Fairytales and Margaritas

REMEMBER

2008-03-05T15:13:00.001-08:00

Update your reader, blogroll, linkies, please!

Here's my new home: http://fairytalesandmargaritas.typepad.com/fairytales_and_margaritas/

Tell me what you think! I'm moving!

2008-02-12T13:44:00.000-08:00

So, here's a linky: My New Blog

Please update your bloglines or google reader and/or blogroll. I'm only going to post over there from now on.

There was a learning curve, but I'm really liking it. I've got to upload more kid pics, but the bones are there.

My blogroll is there, but on the About page. I put it on the main page, but it was too long and looked weird.

Tell me what you think? What should I change? I'm working on a new header/banner, but that probably won't go up for a few days.

Also, tell me if the Fit Friends logo is huge. On my computer, it is, but I resized and am hoping that my temp Internet files are just messing with me.

So, here's the scoop

2008-02-12T07:34:00.000-08:00

I'm switching to Typepad.

Blogger is good, but I like the ability to create different pages for my blog and I like the formats of Typepad. And you can respond to your comments via e-mail (you can do that some on Blogger, but not if the person leaving the comment hasn't enabled it).

For example, on my Typepad blog on the sidebar is says About Me. If you click it it brings up another page with my info. And you can store photo albums as separate pages, so each of my kids can have an album. Stuff like that.

Plus, they have formats with 3 and 4 colums that I like.

So, that's the scoop. It should be up and running soon. I'll just have to work on my header and other aesthetic things as we go!

ETA: Here's a link if you want to check it out. Pardon the dust still floating about.

Don't worry

2008-02-11T12:31:00.000-08:00

For awhile my blog may look weird. I'm actually moving to Typepad, so this blog may look weird for a bit. I'll give you a new link as soon as I'm done!

A Day at the Park

2008-02-10T06:28:00.001-08:00

Notice her super cool shoes?

I love this picture. I was underneath the plaything and that's Xander.

BTW, Corey, see how I'm following your tips?

It my FAULT! Part 1

2008-02-06T14:32:00.000-08:00

No, I'm not taking the blame for anything. I would NEVER do that (ask my husband).

I'm talking about one of my faults. And there are plenty, maybe I'll post a series of blog posts on them.

The one I'm talking about today is my need for change and constant action. I cannot sit still. Not in an ADHD way, just in a life way. I can't "settle down". Is it the Gemini in me?

I am constantly wanting to go on vacation. And not just a want, like, "oh, that would be nice". More like a yearning, a calling to get in the car and GO. And it won't be surpressed. The longer I go without "getting out of town" the more depressed I get.

And I'm constantly signing up for new things. Whether it be classes or magazine or committments. I'm always wanting to learn more, do more.

And I'm always trying new things. I love trying new gadgets, new foods, new crafts, etc. I actually get mad at my husband when he orders a burger AGAIN at a restaurant. I'm always trying to get him to try something new. I get tons of cookbooks and cooking magazines and am constantly making new things. I love to try new things.

Doesn't sound too bad, right?

Except that I get overwhelmed sometimes. In the quest to try new things I usually try TOO MANY new things. And then I don't know how to back out.

And my NEED to travel can become costly! Luckily, we live somewhere that we can drive to Vegas, drive to San Diego, drive to LA, drive to Mexico (although I don't suggest it) or even drive to another city 2 hours away.

And sometimes, MAJOR life decisions are hard for me. This is my current problem. I have to admit, I've never had the same job for more than 3 years. Until my current job. I never even worked for the same company for that long. But, I'm going on 8 years with my current company and 4 years in my current job. And I'm starting to feel the need for change. Which, wouldn't be bad since my boss is retiring in two years and I'll have to find something anyway.

Except, I feel like I need to change NOW. I am starting to get that depressed feeling I get when I'm stagnant. And I don't like it. I wish I could just tell myself to ride out the next two years. I've got a sweet thing going. I only work two days one week, three days the next. In my mind I know it would be best to keep this up for at least another year and a half until Jocelyn could start preschool. But, my mind doesn't always listen. Something tells me I need to move now. Is it intuition? I don't know.

So, I started looking at jobs. I found one that I know I would LOVE (for however long). I will apply for it. The worst that can happen is that I don't get it, at least I don't have to find another job right now. But, if I did get it, I would have to go to a SIX WEEK TRAINING! Would I survive, probably. Would it be hard as hell? Yes! But, at least I'll apply and then wait and see.

In the meantime, I've got a few more months until we go camping again. Maybe I should try knitting or something in the meantime!

This is what's keeping me busy

2008-02-02T10:04:00.000-08:00

This is my front entry wall. I've been framing all sorts of pictures to make a gallery wall. I still need to fill in the blank spaces, but got the majority of it done. It was a lot of work going through all my old pictures then cropping them to the right size, printing them and framing them. But, I'm really happy with it.
This is my favorite picture from the photographer. It's a 16X20. It's so perfect because we're all conforming to the composition of the picture, except Xander. And that's how it is in life in general!
Here are a few more of the family shots. I know it's hard to see. The one on top is a picture of mine and Robert's legs and the kids sitting next to us. Then there's a family one in the grass. On the bottom it's all of us sitting on a bench looking at the ducks.
Here's Xander's collage. Robert and Carissa already had there's done awhile ago.
And here's Jocelyn's.

And when I'm not framing pictures, I'm tattooing my son!

Have you ever

2008-01-29T13:52:00.000-08:00

Been so pissed at someone that you didn't know what to do? Been so frustrated that you just didn't know how to get through to them? Tried talking to someone about what was bothering you only to get nowhere?

It seems that I'm in this place more often that I would like. I think part of it is that I still haven't learned "not to sweat the small stuff". So, small things bother me. And I can't let them go. And I take everything personally. Everything.

I try so hard to let things roll off my back, but it doesn't happen. Deep down my confidence cracks. Sometimes people don't even know that they can affect me this way. They may say something completely off the cuff and nonchalant and I'll sit and worry over it. I try to just let it go, but I can't.

But, I've learned a way to get past it without affecting anyone else. I write a letter to the person. I tell them how I'm feeling and how what they said affected me. I tell them how I would like them to handle it differently next time. I get it all out.

Now, you're asking, how does this not affect anyone else? Because I don't give it to them. I just sit on it. Sometimes I think about giving it to them, but usually not. I hold onto it for a day or two. Until I feel better. Then I shred it.

It's so freeing. I feel like I'm letting things go, yet I haven't projected my insecurities onto someone else. I've handled them myself. And it's teaching me that I can't change other people, but I can change how I'm affected by things they do to me.

I actually find that I'm a much more peaceful person this way. I used to be very confrontational with people, now I just let things go (in my own way).

How do you handle frustrations and conflict?

HAIR!

2008-01-23T08:10:00.000-08:00

So, ladies, do you love your hair?

It seems like, as women, maybe men too, we have this love/hate relationship with our hair. We hate ours and love everyone else's. If our hair is straight we want it curly, if it's curly we want it straight. We're always striving to have someone else's hair, Jennifer Aniston, Victoria Beckham, Dorothy Hamill (maybe not so much nowadays).

I know I do. My hair is stick straight. And fine. It sucks because it's always limp. If I have it cut shorter then sometimes I can get some volume. But, I really like my hair long enough to put in a ponytail or clip. I've considered a perm, but do people still get perms? Or is that too 80s? I would like just a bit of wave in it. That way I wouldn't have to blow it out every morning. Of course, damn genetics have given one of my daughters the complete opposite. Thick, curly hair. Which she hates. She tries to straighten it all the time only to have it come out completely frizzy. What gives?

And what about color? I've had every color under the sun. It's been purple, orange, red, blonde, brown. Right now it's pretty blonde. I'd like to go towards my more natural light brown, but I'm not sure. It's been blonde for awhile now. And blonde covers all the gray. You cannot believe how much gray I have! I'm thinking of doing brown with highlights, but the maintenance scares me. I usually get my hair cut every 2-3 months. With highlights I'd have to go more regularly.

The good thing is that hair grows back. It's the one thing that I'm willing to take risks with. I've had hair down past my butt and hair shorter than my ears! I've had all sorts of colors and combinations. Bangs, no bangs. Layers, no layers. I like to have fun and experiment with my hair. Because I know that it'll grow back.

So, what about you? Do you experiment? Do you love your hair?

My new addiction

2008-01-17T06:35:00.000-08:00

Yum!

Believe it or not, I just started drinking coffee a few months ago (thanks Starbucks!).

In high school it was cool to drink coffee after a night on the town. We'd all end up at Perkins in the wee hours of the morning and everyone would order a coffee. Except me. I thought it tasted awful. So bitter.

Everyone told me it was an acquired taste, but I wasn't able to acquire it. (Same with beer if you must know.) I just went on with my life without coffee. As an adult I was always offered coffee, but would decline. But, I have to admit I felt like a loner sometimes. (I must have issues, who feels like a loner because they don't drink coffee?)

Then the whole Starbucks explosion happened. And I was even more of a loner. Everyone was always talking about it and carrying around their white cup with the big green logo. I felt like I was missing out on something. It MUST be great if everyone else does it.

So, my first try was a regular old latte. I thought it tasted awful. It tasted like what I thought coffee grounds would taste like. Awful! But, I kept on. A friend suggested a Pumpkin Spice Latte. This was better, but still needed some sugar. THEN, someone suggested a Frappacino. Um, yeah. The addiction began. THOSE are good! And so many flavors.

It didn't help that our grocery store put a Starbucks inside. Every time I went shopping I had to try it. Peppermint Mochas, Eggnog Lattes, Gingerbread Lattes, Iced Lattes in the summer. Yeah, I've tried them all.

But, it was getting expensive. So, I decided to buy myself an cappuccino maker. I'm sure I'd save a ton. I ended up getting a real bargain on a great one at Target! It was only $50 on clearance when they were selling for $200 at Amazon.

I love it! I love that I can make whatever flavor I want and that I can add more or less espresso (I still like it weak) and that I can use my flavored coffees to make it. We made Eggnog Lattes with real egg nog, not just the spice, YUM! And my newest obsession is the International Delights creamers, in particular the Chocolate Mint Truffle. I add a little to my milk when I froth it. It's SO good. I end up drinking quite a bit of coffee thanks to these yummy flavors.

And, now I can finally fit in. I think I feel more "adult" now. Coffee was always something that adults drank and I always felt childish when I didn't. It's weird because I don't feel a need to conform in most areas of my life, but this one really bothered me!

Parenting Advice #1

2008-01-14T09:36:00.001-08:00

I'm no expert on parenting. I'll make that really clear. But, I have picked up some tidbits during this 13+ year trek. I figured I might share some of these little bits of sanity with you all, seeing as I've received most of them from my good friends. Most of the time, I say, "Whatever works!" Things may sound weird or totally off the wall, but some of them really do work.

Today I'll share my way to get teenagers to open up. Our problem started in the pre-teen years, about two years ago. We were getting to the point where we always got one word answers. Sometimes we'd even be shunned when trying to talk about embarrassing or controversial things. We'd hear, "Ugh, I don't want to talk about it."

Great! I always hope that I'll be that "cool" mom that my kids will feel comfortable talking to about anything. (Maybe not everything, but most things.) It crushed me to get the cold shoulder. I really wanted to be better and breakthrough to her.

So, where did I go? To my online mommy friends, of course. And one of them told me something that worked for her sister. And lo and behold, it does. And it's simple.

Just get a notebook. And leave it available at all times. And let your child know it's there and that it's always open for them to leave notes about what's bothering them or if they want to talk about something that's uncomfortable talking face to face.

I swear, it works like a charm. Pretty much every discussion we've ever had about sex has been in that notebook. But, that's fine with me, because there have been plenty. And if this is the way it needs to be done, at least it's getting done. We've had some two hour long "discussions" this way. Passing the notebook back and forth.

I think it's just a really non-threatening situation. She's in her room, I'm where ever. There's no "tone" to the writing. No raised voices. No crazy faces and rolled eyes. No judgement. We each actually take the time to think our thoughts through and then write them down.

