creative number.. I added this lol) other beautiful bloggers that you've recently discovered.
•Link 'em.
•Notify 'em.
•Say seven things about yourself

I have 7 blogs I am going to pass this award to

A Thorn Among Roses-- her blog is always interesting, and her story is great. It is a great read and always inspiring.

Are Muffins Just Ugly Cupcakes?--if the title doesn't get you.. reading the blog will hook you in! She is such a great writer and always a good read!

Crystal said what??--although its been shortly less than forever since she blogged (*cough hint hint cough*) her blog is great!!

Diary of an Infertile Mad Woman--brutally honest wonderfully real. Sometimes she breaks your heart but only because her's is breaking as well. Great blog.

Grammy Girlfriend--I really enjoy this blog, it is fun to read and I think in person we would be friends lol

My Ice Cream Diary--whats not to love about a blogger who on her side bar tells you about her favorite ice creams? She is such a great blogger to read and so funny!

Wayne's Window to the World--What can I say about Wayne? He is a great guy from England who blogs about his life, his faith, and his love for his girlfriend Jenn. I love reading his blog, and his latest about how he surprised her on Valentine's day is AMAZING!!

So there you have it.. my awards.. now seven things about me:

1) I am obsessed with Winnie the Pooh, I have a Pooh shelf and I adore that teddy bear! :o)~

2) I have not had a Dr Pepper since January 4, 2010 if you know me you know that is a huge deal. I used to drink about 5 a day and while I miss the taste I don't miss what it was doing to my body.

3) This week my son Matthew would have turned 20, and for some reason it was so terribly hard. I explained it to a friend by saying "its not his birthday that bothers me, its the What ifs" What if he lived what would he be doing now? Loss of a child is something I would wish on nobody.

4) Wii Active's trainers need to be taken outside somewhere hog tied and beaten but that is just my personal opinion.

5) I am hopelessly in love with my husband.. I am not kidding. And I think it gets worse every year, he does so much for me and is possibly the most selfless person I know. And that is just damn sexy. (PS he has great arms too!)

6) I secretly want to be a writer but I do not think I have the talent for it. and I just can't see that anyone will want to read what I write.. low self esteem who me?

7) I am in love with the Hungry girl and most of her recipes, good for you food that tastes good.. yep she rocks my socks!!

Ok that's it.. those of you who have been awarded.. pass it on!!

Post it note Tuesday! Stick em up!

2010-02-23T06:03:00.000-08:00

So this is new to me, but SupahMommy put this up and I found it on Rebecca's blog (I swear I am NOT a stalker! ok just a blog stalker!) anyways...Its too good to resist. So here are my little love notes for the day:

So if you go to Adventures of WannaBe SupahMommy: Post It Note Tuesday: What Will You Say Today? You can find more info but this one is just too fun not to join in on!!

Until Later!

Not Me Monday

2010-02-22T07:24:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

It has been forever since I have done one of these, and well I am feelin saucy today so why not? This is where you tell people what you certainly did NOT do (but you did).. so are we ready?

I did not let me son go out of the house today wearing socks with pumpkins and witches on them because at 8:15 you pick your battles, if you are dressed and clean and on time. SCORE! Nope not me though..

I did NOT eat an extra 2 points worth of tagalongs (ok its only 2 more cookies but still) because well I needed chocolate.

I did NOT get paid back for it though when my stomach was torn up an hour later.. how uncool that the stuff I used to fill my body with now my body fights off when I NEED it.. sheesh!!

I did NOT find David in the bathroom singing his ABC's while peeing and I am pretty sure writing each letter in the toilet as he sang them (You get the visual.. please don't make me explain) Fun stuff..

I did NOT have to remind the Older boys (Again) that if you sprinkle when you tinkle please be neat and wipe the seat.. do they ever learn??

I did NOT tell my kids my husband and I were going to a baseball meeting when we went instead to dinner with my BFF to celebrate our friendiversary because let's face it, there will be TONS of baseball meetings but Mel's really busy who knows when the next dinner would be?

I did NOT sit down and gush over Twiglight with Stephanie, Mary and Crystal this weekend because I am an adult and who would gush over such a thing??

I did NOT yell at my husband this morning because his alarm clock was annoying me to have him inform me "Its your alarm clock" Whoopsie.

And finally...

I did NOT go to bed on Saturday night secretly celebrating that when my ex husband who was down visiting for the weekend and Stephanie had pizza he had orderd that I did not take even ONE bite! wait.. Oh YES I DID!! :o)~ that one I am taking credit for.. so what did you not do? Come on tell us we won't judge!

