Tomorrow is April 1st

Tomorrow is April 1st.  I loathe "April Fool's Day". 

I am always the fool.  Always.

On any regular day it takes me a few extra seconds, maybe minutes, to get in on a joke.  To have a day solely devoted to the easily fooled is just cruel. 

And can I please mention that the forecast is just cruel as well?  Snow?  Again?  More? 

There are no words.  Just sadness.  And dread.

Have a fabulous Thursday.  Not looking forward to tomorrow....

Granola Squares

My little Moopa has a weakness for granola bars.

Truthfully she has a weakness for just about anything edible.

But since we tend to go through many boxes of granola bar type snacks, I decided to make a homemade granola bar.  I am much more comfortable with homemade snacks because I know what is in them.

Please do not take the above statement to mean that I spend my days preparing homemade snacks.  I am human and I have four munchkins.

But I do, whenever possible, bake homemade for my circus.  And today they all enjoyed these granola squares.  The last of them are packaged for school lunches tomorrow.

Which means they only survived 24 short hours at our house.  A baking success.

Mommyhood's Granola Squares

4 cups oats
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup brown sugar
Add in any of the following:
chocolate chips, raisins, walnuts, almonds, kitchen sink, etc

Heat oven to 325.

Grease 9x13 baking dish and set aside.  Mix all ingredients except add ins in large bowl.  I get my hands in there because using a spoon is just plain annoying.

Add in any desired chips, raisins, etc.

Turn mixture into baking dish.  IT WILL BE CRUMBLY!  Don't fret. 

Using hands, press mixture firmly into pan. 

 

Bake at 325 for 18-22 minutes until edges slightly brown.  remove and cool.

Cut carefully into squares.  These will crumble easily if you cut while too warm.

Enjoy!

And Happy "Hump" Day!

Botox and Juvederm: Before and Afters

Here they are.  The crippling, honest pictures of what my face looked like before Botox and Juvederm.

Truthfully it's a happy face.  There is so much happiness in my life that I smile all day.  I make so many expressions I have creased my face in places it should never crease.

Again, all good news.

Here is my happy, "I am totally a cheesy "TwiTard" and I am at the "Twilight Saga" face":

This picture is from last summer.  Yes, I pre-purchased tickets to see all three Twilight movies - in a row - the night Eclipse came out in the theaters.

But that's a whole 'nother post.

Here is my "Yes, I'm so cheesy I'm going to re-enact my Twilight face and even get my super favorite lanyard I saved!":

I couldn't get the pose exactly right because I wasn't squeezed into a movie seat.   But you get the idea.

And please forgive the hair I wasn't up for a shampoo and blow dry today.  It was "Shower Cap Monday".

I shall now take my frozen forehead upstairs and get the Moopa in for her nap. 

Have a wonderful day!

Mommyhood Footnote:  Another thanks to Dr. Eickhorst and the Dermatology Associates of Western Connecticut!

Floors, Cages and Foreheads

This past weekend was busy with gymnastics practices, sleepovers, playdates, work shifts and family time.

It was one of those weekends that was long because it was busy, but looking back it went so fast.

Always the sign of a good time.

Tomorrow I am looking into the new floor situation for the girls' room.  I have the money saved and I am ready to rid my home of that offensive carpet.

It seriously offends me.  How dare it smell so digustingly disgusting?

In a few weeks the carpet will be a gleaming laminate floor.  I didn't work enough shifts for hardwood.

Hubby has been kind enough to cage Georgia every night and move the cage to the garage every morning.  This will be the routine to prevent future 2am tinkles on my floors.

In case you are wondering why the cage must be moved every morning I am one of those anal rententive people who can't stand a dog cage in my living space.

Yuck.  Ack.  Gross.

My munchkins love dog cages.  If there is one within a 100 foot radius they climb inside.

LLG will demonstrate:

As much as I love my dog I'm not down with dog cage.  Or dog smell.  Or dog tinkle.

The dog tinkle has led to a dog smell that has led to many shifts at work.  The many shifts will now lead to new floors.

Hallelujah and amen.  I have 80% less wrinkles and lines on my face and the old carpet will be no longer.

A new forehead and new floors.  What more could a woman ask for? 

Have a wonderful start to your week!

Fill 'Er Up!

I am about to make a confession.  

And what I am confessing may not be for everyone. 

This is most definitely a "to each their own" situation.  And I am in the business of being honest.  This Mama don't tell no lies.

Last night was fabulous.

I have a very dear friend who is a dermatologist.  She is actually the older sister of one of my dearest, oldest friends.

They are more like family.

She invited me to a very special "V.I.P" event at her office.  An event full of cosmetic demonstrations and freebies.

My sister-in-law and I drove to Connecticut to attend this event.  And my very dear dermatologist friend chose me to be her "demo."

For Botox.

And then they needed one more demo for Juvederm.

Let's just say it pays to know people who inject Juvederm.

To make a very fabulous long story short I look much younger.  And my Botox hasn't even kicked in yet.  There is $1200 worth of injections in my face.

I tell you no lies. 

