Did you think I forgot...

Did you really think that I would let too much time go by without discussing the Dancing with the Stars finale? I may have hurt my arm but my brain still works :-) And before we begin I do have to tell you that I STILL have not watched the tivo'd episode of DWTS where my Marvelous Mario makes an appearance - I KNOW - maybe something has affected my brain!

So about that finale. Kristy Yamagochi was the easy win - I don't know that there was any real contest even from the beginning. I do think she had an unfair advantage. She was used to performing in front of a crowd under pressure in skimpy outfits and she knows how to execute a lift. BIG things. But what she did lack was passion. I never saw any passion from her. I never had that much fun watching her dance. She never excited any emotion in me. So although technically good - emotionally - heh. Actually I don't think any of the couples had much chemistry between them this season. That was kind of disappointing. I think what really makes great dancing is the passion and chemistry. But maybe that's just me... So those are my thoughts on the win but let's talk about the really important stuff like why that Edita (is that how you spell her name) chick can only afford half a wardrobe. Have you noticed how she wears the skimpiest costumes week after week. Even during rehearsals she is barely dressed. Interesting. Although maybe if I had her body I'd flaunt it too :-) And then there was Tony and Marissa. I really liked them and I really wanted to see the chemistry but instead it was more like watching a brother and sister. BORING. Oh speaking of Tony - have you seen that movie with Richard Gere and Jennifer Lopez (I think it is called May I Have this Dance or something like that) anyway, did you see my guy Tony in that movie? He was one of the dancing contest participants - just a little useless trivia - feel free to use this in the future to impress your friends and family :-)

Okay I've got to go. My wrist is killing me. Have I mentioned how happy I will be to throw this brace out the window? It's cramping my style.

TTFN...

Oh Oh Oh - the name of the movie with Rich & Jen is Shall We Dance so there you go.

Highlights of a birthday...

It's that time again, time for two of my babies to take another step forward into the real world. It makes me happy. It makes me sad. It makes me nostalgic. I makes me share pictures. :-)

Birthday - One Year




Birthday - Two Years




Birthday - Three Years




Birthday - Four Years




Birthday - Five Years - 2008




Okay now if you excuse me I need to go find some little girls - their mommy needs a snuggle!

You know I am pretty much an open book...

well at least about the things I want to talk about. The thing about me is the more I feel something, the more passionate and emotional I am about a topic, the more protective I am and I become less and less likely to talk about that topic. Do you know what I mean?

There is one topic that I am very protective about and rarely discuss, and that is what it is like to be the mother of a child with a disability. It isn’t that I am ashamed of my son, or that I haven’t accepted Down Syndrome as part of our life it’s just that I don’t always know how I feel about this subject – until I view it through another mother’s heart. I was at the girls’ Mother’s Day Tea at their pre-school (creating all kinds of hubbub with people wondering what I had done to my arm) and there were a few children performing who had special needs.



As I watched those children I couldn’t help remembering how it feels to watch your child who is a little different from the rest. It is such a bittersweet experience. There is the joy and love you feel as a parent watching your child participating and being part of the moment but there is also the sorrow of knowing how much harder that child has to try. How much harder that child will have to work for the rest of their lives. How their life is such a dramatically different experience than anything you have ever known. Sometimes it makes my mother’s heart weep for my son and all children with special needs. Life shouldn’t have to be so hard for any child. And you know I have empathy for my son but never pity because although life is different for him in some ways it is much greater when it comes to the things that really matter, like happiness and love and joy without jealousy or deceit or corruption and that my friends is a good thing – a very good thing.

So there you go, I’ve spoken. I’ll leave you with this poem by Emily Perl Kingsley who has a grown son with Down Syndrome.

Welcome To Holland
by Emily Perl Kingsley
I am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with a
disability - to try to help people who have not shared that unique experience to
understand it, to imagine how it would feel. It's like this......When
you're going to have a baby, it's like planning a fabulous vacation trip - to
Italy. You buy a bunch of guide books and make your wonderful plans. The
Coliseum. The Michelangelo David. The gondolas in Venice. You
may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It's all very exciting.After
months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your bags
and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The stewardess comes
in and says, "Welcome to Holland.""Holland?!?" you say. "What do you mean
Holland?? I signed up for Italy! I'm supposed to be in Italy. All my
life I've dreamed of going to Italy."But there's been a change in the flight
plan. They've landed in Holland and there you must stay.The important
thing is that they haven't taken you to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place,
full of pestilence, famine and disease. It's just a different place.So you
must go out and buy new guide books. And you must learn a whole new
language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never
have met.It’s just a different place. It's slower-paced than Italy, less
flashy than Italy. But after you've been there for a while and you catch
your breath, you look around.... and you begin to notice that Holland has
windmills....and Holland has tulips. Holland even has Rembrandts.But
everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy... and they're all
bragging about what a wonderful time they had there. And for the rest of
your life, you will say "Yes, that's where I was supposed to go. That's what I
had planned." And the pain of that will never, ever, ever, ever go away...
because the loss of that dream is a very very significant loss.But... if you
spend your life mourning the fact that you didn't get to Italy, you may never be
free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things ... about
Holland.* * *
©1987 by Emily
Perl Kingsley.

Is it really any surprise?

This will be my only entry for this week. I gave my own graceful performance at dance rehearsal on Friday night resulting in a trip to the ER and a severly dislocated elbow (feel free to wince here because yes it is as painful as it sounds). So I've got this cumbersome, not to mention ugly, hard/soft cast thing on my arm which leaves me one-handed, clumsy, off work for a week, frustrated and crabby. Life is good :-) When I am back to full capacity I'll give you all the details.

But still - the HoTY got pictures.

Happy May Day!

Hooray Hooray the first of May! Too bad Mother Nature hasn't noticed the date (note to self - no more talk about the weather :-)).

The kids made May Baskets last night - well they made about five and then I finished the rest - they were soooo tired. I guess gluing flowers and putting candy into little cups is very exhausting business. And who knew we'd run out of candy. I went to Sam's Club and bought a bag of the super industrial size candy assortment thinking we'd be really generous with the candy (no popcorn in the bottom of the cup to help take up the slack) but guess what - we started running out - so the generosity, not so much with the last 10 or so. I would have taken candy from the cups that runneth over but the girls would have none of that - no tampering allowed of completed "baskets". Such rule followers :-)

Short and sweet - that's today's motto!

TTFN.

Sometimes it works against me…

This super special ESP thing. Really. Just the other day I was thinking how long it had been since I heard that annoying Sheryl Crowe song. Why did I do this? I should have known better. Not only have I heard that song once since that thought but I have heard it TWICE – Friday and this morning. So that’s it – no more thinking about Sheryl Crowe – EVER. I know she is going to be upset to hear this but she just has to understand that you cannot underestimate the power of the super special ESP!

