Sassy Irish Lassie

Think Pink

2010-06-03T18:34:00.001-05:00

Think Pink
Originally uploaded by IveyLeagueMama

Avon

2010-03-28T09:16:00.001-05:00

Avon
Originally uploaded by thesassyirishlassie

Post Tastemaker Danceoff

2010-02-08T19:42:00.001-06:00

Post Tastemaker Danceoff
Originally uploaded by sarah1016

2010-02-08T19:40:00.001-06:00

Tiramisu
Originally uploaded by Southern Fairytale (Rachel)

2010-02-08T19:39:00.001-06:00

These shoes are beyond awesome
Originally uploaded by Southern Fairytale (Rachel)

I HAVE MOVED!! COME JOIN ME AT SASSY IRISH LASSIE DOT COM

2008-12-19T08:45:00.004-06:00

The move is official!! You can now find me and ALL my sassiness HERE! So come on over and share a pint with me. I'll be waiting!!!

time for the unveiling!!

2008-12-13T18:51:00.002-06:00

I am so proud to announce the new and improved Sassy Irish Lassie. I am still trying to figure out all the linking and stuff so bare with me while I iron out the rest of my pre-facelift wrinkles. Let me know what you think of the new look!

better late then never - giveaway day pente

2008-12-12T14:43:00.005-06:00

Alright - today is the last and final day of Giveaway Palooza! Woo hoo!! Hope you all have been having as much fun as I have. I am so looking forward to picking all my winners next week!

For day five I am offering yet another fabulous 'techy' prize. Today you will have the chance to win Jabra A7010 Bluetooth Hub. Oooooo! Aaaaaaaah! I told you it was fabulous didn't I?? This handy hub is compatible with most standard corded desk phones and sets up in a snap. What better way to stay connected to your office phone without being plugged in!? Along with offereing you wireless freedom on your office or cell phone it also comes with features galore!! Here are some quick info facts:

** Go wireless on desk & cell phones
** Up to 33-foot wireless range
** Wide phone compatibility
** Easy set-up
** Supports MultiPoint™ technology
** Exceptional sound quality

This Bluetooth hub connects any Jabra Multiuse headset to your desk phone or Bluetooth mobile phone and is also compatible with most standard corded desk phones. Who wouldn't want this?? Come on... you know YOU do!! So leave a comment, with your email, and you will be entered. It couldn't get any easier!! I will announce the winner next Friday. I will also be unveiling my new look next week so be sure to stop by to catch a glimpse of an all new lassie!!

who is ready for giveaway day vier?

2008-12-11T12:50:00.007-06:00

Do your children suffer from the epidemic known to mothers and fathers alike as "whining"?? Do they complain about bed times? Getting up in the morning? Taking a bath? Are there days where their whining sends you running into the streets on the brink of insanity? Then do I have the book for you!!

January Jones, also know as the Whine Tester, had made it her mission to rid the world of whining, one book at a time. In her book, Thou Shalt Not Whine: The Eleventh Commandment: What We Whine About, Why We Do It and How to Stop, Jones uses humor to discuss the top ten things people and children whine about every day. She then goes one step further and offers over 100 different ways to deal with it! Jones addresses it all - from bad hair days to feeling fat - with a few slow drivers that won't merge in between.

I loved that I could relate to something in every chapter of the book. When Jones described the horror of shopping for a bathing suit as "worse then taking your mother-in-law to lunch" - she had me hooked! Don't even get me started on the chapter about Grandparents 'Top 10' whines about their children's parenting. I wanted to photo copy every page and mail it to MY parents!! (between snarkily snorting of course)

So now I am going to offer you a chance at happiness. A chance at a whine free life. In the spirit of keeping it simple all you have to do is leave a comment with your email and you will automatically be entered. I will announce the winner next Thursday! *FYI* - since the publisher will be mailing the book directly I can only extend this offer to those living in the US - sorry!

giveaway numero trois

2008-12-10T00:04:00.002-06:00

Hello faithful followers! It is now day three (technically day 4 if you count Sunday, but I'm not) of Giveaway Palooza! I love giving and am excited when I get to share with others. (kissing up BIG time I know) Up for grabs today is a Targus Notebook 90W AC Power Adaptor. Did I mention the retail value of this puppy?? No? Silly me. It is $105.00!! Woo hoo - now that is quite the catch! This power adaptor has 90 watts of continuous power, that's 115 watts of peak power my friends! The Universal Notebook AC Power Adapter is a portable, lightweight power supply for high-power notebooks and other mobile devices. If you have a notebook you can't live without this! Want to know all the nitty gritty about this amazingly awesome prize? here you go!

**** Quick Facts ****

Compatibility: Varied models of Averatec, Compaq, Dell, Fujitsu, Gateway, HP, IBM, Panasonic, Sony, Sotec, Toshiba, and Winbook

Compliance: RTCA Guideline/D0-160C and FCC Class B Compliant FCC, CE

Includes: 10 tips (S1, S2, S3, S4, S7, S12, S14, S31, S34 & S35)
3-foot AC input cord
6-foot DC output cord
Carrying pouch

Technical: Input: 100-230 Volts AC Output: Up to 90 Watts of continuous power

Warranty: Limited Two Year Warranty

Weight: 14.5 oz.

Since I am easy - wait I mean nice, yeah real nice, all you have to do to win this prize is leave a comment. I will pick a random winner a week from today. Oh! Don't forget to leave your email so I can contact you when you win. Good luck!!

tuesday tunage - another giveaway!

2008-12-09T00:12:00.003-06:00

In honor of Giveaway Palooza, I have another music giveaway for you!! But first things first - my winner from last Tuesday. I used the all and mighty Random.Org to pick a lovely winner. Drum roll please..... and the winner is - silverhartgirl!! Congrats to you!

This week I have three CDs from the popular Celtic harpist Anne Roos. She combines the beauty of the harp with a hardcover CD book outlining the background of the music on each CD. This music is truly amazing! I have downloaded many of her songs to my iPod and love listening to it. It hits this lassie's Irish heart strings! Here is a quick summary of the three CDs I have.

Anne arranged and recorded a special Celtic wedding music CD called “Haste to the Wedding,” in direct response to the many requests she received from brides and grooms. “Haste to the Wedding” is popular with couples looking for romantic music to accompany their wedding festivities. It includes traditional Celtic music played on solo harp accompanied by an ensemble of traditional instruments. This CD is enclosed in a 48-page hardcover book containing vintage color images, Celtic toasts, blessings, legends, wedding traditions, and recipes.

“Mermaids and Mariners” features traditional and original music of the sea, arranged by Anne for both solo Celtic Harp and harp within a small ensemble. The beautiful sea ballads and shanties are packaged inside a 24-page hardcover book containing a bounty of illustrations and tales about life at sea and the lost loves of those who sail on its waves and swim at its depths. Selections from this recording have been featured on United Airlines Inflight Music Service.

One of her earliest projects, “Through the Mist,” features original New Age flute and harp duets, with flutist David Blonski. This recording is enhanced with soothing environmental sounds woven into the selections. This recording remains a favorite among massage therapists and yoga enthusiasts.

Once again I am going to make it easy for you to win one of these fabulous and truly amazing CDs. Just head over HERE, listen to some of the samples, pick your favorite and leave you choice in the comments with your email address. I will pick a winner next Tuesday and soon you too can enjoy some of my beautiful heritage.

giveaway day - numero uno

2008-12-08T00:20:00.002-06:00

Since the season of Christmas is quickly approaching, I wanted to share some of my holiday love with you. So for the next week I will hosting "Giveaway Palooza!" Everyday will offer a new present. Just. For. You!

Feast your eyes on this piece of technological beauty. Since many states are instituting laws prohibiting talking on cell phones and driving I am offering all my loverlies a BRAND spankin' new Jabra Bluetooth BT8040 to keep you all safe and sound this holiday season. This Jabra has the radical no ear-hook design and has a retail value of $80.

**** Want more info?? Here are some some quick facts: *****

MultiPoint equipped — connects up to 8 devices, any 2 at once.

No-hook wearing style — includes 3 sizes of Jabra ear gels for a snug fit without an over-the-ear hook.

Up to 6 hours talktime — up to 200 hours of standby time.

Lightweight — weighs less than 10 grams

Supports Bluetooth 2.0 — includes a 10-meter range.

Easy pairing and operation — pairs automatically with your Bluetooth-enabled device and includes answer/end call, voice dialing*, last number redial*, reject a call*, call hold/call wait*, mute and quiet mode functionality.

Rechargeable battery — charge from AC power supply or PC with USB cable.

Cool right? You totally want one don't you?? Well, leave me a comment along with your email address and you could be the proud new owner!! Winners will be announced next Monday. Have I mentioned lately how much I love the season of giving? No? Well now you know!! Be sure to check back everyday this week for more gifts from this Sassy Lassie!

i am in love

2008-12-07T06:30:00.001-06:00

Have you ever instantly fallen in love ..... with a product? I am ashamed to say that I am a product junkie. I buy a product because I am wooed by it's pretty package and worldly promises, but when I get it home it - Lets. Me. Down. I know you can relate. So because of this problem I have drawers and cabinets full of once or twice used products. Sigh.... Hubby is not pleased.

So when I heard a lot of positive reviews about SkinCare RX I decided to give it a try. I filled out a quick and simple survey and they developed a list of skin care products that work with my skin type and fit all the requirements I was looking for. Fabulous!!

Since this lassie has skin so fair and enjoys being outdoors, I am beginning to exhibit some, *gasp* wrinkles. Grandma O'Donnell was quite wrinkly so I know what is in my future. I decided to try Bioelements Sleepwear. Swoon!! After one application my face was so soft (softer then a baby's bottom I might add) and looked noticeably different. Ok, that was just one night - will you hold up to the test of time?? I am happy to say that yes, Bioelements Sleepwear has passed the test! Hubby notices my new softness and I find myself always touching my new soft skin.

Since I am hosting 'Giveaway Palooza' this week I thought I would kick off the week with a prize for everyone! SkinCare RX is offering all of my readers a $20 gift certificate! All you need to do is enter you name and email address and they will send you your gift certificate code. The email will come from the address 'promo.sk@skincarerx.com' with a subject line 'SkinCareRx.com Free $20 Gift Certificate. This gift certificate will allow you to purchase products from any of their three websites - SkinCareRx.com, Apothica.com & SkinBotanica.com!

So go, shop and enjoy your gift!

photo hunt 139 - breakfast

2008-12-06T08:24:00.003-06:00

Aaaah, the breakfast of champions! (or at least Grady's choice this morning) Grady loves his 'Cocoa Cops'. He cracks me up every time he asks for them. What? There is a fuzzy tail in the picture? Well for those of you with spectacular eye sight - yes that is one of our kitties tales in the picture. Grommet was stalking for some spilled milk. Can't blame him for trying!!

Be sure to check out all the other photo hunters HERE!! If you are playing along, add you link below and leave some comment luv!!

haiku friday - giveaway bonanza!!!

2008-12-05T12:35:00.000-06:00

The season is here
To pass along some good cheer
To all my blog friends

I have lots to give
Prizes, books, music and more
Giveaways for all!

There will be something
For everyone I am sure
That I guarantee

A prize everyday
Keep those winter blues at bay
Some treats just for you!

So tune in next week
And win your self some cool treats
From this giving lass!

wordless wednesday - words to live by (and my favorite tat)

2008-12-03T10:53:00.003-06:00

Originally uploaded by Secret-Agent-Mama

tuesday tunage - part duex

2008-12-02T20:29:00.005-06:00

In honor of Ann's Tunes on Tuesday, I decided to tag along and introduce you to some great female budding artists. While I am known to dabble in music on the dicey side, I am happy to say that this young girl band is fun and family friendly. Let me introduce you to Groovy Ruby! If you are looking for some fresh and upbeat music for you children - This. Is. It. My favorite summary phrase of the band is: "The Monkees and Beach Boys collide with the Go-Gos....in middle school".

In their sophmore CD, "Strong, Lovin', and Fun", the girls instantly grab you with their fun lyrics and toe tapping beats. I first listened to this CD in the car on my way to work. My mood was instantly uplifted and I found my self B-boppin' along to all their songs. Groovy Ruby songs have positive themes - think friendship, helping others, doing your best and making good choices. Uh, what parent doesn't want their kid listening to that? AND did you know they share the same hometown as the Jonas Brothers?? If that doesn't sell your kids right there I don't know what will!

Here is one of the songs from their album "Strong, Lovin', and Fun".

LOVE what you hear? GREAT! Cause I am offering you... YES YOU.... a chance to win their new CD. Just leave a comment below, with your email, and I will ~~scientifically~~ randomly pick a winner next Tuesday. Good luck!!

A B C D E F G...

2008-12-01T07:39:00.002-06:00

Here's Some Crap to Read About Me!

I stealthily stole this meme from Jiggety Jigg who originally shamelessly stole it from Decisionally Challenged. I mean, what is a meme if you don't have to secretly hijack it right? What?? That is not how a meme works? Darn!! I have been doing it wrong all along. Oh well!

