Summer Rice Salad

Every summer, my mom makes this amazingly delicious, refreshing rice salad.  It's the kind of salad that is best enjoyed on a hot summer day, right out of the fridge.

With produce abundant all summer long, there is no better time to try this recipe.  It's perfect to bring to picnics and barbecues.  It's also perfect to make and just keep in the fridge, because it packs great for lunch and it's easy to eat for dinner.

Along with being delicious and easy to make, this salad can be as guilt-free as you like.  I make it with low fat Italian dressing, but fat-free tastes great as well.  Add in the brown rice, and you have fiber as well as a plentiful serving of vegetables.

Excuse my recipe, I kind of throw this together, as does my mom.  But you'll get the idea!

1 box Boil-in-Bag Brown Rice (3 bags)
3 peppers, any combination of red, yellow and/or green
1 medium red onion
1 cucumber
1 bottle 16oz Italian dressing (your choice, I like low fat Wishbone Italian)

Boil rice as directed on box, and chop cucumber and peppers into small squares.  Dice onion, I use about 1/2 to 3/4 of the red onion.  After rice is cooked, drain and toss in bowl with chopped vegetables.  Add dressing, using about 3/4 of bottle and toss salad to mix.  Save extra dressing to freshen up salad if needed.

Keep in refrigerator until ready to serve.  Serves about 12-15.

A Thursday, Weather Related, List

1.  I bought an air conditioner today.  I finally broke down and spent the money because it's awful hot outside.  And it will be awful hot again tomorrow.  And so on.

Hubby cannot function, or sleep, in a room that is 80 degrees.  My "keep the curtains closed" wasn't cuttin' it anymore.

2.  Yesterday, with pool water that was up to code for swimming, two of my more adventurous munchkins decided to swim.

For about 7 minutes.

After 7 minutes they couldn't feel their lower extremities.  But hey, they are totally stoked we own a pool.

3.  Today is Field Day for my 2nd grader.  He was thrilled to be out in the super hot sun.

He actually was, until I asked him for a picture.  Cue the downward spiral.

4.  No more cooking for me.  The kitchen closes in June, because I am not crazy enough to stand in front of a stove with no central air.

Hello cereal, toast, pancakes and eating out.  Whoop whoop!

5.  I personally do not mind the heat nearly as much as everyone else I know.  I can't even wear shorts unless it is at least 75 degrees with pure sun, shining on me, all day.

I do however, mind winter.  very much.

Happy Thursday!

Evolving, Evaluating and Playing in Creeks

Since living out of what I would call the "tri-state" area, I'm evolving.  It's a long and exciting process, which involves patience and a desire to open myself up to change.

I must admit, change is scary, but refreshing.  Most of this recent "change" has been forced on me, but it's making me re-evaluate my life.  My pace.  My preconceived notions about people.

Preconceived anything is not a good thing.  I'm happy to say that I'm slowly letting judgements fall away, as they should.  There is always more than meets the eye, and I'm trying my very best to give everyone a blank slate approach.

It's not easy, but I'm a work in progress.

A few things I've embraced since moving here are boots, cowboy hats and cows.  I love my cows.  I take pictures of them every time they are close enough to my car and there is no one behind me.

Which is often.

Speaking of no one behind me, the empty space out here is breathtaking, and it calms the nerves.  I also enjoy driving in peace, with no on riding up my rear cursing me under their breath.

I kind of putt along, staring at cows.  And Amish people.  And tiny goats.

Lastly, I have long underestimated the power of a nice creek.  One that has plenty of rocks and very shallow water.  If there is one thing everyone embraces out here, it's a good creek to dip your feet in, play in, and throw rocks in.

Kids will do this for hours.  And it's so much better than any Xbox.

I wish everyone a refreshing week, full of just enough change to make you re-evaluate your life.  Take it from me, sometimes the pace is too fast or the people are good as gold underneath the scary exterior.

Evolve, evaluate and play in a creek.  You never know, you might just like what you find. 

Live and Learn. And Eat Chicken.

Don't forget to sign up and save money on gasoline with Shell's FRN!  Free and easy to join!

Yesterday my 6th grader enjoyed a very exciting, very long trip to Washington D.C. with his class.  When I woke him at 4:45am I expected grumpy man growls.  Eye rubbing.  I expected the very slow moving, wander-through-the-hall-in-the-dark to bathroom deal.

Instead, he sat up bright eyed and bushy tailed.  He couldn't wait for his adventure to D.C.