In case you can't tell I am not one of those ladies who is going to claim I slept well last night.  Or that I just started eating more fruit.  Or that I had a "peel."

I am announcing to the world that I went to an event and offered my wrinkles up for science.  I sat in the chair and told my friend to "fill me up."

Literally.  

And if you see me and I look ten years younger it's because my face is now worth $1200.  At least for the next six months.

And if you are at all considering Botox or Juvederm, I can say that the Juvederm is miraculous.  Like a magic wand.  The sunken in lines just disappear. 

The Botox will take a week for me to appreciate.  I am certain I will appreciate it despite the delayed gratification.

And if you live anywhere near Danbury, CT you need to visit the Dermatology Associates of Western Connecticut.

These doctors have all the goodies.  And they are in the business of being awesome.

They are not only extraordinary with cosmetic procedures, but with all dermatology related issues.  They will not disappoint.

As for myself, for the next six months I plan on looking younger and more rested.

And then I will return to my original form. 

At least until I can save up enough money for a touch up.

Have a fabulous Friday!

Picture Dilemmas

Does anyone else have this problem?

 

Hundreds and hundreds of lovely, carefully taken family pictures just wasting away in boxes? 

Beautiful handmade cards and ticket stubs saved as momentous waiting for a home?

Bathroom mirrors sprayed with water drops and toothpaste waiting to be windexed?

Sorry, wrong dilemma.  But I have that one too. 

I made it until I had three munchkins to completely disregard all photos waiting to be placed in albums.  I say this with pride.  I fought this battle hard for years before I threw in the white towel.

I am now approximately eight months behind on the family albums.  And I see this dilemma getting worse, not better.

I think I would rather pay someone to organize my mess of photos than to scrub my toilets.  Toilet scrubbing I can accomplish on mommy auto-pilot, with no thoughts in the brain.

My usual toilet scrubbing thoughts go something like this,

Seriously?  Oh this is disgusting.  How did this get behind here?  Should I save this hair tie or toss it?

Photo organizing I have to remember dates, events and who was in each picture.  This is because I am anal retentive and can't just slide photos in sleeves,  There has to be order.  It has to make sense.

I have to think so hard I'm afraid I may hurt myself.

And so I decide to leave them untouched, in the boxes they came in.  It's an awful system that creates a cluttered mess.

My new route is to order photo books.  No more loose pictures.  Unfortunately I'm still eight months deep in photos regardless of my new photo book system.

I'll add the photo dilemma to the garage dilemma, the basement dilemma and my storage room dilemma.  Any new dilemmas (you hear me hall closets?) will just have to get in line.

Have a dilemma free Thursday!

Mommyhood Footnote:  My sanity is hanging on by a thread.  If the sun doesn't come out soon and melt this white fluffy misery that is outside my window I may take my hairdryer to it.  I don't even think I'm joking.  It's too early to tell.

The Gymnastics Queen

The Gymnastics Queen can be tough,  I tell you no lies. 

I have never experienced a two year old like my Gymnastics Queen.  She was brilliantly naughty.  She was smarter than I was and it drove me insane.

She mentally exhausted me because I constantly had to out-think her.

Over the years she has remained tough.  Resilient.  Smart.  

More than once I have begged the Gymnastics Queen to stop talking.  I just plead with her to be quiet.  My brain can't take any more information and yet she delivers it at warp speed.

It's complete information overload.

She's also emotional.

And without looking she always knows whose cup has the most juice.  And if there is any hidden "merchandise" in the shopping cart.

Its remarkable and so very annoying.  I cannot trick this chick.

But she also never leaves the house without making her bed.   Or her homework.  Or brushing her hair and matching her clothes.

My boys just kind of exist and make noise.  Hair brushing and underwear are optional.  They also wrestle and throw couch cushions.

Oh how I despise flying couch cushions.

Like all my favorite women, my Gymnastics Queen knows how to care about people.

She's gentle and she's patient.

And as hard as she can make my days, she makes them that much easier.

She's a helper.  And a phenomenal big sister.

I am forever thankful to have her in my life. 

And one day the Moopa will share this sentiment.  Because the Gymnastics Queen will have shared so much with her.

Such as a sincere love of bubbles.

And as much as I try to teach my Gymnastics Queen, I always feel as though she (and all my munchkins) teach me more.

Wishing you a Wednesday full of unexpected lessons.

His Kilt Was in a Twist

Sunday night at work the mood was light.  It usually is in an Irish Restaurant.

Bagpipers had strolled through a few times and the Irish music was a'plenty.

But one bagpiper stayed until night and he had a few too many.  Unfortunately for us he was not a happy drunk.

We've all seen those folks.  And we play musical chairs to avoid them at weddings.  A mean drunk is the worst kind of company.

This one bagpiper had been drinking all afternoon.  He approached myself and another waitress at the hostess station at approximately 9pm, EST.

He was looking for our manager.  He then forewarned us he was about to complain and we could try to stop him if we wanted to. 

He did not state this in a friendly manner.  This caused me worry, because I abhor rude people and I abhor conflict of any kind.