A is for age: This lassie just celebrated her 35th birthday a week ago.

B is for burger of choice: Mmmm Cheeseburger! Add a little ketchup, mustard, special sauce and it is all good.

C is for the car I drive: 2004 Mazda 3. I had a totally kick ass car that my husband sold out from under me while I was at work one day... but I won't go there.

D is for your dog's name: Sophie aka: Sophinella or the Sophinator!

E is for essential item you use every day: Coffee maker and tooth brush.

F is for favorite TV show at the moment: Big Bang Theory and Criminal Minds.

G is for favorite game: Everyone say it with me....... SOCCER!!!

H is for home state: Ohio

I is for instruments you play: I am musically challenged, some may even say I have no musical ineptitude.

J is for favorite juice: Any juice mixed in an adult beverage.

K is for whose bum you'd like to kick: My MIL is first in line with a quick second being Hubby's ex-wife!

L is for last restaurant at which you ate: Balzac. The entire time I had to listen to Hubby comment on how it made him think of 'ballsack'.

M is for your favorite Muppet: I love Beaker and of course Statler and Waldorf.

N is for number of piercings: Right now only 5 have jewelry in them right now.

O is for overnight hospital stays: Only when my boys were born, though I refused to leave the hospital without Drake so I ended up sleeping at the hospital for almost two weeks.

P is for people you were with today: Lots of children and teachers at school/ work, my family and the excessively slow drivers in the newly fallen snow.

Q is for what you do with your quiet time: Read.

R is for biggest regret: Ooo, there are too many to list. Maybe being naive enough to worry about what people thought in High School.

S is for status: Happily married to Hubby.

T is for time you woke up today: 5:10 and I only hit the snooze button once!

U is for what you consider unique about yourself: I am a skater and punk rock princess locked in the body of a mother and wife who is also a devote Christian.

V is for vegetable you love: Corn on the cob and asparagus.

W is for worst habit: Same as Jiggity -interrupting! The idea or thought pops in my head and there is no stopping the spewing.

X is for x-rays you've had: Just dental though I did have an MRI of my knee once.

Y is for yummy food you ate today: I am making chicken Parmesan for dinner. Yummmay!

Z is for zodiac: Scorpio. Yes, I am aware that I am the sexual sign of the zodiac - just don't tell hubby!!

Be sure to let me know if you ~~steal this meme~~ play along! I would love to read your answers.

photo hunt 138 - metal

2008-11-29T08:53:00.001-06:00

In an attempt to find something different for metal, I decided to take a quick shot of two of my favorite metal belts. My favorite has bottle caps all around with a real and working seat belt as a clasp. Oh yeah! This lassie is stylin!

Be sure to check out all the other photo hunters HERE!! If you are playing along, add you link below and leave some comment luv!!

haiku friday - plumped and sated

2008-11-28T14:08:00.003-06:00

The turkey was stuffed

All the potatoes were mashed

Cooked to perfection

Together we sit

Giving thanks for our blessings,

Family and loved ones

Everyone digs in

A yummy feast well prepared

Let the meal begin

With bellies now full

Plates and glasses are empty

Happy Thanksgiving!!

turkey day!!

2008-11-27T02:15:00.000-06:00

Wishing you all a blessed and relaxing Thanksgiving!! I am off to enjoy the day with Hubby's family and a bus load of children. Pictures and stories to follow!

weekend wrap up or coffee clutching

2008-11-23T21:52:00.004-06:00

Well it was another fantastic weekend in this lassie's abode. If you don't note the dripping sarcasm then at least take notice of my dripping nose. Yep, the lassie has been infected. It was only a matter of time since the boys were sick last weekend. Needless to say it was relaxing and I got to take a long and glorious nap on Saturday. I also got some news that one of my bloggy friends, Ann, from Ann Again, has traveled to the Chicago area and I am excited at the possible chance to meet her. Keep your fingers crossed and I will keep you posted!

In soccer, it was another glorious soccer Sunday. Our team won our game and I have to take this moment to bask in the glory of my utterly amazing goal from midfield. It was beautiful, went through two defenders and past the goalie to the distant corner of the net. If it were basketball you would have heard the 'swoosh' of glory. I guess I should also admit that I got a wee bit snarky during the game too. I had one of the opposing player tell me I was playing 'too close' to her. Ummm, last I checked soccer is a contact sport and if I want to get the ball I have to get close to it and thus... you. Well, the next time she came towards me with the ball I held my arms out nice and wide in an attempt to give her space and let her run by me with no effort. (By the way, my coach didn't like that too much) When I asked her if she had enough room I got the evil eye so I quickly ran and got the ball away from her. I know, not nice or sportsman like, but I do not have a high tolerance for whining. Nor did I feel bad when we pummeled them into the ground *ahem*

Since I was not feeling up to par this weekend I decided to peruse my referring URLs. Some of the things that lead people to my blog are utterly shocking! I discovered that someone googled "Irish girls that talk dirty" and my blog came up! So for that person I will now take this opportunity to give you what you were looking for, "Smelly socks, crusty dishes, grass stains and the dirty nails of the two nasty boys that live in my house." Hope that gives you your dirty fix for a while.

Colleen tagged me for "Seven Facts About Me Meme" so here it goes!
1. I love the ocean and hope to live by it VERY soon. The smell of salt water calms me to my core.
2. I used to downhill slalom race but quit once I had Drake. I think I am too overly cautious to try it again.
3. I have a strong desire to live overseas.
4. I believe there is nothing better then a hand written note - if it is mailed it is even better!!
5. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.
6. I made Shepperd's Pie this weekend and hubby all but licked the pan. Ali gave me the recipe but you can find another version of it here! Highly recommend it and was also very kid friendly - YUM!!

7. I have many OCD tendencies that drive hubby insane others he has learned to tolerate, or at least he lets me think he does!

photo hunt 137 - reflection

2008-11-22T08:46:00.003-06:00

Be sure to check out all the other photo hunters HERE!! If you are playing along, add you link below and leave some comment luv!!

sharin' some bloggy love

2008-11-20T14:33:00.004-06:00

I have been seriously slacking. The loverly Diane from The Mommy Diaries nominated me for the Butterfly Award and I have yet to reciprocate. I received this award during one of my "bad" moments last week. I was so shocked and overwhelmed that I almost cried. Sad and pathetic I know, but like I said I was having one doosey of a week. According to all the hoopla and fanfare I am supposed to share the love with seven other blogs. Here are my nominees!

1. The Blarney Spot because she gets me and even though she was oh so close the other weekend we could have had coffee, but I am not holding a grudge, I know one day our green paths will cross.

2. Putz because he can twist anything I say into a story of his own AND he was the honorary invisible diva on my road trip to BlissDom 08 in Nashville.

3. Ali because she is super cool and can always make me smile!

4. Ann because I secretly (and openly) heart her. have I mentioned I wish she didn't live so far away? I think we were separated at birth... just a thought!

5. Cheryl because she is hot, sassy and blonde AND her daily breakfast make me envious!!

6. Spice a fellow sexy soccer diva extraordinaire and dwindling down to nothing. Congrats!

7. Kaza - My fellow wine lover and lover (most days) of our three year old ~~heathens~~ angels.

So there you have it. Now go forth and share the love!! Oh, and be sure to check out all the fabulous bloggers I just nominated because, well the lassie said so! You will be glad you did.

wordless wednesday - passionately angry

2008-11-19T00:05:00.001-06:00

Be sure to check out other WW participants HERE and add your link if you are playing!

questions of the week

2008-11-18T13:53:00.005-06:00

1. What measures have you taken to cut back expenses?
* I am a coupon cutting queen!! We have also cut back on going out to dinner. By the time we get a sitter and go out to eat the grand total can be quite scary!

2. Have you ever bought a book and used the receipt as a bookmark?
* Guilty as charged! I did this just a few weeks ago when I went on vacation!!

3. Can you recall any traumatic, embarrassing or troubling events as a child that
you still remember vividly? If so, care to share?
* Her name is Nicole and to this day I can remember the entire event! It was Brownie Camp and we were sleeping in a cabin with bunk beds. My friend had gotten a top bunk so I grabbed the top bunk next to hers. Nicole, who was sleeping below me, started to cry because she thought I was so heavy that I would fall through the bunk and squish her in the night. To this day I am hyper sensitive about my weight because she also called me thunder thighs. I have always been tall and was always the tallest in my class. All the other girls were very tiny and petite versus my tall and athletic self. In case you are curious here I am now:
I would love the chance to squish her now!!

4. What is the strangest question you have ever been asked at a job interview?
* How do I feel about parents spying into your treatment room?

5. Does it make you uncomfortable if a woman is breastfeeding her baby in public?
* Not. At. All. I was a very open breastfeeder to my boys and got a lot of looks. My favorite was when I was confronted at Sea World by someone asking how I could do that in the middle of the park. I smiled and answered simply "He's hungry." That shut them up pretty quickly!

6. Do you know anyone who has an unpredictable temper? Who?
* The first person that comes to my head is my three year old. I really think he either suffers from bipolar disorder or has multiple personalities because he can go from happy to evil in no time flat! This little Irish Lad has quite the temper!!

7. What did you have to learn “the hard way”?
* You can't pick your family.

8. Have you ever been dishonest about the origin of a bruise?
* Not that I can remember.

9. Have you ever gotten any kind of envelope in the mail without the senders return address? Did you found out who it was from?
* Not an envelope but I did get a Vermont Teddy Bear once from a Secret Admirer. After a lot of digging and prodding I eventually found out it was from the guy who lived in the apartment across from mine.

10. It’s our 40th QOTW. I am giving away something. Can you tell me why should I give it to you? It’s just a little something to spice up this little Meme!
* Because I am one spunky and sassy lassie who would love to win during her birthday month!! And if that doesn't work how about.... PULLLEEEZZZ!?

Come on and join in the fun! Post you answers to these questions in the comments or on your blog. Be sure to let me know when you do so I can stop by and compare! You can also check HERE for next week's list of questions.

manic monday

2008-11-17T08:38:00.000-06:00

Do you believe people are basically good?

* I feel awful saying this but I think as time goes on I run into more people that are bad then good. At work I am shocked by how mean and nasty many children are towards adults and other children. While I do believe and know people who are genuinely good, I think they are quickly falling into the minority. We are a selfish society plagued by greed.

If you could change the custom of shaking hands, what would you replace it with?

* Hmmm, I am not sure. I don't mind the fake air kissing since there is no real body contact involved (yes I am a germ phobe) But that would involve a lot of people in my personal space that I don't want there. Maybe we could smile and just give each other a 'thumbs up' or 'hang ten' sign.

What is something that you enjoy that is a chore for most other people?

* I actually enjoy doing and folding laundry. NOW, putting it away is a whole other entity in itself. My laundry never seems to make it back where it belongs and putting away all the boys laundry is a pain in the rear. Ironically, Hubby never gets his clothes put away either. They pile up on his dresser, sometimes tumbling to the floor. Yet another reason we are a perfect mathc!

Want to join in?? Check out here for this weeks questions and participants.

the lassie IS alive!

2008-11-16T08:23:00.002-06:00

Yes, yes. I am alive AND I am posting on a Sunday again. What is up with me?? Well, I have officially flunked National Blogging Month. The pressure was just too intense I tell you and I cracked. This week definitely threw me for a loop and by Friday I was burnt like nobody's business.

Tuesday night I discovered I had not one but TWO flat tires. (damn Chicago construction) Luckily, since these have become a regular occurrence, Hubby decided to get the warranty insurance the last time he had to get me tires. When he called to get my two new, and supposedly free tires, they claimed to not have any in stock. (ironic) They did however have the next level up but of course, we would have to pay for those and because they weren't the same type, buy four. THAT didn't fly with hubby and after many phone calls, he got me the tires I needed. Oh how I heart him!! (BTW, I plan on elaborating on this whole ordeal a bit more in a later post)

Work had been beyond crazy and our tech department had the nerve to block the ability to read blogs while at work!! How am I supposed to keep up with all my peeps?? grrrrrr So I have been trying to read everyone at night but have been seriously slacking in the comment section. Don't worry! I am reading just not commenting - sorry!

To top it off Grady is sick. Nothing like waking up on a Friday night to the lovely sounds of puking! I thought about posting something for Photo Hunt since the theme was "ruined" but opted against the idea of ruined sheets. Letters of thanks can be sent to the email in my sidebar! lol

Finally, I have also been in the process of a little nip/ tuck and facelift. It's my birthday and I decided to get a little work done. Oh wait!! I guess I should mention my blog will be getting the facelift not me. No scary Joan Rivers for this lassie! I like my face just the way it is. I am working with the ultra fabulous Karla at Fruition Designs to create the new and improved look. AND great news for you!! When I unveil my new look YOU get all the perks! I am planning a week or two of giveaways just for this occasion. I have some great goodies and swag to celebrate!!