The school gave us very clear instructions on what to pack.  Lunches had to be disposable, not cold packs.  A very small drawstring bag was allowed for money and valuables.  Lunch would be eaten either on bus (rain) or in a grassy area near one of the museums.

Dinner would be on the way home, either KFC, McDonalds or Taco Bell.

We decided on $40 of spending money, telling our son that $10.00 should be more than enough for dinner at a fast food restaurant.  This left $30 for souvenirs.

My oldest returned home at 11pm last night, very groggy and in need of sleep.  He reached into his pockets, dumped $3 and some change on the counter and went to bed.

Where are the souvenirs?  The shirt and the hat and funny keychains? 

This morning, I asked my son why he didn't buy any souvenirs.  He told me the other groups stopped at this store but his didn't, and blah blah blah.

You get the idea.

Then where is your money?

"I spent it."

On what?!

"Food."

Food?  Did you feed the whole bus?!

I packed him a lunch.  How did he spend $36.00 on dinner for one?  He told me the lunch I packed was smushed so he bought lunch.  And then he bought dinner at KFC on the way home.

What did you buy exactly?

"Dinner was, I don't know, a chicken meal.  But I didn't know it came in a bucket!"

A bucket?  As in family style?  How much was it?

"$18.99."

I answered with big mom eyes.  No words.

He laughed.  "I had no idea!  I've never been to KFC!"

He told me he gave the leftovers out on the bus.  I'm sure his classmates were thrilled with the free chicken tenders from KFC.  I bet he even made a few new friends, since there is not better way to gain popularity than with fried chicken and biscuits.

Most importantly, he lived and learned.  Not all fast food is created equal, and if something is $18.99, it's feeding more than one person. 

Now that is a lesson I never thought to teach, so thank you Washington D.C. and the school.  This is why kids need field trips, and other activities outside the classroom.  But that's a whole 'nother post.  

Happy weekend!

KFC anyone?

Hope

I'm not sure what to say.  It's a tough day for me because I know there are mommies suffering.

Searching.

Hoping.

My heart aches for these families in Oklahoma.  As I pray for them and their families I'm reminded my troubles are small.  Library fees for overdue books and bills in the mailbox look like a day in Disney when I see what is happening in Oklahoma.

I have what I need, and at the end of the day, I need to remember it.  We never know what life will bring us, and we need to cherish the moments we have with loved ones.  We need to be thankful, and to keep our troubles in perspective, because energy should not be wasted on worry.

Real troubles just happen.  They can't be controlled.  They hit you like a freight train when you least expect them, and suddenly you realize nothing was as big a deal as you thought it was.

Keep your troubles in perspective, and enjoy every day.  Hug your babies.  Enjoy sunshine on your face and sticky kitchen tables.  

There are parents who need our prayers, and our support.  Remember them today and in the coming months, because as the news cameras move on to the next story, they will still be hurting.  And rebuilding.  And wondering how they will keep waking up every morning.

Many many hugs and prayers Oklahoma.  Keep on marching.  The sun will shine again. 

This is Me, Saving Money

I have a not-so-secret secret. I just moved.

I moved from New York to Pennsylvania, and settling in has been hectic.  I've been unpacking, cleaning, organizing and driving around aimlessly looking for places to shop.  I'm also driving around frustrated because I don't know where anything is.

This wastes a lot of gas.

Since moving to PA, I've enrolled my daughter in a new gymnastics school and my boys have joined baseball teams.  Most weekdays after school look something like this:

3:15 - pick up from school
4:00 - leave for gymnastics, with everyone in tow
4:30 - drop daughter at gymnastics, turn around and head home
5:00 - drop boys at baseball practice or game
7:30 - go back to gymnastics
8:30 - head back home and drown my exhaustion in ice cream

In case you're overwhelmed, I'll sum this up by saying I drive more than I did in New York.  I didn't think this was possible, but apparently it is.  I'm blessed that gas prices are lower in Pennsylvania, but I'm still spending more than I care to know about on fuel.

I'd rather buy clothes.  Or ice cream.

I've mentioned the Fuel Rewards Network™ program - or FRN™ program - on my blog before, and it's so great I'm mentioning it again.

I signed-up a few weeks ago, and I save a few dollars on gasoline at Shell every time I fill my tank.  This may not sound like much, but it does add up.  Saving $2.00 every time I fuel up can save me around $20/month.  Which means I'm saving $240/year.

That's a lot of ice cream.