We've had some major things happen this year. Most are chronicled in that notebook. I'm not sure if I'll save it or not. I'm sure it'd embarrass the hell out of her when she gets older.

But, for now, it works. And for that I'm thankful!

How different could they be?

2008-01-11T06:32:00.000-08:00

My children, that is. It's so crazy to se how different they all are, even though they've been raised by the same people and they're made from the same DNA.

Case in point:

Robert's birthday was in October. When I asked if he'd like to invite some friends from school to his party he thought that was a good idea. Now, knowing my child, I decided to press it a little further. I reminded him that if his friends came over he'd have to play with them, he couldn't hide in his room.

See, he had a teacher visit about a month before his visit. (They do that here, the teachers come to the home and play games or read books in the home environment.) But, the first ten minutes he spent hiding in his room. And he'd already been in class for months at this time. And the rest of the time he interacted with her but didn't say one word. Not one for the whole hour. That's just the way he is. He's an introvert like his dad. It's not that he's really shy, it's just that he'd rather be around a few close people. He's not into the big crowd.

So, he thought more about his party and decided that he just wanted his family here, cousins, grandparents. So, that's what we had.

Xander's birthday was yesterday. When he woke up I said, "Happy Birthday big boy!"

To which he replied, "It's not my birthday! Where are my friends? Where's the cake?"

See, he is just like his mama. I love to have parties, love to go to parties, love to meet new people, love to mingle. I LOVE to have people over to the house, be it 2 or 200. That's my thing. I'm in my element in those situation. And Xander is the same. He loves to perform. He loves to have people around. He LOVES to make people laugh.

He was bummed to find out that we weren't having his party until NEXT weekend.

But, we did take him to TGI Friday's, where they sang to him, although he said he didn't like it, he was grinning the whole time. And we did let him open the presents from us last night.

I fell off the wagon

2008-01-09T08:54:00.000-08:00

Pretty much any wagon I could fall of, I did. Except the one that Lindsay Lohan fell off. I'm good on that.

I've fallen off of the blogging wagon. I took my time off and now I'm having a hard time getting back on. Part of it is my blogging guilt. I feel bad posting something new when I haven't read all the entries that my friends have posted over the last few weeks. I have to admit that I'm trying to get caught up, but it's overwhelming. I subscribe to 85 blogs. That's a lot of reading! For some reason I feel guilty pressing "mark all as read" or writing a new post that I know will solicit comments when I haven't commented in weeks. But, I'm just going to push on. I'm sorry that I missed your recent posts. If you have one that I should definitely read, like say, you named a child after me or you declared a special day just for me, then let me know. I'll definitely look it up. I have scanned some posts from previous days, but didn't take time to leave a comment. For that I'm sorry. If I try to start from scratch, I think I'll do better.

I've fallen off the weight loss/control wagon. Although, I jumped back on on Monday. I started a new 12 week Body for Life challenge. I worked out on Monday, and I'm still feeling it! I am so sore. I've been doing well on my eating too. No sweets and limiting carbs. I'm not following the eating part as much this time as I went four months without watching my eating or exercising and only gained back two pounds. My goal is to lose eight more pounds, but really, I just need to tone up and feel better. I really noticed a difference when I ate crap all the time. I just didn't feel very good.

I've fallen off of the savings wagon big time. I really went overboard this Christmas. I got a lot of good deals, but I still bought way too much. And I went out the day after Christmas and bought a TON of new stuff for next year. Including my white tree. I'm so excited. It will now mean that we have three full size trees and numerous smaller trees. Everyone thinks I'm crazy. But, I'm getting back on that wagon too. Starting with not eating out and not buying anything online. I know I can do it. I'm thinking about putting a deposit down on a cruise for next year. That way I'll be forced to curb my spending and have something to look forward to.

But, there is good that's come from my break too.

I've become addicted to the Wii. Seriously. We have such a good time as a family playing it. It's just so fun. We play a lot of board games as a family, but this is so much more interactive. It's tons of fun. We just got two more remotes for a total of four so that we can all play at the same time.

I spent a lot of quality time with my kiddos. I was off for almost their whole break. We had fun playing with their toys and reading their new books. We went to Chuck E Cheese and had a "fancy" dinner on New Year's Eve. We visited a lot of family and had a lot of fun.

I started a new family website. I don't give my family the link to my blog because sometimes I need a place to vent about them. And I don't want to feel the need to censor myself. So I started a family page for pictures and videos and journal entries. My family is all on the East coast, besides my parents, so I think it'll be fun for them to be able to check in.

So, I'm getting back on my wagons. And going to go better than ever. Thanks for sticking around!

I have not dropped dead

2007-12-31T11:28:00.001-08:00

maybe from exhaustion, but I'm still here. But, I haven't been on the computer in ages. When I'm home I try to stay off as much as possible. And I actually have already had 12 days off, and I'm working today, then 6 more days off. So, not much computer time

We had a wondeful Christmas. I have found places for most of the toys! Yay me! My parents came down yesterday for dinner and some Wii competition. Let me tell you, that thing is addictive! And so fun for the whole family. Even Xander gets in on the action. We love Mario Party 8, Rayman Raving Rabbids (thanks Bubblewench!) and Wii Sports. The first night my arm was SO sore from playing tennis. And Carissa and Daddy like to box. But, they get all sweaty and out of breath!

We had some portraits taken the day after Christmas. I haven't seen all of them, but you can get a sneak peek here. If you live in the Tucson area, I highly recommend Leah. She is just wonderful. And a lot of fun too!

On the 6th, I'll be back in action. Look for lots of meaningless posts!

A little holiday cheer

2007-12-21T07:21:00.000-08:00

Quick update: My mom e-mailed me back feeling really badly. She said she thinks she's going through a depression or menopause because she's not just like this with us, but in life in general. She's trying to get some help.

Sometimes families suck!

2007-12-18T09:35:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I hate the holidays. I hate the juggling of family obligations. And the guilt. Oh, the guilt. I wish sometimes that the grandparents and everyone else could remember what it was like to be a young family and have to juggle everything. I wish they could remember not wanting to travel with young children. And wanting to be in their own home for Christmas day. I wish they would remember what it was like to spend Christmas as a small nuclear family and have the extended family 2,000 miles away.

But, this isn't the case. And there aren't 2,000 miles separating us, but 110. You would think it would be so much easier, but it's not. And I know that I put some of the guilt on myself because I'm a people pleaser (it's a flaw I tell you).

I just sent my parents a big ole e-mail about Christmas and visits in general. I pray they don't get mad or defensive. I didn't intend for that at all.

Let me give you some background. I am the oldest at 32. My brother B is 25 and my brother M is 22. I have four children 13, 7, almost 3 and 1. B has three children 10, 4, 1 and M has one child almost 3. B just recently got married. M lives with B and his family. They live 20 minutes from my parents. We live 2 hours from my parents. B and M and their families are ALWAYS at my parents house. Pretty much every Sunday they are there.

We, on the other hand, are not. And herein lies the problem. It's hard to get four kids packed up, make a 2 hour drive, hang out (and mind you it's never just us and my parents, B and M and their families are ALWAYS invited when we visit), pack up again and drive home. And it's pure chaos when we're there. B and M are still pretty immature. They cuss and get the kids all riled up. The talk about inappropriate things and generally cause trouble. My mother is usually in the kitchen making snacks and getting kids drinks and taking care of one of my brother's little ones. There is no time to actually visit or have a conversation.

So, we don't make the effort very often. But, we do invite my parents down to our house. Especially for birthday parties and things like that. But, at least half of the time they make excuses and don't show up. This year they've come to our town (I can't even say house, because one time they came for a soccer game and left from there) four times. And don't even get me started with Thanksgiving last year.

Ok, I'll spill it anyway. I've ALWAYS done our own Thanksgiving, since we've been married. Both families are always welcome, but we always stay home and do our own thing. Last year my parents were supposed to come. But, my dad decided to go golfing that morning. And he was gone for two hours longer than planned. By the time they go on the road the traffic was awful so they turned around and went home. And I had crying kids at the dinner table because they couldn't see Mima and Popa.

So, starting in October, they didn't come to Robert's birthday because M had a custody issue with his son that weekend. And they didn't even attempt Thanksgiving this year. Then Carissa's birthday party was on the 8th, but my mom was sick and they had a court date with M. So, they were going to come to our holiday open house on Sunday, but my mom was sick again. Not that I don't think she was sick, but jeez, something ALWAYS comes up. They never seem to be able to make the two hour drive, yet I'm usually there once a month and at least every other month so that they can see the kids.

This brings us to Christmas. Back at Thanksgiving (I made the trek up the their house the Saturday after so we could be together) we decided that we'd do our Christmas on the 22nd. I wanted to do Christmas Eve because I knew my dad would appreciate that if we couldn't be there on the actual day, but B said they had to go to his wife's father's house that day. So the plan were made. We planned the day for my husband's family around this, everything was good. We were going to try to convince my parents to come to our house on Christmas Eve since they'd be alone.

Except, last night we get a call from my mom saying that B decided they COULD do Christmas Eve. They'd just have to leave around 3:00. And it would mean a lot to my dad if we could switch it to that day. My initial reaction was anger. I was already upset about the cancellations for the last two weeks and this set me over the edge. Why am I now made to feel guilty? I was the one that wanted to do Christmas Eve in the first place!

Maybe I'm being spiteful, but I told them no. I told them that we couldn't do it. I told them that we hope to persuade them to come to our house to see the kids. By then the kids would have opened a lot of their presents and we were going to make a gingerbread house. I also told them how we feel neglected and that we feel that we always make the effort to visit, yet they never do. I told them that I am upset that my brother's children seem to come first and that sometimes we like to visit without everyone there (which I've said to them before, but my mom always tells me how much my brother likes to see the kids play, so I guess his opinion is worth more than mine). I hope they take it well.

Do you struggle with this? Why is it so difficult? I hope that when I'm a grandparent I'll understand and go with the flow. I'm sure it'll be hard not to see the kids and grandkids on the specific holiday day, but I think I'd also be willing to go to them if that's what works. Or to celebrate the season. It's not about the specific day, is it?

Saving my behind (in other words, Getting Caught Up)

2007-12-12T09:44:00.000-08:00

Whew! After the last week or so, I've got awards piling up. I'm definitely honored. I've got more bling that Puffy or P Diddy or Sean or whatever the hell that guy calls himself.

First off, Cami wants to get me in bed. I mean she invited me to a slumber party. What fun THAT would be!

To the party, I would also like to invite:

Lisa- we actually had many a slumber party in our day. And what fun we had.

and

Veronica- since she's up anyway.

Next, Cami also gave me this lovely piece of bling

I'm not sure that my skillz are that good, but I try.

I'd like to pass this one on to:

Ingrid- who has mad writing skillz.

and

Meghan- who has mad photography skillz.

and

Stephanie- who can create anything out of fabric. Seriously! She had J's b-day dress and a quilt for her when she was born. This woman is TALENTED!

Then, Dixiechick gave me this award, because I enjoy pimping out my friends.

And then she gave me this:

Which I would like to pass on to:

Sybil- Since she had a few extra bananas at one point.

and

Casey- because that woman can cook!

Whew! I feel better now.

But, there's one more thing. That lovely tattooed woman also tagged me for a meme. So, here goes:

8 Things I Am Passionate About

my kids

my husband

my job

anything Disney

equal rights

chocolate

the Internet

sex (I mean, that's a given, right?)

8 Things I Want To Do Before I Die

watch my children become adults

meet my grandchildren

go on a Mediterranean cruise

deliver a baby (like me help deliver it for someone else, I've already delivered four of my own)

have money in my savings account

travel the country in an RV

figure out Windows Vista

meet Johnny Depp (I can dream, can't I?)

8 Things I Say Often

Ass is a bad word.

Even when you call Daddy an ass it's still a bad word.

We don't say the word poop unless we're in the bathroom.

For the love of God...

I'm going to kick you out of the kitchen!

Get down!

Stop telling your brother what to do.

I missed you.

8 Books I Have Read Recently

Term Limits by Vince Flynn (a good thriller)

Protect and Defend by Vince Flynn

The Kite Runner

Pinkalicious (great kids book)

When in the Hell is Dora? I mean, Can You Find Dora?