Stay tuned. I am still here! I promise to try and make more of an effort to post. So please bare with me while I try and sort all the craziness and chaos that is my life out. I promise.... it will be worth the wait!

wordless wednesday - my life line

2008-11-12T09:45:00.000-06:00

tuesday tunage

2008-11-11T08:50:00.004-06:00

While running on the treadmill this morning watching the Today Show, I was happy to see that Seal has a new albulm coming out. Now, I know he has been busy with his gorgeous wife making beautiful children, but the fans are ready!! His new albulm, SOUL is being released today. SOUL is comprised of the best classic soul songs ever created, from Sam Cooke's 'A Change Is Gonna Come', Ben E. King's 'Stand By Me', and Ann Pebbles' 'I Can't Stand The Rain' to Harold Melvin And The Blue Notes' 'If You Don't Know Me By Now' and Otis Redding's 'I've Been Loving You Too Long'. Here is one of the songs off his new release. What do you think??

manic monday

2008-11-10T08:38:00.001-06:00

What was the first thing you thought when you looked at yourself in the mirror today?
** Dang! I am looking rough. Oh come on! I am way too old to be getting a pimple!!

Do you have a recurring nightmare? If so, explain.

** I don't have a specific one per say, but I often have dreams where one of the boys is in trouble and I am doing everything in my power to go 'save' them and I just can never seem to get there.

List three foods you can’t stand:

** Swiss cheese, bacon and lima beans

Want to join in?? Check out here for this weeks questions and participants.

work at home closet

2008-11-09T09:56:00.001-06:00

Since it is Sunday and NaPoBloMo or GoBloMeMoFo, I am stretching as to what to post about. I had a handful of peeps offer to guest post and now they have disappeared! Where are you peeps?? The ever cute Assertagirl started a group on Flickr called "Work At Home Closet". Since I was working at home one day I decided to add what I was wearing in my home office. AND since I dislike posting on Sundays I tyhought I would share my 'at home' outfit with you.
Be gentle!! While I did shower I am make up free. I steer away from makeup if I am not going into work. But I think I still get bonus points for straightening my hair!!

photo hunt 135 - together

2008-11-08T07:50:00.004-06:00

Together through thick and thin, brothers till the end.

Be sure to check out all the other photo hunters HERE!! If you are playing along, add you link below and leave some comment luv!!

haiku friday - still trying

2008-11-07T07:55:00.000-06:00

GoBloMeMoFo

Making me blog every day

What is there to say

Sent out a life line

Fellow bloggers come unite!

Please save the bunny!

GoBloMeMoFo

2008-11-06T12:29:00.000-06:00

Hey you!! Yeah... you! See this cute little bunny? You better offer to post or the bunny gets offed. Yeah, that's right. The bunny gets it right in middle of the eyes. As part of NaBloPoMo, Megan is once again hosting GoBloMeMoFo. It gives bloggers the opportunity to guest post on other blogs to help fellow bloggers reach their full NaBloPoMo potential. I mean, come one, let's be honest, who can really write one post everyday for a WHOLE month. I am honest enough to say that this lassie lacks daily commitment. I also know that I had a lot of guest posters a few weekes ago, BUT, if you feel the need to share a post, either new or old, let me know because I am a strong supporter of GoBloMeMoFo. So offer to post for your favorite blogger, ask someone if you can offer a hand, SHARE the blog love. And of course, save the bunny!

i like to move it move it

2008-11-05T18:39:00.002-06:00

The Mom Salon and Mc Donald's are asking families what they would do if they had one minute to MOVE. One Minute to Move It, which is launching this Friday, is also getting boost from the wild and crazy characters from the new "Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa". Also starting this Friday, the fun continues online at http://www.happymeal.com/ where kids and families can find suggestions for online and offline activities, track their "minutes moved" and enter special codes found on the delicious Happy Meal choices of lowfat Milk Jugs and Apple Dippers! The site also features an inspirational 30-second video with Olympian Shawn Johnson, which airs this weekend through November 16 on Nickelodeon, Nick.com and Nicktoons.

So what movement would this Lassie's family do for one minute you ask?? We would dance of course!! I can't guarantee it would be a full out Irish jig, but this my little leprechans are known to break out in to an impromptu dance party in the middle of the kitchen at a moments notice. These boys can bust a move let me tell you!

So go check out The Mom Salon, enter their online give away for some really cool prizes and get out there and MOVE it!!

wordless wednesday - so excited for a change

2008-11-05T09:47:00.008-06:00

mandate for change

2008-11-04T09:29:00.000-06:00

This is courtesy of an old friend of mine. Thought it was a good day to post it.

So here we are. Nearly 2 years into the most exciting presidential campaign of our time... The most important... Historic... A Turning Point... Years ago I read a book by Fritjof Capra (better known for the Tao of Physics) called The Turning Point. The basic premise of this "essay" is that we as a society and a people are a system that is interconnected in such a way that we cannot live simply as part of the whole, but as the sum of its parts. Humans cannot exist independently as they once did in order to move foreword - to progress. That one moment can represent a turning point in which we may overcome our isolated states and move on... Turning Points can be a series of moments or a process or a person. We are at one of those points. We are witness to the beginning of a new time, however small. That day is tomorrow (and today to some of you). We will participate in the largest political changes in a generation when we get up tomorrow and slog to our polling places in rain and snow, hot or cold. We will have this chance to create a turning point when we elect Barack Obama. Obama is that one person who will put our country right. He is that one person who has risen above and like no politician we have ever seen. He has been described by progressives and conservatives alike as transformational, transcendent, the man of our age, and inspirational. He is the visionary, the storyteller, and collective personality that is neither democrat or republican, green or libertarian, right or left. He looks at the world where human rights are paramount, spreading opportunity is a responsibility, and compassion is patriotic.. He understands the issues, exudes intelligence, and maintains his cool. He is attacked as a terrorist, Muslim, anti-American, communist, yet swats away the ignorance with ease. Oh, don't get me wrong he is fallible and makes it known to us repeatedly. He has warned us from the beginning that this will be a difficult journey. And he is right. We all knew that BushCo and their neo-conservative surrogates would not go down without a fight. This has been a ground war. And tomorrow we fight the bloodiest of all.

This is our chance; our opportunity to lead the world once again to change for the better. To become respected again. To show our friends and enemies that Americans will take the high road and elevate compassion and equality for all above retribution, revenge, and hate. To show that our democracy will persevere. That we will strive for the more perfect union. And what makes Obama so remarkable? He is way ahead in his thinking - he is not a Democrat or Republican, a liberal or conservative. He wants to talk to Republicans, not just ignore them. C'mon, he is only person (in a very long time) who has come forward to ask Americans to sacrifice for their country in this time of need. This is the simplest most patriotic request that defines a leader to his core. How can we not admire this?

A couple of weeks ago, I was calling Nevada for the Obama campaign here in California. While I got my share of hatred and rudeness, I was surprised to hear how many folks out there want would I want regardless of their political persuasion. And that they "get it" and are sick and tired of the partisanship and divide and how the far right-wing actions of the past 8 years has done lasting damage. One phone call stands out - a Republican gentleman named Roger from Sparks, a town outside Reno. He was combative at first saying he did not want to hear from liberals and I was ready to give up, when I asked him to tell me what type of President he really wanted. And, this part is what really has made the Obama campaign so much different from them past Democratic campaigns. We were to work through the political walls, because this is not about the Democratic Party, nor who's right or wrong, but what is the best we can do and why everyone matters. Roger wanted a leader who is strong, smart, and thought strategically. A leader that did what he could to help as many folks as possible and not pander to get elected. One who thinks of every possible option, but would act when we could not afford to wait. And finally, he wanted a leader to get it done and get Congress to stop stalling. (Mind you, his emotions were rising as he went on). When he ended, I said nothing, but thanked him for talking to me. I was about tell him to get out a vote early and end the call, when he said, "That's why I will vote for Obama." And it floored me.

That is Barack Obama. And that is why tomorrow is a turning point. Now is our time. We will take that step to move in the right direction. Eight years ago when I started this newsletter, I asked you all to be the change even in the face of the most backward step in American political history. We have endured and waited, fought and protested, and now that change is in our grasp. Let's take it.

Vote.
jc
...the.antiMandate.....be the change...
"Don't gain the world and lose your soul, wisdom is better than silver or gold." Bob Marley

questions of the week

2008-11-03T11:38:00.002-06:00

1. Are you living in a fantasy world all your own?
** No. Sadly I am fully aware of my stark reality.

2. You’re sitting on a small rock with your 5,6,7,8 year old child in your lap, watching the blue sea together, what would you talk about?
** Where they would want to travel, what their dreams are, the beauty of God's creations - the possibilities are endless. The sea is very calming to me, must be because I am a water sign!

3. If you have all the time in the world, what would you change about your life?

** Definitely take more time to relax and catch up on my reading list!

4. What is the best thing that ever happened to you this past week?

** I celebrated my wedding anniversary with my best friend.

5. I seldom _______ without a _______ in my _______.

** I seldom leave the house without a cup of coffee in my hands.

6. Is there something you will never do?

** I would never abandon my children, betray a friend or get my boobs done (moo ah ha ha).

7. Naughty or nice…which have you been this year?
** 75% nice 25% naughty

8. How self-conscious are you?
** Extremely, though I am getting better with age.

9. Do you think photos of you capture your essence?

** No, not always. I have a few that do but not many.

10. When I get angry,________________.

** It is not pretty. This lassie has quite the Irish temper.

photo hunt 134 - blue

2008-11-01T08:36:00.004-05:00

I tried to find something BLUE besides water and sky, which I thought would be very popular today. I chose the vase my brother and SIL gave me for Christmas. It was hand blown by an artisan in Hawaii and is definitely one of my favorites!

Be sure to check out all the other photo hunters HERE!! If you are playing along, add you link below and leave some comment luv!!

haiku friday - happy anniversary

2008-10-31T09:16:00.005-05:00

Once an Irish Lad

Spotted a Sassy Lassie

And stole a small kiss

They both fell in love

Partners in crime and best friends

"Let's go and get hitched!!"

Nine years it has been

Since I promised you my heart

In pure wedded bliss

We vowed to cherish

And love each other always

Sealed it with a kiss

Another years passed

My husband and confidant

I'm the luck one

top ten things i learned in cancun

2008-10-30T06:06:00.002-05:00

Hello blog friends! I am back, relaxed and have a very fainted subtle glow from the southern sunshine.(ok I am really peeling but that is just a technicality) It was nice to get away, though coming back to the disaster that my blog sitters left was a little much! I am just kidding - they actually left this place cleaner then it has ever been! I loved reading all their posts on MY blog ... hee hee Thank you to all my guest writers!!! You were fabulous!

While away on my holiday I learned quite a bit. So I decided to make a top ten list to share my new wealth of knowledge from traveling abroad. I will warn you that some pictures may cause permanent damage to the eyes and nightmares for life!

1. People need to pass an 'airplane etiquette' class before being able to fly long distances on a plane. The woman in front of me felt the plane was her own personal nail salon. She sat and cut and filed her nails for over two hours. I won't even get in to how gross it was to see her nail clippings flying through the air!!

2. After reading "Twilight" I am convinced the pages are laced with crack. As I say this the second book is sitting next to me on my desk tormenting me to read it in a day like it's previous partner.

3. No matter how good my intentions were, my workout clothes did NOT even make it out of my suitcase. I didn't even look at them!! I am hoping frolicking in the waves and drinking counts as exercise. No?? Really? Hmmmm.

4. When you are in the middle of the ocean snorkeling and you guide asks if you want to see some sharks and your husband says "Yes!!", you really have no choice but to swim after them. In my mind I was hoping that if there was a pack of us the sharks would be deterred - insane I know!

5. I am also now convinced that there is a top secret Water Mafia operating in full force in Mexico. The whole 'bad water' thing is just a ploy for you to dole out $3.00 for a bottle of water. You have no choice but to buy it or suffer Montezuma's revenge for days. They really have us all fooled.

6. Guys, if I am expected to wax, so should you. I am sure if I came out to the beach looking like this you would try and jab the nearest sharp object in your eyes while running and screaming to the hills. A little hygiene goes a LONG way my friends!!

7. I learned that no one that looks like Matt Grevers wears a speedo. Sigh.... where is an Olympic swimmer when you need one? My eyes are still recovering from the men I saw in speedos - oh the pain, the pain I tell you!!

8. I also learned that no matter how hard I try, how diligent I am with my sunscreen, I ALWAYS miss something. It varies every trip. This trip, I forgot to put sunscreen on, or should I say IN, my bellybutton. In case you were curious I have an innie, so the cute little button got burnt to a crisp.

9. I should never try to straighten my hair in a tropical climate. I did it without thinking and with good intentions, but as soon as the wind and humidity hit me - it was all over. You know it's really bad when your husband has that scared, wide eyed look while nodding and mumbling, "No really... it looks fine."