Dirty Laundry Sunday

2010-02-21T17:44:00.000-08:00

My friend Rebecca over at Letters from Crazyville (a mom on the edge) started a new fun Sunday thing. Dirty Secrets--Laundry day. I love it. So now we get to air our dirty secrets... I had to think through all of mine... Let's face it I am a mother of six.. boy do I have dirty laundry.

Thinking.. thinking.. ah! and than it hit me....

When Stephanie was 5 years old she found a turtle outside, this thing was just not one of those "sanitary items" you want to have around. Basically I would pretty much have any other pet but this turtle. So while she was at school, we helped it to the local pond. Freeing him back to nature, it was a good deed and even more importantly it was OUT of my house!!

That afternoon she came home searching high and low for the turtle.. in a moment of panic we told her it ran away. Ok. .let's think about this. Even if the turtle had "run away" it would not have made it that far. So when she came in to tell us how much she LOVED her turtle I felt so guilty we did the ultimate in pet sacrifice.. we bought her a puppy.

Oh but see that's a whole another set of dirty laundry for next week. In the meantime... if you have't already clicked the link to read Rebecca's blog do it now!! she's just plain awesome!!

Mysteries Moms face.....

2010-02-19T18:36:00.000-08:00

Ya know, I read friends blogs and sometimes I giggle and sometimes I cringe and sometimes I just have to shake my head and say "been there.. done that.. own the tshirt" So today's topic boys girls, Moms Dads, children of all ages (really? Go to bed... you should not be reading this!!)

Mysteries Moms face 1: MOM, this tastes gross! Try it!! as they shove a fork at you. Let's be clear. If you don't like it and you are willing to eat playdoh, paste, and assorted other odd items please do not push it towards my face and tell me to taste it. This really should not be a mystery but well it is.

Mysteries Moms face 2: How come we send 20 socks in the washer, put 20 socks in the dryer and we get 4 socks out. Where do the socks go? Is there a special place in Hell for people to match up odd socks? If so can I nominate some people to go there? Please?

Mysteries Moms face 3: Shopping for a week's worth of food on less than a normal budget. Yep, been there done that. But man can I shop. I walk into BJ's armed with my coupons, I shop and they check me out. The cashiers cringe because they know, oh yea they know.. the dollar signs in my eyes are there for a reason .. I am JUST that good. (most of the time)

Mysteries Moms face 4: How come kids think you can teleport all over the place? Mom I have baseball! Mom I have to go to the Library! Mom I want to go to the Dance. MOM! MOM MOM! See this one I can answer.. I just look at them all and call sweetly... "Chuuuccccckkkkyyyyy" Thank Goodness he comes :o)~

Mysteries Moms face 5: Toilet paper and the bathroom. You use the last of it, is replacin it that hard? I know we just had this conversation two blogs ago but for the LOVE of God!! Replace the toilet paper. (Also see: If you sprinkle when you tinkle please be neat and wipe the seat)

Now there are more than just these, trust me. But for argument sake and future blogs (HAHA! that means you gotta come back :oP nah nah nah nee booboo!!) I am gonna stop it here.. but tell me. .what mysteries do you face as a Mom :o)~

Checking in.

2010-02-17T05:19:00.000-08:00

Hello? Are you still here? Well if you are I am sorry. I owe you an apology, see life has gotten in the way lately. I have been consumed by Weight Watchers and The Hungry Girl and well my desire to let that not as big plus size girl out. So here I am. I didn't want to overwhelm you guys with all that. Who wants to read about weight loss right? AH maybe you do? Well (shameless plug warning ahead) Fighting the fatty is the new blog I can be found out. But since I am here today and not necessarily needing to toot my own horn (37 lbs!! shut up really? Yes!! Sorry I am back) So let's review the past month in casa de la Tricia aka the looney bin:

Chuck- Still works his tail off has become the most amazingly supportive husband, ok he always has been but in the past month he has come through in ways people willl NEVER know. He works his tail off and i don't think we as a family thank him enough. Thanks Chucky :o)~ (oh and Valentines day was AWESOME!)

Stephanie- Sighs. She is having it rough she is 18, full of teenage angst and so much more.. Sometimes I feel so bad for her but I just don't know how to open the Pandora's box that is her mind.

Danny- his girlfriend Crystal lives with us she is a sweet girl but at times I think she is a lost soul. I think Danny is good for her, and I think she is good for Danny. He has grown up in the past few months and I think he has left a pretty great guy in the rubble of the guy he was before.