This deplorable man then looked at me, and eloquently said "wipe those worry lines off your forehead" and "look at all those awful lines on your forehead, wipe them off".

Excuse me?  Did you just really tell me about my wrinkles?  Seriously? 

It is a good thing I am slow to realize when someone is being rude to me.  I'd like to think this is because I am very non-confrontational and believe with all my heart people are good.  And kind.  And that they would never harshly alert me to the state of my forehead.

But sometimes people are nasty.  And luckily by the time I processed his nastiness the exchange was over.

I am certain you are wondering what his complaint was, and what on Earth could cause a jolly bagpiper to be so disgustingly disgusting.

I will quote him so you can understand the severity of the situation.

"I want to hear The Streets of New York.  NOW."

Oh, forgive us!  A music request!  Such a pressing issue I can completely understand your need to count the wrinkles on my forehead and alert me to how many are there.

By the way there are four lines, one for each of my munchkins.  And until I can afford a cosmetic procedure I will wear them with pride.

I hope that man and his skirt never run into me and my car in a dark alley.  We'll see who has the worry lines then.

I wish you all a worry free Tuesday.  Because worries can crease the forehead.  Or so I've been told.

Mommyhood Footnote:  I am far too jolly and lighthearted to allow the deplorable bagpiper to get me down.  I honestly don't think I even gave him a second thought until I decided to blog about his rudeness.  I just had to share the encounter.  

If I had a picture of him I would have shared that as well.


And I would have used my photo editing software to draw a bullseye on his wrinkled forehead.

Seriously?!

This is what the world looks like outside my kitchen window on this lovely Monday morning.

After several days of sunshine and outdoor play we wake up to this mess.  I am still in my pajamas at 9:26am because I can't bear the thought of stepping outside into this weather.

My system only performs at optimal levels when the days are bright and the temperature is above 70 degrees.

I think I may join the Moopa on this Monday.  My munchkin has the right idea.

Wishing you sunshine in your neck of the woods....

Just a Little "Dog"

 Every time I walk into my daughters' room I smell "dog".

Just a little.

Our dog is a cherished member of the family.  She's an easy, lazy, quiet animal that only demands attention when she is hungry.  When she is not hungry she lays around all day.  She is quite the underachiever.

There is enough noise and attention demands in this house.  The munchkins could learn a thing or two from our dog.

Georgia causes few problems.  The most bothersome aren't even her fault.

She has a snorting issue that is rather unladylike.  This issue is most annoying when we are trying to sleep.  The good news is that she normally vacates our room by midnight in search of a munchkin to snuggle with.

The bad news is this makes for beds that stink of "dog".  The only remedy for dog stench is to wash the bedsheets.  And the comforters.

I despise stripping beds.  It's right up there with unclogging toilets.

The other downside to Georgia is how unbelievably considerate she is.  Rather than wake us to go out at 2am she'll just tinkle on the carpet in the girls' room.

Just a little.

Four years old and Georgia will still surprise us with accidents every few months.  Despite diligent cleaning, this makes for carpet and carpet pads that stink of "dog".

When the weather warmed up last spring the smell became more offensive.  Every time I opened the door to the bedroom the stench smacked me right in the face.

I cringe at the thought.  And I've tried it all.  I have used Febreeze and steam cleaned every carpet in this house.

Yet the smell remains.

I don't do "dog".  There is enough clutter and cleaning to worry about without Georgia's personal odors infiltrating the house.

I have worked seven shifts this week in an effort to fund new flooring in the girls' room.  I have decided I can't take it any longer.

I am glad to report I'll be calling for a flooring estimate tomorrow morning.  I'll dig out my stash of waitressing cash (that I would much rather spend on patio furniture) and fund a new floor.  A much needed, non-smelly floor.

And my loving, snuggly, considerate, lazy stinky dog will have to sleep in the crate.  We still love her dearly but I have made it clear no one is allowed to pee on my floors.  Munchkins included.

Have a fabulous Sunday!  Another week is upon us....

5 ? Friday!

Yesterday was St. Patrick's Day.  Work was slammin'.

I had such a fabulous time at work I decided to stay for a "shift drink" with my fellow waitresses.  The Corona Light went down just like it did in my high school days.

So I had another one.

It was a beer and a half too much.  I can count on one hand how many beers I've had in the last five years.

I bring an entire new meaning to the words "Zero Tolerance". 

Thus, my car is still at work.  Chillin' in the parking lot.  This is so embarrassing.

And so as I wait for my car to be delivered via my wonderful dad and brother, I shall answer these questions from 5 ? Friday.

1. Have you ever testified in court? For what?

No.  And something tells me it wouldn't be much fun.  And something also tells me I'd be nervous and quite uncomfortable.

I imagine the pit stains would be quite unsightly.

2. Do you still have your wedding dress?

Oh yes.  And it is beautifully preserved in a box in my attic.  

After one of our several moves (we have moved much) my wedding dress was left behind.  Luckily the new owners were lovely people and they tracked me down.  I was very glad to get it back.

