public service announcement

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

the a, b, c's of me

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

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

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??

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

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

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

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!!

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

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

little ole moi!?

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

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

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!

***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!

10 things i’ve learned from my child

Absolutely bananas Has decided to do a Monday writing prompt. Brilliant! Especially since I have been feeling so mentally and physically fried the past few weeks. Today's prompt is to write about ten things you have learned from you children. Only ten?!? This may be tougher then I thought.

1. The seat will always be up, the toilet will never be flushed and there will always be socks or a random pair of underwear on the floor. I haven't been able to change their Dad, I won't be able to change them. I will rack it up to a genetic mutation.

2. Genetic mutation #2 - my boys were born with dirt magnets under their finger nails. Two seconds out of the shower and they look like they have been farming all day.

3. It is more fun to play with Tonka trucks in the sand then maintain a clean and pristine house.

4. Laundry left in the basket will procreate and multiply to epic proportions. Maybe it is better on the floor after all?

5. My heart has room to completely and equally love three different boys for a million different reasons.

6. I can turn into one mean and wicked Momma Tiger when one of my cubs is in trouble.

7. I will eventually go broke trying to feed my endless pits of children. Yes, our pantry will always be empty 2 hours after I go to the store... sigh.

8. I will break my "I don't cry" rule at every parent/ teacher conference, school concert and Science Fair. As they get older I am sure this will also include school dances, sporting events and any other random heart wrenching thing.

9. The traits that I like about me do NOT bode well in a person under 4 feet tall. Especially when they are standing in front of me, hands on their hips and giving me my look right back at me.

10. I would not trade my chaotic, sleep deprived, messy life for anything else in the world!

photo hunt 121 - clouds

There is nothing like waking up at dawn above the clouds. These pictures were taken during my backpacking trip through the Sayanne Mountains in Siberia. It was a beautiful sight to behold and a much needed pick me up. I was feeling a little negative towards Mother Nature as I had suffered through endured a snow storm at the top of the mountain the day before. I think this view all but made up for the day before!

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!!

the random quirkiness that is moi!

The lovely Ann and Kaza tagged me for six random/ quirky things that make me, moi! Hmmmmm. Six thing, six things... let's see.

1. I have a bit of an obsession with ink. I have been under the needle six times and am already planning my next. If I could I would do it tomorrow I would. For some reason hubby says it is his turn next.... blah blah blah. He told me that three tattoos ago. I get tired of waiting and just go without him. Though I will also admit I love tattoos on men... groowwwl!

2. I am Erica Hahn on Grey's Anatomy. This quote sums me up more then words can say, "I don't... make friends easily. I'm awkward and am bad at small talk and generally don't like people I don't know..." Yeah, typically the neighborhood Barbies and I don't play nice. Sucks to be them!

3. I am painfully shy until you know me. Please see #2 for confirmation if you don't believe me.

4. I have slight OCD tendencies. My closet is organized by shirt sleeve length, color, patterns, etc. DON"T put a shirt where it does not belong. I cringe when I look at hubby's half assed closet of messy spew. I have learned to look away... just look away.

5. I love, love, luv my feet. They are very wide but have the cutest little toes! My love was strengthened when I gave birth to marshmallow boy. He has little corn nibblet toes, that thought don't fit in any affordable shoe made by mankind. They are short, fat and adorable!

6. I am surrounded by penises boys... they are everywhere!! I have a brother, 6 all male cousins, my husband, who also has 2 brothers, and together we have 2 boys. When I was pregnant with my oldest, so were 3 of the wives of his cousins. The four of us had 5 boys within 4 months! I have two cats that are male and had a male dog. I had to even our the field when we adopted our new dog Sophie. Finally some estrogen in this house!!!

Hope those are random and quirky enough. Don't want to divulge too much information! I am supposed to tag six more people but always dislike doing that because someones feelings always get hurt and then I am all Erica Hahn again.... it is just a wicked, wicked cycle. Feel free to join in and let me know when you do! here is all the legalese:

THE RULES:
Link to the person who tagged you.
Post the rules on your blog.
Write six random things about yourself.
Tag six random people at the end of your post by linking to their blogs.
Let each person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their website.
Let your tagger know when your blog entry is up.


Go forth, meme and have fun!

(not so) wordless wednesday - the 80's divas return

As I had previously mentioned one of my fellow soccer divas, Pam, hosted an 80's prom party for our GNO!

Our favorite girl Mel came too! She shattered both her knee caps in our first outdoor game of the season. Nothing but love for her!

Krista was Prom Queen for real back in the day. Gotta love a girl that can juggle the ball in a sea of lace, while drinking a beer!