Along with earning rewards grocery shopping, dining out and shopping online, FRN members can also earn rewards on car washes and automotive services at participating Shell stations.  Basically, just by living your life and doing what you normally do, you can save money on gasoline.

This is me, in my gigantic "do these make my giant head look smaller?" sunglasses, saving money.  Don't I look happy?

FRN also has a mobile app to track your rewards, which makes life very easy.  I love easy.

If you haven't joined the Fuel Rewards Network program, you're missing out on big savings on Shell Fuel.  Money you could spend on groceries, clothes or vacations. Anything sounds better than spending money on gas for the car.

I love my little fuel card, he goes with me everywhere.

If you want to save money (who doesn't?), visit fuelrewards.com and sign up today.  It's quick and easy, and you'll be so glad you did.  You can also get more information by visiting the FRN Facebook Page.

Watch these fun videos that show how great it feels to save with FRN!

Happy driving, and even happier saving!

Teacher Gift: Candy Jars

If you teach my children stop reading.

I'm 99% certain that warning was not needed.

If your munchkins are still in school (can't keep up with nationwide school calendars these days), this post might come in handy.  If by some chance you're already enjoying your summer vacation with your kids, save this post for next year.  Or use it for a camp counselor.  Or a birthday gift.

Or make it for yourself and eat the candy when your kids are driving you mad and you want to stick needles in your eyes.

These candy jars are very easy to make.  And they require little extra supplies if you have some basic craft items in your house.  A glue gun is worthwhile investment if you don't have one, as are jelly/jam jars.

Jars are very versatile, and glue guns are awesome. 

These jars are whimsical, fun, and they can save you money if you are in need of a few teacher gifts. 

Two important tips for these jars.  

#1:  You are going for color.  Bright colors work for ribbon and candies.
#2:  Use what you have in your home.  Don't go crazy purchasing special ribbon or tissue paper.  Find something that will work in your basement or closet and USE it!

"Super Sweet Teacher" Candy Jars

Supplies:

Jars with lids (I recommend Pint Jars or larger)

Candies (Skittles, M&M's etc)

Colorful ribbon (curling and craft ribbon)

Colorful tissue paper, wrapping paper or regular paper

Printer

Scissors (craft and regular)

Glue Gun (or use Elmer's if you must)

Cellophane or plastic treat sacks if attaching gift card

Wash and dry jars and lids.

Full with assortment of colorful candies (I used Skittles and M&M's).

Cut tissue paper in squares to fit over jar lids, leaving about 2-3" around edges.  Screw lid on gently.

Measure craft ribbon alongside rim of jar, and cut.  Using glue gun, secure in place.

If attaching a gift card, wrap in cellophane.  Cutting down those plastic treat bags works well too.  Tie curly ribbon tightly around cello (or party bag).  Leave enough slack to tie this ribbon around jar (leave about 12" to be safe.  You can always trim it down).

On printer, print out "Sweets for a SUPER SWEET Teacher"  or "Thanks for being a SUPER SWEET Teacher" card.

Cut card into square with craft scissors (or regular if you don't have them).  To spruce up card glue it to a piece of colorful cardstock or construction paper.  Cut to size and punch hole in top left corner.

Tie card onto front of gift card using curly ribbon.  Loop the curly ribbon around the neck of the jar, cross in back and tie in front (in front of gift card).  Curl ribbon with scissors.

If desired, secure curly ribbon on back of lid with glue gun.

Voila, teacher gifts, in just a few minutes!

One major bonus to making these jars??

You can eat the candy as you make them!

Have a fab Friday, and yes, this is a semi-repost (if you wondered why this idea looked familiar...).

Juggling

There's a reason I eat ice cream and drink Frappuccinos.  They bring me peace.  And solace.

I remember when I had my first two babies, I loved every minute.  It was manageable, and even though it was exhausting I loved it.  I still do.  But I also remember my mother forewarning me that things don't get expensive, and tough, until those babies get a little bit older.  I told her I knew, but I wasn't afraid.  I could handle anything and mommyhood was all hearts and roses.

Truthfully, I had that "it won't happen to me" thing going on.  Kind of like when you have a baby and you see another mom struggling with her toddler in a store.  She is flustered and has mommy-sweat.  She is bribing with cookies and lollipops, just trying to get out of that store in one piece. 

That would never be me.  I would never need to bribe with candy and sweets. 

Puh-lease.

Guess what?  I've bribed with all kinds of sugar, hundreds of times.  Times ten.