I was glad to get it back because it is treasured, cost thousands of dollars, and I can't wait to guilt one of my daughter's into wearing it.

A mom can dream can't she?

3. Is there a special place you like to go when you're happy, sad, stressed, etc.?

In high school that place was my bathroom.  I loved it in there. 

I currently have no where to hide when my days are tough.  My munchkins have the tracking abilities of blood hounds.

The beauty of being a mother is having to wait until everyone is in bed to have a bad day.

4. If you have kids, do they sleep with you? If you don't have kids...will you let your kids sleep with you when/if you have them?

I am happy to report that most evenings we do not have munchkins in bed.  I stress the word "most".

This does not mean we don't have visitors with various complaints.  Nightmares, noises, bathroom, puke, and general inquiries about life at 2am.

My oldest was a regular in our bed until he was 4.  By the time he was 5 he just grew out of it. 

It was marvelous.  I didn't have to exert any parenting superpowers to teach him to sleep in his own bed. 

I always tell parents who freak about pacifiers, bottles, diapers and anything else kids should not be doing after a certain age to chill out.  Don't sweat it.

When your munchkins are 16 they will not be drinking from bottles or using a "pucky".  And the last bed you'll worry about them sleeping in is yours. 

It works itself out.  And if it doesn't than you have much bigger problems than them still drinking from a bottle as a teen.

After four munchkins I have acquired much wisdom.  That and a nickel might get me on the subway.

5. Do you watch late night TV?

 I watch TV late at night.  Is that the same thing?

I watch my DVR.  And I eat my ice cream.  

It is where I go when I am sad, stressed and need a break.  I fight to stay awake some nights because I enjoy the quiet so much.  

And then I struggle to get my butt out of bed in time to get the munchkins off to school.

It's an unfortunate cycle. 

Random picture from my hard drive time!  

A moment that makes my heart sing.  A moment that emphasizes the love between siblings underneath all the tattles, teasing and bickering.  

Have a FaBuLoUs Friday!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

The leprechaun has visited our house and wrecked havoc.  Pictures are upside down and things are out of place.

But he was kind enough to leave the munchkins St. Patrick's Day socks and some chocolate gold coins.

It's the least he could do.

The munchkins also get to enjoy a day off of school today.  The school calendar calls it a "Superintendent's Conference Day".

Now that's a laugh.  What's are the conferences about?  Beer?

And as for me?

I gladly took a shift at work this evening since I don't drink.  It just felt wrong making young waitresses in their early 20's bring everyone else beer.  We all know that today they want to drink the beer, NOT serve it.

And so I am donning my green Guinness tee and heading into work this afternoon.  It will be a real money making hoot n' nanny.

I may need a drink by the end of my shift.  And maybe a Valium.  I'll take the Valium and wash it down with the Guinness while I count my money.

On second thought, I'll just count my money and head home for mint chip ice cream.  Because it's green.  And I love it.

Have a fabulous St. Patrick's Day!  Drive safe, and watch out for leprechauns. 

Those tiny men are crazy I tell you.  Crazy.  I lock my doors every year and they still get in and wreck the place.

Much to my munchkins' delight.

Have a good one!

Easy Irish Soda Bread

I have a deep sincere love for Irish Soda Bread.

This love is real.

When I am in the presence of a loaf of soda bread I must cut and toast a slice.  And slather it with butter.

I then cut another sliver.  Just a small, little sliver.  Hardly even a piece. 

And then I have to even out the loaf.  This piece doesn't even count because the edges were uneven.  I could never leave it looking messy.

Not my style.   

Before I know, the Irish Soda Bread is no more.  Between myself and my munchkins this bread lasts about 24 hours.

But it had a wonderful life and it was loved.

Thank Heavens St. Patrick's Day is only once a year.  My pants couldn't take any more than that.

Mommyhood's EASY Irish Soda Bread

1/2 c. white sugar
4 c. all purpose flour (plus a tbsp for dusting)
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
3 c. raisins
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 1/4 c. buttermilk
1 c. sour cream

Preheat oven to 350.  Grease a 9 inch cake pan.

In medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt and raisins. 

In small bowl, lightly beat eggs and add buttermilk and sour cream. 

Stir the liquid mixture into the dry mixture until flour is moistened.  Knead dough in bowl with additional 15-20 strokes.  Dough will be sticky. 

Turn dough into pan and pat down.  Make a 4"x1" slice in middle and dust with flour.

Bake 55-65 minutes or until center is just done when toothpick is inserted.  I like to remove bread when center is a tad moist and minimal dough is on pick when center is pierced. 

I don't do dry baked goods.  This includes my bread. 

Remove from pan and cool on wire rack. 

While bread is still hot from oven cut yourself a slice and slather it with butter.  Eat it. 

 Then even out the bread because you know you cut it sloppy.

Do your best to stop yourself there. 

Have a fabulous Tuesday!

**Recipe adapted from www.allrecipes.com**

Riddle Fun

The Gymnastics Queen is quite fond of riddles. 

Her teacher has a "Riddle of the Day".  Every morning there is a riddle on the board, and the students have until the end of the day to solve the riddle.