BTW, I wore the white dress and seriously rocked the 4 inch 80's bangs. Grady told me I looked bootiful!

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

lazily spewing

I have been trying to motivate myself to blog for days now. I was supposed to post pictures from my 80's prom party. Yeah, that hasn't happened. I was about to and then thought, "Gaaww, all I do is post pictures lately. I am such a lazy arse!" I then walked away from the computer. I tried to write a post about the recent struggles I am having but got half way through one extra large brain barf and decided that people probably don't want to know all that and if they did they would probably run and hide. (whoa run-on sentence there - yikes!) Truth be told, this is the time of year that I struggle with who I am and what I want myself to be. Working in the schools I am off in the summer - cool right? Mmmmm, not so much. I love the first few weeks of freedom, no schedules, no 5 am wake up calls..... life is good. But then July blows by and I am faced with August looming. Where has my sumer gone? I had plans, big plans. Now I have to try and cram in all that goodness in a few short weeks!

This is also about the time that my boys get on every last nerve. They fight and bicker over EVERYTHING!!! It is also the same time of year that hubby gets very busy because it is a lot of the companies he does work for 'end of fiscal year'. So he gets inundated with work and hides in his office for 12-14 hour stretches, leaving me alone with our little hellions. Did I mention we are going broke because of my wine consumption? No?? Huh. Maybe I should keep that to myself!

The summer also makes me realize I would make a shitty SAHM. And those women that homeschool!? WOW! I so worship them. I could not do it. I wish I was able to stay home some days and some days are really, really good. Other days, well other days I want to run from the house screaming and leave the three boys to fend for themselves. My boys like structure. They thrive on it. I get that because that is how I operate as well. The combination of me + summer = no structure. I try, honestly most days I try but unstructure usually get the best of me. By August I find myself spinning my wheels and going nowhere because really, where do I need to be?

On a more upbeat note, I am participating in the Tweighloss Challenge and am a proud member of TwitFit. My goal is to loose the baby weight that has lingered (for three years!) and the extra weight I put on this past winter. I am also dragging the new dog we adopted down with me. She is supposed to weigh 13-15 pounds and weighs 23.5 the little fatty! (said with love folks, said with love) So to help me stay focused I bought myself a new bikini yesterday that I will be wearing when I go to Cancun in October. I think I am going to duct tape it to the fridge as a reminder. Guess it can't be summer in this house without a little duct tape!

photo hunt 120 - hanging

For this weeks hunt I chose a picture from back in the day. I was quite the chubby lassie. My parents would always tease that they could never find shirts to cover my big buddha belly, so it would always hang out. Now, if it only looked this cute today when it happens..... 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!!

food foddie facts

Kaza's place was hosting a little meme about the first five things someone would need to know about you, or should I say me, when it comes to food and drink. I am a simple girl with what I consider simple tastes. What are the five most important facts about me when it comes to food and drink in my kitchen? Hmmmmm, let's see.

First - I am a HUGE fan of red wine. It makes the world a better place and soothes my soul after a long day. I tend to be a Chianti or Merlot fan and have a favorite glass that hubby tried to take just to torment me.

My number two would have to be cheese to go with all that wine! I like to try new cheeses but after a really long and hard day I go straight to the Dubliner. Mmmm, yummy.

My third fabulous food fact is my obsession with doughnuts and brownies. I CANNOT pass up a doughnut or brownie to save my life. When they are out at work I am like a hawk on an injured mouse - I swoop in for the kill. I have no will power; zero, zilch, none. Now cake, I can walk right by and not think twice. But put a frosted brownie on the counter and it will be gone before you can blink a pretty eye. I can guar-un-tee!!

Fourth - I am not a seasoner. I do not add salt or pepper to my food - ever! Rarely to french fries but it is very, very rare. Hubby on the other hand has stock in Morton and salts thing before even tasting them. We are so opposite that way.

My fifth I am somewhat sad to admit. I had all these good intentions to make sure my kids ate so healthy all the time. Yeah, after the oldest one and a half that theory got thrown in the shitter. I really try but most days I am in no mood to battle over food, every, single. meal. I do have a pantry stocked with healthy snacks which they forage on an hourly basis. My hope is that someday they will be more adventurous with new foods but for now I am focused on survival. I feel like such a bad Mom admitting that...guess another Bad Mommy Star is in order!

So there you have it, some of my food foodiness facts. Be sure to check out some of the other participants like Jen and catnip and Adriane.