I'm currently experiencing exactly what my mom, a mom of six, told me would happen.  I have four kids, three of which play sports.  They love sports.  And they all have to be at a field, or a facility at least 3 times a week. 

Usually four.

That is 9-12 places I need to be every week, before I've even tackled homework or bought groceries.  Naturally, these practices and games usually overlap, and I'm blessed to have the best friends anyone could ask for two miles away.

They have two boys, and have semi-adopted my four kids as well.  They help me get my boys where I need them to be when I am stuck at gymnastics.  Or a concert.  Or another field.

When I left New York, I left behind my mother and the support system she provided.  Along with her wisdom and fore-warnings, she was an extra person to handle what my kids needed.  Now, with Hubby working more and me knowing much less about my surroundings, life is all about juggling.

And looking to hire to a kick ass sitter.

Until I find that special sitter, I will bury my face in munchkin hugs and kisses.

Oh, and venti Frappuccinos.

Amen.

Ten

My older daughter is ten today.  This is kind of odd because the last time I checked she looked something like this?

Truthfully, I remember turning ten rather well.  I felt like ten was so much older than nine.  I felt like I was this big kid suddenly, and not a baby anymore.  But in reality, it was just one day.  One morning I was nine and the next I was ten.  That's it.  But to me, growing up, it felt like a world of a difference.

That extra digit really meant something.

I see my daughter turning ten, and I'm blessed and happy with how innocent she still is, and how I've been able to keep her pace slower than mine was.  She isn't chasing boys on the playground or prank calling them.  She isn't wearing makeup to school or carrying a purse.  She still happily rides her scooter and sometimes her clothes don't match (please don't tell her this). 

Most importantly, she has a bed full off cherished stuffed animals.

Time passes quickly, and it's hard to believe she isn't a toddler anymore.  Or learning her alphabet.  She is growing into a responsible, loving "tween," and I'm afraid for the day she actually does want a boyfriend. 

Oh the agony.  Hold me now.

Today, I'm celebrating my baby girl, who is no longer an actual "baby" (excuse me while I sniffle).  I would love to hold her just once more as a tiny newborn, wearing her preemie sleeper.  Or rock her to sleep as a toddler after a busy day.

That would be the ultimate gift.

I'll have to celebrate with big hugs and birthday cake, because this kid is worth celebrating.  Her tiny face still takes my breath away, and I'm beyond blessed she is my daughter. 

Boys, stay away.

Seriously.

Happy double digits to my girl!

Happy Happy, to You!

Happy Mother's Day to all the sleepy eyed, overworked mommies out there.  Hug your babies; cherish those handmade cards.

It doesn't get much better than scribbles, poems and drawings of hearts, rainbows and little stick mommies.

I'm hoping for an afternoon siesta and a large Starbucks, no fancy meal necessary.  It doesn't take much to make this Mama happy.

I have what I need, and I'm very grateful for those tiny faces.

Happy Mother's Day everyone!

Abercrombie and Fitch, Shame on You.

All this Abercrombie and Fitch hoopla is pretty upsetting.  I have never, in my life, heard any CEO speak with less class.  Speak with less regard for how impressionable young kids are, and how vitally important it is to nourish and nurture their differences as they find their way in the world.

Abercrombie, you make very cool clothes.  Albeit a little too "sexy" for my taste these days, they are cool nonetheless.  I give you that credit.  When I was in high school, I loved shopping in your store.  I was small in stature, and I still am.  I'm guessing I was exactly what you were looking for as far as clientele goes.

Small.  Blond.  Money to spend.

What you don't understand is that by what you have declared, you are losing the very clientele you desire in your store.  I haven't shopped in your store in years, but that is because I see no reason to spend $100 on a pair of jeans.

I grew up.

Now, I would never shop there because I can't imagine feeding into your "image,"  and I would never let my small stature-d kids feed into it either.  You see, my kids may be the right size for your clothes.  They may even be the "athletes" or the "cool kids."  They may not be.  It doesn't matter.  Kids are kids, and mommies look out for all the kids the love.  Everyone is "cool" in their own right, and shame on you for publicly trying to say size makes you cooler than someone else.

You have just contradicted, on very public and impressionable platform, what every good parent spends countless hours trying to teach their kids.  Size doesn't matter, be yourself, don't be a follower.  The list is endless when we are trying to instill a strong sense of self in our precious children.  

Thanks for sh*tting all over our hard work.

Character makes someone cool.  Being an individual makes someone cool.  Having a good heart and passion for what they love makes someone cool.