My little girl diligently writes down every riddle and answer at the end of the school day.  

And guess who has to then solve these brain teasers?

You got it.  Me and my mommybrain.

 And after approximately 100 days of school this year, I am ashamed to admit I've only solved one.

Just one.  I'm a complete and total riddle solving disgrace.

Below I am listing some of our favorites.   

Post a comment with how many you answered correctly! 

(answers below)

1.  What did one eye say to the other eye?

2.  Looking out the window, what did Mrs. Claus say to Santa?

3.  Why did the Alligator bring a ladder to school?

4.  Why is six afraid of seven?

5.  How do you wake up Lady Gaga?

Answers:

1.  Something smells between us.

2.  It looks like rain, dear (reindeer).

3.  He wanted to go to high school.

4.  Because seven eight (ate)  nine!

5.  You "Poke-her-face" (Pokerface)

Well, how'd ya do?  Happy Monday!

Got Milk?

I am not a "milk drinker".  Unless the milk comes in form of ice cream or it is in my cereal it is not being ingested by me.

I am aware of the importance of milk, especially considering my family history of osteoporosis.  I am at risk, and as a result I pop calcium vitamins like candy.

But calcium vitamins don't have the nine essential nutrients milk has.  And since reading more about this "Pour One More" campaign I have decided to make an effort to drink chocolate milk. 

Chocolate makes almost anything bearable.

Unfortunately my oldest son inherited my distaste for milk.  This makes getting him his recommended daily calcium quite tricky.

At times it feels like rocket science.

Other than myself and my oldest son, I'm happy to report milk is quite popular in our house.  I love serving my willing munchkins milk to ensure strong bones and teeth.  Hubby drinks a gallon every two days.

All the milk we buy makes a milk man quite enticing.  Or maybe we need to consider livestock. 

And as for my Sports Fanatic, I do my best to sneak an extra serving of milk in wherever I can.  Cereal, oatmeal and milkshakes help me get a few servings of milk into him when I need to. 

For ideas on how to sneak an extra serving of milk into our day, check out the "Pour One More" website.

As parents, we need to be vigilant about our children's nutrition.  Growing bodies need vitamins and minerals to stay healthy and build strong bones and teeth.  Milk is an excellent source of calcium, vitamin D, phosphorus, riboflavin, protein, vitamin B12, potassium, vitamin A and niacin. 

Also, help spread the word and "Like" this campaign on Facebook!

In the next few days I'll be posting a giveaway for some very cool "Pour One More" gear such a cereal bowls and insulated glasses.  Also, I'll be giving away free milk for a year!

Check back daily and be sure to enter to win!

Have a relaxing Sunday!  Drink your milk!

A Random List

1.  I love when it rains at night.  Especially in the summer.

2.  I prefer to eat with small silverware.  I eat cereal and ice cream with spoons that I hide in my utensil drawer.  I like to ensure they are always available for me to use.

Hence the hiding.

3.  When I prepare a bowl of ice cream I need to have at least two flavors and one topping in the bowl.

4.  Clutter and mess drive me crazy.

It's a short drive.

5.  My parents are the most helpful, supportive, selfless people I know.

6.  I am a total and complete "Twi-Mom".  Or "Twi-Hard".  Or as Hubby calls me, "Twi-Tard".

7.  I am on Team Edward.

8.  Whenever I have to buy dog food I have no coupon.  The day after I buy dog food a coupon arrives in the mail.

This never fails.

9.  I had all four of my children without the assistance of drugs.  I went "au naturale".

It was the most 4 most painfully rewarding experiences of my life.

10.  They do not give rewards for natural childbirth.  The reward is a baby.

11.  I can't stop a list at #11.  This would keep me up at night.

12.  My first car was a Jeep Wrangler.  Stick shift.

I am eternally grateful my parents insisted I learn to drive a stick shift because it's awesome.

Have a wonderful weekend!!  Off to a Gymnastics Meet today, wish my little girl good luck!

5 ? Friday!

It's Friday.  Again.  Time certainly doesn't wait for me to get my uh hum, "stuff" together.

For every task I accomplish two new tasks arise.

It's quite frustrating at times.

Luckily I've learned to ignore everything that isn't 100% necessary and let the rest of the chips fall where they may.

Mommy Survival 101.

And now, without further ado, I celebrate the beginning of the weekend with another fabulous edition of....

5 ? Friday! 

1. Do you know what your REAL hair color is?

Nope.  Not a clue.  I am pretty certain it's a mouse-y brown color.  I like my hair blond, as it has been for years.  Unfortunately the upkeep gets away from me at times. 

My roots have been known to scare small children.  

My son once inquired about why my hair was "one color on top and another color on the bottom".

This was my cue to fork over the $120 and get my hair cut and colored.  

I love hair salon days.  They are a fabulous, rare occurrence.

2. Do you plan ahead for summer, or fly by the seat of your pants?

Both.  We plan some beach weekends, since my father owns a nipdoodlish beach house about two hours from where we live.  