In other news let’s talk about the weather shall we? Let’s talk about the fact that I actually had tears in my eyes when I looked at the 10 day forecast because it is so dismal and cold and rainy and depressing. SERIOUSLY. When I saw that forecast my heart fell to my knees and an overwhelming sense of wanting to cry washed over me. I’m so sick of this CRAPPY WEATHER and I can’t do a thing about it. Do you think Mother Nature knows Sheryl Crowe? Maybe it’s a conspiracy to ruin my day for the next fifteen years :-) Okay - okay so I’m a little dramatic this morning but this weather really is depressing me beyond all reason. Maybe I need a vacation…

That’s it. I’m out. Nothing left to say and really I need to run to the bathroom and wipe the mascara smears from under my eyes before someone thinks my cat died or something – it might be a little hard to explain that I am crying over the weather…

Why do I feel like the weather…

I know, what a weird statement, but it’s true. Don’t you ever feel like the weather? Happy and bright and full of energy on the sunny warm days and sluggish and crabby on the cold winter days? Well today it is gray and raining and that is exactly how I feel – gray and raining, which is just my clever way of saying I feel all weepy today. Who knows why. God knows I don’t. It could be the weather, it could be the sad blog I’ve been reading, it could be bad hair, or short pants, or spilled milk. Pick your theme I can make the tears flow for any of them *sigh*

Okay, moving on… the girls have been planning their birthday for months and have finally decided on a Little Mermaid theme – or at least Syd has settled on the mermaid. There has been much lobbying and coercing from her to convince Lauren that Ariel is “THE” theme for the year. Lauren has decided it can work for her, she goes with the flow like that, just as long as there is a plan and she gets to make some of the important decisions like what color the balloons should be and how high they should float.. Of course all this planning on their part has required them to cut things out of the party catalogs that show up in the mail at regular intervals. You know, just in case I would happen to forget what the theme is going to be. All this cutting means thousands of little pieces of paper are all over my house because cutting anything requires the extra curricular activity of making confetti out of any remaining paper scraps – what a super activity – I highly recommend it to anyone who likes to vacuum oh I don’t know 40-50 times a day… . AND along with the paper confetti I am also finding grass clippings (yes, I said GRASS CLIPPINGS) in the house, all over the house which is the result of a nature class they took about a week ago. They planted pots of grass seed which have since sprouted and grown. This growing seems to require daily “mowing”. Nice. Oh well at least they are having fun and really how long can the grass live anyway???

So that’s it. It’s not exactly crying over mermaids but something like that...

TTFN…

I'll be back...

to write more later - well maybe not later - maybe tomorrow but I'll be back. BUT I listed several new things in my Etsy shop. I really like the "FAMILY" one I did - great colors! So if you have a chance take a look and let me know what you think - and you know I'm always looking for new ideas... Glitter Me!

Oh and I do have one more thing to say - the Hoe Down Hee Haw number on Dancing With The Stars - SUCKED! And one other thing. That Shane chick on The Bachelor might be crazy but I've decided she comes by it naturally after seeing her mom. Actually she, Shane, seemed more normal than usual last night and I'm thinking she probably only sees her dad about oh once every five years considering how uncomfortable they seemed with each other - but he does seem to acknowledge he is/was a smuck.

Okay that's it. I'm done. Really. Nothing more to say. Well except maybe have a good day and drive safe and don't take candy from strangers or offer rides to hitch hikers or forget to put on clean underwear - you know all that useful advice...

Jury Duty...

Jury duty. I’ve been called for Jury Duty. Do you think blogging about it will dismiss me? I’ve never been called for jury duty before. I’m not even sure what I’m supposed to do. I mean sure I got a card with instructions and a number to call but do you really think I read it all that well? I’ll have to be on the hunt to find the information the night before I’m supposed to call because really why would I want to be prepared when I could just wait until the last minute and then get all crabby because I can’t find what I need? I’ve got expectations to meet you know :-)

You know maybe they should start holding court cases like they do the reality talent shows (American Idol, Dancing with the Stars, etc.). The trial could be televised. The lawyers, the defendants, the criminals and whoever else is involved in this court room drama stuff could all give their performances and then the public could register their vote. Maybe the judge could be – well you know the judge and his vote would carry 50% of the weight. What do you think? At least it would do away with the jury and then I wouldn’t have to be worried about trying to find that darn card with the information I need!

Call - Vote - NOW

For Marissa and Tony. I know they aren't the best but I like her, she's really trying and I really like Tony. So call, vote - really. I just wish I felt more excited about one of these couples. Other than Tony and Marissa, I'm just not feeling anything strong one way or another. Could I be becoming mellow? Man I hope not, sometimes my passion is the only thing I've got going for me... Speaking of passion I think Tony and Marissa should have a fling. Maybe he could get her to do something about that big hair!

Speaking of dance - Saturday was dance picture day. Have you ever participated in dance picture day? It's an experience. Anyway, since I seem to be out of fresh ideas and witty comments (I can't even think of anything pithy to say about the "professional" dance moms - can you say Prima Dona) so tonight I'll leave you with pictures.

I can't look...

well maybe look isn't exactly the right word - watch would be more appropriate - I can't watch. Do you know what I am talking about? If you have been paying attention you might have an inkling but for those of you without Super Special ESP here it is - I can't watch Dancing with the Stars tonight - I just can't. Now here is the super bonus part of the post - do you know why I can't watch? Give me your best guesses and I'll send a little SPRING sign to the person with the first correct answer. Okay? You have until April 9 - 7:00 a.m. CST.

So about that dancing show. I know I haven't had much to say and that is soooo unusual - but frankly I'm underwhelmed. Kristy Yamagochi (and I don't care if it's not spelled right) has the moves but NO passion. Adam Corolla is funny (very funny) but he isn't even trying and I don't think he and Julieann (isn't that her name) really like each other very much. I like the tall football guy but he isn't knocking my socks off or anything and I like the Hairspray chick but she isn't knocking my socks off either. I think she needs to put herself out there more. The other Mario is okay but again, no socks flying for him either. So do you get the picture here? No one is doing it for me. But at least the voting seems more honest this time and we aren't having to deal with the whole Marie Osmond fiasco again. And have you seen her advertising for Slimfast and claiming she lost 40 lbs on their product? Ummmm you lost 40 lbs cause you were dancing your little toes off and really, if you would have been voted off when you should have you'd have only lost 15 - MAYBE 20. I know I know I sound bitter but I'm still not over that whole season of the Stars - Dancing - Live :-)

So that's it for today. Read. Guess. Comment. Win.

What have I created?

If you know me at all, you will know that I LOVE clothes. LOVE them. Before Children - eating not a big deal - a new outfit, that was a big deal. I know I am not unique in this but being a clothes lover and then having twin daughters was like having my prayers answered - buying cute clothes without the agony of the dressing room. It was heaven for about 3 years and then Syd grew big enough to change her own clothes and life has become a series of wardrobe changes.

At first I couldn't figure out where this came from - changing clothes 20 times a day - but then my sister was very quick to remind me that I had taught her this behavior since I changed the girls' outfits three, four, maybe five times a day when they were babies - so many clothes so little time (don't tell the HotY I said that - he already thinks the clothes thing is a problem). So fine, maybe it is my fault but holy bananas the girl can't keep an outfit on for more than fifteen minutes. And the things she picks out. Let's just say I wish that the Little Mermaid had a Little Less influence because Ariel's wardrobe choices are not always the most appropriate! You know what I mean, you've seen her hiding behind that rock while spying on Eric - she's not wearing much! I'm not surprised he bundled her up and whisked her off to his castle - are you?!