What are some of yours? Feel free to tag yourself and play along. I won't mandate people participate but would love it if you would!

help a lassie out

Ok, here is the skinny. I am going to a bad prom/ bridesmaid dress party tomorrow night to celebrate my friend and teammate Pam's new found freedom/ divorce. Of course I got invited to this after I cleaned out my closets of all my horrific 80's fabulous dresses this spring. So today, while I was childless, I went to the local thrift store to search for a gown to die for. Wouldn't you know it - I found two! Now I can't decide which to wear so I am coming to you, oh internet, for help.

Choice 1
A beautiful slut red deep red halter top mermaid dress. Fitted on top and wings out way more then any dress should at the bottom. The form fittingness definitely shows off the fact that I have a pot belly and may require duct tape to keep that baby under control.

A closer look at the top.

Choice 2
A white princess dress with back and silver sparkle glitter circles all over it. It is big and poofy but would either require a lot of padding to fill in the top ( I am a member of the IBTC) or pinning in the bag to make sure it doesn't end up around my waist after a few cocktails.

Oooooo, glitter!

So there you have it. I would love your input as to which would make a better bad prom/ bridesmaid dress. Just for the record - no heels will be worn to the party. I can sport the flip flops with both dresses - sweet!

wordless wednesday - i think we got a dog

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

photo hunt answer

While many of you were on the right track The Grocer was spot on. He was correct with the make a model but a wee bit off on the size. Obviously he has misjudged this lassie and thought her to have small feet. maybe I will take it as a kind gesture and compliment. But in all truth I walk on boats. I am proud to sport a 91/2 US, 7 1/2 UK or 41 EUR. Since you now know my shoe, feel free to send any and all that may fit these boats my way!

Thanks for hunting!!

photo hunt 119 - what is that??

Those of you that know me at all we be able to easily guess. Otherwise the answer is HERE!

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!!

friday four

I had every intention of doing an amazing post today but of course, never got around to it. I have several ideas rolling around in the caverns of my brain but none have seemed to come to full fruition. So I thought I would just throw out the snipits of the posts I am pondering, mash them all together and serve it up for your consumption. Sorry if it leaves a bad aftertaste or leads to a bad bout of indigestion. I tend to lack in the cooking department.

1. Crabs - No, I don't have them... well actually I do, but as pets. No not on me personally but in a cage. Well, I killed one. Not intentionally you see.... it just.... happened. They (the crabs) were out playing in the sand table and when I ran in to make the boys dinner. When I peeked out the kitchen window to check on them I noticed that one had been abducted. Obvioulsy the guilty party of either a hawk, seagull or other miscilaneous bird, decided it was hungry and was going to feast on some succulent crab legs. Yes, I earned yet another Bad Mommy Star for my trophy case. Go. Me.

2. I really wanted to participate in Mommy Always Wins Friday Flashback about the cars of our past. I was even going to take this opportunity to admit that I have a car problem. Some may call me a car hussy or auto whore but I seriously can't sustain a relationship with a car past three years. After three years the love is gone and I need a new fix. In the 17 years I have been driving I have had 8 different cars. That is a lot of rubber tire rotations!

3. Then there was the discussion today with Grady's pre-school teacher about what a good student he is, how he is always well behaved and that he was such a good helper today. Uh, seriously? I think you have the wrong kid. My kid, aka Spawn of Satan, spits food and runs around chanting "Nudie Boy!! Nudie Boy!! Nudie Boy!!" He screams, cries and whines with such passion he puts the most ill behaved children to shame. Hmmm, maybe my kid just dislikes me and enjoys making me cry and rock in the corner by the end of the day. I think that makes my second Bad Mommy Star of the day. Excellent!

4. I also really wanted to present at BlogHerNot 08 but just couldn't get my act together in time. So I have been taking some of the amazing course offered (in my jammies while consuming ice cream and cheetos) and even stopped by Izzy's for some other distractions and non-BlogHer going fun. All this knowledge is making me dizzy. It could also be the wine consumption but who am I to point fingers!

So there you have it - my non-post (and a definite glimpse into the reasons I was not asked to speak at BlogHer). On a good note, by attending BlogHerNot 08 you could get the chance to sleep with George Clooney or, if you are extra lucky, David Duchovny. Guess I had better shower!

bloghernot 08

Since, as I have stated in earlier post, I am NOT going to BlogHer, I decided to join in on Mommy Pie's non-party and conference. Oh yeah, it IS the place to be my friends. She asked all of us to send photos of what we were doing right now, to prepare for the non-conference tomorrow. This is what I am doing:
and oh does it taste glorious! Add some Kung Fu Panda Cheez-Its and we are golden! I will throw in a quick 'I just got back from the pool so I am lookin' rough and sportin' the headband' line. See my previous post for the clean and showered real me. Did I mention that Mrs Fussypants made me the pricess of BittHer 08? Yes, that is right. As of today I am official royalty. No need to bow, but please be sure to compliment the tiara. So I will be sure to check in with Mommy Pie tomorrow for all the speakers and classes. And to top it off, George Clooney is the keynote! Could BittHer/BlogHernot get any better?? No, I think not!

wordless wednesday - the picture i can't delete from my camera card

This picture was taken a year ago and I can't delete it from my camera's memory card. Every time I see that remnant of a tear, I just can't do it.