How to Talk So You're Kids Will Listen and Listen So Your Kids Will Talk

Bedtime for Frances (my favorite story as a kid)

I can't even remember another one.

8 Songs I Could Listen To Over And Over

Christmas Canons by Trans Siberian Orchestra (I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS SONG, not to mention it's a version of the song that I walked down the aisle to)

Welcome to the Black Parade by My Chemical Romance

No One by Alicia Keys

Hotel California by The Eagles

Bon Jovi (pretty much anything)

Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol

Fire and Ice by Pat Benetar

8 Things That Attract Me To My Best Friends

honesty

support

laughter

reciprocation

patience

intelligence

common beliefs

the ability to listen

8 People Who Should Totally Do This Meme

Keara

Lisa

Sara

And anyone else who feels like it.

There, all caught up! Check back tomorrow before I leave. I'll give you a glimpse at the Polar Express last year!

So. Far. Behind.

2007-12-08T20:52:00.000-08:00

Ugh! I'm so far behind on posting. I have awards piling up (thanks friends) and memes to do (um, yeah, thanks). But, I have been doing my Christmas baking. I made 30 loaves of bread and tomorrow will make fudge and truffles and holiday bark and rum balls. Then, next weekend, I'll make a ton of cookies. And we're going on The Polar Express on Thursday and Friday and we're having a Holiday Open House on Sunday. So, yeah, I'll see you when I see you.

But, I am currently watching the Saturday Night Light Best of Will Ferrell (who is my favorite), so I'll leave you with my favorite bit of all time. Enjoy!

I made it! I'm still alive!

2007-12-03T15:37:00.000-08:00

So, I made it through the party. Let me tell you, those girls have more energy and talk louder than anyone I know! They just didn't stop, not once. Yeah, not even to sleep! Two of them did crash out from 2:30-6:30, but the other two didn't stop at all!

Let me suggest that tie dying shirts should NOT, I repeat, NOT be done by crazy sugared up 13 year old girls. There was dye flying everywhere! And I had just had the carpets cleaned! But, the shirts were a major success. They came out really cool and the girls loved them.

As for the sundaes, um yeah. I didn't put out the wipe cream. Although I warned them that when giving a written list of demands, next time they better be spelled correctly or they'll get what they ask for.

Chubby bunny! OMG! This was SO funny. I have some pics that I'll have to upload. They were stuffing those marshmallows in there. And drooling and spitting them out. Brought back some crazy memories.

They did a lot of hopping in and out of the hot tub. And they even jumped in the 60 degree pool! Crazy girls.

They also played Dance, Dance Revolution. I don't know how these kids get so coordinated. I couldn't pass one level, but they just kept going and going.

We gave Carissa a digital camera for her birthday and they had TONS of fun with that. Thank God it was still the innocent fun, not the myspace teen porn type of fun.

I don't know if they made prank calls. As long as they did it from their cell phones, that's fine with me. I just didn't want angry people calling my house back because they didn't block the caller ID. One day I'll have to share some of my best prank calls (you remember those days Lisa)!

Unfortunately, the little ones didn't sleep. There was too much excitement in the house. They went down around 10:00 and then were fitful until 5:00 when they decided to wake for the day.
So I was very tired last night. Add to that the fact that one of the parents was mad that his daughter missed church, so he didn't pick her up. At all. She called and called and he wouldn't answer. Finally at 5:00 last night (they were supposed to leave between 10:00 and 11:00) he called and told her to have me bring her home. Real nice!

Glutton for punishment

2007-12-01T06:33:00.000-08:00

That's me. Why is it when you're a parent you sacrifice yourself for their happiness? Or your sleep to be exact.

Not only have I had babies in my bed for the last three years, tonight we've invited three 13 year old girls to spend the night.

Next week is Carissa's birthday. So, tonight three of her friends are spending the night. Did I mention that they're 13?

They already have a "plan" of what they're going to do. Some things on the list were: play chubby bunny (you know, where you cram marshmallows into your mouth), make prank calls (oh the fun I had doing this, they will NOT be doing this though), decorate T shirts (we're doing tie dye), play games, truth or dare, make sundaes (they listed the ingredients they want, one was "wipe cream", dare I put out the Preparation H?) and go in the hot tub.

No where on this list is SLEEP! Say a prayer for me. I don't so much care if they stay up all night, but PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF GOD don't wake up the other children! I can send the older kids home the next day, the younger ones stay with me!

Get out the Kleenex!

2007-11-27T11:49:00.000-08:00

What is it about this time of year?

It makes me all sappy and weepy. Even though I'm not hormonally pregnant this year (imagine that)! Maybe that's why this year is even worse than normal.

I am trying to cherish every holiday with my kids while they are little. I swear, I get panic attacks just thinking about how they will get older and move out. And what if they move far away and we don't spend the holidays together? That causes me some serious heart palpitations! I know my parents are having a hard time with this. All the kids are grown and out of the house. We now have to coordinate with our small immediate family, plus in laws, plus extended families. We'll probably do Christmas with my parents the Saturday before Christmas. This leaves them all alone for the actual holiday. I invite them to come to our house (as we don't like to make the kids travel on Christmas day), but I know they won't. I makes me sad to think that someday that might be us (although I'm pretty sure I'd rather drive two hours to my child's house than spend the day alone).

This year is the first year that Jocelyn can appreciate Christmas decorations. Seeing her eyes light up the first time she saw the Christmas tree brought tears to my eyes. Pretty soon it'll just be routine to her and not awe inspiring . And that makes me sad.

Xander is just starting to understand the whole "Santa thing". It's so funny to hear him ask his questions about Santa and how he gets here and gets the presents here. He doesn't understand why he didn't get a "Diego camera" the other day, right after he sat on Santa's lap. It's so cute to see his innocence. In a few weeks we'll go on our yearly trip to The Polar Express. I can't wait to see his reaction this year. I'm sure that'll make me all teary too.

And then every day our radio station grants "Christmas wishes". People write in about people they know that are going through hard times and that might not be able to provide a Christmas for their children. Then the radio station grants the wish. They give the family clothes, toys, gift certificates to the grocery store, a Christmas tree and usually they help with their utilities and rent. It gets me every time. Every single time. I drive to work bawling like a baby. It's amazing what people can do for each other.

And then the commercials. How about the commercial when the son (he's in his early 20's) buys and suit and shows up unexpectedly at his mom's house for the holidays? Sobbing like a baby here! They tug at my heartstrings!

I guess I'm just turning into an old sap. I'm happy with my current life and I get all weepy when I think about how it has to change. I wish I could just freeze the kids in time. I don't want them to grow older. I want Christmas to be special and cool for them forever. I always want them to spend it with me. I want everyone to get everything they want for Christmas. I want to believe in the good of people everywhere.

So, pass the tissue please.

I am thankful...

2007-11-26T13:12:00.000-08:00

-for the fact that I got to come to work today. Peace and quiet, amen! Just me and my computer. No one to cook for, no one to yell at for removing all the Christmas tree ornaments.

- for the cow that gave me my lovely hamburger for lunch. I am SO sick of turkey. It was nice to eat some MEAT!

-for my boss not giving me too much to do today so I could finish my online shopping and start catching up on blogs.

-for my van that held all of my Black Friday purchases. It was a tight fit, but they all got in there.

-for my friends and daughter who got up at 3:00 a.m. to shop with me. We even made the news!

-for my husband, who braved the attic and got down all 2384798754 boxes of Christmas decorations so that I could put them up yesterday.

-for my credit card company not denying any of my purchases this weekend.

Happy Holidays!

2007-11-21T20:43:00.000-08:00

Thanks, I needed that

2007-11-20T10:28:00.001-08:00

Thanks for all of the hugs yesterday. They were definitely needed. Fortunately, I think we've got things at school under control. She was telling the truth. The principal got right on it and spoke to everyone involved. The school is taking action. The school resource officer (a sheriff's deputy) is also involved. I believe we have come to a solution that everyone is happy with. Needless to say, it wasn't easy coming to that solution. I feel for the other family because I don't believe that what was done was malicious, but that it was a stupid mistake. But, we have to honor Carissa's feelings and make sure that she is validated and feels that the situation was handled properly. And I don't want her to ever feel that we dropped the ball and left her hanging. But, what an ordeal.

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

On a much happier note, ages ago, the wonderful Jo presented me with this lovely award. Thanks you so much!

I would like to pass this award on to:

Heather who is The Queen of Shake-Shake .

Casey from moosh in indy

The queen of funny BOSSY (I know she's hugely famous and has millions of votes and awards, but damn she is SO funny.)

Go visit Jo to pick your copy of the award. And pass it on!

I need a hug

2007-11-19T08:38:00.000-08:00

Let's just say that things aren't all happy, happy, joy, joy right now.

I, myself, am feeling overwhelmed lately. With Christmas and all the planning involved and feeling guilty when we don't get together with everyone on Christmas dayand the anxiety over spending money.
With the kids and all the work involved, not to mention Science Fair and doctor's appointments and schoolwork and soccer and baseball and and...

Robert is miserable on midnights. It's just not working. I think he's going to switch to day shift next time. It'll suck because he'll be gone from 7:00 am- 7:00 pm, but at least he'll be happier. And feeling better.

And something happened to Carissa the other day and it sucks. Not to go into details but it really sucks. And we're having to get others involved. And it sucks that it even happened. But, what sucks worse it that I don't know that I completely believe her. See, she lies a lot. And very convincingly. Like with tears and drama, the whole nine yards. I really think this happened, but because of her history a little tiny part of me is doubting her. And I HATE that I feel that way. HATE IT. I wish I could just believe her and support her, but instead I'm wondering if this is going to turn on us and that she's going to be lying. I pray that she' s not (not that I really want this thing to have happened, but I really want her to be telling the truth).

So, can I just get a hug? Thanks.

2007-11-18T06:12:00.000-08:00

Click the bunny!

Look at me all famous and stuff! Just kidding. But, I guest posted at Megan's so she could keep up with Naneenaneepoopoo or whatever it's called.

Let the Countdown Begin

2007-11-16T11:10:00.000-08:00

No, not the countdown for Christmas. The OTHER countdown. The BIG one.

Seven days until Black Friday!!!!!!!! YAY!!!!!

I really am a fanatic. I think it's because I'm such a bargain shopper. I am obsessed with saving money. Most of my purchases are very well thought out and researched. I'm the queen of cheap travel (but nice travel), grocery coupons and the clearance racks. I LOVE to get a good buy. I rarely buy anything full price, from food to clothes to toys.

That's why Black Friday is my favorite day. I can get TONS of good deals all in one day. Enough deals to last me through all of the birthdays for the whole year! I have a closet stocked full of things that I buy on BF for every birthday party we might be invited to for a whole year.

I love the thrill of it too. And the crowds. I love the crowds. It marks the beginning of the holiday season for me. The beginning of the holiday season, starts at 3:00 a.m. on November 23rd this year!

I have a whole strategy. I read the ads for weeks ahead of time, plan what I'm buying, plan the whole day- Kohls, Circuit City, Toys R Us, Wal-Mart, Sears and Target. My friend and I take turns waiting in the hellish checkout lines while the other goes and stacks their arms as high as possible. Carts are not an option.

This year, my friend is going out of town for Thanksgiving, so I'm on my own. I might have found someone else to go with me, but it's not the same. We have a tradition! We've done it for years now. When I was about to pop with Xander (and subsequently almost passed out in Toys R Us), the next year when I was pregnant with Jocelyn (luckily I did better that time) and the year after.

So, be thinking of me when you're still wrapped up in your warm blankets. I'll be camped out with my coffee, chatting up strangers in the line! I'll have to take a picture of my loot and post it next week. After my nap!

What do you do all day?

2007-11-13T11:53:00.000-08:00

Ahhh, I've been so busy. Just a quick post. I'm trying to catch up on my reading, plus life. I'll be back in full form soon, promise.

So, I get asked questions about my job all the time. When I tell people that I work for a judge, they have tons of questions. They think it's like the shows on TV. And that I'm in the courtroom and all sorts of crazy stuff goes down. Um, no. Nothing like that.