10. Last but not least - No matter how crazy my boys drive me on a daily basis, there is nothing better then being smothered with kisses and hugs after a few days away. I guess absence does make the heart grow fonder!!

questions of the week

2008-10-29T08:30:00.000-05:00

I came across this post while entrecard dropping and it peaked my interest. I thought it would be a great way to share some of the 'inner workings' of this lassie with the masses. Here is my first go of it - let me know what you think.

Here are this weeks questions!

1. What does whispering make you think of?

** My paranoid answer would be people talking about others (or me) and telling secrets. I am not quite the fan of whispering.

2. What kinds of current women’s clothing styles do you dislike the most?

** The super short shorts. I was so happy when bermudas came back into style this summer.

3. What is your greatest extravagance?

** I would have to say wine. I LOVE it and drink it often - but in moderation!!

4. Do you have a good luck charm? What is it?

** I don't have a good luck charm but I do wear a 'worry ring'. I am on my third one as I have worn out the other two. The one I wear now is just starting to break - so sad!!

5. Fill in the blank: “Without ___ I am nothing.”

** God

6. How do you react when you find out that your closest friend dated your ex?

** I did not react well. We did not remain friends much longer after that.

7. Do your heart and your mind ever disagree?

** All the time.

8. In what areas of your life are you uncompromisable?

** I am strong in my beliefs, even if they are not the popular views. i tend to do my own thing and not worry about pleasing others. It is my 'inner Betty' - if I can't be true to myself how can I be true to others? Guess that is why I still dress like I do and shy away from "Mom wear".

9. Have you ever gossiped about other people in order to add excitement to your
own life only for it to back-fire on you ?

** I’d like to say no, but sadly I was voted class gossip in High School...... sigh.

10. I am___________________.

** Wow, this is hard. I can come up with s many ways to answer this question. Blessed, strong, fragile, sassy, independent, a good friend, scared, a giver, a soccer diva, surrounded by boys!

Be sure to check here for next week's list of questions.

Kaza has the Keys to Kat's Kingdom!

2008-10-28T07:24:00.002-05:00

Okay, that post title sounds rather inappropriately naughty, but I likes me some alliteration, so it's staying. Hi everyone. That's right, just when you thought the guest-post-a-pallooza was over, there's yet another guest blogger holding you hostage. Never fear, Kat will be back soon. And we're doing our best not to trash the place (completely). I'm Kaza, of Kaza's Place, a funny (as in odd, not humorous, unfortunately) little blog where I blither and blather about this and that. Mostly I whine and complain about my life, which is ridiculous because I have a beautiful life really. But we mamas work damn hard and spend so much of our days meeting the incessant needs of our small human "becomings" (and those not-so-small human beings, the sometimes equally demanding partners/husbands), so we need our safe havens in which to stash our "real" selves. Blogs fit the bill quite nicely. And the best part about it all is that we make some amazing friends in the blogosphere who are willing to bear witness to our insanity and who hold us up and cheer us on and above all laugh with us. Kat is one of my most treasured bloggy friends, and I am honored that she asked me to post here.

But I'm going to restrain myself and try not to whine and complain here. That would probably be bad manners in someone else's bloggy home. Instead, I want to tell you about a shocking confession my mother made to me yesterday. She hates Halloween. WHAT?!? Okay, I realize this does not seem shocking at all, and in fact many of you may share this dislike. But to me this was a stunning revelation. Because I. LOVE. HALLOWEEN. And the reason I love it so much is that my mother always made it so much fun for us.

Every year she would make the most delicious pot of chili, and there were doughnuts for dessert, with hot apple cider. When we were little, she stayed home to watch the pot while my dad took us out trick-or-treating. When we reached age 11 or so she deemed us too old to be out there anymore and instead let us invite our friends over to hang out and eat the goodies (including the trick-or-treat candy) and sip cider and watch scary stuff on t.v. It wasn't an elaborate party, just a warm house and good food and our favorite friends.

So now you see why I was astonished to hear that she hated Halloween all of those years. When I expressed my surprise, she said "I didn't let how I felt about it interfere with your fun." But it was more than non-interference. She created a simple magic. (Not to mention a safe haven to help us resist the temptation of getting into trouble playing Halloween tricks on neighbors). Because that's what mamas do. We make magic for our kids.

I'm the mama now, and so I try to make the magic for my little girl. Only I don't have to pretend, because I adore this funny little holiday and I love sharing these traditions with her. My kidlet is only 3 1/2, so at this point she's pretty much just into the doughnuts-and-candy part of the tradition. She's not such a chili fan yet. That's for the hubs and I to enjoy after she's passed out in bed with her sugar coma. We stuff ourselves in cheese-laden chili chased down by adult libations (beer for him, wine for me, 'natch), followed by doughnuts dipped in cider and topped off with the sweet deliciousness of candy stolen from our daughter's freshly-collected trick-or-treat stash. Fortunately Halloween is on a Friday this year so we can all sleep off our overindulgences the next morning.

Now if you want to talk holidays I do hate, get back to me next spring. Because as much as I loves me some pumpkins and ghosties, I hates me some Easter bunnies and chickies. All of that pastel. Blech.

Name that tune

2008-10-27T08:00:00.000-05:00

I'm so excited that this Lassie asked me to close out her week of guest posts. I've got to be honest with you, I've been a little nervous about this responsibility, you know, cleaning up after these ladies can be quite a chore… naw, just kidding, they are all great, but a little help vacuuming would be nice. *ahem*

Oh, by the way, this is Diane from The Mommy Diaries. I've been very lazy with my own blog during the last couple of weeks, so Kat was really taking a chance in letting me close the show. In fact, I'm wondering how long it will be before I'm no longer considered a blogger? While I'm still in the game, let me tell you a little story, I don't want to let her down.

Truth be told, I am a terrible singer, but I try. I try every single day while driving my car, you know the acoustics in the car are only rivaled by those in the shower, right? Every day, I have the joyful experience of having to listen to one children's song after another. For someone who loves music, this experience is mind-numbing. In order to wake myself out of the self-induced coma, I sing along with the tunes. I know every word of every song and I sing as loud as my little lungs can carry my voice.

This does not sit well with my daughter. Every day, my darling 2-year-old says to me, "No, Mommy. Stop singing. This is my favorite." And so, every day I am shamed by into stopping my singing so she can listen to her favorite song.

Her Daddy, on the other hand, can do no wrong. When he sings, she wants him to keep singing. "Sing with me, Daddy," she says to him. "Not you, Mommy. Daddy sing."

Oh, the humiliation!

So, you can imagine my surprise when last night, after reading a bedtime story, she looks up at me, and in her best sheepish voice, says, "Mommy, sing to me."

My heart simply melted, and I sang. I sang her a lullaby I made up as I went a long. I didn't care, my brain didn't think about what song to sing, I was only thrilled that she wanted me, yes ME, to sing her to sleep.

It was simply lovely. Of course, she woke up 3 separate times during the night, but I won't tell if you don't.

Forgive Me, Sam, For I Have Sinned

2008-10-25T06:00:00.002-05:00

Hello all you lads and lassies! I'm Ali from Home of the Lazy Dog. I'm a nervous lazy dog today. I've never guest posted before and I'm afraid that with this one post I may single-handedly drive away all of Kat's readers. Please bear with me!

Actually, I'm really glad to have this opportunity to guest post. I have a confession to make and I just don't feel comfortable baring my soul like this on my own blog. Here it goes: I'm a thief. A dirty, rotten, unintentional thief.

Here's the story. Last year I bought some new Halloween lights to go on the front porch. When I got home, I opened up one of the boxes and found not only the lights that I had purchased but a rose that I had not purchased. A decorative black rose to match my now dark, cold, criminal heart.

And what did I do for atonement? Did I return it to costumer service? Did I slip the $1 plus tax to the elderly greeter on my next visit? Did I put it in my purse and make a trip to their restroom and "accidentally" leave it sitting beside the sink?

No. No. And no. You see, Walmart actually owes me $52 in quarters that I've lost in their Sam's Choice soda machines.

It's obvious. We are both corrupted.

The Wonder in the World

2008-10-24T07:16:00.002-05:00

Hello, everyone. MommyTime here. I want to thank Kat so much for asking me to guest post today. I'm delighted to be here. And while I have a tendency to write long, it did occur to me that on a Friday it might be nice to give people I've never "met" a less verbose post. So today, I'm focusing on something simple and beautiful: getting up close and personal with astonishing wild animals.

Have you ever been this close to a real live giraffe? Me either.

Until last weekend.

I took these photos without a fancy telephoto lens or anything except the built-in zoom on my regular camera. I was at the Vilas Zoo in Madison, WI, where the only thing separating the people from the giraffes is a 3 foot high wrought iron fence, a few feet of bare space, and a slightly higher wooden rail fence -- so low that the giraffes have to scrunch and scooch to reach down over it to nibble tasty weeds.

Giraffes have long been my favorite animal -- so graceful, peaceful, gorgeous in their long-limbed loping walk. I was delighted and awed to be able to look this one right in the eyes, to watch it quietly munching on a sunny fall day...

...and to watch it watching me back.

I have no idea what giraffes think about all day long. But I'm pretty sure this one wants to know when I'm going to stop taking photos and start handing over something better tasting than a thistle.

I know there are many people who argue that large animals shouldn't be kept in zoos, but I have to say that this animal encounter was the most wondrous I've ever had. Looking eye to eye with a giraffe for a long quiet moment is priceless.

Really, isn't that one of the most amazing faces you've ever seen?

Wishing you a weekend full of wonder...

MommyTime.

The Myths of Motherhood

2008-10-23T11:00:00.003-05:00

Guest Post by Cheryl
When that wonderful Sassy Irish Lassy asked me to do a guest blog, I couldn't resist. For days I pondered over what to write because she has such a great blog and without even knowing her, I sense that she's a great Mom. So, I thought I'd post about the myths of Motherhood. It's not until you become a Mom do you realize that that some of them really are true...and some are not.

Mothers Have Eyes In the Back of Their Heads

Scary, but true. They seem to magically appear within hours of the birth of your first child. So, yes, we do see you stuff an entire bag of Halloween candy under your pillow when you think we're not looking. We are just thankful that you didn't choose hard boiled eggs for your emergency nighttime snack.

Mothers Know Everything

This is not true even though we often seem as if we know it all. Unfortunately, when we give birth we only get a set of eyes in the back of our heads, not a bigger brain. In fact, it seems as if our brain shrinks with each birth. After 5 children, I think I officially have no useful brain cells left. We do not get a crystal ball, either. So, that science project that's due tomorrow that you need supplies for AFTER all the stores are closed...it's not happening. Didn't know, weren't told and can't always read your mind unless you're fibbing.

Mothers Worry Too Much

False. There is no such thing as worrying too much. Moms seem to worry about everything and it annoys children, especially as they reach the teen years. If you think worrying about dropping Kool-Aid on the carpet is bad, wait til you see us fret about your first time driving alone.

Mothers Don't Need Any Privacy

This is false, but we let it slide. We really DO mind when we're in the bathroom alone for the first time all day and you walk in asking what's for dinner. However, it won't be long before I am really alone in that bathroom and you are grown up and busy with your lives. Just so you know, I am not really doing anything in the bathroom when I'm in there. It's where I hide.

Mothers Don't Get Sick

Yes, we do...but we do understand that making a working volcano for your school project that is due in less than 12 hours is far more important than sleeping off the flu.

Mothers Remember Everything

I have a Blackberry for a reason. I think more Moms need one because it's just not always easy to balance the life of a Mommy. Sorry, kids, it's not to play games on. It's my memory that I put on the charger every night. So, if I forget something, I just blame the Blackberry. Often.

Mothers Like To Say "You're Grounded"

False. Well, I don't know about other mothers, but to me it's a sentence for me, not you. When I take away your bike, you sit and stare at me with your pouty face all day. When I take away your cell phone, your friends call you on mine. I'd rather have you take the garbage out or clean the toilet.

Mothers Don't Listen

Yes, we do listen. I just might not compute things as fast as I used to. Sometimes, though, I use selective listening like you do when I say "Clean your room". It's fun to pretend I can't hear at times.

Mothers Can Fix Any Problem

We'd live at the end of a rainbow with a pot o' gold if that were true. Best I can do is put a patch over things and try to get you back to smiling as soon as possible.

Mothers Want The Best For Their Children

I can't speak for all mothers but that's all I want for all five of my children. Because even though you probably find my extra eyeballs annoying and the fact that sometimes I want to be the one to get a time out, at the end of my journey I want to leave behind 5 happy, successful grown-ups. Now, don't get excited kiddos....I'll be watching you with those extra eyeballs for at least another 45 years........

Movies that make me want to clean my house

2008-10-21T08:19:00.008-05:00

Guest post from Nancy

There's a family legend about my great-grandmother, born Mary Swan but known in adult life as Mrs. Brizzolara, which moniker the neighborhood kids could not pronounce and so she became "Mrs. B." or, to us in stories, simply Bee. The legend is that she was always Too Busy Rolling Bandages For the Red Cross to bother cleaning her house. This would have been circa World War I.