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

the voicemail you never want to get

This post comes from the loving heart of my hubby. He is feeling emotionally challenged today and is looking for a, shall we say, creative outlook? A new voice. His very first blog post.

**The following was on our voicemail this evening. Names have been changed to protect the crazy.***

"Mr. Smith. This is Sgt So-and-so, from the Crazyville police department. It is imperative that you call me immediately regarding your mother. Please call me as soon as you receive this message."

Fast forward to the actual phone conversation between Hubby and Sgt. So-and-so:

Hubby: Hi Sgt. So-and-so, this is Mr. Smith. I was returning the call concerning my mother.
Sgt: Thanks for calling back Mr. Smith. I have some concerns about your mother. She came to the police department today stating that there are clicking and popping noises in her house and she is sleeping wrapped in heavy duty aluminium foil to keep the RF (radio frequency) beams from penetrating her while she sleeps.
Hubby: Did she happen to mention the shiny screws in her car that transmit these frequencies?
Sgt: We will be sure inquire about that during the State's visit tomorrow.

Fast forward to conversation with Hubby's brother after lengthy conversation with Sgt. So-and-so.

Hubby: Bro, just got a call from the cops. Mom is nuts!
Bro: Naaah, that's perfectly normal for a 60+ year old woman, living by herself and afraid for her safety to sleep in tin foil.

Suddenly I walk in to find Hubby banging the phone against his desk screaming, "They're both nuts!! This can't be my life!"
Me: Dude... are you adopted?

one sad little lassie

Well, I am sure you have heard all the buzz. Everyone is talking about it. It also seems, at least to those NOT going, that everyone is going. I am talking about BlogHer, which is this weekend in glorious San Fran. Did I mention that I am not going... insert extremely large sigh and a super sized pouty face. I, like many others, have to play the money card or shall I say lack there of. Before you start feeling all sorry for me and joining in on my ginormous pitty party, please know that I had a choice. I had to choose between BlogHer and here. As if there was a second thought... well maybe for just one minute second, but really... which would you choose? Hubby has his mandatory annual meeting in Cancun this year. Yes, I said mandatory. My mandatory meeting is on hard benches in a school cafeteria. Gaaww, I really need to get into corporate America. Actually not because he is always WAY too stressed and not pleasant but I digress. Since his meeting is around our anniversary I am choosing to go with him. Here is how it all went down.

Him: Sweet! My annual meeting is in Cancun this year.
Me: Oh, I am SO going with you!!!!!
Him: But I will be in meetings all day
Me: ... and?
Him: You will be by your self all day
Me: AND??
Him: I have mandatory dinners too some nights.
Me: Excellent! Hello?!? No kids, beach all day, beverages all night... dude I am SO in heaven.
Him: Won't you miss me?
Me: Well we'll sleep in the same bed at night right??

So reservations were made and we extended our trip so we would have some time together to lounge and sight see. By making this choice I had to forgo going to BlogHer. At the time it seemed like such a simple decision but now that it is getting cloer and everyone is all giddy talking about it, I am feeling sad and left out. (insert extremely large sigh and a super sized pouty face again).

So for now I am living vicariously through all of you going and I really want to hear all about it. So be kind and share you awesome time with those of us stuck at home wearing our party dresses and drinking wine on our couches!

photohunt 118: support

My daily support to get through the day. Without it. I would be lost...and crabby!!

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!!

friday flashback - punk rock girls revisited

Now, if you have followed me for a while you know I am a fan of The Dead Milkmen. I have posted about them here, and here, oh and here too. Punk Rock Girl is especially a favorite. Grady loves to move and shake it to that song and I of course indulged him and play it extra loud!! Hubby and I often fight disagree on the bestest song eva. He brings up some good ones; Big Lizard (which I had the t-shirt of BTW), Bitchin' Camaro, Surfin' Cow, but in my mind there is only one. This song has passed the test of time and has remained in my heart and brain for, I am sad to say, decades. Nothing screams "I love the 80's" like this song. And now, for your viewing and listening enjoyment I give you this.