Anyway, I'm never quite sure what Syd is going to be wearing at any given time. It could be a swimming suit, a leotard, a fairy dress, a set of seashells and a mermaid fin - you just never know. Last night when I went up to bed I checked on the little cherubs and there laid out all very nicely by the door was a raincoat opened up with a dress inside, tights underneath all tucked into the shoes. Guess what she wore today - yep! She's such a Syd.

Now Lauren is a very practical girl when it comes to clothes - one outfit a day is a good plan with appropriate attire a plus! Syd is always trying to get her to change clothes - which Lauren just ignores her - she's good at that ignoring thing especially is she is ignoring Syd. And you know what, now when I think about it, Alex is kind of a clothes guy. He likes clothes and has been known to change several times in one day. And then there was that whole garage sale clothing bin deal (small clothes, tags attached) which became his entire trousseau until I figured out where he had the thing stashed and I put it back in the garage - where it belonged!

So maybe it is my fault - but they could have worse habits - like feeding their vegetables to the dog.

TTFN...

This is no April Fool...

we have snow and ice and slush and school delays. Believe me when I say that this kind of weather in April is no laughing matter. I’m so darn irritated with Mother Nature right now. I mean really SNOW.IN.APRIL. Who thought up that swell idea?

Anyway, regardless of the snow it is April and not just any day in April but April Fools’ Day or the day better known as My Brother’s Birthday.

Happy Birthday Sean!

So because of the birthday boy April Fools’ Day was kind of a big thing in our house while growing up. Of course I teased him mercilessly about being born on Dum-Dum Day (I mean really what are older sisters for if not to make a younger siblings life miserable?) but it was only because I loved him - seriously.

Actually my brother and I are only 2 years apart and we got along pretty well if you overlook his irritation with my driving. In high school he would ride with me to school and it usually wasn’t good. Of course he thought it was all me but he was wrong. I mean it wasn’t my fault we ran out of a gas - a few times. We all know when the gas gauge says empty there’s still some gas left in there and besides sometimes we ran out of gas right in front of the gas station so how hard was that? AND as for missing the corner to school 15 times in a row, that wasn’t my fault either, the roads were slippery how was I supposed to know I had to slow down? So see none of it was my fault but he acted like I as a bad driver – shesh! He’s lucky he didn’t have to walk fifteen miles in the snow – uphill or worse yet, RIDE THE BUS! Now that would have been irritating.

So that’s it for today. Snow which is no April Fool. My brother’s birthday which some might call an April Fool (I love you Sean) and my driving skills with which you should not fool!

Have a great day.

TTFN…

Make new friends...

but keep the old one is silver and the other gold.

My friend Beth, who has been one of my closest friends since Jr. High, spent the day yesterday. We had so much fun. There is something to be said about someone who knows your entire history. No need for explanations - they already know who you are and why you do what you do. They know your family. They even know things you would rather they forget! There are years of shared experiences. It was a very good day and I was sad to see her go – her 7 year old son wasn’t too sorry to be leaving as I think he had enough girl stuff for one day (before they arrived Syd was wondering what princess gown he would like to wear when they played dress-up). You would think my girls never see people. They were all over that poor boy. They wanted to show him their room and their toys and their Wii. I don’t think they left him alone for two minutes. I’m sure the fact that he is a cute boy didn’t hurt either! GIRLS!

Oh one other thing about the little ditty at the top - I remember learning that song in grade school and being absolutely amazed that my Great Grandma (at whose house my brother and I stopped for milk & cookies every day after school – I know it sounds so Little House on the Prairie but it’s true – every day milk and cookies – and not just any cookies but Archway cookies - with our great grandma) knew the same song. And now I hear my girls signing it too. It must be a childhood staple J

We are supposed to get more SNOW today. I can’t even think about it anymore – but at least those slow Walmart shoppers may go back into hibernation for a day or two!

Have a great day and call an old friend. They would love to hear from you and talk about things old and new.

TTFN

Double Whammy...

this morning I encountered the "double whammy" when I entered the Walmart Zone (I'm telling you, it's the warmer temps - as in slightly above freezing because really I'm not talking about 70 degrees - but this sucky weather - that's an entirely different subject). Anyway... first there were the two cars that pulled out mere inches in front of me and then proceeded to go 20 mph. I guess their big hurry to get on the road after the shopping extravaganza at Walmart became less critical once they had actually ticked me off (because really it's all about me :-)) Which brings me to something I have to tell you about me and it's not good. I'm going to say this very quietly,
when someone is behind me and I know they are in a hurry (proven by their lack of stopping for stop signs, tailgating and just general bad driving) I may, depending on my mood and sense of urgency, go a little slower than the person behind me may desire. I KNOW! I told you it was bad! And once I even stopped at the stoplight while it was still yellow just to annoy the person behind me (I told you I can be crabby). So this makes me wonder - those Walmart shoppers - do you think they were just trying to annoy me this morning? Would someone actually do that to ME? Maybe, in the future, I should just act like I have all the time in the world and approach the Walmart Zone with a smile on my face and a foot on the brake. Would that fake them out and cause them to speed up? Hmmmm, now that's something to think about for the rest of the day.

TTFN!

Oh and FYI - Blogger spell check does not recognize Walmart - I'm just sayin'...

Here it comes again...

Monday.

I really want to be a Monday lover - really I do - but it just doesn't happen. I go to bed thinking about how bright and cheery and happy I am going to be when I wake up in the morning. How I am going to sing "Climb Every Mountain" to my children as they rise from their beds and get themselves dressed while joining in on the chorus. How I am going to be full of domestic bliss and joy. Then reality sets in and the alarm goes off and the HotY hauls himself out of bed takes his shower and then wakes me up. No matter how he wakes me up I am generally not very happy about the entire concept of early morning wakage :-) (yeah yeah yeah, I know it's not a word but so what it's my blog). A couple of weeks ago he asked me what the appropriate way to wake me might be as he had tried several variations all resulting in the same thing - CRABBY! I didn't have a good answer. Actually I'm better with an alarm clock than I am with a human. Anyway, I believe I've digressed. The point is I don't like Monday's even though I try, really, really, really hard.

Oh and one other thing, I have a confession. We missed Mass on Easter Sunday :-O We were at my parents, home of the ultimate shower, when plans on Saturday night changed slightly. But it was all good. It was family, and family is just as important as church as far as I'm concerned because really isn't that what church is all about? Family and community and belief? I think so. Besides we had a little bread and wine. Just ask Kerrie. She'll tell you about the wine. :-) Oh and Ms. Kerrie I'm sorry I was not up to say goodbye. For some reason I got to bed REALLY LATE and then in the morning my children pinned me to the bed and forced me to cuddle with them so by the time I got out of the shower you were gone :-( Sorry, really!

Man I think this is the most I have written in three months. WOW! Of course it is riveting stuff and all...

Okay, I'm out.

TTFN

And this is why...

we didn't bother to buy a picture package from the bunny visit...

HAPPY EASTER!!!!