Unfortunately, it's not really an exciting job. I do love my job and love my boss, but it's not all that glamorous. On the TV shows, the others get all the limelight. They never show the Judicial Administrative Assistant. I'm not the bailiff, not the clerk in the courtroom, not the court reporter. I'm the behind the scenes girl.

Basically, I handle my judge's calendar, in and out of court. I do all of her secretarial type of work: typing letters, answering the phone, preparing her files, making travel arrangements, massaging her feet (just kidding). I draft her orders and rulings and get them filed. I am her bodyguard. Actually, I kindof am. I have to make sure that no one has ex-parte communication with her. So, I screen her calls and guests. Sometimes I research cases and past filings.

Right now we're on a Juvenile court rotation. And my judge is the Presiding Judge. So, she holds lots of meetings. Sometimes I have to take notes. A lot of times I have to work her schedule to make sure she gets to all of these meetings. That is a full time job itself.

It may not be glamorous, but my boss is the best. She is great about backing up her employees. And she always thanks us and lets it be known that she appreciates us. We have six women in our division and we get along wonderfully. I actually job share. I work the beginning of the week and she works the end of the week. It works out really nicely for us.

I have to admit that sometimes work is my respite. I love my children dearly, but sometimes I need to get out of the chaos and go to my quiet place. And I NEED adult interaction. It really is the best of both worlds. Plus, where else would I be able to catch up on all of my blog reading?

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree

2007-11-09T21:36:00.000-08:00

So, when I put out the call for questions, the great mielikki asked:

Christmas tree, live or fake?

I have to admit that I'm a Christmas tree snob. I like the tree to be uniform and matchy and beautiful. I LOVE the trees on display where all the ornaments are gold and red or blue and silver, etc.

So, I have to have a fake tree. They are uniform. And they come pre-lit, which is the BEST. And they hold the ornaments much better than a real tree. I think we only had a real tree twice when I was growing up. And I remember being frustrated that the ornaments wouldn't stay. And my dad took freakin' FOREVER to string the lights.

I have to admit that I put up two trees. And if I had room I'd have even more. I have a "family tree". It's 7 feet tall (we have vaulted ceilings) and it's pre-lit. This is the one that the kids decorate (and I redistribute the ornaments when they're in bed). All the "normal" ornaments go on this tree.

I also have "my" tree. It's only 5 1/2 feet tall. It's my fairy and snowflake tree. All the ornaments are blue and silver. And I string it with blue lights. I just love it.

How many trees do you have? Real or fake?

************************************************************************************
In other news, I've been super busy around here. Cleaning closets and garages. Donating toys and clothes. And general organizing.
Corey- I plan to answer your question in four parts, when I get a minute.
Jo- Thanks for the award. I'll post it soon!
I have figured out the Truth or Dare meme, just need time to post it all.
I'm slowly catching up, but this weekend is busy. Soccer, football party, Christmas pictures, Veteran's Day, etc.

Picture Pages

2007-11-07T07:51:00.000-08:00

Tutu courtesy of my friend Keara who makes custom tutu's (it's green and yellow bc she's going to wear it to Carissa's soccer games)
Someone wanted her brother's Popsicle.
Our after Halloween costume purchases

Carving pumpkins
From left to right: Jocelyn's, Xander's, Carissa's and Robert's (his first year doing his own carving)

Robert's treasure chest birthday cake. I put graham cracker crumbs around to look like sand. The rest is cake and candy.
Doing pirate activities

Jocelyn helped make the cake too!

Resolutions

2007-11-06T12:27:00.001-08:00

What? You say it's not January? Not time to do resolutions (that always get broken)?

I beg to differ. (No, I agree that it's not January, for the love of god it's still 90 degrees here!) But, I have decided to make some resolutions. Does playing semantics really matter? Should I wait two more months to resolve to do something (when the bug is up my rear right now)? I don't think so.

And if I put them here, then you can challenge me and make sure I follow them. Please, ask me regularly if I'm keeping up. I need to be held accountable. And I can't count on my husband. He caves. Because he knows I'll punish him if he makes a remark about me not exercising, or anything similar. And he doesn't like my kind of punishment (let's just say that it involves the bedroom or doesn't for that matter).

So, here are my new resolutions:

1. Three hours of tv for me a day. Including days off, weekends, etc. I usually leave the tv on all day when I'm home. I don't sit and watch it, but it's always on and I'll occasionally glance at it. I resolve to only have it on when I'm watching it. And to limit what I'm watching. Catch up on my TiVo'd shows and maybe a little Today show. That's it.

2. I resolve to stop eating out at lunch time. Not completely stop, but cut back. I'm really bad about this. I am going to take $30 out of the bank at the beginning of the month and that's it. When it's gone, it's gone.

3. I resolve to stick to my Christmas spending budget. I always go WAY over, every Christmas. I need to set my budget and stick to it.

4. Get back on the exercise train. And stay on it. I resolve to do cardio at least 2x every week and weight training 2x every week.

5. I resolve to praise the kids more often. Try to catch them doing good things and reward them.

6. Get my pictures in order. This is something I procrastinate like crazy. I really need to get all the digitals in order and print some. Can you believe that I haven't printed more than a handful of pictures since 2000?! I need to slowly start printing my favorites. And I need to work on my digital scrapbooks.

7. I resolve to work on meal planning and follow through. I have the best laid plans, then end up falling back on the stand bys. I really want to get in the habit of preparing meals on Sunday and then just cooking/reheating them throughout the week. And doubling them and freezing them.

8. And I resolve to spend less time on the computer, especially at work. Just kidding! I just wanted to see if you were still reading. Actually, I don't spend much time on the computer at home, probably less than an hour a day. Work is a whole different story. Whenever I have free time I jump on. But, as long as my work is done then it's all good.

So, make me stick to it. Hold me accountable. Punish me, publicly humiliate me if I fail.

Help!

2007-11-05T15:57:00.000-08:00

So, if you read my last post, you know that my mind is mush. And sometimes I just can't come up with good topics.

SOOOOOOO, I decided to steal my wonderful friend Megan's idea and ask for your help.

In the comments, ask me a question or questions. Anything and everything is fair game.

Help a girl out! You want to know what color polish is on my toes? I'm cool with that. You want to know what I ate for lunch? Sure thing.

Seriously, I was always the girl that chose truth. And I'd tell it. I'm not scared! So, let me have it!

Mush

2007-11-05T09:46:00.000-08:00

I swear my mind is mush. I really thought I might jump on the whole post a day thing this month. Boy, am I glad I didn't commit. Some days I have tons of good ideas to blog about. And I write them down. Then the day comes and I'm not "feeling" it anymore. Sometimes I rethink it and decide it's really stupid. Or not a "current" topic.

And I hate to type up posts ahead of time and then post them on another day. Feels like cheating or something.

I don't know why I pressure myself like that! I have tons of random thoughts. Why don't I just write them down. They don't need to flow or make sense, right?

So, here are my random thoughts for the day:

-I have on pantyhose today. While I love the whole "suck it in" effect, I am allergic to elastic. So, by the end of the day I'll have a big red welt on my belly. Very sexy!
- I made a peanut butter cheesecake for work today. And ate it for breakfast.
-I have got to start working out again. Although, I've been off the Body for Life thing for 2 months and haven't gained a pound! Yay me!
-I NEED to get the kids Christmas pictures taken. But, it's EXHAUSTING. Maybe this year we'll do individual photos and a collage card.
-I need to get Cami's address to send some pirate stuff to K. Robert had a pirate birthday, complete with crafts and I wanted to send her some of the extras.
-I'm bummed because my friend that does Black Friday with me will be out of town. Anyone else want to get to Circuit City at 3:00am? Anyone?
-I really need to stop spending money. But, I have issues!
-I was SO excited that Amazing Race was on last night. Little Robert (I hate saying little and big but that's the only way people tell them apart), Carissa and I all climbed into my bed to watch it. We just love that show.
-I really need to upload some pictures. Why do I always put that off?
-I really need to start working on my mom's Christmas scrapbook.
- And I really need to write thank you notes to my cousin and my grandma. I'm really bad about that too.

Well, that reads more like a to do list. I guess that's why my brain is muddled. I have too much to do.

Here's the winning recipe from last week. The others were ok, but not great. This one was a favorite of everyone.

Spicy Chicken Enchiladas Verde

32oz salsa verde
4 cups shredded cooked chicken (I use a rotisserie chicken so it's easier)
1/2 c chopped cilantro
2 1/2 c shredded mont jack cheese
6 in tortillas (we prefer flour, but you can use corn)

Heat oven to 400. Mix chicken 1 1/2 c cheese, 1 c salsa and 1/4 c cilantro in bowl. Pour 1 cup of salsa in bottom of 13x9 dish. Take a tortilla and fill with chicken mixture, roll up and place seam down in dish. Repeat for all of chicken mixture. Pour remaining salsa on top, sprinkle with remaining cheese. cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Top with remaining cilantro.

Halloween Past

2007-10-31T09:56:00.000-07:00

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. I love to dress up. And I love all the scary decorations. The more gruesome, the better. Plus, who doesn't like candy?

And I love surprises. How much fun was it to dump your trick or treat bag out and gawk at all the candy? And the different kinds. Being the anal person that I am I would separate them into categories: chocolate, chewy, crappy, pennies (um yeah some stupid neighbor handed out packets of 10 pennies to each child), apples (I was never allowed to eat them). I'd give all of it away, EXCEPT the chocolate. I'm much the same now.

I can't remember what I was for each Halloween. But, I do remember some: a rabbit (hand stitched by my mom), a flapper, a hobo (thanks mom), a punk rocker, a construction worker (thanks again), a housewife, a dancer. And as an adult I've been: a pirate wench, a biker, a pregnant cat (with nipples and everything), a KISS fan and the Evil Queen. Oh, and a bride.

Yup, our wedding was on October 30th, 1999. We chose that day because it was as close to Halloween as we could get. I really wanted to have a costume wedding. But, being anal as I am, I was afraid that some people wouldn't dress up. Or that some would be cheesy stuff and not thinking it through. And I didn't want that. I wanted everyone to dress up in super cool costumes. And I didn't know how to get that point across without being a major bitch (something I usually don't have a problem with, but I wanted my husband's family to like me until we tied the knot). So, we had a traditional wedding. And it was a blast! The next day Carissa went trick or treating as a flower girl, go figure.

Family Fun Magazine

2007-10-30T14:42:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my wonderful friend Corey, I decided to get a subscription to Family Fun Magazine ( I paid $4.70 for 4 years on ebay!).

This magazine is great! It has tons of great crafts, games, party ideas. And just general parenting tips and advice.

I have gotten two issues and just love it. Everything is very pratical, affordable and do-able.

I would say it's geared toward families with preschool through elementary age children. Some of the stuff would still apply to middle schoolers, but I think the younger ones are the focus.

I really like how everyday families share their ideas and thoughts. There are a lot of great original "traditions" that the families share. They are so good that I want to start them all in our family, but there are just too many.

Definitely check it out if you get a minute. And seriously, how can you not subscribe for that crazy price! (Check out other magazines too, I subscribed to 20 different magazines, most for multiple years for a total of $80! Even Sports Illustrated was only $30 for 3 years!)

Lunch conversations

2007-10-30T13:47:00.000-07:00

I just spent a lovely lunch with my husband and Xander and Jocelyn. He stays home with them the two days a week that I work and they had some errands to run, so we met. Here are a few cute things that were said:

Xander: I can touch my mommy with my head, though.
(To my husband after he told him not to touch my work clothes with his greasy hands.)

Hubby: Xander, do you want some spicy chicken?
Xander: No, I don't like spicy jackass.
(I swear that child will use any opportunity to use the word jackass!)

Xander: Mommy, I want to go to work with you.
Me: I know, but you can't my boss will be mad. And I'll get in trouble. Do you want mommy to get in trouble?
Xander: Yes!

Jocelyn: More, mine (while reaching for the corn on the cob, wish I had a video of her eating it!)

And when it was time to go:
Xander: Mommy, I'm so happy to see you. When you're done with work will you come home to me?