She liked to gad about, join committees, and do things, and so I guess great-grandfather, Mr. Brizzolara, had to put up with dust in the corners and socks on the floor and such. (There aren't too many legends about him, other than that he came from Genoa, had a terrific head of snowy white hair late in life, and did not like to be disturbed while listening to Chicago Cubs games on the radio.)

Anyway, when I look at my house, I like to think I'm channeling Bee. Oh, the rooms are not unhygienic, but they are all, um, lived-in enough to make me realize what is so beautiful about the glossy photographs in home design books and magazines. It's not just that design professionals have placed flowers and knick-knacks just so. It's that everything is clean. Clean floors, clean picture frames, sparkling shower fixtures, clean white grout around the tub, for heaven's sake.

So I shrug and channel Bee, and generally keep on doing what I'm doing. But, oddly enough, there are movies that inspire me to clean.

One of them is Titanic. In the opening scenes, we see the old lady's house, as she spins pottery and listens to the television report of the finding of the beautiful drawing from the depths of the shipwreck. The sun is shining, and curtains blow. A big antique steamer trunk stands against a wall. The camera angles are low, and we can see that nice clean floor. There are lots of hanging plants, and a bowl of goldfish on the kitchen counter beside the tv. I think we hear the sound of tinkling chimes.

There's something about this scene of a busy, nice but obviously middle-class home -- no chandeliers or anything, and the adult granddaughter is loading the dishwasher -- that makes me look around and see that my old iron radiators are (um) kind of dusty, and the cats have tracked litter around, and the shower curtain is unfit to be seen, and maybe I'd like some goldfish. So I clean.

And then there's the great old British television series Mapp and Lucia. People who adore this show remark that the sets and costumes alone deserve their own awards or history or website or something, never mind the accolades given the actors and story. (It's all huge fun.) I think it's the beautiful flowers and plants in almost every scene that make me want to clean my house after I've watched an episode. The main characters, Lucia and Georgie, are forever sitting in perfectly appointed, cozy little rooms, hatching social plots or playing the piano while bouquets of carnations and sunflowers stand behind them, or a potted bromeliad in the corner near the servant's bellpull. I look and think, maybe I want some flowers for the house -- and of course I can't bring flowers into a messy room, so I'm inspired to clean.

Amelie is another. Remember the scene when Amelie drops the glass stopper to her perfume bottle, and it rolls along the bathroom floor and finally knocks a little porcelain tile loose from low down on the wall? Remember how clean everything is? What, the French don't get little cobwebs on the valves and pipes behind la toilette? So I clean.

By the way, all this is not to speak of Gigi. I'm always thrilled by Gaston's outburst, when Gigi rejects his advances, that she lives in a filthy apartment with worm-ridden furniture and so how can she refuse him and his wealth and tidiness? Aha! I tell myself -- validation! A charming fictional character, and her grandmother, too busy to clean! (Gaston's Uncle Honore agrees that her disgusting surroundings "must have driven her mad.") The trouble with Gigi is that all those red interiors make me want to redecorate.

You might get the impression that I watch these movies all the time and so afterward in spite of myself I am always cleaning. Not at all. It's just that when I do pop them in from time to time -- I reserve Amelie, for example, for Bastille Day, only watching it once a year to keep it special -- I see those scenes again and I sigh at their loveliness and remember. Oh yeah. These movies always make me want to clean.

Sometimes I really spend a day at it and feel virtuous and fresh when I'm done. "Now don't trash the house," I wag my finger at the family, "I did nothing but clean all day." Sometimes I'll devote maybe fifteen minutes with a paper towel and some Formula 409 to a project, and then reason that that'll do for now. After all, Bee was too busy rolling bandages ... and I'll bet she had scads more fun.

(Many thanks to IrishKat for inviting me to guest post!)

let the good times roll at blissdom 08

2008-10-20T08:01:00.005-05:00

Well it has been a whirlwind weekend to say the least. Colleen and I totally road tripped to Nashville for BlissDom 08. If you could not fit it into your calendar this past weekend I definitely encourage you to carve out some time in February. It was beyond fabulous!! I could not believe that I was in a room with so many amazing lady bloggers.

The day began in the Pink Slip Lounge at the uber chic Hotel Preston - gotta love a conference held in a bar! Do they know this lassie or what?? Various panels of bloggers dished on "the goods" - why they blog, branding, social media and marketing. They shared the real deal - not just an overview and answered our every little question.

We were then treated to a mini concert by the up and coming Jessie Baylin. What a cutie she is! Hubby is already crushing on her. And of course - who could forget the Blisstinis!! They were a well deserved treat after a long day of blog talking. All of this awesomeness was provided by Epson and orchestrated by the beautiful Barbara Jones and the One2One Network divas.

As a quick side note - Go. Get. This. Printer!! I fell in love with it this weekend and will be pining for one till I get it. FYI - my birthday is next month and Christmas is right around the corner!! Lassie would love her a new printer - hint, hint.

To add to all the craziness of this weekend I will be out of town the next week. No fears loyal readers!! I have quite the line up of FAB bloggers for you! You will be treated to a different one EVERY day. Heck, I don't even write very day. How sweet is that?? So be sure to be kind and show them lots of comment love because - who doesn't lurve a little comment love? I for one, can't wait to see what they have on store!

*photo courtesy of Mishi. Be sure to check out her cool montage which includes a spectacular photo of my spinal tattoo!

photohunt 132 - family

2008-10-18T10:13:00.003-05:00

Be sure to check out all the other photo hunters HERE!! If you are playing along, add you link below and leave some comment luv!!

haiku friday - truly blissful

2008-10-17T00:12:00.000-05:00

The day has arrived
It's off to BlissDom I go
Trying not to squeel

Taking a road trip
With the fabulous Colleen
Nashville here we come!

Juiced up on Starbucks
We will travel through the night
To arrive on time

I can't wait to hang
With so many fine ladies
What's this girl to do?

Much fun will be had
By this Mommy with no kids
They hope I come home!

wordless wednesday - almost

2008-10-15T00:16:00.001-05:00

I have been shockingly quiet this football season. What kind of Mom would I be not to brag about my little football player? Add another bad Mommy Star to the wall. So I will attempt to redeem myself here with the great picture of Drake causing a fumble. I missed the shot where he stood up holding the recovered ball because I was jumping up and down and screaming like a deranged maniac. Yeah - I am that football mom.
But this is the real reason I love to watch him play - because as soon as he puts his helmet on, he smiles like this. ALL. THE. TIME.

have you seen my little boy?

2008-10-14T12:33:00.005-05:00

I have lost my little boy. It happened over night when I least expected it. I guess I can say I saw some of the signs, but deep down I am sure I was really trying to ignore them. I will admit that some of them made me smile - like your new found sense of style. Like the time you made me drive to four different stores in two different states to find that red hat you saw someone wearing that you HAD to have. Every time you wear it you smile and when you tilt it to the side, it makes me smile. A young face trying to be so grown up. Then you tell me yesterday that you don't need to dress up for Halloween - you're past that. What!? You can't be past that, you are only eight!

Please, stay and revel in your youth. It will go faster then you really want it to anyway. Then you will be doing everything you can to try and get it back. Enjoy your freedoms, for soon they will be a distant memory. Long gone will be your days of skateboarding and bike riding. There won't be time for Army attacks, Storm Trooper wars and sleepovers. Your chubby cheeks are thinning - giving way to a more pronounced jaw line, the one your father has. I know it will be all too soon that those once chubby cheek will prickle me with stubble and that makes me sad. If only I could freeze time..... but then I know I would miss out on all the joys that come with watching you continue to grow old and mature. And just when I least expect it you surprise me with a glimpse of the little boy of the past. You crawl up on my lap to snuggle. You whisper, "Your the best", and my little boy is back once again - at least for a moment - and in that moment I will stay.

in case you haven't been paying attention

2008-10-12T00:00:00.000-05:00

I am less then a week away from emabarking to Nashville for BlissDom 2008 to hang with some totally hawt and cool chicks for the weekend. Colleen promised me that she wouldn't squeal with delight when I pick her up on Friday. I am sorry to say that I may not be able to make that same promise. I am bursting with sqealness.... I don't think I will be able to contain it all when I see her. Colleen - Be. PREPARED. I apologize ahead of time but after the week I have had, Friday can't come soon enough. I heard a rumor that there is still room if you want to join us! I am always a fan of 'the more the merrier'!!

photo hunt 131 - lazy

2008-10-11T12:06:00.002-05:00

While I was originally going to do a picture of my feline fuzzies - who have perfected the word lazy - I decided to put a fun spin on it instead. Here you see MY laziness this week. I boycotted laundry this week and it is coming back to bite me in the butt! This is only Hubby's and my laundry - it doesn't even include the kids hampers!! Off to clean, fluff and fold!

Be sure to check out all the other photo hunters HERE!! If you are playing along, add you link below and leave some comment luv!!

posted vacancy - you know you want to!

2008-10-10T12:36:00.003-05:00

Hey you there!! Yes you.... the one sitting on their rump reading. What are you doing in a few weeks? Want to come by my place and blog sit for me in a week or so? You would only have to write one day - that is of course unless no one else shows up for the party. I mean, aren't you tired of always writing on your blog? You are?! Great! Then it's a deal. What? Where am I going?? Oh well, do we really need to get into all that? That seems a bit trivial at this moment don't you think? Look, you could scope out my place, see what I hide under the bed and heck, I will even stock up the cabinets for you! Come on..... you know you want to. Leave a message in the comments and the keys are yours. Just try and keep the fun to a minimum..... or not. It is totally in your hands!

wordless wednesday - 8 year old discovers laptop camera

2008-10-08T10:26:00.004-05:00

This would be what happens when an eight year old boy figures out how to use the camera on his mother's lap top.

Be sure to check out other WW participants HERE and add your link if you are playing!

ramblings of a three year old

2008-10-06T19:56:00.000-05:00

Grady's world of three has been an ~~completely insane and mind numbing~~ amazing journey so far. Granted, he swings through moods and personlalities faster then Sybil, but when he is in a happy place, he is the funniest kid EVER! Here are some of his latest ramblings.

Me: What did you learn about at school today?
Grady: Dinosaurs!!
Me: (knowing it was 'B' day and he was supposed to learn about Betsy Bee) You did?!? What did you learn?
G: That they eat police officers.
Me: They do?
G: Yep. They rip their heads off and eat them...... I don't think I want to be a police officer when I growed up Momma.

This was his response when we were ghosted the other night by a neighbor. They left us a pumpkin (aka punk man) full of treats.
G: MOM!!! The punk man dinged our dig bell and left me me candy!! Why did he ding my ding bell Mommy??
M: To leave you a special treat.
G: Oooooh. The punk man doesn't like candy Momma?
M: Nope, he is sharing them with you.
G: I don't think the punk man should ding ding bells Mommy. He can scare people.

Hubby: Grady you need to pick up your toys before you can have a snack.

G: Dadda .... you're killin' me!!! (said as he throws his hands in the air)

And my all time favorite he said this morning in the car.
G: Momma! I know what I am going to learn about in school today!
M: What honey?
G: I'm going to learn about chickens and Jesus!!

And this is where he left me speechless!!

photo hunt 130 - sad

2008-10-04T08:24:00.004-05:00

Such a sad sight to behold! This poor lassie's glass may be empty but it's contents were thoroughly enjoyed!!

Be sure to check out all the other photo hunters HERE!! If you are playing along, add you link below and leave some comment luv!!

haiku friday - bloggy love

2008-10-03T00:08:00.004-05:00

I was given this
From a sweet wee Irish friend
Who felt I inspire

It left me blushing
To receive such a gesture
What a compliment!

Now I must follow
And pass the love to others
With whom shall I share??

The Sweet Blog Award
Can be given to many
Here are just a few.

Midwestern Mommy
Sugarpants and Laughs and Tears
Crunchy Carpets too!

Kaza's Place for sure
Some of This and Some of That
Oh and Mommy Time!

Have now been given
The special Sweet Blog Award
Go and pass along!

wordless wednesday - all drake wants for christmas

2008-10-01T09:10:00.001-05:00

Be sure to check out other WW participants HERE and add your link if you are playing!

do you have a giant?

2008-09-30T09:20:00.005-05:00

As any mother, I have plenty of embarrassing stories. But when I read Jen's prompt for today, ONE immediately came to mind.

Between my pre-med background and reading any article available discussing the in depth variety of names for one's genitalia , I decided that we would call a spade a spade. So when Drake asked me where my penis was I told him, "Mommy played with hers too much and it fell off!" Sadly, Hubby was in ear shot and went ballistic. I thought it was quite funny - Hubby did not. So I retracted my "Mommy's fell off" comment and went with the Kindergarten Cop version - "Boys have penises and girls have vaginas." "YOU have a giant!?" "No sweetie, Mommy has a vagina." "Daddy!! Mommy has a GIANT!!!" Needless to say Hubby stood there snickering away at our son's new found interest with giants.