AJ- yep, its baseball season. Yep, he's ready. Is there more to say or does that cover it?

Mary I would like to publicly apologize to my mother and father for every rotten thing I ever did. Don't worry those words "I hope you have a daughter JUST like you" are coming back to bite me in the butt. Thanks! :o)~ Seriously.. Mary is tempermental and at times mean. But other times you can look at her and see she is just so consumed by herself she doesnt know how to break out of this box that is her life. Hopefully she will find the key to open it soon.

David-- that little boy is a pistol. He will say stuff that is so far from left field that makes you want to stop and say "wait...do what?" Humor is his strong suit. and for a little boy who seemed so "unteachable" by his school last year, he has proved them all wrong this year. GOOD for him huh?

Emily-cuteness wrapped in a bow and has daddy wrapped around her pinky. :o)~

Me-I am on this awesome journey I have lost weight I work out and I feel better than I have in years! I am proud of myself for conquering my fears of the unknown, not knowing if I could do this and proving to many who doubted me and myself that I can. Each week brings new goals and so far I am hitting them. Pretty awesome huh?

So whats new with you? tell me! I wanna know!!

Erma Bombeck?

2010-01-17T03:09:00.000-08:00

A very good friend of our families, recently told me that I should write a book about life and things I know. That I write with humor and have flair like Erma Bombeck. Now, if you know me. You know that this, aside from "have you lost weight?" (yes, btw 16 pounds since December 30th!!!! Can I get a woot woot?? Sorry.. my bad shiny object syndrome.. I am back). As I was saying if you know me, you know being compared to Erma Bombeck, is similiar to a Mommy blogger being compared to MckMama with her wit, awesome mommyness etc. Being compared to Erma Bombeck is like Rachel Ray being compared to Julia Child. Being compared to Erma Bombeck is like saying David Wright could very easily be the next Babe Ruth(baseball reference because we are only 32 days from spring training.. WOOT WOOT!).

You see, my goal since I have been knee high to a grasshopper (does anyone say that anymore? well I just did.. guess the answer is yes than huh?) has been to be a writer. Not about anything more than my family or my life, just the idea of being able to write. For me, that is why I started this blog. I am in the "well, gee thats great but I kind of think I suck" mode, others can say "Wow you have a knack for this, and I think "I have who for what?" Its not that I don't think I can write.. quite the contrary I know I can write, its more the "does anyone really care what I say?

So, I got to thinking (hey!! its 6:15 am on Sunday, I went to sleep at 10 PM.. I am awake and creative... I am gonna so pay for this later today), how does one do just that? No not write a book, be so creative that people are compared to you many years past. And I got nothing. damn. I don't think when I write though. I sit at this keyboard, or any keyboard around me and I begin to type. For no other purpose than well, I can easily get out what I need to say and writing is an outlet for me. I am sad, I write. I am mad, I write (Chuck usually doesn't like those it means hes in trouble). I am proud, I write. I am happy, I write. I have read every single Erma Bombeck book, I have read her quotes and I think that in my book should be canonized like Mother Teresa. :o)~ She was just so awesome, so 2010 my year of changes, I am now going to add that I am going to try and organize my thoughts (picture a Rubik's cube, no matching sides.. yikes) and see what I can come up with.

Erma Bombeck, this wonderfully funny mother who left her mark on society with so many books and quotes, is my hero. She to me was the whole package: a mother, a comedian and a author. Awesome. I am leaving today's blog with a few quotes from her, please suck in the greatness of Erma with me, and please leave me feedback. If you think I am a talentless wit, say it.. Its ok I can take it.. :o)~

"Everyone is guilty at one time or another of throwing out questions that beg to be ignored, but mothers seem to have a market on the supply. "Do you want a spanking or do you want to go to bed?" Don't you want to save some of the pizza for your brother?" Wasn't there any change?" -- Erma Bombeck

Giving birth is little more than a set of muscular contractions granting passage of a child. Then the mother is born. -- Erma Bombeck

Graduation day is tough for adults. They go to the ceremony as parents. They come home as contemporaries. After twenty-two years of child-rearing, they are unemployed. -- Erma Bombeck

Have you any idea how many children it takes to turn off one light in the kitchen? Three. It takes one to say, "What light?" and two more to say, "I didn't turn it on." -- Erma Bombeck

Housework is a treadmill from futility to oblivion with stop offs at tedium and counter productivity. -- Erma Bombeck