My large family gathers there for a few select weekends every summer.  The house gets quite crowded and shenanigans inevitably ensue.  

Beer flows freely and music plays from morning until night.  Husbands get in trouble and little cousins tear up the joint.

Summer is a fabulous time.  

Other than a few weeks of camp and beach vacations we keep everything light and lazy.  

That's how we roll.

3. What is your favorite meal to cook?

I can't really say.  I'm really more of a baker.

I like to cook when I have time and I have groceries.  This is usually not the case.  

I also prefer to make what I feel like eating.  

Hubby's favorite meal would probably be my Poppyseed Chicken.  I would ask him but he's asleep and would be rather disgruntled if I interrupted his R.E.M.

4. Do you get offended by not receiving thank yous?

I don't think that hard.  I try to remain as oblivious as possible.

It's hard to get offended when you're oblivious.

As long as someone is grateful in the moment, I am satisfied and I continue on my journey through existence.

In oblivion.

5. How did you meet your best friend?

Well, I have a few best friends.  I have childhood best friends, Mommy best friends, family best friends and my best friend forever. 

I'm such a lucky girl.

I have a childhood best friend (B.F.#1) who I can call once every two months and nothing ever changes between us.  We've solidified our friendship.  She's a better friend than I am and I am forever grateful for it.  She also loves Disney and being a Mommy.  I met her through B.F. #2.

I met B.F. #2 when I was 3 through our parents.  I speak to her once every several months.  She knows me so well we can look at eachother and laugh about something that happened 20 years ago.  

We know each other's brains.

My sister-in-law, Mimi, was my B.F.F. in high school.  We ran in the same circle and she started dating my brother.  

They got married.  

I am forever thankful my brother had such high standards.  She is one phenomenal friend (B.F. #3) and I love having her around as we evolve and move through life.  

Another bestie (B.F. #4) I met through Hubby.  They were in college together.

And another B.F. (B.F. #5) I met when I lived in PA.  We had playdates every day and accomplished absolutely nothing. 

Around 3pm we would freak out and rush home to straighten up and prepare a meal before our husbands got home.  

We didn't want to blow our cover.

Aren't friends grand?

Random Picture from My Computer Time!  

The winner is LLG at McDonalds, hiding from a kid he went to preschool with. 

This boy wasn't LLG's cup of tea.  

He was a little rough.   

His name was George, and you can read all about him HERE.

And this was LLG hiding brilliantly behind my stroller as I waited in line to order Happy Meals.

HaPpY FrIdAY!

My Munchkins Have Superpowers

My munchkins have superpowers.  Their senses are unparalleled.

No matter what they are doing, or where I am hiding, they always know when I'm on the phone.  Always.

And once they locate me they have burning questions. 

Complaints that can't wait. 

They follow me around and whine that they need me.

This never fails.  Ever.  I can't remember the last conversation I had that wasn't interrupted by a tiny person with an immediate need. 

And their powers don't end there.

My munchkins can smell dessert from rooms away.  And they always need a piece.  Or a taste.  Or their own serving.

Even when I'm out to eat or at a party I look over my shoulder for dessert hunting munchkins.  The suspense is frightening. 

I've been known to hover over my plate and hide.  Or I sit in silence in the hopes I can eat undetected.

Along with an impressive sense of smell and a knack for making phone conversations near impossible, those buggers are FAST. 

Their speed is best displayed when I am cleaning the house.  Moopa follows behind me and messes faster than I can blink my eyes. 

She is faster than lightening and extremely efficient in emptying drawers. 

Despite their speed, my little rascals are also skilled at moving slowly.  This is best displayed when I am in a hurry or when we are already late.

Their favorite time to move in slow motion is when we have any type of appointment.  They are slower than snails when they detect my need to be anywhere official.

And they make their lethargic pace seem so effortless. 

It's fascinating.

My munchkins forever amaze me.  Every day I'm in awe of them.

Superpowers are just the beginning.  And despite all the inconvenient powers that come naturally to them, I would have it no other way. 

Food stealing, phone interrupting, "make me late" behavior and all.  They truly know how to make my day.  Every time.

Mommyhood Footnote:  Guess what?  It's almost the weekend!  Woot Woot!

Tonight I've Got Nothin'

Tonight I've got nothing.  I never thought this day would come.

I am speechless.  And thoughtless.  My brain has no juice. 

I'm juiceless.

I'm fighting a cold and my body is craving sleep.  Every few weeks I hit a wall and my body demands rest.  I happily oblige because I know within days I will be up and running at full speed again.

I will be full of juice.

And so until tomorrow I leave you with a picture of our hotel bathroom three years ago.  Three years ago LLG was just under two years old.

Why this picture?  Because my munchkins insisted I take a picture of our villa's "facilities".  

They'd never seen anything like it before.  

They were amazed that LLG had his own private tub. 

How wonderful to be a munchkin.  And how wonderful to use a bidet (when it wasn't being utilized as a baby tub of course...). 

Happy "Hump" Day! (giggle giggle...)