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

I forgot my favorite one.

I took Xander to the bathroom to go and to wash up.

I went first. When I finished he said,
Xander: Mommy, you went poopy?
Me: No I didn't.
Xander: Yes you did! I saw you use toilet paper.
Me: Girls use toilet paper even when they pee pee.
Xander: (really loudly) You did poopies and used toilet paper!
Me: Xander, mommy just went pee pee, but girls have to use toilet paper.
Xander: YOU WENT POOPIES!

An update of sorts

2007-10-29T09:50:00.001-07:00

Carissa's game was fun. They lost 4-1, but played MUCH better than we expected. They need to work on taking a shot (they were too good about passing and forgot to take a shot if they could). And their defense needs to hustle a little more (there were quite a few break aways). But, overall, it was a good game. Of course, she acted like she hated every minute of it, but when doesn't she?

And I ended up taking the boys with me. They both heard us getting ready and woke up and cried because they wanted to go. I took them and they fought for the WHOLE game. And whined about being hungry and thirsty and hot. So, they will not be attending anymore games!

In other news we wrote up ten family rules this weekend. And posted them in plain view in the kitchen. Lately, we've been having real issues with sibling bickering. The older ones try to boss around and parent the younger ones. They purposefully antagonize each other. And we've had a lot of backtalk and whining and ungratefulness too. So, we implemented the rules and every time they break one they have to figure out which one it is, read it aloud and write it on a piece of paper. If they break the same rule three times in the same day they have to write it 10 times and lose a privilege. It seems to be working, for now.

Robert is on midnights and not doing too well. He doesn't get enough sleep and his eating gets all messed up. Making for a tired, worn-out daddy. I'm hoping he can get on some kind of detail that will put him back on a decent day shift. He doesn't like to work days in the field because his shift would be from 8am-6pm and you have to add an hour commute on each end. He would miss dinner every night, which he's not willing to do.

I have been very tired because it seems Jocelyn is going through a growth spurt, meaning she doesn't sleep at night. Even though I bring her in with me, she still flips and flops. This has been going on for over a week. But, last night seemed better, so hopefully she'll be back in her bed soon.

We went shopping this weekend and Old Navy already had their Halloween costumes on sale for half off. And I had a 20% off coupon (I am the queen of cheap). So, I got the kids the chicken, kangaroo and lion for only $9 each! Even if they don't wear them for future Halloween's, they're having a blast playing dress up. I may try to get some more costumes when they have the after Halloween sales.

This week we're trying a bunch of new recipes, so be on the lookout for the winners posted here. We're making Spicy Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas, Meatball Soup and Spinach Gnocchi.

UGH

2007-10-27T06:19:00.000-07:00

So, do you see what time it is? Not you east coasters, you're 3 hours ahead. Yeah a little after 6:00!

I'm no morning person. Don't want to see birds or worms or the ass crack of dawn. Nope, I'd rather sleep til at least 7:00. Heck, I don't even get up this early on days I work.

Yet, here I sit, showered, dressed, markeuped. And voluntarily.

I know you're gripping your seat wondering why.

I'll tell you why.

Today Carissa has her first competitive soccer game. And it's in BFE and her Nazi coach thinks we should get there 45 minutes before the game!

But, I'm super excited. I know they probably won't win because they're a new team and they're playing girls that've been competitive for years. But, it's still fun. And it's really good for her. The discipline and physical work.

And it's good for me. Let's hope I still have a voice tomorrow.

BTW, I am not taking all the kids. My wonderful husband is on midnights and due home any minute to stay with all of them.

Life as a Wife

2007-10-26T08:13:00.000-07:00

Wife of a law enforcement officer, I mean.

Many of you know that my husband works for the US Government as a law enforcement officer. He's been doing it for almost 10 years.

When he first got the job I was so excited. He really wanted it. And the whole "man in uniform" thing isn't a bad deal either.

Then he actually started the job. And I was scared. REALLY, REALLY scared. I mean, I'm afraid to be home alone at night, I can't imagine what it feels like to be out in the middle of nowhere by yourself in the middle of the night. So many things could happen to him.

Luckily, he's only had to pull his gun a handful of times. MOST of the time he doesn't encounter real "bad guys". But, it only takes one. We've had many, many talks about this. I truly believe that he is VERY capable and trained very well for his job. But, it just takes one crazy person with a gun.

Unfortunately, we've been to too many funerals for men that have been in these situations. And they are heartbreaking.

The biggest scare comes when he is late coming home and I haven't gotten a call to say why. My mind starts racing. And then the phone will ring. And I'll be gripped with dread. I KNOW in my head that they'll come to the house, they won't call if something happens, but it still scares me. One time I got a call at 1:00 in the morning. When I answered it was his supervisor looking for him. But, he was supposed to be at work. SCARED THE LIVING SHIT OUT OF ME. Why couldn't they find him? Why would they call his house in the middle of the night looking for him? Didn't they know what that would do to me?

Come to find out they didn't realize he was on shift and didn't even try to radio him. And the supervisor was a single guy who didn't even think about how I would feel. He later called to apologize.

While I'd never ask him to do anything else, this job still scares me. I've gotten used to it over the years and don't worry like I used to. But, whenever the phone rings or I get an unexpected caller at the door when he's at work, it makes my heart still for a moment.

It's tough. My friends sometimes don't understand. They think it's cool and ask all sorts of questions about his job. But, they don't understand.

Only the other wives do. And thank God for them. I don't think I would've gotten through these last 10 years without them.

Genetics

2007-10-24T12:09:00.000-07:00

Stupid genetics. Where do they get off deciding whether the two recessive genes get put in my DNA?

I mean, I have two brothers, why couldn't they get the flat boobs gene? It's not like they'd care. Or even the gray hair gene. They both shave their heads, what would they care if they went completely gray by age 30?

Who says I have to get that crap? Why couldn't I get my grandma's boobs? Or my grandfather's dark hair?

And I know they're the recessive genes because my lovely daughter got the dominant boob gene. And that royally sucks! Who thought it was a good idea for me to have smaller boobs than my daughter?

At least I did get a few of the good ones. I've never had acne. A pimple here or there, but nothing serious. And I got the high tolerance for pain. Like extremely high. It makes it easy to get tattoos and birth children with no medication. But, it can be a curse too. Because I don't even know when I'm sick because I can't feel the pain. When I finally feel it, I'm REALLY sick.

I do find it interesting how the genes get mixed up when you have children. Who would've thought that I would pass on the blond (soon to be gray) hair and blue eyes to all of my children, despite the fact that my husband is Hispanic?

What are your favorite genetic traits? Which ones do you hate
?

I feel

2007-10-23T16:43:00.000-07:00

honored and validated and all sorts of good things.

Let me explain. Awhile back I added Sitemeter to my blog. Mainly just to see if anyone was reading. Not that it's all about the numbers or anything. But, they do make you feel better, kinda like money. I know money doesn't buy happiness, but it kinda does.

Well, I rarely check my Sitemeter. I have a group of commenters and I love them and their blogs and that's been goood enough for me. But, I just so happened to have some extra time today and thought I'd give it a check.

Well, blow me down! Not only do people google "hippy makeup" "babywearing hippies" and "happy birthday sweet baby girl" and get my site. But, they are directed here from people that I've never met! That is just too cool! People actually have me listed on their blogrolls and we've never even "met". Thank you all. Seriously. It feels wonderful to know that people actually like to read my blatherings. I promise to frequent your blogs too!

I've actually met a LOT of people online. I met my local playgroup online before I met any of them in person. And I've met my closest friends online too. I have a whole group of mommies that all had babies in January 2005. We're still close friends almost three years later. And now I have a whole new group of blogging friends.

I guess I'll have to write Al Gore a thank you note for inventing this here Internet and helping me make new friends!

I scream...

2007-10-23T08:15:00.000-07:00

for my ice cream. Soft serve, that is.

Why can't I find soft serve ice cream anymore? Is it a regional thing? We ALWAYS had soft serve in New York. We even had frozen custard. But, in Arizona (which you'd think would be the ice cream capital of the world) I can't find soft serve for the life of me. Everyone serves Dryers. Hello, I can buy that at the grocery store myself. And don't even get me started on Dairy Queen. THAT IS NOT ICE CREAM, IT'S ICE MILK. I used to work there, I know. They make it with milk, not cream, BIG difference.

I actually let my hard ice cream melt before I eat it. I don't like to bite my ice cream, I like to lick it. Am I old fashioned? Does no one do soft serve anymore? Am I completely out of touch with the modern world?

I really miss getting a swirl cone. That is one of my comfort foods. Especially with chocolate sprinkles.

To Drink or Not to Drink?

2007-10-22T10:03:00.000-07:00

I know, not much of a dilemma. Always err on the safe side and drink.

Just kidding. Actually, I'm afraid in a few years I'm going to have to seriously ponder this and I really don't know where I stand.

See, the drinking involves teenagers. And since mine will be a teenager this year, I'm afraid this very dilemma will be coming up.

This weekend we were at a Halloween party. The people throwing the party have a teenage daughter that just graduated high school. At the party she was drinking. Alcohol. In front of her parents. Even with her parents.

I don't know how I feel about this. My gut reaction is that it's wrong. And that the parents shouldn't allow it.

But, I remember being a teenager. And if I didn't do it at home I was certainly going to do it somewhere. And I probably wouldn't be safe about it if I was somewhere else.

I just don't know. I don't want to give my kids the impression that it's ok to break the law, but I do want to make sure they're safe. And making sure they drink at home and don't leave would ensure their safety.

When I hear stories of parents arrested for Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor in these situations I'm sympathetic. Because I know that they were doing what they thought was right. But, I don't know if they are right.

What do you think?

All I know is that I don't ever want to hear the words, "Mom, come do a shot with me!"

Damn telemarketers

2007-10-17T09:26:00.000-07:00

I swear, I don't know where they find these people. Actually I suspect that they find a lot of them in India now days, but I digress.

This morning I get to work. I'm trying to catch up on blogs and e-mail, you know, the important stuff. My phone rings. Usually it's not that bad. I'm the super smart girl in the office so usually I can get anyone off of the phone in seconds (I just refer them to the person that really knows what's going on). NOT TODAY!

I get some woman with a heavy Indian accent. I could barely understand her, but I did understand right up front that this had NOTHING to do with my job. Usually I can get telemarketers off the phone in seconds too, I just tell them this is a government office and they want nothing more to do with me.

But, not this biotch. And believe me, she was. She wants to ask me about all of the hundreds of computers in our building. Um, yeah, I don't work in IT. I have no fecking clue. I inform her of this, but she doesn't care. She tells me to just say, "I don't know" if I don't have the information. Um, ok, whatever, I'll play.

So here it goes:

Her: How many computers are at your location?
Me: I have no idea, hundreds.
Her: Ok, 100.
Me: No 100SSSSSSSS. Many more than 100.
Her: I'll make it easy on you and just put 100. (Easy on me? Whatever.)
Her: What brand are these 100 machines?
Me: There are more than 100 (under my breath) and I have no idea, mine's a Dell
Her: So all 100 machines are Dells?
Me: I have no idea, mine is a Dell, but I can't vouch for the rest
Her: SIGH (really loudly) are you planning to buy any more computers this year?
Me: I. Have. No. Idea. I don't work in IT.
More discussion regarding laptops, printers and copiers ensues. My answers remain the same. She is audibly getting VERY frustrated with me.
But, here's the kicker:
Her: Is your server located in your building?
Me: I.Have.No.Idea
Her: Let me make it easy for you, a main frame serves over 1,000 people and costs about $1 million a blah, blah, blah
Me: I.Have.No.Idea. I don't work in IT
Her: Look, I just need to have this questions answered.
Me: I don't have the answer and I really must go. HANG UP
Ring, ring
That crazy biotch called me back!
Her: Listen, I just need you to tell me. And she repeats really slowly what a mainframe is.
Me: I obviously don't have the information you need, I'm sorry. HANG UP
That crazy biotch calls me back, again!
Her: Please just answer the question
Me: I obviously can't help you. I already gave you the information to our IT department, they could have answered all of your questions. I don't appreciate you hounding me when I told you upfront that I didn't have the information for you. Now, I will be notifying them that they should not answer your questions because you are a crazy biotch.