I was right...

and it had nothing to do with the super special ESP I am always bragging about. Nope, this simply had to do with knowing my kids because last night we WERE that family at the mall. After hurrying to eat dinner, get dressed and do hair I think we spent a total of 2 minutes with the bunny. These two minutes were proceeded by 15 minutes of whining and crying about not being able to play in the kids area which we made the mistake of walking by when we entered (there should be a warning on the doors about this - CAUTION PARENTS WITH CHILDREN: CHILDREN'S PLAY AREA AHEAD DO NOT ENTER IF IT IS NOT YOUR INTENTION TO STOP") and followed by another half an hour of pleading and crying for the Ariel "Polly" doll (which to those of you not able to interpret Syd-speak means the small Polly Pocket size Disney dolls). Which was then followed by the continuing saga of the Ariel-less Syd when we arrived home which continued THIS MORNING as soon as the "Little Mermaid" herself woke because as she told me "I want what I want". Ummm sorry little girl - it doesn't work like that. Oh and I did buy the dang doll (and the Belle doll for Lauren) which the Easter Bunny will bring but I am almost tempted not to put it in her basket because I don't want to reinforce the behavior. If she doesn't mention it again the Easter Bunny will deliver but if there is any more whining and crying - NO ARIEL FOR YOU! At least not for a while anyway. She wore her Ariel socks today - pulled up OVER her pant legs because she wanted to be able to look at "the face" all day long - *sign* she looked like a nerd but at least there was no whining and I'm afraid I'm probably going to hear about the Polly Ariel again tonight since she will have the visual reminder ALL DAY LONG but I had to pick my battles and this time the socks won. When does this stage end??? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller????

Okay gotta go. TTFN!

Here comes Peter Cottontail...

hmmm, is it Peter Cottontail? Or is he hyphenated Peter Cotton-Tail? Or Peter C. Tail? Or maybe in real life he simply goes by Pete Tail???? It is all a mystery to me!

So the Easter excitement is reaching epic proportions at our house. The kids are all excited about meeting the Bunny at the mall. I've never bothered with the meeting of the Bunny before but someone put the bug in their ears and now there is no going back. Although I will admit visiting Peter, or the lack thereof, has been a threat almost as effective as calling Santa to put certain someones on the naughty list! I know, my parenting skills abound :-) I'm going to have to come up with new consequences tomorrow as the visiting is taking place this evening. Yes, we'll be THAT family at the mall. Enough said!

Speaking of kids, I've got some work to do with Miss Syd regarding giving. She seems to have an issue with not having everything belong to her - FOREVER. On Sunday she actually cried when she put her quarter in the collection basket at mass. It was her quarter, she loved that quarter, she had plans for that quarter. I sternly whispered "put the quarter in the basket NOW or there won't be any Peter Cottontail for you" - see above :-) It worked but she wasn't happy. And the weird thing is that she is a good sharer but she is not a good giver. I'm not sure what that is all about - control maybe? I think I am going to have some work to do with her on this because I really do not want selfish, spoiled kids (remember that chick from Willy Wonka - not the one that blew up like a blueberry but the other one - the "I want it now" one, I can't remember her name - anyway, I don't want kids like that!). Maybe I'll make her give away an unloved toy every month. I don't know. Suggestions????

Okay I've rambled enough today. I mean I could start in on how the sister of the non-giver is a good giver and BAD sharer but really the story's the same only the names have been changed :-)

TTFN!

Well at least it's not Monday...

feeling sort of out of sorts today but it's sleeting and snowing so I'm blaming it on the weather!

My super special ESP has been on the fritz for a while but I'm happy to say it is back. After Friday's post (I think it was Friday - I can barely keep track of my kids how do you expect me to keep track of the days...) guess what song I heard on Sunday? Yep, Hello It's Me, and it's not like it is a much played song so you know it was me - me and my blog :-) Anyway, I was on my way home from Target and I was almost home and it came on the radio so I had to drive around my neighborhood like a Sunday open house hunter until it was over. Ahhhh it was a good thing! Now if I could only direct my super special ESP in a productive direction - like predicting the Power Ball numbers or when a Walmart shopper is going to pull out right in front of while I'm on the frontage road. That would be useful information!

Have a great day.

TTFN

Ahhhhhhhhh...

it's Thursday. The sun is shining, the birds are singing, the temperature is above freezing so snow is melting. The only thing that could make this day better is Todd Rundgren singing a little Hello It's Me. Really some days it is the little things that are pure bliss!

But alas, (I love that phrase "but, alas" - not that I would ever utter it in real life but on my blog I feel free to use obscure vocabulary with great zeal :-)) so anyway, but alas, melting snow, singing birds and rising temperatures are not the only harbringers of spring - but it seems that slow drivers on the frontage road are like the first robins of the season. During the winter months they all but disappear but bring on a little sunshine and temps above 40 degrees and out they come - robins and slow drivers. I don't mind the bird thing (as long as they aren't pooping on my windshield) - but those slow drivers - grrrrrrrrrr.

Okay gotta run. I promise more frequent posting and pictures to come.

I'm out. TTFN!

Really, it's like feeding the lion (or an open letter to Wendy)...

You see I can be a little overly sensitive about things but I realize it and I adjust and go with the flow - but when it comes to my age you don't mess with me. Which my friend WENDY knows full and well yet she INSISTS on leaving these comments which she knows are the equivalent of FEEDING THE LION or POKING THE BEAR as her husband calls it. And really if you know Wendy she just can't help herself, it's part of her charm, when really she should know oh so much better. SO... I have been deleting her comments but she keeps beating me at this game. So here's the deal, I won't tell you my age because I tell very few people my age, because really at the end of the day it's just a number and why should I pin myself into a box when I can just give an entire range (30-40). But I will tell you this I AM NOT FIFTY nor am I anywhere near that age (and the HotY - who is 36 - can verify this). So those comments from Wendy - ignore them, really, she'll never know. And Wendy, you know I love you but you are poking the bear girl and I can't be responsible for the repercussions!

It's almost that time again...

only a short week until my birthday - AGAIN - which means by this time next week I will be a year older. It isn't nearly as exciting as when you are getting ready to turn 5 or 10 or 15 or even 20. THEN comes 25 and the party's over baby! And when is it that a person stops feeling like they are 18 on the inside? Because seriously I am always surprised when I realize that I am not 18 but instead something in the 30-40 range! And I won't even get started about the age regression that happens when I am in my parents home :-) So that's the agenda for this week - prepare for the birthday - which means having to remember I'm a new number. Which is another weird thing - sometimes I have to actually FIGURE OUT how old I am. That never happened when I was in my 20's - I always knew how old I was - no math required! Shesh. I know isn't it amazing how well I cope with this getting older stuff :-) Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

Oh and the other thing about my birthday - as far as I'm concerned by the time it is my birthday Spring is here. No more snow. No more cold. No more winter coats. SPRING HAS SPRUNG. There is no need for winter to make an appearance after March 9th. It's amazing how frequently this does not happen the way I think it should in my mind yet I continue to give Mother Nature that deadline. You think she'd want to be on time once in awhile - I mean it's my birthday after all it's the least she could do - especially after the winter we have endured this year! I can't even think about it without getting crabby.

So that's it. That's what I've got for a Monday. I'm out!

TTFN...