Fast forward a few months. It is spring and I, *gasp*, was trying to find a swimsuit so I could participate in the obligatory 'Mommy and Me' swim class. So, with my little gem at my side, I grab a handful of suits and headed into the changing room. Then my ~~sweet~~ obnoxiously loud and inquisitive gem begins bombarding me with questions. "Mommy, why do you keep your underwear on? Is that to hide your giant? Mommy, I want to see you giant. Is it still there??"

Of course I am NOT the only person in the changing room and pretty soon the room is filled with giggles. They have either caught on that 'giant' means vagina or they think I am some tranny that has a giant penis hiding in her underwear. I of course, am mortified, so I grabbed the suits and b-lined out of there before anyone could get a glimpse of my crimson face.

Fast forward another year. I am almost 7 months pregnant and am pushing Drake in the cart at the local Tar-chay. My ~~obnoxious~~ sweet gem has the memory of an elephant! As I was looking at hair products Drake started asking about his new brother.

Drake: Mommy, where is my baby brother coming out?

Me: Well, God made a special place for Mommy's to have babies.

Drake: Ooooh........ Is the baby coming out of your giant?!

Me: Shhhhhh, well, yes....but we don't talk about things like that in a store.

Drake: Ok.

I should have known to never trust the silence of a four year old because as soon as anyone walked passed us, Drake would loudly proclaim, "My baby is coming out of my Mommy's giant." He stated it to EVERYONE. I could not get out of there fast enough.

Looking back it IS quite funny. In the moment - not so much. Now i think of it as good ammo for the future. Plus, it will be a great story to share with his prom date!!

photo hunt 129 - view

2008-09-27T08:47:00.004-05:00

The view from my lounge chair when I was in Palm Beach.

Be sure to check out all the other photo hunters HERE!! If you are playing along, add you link below and leave some comment luv!!

on your mark..... get set.....

2008-09-26T06:16:00.006-05:00

Go! Go! Go! Registration for the first annual BlissDom 2008 is today. TODAY girls! Have those typing fingers ready - heard it is going to be open at noon CST. Want the total low down before you sign up? Here it is! Curteousy of the ever beautiful Lotus also frequently disguised as one sarcastic momma.

BD is hosting a conference at The Hotel Preston (those who are able to attend will get a discount code for staying at the hotel if that is needed) in Nashville on October 18.

It’s an all day blogging conference (sponsored by Epson) with panels, Q&A, tons of fun ladies… and it ends with a corporately sponsored swanky cocktail party!

(You know what you get at one of those? SWAG, BABY, SWAG!)

Can you go, you ask? YES, YES YOU CAN! And you can come and meet this lassie - live in the flesh!!

How much does it cost, you ask? NOTHING! It’s free. You are just responsible for bringin’ yo-self, puttin’ yo-self up, and feedin’ yo-self.

There are limited seats available - 75 in all. The official registration is Friday Sept. 26,as in today, and the announcement about who got a seat will come on Monday Sept. 29.

secret sharing again!

2008-09-25T12:57:00.004-05:00

Well, this has been quite the week for sharing secrets. Did you know Diane of Mommy Diaries trusted me with HER blog today. Crazy I know! I have to admit that I am one to snoop, so I have enjoyed poking around in all her nooks and crannies. She's got some good stuff over there! I unleashed a few more secrets over there...ssshhhh!

Oh, and remember the secret I unleashed the other day about Blissdom 2008??? I thought you would. Well, Colleen from Mommy Always Wins has stepped up and accepted my road trip challenge! Together we will be trekking to Nashville juiced up on Starbucks and ready to par-tay. I am looking forward to finally meeting her and sharing this amazing experience with all of these blissful divas! There is still room if you would like to join us - don't be afraid! I promise we'll play nice.

You can also check out some of my other secret sharing over here. Ok not really, but I am trying to be enticing! Not working .... darn. Well, head over there anyway cause there is lots of great things going on!

wordless wednesday - summer revisited: ready, aim, fire!!

2008-09-24T10:49:00.003-05:00

Be sure to check out other WW participants HERE and add your link if you are playing!

secret = road trip

2008-09-22T18:37:00.003-05:00

Ok, I hinted to a secret yesterday and finally late this afternoon Mrs. Fussypants decided to share the great news. Yes, I am impatient so trying to wait all day long was painful. Are you ready?? Long pause... wait for it... wait for it.... Ok here it is! BLISSDOM 2008. Ok, I sooo want to call it the Blissdom 2000 tour cause it sounds like some crazy sex toy, but I will refrain - for now. I can't guarantee what I might say after a few drinks at the par- tay. I wonder if that is why I don't get invited to gatherings of this sort... hmmmm. Anyway, I am ditching my male filled house, jumping in the car and driving to Nashville baby! Feel like a road trip? Looking for a roommate? Let me know - I will sleep with you. Well, not in that way, but I will shack up in a hotel room with you. Oh wait, that sounds bad too. Roommate anyone? Anyone?....Bueller?? Is there anyone out there who will tackle the winding roads with me? Drop me a line and we can hook up. Darn I did it again!

i'm your mother??

2008-09-22T14:18:00.004-05:00

"I'm your Mother not your..." is a widely used phrase, at least in our house. My boys have heard the barrage of sayings, including "I'm not your slave, maid, butt wiper, clothes/underwear picker upper, nanny, short order cook, referee" - just to name a few. But to be totally honest, there are those days where my boys leave me shaking my head and I find myself asking, "I'm your mother??" No sooner then the words leave my lips then I hear my mother's ever looming voice inflicting the age old curse, "I hope you get a child JUST. LIKE. YOU." Now in hindsight, I am realizing what an evil and mean curse that is!

The world of boys has often times left me speechless. For example - why must my three year old come and press his cute little hynie up against me and make farting noises? Or pull down the front of his pants and scream "Nudie boy!! Nudie boy!!" Why do both of my boys use the 'no hands' method when going to the bathroom when I specifically remember teaching them to use their hands? Unless of course they aren't in the bathroom, because then they can't keep their hands off of it! There are days their whining makes my ears bleed and their bickering can make me want to poke myself in the eyes with sharp objects. Then somedays, they surprise me and I am reminded how blessed I am to have tow rambunctious boys to keep me busy and on my toes. And for that I am thankful. Now for Pete's sake will you please pick up your socks! I am NOT the maid!!!

dirty little secret

2008-09-21T18:57:00.003-05:00

Oh do I have a secret and unfortunately I cannot share at the moment. To clear any weird or perverse thoughts some of you may have - I am not pregnant. Curse you if that thought popped in your seedy little brains!! The official announcement is tomorrow - be on the lookout. I guess I can give a few hints. No one put "official" rules out there as to what can and cannot be shared, so in my rebelious nature I will drop some ideas. I will be partaking in a road trip, getting all prettied up and indulging in a beverage or two.... oh what the heck three or four!! Once I get t the official OK, I will post. maybe you would like to join me on this adventure. Ooops! Did I let that slip?

photo hunt 128 - road

2008-09-20T07:24:00.006-05:00

I was having a hard time deciding what to do for ROAD - I mean, won't they all look the same in some way or another? So I decided on posting some pics from my off road trip in the Dominican Republic jungle. This was our stylish Dune Buggie. I will say it had much to be desired in the shock absorbing department but it was fun to drive!

The first challenge was getting to the jungle. There was a quick rain storm that left the roads a little flooded.

They also don't have traffic patterns, center lines or any organized form of driving on roads. I was always worried we were going to run down one of the crazy motorbike riders. They would zip right in front of you without even looking.

Finally! The road less travelled. It was an amazing experience. We travelled 60 miles, which lasted all day, through various remote parts of the island. If you are ever down there I highly recommend it!!

Be sure to check out all the other photo hunters HERE!! If you are playing along, add you link below and leave some comment luv!!

haiku friday

2008-09-19T19:57:00.000-05:00

Sobbing in public
Not for your eyes to witness
Leaving me exposed

Nowhere close to hide
The mascara left it's mark
A beacon to all

another ridiculously awesome person

2008-09-18T08:41:00.005-05:00

Blogging was made for bitching.

Whether it’s about slow drivers, unruly children, or spouses who can’t seem to pick up their own underwear, the blogosphere is constantly atwitter with our gripes. And while we would in no way suggest you stop bitching, once in a while it’s nice to stop and remember some of those people who makes us forget about the dirty underwear.

It is because of those people that Karen, Hilly and Miss Britt decided to launch The RAP Sheet.

Out here in Blogaritaville, there are some Ridiculously Awesome People. People who touch us, who make us laugh, who make us want to reward them with a cutesy graphic. Those are the people we add to The RAP Sheet.

Oh the high hopes they had! Karen, Hilly and Miss Britt were going to spread love and awesomeness througout the Internet! And everyone would start buzzing about goodness and kindness and awesomeness. And they made it two whole months! Loving on two whole people - before they got totally lazy and distracted! YAY for Love and Awesomeness!

Luckily, they had the beautiful Sam of Temporarily Me to nag and remind them what’s important. And so, at Sam’s insistence, The RAP Sheet is back!! And who better to start of the new trend of awesomeness then Ann at Ann Again... And Again?

Ann has the knack of making me smile, throwing amazing virtual parties and introducing me to some great new music and bands. I can also say that if she didn't live waaayyyy over there in Oregon, we would easily be 'real life' friends. Notice how I made the assumption that she would be my friend for her! Yeah, she is so cool like that. So for her awe inspiring coolness, her inner Mommy tiger and her forever kind and gentle spirit I now pronounce Ann a Ridiculously Awesome Person!

*********** ************ ***********

I know this can be a silly little button, yet another ‘thing’ to decorate your blog with ~ and goodness knows it’s hard to keep up…

But it’s more than that. The RAP Sheet, one day, will be filled with people who touch your heart in ways you never thought possible across the many miles of the internet, through their words, actions and the soul of their character. This is about bringing some love back to the blogosphere, about lifting each other up instead of knocking each other down, about throwing out paranoia about what this person or that person thinks. About accepting the fact that we are all different and unique ~ but that we all have one thing in common: the ability to reach out and touch someone.

Who are YOU going to reach out and touch?

back to mom - a new definition of a quite foreign phrase

2008-09-16T18:22:00.000-05:00

With the kids back in school you would think this would be the most opportune time to take back some time for me, the mom. I am sad to say that this is so not the case. Back to school also means back to work and even worse, back to schedules. Where is the time for me??? With crazy schedules it always seems as though I am last on the list. Because of that, last winter I packed on 15 pounds. Yikes!! Because all my pants were too tight I was left sporting the oh so not fashionable muffin top. Be afraid, be very afraid. But wait... do you hear that?

Da da dum.... it is hubby to the rescue!! Now I will take this opportunity to mention that I did try to get hubby to pose for a quick picture in tights and a cape but my begging and pleading fell on def ears. Well not actually, but I am trying to keep this PG so I can't get into all the gorey details! So for now, this generic picture of Superman will have to do! When hubby got a new job and started working from home he decided it would be worthwhile to finally join a gym.

Me: Do you promise to watch the kids so I can go too??
Hubby: Yes. I will go on my lunch hour and you can go after work.
Me: So, you won't give me a hard time when I want to go?
Hubby: Nope.
Me: Excellent!! Sign us up!

So hubby signed us up. It went really well for a while. Then of course summer hit, the kids were home and there just didn't always seem to be enough time to do all the stuff I wanted too. I joined the Tweightloss Challenge in hopes to have others, on the same journey, hold me accountable. It has been an amazing experience. I am happy to say that I am eight pounds down with aspirations to loose another six. I have a feeling these last few will be the death of me. Cold weather is creeping in and that means snuggley nights on the couch. The couch also equals snacking. I really love to partake in a snack on the couch while I unwind after a long day. Hubby also snacks on the couch so the temptation is always there... munching next to me. I should also mention that I am going to Cancun in a month and ~~would like~~ must be swim suit ready. So this week I am back on the horse, eating healthy and hitting the gym. With a few set backs here and there I am really trying making an extra effort to take time for me because if Momma isn't happy (and healthy) then nobody is happy!!

How do you take time for yourself? I am always looking for new ideas!

weekend wrap up

2008-09-15T12:46:00.005-05:00

Well, nothing like a weekend to remind you of the true meaning of fall in Wisconsin - football, rain, more football and of course... more rain. Drake had his second game of the season on Saturday in a torrential down pour. Like any good mother, I stood, trying to wrangle Grady away from the looming puddles, while watching 20 boys running and tackling each other through sleeting rain. The boys had fun and looked like little mud monsters when they were done. Nothing beats getting tackled in a HUGE mud puddle, and no I am not talking about Grady! I had the good fortune of having my soccer game cancelled on Sunday thus preventing me from a puddle jumping extravaganza. Believe me, there is nothing worse then the smell of soaking wet soccer cleats!!

This weekend also marked a painful loss for the Buckeyes. They obviously did not get the memo about the game on Saturday night. I can't even believe I stayed up to watch most of it. Thinking of the game still pains me. HELLO!! It was suppose to be their time to shine... sigh. No such luck.