What the hell gets into some of these people? Damn, she got me all hot and bothered so early in the morning. Not good for my blood pressure!

Politics

2007-10-16T15:36:00.000-07:00

What's your thought on politics? Do you watch CNN, Fox News, Bill O'Reilly? Do you read the newspaper? Do you research your candidates?

I have to admit, I've never liked politics. I know what I believe in and that's good enough for me. Listening to some middle age men drone on about who's fault this is and why we owe this much money and blah, blah, blah. I know this makes me a bad voter. I know some of you are probably freaking out right now. But, I just can't get into it. I think ALL politicians lie. I think they are all pretty equal.

And I just don't understand global politics. I don't even know where half of these countries are. I just can't grasp the concepts. And I'm not stupid. It's just so boring to me that I can't take the time to do more research. I must admit that Social Studies was my least favorite subject in school. I didn't want to learn about any wars, past or present. I have an awful time just remembering what era they each happened in.

But, I do know how I feel on many issues. I support gay marriage, I support stem cell research, I do not believe in national health care, etc. I try to find a candidate that most closely meets how I feel. But, damn if it's not hard. I really wish they were more honest. Do any of us really vote 100% Republican or Democrat? Why do they always toe the party line? Why don't they just tell us how they really feel? I bet we'd be more likely to vote for them.

Funny thing is, I consider myself Republican, my husband considers himself Democrat. And he works in law enforcement and I work in a juvenile court with a focus on rehabilitation. Yet, we almost always vote for the same person. Why do we have to fall under a particular party. Why doesn't everyone just put their views on the table and let us all sort them out for ourselves.

Might be better than we've got.

Here I am

2007-10-15T13:52:00.001-07:00

Um yeah. That's me. Notice my mad self photo taking skills? Maybe someone can give me a tutorial?

Let's start with the wedding. Good times had by all. I didn't get any of the ceremony because Jocelyn decided to walk all over the place and I needed to chase her.

Rehearsal dinner, J was a table dancer

My brother all dressed up next to the pastor.My kids and my cousins from DC. Hoarding all the bubbles.My nephew was crying when he walked down the aisle and all he wanted to do was hold Robert's hand. It was so sweet.Yikes! My 12 year old daughter next to my 22 year old cousin!Before everyone even came in she wanted to party like a rockstar!

My mom and my baby brother
Jocelyn and Popa

Jocelyn and Mima

DISNEYLAND

Xander LOVES sitting next to his brother.

Jocelyn's first ears

Dancing to her own beatHe really loves his sister!Robert got picked to be in the Jedi Training Academy. They give them a Jedi robe and a light saber and teach them some moves. Then they fight Darth Vader or Darth Maul. It was great! I'll try to get the video up soon.Trick or treating at Disneyland. TONS of fun!

We got our picture with the real Evil Queen and Jafar.
We went to The Aquarium of the Pacific one day. Here's a whole tank full of Nemo's and Dori's Petting the sharks and rays. I couldn't get Xander out of here. He loved it.And one day we went to Santa Monica Pier.

SOOOOO, if a picture's worth a thousand words then I'm all caught up after being away for two weeks, right?

Sorry

2007-10-01T14:49:00.001-07:00

Sorry for the lack of update. I am hurriedly preparing for our trip to Disney. My stupid costume didn't work out, so now I'm going as myself:

And that's what I had to settle on after driving to every Halloween store in town. At least I'll match Snow White (J) and Dopey (X).

We will be gone until the 11th. We're doing Disneyland for 5 days, Mickey's Halloween Treat on Thursday night, the aquarium on Sunday and Santa Monica Pier on Monday. I doubt I'll check in. I don't know if the hotel has free wireless and if not, I'm certainly not paying $14 per day for it. Maybe I'll find a Starbucks.

The wedding was a blast. It was weird seeing my tough brother get all dressed up and get sappy. It was loads of fun. My cousins are a hoot. We danced the night away. Although I was reprimanded for acting childish by my husband. I'll post pics when we get back.

And a parting thought: Who in the world invented thongs? And why do men find them so appealing?

I'm Outta Here!

2007-09-21T11:52:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to brag that I get to leave work early today. We're heading to the state capital for my brother's wedding tomorrow. Sure to be lots of family fun, insert sarcasm. Actually I look forward to hanging with my cousins from DC. And finally having my husband back after 5 days away!

Tag

2007-09-21T10:05:00.000-07:00

My best friend from high school and I recently reconnected and now we catch up on each other's blogs. She has tagged me, so I guess I'll play!

Rules:1.You have to post these rules before you give the facts.
2. Players, you must list one fact that is somehow relevant to your life for each letter of your middle name. If you don’t have a middle name, use the middle name you would have liked to have had.
3. When you are tagged you need to write your own blog-post containing your own middle name game facts.
4. At the end of your blog-post, you need to choose one person for each letter of your middle name to tag.
5. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

Middle Name:
A-anxious
N-nail biter
N-New Yorker

1. Do you like cheese? YES
2. Have you ever been arrested? um yes, once for shoplifting
3. Have you ever shot a gun? YES
4. Your favorite song? Probably Fergie's Big Girls Don't Cry.
5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? sometimes, moreso with the dentist, even though I only have one filling
6. What do you think of when you eat hot dogs? I try not to
7. What's your favorite Christmas song? O Come All Ye Faithful
8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? non-fat pumpkin spice latte or chai tea
9. Can you do push ups? barely
10. Is your bathroom clean? Mine, not so much. The one for guests, yes.
11. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? My wdding ring and my tennis bracelet
12. Favorite Hobby? Travelling
13. What are you listening to right now? People talking down the hall (I'm at work).
14. What is the last thing you ate? 3 rolled chicken tacos yesterday at lunch. Ah, life as a mom, I tend to eat one meal a day!
15. What one trait do you hate about yourself? I'm a procrastinator
16. Middle Name? Hello, Ann
17. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment? I can't wait to go to my brother's wedding this weekend. I'm so glad our freakin' pool is finally done. Thank God my husband comes home today.
18. Name the last 3 things you have bought. Lunch yesterday, an oil change for the van, our Halloween costumes
19. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink. Water, iced tea, iced coffee
20. Current worry right now? How we will all do in a little hotel room this weekend.
21. Current hate? My SIL, but that's not current, that's always.
22. Favorite place to be? Somewhere tropical
23. How did you bring in the New Year? at a party
24. What is your quirkiest habit? I am anal. I cannot stand clutter.
25. Name three people who will complete this and return? Probably Corey, she's good like that. I'm not sure about anyone else. They don't like memes.
26. How many siblings do you have? Two younger brothers
27. Do you own slippers? yup
28. What shirt are you wearing? A tan cami under a chocolate brown t-shirt
29. What shampoo do you use? Pantene
30. Favorite colors? blue and purple
31. Would you like to be a pirate? you mean Mrs. Jack Sparrow, yes
32. What songs do you sing in the shower? none, I usually have 2 or 3 others in with me!
33. Favorite female name? Desiree
34. Favorite male name? Joaquin
35. What's in your pockets right now? No pockets
36. Last thing that made you laugh? My BFF at lunch yesterday.
37. Best bed sheets as a child? Holly Hobbie
38. Worst injury you've ever had? I haven't really had any.
39. When's your birthday? June 9
40. How many TVs do you have in your house? Three
41. Who is your loudest friend? I'm the loud friend!
43. Does someone have a crush on you? Hopefully my husband! (And maybe Becky, wink, wink)
44. Do you wish on shooting stars? YES!!
45.What is your favorite book? Right now, Pinkalicious (the kids love it)
46.What is your favorite age? I'm not sure. There have been a lot of good times.
47. What song do/did you want played at your wedding? That Aerosmith, I Don't Want to Close My Eyes one
48. What song do you want played at your funeral? Something old school and fun, maybe Boom I've Got Your Boyfriend?
49. What were you doing at 12 am this morning? Sleeping with Jocelyn
50. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up? Thank God my husband is coming home today. He's been gone for 5 days.

I won't specifically tag anyone, but if you want to do it, feel free!

Correct!

2007-09-20T13:55:00.000-07:00

Finally, finally we have our pool! They are starting up the equipment tonight. Hopefully the kids can jump in right after. It's still in the 90s here. Although the pool is 82 and that's way too cold for me! I'll gladly watch from the hot tub!

Take a guess!

2007-09-20T09:04:00.000-07:00

Take a wild guess at what this is! I'll give you until this afternoon.

Body for Life Update

2007-09-19T16:30:00.000-07:00

I've been putting this post off because it sadly is not accompanied by pictures. Not that I didn't do well, but my dear husband is out of town for the week, so I cannot get full body pics.

But, I wanted to update on my success! I did my 12 weeks. And I am now 10 lbs lighter. And that's saying a lot. I wasn't really heavy before, and those 10 lbs have been hanging on for awhile. I just wanted to tone up more. I'm kindof soft after having four kids.

I think that I probably lost about 15 lbs of fat and gained about 5 lbs of muscle. I feel SO much better. I have more energy. And I feel better about myself.

Unfortunately, I didn't see a big difference in my waist line. I think that most of what's there is just excess skin. But, I saw a big difference in my face (no more second chin) and my arms (I'm losing the jiggle).

I was pretty good about the eating and the exercising. Although I didn't push myself as hard as I could have with the cardio. And the last few weeks I really slacked off.

I'm taking a break for our vacation. But, I'm going to start another 12 weeks when we return. I hope to get down to 130 (7 more pounds) when I do that one!

I'm just really proud that I actually stuck with something for so long. I'm usually a binge dieter and exerciser.

Good mail

2007-09-13T12:27:00.001-07:00

Do you ever run out to the mailbox thinking that wonderful things might be inside? Only to find junk mail and bills? I don't know where or when my obsession with the mail started, but I ALWAYS look forward to the mail. No matter how many times I've been let down and gotten a bunch of shit, I continue to run to the mailbox every day. Maybe it's because on occassion I recieve an unexpected treat. (Or maybe it's because I buy way too much stuff on the Internet and get packages fairly often!)

Last week I happened to get a really funny postcard from Cami and her cousin mielikki. I knew I had given her my address, but was still pleasantly surprised when I got the card. And I just loved it! You know how you used to (ok, maybe not you, but I did) drunk dial people? And now I have a friend that drunk texts! This was another version. The drunk postcard!

Oh, how I wish I could have joined in the drinking!

It's been awhile

2007-09-12T11:59:00.000-07:00

2 fer 1

2007-09-07T13:28:00.000-07:00

Two memes that is.

First Cami asked me to share with y'all (I don't really use that word when speaking, just typing) seven songs that I'm SINGING right now. I take the work singing loosely. Because I can't sing for nothing. Even my kids warn that I should never go on American Idol (because I guess they think that's a dream of mine). I have VERY eclectic tastes in music, so here goes:

1. Big Girls Don't Cry, by Fergie. I love this song. Don't know why. But, I love to sing it in the car. IF (captial, bold IF) I was to sing karaoke, this would be the song.

2. This Ain't A Scene, It's An Arms Race , by Fall Out Boy. And yes, I do know the words, I looked them up.

3. She Wolf, by Megadeth. Megadeth is my favorite rock band. Cryptic Writings is my favorite album.

4. Ain't My Bitch, by Metallica. I know, hard core Metallica fans don't like Load and Reload, but they're my faves. I like almost every song on both of them. My husband thinks it's funny to play this song for me and it gets stuck in my head.

5. Stealing Society, by System of a Down. I used to hate System of a Down, but once I actually understood a little (although I still don't know what terra cota pie is) I liked them better. This song is in my head because we saw a puppet show over the weekend that actually used System of a Down music! And hubby had to pull out the CD afterward for a listen.

6. All Fired Up, by Pat Benatar. This is my favorite Benatar song. And I usually listen on my ipod while I'm walking. I have a hard time trying to hold in my ~~howling~~ singing when in public.

7. Regulate, by Warren G. This is the thug in me. I loved this song when it first came out and I still do. I listen to this one on my nightly walks too.