One of these days...

I'm going to wake up in a good mood again, I just know it. I don't know when it will happen - you can't force these kind of things you know - but I have every confidence that I can do it. Go Me Go!

Seriously, I don't know if it is the winter that would never end, or all these changes in my life or just the bad drivers and stupid parkers that I encounter on a daily basis - maybe all of the above! Anyway, I guess it is fair to say that lately I have had a BAD attitude and even I'm getting sick of myself. It's time to shape up. It's time to start looking for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. It's time for change! Although did I just say you can't force these things - well maybe you can a little bit (hey, I'm a woman, I'm entitled to change my mind!) So tomorrow - tomorrow I'm taking a walk on the sunny side of the street. I'm putting on my rose colored glasses and my happy face. Because really, if I'm brave enough to put 15 cliches in one post I can do something simple like put my best foot forward and face the world with a smile. :-)

So there you have it - the weather report (winter, winter, snow and winter) the attitude update (poor) and the action plan (smiles everyone smiles). I'll get back to you later this week to let you know how it all turns out.

That's it - I'm out...

I know it's Friday...

but I'm still feeling a little annoyed and do you want to know why? McDonald's - it is because of McDonald's and it has nothing to do with the fact that their french fries don't taste good anymore (has anyone else noticed this????). No my issue with McDonald's is one of their radio ads. It's the one where some chick is telling her boyfriend or husband or significant other about all the great girlie plans she has for the day and he is agreeing with her and can't wait to get started. WELL while listing her inane itinerary she says "and then we will go to my grandma's and she is going to teach us how to KNIT a QUILT". Ummmm McDonald's advertising people you might want to consult with someone, anyone who knows something about knitting or quilting because obviously you know nothing about either activity. A quilt is NOT knitted. I'm not a quilter so I don't know the entire myriad of terms associated with MAKING a quilt but I do know that knitting is not one of them. Maybe piecing, maybe quilting, maybe sewing, but NOT knitting. And when you knit a warm, rectangular item the size of a bed it is NOT called a quilt it is called an AFGHAN. Duh! Anyway, it may sound trivial but I hear this dang commercial EVERY MORNING and it is more irritating than Sheryl Crowe trying to have fun on a Monday. Seriously!

Oh and while I'm on my soap box... :-) There is a local commentary writer in our newspaper who writes an article which is published a couple of times a week. Generally I find him annoying and a bit of a hot air blow hard (did I mention I'm feeling a little bloated and irritable today) but the other day he really irritated me. He was criticizing people who write like they talk. People who use CAPITAL letters and exclamation points as if they were actually communicating with PEOPLE! WOW!!!! I can't imagine wanting to write like I talk. I mean really why would I want to be an interesting, intriguing and/or entertaining (really pick your own adjective - they all work for me :-) writer when I could be dry, dull-witted, opionated newspaper journalist who reads like a textbook? I mean really the choice is obvious - but you know to each his own - AND if you like dry, dull-witted, opinionated newspaper journalists I've got a guy for you...



That's it. It's all I've got. I know I know WAH WAH WAH, it was all about the whining today :-)



TTFN...

I may never dance again...

at least not with the newest Dancing with the Stars - "stars". Have you seen their line-up of new dancers? Ummmm, can I just say - YUCK! I'm not sure there is anything about all those two left feet that can entice me to watch. Okay,I know what you're thinking so really who am I kidding, I'll watch the first show and maybe the second but I'm just saying, as of today, in view of the line-up, my heart is not in it this time. I've lost the beat... BUT all is not forsaken, I saw a commercial last night previewing Oprah and her show hosting some of the best-loved couples from DWTS. It must be a slow week in O-World. Of course I didn't catch the date because that is just the kind of little detail I tend to overlook :-O Sometimes I'm surprised I know how to boil water considering all the improvising and guessing I do in my life! Someone asked me once if I have ever entered any scrapbooking contests and my answer is "no - have you seen all the RULES involved with those things" too overwhelming for this crabby chick :-)

Okay that's it. I'm out :-)

TTFN...

NO Walmart...

IIIII'mmmmmmmmmmmm Baaaaaaaa-aaaaaaaaaaaaaccccccccccccckkkkkkkkkkkkkkk!!!!!!!
Okay I'm done with that - there is a very fine line between quirky and annoying :-)

I've been sick - AGAIN. The kind of sick that is making me scared and thinking I might have to go to the doctor. Tomorrow is the deadline - keep your fingers crossed I am feeling like a brand new woman tomorrow.

So during the course of being sick I started thinking about the HotY's requirements for a new wife, they are really very few:

1. Someone who will love my children unconditionally as if they were their own
2. Someone who will not, under any circumstances, outfit themselves or my children in clothing from Walmart.

Really, that's it, the two big requirements. And yes, I know, I know, there are some out there that may take offense to my Walmart remark and I'm sorry. I'm not trying to be snotty, I'm just saying that there is no way I would be able to rest in peace if I thought my children were going to spend the rest of their formative years outfitted in Faded Glory!

I'm going to bed soon. If I can avoid the doctor tomorrow I'll do it!

TTFN!

Oh and as for my requirements for a replacement for the HotY - well I don't think I have to worry about the Walmart thing with Rob (Lowe) or My Marvelous Mario around :-)

SNOW-SNOW-AND MORE SNOW...

Yes, it's true. Not only do we have more snow but I'm talking about the weather again. I mean how can I help myself. We haven't had this much snow in ten years (fine I don't know if it has really been ten years but it seems that way). The only good thing I can say is maybe my perennials are getting enough insultion this year and I won't have to replace anything! I can't wait to start seeing those little plants sticking their heads out of the soil. For some reason seeing the lilies starting to poke through gets me really excited - maybe it is because I can indentify those from the weeds :-) Anyway, once the weather starts getting warmer and the plants start popping I have to go check every day to see what is new and growing. It's the simple things - really! I think I'll let the kids have a little spot of the garden for themselves this year. They'll love it and what's a little more laundry?

So this is it for today - short - short and sweet - but at least I'm here!

Have a fabulous day!

TTFN...

What would you do???

I hate indecision. Really. But some days I am the most indecisive person I know. For me it isn't about not really knowing what I want but more about agonizing over my choice. Is it the right choice? Is it the best choice? What if I make the wrong choice and never have the opportunity to change my mind? These are the things that prevent me from making a decision (or maybe the better phrase is - these are the things that prevent me from voicing my decision - because really, if you know me, you know I am a pretty decisive person).

So I just don't know what decision to make about this blog. I truly feel like I'm losing steam. Like I just keep rehashing the same stories over and over again and as I've mentioned before I HATE to think I might be boring :-) But if I say "I'm done", "I quit", "I'm not blogging anymore". I might regret the decision because if I had to make a choice between writing or creating, writing is really my first love - I think :-) But as I said before when I get immersed in the whole creating thing I seem to lose the impetus to write - as much as I love it, the writing, it loses out. So what to do? I'm not going to stop creating because frankly I really do love that too and my little signs seem to be a small success (I'll blog about that tomorrow). Oh My Gosh - did you hear that - I said I'd blog about that tomorrow. Well I guess the decision has been made - at least for today. The blogging will continue but I am not sure how the whole thing is going to shake out. Bear with me while I try to make a decision. Maybe I will be able to find some balance in all of this. I hope so...