How come anything you buy will go on sale next week? -- Erma Bombeck

I don't know why no one ever thought to paste a label on the toilet-tissue spindle giving 1-2-3 directions for replacing the tissue on it. Then everyone in the house would know what Mama knows. -- Erma Bombeck

See, how brilliant she is? Although I had to chuckle at the last one. In my house when I head to the bathroom and find the toilet paper not on the roll, I open the door and summon the entire group (yes all 7) to the bathroom. I hold in my right hand the roll of TP in my left I hold the toilet paper holder. I place it on and insert ooohs and ahhhs as needed. My kids and husband roll their eyes and leave telling me "they got it" and usually for the next week they do. After that however the statute of limitations runs up and they all forget. It is like ice cubes. Have you ever noticed that the recipe for ice cubes is a closely guarded secret? I know! I always thought it was just water too!! But my kids, well my kids have shown me i am wrong. If it was something that easily surely they would do it, right? Right? Ok please someone tell me I am right.

Tips to Fixing things...

2010-01-15T06:01:00.000-08:00

Growing up, I was taught by my grandfather if you needed to fix anything you only needed one tool. A hammer. No, I am not kidding. That is what he used. If something needed to be fixed, Grandpa headed for his hammer. Didn't matter what it was...the Hammer was his tool of choice. There was one day, my Nana caught him heading out to fix the car with his trusty hammer and a block of wood. Needless to say Nana detered him, what a good idea huh? But alas more "tools of the trade" have come about in recent years so lets review some shall we?

For my darling husband Chuck, his tool of the trade is a Gerber, no not this one:

This one:

This is what he uses because it has pretty much every gadget known to man on it. Personally, I am just waiting for the one to come out that makes coffee. This tool, unlike Grandpa's hammer really does fix close to everything. Chuck is definitely a master of the tool sect, although he does have less accidents than this guy and no TV show:

There are however other tools of the trade, and I would like to take a minute to discuss them and their importance. Shall we? The first one I am going to talk about is the staple gun. Something falls off the wall, if its flat go for the staple gun. Its quick its fast, and its LOUD it tells that item you mean business. Thats right a staple gun. Thump thump and its up.

If you are missing your hammer, as we are often in this house (I truly believe my Grandfathers spirit keeps stealing it to fix things in Heaven or who knows maybe here on Earth, who knows what job God gave him huh?) So I will reach for a shoe. Yep thats right. I could not find my staple gun a few weeks ago, so I went for the hammer.. nope. no hammer.. so instead it was me, a nail, my new calendar and a shoe. But you can bet your butt my calendar is hanging up ;o)~ Yep, the shoe (not this one. its too fancy)

Super glue, break a nail.. super glue fixes it. Break something that has significant value or at least personal value.. super glue can fix it. Have a kid who won't shut up.. wait.. no that one doesn't work.. but hey it sounded good.. rough morning sorry! **editors note: I would never use super glue to shut up one of my children, or anyone elses.. however stupid celebrities and people who say dumb stuff like Haiti deserved to get an Earthquake we should use superglue... or....

DUCT TAPE!! How I LOVE Duct tape!! Duct tape can seal and fix anything!! we used to call Chucks old Ship the USS Duct Tape because when the ship had a hole in it the hole was covered with duct tape and painted over. Yea you wish i was kidding. I am pretty sure the US Navy keeps Duct tape in business.. and God Bless them for it huh? And hey if nothing else.. maybe the US Navy can lend some to people who speak when they shouldn't so they can keep their big fat mouth shut! Remember, silence is golden... duct tape is silver! (And assorted other colors)

So, there you have it.. some tools of the trade. What do you use? What did I forget? Let me know!!

The Flu...

2010-01-13T10:01:00.001-08:00

So 2010, has been off to a bit of a bumpy start. While somethings have been going swimmingly others have been eh. And now we enter...scary music...the FLU!! EEK! I had hoped to avoid this, no I didn't get the shot. I just hoped. :o)~ Oops. Wanna see something pathetic?

Mary looks thrilled huh? lol

Emily laying with her big sister, she went through five pairs of PJ's

First it was David, came home from school....and well I won't be graphic but you got it.. then it was Chuck.. same story....followed by AJ, Stephanie, Emily, Mary, Crystal (Danny's girlfriend), and Danny. Me? I am holding on.. the knot at the end of my rope.. I just gotta keep the guy who is holding the match under it away. I keep blowing it out :oP. Wish me luck!! I am hoping not to look like this guy.