Now, I ask Ingrid, Corey (who I know sings some karaoke) and Sara what's floating around in your head? What do you belt out? Let's hear it!

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

And Papaya Mom has tagged me for the Nonsense Meme

1. Copy and paste the story below, and the rules, on your blog.
2. Find out who you’re going to tag. (2-3 people, or more, if you wish)
3. Write one or two sentences to continue the story, and use the titles of the blogs you’re tagging or any word(s) associated with them as keywords in the links you include in your part of the story.
4. Remember to tell your taggees that you’ve tagged them!
5. Feel free to use this and start your own viral link story. I’d very much appreciate a link back to Mother’s Home ! if you do. (Or a tag, if you prefer!)

The story is below. The last paragraph is mine and it has links to the 9 friends I have chosen. If you got tagged, feel free to do the meme or not. It could be fun, if you decide to continue the nonsense story.

Here’s the beginning:Mother’s Home! the cave troll yelled. I have been out all day strangling chickens like CRAZY! for the evil Empress. All i want now is a MOment to myself, but i keep getting Linda talking Drivel, but that is better than a certain someone Mooing. Then suddenly what should appear but the NOT evil Empress and all her strangled chickens and Mags cooked them all up and made us a lovely cake to eat. Gracie wanted all the cake for herself but the NOT evil Empress was able to hack off a good sized slab for herself!!! Ha ha ha, Gracie belched loudly after eating all the scrumptious cake that Mags had baked and watched Callie scrappin’ with Sarge about who was gonna win Big Brother 8. Sarge started humming “Dixie,” and almost choked on the bite of cake in his mouth! So he got some coffee to go to wash down the cake. The coffee helped a bit but he had to vocalize before he started singing again so he began, “Mi mi mi mi mi mi mi mi mi mi mi mi…”

…who heard him all the way from Bloggingham Palace and said, “Where is that awful noise coming from? Is there a sick wailing Wacky Mom loose in the woods?” She said, “I’ll bet Songbird can teach him to sing!” but she was busy BONDing in the desert with Kathleen who sat writing heresy in her diary. She was absolutely no help. So Mi-Mi asked Kat to put him on the PP&P list to save his sorry soul. Alas, Ralph the Airhead made a new batch but the Patti-cakes fell in Polliwog’s Pond and nobody got to eat cake after all! It was all Bee’s fault (somehow). Feeling sorry for herself, she pranced over to Odat’s for a dance but she only heard strange mumbling…
That mumbling, however, resulted from The Alien Next Door trying to clone Justin Stanely’s Weblog. The meticulous and risky cloning occurred throughout several millennia, past, present, and future. Or so it seemed; no one could keep count. It was just too much. The mind-numbing years had finally sublimed the earth into a pristine Bobbarama. All well and good, said Bob, but whatever happened to the rules? Before anyone got hurt, however, enough stars fell and crashed to alert Sci-Fi Girl, who grabbed her laptop and returned to the woods, where Mimi’s Dating Profile popped up, allowing a lion to lie happily next to a lamb…

Now, the insane writer burst into the forest, kissing the dogwood and sat on the lion, spinning tales about sci-fi girl’s boyfriend, sci-fi guy, who had his eye on [her] DNA, which he was hoping to sell for anything goes. But just then the mad goat lady and the drowsey monkey pranced into the forest and sang a truly quiet symphony, which annoyed the insane writer.
“What’s that funky sound?” screamed sci-fi guy.

“Well, it sure isn’t a raspberry-latte!” grumbled the insane writer. “Get a grip, sci-fi guy! You’re my main character! I expect you to know how to split an atom! Ignore that woman and her indolent pet! Now, go and do your dastardly thing!”

Kissing the dogwood had been a lure, a trap set by the Mighty Morgan to take control of the BlogWood. Those petulant witches disguised as writers must be eradicated, them and their man slaves. She stuck her talons into the lion with A Twist and a Skewer till it rolled over and laughingly pleaded to go back to Neverland where it had been extremely happy. Her faithful followers, the Gargons grouped around her skirt folds, drooling and kissing her hem in adoration. “Here, take this poison” she commanded, “why? (asked) paisley“, the only rebel in the camp. “To blight their computers my little friends, it’s a special potion A Bit of This and a Dash of the Other“…she smiled mysteriously in her best Mae West accent and set off in search of the Englebert Humperdink Fan Club.

Well they searched all over boricua in texas….till they found just write road… aha this was the place… if they could just get in the front row,, surely that was the place that screamed “flash your knickers here“… and oh yes… they would… in doing so they could only hope to distract the masses long enough for the twisted sisters to sneak in with the special potion they had cooked up………

But the potion did not work. They were missing the secret ingredient… Papaya!!! There was no use hiding in public. Off they went in search of an abyss to gaze into, for they had heard the place was haunted and they could find Pyreflies there. Picking up pieces of somebody else’s memories was a habit they enjoyed very much. Live and love!

The new memories straight from the mouths of babes were the ideal target - they were so much fun. The Gargons started to get dizzy as they gazed through the looking glass in search of the right abyss that would be full of little nurslings. Suddenly the world began to spin and they fell down, the only sound was the sorta crunchy fall leaves crunching below their backs, and if no one was there to hear it - did the sound even exist? If these Gargons had any hope of surviving they would have to pull away from the peaceful nap that the spell was laying around their tiny little minds and run for their lives to Cafe ala Mode where the Fairytale Godmother kept her super secret brew hidden behind pots in the dark deep industrial kitchen (next to the MSG). It was their only chance to break the spell that held them in her control.

When they arrived, the Fairytale Godmother was in her kitchen whipping up a brew. It was one to wake a sleeping prince. It seems that someone had switched the roles in the famous princess tale. When she was done she went to work on the secret brew for the Gargons. But, she had a question, brown or gray for the bottle? It was quite a loaded question. The could not agree. It was quite the dilemma, indeed! The decided to go with the gray, which was definitely the wrong decision because.....

I Heart my hot tub!

2007-09-06T08:53:00.000-07:00

After all of the trials and tribulations and 6 months, yes, 6 months, of construction, we finally have our hot tub and the pool is scheduled to be done on the 14th. This very one (1044, except ours is a mottled white inside and gray on the outside).

I have never owned a hot tub. My family has always had a pool, but never a hot tub. I don't even really like them when we go to hotels. They are always stinky from chlorine and make me too hot. But, my husband wanted one and we figured we'd go for broke (literally) when we put in the pool.

I actually admitted to him last night that he was right. (Don't worry this is the only time this year that I'll do it. I do have SOME dignity.)

The thing is WONDERFUL! We don't make it super hot, just 99. It is Arizona you know. And it seems just right. Not too hot that I feel like my blood is boiling and not too cool at night. And we have a Nature O2 system that doesn't use chlorine. We've been in twice now and it's just heavenly. (As long as we go without the kids.)

The first time they were invited. Big ~~mistake~~ fun! They were climbing all over us. And trying to drown themselves. Miss J has no fear of water and the more times she's goes under the happier she is. She HATES to be held when in the water and that makes for an interesting time. Xander on the other hand wants to climb everything. The handles, the seats, the other people in the hot tub. We have come to realize that in order for it to have a relaxing effect we must visit after the kids are asleep.

Last night we put them to bed and got ourselves all suited up. (Yes, we wear our suits.) We got the baby monitor and a drink and our towels and headed out. We get in, me in the lounge section and Robert in "the captain's chair". We put the calming blue lights on and stared at the stars. All of a sudden I see a light on in the house. Robert gets out and goes inside. Minutes later he comes out with Mr. X trailing behind. Seems that someone could sense that Mommy and Daddy were enjoying the hot tub without him. So, he sat on the patio chair for a few minutes while we finished up and closed it down.

I have to say that this has been one of our best investments yet. It is so nice to sit and relax, or have some crazy family time. It's a bonding experience for us all. And it doesn't involve the TV or video games.

Many pictures soon to come!

Sorry

2007-09-05T10:27:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the silence. This was me and Windows Vista the last few days.

Luckily we've worked it out and now we're like this.

Counting Down

2007-08-22T10:49:00.000-07:00

It is officially one month and 12 days until we go to Disneyland! I am SO freakin' excited. You'd think that after going every year or every other year for forever that the excitement wouldn't be as great. But, I swear, every time we go I get super excited. And the kids do too. Even though the rides don't have any surprises anymore. Even though we've seen just about every character there is. It really is a magical place. And "the happiest place on Earth".

Maybe it's because every time we go we have another kid (LOL)! Seeing Disney though their eyes is such a joy. I don't even ride most of the rides. I'm the official babywatcher, picture taker, parade seat holder. I love to see their faces when they come off of the rides. (Except when Robert came off of The Tower Of Terror with the look of terror.) And then they excitedly want to tell me all about it. I just love seeing the happiness and enthusiasm.

And Fantasmic and the fireworks get me every time. I cry like a baby. The whole good vs. evil of Fantasmic. I'm such a sap. And the Believe fireworks. Makes me believe that wishes do come true.

This year we're going to go to Mickey's Halloween Treat. It's a whole costume/trick of treating party at Disneyland. I'm super excited. The villains will all be there. They are usually lacking in character appearances. And the whole park is decorated for Halloween. The Haunted Mansion is redone in a Nightmare Before Christmas (one of our favorites) theme. I seriously cannot wait. I made tickers. We made a paper chain. I talk about it every night at dinner.

It's not one of those things that you build up to and then are let down. I've really never been let down by Disney. (Except maybe on the Disney cruise, but that wasn't their fault it was all those bratty kids!)

And this year we scored with our timeshare. See, that how crazy we are, we have a timeshare down the street from Disneyland so that we don't have to worry about hotel costs. This year we got a two bedroom suite. Two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a living room and dining room. Woo hoo!

If I Did It---IF, IF? C'mon!

2007-08-16T15:45:00.000-07:00

So it looks as though the publisher is going ahead with OJ Simpson's book. The victim's families are at odds about whether the book should be published. The Goldman family says that the book is a confession to the murders and that the book shows that Ron was a hero and stayed to fight for Nicole. (And HOW DARE OJ CRITICIZE THEM!) The Brown family says that the Goldman's have only changed their minds because they will receive the profits and that they do not want OJ to get any more press. They don't want people talking about the murders again, for the sake of the children.

I don't know how I feel about the book. I 100% believe that OJ is GUILTY. Beyond a shadow of a doubt. But, I also think that the whole trial was a farce. Nothing was handled properly. If I was on that jury I don't know that I would have been able to convict. I'll give it to OJ that he hired some damn good lawyers. I think it's crappy that if he had been convicted he would have been able to appeal, but the state cannot get a second chance at a trial since he wasn't.

I feel for his children. But, I'm wondering if this book might be a good thing. Supposedly it's an out and out confession. Even the publisher admits that this is exactly what it is. Maybe those few people that think he's innocent will understand. And maybe his kids will KNOW (not just think it, but really know) that he killed their mother and want nothing to do with him, EVER.

But, I also think that he is an arrogant scumbag and this will just boost his sense of self. And it;s his way of saying HA to the whole world. He got away with murder and knows it and wants to flaunt it. I'm not cool with that at all. If I ever saw him in real life I'd probably spit on him. What a cruel, hateful man he is.

And, I cannot believe it was 13 years ago! It seems like just yesterday. How sad that the day of the verdict will forever be burned in my mind like some people have the first walk on the moon. Oh, how I wish I could forget that day. But, I was a Criminal Justice student at the time. And I hope and prayed that somehow justice would prevail and he would be sent away. I was CRUSHED when they said not guilty. Just crushed. I think I became more of a cynic that day. Some of the innocence of the world faded for me.

Very cool blog stuff

2007-08-09T09:59:00.001-07:00

So, as many of you know I am a Gemini and like my Gemini sister I must have things in a constant state of change. So, I've been looking at ways to, once again, change my blog around. My wonderful friend Amanda has agreed to, once again, work on my background and give me 3 columns! Woo hoo! What will I do with the space? Who knows, I'm sure I'll add some cool stuff.