TTFN!

And another one bites the dust...

So I bet you are wondering what THAT is all about :-) - let me tell you! If there is one huge design flaw in our home it is the fact that whomever built the place put the medicine cabinet directly over the toilet in the main upstairs bathroom. Yes, DIRECTLY.OVER.THE.TOILET. Who does something like that? Just think of all the times something has fallen out of your medicine cabinet. Now just think about what would happen if that medicine cabinet was located directly over your toilet - see that's what I'm saying...

I can't tell you the number of things that have made their way to a watery grave. Ibuprofin is probably the number one leader but it is not alone. There have been other medications, fingernail polish, deoderant, emery boards, make-up remover and even a favorite earring (that hurt). Of course once it hits the "bullseye" it is trash. No salvage possible. Seriously. And frankly I'm getting darn tired of it all. Every day I just think - WHO WOULD DO THIS???? Who would put a medicine cabinet HERE? What WERE they thinking? Oh not to mention I don't really like the looks of it either. Inconvenient and unattractive (and NO that is not the story of my life :-))

I've considered having the HOTY remove it but I just don't know what we might find. An unfinished wall? A huge gaping hole? Buried treasure? And then the true dilema is where would a new medicine cabinet go? Or do we even need a medicine cabinet? I mean we have a linen closet. Such a puzzle :-) I think I need to go, I have problems to ponder...

TTFN

Oh, and this morning, it was my emery board. That's the item that met it's demise in the great white hole underneath the medicine cabinet. My fingernails are looking a little ragged already.

Show and Tell...

Since words have failed me lately I thought I would show where my creative karma has been going. I'm having a lot of fun doing these little signs. Someone asked me what my favorite part of doing this is and after shopping for supplies :-) I would have to say picking out just the right papers to go together to make up a sign. You can check out all of my little sparklies at glitter me! I know it's kind of a ditzy name but what can I say - I told you words have failed me!!





Oh and to Shirley and Maija and Amy and everyone else who has been kind enough to leave comments on my blog - I'm not ignoring you I'm really not. I appreciate you more than you can know! REALLY!!!

Another Day, Another Dollar...

Yes, it is true - today is Monday. WooHoo. Yeah right - ha! You know there are actually people in this world who like Monday's. Really, I know, who knew. Personally I can't even imagine what these Monday lovers are thinking. Is it the return to a schedule? Is it the beginning of a new week thus opening a world of new opportunities? Is it sending kids back to school? WHAT IS IT? I know one thing for sure - I bet the majority of the Monday lovers don't work outside the home. I bet they don't have to drag groggy kids out of bed to drop them off at daycare. I bet they don't have to frantically search for backpacks, library books and lunch money. I bet they don't have to search their closet looking for something, anything that doesn't need to be ironed. I just bet they don't!

So in case there was any question, I am not a Monday lover. And since today is Monday I guess you know where I'm at - well at least mentally. MONDAY. You know I could go on and on about this Monday thing but I have made the conscious decision that I'm going to let it go - YES, LET IT GO!!!! That's my mission for today. Let go of the Maudlin Monday Meanderings - Make My Monday Marvelous. Yep, that's the motto.

And yes, I'm still struggling with this blog thing. I don't know what is going on. The majority of the time my fingers just fly over the keyboard, words tripping over themselves - but for the past month I've got NOTHING. Is this a writer's block? Is it mid-winter blues? Are my creative juices evaporating before my very eyes? Regardless of the reason I hope things begin looking up soon because really how many posts can a person do about the days of the week or the weather?

Oh and that girl scout never did show up so we had to resort to making our own cookies. Spring cookies. Hearts, butterflies, flowers. I'll show you pictures tomorrow because today it's Monday and I just didn't have time between looking for Fairytopia Barbies and clean underwear!

TTFN...

In case I failed to mention it...

I HATE winter. I must have said this phrase to myself more than a dozen times over the past week. It's cold. It's snowy. It's icy. It's slushy and frankly it SUCKS! If you are lucky enough to live in a warm climate know that I am envious - very very envious! It has been below zero for the past week. I'm sick of this. Can you tell :-)?

I know I've been neglecting the blog but there is absolutely nothing going on here. Seriously. We get up. We go to work or daycare or school (depending on which family member you are) we come home eat supper play a little wii do a little crafting and go to bed. THAT'S IT! Rereading that even I can't believe how incredibly boring we are :-) So rather than prolong the agony any longer I'll say good bye for today. Maybe something exciting will happen tonight like a girl scout will show up at the door selling cookies. I can always hope!

TTFN!

Happy Monday!

Can you believe I just wrote that? HAPPY MONDAY? I must have lost my mind there for a minute! What is it about the weekends that makes them pass so quickly? It is one of life's great mysteries - well one of the great mysteries of my life anyway.

Oh Oh Oh, I almost forgot about My Mario and Husband for Hire. Did you see this movie? Have you seen it advertised? It was on the Lifetime channel this weekend so you just know it was first rate made for TV viewing. As for the movie, well let's just say it wasn't Christmas in Handcuffs - so that should be a pretty good indication of the quality - although there was a lot of dimple flashing - oh and some dancing... I am sure you can still catch it on the Lifetime Channel as they played it OVER AND OVER AND OVER again. I'm kind of wondering about the direction of Mario's career. Christmas in Handcuffs? Husband for Hire? He's starting to sound a little easy :-)

Things are very quiet over at Etsy right now so if you know of anyone looking for a unique Valentine's gift send them to my shop. Lots of glittery goodness going on :-)

TTFN...

Got Glitter?

Can't you just see it - a big glitter mustache? Really, it isn't that far off from how I look many nights when I crawl into bed. Glitter, Glitter everywhere - where it will land is never clear. So yes, my glitter (and other various sundries and supplies) arrived yesterday. And guess what - I had to let the glitter thaw out - it was FROZEN. But once it was at working temperature I was a happy girl!

Winter is back. We have more snow and cold and ice and - and - and - WINTER. Not really a big fan of the winter thing, but this time of year I pretty much expect what we get but start telling me it is going to snow in March and I get VERY VERY crabby. Trust me on this. IT IS NOT PRETTY.

I know I have had nothing entertaining to say lately. I'm sorry. Did I mention this singularly creative thing? I just can't seem to be creative in more than one area at a time. It's frustrating. It's boring. But don't leave. I'm really going to try to spice it up. Really!

TTFN...

And the winner is...

SHIRLEY! Ummm you know where to find me girl :-)

I didn't pick a number at midnight because my kids were in bed at midnight and frankly I was too. And then I forgot to ask them for a number before they walked out the door and I couldn't really come up with my own random number. Soooo once I was at work I IM'd a co-worker and said pick a number between one and ten and TELL me what it is (I think he thought this was some kind of twisted magic trick). So he did and he picked FOUR which equalled SHIRLEY! So there you go. Of course my co-worker still thinks I am crazy but it's the risk I take each time I open my mouth!

Okay, Shirley. Email me - I know you know how!

Have a great day everyone and thank you to everyone who sent in an idea. The wheels are turning!