An "A&F"  label on a tee shirt does not make anyone cool.

I am a firm believer that you are permitted to sell any size you like.  If you cater to larger people, sell larger sizes.  If you cater to smaller people, sell smaller sizes.

That is not my issue.

You have labeled large people and labeled small people.  And we don't appreciate labels.  We are who we are for what is underneath our clothes, and underneath our skin.  And a large, popular retailer should know better than to say it doesn't want certain people wearing its clothes.

Let this mommy of four give you some business advice.  Don't piss off mommies.  You make kids feel badly about themselves because they aren't "cool enough" or "rich enough" to shop in your store, and we don't give our kids money to shop in your store.

We don't buy our kids birthday gifts in your store, or Christmas gifts in your store.

Cheers to all the mommies and daddies out there who know that "cool" doesn't come from a label.  And keep teaching your kids the same, while you shop in American Eagle.

Triscuit Macaroni and Cheese (Please!)

It's been a long while since I've posted a recipe.  This is because it's been a long while since I've cooked anything other than pancakes, grilled cheese, chicken nuggets or pasta for many months.

I've been moving.  And competing for Mother of the Year.

Last week, I jazzed up my mother's classic, super easy and super delicious macaroni and cheese with crumbled Triscuits.  It was nothing short of fabulous.  In between the creamy and dreamy macaroni and cheese was a salty, crunchy heavenly Triscuit flavor.

Amazing.

You can thank me later.

5 cups milk (you can go whole, 2% or 1%...depending on what you prefer.  I do 1% for the waistline)
1 32 oz container Velveeta (I used 2% milk Velveeta)
1 box shells
1 cup crumbled Triscuits
Pepper (as desired)

Preheat oven to 350.

Warm milk over low heat in a heavy 6 quart saucepan.  Slice Velveeta and add slices, one at a time, while stirring slowly.  Continue to add Velveeta until only 1/3 of Velveeta remains.  Stir milk and Velveeta until cheese is completely melted. 

While preparing milk and Velveeta, on separate burner, cook shells and drain. 

Pour shells into a 9x13 baking dish, and pour milk/Velveeta mixture over top.  Slice a few extra slices of Velveeta and push in between shells.  Add pepper as desired.  You will have extra milk/Velveeta, how much you add is how creamy you like your mac n' cheese.

Sprinkle Triscuits over top. 

Bake at 350, for approximately 20 minutes or until bubbling.

ENJOY!

Confessions

*Don't forget to sign up and save on gasoline with FRN!  *

Every so often I feel the need to open up and tell the world something they may not know about me.  Especially those of you gorgeous people who know me mostly, or only, through this blog.

I would never want you to think I have it all together (so not true) or that I actually mop my floors (does spot cleaning count?).

Today, I'm telling you this...

I curse like a sailor.  All the time.  It's not very pretty and it's a terrible habit.  But I use, quite regularly, all those awful bad words we constantly tell our kids NOT to say.  I use them hundreds of times a day and they now are so natural to me they slip out when I least expect them to.

It's very unladylike.  And un-mother-like.  The other day I was walking behind my daughter on the stairs, and I was saying something.  I can't even remember what it was.  But I slipped a f*ck in there without even blinking.  My daughter gasped and turned at me with a "MOM!"

Thank heavens for kids who know better than to use language their parents use.

I don't know when I started using these words, or even why.  It may be because I have four brothers.  Or maybe it's because I started with a few choice words and now I've expanded to more words, and I just created a monster.

I do know with certainty that waitressing did not help.  If anything, it only fed my terrible, awful, no good potty mouth.

I'm trying to cut back, and I promise I know better than to use these words out in public or in front of other people's munchkins.  I can manage a filter when it is absolutely necessary.

To wrap this up, Happy F*cking Tuesday.  Just kidding, kind of (wink).

Have a good one!

Runnin' On Empty

I drive from 8:30am until 7:30 at night.  While I don't drive continuously, my days are a back-and-forth, to and from school, running-errands-and-getting-kids-to-activities blur.

The other evening, after pulling into my driveway after another long day in the car, I started to wonder how much I spend on gas every week.  After starting my gas-pump-tally, I decided not to figure it out.  I knew it would only depress me, because it's a lot of money.  More money than I care to spend on gasoline.

With gas prices constantly skyrocketing, it's important for everyone to consider different ways to save on gas.  While the easy way to save is not to drive, that is not a reality for many of us.