Now go rock your mohawks and black leather and join in on the Friday Flashback fun. This week's theme is music. So pull out the vinyl or cassette tapes and pick your favorite or two. Be sure to add yourself below and of course, leave some comment lovin'!!

things-don't-suck-as-much-as-i-thought thursday - third edition

Peace, quiet and brotherly love. It's a good thing. It is also a few and far between thing. As a Mom and a big sister, I get that, I really do. I just can't stand it most days. The nonstop bickering and fighting over every small minute detail of every frickin' thing!!! Whoops... this is supposed to be things I am thankful for. What was it again?? Oh yeah, peace and brotherly love. Yes, yes, now there is a good thing. It's those times I just sit back and smile. I remember why I stepped into the crazy ring of parenting. For these ever so tiny glimpses at brotherly bonding. Now if I could just burn this image into my retinas, life would be almost perfect!

Be sure to check out all the love floating around the blog-o-shpere today. In fact, join in! You'll be happy you did!

wordless wednesday - glad to be home...

... and have things back to normal??

hey you! .... oh, and you too

Dear asshat in seat 4A,

While I am sure that you were just as annoyed as the rest of the flight that we were two hours late taking off, I did not find your comments, nasty looks and attitude necessary. I am well aware that both of my sons are hyper-verbal and suffer from logorrhea. Yes, I live with that fact every day. I am also aware that while they talk, a lot, they can at times get on you nerves. Most days they pummel the crap out of my last nerve till it is almost unrecognizable. You did however crossed the line enlightened me when you turned around and recommended I give them Benedryl to help quiet them down. Yet you scoffed when I told you I already had. Never doubt a desperate mother! If I was not completely exhausted and spent you would have gotten a piece of my mind, but sadly, I had none left to give. I didn’t even have the energy to flip you off appropriately and for that I am sorry. Oh and the ass you kept dropping – SO not cool.

Since I am calling people out, "Hey foreign lady in 6!" No one appreciates a loud talker. NO. ONE. Especially when it is 10 PM and my loud talking angelic children are trying to sleep. I don’t want to hear the graphic details about the surgery for your ingrown toe. I also do want to be privy to all the words you challenge when playing Scrabble with your friends. If you don’t think ‘align’, which you pronounced Ay- lig-n, is a word and challenge the word ‘friend’ because you say ‘fren’, well then you are stupider then you look. And voicing it for the whole plane to hear makes you a moronic imbecile.

And I won't even start about the passenger who left his barn door wide open with his horse in full view. Yeah, after a long day of travel, I definitely did not need to see that!!

photohunt 117: pointed

Drake finally convinced me to get his hair cut. I like it longer, he wanted a buzz cut. We compromised with a short and spikey do. The beautician asked him if he wanted red gel. He gave me the pleading eyes, I said yes. So here is the top view of his new pointed hair style, red and all!

Be sure to check out all the other photo hunters HERE!!

happy fourth of july

Another lazy vacation post I am sorry to say. Here are the boys before we headed off to a Fourth of July picnic. Of course, Grady was in rare form. I mean, come on - where else would you put your flag??

things-don't-suck-as-much-as-i-thought thursday: part duex

I am feeling stuck between a rock and a hard place. I know other bloggers that I read have been feeling the same. There is so much going on right now that I would LUV to blog about, or should I say dump on the internet world, but I am questioning the open forum of it all. Yes, I choose to blog incognito versus my using my real identity, but I am also unsure about the secrecy within the family.... there may have been a leak! So, with extended family problems, I have to claim the fifth. Boy do I hate claiming the fifth. It also prevents you from some great MIL stories - Beth you feel me there! Yeah, there is nothing like one of my good MIL stories to make you thankful you are not me!

Today I am also thankful for distance. I think that sums it up right there.

On a 'not sucky' note, the boys are having a blast. We went to an amazing beach in Lake Tahoe yesterday. The views (and the water temps!) were breathtaking.
The crazy locals would jump off the rock formations, while visitors like me plopped my big white Midwestern butt in the sand.

The boys spent the day like this -

And of course, here are a few of my favorite moments .


Yeah, I guess things don't suck as much as I thought.

wordless wednesday - almost but not really

Splashing in Lake Tahoe with Grandma

Off on a boyish adventure.

Throwing rocks - is there anything better?

Drake at Emerald Bay

what makes the flight from hell worth it

Papa shows the boys his view every morning. Isn't it gorgeous!

Guess the travel day from hell was worth it. Look at the smiles on these boys, Papa included!