TTFN...

Here's the deal-io...

I'm going to do a give away for one of my signs today. BUT there is a catch cause you know nothing in life is free :-) Okay, so in order to be eligible for the give away you have to provide me with one idea or suggestion for my Etsy Shop. It can be a phrase you would like to see, a color combination, or just a general idea of something that you think may improve the signs. That's it. Easy-Peasy. By offering your ideas you become eligible for the give away. I will have one of my kids randomly pick a number and the poster with that post is the winner (I hope that made sense cause I know what I mean :-)) The contest will close at midnight tonight (January 15)

So what sign am I going to give away??? This sign:



So bring it on, put on your thinking caps - let me hear your ideas...

Oh, and I'm still out of glitter :-( (not only does blogspot not have smilies they don't have saddies either :-( I'm surprised I make it through the day with this lack of emoticons :-))

TTFN...

I'm out of glitter...

I know, can you believe it! I am out of glitter for my signs and other crafty endeavours. Okay, well I do have some of the odd ball colors, like Eucalyptus and Midnight and Frosty Lace (I don't like Frosty Lace at all - I mean it doesn't even glitter) but all the good colors - GONE! No wonder I've been out of sorts lately. But not to fear I've ordered more - more of the good glitter - I just hope it turns up soon. I'm having serious glitter withdrawal. If things get too out of control I may just have to break out the Frosty Lace but in my heart I will know that it is nothing but an inadequate substitute!

So the glitter shortage is a direct result of the sign extravaganza going on in my etsy shop. Seriously, I would never have believed how well my signs have been going over, not to mention selling. It makes me happy - very very happy :-) I am on the lookout for ideas to keep things fresh and exciting so if you have any suggestions let me know. Actually maybe I'll do a give away for ideas. Look for more details on this in my blog tomorrow. If I'm going to do a give away I want to give it some thought - you know get my glitter on :-)

Have a great day!

TTFN...

I need a laugh...

I've been particularly stressed out lately - I'm not sure why - it is just one of those things. For me there are two things that signal major stress-out (because really aren't we all stressed on some level every day?). #1 major stress indicator - the inability to make a decision - seriously. I mean I could barely decide what color socks to wear this morning let alone make a big decision. #2 major stress indicator - I get clumsy, yes, I know I've mentioned the tripping thing before but this is beyond that - this is constantly dropping things, breaking dishes loading the dishwasher, seeing my eyeshadow smashed to pieces after hitting the floor, dropping an entire carton of eggs, that kind of thing. Let's just say it's been a lot of fun around our house because after I inevitably drop something I can't decide if I should use a mop, a broom or a vacuum cleaner :-) Some days life is just like that...

BUT as I was pursuing Etsy I saw this card that jumped out at me and I'm glad it did because when I looked at the inside sentiment it made me laugh out loud - really. And now you know what kind of person I really am - told you I was crabby :-)

TTFN!

Warning: may cause loss of hearing...

I'm home with a sick girl today. Lauren has been fighting a cold for about week and today seems to be the peak. At least that is what I thought at 6:00 a.m. when she was coughing and sniffling and hoarsely calling for me to fix her covers! That is when I made the decision she would stay home today. So here we are - at home. I have silently crawled away to my computer hoping she won't notice that I am no longer sitting beside her listening - listening to her sweet little voice - that sweet little voice which has not stopped since 6:00 a.m.. SERIOUSLY!




The girl is chatty. We've talked about pre-school, we've discussed all the merits of wearing warm slippers, we've covered the myriad of reasons why hair is soft and not hard like fingernails, we've thoroughly discussed why mommies have to go into the bathroom by themselves and I've had play by play documentation of Sponge Bob Squarepants and that's just the talking. Would you believe there is a song for every thought and action that may occur in a day? THERE IS! Really. I am not kidding. The girl never stops talking or asking questions or just simply sharing her life views. I don't know where she gets it. Ohhhhhhh, I know what you all are thinking and you are wrong - dead wrong. I mean sure I talk a lot but it's valuable information - trust me... :-)

So that has been my day so far. I expected to get a lot done while she was resting, getting plenty of sleep and fluids but all this stimulating conversation has really kept me busy! Oh My Gosh - she just discovered I was gone - Oh no here it comes "hey mom..."

TTFN

Cha cha cha CHANGES...

My life has been full of them lately.

Change #1 - After spending a considerable amount of time trying to decide what to do I have chosen to resign my position on the design team at my local scrapbook store. I really enjoyed being on the team and I feel like the two years that I spent providing pages to the store as inspiration and class projects really helped me stretch my creativity. I thank Ann and Terri and all the other employees at VIP for the opportunity to do what I love and to share that with others.

Change #2 - The HotY is starting a new job with a new employer on Monday. It is still in the technical field but different then what he had been doing (which is something technical - so there you go - that's what I know about his job). The new job will have a big impact on our home schedule for a few months but after that it should all be good. In the meantime if you see me and I look crabby I probably am because somewhere there are children, my children, clammoring for my attention and I don't have their father around to help. I can't even think about it :-)

And there are some other changes out there that don't affect me directly but still have forced me to encounter change in my life. So there you have it. It is the year of changes.

And here is the highlight of today but he is already melting away :-( I have two girls pretty unhappy about the demise of Frosty!!!

I'm not only quirky...

but I am a blog geek too! I swore I would NEVER start reading blogs - not to mention actually write one. I made this solemn non-blog reading promise because I knew what would happen - I'd get sucked in. I'd want to keep reading. I'd want to be a voyeur into people's lives. Blogging is like a dream come true for the Mrs. Cravitzs' types of the world (and if you don't know who Mrs. Cravitz is I'm not going to explain - it would only depress me to realize there are adults in this world who have NO idea about Samantha's nosy neighbor or Darron's annoying boss, Mr. Tate). Anyway, I'm not saying I'M a Mrs. Cravitz but it has been mentioned once or twice in my presence.

So I DID start reading blogs. I even learned the "big names" in blogging (The Pioneer Woman, Dooce, Cathy Zielski) and yesterday one of those big names, Jen Lemen, actually read MY blog AND commented and I was excited. I wanted to tell someone and then it happened I realized I AM A BLOG GEEK! I mean really I can live with the quirky thing but I'm not sure I'm ready for blog geek. It was an eye opening realization and I'm not admitting it to anyone - well except for the people reading this blog because, well, you know you're a blog geek too - but I won't tell if you don't :-)

So Jen Lemen if you are reading today THANK YOU. Thank you for making my day. Seriously!!!

TTFN my friends!

2008 - Day 2...

Happy New Year! We rang in the New Year with the flu. Only Alex avoided the nasty virus. I guess it pays to be a temperamental teenager with little patience for family time :-)

Due to all the bodily emissions happening in our house I have had very little contact with the outside world. I'm at a loss for words. I can't even complain about traffic or Walmart - I guess I could go on about Target's ludicrous return policy but then I've already been there and done that - I hate to be repetitive :-)

So that's it today. Maybe tomorrow when I head back to work and become immersed in real life I'll have something to say but for now maybe you should savor the silence - moments such as these are rare :-)

TTFN

Oh and I'll be putting up lots of Valentine's themed signs in "the shop" this week (I mean really, you all know how I feel about pink) so if you get all warm and gushy about the Hallmark holiday of the year check it out!!!