I imagine my kids would be very disgruntled if I told them we were no longer signing up for football, baseball, gymnastics or clubs.  Oh, and no more playdates unless we have them at our house.

Huh?  Seriously?

A simpler (and more sane) solution to gas prices is joining the Fuel Rewards Network™ program - or FRN™ program.  The FRN program is free and easy to join, and if you drive as much as I do, it can save you plenty on gas.  You can sign up online, or stop in any Shell station to receive your card.  Once you have your card, and your account set up, you can start saving on gas every time you hit the pump.  Members save on average $0.31/gallon on fuel (according to fuelrewards.com on 5/6/13).  Over the course of the year, that REALLY adds up.

My favorite part of the Fuel Rewards Network program is that your fuel rewards aren't limited to money you spend at Shell stations.  You can link your participating grocery cards, shop online, dine out and more, all to up your gas savings.  I was thrilled to realize that as I'm stocking up on my weekly groceries, eating out with Hubby, and buying gifts, I am also saving on gasoline.

Pretty cool.  Definitely a win-win.

Visit the Fuel Rewards Network program to sign up, or visit their Facebook page for more information.  Happy saving!

Would you like a $100 Shell Gift Card?

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Answer this question in the comments section below for a chance to win a $100 Shell Gift Card.

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What I've Learned

I'm just shy of three weeks in my new house.  The days fly by, and every day I am experiencing new places, people and things.

I grew up in New Jersey.  I'm a "Jersey Girl" at heart.  Since getting married I've lived in Connecticut, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.  We've moved around due to job changes and cost of living issues, but only recently have I ever lived out of what I would call the "tri-state" area.

A few years ago, I met a mom who had a daughter on my daughter's gymnastics team.  She was from Texas.  Being in the military, they moved around A LOT.  She had been many, many places, and told me over and over again how she just couldn't get used to New York.  The people seemed hurried, the pace was too fast.  The people were nice, but they kept to themselves.  She felt very out of place those few years in New York, and was excited to head south when her husband was transferred.

I understood what she was saying, but it never phased me.  When you grow up in an area, it's all you know.  I had great friends all my life, and I know how incredible the people are in the tri-state area.  But I know because I always lived there, I never had to break down any barriers or try too hard to meet people.

Since living in Pennsylvania, I understand completely what she was saying.  I am having to get used to this pace, which is definitely easier than getting used to the tri-state pace.  Not everyone honks when you are unsure of where to turn and you're crawling at a green light, and I have yet to have anyone pass me on any road other than a highway.

People here say hello and wave just to say hello and wave.  Total strangers.  And they aren't being creepy.

Now that took a little getting used to.

Dinner is called "supper," and supper is earlier than 8pm.  There are more men in trucks here than any other vehicle, and there are actually facilities who discount the more expensive tuition if you sign up a second child.

Wow.

I must admit, the feeling is different when not everything you do costs $100, and there isn't that mad rush to get everywhere.  The entire lifestyle is just, different.

I'm still learning and still meeting people, and not everything has been roses.  I'm also missing some of the tri-state life.

Can someone please tell someone we need a Starbucks drive-thru?

But I'll be good here.  My kids will be good here.  Pennsylvania is taking excellent care of us, and we're enjoying the people, the slightly different culture and the country roads. 

 

Happy almost Friday.  Have a good one!

The Piano

I have an interesting problem every time we go to school concerts.  My daughter, the gymnast, is very petite.   
Very petite.

Her tiny stature never fails to land her in the front row at every concert.  Which in turn never fails to leave us with an interesting debacle....which side of the piano should we sit on?

Left or right?

If we choose the wrong side of the auditorium, she will be completely blocked by the lovely pianist and the giant piano.  It goes without saying that almost every concert we choose the wrong side of the auditorium.

Last night was my daughter's Spring Concert.  Bless her little heart.  I questioned her as to where she would be standing.  She told us, "first row (shocker), the middle, maybe to the right, kind of."

Huh?

Hubby and I did our best to scurry as close to the stage as possible.  We decided on the first set of seats we found, on the left of the aisle.  Naturally, even from our well chosen seats, she was completely un-viewable.  Luckily, the two seats to the left of us were empty, which enabled us to scoot down and give us a glimpse of our daughter.

If we leaned to the left.

I apologize to the lady sitting to my left, I really am not trying to get up in your personal space.

Here is my tiny songstress, singing her little lungs out.  And to the right is the giant piano, that always causes problems.

Dang piano.

Happy Hump Day.  Middle of the week already!