Speaking of getting demolished - my childhood house got smooshed this weekend by one of the huge trees in our yard. It makes me so sad to see my old house that way and to think that huge tree is gone. Thankfully no one was hurt but I can't imagine the cost that is going to be involved in trying to fix a century home.

On a happy note, Drake finally got his new glasses. the first pair of glasses made him look like a bug. No seriously, they did. Hubby tried to surprise me by taking Drake to pick them up a few weeks ago. When I walked in the door from work I could not hide my horror. This is what I saw: Scary isn't it?? I feel bad because I think I actually shrieked at the sight of him then had to back peddle because I hurt his feelings. Slap another Bad Mommy Star on the mantle boys and girls! I returned those glasses and out we went to search for new ones. I have not had a chance to snap a picture of his new specs but they are quite dashing. Maybe once he finally pulls out his front tooth that has been loose for months... But that is another story for another day!

decisions, decisions

2008-09-14T00:01:00.000-05:00

Ok, I have seen these cute little boxes all over the place so I had to let you in on the fun. To begin, click on the box. You then must make a series of choices between two items. From here you will be taken to a mystery blog of another person taking part who picked similar answers to you.... who knows where your answers may lead! What adventure will your choices take you on???

photo hunt 124 - wild

2008-09-13T12:40:00.003-05:00

Oh yes. THE original wild child. Gotta love a boy who rocks the Rolling Stones Sticky Lil' Fingers shirt while jamming with his head phones. Don't forget his lanyard guaranteeing him back stage access so he can hang with the band. Party on Wayne!

Be sure to check out all the other photo hunters HERE!! If you are playing along, add you link below and leave some comment luv!!

looking for a gift for the girl who has everything?

2008-09-12T13:27:00.002-05:00

Then look no further! The mind pool over at Hero Builders decided to make the presidential candidates into Barbie Dolls and Action Figures. Some, I might add, even talk! Curious what Sarah Palin looks like as a naughty school girl? Obama as a beach life guard? This will give you the answer you are looking for!

sunday, monday, happy days

2008-09-10T15:35:00.007-05:00

Come on, sing along!! You know you still know all the words. Did you know that one of the cast memebers was immortalized in my home town? Oh yes, they bronzed the Fonz. Check out all the fabulous details HERE!

can i get an 'oh yeah!!'

2008-09-09T11:45:00.007-05:00

Oh yes! The day is finally here - the first day of pre-school for Grady. Now, in all honesty, he did start back last week when I started school but 'pre-school' had not started. Yesterday was his official first day of pre-school.
We went out this past weekend to get his supplies which included a new blue folder. He was so excited about that silly folder. We spent Sunday morning decorating it with race car stickers and flames of fire. He was also determined to pick his 'outfit'. Thankfully he chose the same outfit he and Drake wore for their pictures last month but he was sure to add some accessories shall we say? Notice the black head band and mandatory side kick, Doggie.
When we got to school I was a bit taken a back by the door to his classroom. I knew ahead of time who his classroom teacher was but some last minute rearranging changed the classroom assistant. Remember Mrs S??? If you click on the picture and read the sign you will see what I am talking about. Done? Yeah, that's right. She is his new classroom assistant. I am sure she loved the skull and cross bone shorts he wore the first day of school!!! Grady seemed unphased. When I picked him up and asked him how his first day was I got this:
I wonder what she is going to think of my boy always wearing hair accessories???

have you heard the rumor?

2008-09-08T11:45:00.005-05:00

So have you heard the latest? No, not about me getting a little too crazy over at Ann's GNO the other night. She was suppose to keep that a secret! Mixing her 'special' punch with my Nyquil made for a very sleepy lassie. Yaaawwwn!

No, the rumor I was referring to was the one about a certain lassie writing at a certain well known site. Yep. It is SO true. I tried to drop a hint a few weeks ago when I added my diva button in my sidebar. What?!? You didn't notice my sly attempt to lure you there? Well, now you have no choice!

This lassie is now going to keep you apprised of all the latest buzz around. Think Hollywood, book reviews, television shows, giveaways! It is all over at the newly revamped Blissfully Domestic. She looks quite ravishing after her face lift doesn't she? But ssshhh!!! You didn't hear that tidbit of buzz from me!

photohunt 126- strings

2008-09-06T08:30:00.004-05:00

I tried to be all creative with my picture, but due to one serious head cold, this was all I could come up with. Today is Drake's first football game of the season. These are the strings on his shoulder pads. He plays football, I play futbol..... sigh.

Be sure to check out all the other photo hunters HERE!! If you are playing along, add you link below and leave some comment luv!!

virtual GNO - day late and a drink short

2008-09-05T13:01:00.000-05:00

Ann over HERE is having another virtual girls night out. Good thing it is virtual because I have a wicked head cold and am all snotty and gross. No one in their right mind would want me at a party in this state. So I can sit in my jammies with my box of tissues and trusty Nyquil and party like there is no tomorrow. Or shall I say party till the Nyquil kicks in and I am snoring logs on the couch. Either way it should be a good time, no?

Here is Ann's first party game of the weekend, "The Mighty Four":

Four places I go over and over:
1. Target
2. Pac Sun
3. La Perla
4. The beach

Four places I would rather be:
1. Ireland
2. Hawaii
3. Jamaica
4. North Carolina (though now they are buried in water)

Four things I have for breakfast:
1. Coffee
2. Coffee
3. Maybe coffee with some caramel in it
4. Luna Bar

Your turn! I TAG YOU ALL!

who will come and visit me in the underworld?

2008-09-02T21:27:00.006-05:00

There is nothing like being confronted by a barely 5 foot tall elderly woman and accosted for your choice of body jewelry while dropping off you 3 year old at preschool. I suppose I should preface this little tidbit of information with some history or background shall we say. Grady goes to a Christian preschool, well with us being Christians and all. What!?! An Irish lass that is not Catholic? Let's just say, I am a recovering Catholic, among other things. I have had my fair share of guilt to last ten lifetimes believe me! Ok, back on track - so Grady goes to a nice all day Christian preschool with amazing teachers, most all well up in their years. They are strict but loving which is exactly what that little ~~demon~~ angel needs.

Well, while dropping off Grady the other day the sweet 70+ year old Mrs. S came to greet him. She always wears ankle length skirts and her silver hair in a bun. She is the epitome of the church lady. "Oh my and how is my Grady today?" When I began to answer how he actually left the house today without a temper tantrum because I told him he could throw water at his teachers, well with it being water day and all, she abruptly stopped me with a look of shock on her face. "Do you have something in your mouth??" "Um, yes. It's a tongue ring... I've had it forever. So I was saying, Grady...." "Did you get it for your..... husband?" **here is where I begin to stutter and blush uncontrollably** "Uh... well...no.. I mean...uh... I had it... but we don't.... yeah no, uh.. I just like it?." "Well now, God did not intend for you to put things in your tongue. He gave you a perfectly beautiful tongue, one not to be defaced." (perfect? I can, if I so choose, pick my nose with my long Gene Simmons like tongue. If this is perfect I am indeed terrified). "Ok then. Well have a great day!!" "I will pray for you and that you remove that... that thing!" (picture now me fleeing for the safety of my car, knocking down the other students in my attempt to regain the little composure I had left).

Now, under different circumstances I really think I would have come back with some sort of sassy quip of sorts. But really, it was 7 in the morning and I had but only one sip of my morning brew. I will also say she is a very nice lady and that Grady is very fond of her. I will also say that I am very liberal but do have the same base beliefs that she does, I just don't feel that I have to wear long shirts and my hair in a bun.

After some thought I did come up with this, "Well, this is just my earthly vessel and we both know it doesn't come with us!". So now I throw this out to you, oh Internet. What would your response have been? Don't be shy and help a lassie out!

photo hunt 125 - beautiful

2008-08-30T02:06:00.002-05:00

Nothing is more beautiful to this lassie then her two young lads!

Be sure to check out all the other photo hunters HERE!! If you are playing along, add you link below and leave some comment luv!!

wordless wednesday - little boys and their big toys

2008-08-27T13:45:00.003-05:00

Be sure to check out other WW participants HERE and add your link if you are playing!

public service announcement

2008-08-26T10:02:00.001-05:00

Don't forget! This week is voting time. Show your love for this lassie!!

the a, b, c's of me

2008-08-25T08:33:00.001-05:00

The gloriously wonderful Mommy Time at Mommy's Martini tagged me for this fun meme. Since I am back at school this week - pain, oh the pain - I thought is was a great way to ~~ease the pain~~ start off my school year.

A. Attached or single? Attached to an amazing and firey Irish lad aka - hubby.

B. Best friend? With the exception of hubby of course, it would be Ann. Ann who lives way too far away. We have been friends since the fifth grade and I miss her every day.

C. Cake or pie? I make a mean 'Better Then Sex Cake'. Mmmmmm, cake.

D. Day of choice? Saturday, especially during football season!!

E. Essential item? A good pillow.

F. Favorite color? Purple.

G. Gummy bears or worms? Worms. Would it surprise you that I like to slurp them? No?? Hmmm.

H. Hometown? A small town called Poland, Ohio, it is about 30 minutes north of Pittsburgh, PA.

I. Indulgence? Icelandic chocolate and a great Merlot.

J. January or July? July - warm sunshine, BBQs and lazy summer days.

K. Kids? Two. Drake is 8 and Grady is 3.

L. Life isn’t complete without? Books, wine, crusty bread, someone to laugh with and chaos.

M. Marriage date? October 31, 1999.

N. Number of brothers & sisters? 1 younger brother.

O. Oranges or apples? Oranges

P. Phobias? Spiders, heights, walking on ice, my children drowning, people touching my neck or face.

Q. Quotes? Sir Walter Scott: "Oh what a tangled web we weave, When first we practice to deceive” and Kahlil Gibran: "Ever has it been that love knows not its own depth until the hour of separation."

R. Reasons to smile? My boys, a love note left on the counter, watching older coupes still hold hands.

S. Season of choice? Autumn. I love the crisp breeze, sunny yet cool days, the smell of burning leaves and college football.

T. Tag some peeps! (see below)

U. Unknown fact about me? I was a competitive swimmer from the ages of 6-18 and use to jump horses. I wanted so badly to be a jockey but height got in my way.

V. Vegetable? Grilled corn on the cob.

W. Worst habits? Procrastination.

X. X-ray or ultrasound? I have never had an x-ray so I guess I will have to go with ultrasound. I begged hubby to buy me an ultrasound machine after I had my first one with Drake. I sobbed uncontrollably and loved watching him move around in there.

Y. Your favorite food? I am a seafood girl all the way - clams on the half shell, fresh Mahi Mahi, lobster, scallops. I also love authentic Italian, mmmmm.

Z. Zodiac sign? Scorpio All. The. Way!!!!

So here are the peeps I am tagging: Jen at Cheaper Than Therapy, Ann at Ann Again...,Kaza at Kaza's Place, Jess at Laughs and Tears, Christie at some of this and a little of that, Beth at Kraemer and Diane at The Mommy Diaries.

begging isn't really what I wanted to do

2008-08-23T16:00:00.004-05:00

Ok, so I got this little email saying I was nominated for the "Hot Blogger Calendar". Really?!? Are you pulling me leg? So I headed over to the sight and there I was! Wow, someone, besides my ever persistent husband thinks I am hot. Now, the term hot was not further described, but in my head I am making it 'Cougar Hawt' not temperature hot. So I grabbed a little button and didn't think much more of it. Until I heard that because of the ginormous amount of people that have now been nominated, they are looking at the number of people that nominate you, to go on to the final voting phase. Well that puts me in quite the predicament. So I am going out on a line and asking you to click the button and please nominate me. (Wow did I really just ask that?? Yikes!) The nominations are all anonymous so I will never know if you do or not, but Big Brother is watching! I don't even know what ~~crazy~~ amazingly generous person nominated me in the first place. If I did I would definitely go give them some crazy Internet love. The offer is out there.... step up if you may.

photo hunt 124- wrinkled

2008-08-23T07:25:00.006-05:00

Is there anything better then the chubby wrinkles of a baby?? This is Grady at three months and he was a mass of squishiness.

Be sure to check out all the other photo hunters HERE!! If you are playing along, add you link below and leave some comment luv!!

wordless wednesday - can he puleeze sleep with me??

2008-08-20T09:33:00.008-05:00

I could not resist the smile and answered 'yes'.

Be sure to check out other WW participants HERE and add your link if you are playing!

for better or for worse

2008-08-18T15:47:00.006-05:00

Ahhhhh, marriage. Is there anything finer? If we are all honest then the answer is, on most days, no. Now, there are those days where you would love to toss your spouse out of a fast moving vehicle just to watch the bounce effect, but for the most part, they are there to suffer with you - through thick and thin. So, in honor of the tie that binds, Absolutely Bananas has us writing about marriage. Not the schmoopy sugary type - the truth. The bare nakedness of marriage in real life. Fasten you seat belts folks, it's about to get bumpy!