A Childhood Favorite: Chicken and Rice

There are a handful of meals that bring me straight back to my mother's kitchen.

Let me rephrase.

There are a handful of meals that bring me straight back to my mother's kitchen in our old house.  I am in my mother's current kitchen several times a week.

I am one of six kids.  My mother prepared simple, easy, delicious meals and we enjoyed them all-you-can-eat family style.  She had to prepare enough food to feed a small army and it was set out in the kitchen for all to enjoy whenever they cruised through.

My stomach ate itself every time I caught the aroma of this dish cookin'.  I lingered in the kitchen, probably driving her crazy, while I waited for dinner to be ready.

And this past Sunday, while at the grocery store, I remembered this dish.  My subconscious awoke and made itself useful for once.

I haven't enjoyed this dish in years.  But as I pushed my cart around that crowded, loathsome place I knew I had to prepare it.

And so the first of two calls was made to my most amazing mother.  I needed to know what I needed other than chicken and brown rice.

And tonight I made the second call.  And Mom walked me through this easy, delectable meal that my stomach remembers so fondly.

It may be the easiest meal I am sharing to date.  And most definitely one of the most delicious.

The "Mommyhood Family Eat percentage" (MFE) is 83%.  The only munchkin that needed prodding was LLG.   All others happily ingested as it was served.

LLG obliged once ketchup was offered up as a dipping sauce.  We choose our battles carefully in Mommyhood.

This fed our family of 6 and we have leftovers in the fridge.  Makes 4 adult sized servings.

2 1/2 cups uncooked brown rice (NOT Boil in Bag.  I used Minute Whole Grain Brown Rice)
1 lb thin sliced chicken breasts
1 can Healthy Request Cream of Chicken Soup
1 Packet Lipton Onion Soup
Chopped Carrots (optional)

Preheat oven to 350.  Grease bottom and sides of 9x13 baking dish.

Spread uncooked rice evenly on bottom of dish.  Top with chicken breasts.

Spread soup over top of chicken.  Fill empty soup can with water and add to dish, using fork to slightly mix in.  Repeat with another 1/2 to 3/4 can water.

Sprinkle soup mix on top.  Add carrots for color if desired.  Cover dish with foil.

Bake at 350 for 60 minutes. 

While dish is baking enjoy the Martha Stewart like aroma that fills the home.

Remove dish and eat like Martha Stewart prepared your meal.

Well, not quite.  But who has that kind of time?

Have a Super Tuesday!

Mommyhood Footnote:  This dinner is delicious, and makes for excellent leftovers.  Another bonus is this the health factor.  With whole grain brown rice and chicken it is packed with fiber and protein.  All the more reason to enjoy!

Mondays

The beginning of a new week is upon us.

Mondays are wonderful because the munchkins have school, which means I can actually accomplish something.

Mondays are awful because I have to get up.  The munchkins have to get up.  And we have to function and actually accomplish something.

I never knew I could love accomplishing something and despise accomplishing something simultaneously.  But I do because Mondays exist.

My first reaction when I wake up on a Monday is, UGH. I have to get up and accomplish something.  What time is it?  Need to be making breakfast by 8:10am or we'll miss the bus...

and if we miss the bus I have to dress myself because there is no way on God's green Earth I am driving there lookin' like this....

and if I drive to school I should really just go to the store because I'll already be out...but then I need to shower because I'm a total train wreck and I should have some self respect...

why am I not up yet?  And why am I talking about self respect?

But after the Monday bus pulls away (if they all made the bus) Mondays begin to turn around.  I have some skip in my step.  Some strut in my stride.  I get my act together and get Moopa dressed.

On a real good day I'll even give her a hairstyle aside from a barrette.

And then me and the Moops hit the town.  Or Target.  Or the grocery store.

Or I run about 25 loads of laundry and stack the clothes so high in the baskets I can't lift them.  And then I have to leave them for Hubby to bring up two flights of stairs.

I think I do that on purpose.

This Monday is for laundry.  And vacuuming.  And for accomplishing.

Ack and hurray.  Simultaneously.

I wish you a Monday of many accomplishments.  Or not.  I wish you whatever your preference is. 


HaPpY mOnDaY!

Mommyhood Footnote:  Need a quick Monday "pick me up"?  Put on a Power Ranger suit and jump in puddles.  

At one point in your life this was fun.  Maybe it still is fun.  No judgements here.

She Must Be Mine

Let's set the stage before I post the picture.

Whiny, crying Moopa.

Hanging on my leg.

The girl wants Lucky Charms.  She has never had Lucky Charms.  Yet she has retrieved the box from the pantry.

There must be something about this box that is telling her about everything in life she is missing.

And there was something about the whiny, crying, hanging on my leg that forced me to just say, UGH! Sit here and you can have a handful!

And so she did have a handful.  Of marshmallows. 

It was a classic "eat n' run".

One taste of tiny marshmallow and the rest wasn't worth eating.   Eat what you like and leave the rest behind.

I have the same philosophy.  Yes, this girl is mine.


Have a totally awesome Sunday!

Family Birthdays = A Trip to the Bar

Thursday was my brother's birthday.