All that is left...

is to ring in the New Year. We anticipate, we participate and then we undecorate. It was a nice Christmas but over much too quickly.


Here are highlights from our Christmas card photo shoot. Remember, I told you. They were less than ideal. The lighting was bad. The resolution was fuzzy but you get what you pay :-) and in this case it was a do-it-yourself operation!

I'll be back soon.

And then there was Mario...

in handcuffs. WOW. I watched the, what I am sure is to become a holiday classis, "Christmas in Handcuffs" last night while wrapping gifts until 1:00 a.m. (I'm still not done - those darn curling ribbon bows). Let me just say that My Marvelous Mario has redeemed himself after that whole beauty pagent circuit fiasco. He was cute, he was charming, he was entertaining, he was in a blindfold and handcuffs! Is there anymore to discuss? It's the Christmas present that just keeps on giving :-) So as skeptical as I was about the entire affair I was pleasantly surprised about what a cute little movie it was. Well except the main chicks extremely bad hair at the beginning - very disturbing :-)

I am ready to start celebrating. Presents are wrapped (well almost), cookies are baked, cards are sent, shopping is done. Now all that is left is the good spirits and good cheer!

Here is wishing you and yours the very merriest of Christmas's and great kindness and blessings in the new year!

TTFN!

Mighty Spouse saves the day...

who knew he was such a keeper. The HotY proved his worth once again by taping Christmas in Handcuffs. I still haven't had a chance to review but believe me you will know when I have.

Baking, Shopping, Wrapping and Paryting this weekend. Crazy Crazy Crazy. And you know what - the week is going to pass by in the blink of an eye and we will just be left with dingy snow and cold weather for the next three months. No pretty lights or festive decorations to brighten the day. SIGH - Christmas let-down. I'm already dreading it. But I've got to ignore it - this is the week. The final countdown!

We took the kids' Christmas picture last night. 74 pictures and the one that we got is not the greatest either. I've got a non-smiler, a fidgeter and a poser. The odds were not good. But I found one that should work. I'm picking up the results tonight - we'll see how it turns out. If you get one of these pictures I just want you to keep one thing in mind - 74 pictures and this one was the BEST - just keep it all in perspective :-)

Okay gotta go - on-line last minute shopping to take care of :-)

TTFN - and Merry Christmas to you and yours if I don't make it back this way before the big event!

I don't know how to tell you this...

BUT I missed Christmas in Handcuffs. I don't know how it happened. I mean sure I missed one episode of Mario Dancing with the Stars and I missed that Miss America (but caught it as an encore due to the info from Deb) but Christmas in Handcuffs? How does a person forget something like that. It makes me hang my head in shame - I've failed my magnificent Mario... :-)

TTFN

It's happening again...

Christmas is fast approaching and I'm not ready. I thought I might be ahead this year - but I was wrong. Yesterday I was at a party and they had one of those count down to Christmas signs and at first when I looked at it I was thinking that it was December 17th. I panicked. December 17th? How did that happen? Where was I? You mean we celebrated the HotY's birthday and I don't even remember? WOW that hasn't happened since I was 21! Seriously, for a minute there I was truly wondering where the heck the time went and just where was I? Then I saw it - I realized the error of my ways - it was NOT December 17th - there were 17 days left until Christmas. I felt so much better, I just bought myself 10 more days!

Anyway, I might not post much between now and Christmas - but don't give up on me. Don't forget about me. Don't stop checking in on me. I'll be back really. Besides have you seen the previews for Christmas In Handcuffs? That movie is just begging for my commentary :-) I can only imagine the quality cinematography (really, Mario, shirtless - need I say more?) and riveting storyline...

TTFN

Well, yes...

yes, I am still crabby for those of you who have been wondering. Last night was beyond fabulous and the fun just keeps coming :-) Okay, well maybe I am dwelling on it but it's my blog and I can do what I want!

We got more snow last night. I had to take the girls to dance and it was NASTY! If they hadn't missed last week they would have missed last night. That will teach me for being a lazy mom.

Oh and before I move on please tell me why kids want to eat snow. It's dirty and who knows where it has been before it floats to the ground and I don't even want to think of what happens to it once it hits the ground. Holy Bananas! I hope I instilled the fear of snow into them about this - GERMS - snow is FULL of GERMS! Anyway, I digress.

After dance we went to McDonald's. I know but it was snowing and the HotY was in the Big City for the day so we were at loose ends - I wasn't cooking if I didn't have to. Soooo anyway, got McD's and headed for home with every other insane person on the road. Once home we got stuck in the driveway, almost took out the neighbor's nieces' car who insists in parking in the street directly below our driveway, and finally spun our way up the drive after coming at it from the other direction. Man I was happy. So as we are getting out of the van I drop the bag with the fries - of course. I few hit the ground but I'm not sure how many as the dog was all over them before I even had a chance to look. If I was happy before I was practically giddy now. After supper, since it was snowy and I was in such a delightful mood we made peanut butter star cookies. A fun family event. I was hoping to share some of the cookies with co-workers but that won't be happening. This particular batch of cookies will not be consumed by anyone outside of the family. There was mandatory hand washing before beginning but that was not a deterrent to the licking, smelling, rolling, worm cookie making and tasting that went on during the process. Do you see why I am not sharing? Isn't it bad enough that someone out there had to buy that poor apple bearing the Syd lick of approval? You know in thinking this over I may be blowing that snow eating thing out of proportion considering the other things I have to worry about (did I ever tell you that Syd picked up a jelly bean from the floor of a big box retailer and ATE IT - do you see the pattern here? - Let me give you a hint - starts with an "S" ends with GERMS in the mouth).

So maybe you can understand why I may be a little crabby. MY CHILDREN ARE OUT OF CONTROL and it's all their dad's fault...

I'm CRABBY...

I’m in a bad mood a crabby, don’t talk to me, nothing can go right today mood. Really. I’m not sure what exactly happened. I was running behind, I had a bunch of stuff to drop off at the post office, the bag the packages were in had a hole in it, my pop tart, that staple of the all-American breakfast, was smashed, and it’s cold and snowy and icy. AND despite the ice and snow SOMEONE pulled out right in front of me and then proceeded to drive 10 mph. GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR double GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR. So do you see where I am at?
(Maija, I just want you to know that I know it is warm in AZ and I know your pool is filled and at just the right temperature so I’m coming to visit – as soon as I can get a plane out of this frozen tundra!)

So I’m going to try to get over it. I’m going to try to make the rest of the day better than the start. I’m going to try to smile – I can’t promise I’ll mean it but I’ll try!

Have a GREAT day everyone! Mine’s been fabulous so far :-)

Oh and here are four of the reasons for the post office drop-off.




I was part of an ornament exchange hosted by the FABULOUS Deb Damboise. It is hard to tell from the pictures but these are beaded, dangley ornaments. I have these all over my tree and I love them. So shimmery and shiny and glittery. I'm thinking of putting some of these in my Etsy Shop but I'm not sure how much to charge. They are VERY time intensive! Anyone have any suggestions?