Since this is the second (and last) time around for both of us, we each came into the marriage with baggage. Mine was emotional and his... well we don't talk about his baggage on this blog. Though I will point out he was nice enough to bring a television, lawn mower and Bow Flex-like machine into the relationship. Yep. He travels light. Through the past 11 years there have been a lot of good times. There have also been some dark, dark times. I grew up in a house where my parents didn't fight or argue in front of us. Whoa momma, that was an eye opener!! I had to learn that it was Ok to 'fight' with you spouse and that every fight wouldn't lead to divorce court. By the way, I have this mastered by now, thanks for asking. He had to learn that I was a yeller by nature. Sometimes I just yell. It isn't directed at him all the time, but when I get fired up about something so does my voice. He now knows what it is like to have a sassy red head as his wife!

We, as a couple, are very similar. So much so that you wouldn't think we would mesh the way we do. Don't worry!! We have our opposites too. There is a strict 'no politics conversations' in our marriage bi-laws. Though every now and then he tries to dabble and of course, fires me up. (insert yelling here)

I can easily say that hubby is my best friend. This helps me tolerate his inability to put anything directly in the hamper and helps him deal with my inability to rinse out dishes. We both love the ocean and feel completely calm and centered with one whiff of salt water. I love his surfer/ skater bad side and he loves me for my inner Betty. We can finish each others thoughts and have often texted or IM'd the same things to each other at the same moment. We also have this weird habit of taking self portraits of ourselves while we are on vacation. They often involve alcohol so they are usually silly, off centered or out of focus. They also always make us look like we have three chins! But every time we look back at our photos they make us laugh and remember the amazing time we had.

So to my hubby, thanks for being you. I look forward to growing old with you and whacking you with my cane.

these irish eyes are hazy

2008-08-17T09:10:00.007-05:00

Last night this lassie headed down to the lake front to participate in Milwaukee's annual Irish Fest. It is, by far, my favorite festival of the summer. The weather last night was perfect and the grounds were crowded. We have our annual traditions once we get there and the first thing we always do is get an Irish Twist. I am almost positive there is nothing 'Irish' about this sweet, sugary, doughnut like morsel, but it tastes like heaven and leaves you licking every inch of your sugary buttered fingers. Sorry team TwitFit, I fell off the wagon again last night. (but it was worth EVERY calorie)

Now, there are three types of people that go to Irish Fest. First you have you non-irish attenders. They come dressed in regular garb, drink beer, listen to the bands and enjoy the festivities. Some may enjoy all this festival has too offer a little too much, but in the end, they leave having had a good time.

Then there are the Irish lads and lassies. They come to enter their babes in the 'most freckles contest', watch their lassies dance an mean Irish step and share a pint with a friend or two. They are most often wearing some sort of Irish attire, but nothing too gaudy or flashy. By the end of the night they may be dancing the jig on the picnic tables in front of the Harley Stage, but I would not know anything about this, I swear!

Finally, there are the yahoos that may or may not be Irish, I tend to lean to the not. They are verbose, drunk and obnoxious from the moment their first beer graces their lips. They are decked out in loud green attire, Mardi Gra beads, neon green wigs and flashing beer mug hats. They. Make. Me. Cringe. While I was in Ireland I never saw a flashing beer mug hat or a full grown adult leprechaun in a neon green wig. This is probably why I yearn to go back there so!

All in all, we had a great time and listened to some great bands. Did you know that you can dance like a rooster to an Irish jig? Yeah, me neither. But the man dressed like a leprechaun thought it was the way to go before he leap frogged over a stool and fell to his demise. He falls into the third category for sure.

photohunt 123 - colorful

2008-08-16T06:24:00.004-05:00

Be sure to check out all the other photo hunters HERE!! If you are playing along, add you link below and leave some comment luv!!

box top bonanza!!

2008-08-14T06:57:00.003-05:00

As the last few weeks of summer quickly dwindle away, I am reminded to start organizing my mass accumulation of Box Tops. Typically I use the very high tech filing system of tossing them into the spice cupboard. Don't worry, I get even more high tech when I organize - I stuff them into a ziplock baggie!! Oh yes, I am high tech all the way. Thankfully Drake is the only one who takes Box Tops to school. I have heard funny horror stories from friends abut their kids fighting over them because the class with the most doesn't have to run the mile for the whole semester. Why didn't I go to that school?? Guess I have a few more years of peace before that fight breaks out!

In all truth, I love the idea of Box Tops. School are often short funded and the first classes to feel the pinch are the non-academic based classes like music, art and gym. I also like the fact that Drake's school gives a complete list to parents of what they used their Box Top money for. Last year the school got a ginormous amount of new gym equipment. Drake was stoked! He would go on and on about all the new games they got to play in gym and that he wished he had gym everyday. (of course you do sweetheart)

But what many parents don't know is that there is an online marketplace that can earn their school even more Box Top money! All the stores that you regularly shop are on there - Kohls, Barnes & Noble, Lands End, Target (oh yes, Target!!), Shutterfly and even Home Depot. I am guilty too. I often forget about this fabulous online resource. It also has an activity link, a recipe site and a family matters section to help your child succeed at home. So when I was looking to order the new book that everyone is talking about I remembered that I could buy it online through the marketplace. Let me tell you, it was glorious!! Going to the book store with two small boys is stressful to say the least. The three year old goes running one way, the eight year old in another and I am still trying to find the "please God don't let me kill my children" section. So after all the minions were tucked away in their beds, I went shopping online. To top it off, I got free shipping and didn't have to deal with traffic and car seats. Score!

By the way, I did finally found the "please God don't let me kill my children" section online and ordered this book. Hope it works! Oh, and I also had to buy this because, well, the title makes me laugh every time!!

What are you going to buy at the marketplace?

wordless wednesday - the great-grandpas would be proud

2008-08-13T11:11:00.003-05:00

Be sure to check out other WW participants HERE and add your link if you are playing!

little ole moi!?

2008-08-12T13:44:00.004-05:00

My first award. I am so giddy!! The wonderful Kaza nominated me for the Kick Ass Blogger Award **blushing** over at her glorious abode. She and I are lost kindred souls and I always find myself nodding my head profusely when I read her posts. It is causing me a lot of neck and wine spillage but in the end, it is all worth it. Someday we will clink glasses and toast our kick ass selves! I am holding her to it!! But in all honesty, I am so honored and deeply touched that she thought of me.... sigh.

So now, according to 'the rules', I have to pass this pleasure to five other bloggers extraordinaire. Only five.... are you sure? Damn. Well, here is who I ~~scrounged up~~ honored:

1) Izzy - Izzy is as true and genuine as they come. Really, who doesn't love a fellow lunch box sniffer?!

2) Lisa the Midwestern Mommy - Her blog is a breathe of fresh air and she is super sweet. I can't wait to meet her at BlogHer next year!

3) Sunshine at and the pursuit of happiness - she can host some mean parties and has an inner wild child men dream of concurring!

4) Diane at The Mommy Diaries - Diane is open and honest and training to ride like a bazillion miles on her bike! Rock on sista!

5) Katie at Mother Bumper - Katie makes me laugh like nobodies business with her wicked sense of humor.

Now go and check out the divine divas I honored, leave them some comment love and enjoy all they have to offer! Want to check out some other kick ass bloggers and tag your own favorites? Hop, skip or jump on over to MammaDawg's award page. (And go visit MammaDawg's blog while you're at it!) Share the love people!

cooking katastrophe

2008-08-11T08:00:00.000-05:00

Kitchen catastrophes thankfully aren't a common occurrence in our abode. I can say with much confidence that it is because I do not do much of the cooking. Hubby does most of the cooking while I handle the baking. Often times, when I do attempt to cook, it does not end up the way it is supposed to be. Now, don't get me wrong, I do have a handful of staple dinners that I can make that would make your mouth water, but when it comes to cooking any type of meat I am ~~screwed~~ challenged.

My most embarrassing cooking catastrophe was when I tried to make a layered jello dessert for a "Back to School" picnic for all the employees at the school I work for. I was just hired so it was my first picnic and I wanted to make something everyone would enjoy. I pulled out my handy dandy Betty Crocker cookbook and looked for the perfect summer side dish. Ooooo, Jello! Who doesn't love Jello, pretzels and whip cream? I studies the directions, doubled checked to make sure I had all the ingredients and began my masterpiece. I thought everything was going well. The directions seemed easy enough, you just needed to wait between steps. I put the final jello layer on top and placed the dish in the fridge to set. I even left extra time so it could set over night. As I periodically checked on it I noticed it was not setting, in fact it was beginning to seep down into the other layers! I went to bed and sent a prayer to the cooking gods to please, pluuleeze let my Jello set. When I awoke the next morning I saw that the cooking gods truly hated me. There was a layer of ooze on top of the dish and the jello that had soaked through the other layers had gelatinized at the bottom. Crap!! But instead of trashing it (like any normal person would do) and just pick up a store bought side, I threw another layer of whip cream on top and took it to the picnic. Let's just say once the cool temps of the fridge were gone it turned into a dish of goo. Thankfully no one saw me put the dish on the table so I didn't have to lay claim to it during the picnic!

photo hunt 122 - dark

2008-08-09T07:56:00.004-05:00

Grady shows off his dark side. In the wrods of Yoda, "Anger, fear, aggression. The dark side are they. Once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny. mmm hmmm"

Be sure to check out all the other photo hunters HERE!! If you are playing along, add you link below and leave some comment luv!!

holy testicles batman!

2008-08-05T08:24:00.004-05:00

***WARNING****

The following post may contain information deemed TMI by many. Proceed with caution.

As I have stated many times before, my house is a revolving door of chaos. It is one of the few things that everyone pitches in and participates. On Sunday, hubby, who must have been feeling left out of the circle of chaos, decided it would be fun to visit the ER and give me a full blown panic attack. It started out as a typical summer Sunday - morning coffee, read the paper, boys ~~fighting~~ playing, laundry swishing. I decided to take Drake to the skate park to practice his ollies while hubby stayed back with Grady and his motorized Harley. When we return I notice hubby walking a bit strange. "Hitting the juice already honey?" He then ~~rudely~~ informed me that he was in pain and was trying to 'walk it off'. Yeah your walking something off buddy I'm sure!

So off I went to make lunch and get all the stuff ready to take to the pool. While eating, hubby said he felt better and was going to try and fix the lawnmower while I took the boys to the pool. (how I always get stuck taking them to the pool by myself is yet another mystery) I come home two hours later and I am in the process of putting Grady down for his nap when I hear moaning from our bedroom. I walk in to find hubby sprawled on the bed, pale and with the look of death on his face. "Uhhhh, are you Ok? You look a little pale..... WHERE are your pants?!?" "I can't walk. I think my brother is trying to steal my balls since he doesn't have any. Really Kat, it feels like someone is trying to rip my nut off." "Ummmm, Ok.... let me consult Dr. Google. I think you should go to the doctor." "And say WHAT... my ball hurts!!?" Obviously his condition was not effecting his testosterone. Geez!"

As I began my consultation with Dr. Google things did not look good. "Good news honey... it's not cancer! Says here that cancer is painless. Do you have any lumps? It says I should check for lumps." "Dude, you touch my sack and I am going to hurt you." (again, testosterone in full check) "Well it says if you have sudden and severe tecticular pain that you should rush to the doctor. You only have a 5-6 hour window before things can get real ugly." "What is real ugly?" "Well Dr. Google is using the word fatal but he may be exaggerating a wee bit. I still think we should go to the Urgent Care.

After much convincing hubby and I finally head to the local Urgent Care. "Here you write down my symptoms. I don't know what to write." "How about pain and swelling in right testicle???" Duhhh. "I can't write that!!" Sigh.... "Fine!! Give me the paper!" I scrawl out his symptoms and hand it back to the nurse. "What did you write??" "Um that I tried to emasculate you with tweezers and now you are complaining about the pain. Grrrrrr Kidding!! I wrote down your symptoms and that's it." In all honesty I don't see why we bothered with Urgent Care since we were only there for a whopping 5 minutes. The doctor had hubby drop his drawers and tried to cop a feel, which sent hubby straight to the ceiling. "Oh this is no good! You need to go to the ER." Really you think? That is why we are here!! That is all you can tell us? He then proceed to tell me everything Dr. Google had told me at home - for free!! "You need to have your testicle further examined sir before things get very bad." (Very bad = bye bye testicle)

After many hours and tests (and a shit load of money) at the hospital, hubby was found to have a severe contusion on his testicle. We still have no idea how or when but were told it was a good thing we got there when we did. These things are often ignored and turn ugly. I, personally have always found testicle to be quite homely, even ugly, so I am not sure how they could have gotten uglier.... but I digress. Thankfully hubby is home safe and sound but a little worn for wear. He has been instructed to rest, ice and medicate to help everything heal. I, on the other hand, am just hoping for a little peace and quiet before our next chaotic turn of events! This lassie has seen enough excitement for quite a while!