Friday was my sister's birthday.

Here is a very grainy, indoor picture of the "Birthday People".  Above their heads is an ultra cool family photo.

To honor the Birthday People it was suggested we go out.  To a bar.  

This is par for the course for 98% of my family.  The other 2% consists of myself and my mother.  The bar is not our scene.  I average one "bar outing" per calendar year. 

This is cool with me because I don't drink.  Ever.

I'm confused enough, no need to exacerbate the situation.

I also don't like it enough to ingest all those calories.  If I'm ingesting 500-1000 extra calories it better be from a bowl of ice cream.

But tonight in honor of the fabulously fab "Birthday People" I made my annual appearance at a bar.  There was a live band which was quite exciting.  And loud.

It was a real hoot'nanny.

It was also educational and informative.  

With each annual appearance I realize I am getting older.  And the other girls are getting younger.

My sister is 8 years younger than I am.  She is a pup.  With no wrinkles.  Her forehead shows no signs of sun exposure or worries.  

I also learned that when I'm partyin' out and I'm prompted to pose for a picture, I opt for the "Mouth Open Pose".

For now we'll refer to it as the "M.O.P." 

It must be genetic because my siblings do as well. 

 

The man in the middle of me and my sister is our Dad.  He is a very strange bird who has a heart of gold and fancies Hawaiian attire.

We love him dearly.  

He lasted at the bar until midnight.  I then drove him home before his ears started bleeding from the alternative rock band.  

I think he was hoping for Jimmy Buffett covers.

I returned to the bar to treat my siblings and Hubby to a drive home.  We rolled in around 2am.

And now I shall sleep.  

But first I will pray that when I wake my hearing is restored and my voice will no longer sound like I've been smokin' a pack a day for forty years.

Happy Saturday!

Mommyhood Footnote:  I will be hurtin' for sleep by this afternoon. But Hubby will be hurtin' even more for Advil.

5 ? Friday!

Howdy Folks!

I just got off work and it was Country Music Night.  LOVE country music.

I also love people who dance regardless of whether or not there's "dancing".

We had two ladies line dancing between tables and a couple slow dancing by the hostess station.  The line dancing was gettin' a bit complicated.  The ladies were having a bit of difficulty finding the necessary space.

But the slow dancing was workin' out just fine. 

I love to see people having a good time.  Too many grumpy bugs in this world.  It really makes me happy to see people enjoying life.

And dancing because they feel like dancing.

Anyone else singing Leo Sayer right now?

You make me feel like dancing,
I'm gonna dance the night way.
You make me feel like dancing,
And it's five question Friday...

I'm already suffering from the tired sillies so I'll get on with it already...

Five Question Friday

1. Have you ever forgotten your child in a store or at school?

Oh nellie.  No.  Talk about giving me a heart attack.  But I did lose LLG in a store once.  The little rascal was hiding in a clothes rack.  And when the entire store was locked down he was then too afraid to come out.  I ran around freaking out like a lunatic, with my heart in my chest, screaming at everyone to call the police.

I was never so happy as I was that moment we found him.

Did I mention I was at the store because I was applying for a job?

They never called.

2. Where did you go on your very first date? (Like...first first, not first with your spouse or current significant other!)

Wow.  I have no clue.  I guess it wasn't too much of a hot date!

It may have been the movie True Lies.  I was a freshman and a senior asked me out.  He was hot and I was too nervous to be cool.  

I was also fourteen.  

That may have put a cramp in things.

3. What's your "silly" fear? (We're not talking water and heights.)

Fears?  Tough to say because what is silly to one is a valid fear to another.  

Am I afraid of clowns like some other grown adult who lives in my house? 

NO.

But I certainly don't like heights, and I fear losing anyone close to me.  Especially my munchkins.

If anything ever happened to any one of them you can just put me in the ground.  Toss me in.  Cover me with dirt.  There would be no hope for me. 

4. Confrontation: do you cause it, deal with is as it comes, or run far far away?

I run like lightening.  I avoid confrontation like my munchkins avoid shots at the doctor's office.  Confrontation actually makes me sick to the stomach.  Sick to the core.  I can't even function around it.  

I'm such a weakling. 

It's actually more of an inherited trait.  My family is a "sweep it under the rug and let it blow over" group.  We're so chill we could be ice pops.

It may not be the best to resolve issues but man does it keep things civil.  And fun.  

And like there's an elephant in the room sometimes.

But it always blows over.  Always.  Time has a way of working things out just like it has a way of healing.  Time has magic powers.

5. Wood floors or carpet?

Four munchkins and a dog demand WOOD FLOORS.  

It's a lot easier to clean spills, dog droppings and food mashed on the floor when the floor is wood.

If I never had to steam another carpet it would be too soon.

Random picture from my computer time!

Browsing...

My Sports Fanatic enjoying the beach two summers ago.  He is a wonderfully content old soul.

He is wonderful period.

And holy moly I have spring on the brain.  

It's bad. 

Wishing everyone a rockin' weekend. Enjoy time with your family and friends!