I am very design and HTML illiterate, but I can usually figure things out if I have explicit directions. That is why I love this blog! They give great directions for all sorts of ways to spruce up your blog. I changed my comments section, am working on a favicon and signature and might make some buttons.

BUT, I can't make up my mind. Sometimes I think simple is better, other times I like a lot of color and "eye candy". So, within the next little while, expect the unexpected around here!

What do YOU like to see in blogs? Do you prefer a white or black background? Do you like colorful and lots of pictures or plain and simple?

Why do I obsess?

2007-08-08T13:56:00.000-07:00

Am I normal? Please tell me that you do this too!

Do you ever wake up in the middle of the night and think that someone is in the house? And then you run through all of the scenarios in your head? How to get the kids out? Do you call 911 and try to hide them? How do you get across the house without the intruder seeing you? Do you try to call attention to yourself so that the intruder stays away from the kids? What if he kills you, who will care for the kids? On and on and on until you've worked yourself into an anxiety attack and can't get back to sleep. (Once you realize that the noise was just the house settling.)

Or do you lay awake at night thinking about what you would do if the house caught on fire? How do you get all the kids out. I think I could get one or two, but will I have time to get to them all? And how do you choose which to go to first?

I swear it's enough to make me crazy. I don't know why I even put these thoughts into my head. And what's worse is that my husband works midnights a lot, so he's not there to protect me. And we have a split floor plan so my bedroom is across the house from the kids.

Why do I have to think the worst though. Why? Is it because I read too many murder mysteries? Or because my husband is in law enforcement? I don't know, but I wish I didn't.

I can barely even manage to watch the news. When I see a story about a child kidnapped or murdered my heart breaks. And I can't help thinking what it would be like if that happened to one of my children. I honestly don't know how these parents go on. I guess it helps to have other children to live for, but I think I'd be a complete mess for the rest of my life. Or kids who end up with a terminal illness. Just. breaks. my. heart.

Sometimes I think that it's good that I have these thoughts. It prevents me from being complacent and maybe it helps me prepare in case, God forbid, anything like this happens to us. We have been so fortunate and count our blessings that all of our kids are safe and healthy. My heart goes out to all the parents that cannot say the same.

Reasons Why My Playgroup Moms ROCK!

2007-08-03T11:54:00.000-07:00

After another fun Mom's Night Out, I thought I'd post about why get along along so well and have so much fun.

1. We can laugh like schoolgirls at the reviews of sex toys on Amazon!
2. We share tips on where to find the cheapest and best "toys".
3. We can yell completely inappropriate things in fancy restaurants.
4. We like it when everyone in the restaurant is looking at us with horrified expressions.
5. We all swoon over the same hot waiter.
6. We can all go out to eat at The Melting Pot and only spend $10 each! (OK, so our service sucked and they comped practically everything.)
7. We can drunk text each other.
8. We share drinks, even if all that's left is saliva.
9. We back each other up if someone wants to jump on a stranger's motorcycle.
10. We can laugh, and laugh, and pee, and laugh.

LOVE YOU GUYS!

Confession Wednesday

2007-08-01T13:19:00.000-07:00

So, I'm not Catholic and have never been to confession, but our local radio station does this whole Confession Wednesday thing and I thought I'd jump on the bandwagon.

That and the fact that I just had a really funny lunch conversation with one of my good friends.

Be warned, some of you that just know me through the Internet may be stunned. Seriously. I've been told that I "hide" my wild side pretty well, even by people that know me in real life.

Here are my confessions:

I still know all the words to more than one 2 Live Crew song.

I have hard core rap and heavy metal on my ipod.

I tend to be a mean girl when I'm out with my friends. Like immature, making fun of others type of mean girl.

I still like to shake my booty in the clubs. Not that I can go very often, but when I do I like to get my groove on.

I like to drink. You guessed it, margaritas. And appletinis. And mojitos. And White Russians. You know, anything with alcohol.

I once flashed a police officer. (And it wasn't when I was a teenager, more like when I was already the mom of two kids.)

One night I convinced a group of my drunk mommy friends to go move For Sale signs. From houses that were actually on the market to ones that weren't.

Sometimes I flirt. With men other than my husband.

I sometimes spank my kids. Not often (I can't even think of the last time), but when I think it they have done something EXTREMELY wrong or dangerous.

I've got tattoos. And plan to get more.

I am already planning on joining the Red Hat Society. Looking forward to it. My chapter will probably be the wild one.

And I care about my family more than anything, but a girl's got to have some fun!

Wow, it is good for the heart to confess. I feel better. Love me or hate me, it's all out on the table.

A bit of this, a bit of that

2007-07-31T15:39:00.000-07:00

Just a bunch of stuff going through my mind right now:

It's storming like crazy here. Like, power's out at work type of crazy! We're on generators right now.

Carissa is in deep doo doo. We still haven't figured out her punishment, but she broke a bunch of house rules yesterday. She's been doing so well, but my FIL was babysitting yesterday and she took full advantage. And I caught her using her last name and location on the computer. I FLIPPED out. She is grounded from the computer for 2 months. I need her to understand that it's SUPER dangerous to do that.

Tomorrow is Mom's Night Out at The Melting Pot. And it's 1/2 price night, can't beat that. Too bad I can't car pool because I'm leaving from work. I'd like to have a few or ten appletinis.

I don't know what to do about Jocelyn's birthday party. Our pool is likely going to take another 4-5 weeks. Do I put it off for that long? Do I suck it up and do it now with a big hole in my yard? Do I have it someplace like Chuck E Cheese (please no one suggest that)!

Carissa is starting competitive soccer. It's going to be intense. They practice 3 hours per week and have games EVERY SINGLE SATURDAY starting on September 8 and going through February! And then they have four tournaments that are Saturday and Sunday! And I'm not a very good sideline mom. I tend to scream and yell and get all agitated. Not bad stuff, but encourage the kids. I need to learn to keep my big mouth shut. I'll probably go hoarse if I don't!

I just joined BlogHer. It sounds really cool. I would've loved to have gone to the conference. For no other reason that I would have LOVED to have had the chance to hang out with all of those cool gals, and be child free for a weekend. Plus, my friend Nichole lives in Chicago so I could've visited her! We'll see where it goes. I'm no blog genius, but I really enjoy it.

I spent WAY too much money this weekend. I was having a pity party for myself because my husband made me mad. And shopping always makes me feel better. I bought a bunch of stuff at Victoria's Secret, NY and Company and Mervyns. Oh well.

I am doing really well on Body for Life. I'm down to 141. This is the lowest I've been since before Xander was born. And I'm only 5 1/2 weeks into the program. I am hoping to get down to 135. I have actually started to enjoy working out. Might it be that I can lock myself in my room for an hour to lift weights (sans children)? Maybe.

I don't feel like making dinner tonight. I hate making dinner on days that I work. I have no motivation. I love to cook, but not after working all day. And Carissa broke my crock pot on Monday, grrrrr.

I guess this turned into more of a bitchfest. Oh, well.

Happy happy joy joy!

2007-07-30T16:37:00.000-07:00

Have you ever met someone that just rubs you the wrong way? You don't really have a good explanation why you don't like them, but you just don't?

I work with one of these people. The guy drives me crazy! He's so full of himself and how wonderful he is and all of the things he's accomplished in his life (he's 76). And he is super annoying. Like he'll say "hi" to each person that passes him 3-4 times each day! HE is super patronizing and overly helpful, but it's only so that he gets the kudos. He thinks he is super important, but half the time he doesn't even do his job correctly. No one can stand him, yet he thinks that the world revolves around him.

Yet, it doesn't! Thank God, my boss has seen the light and given him notice. She was just as annoyed as we were! Friday will be his last day. I only work until Wednesday, so I'll only have to deal with him until then. And to top it off it's Ladies Night Out at the Melting Pot on Wednesday.

What a wonderful week for me!

INSANE!

2007-07-27T11:39:00.000-07:00

I just read this post over at Crazy Hip Blog Mamas. Here's more info: So Anyway

Now I'm all riled up! And it usually takes quite a bit to get me all riled up.

I think this is just ridiculous! I cannot believe that the big bad recording companies are SO freaked out right now that they won't even allow a parent to post a video of their child dancing to a song. Claiming copyright issues. What a load of crap! As some have pointed out, does this mean that you can't post a video of your first dance at your wedding? Can you not show a video of your child playing if they have a Nike shirt on? What about if you take a picture of your kitchen and happen to have a Campbell's soup can on the counter? C'mon! It's not like the woman was trying to share the song with the whole world for free. It's 29 SECONDS! Geez, I guess the whole Napster thing really ruined it for everyone.

I applaud her for suing them. I'm not usually one to applaud people for jumping on the lawsuit bandwagon, but someone needs to set these people straight. I hope she wins.

She'll be on "The O'Reilly Factor" tonight if you're interested.

I am a hippie!

2007-07-26T13:08:00.000-07:00

This is my oldest daughter's latest term for me. She thinks I am a hippie and has told all of her teachers and friends. Lovely!

At first I was mortified. My vision of a hippie resembles my mother when she was about 20 years old. The long flowing muumuu dress. Long straight hair parted in the middle. No makeup, no bra. Smoking pot while listening to Jimi Hendrix (yes, my mom did this). I was freaked!

I don't think she could be more wrong. I wear makeup and a bra EVERY SINGLE DAY! I have NEVER smoked pot! I don't really care for Jimi's music. And I haven't had long straight hair since I was 6 years old. And I sure as hell don't wear muumuus. What is my daughter thinking?

So, I ask the wise 12 year old. She says I'm a hippie because:
a) we eat organic food whenever possible
b) I wear my babies
c) I cloth diaper my babies
d) I let my babies sleep with me
e) I recycle
f) I try to reduce waste (no plastic water bottles, cloth towels in the kitchen)
g) we are getting a solar heater for our pool
h) I use natural products around the house, such as, tea tree oil and Mrs. Myers products

I guess there's a new definition of hippie! If this is it, then, YES, I AM A HIPPIE! To me, it's not all about global warming. There is so much hype and propaganda about the world being ruined, I'm not sure what to believe. But, if I can do my part and MAYBE help, then I want to.

We actually eat organic food because I'm afraid that all of the preservatives and pesticides may be what's causing ADD and other disorders. Having one child with this disorder I'm trying to do whatever I can to prevent the others from developing it. Plus, it's just healthier.

As far and babywearing and cloth diapering. They are just easy for me. They are both super cute too. And of course my 12 year old enjoyed my philosophy of co sleeping when she was 2, but she has forgotten that!

I do recycle when I can. Our town doesn't have the best recycling program and I try not to use many things that need to be recycled anyway, but if I have something that can be recycled, I do. On that note, I try to reduce waste. We have dramatically cut back on our use of paper plates and paper towel. I try to use items that can be washed instead of thrown out. We use reusable 5 gallon jugs for our water.

We are getting a solar water heater for our pool. It is actually the most economical choice and we get a tax credit! We are also looking into renting solar panels for our homes electricity. It's too expensive to buy them, but to rent them is just about the same cost as our monthly electric bill.

As far as natural products, I just like them better. I use mineral makeup and other natural items around the house.

The one thing that totally grosses my daughter out and makes me a complete hippie is the fact that I am the new owner of a Mooncup. It is similar to the popular Diva Cup, but it's smaller. A friend of mine loves hers and I've decided to give it a try. I used to use Instead, but for some reason stopped and went back to ordinary tampons. I actually haven't used the Mooncup yet. I am looking forward to it (yes, I am a weird hippie). I have a feeling I will like it very much. But, my daughter was absolutely MORTIFIED when she saw it in my bathroom.

So, yes, I am a hippie. And I am now proud of it. Just don't ask me to stop wearing makeup and a bra!

Happy Birthday Sweet Baby Girl!

2007-07-21T09:43:00.000-07:00

Today is a hard day for me. My BABY is one! I cannot believe it. This year has flown by. It seems like just yesterday that I was in preterm labor and freaking out. I remember so clearly being in the hospital and thinking I would have a c-section because Miss J decided to stick her little foot in the birth canal. I was so scared, because she was coming early and because I didn't want surgery. I was relieved when the version worked. I was so disappointed that I didn't get a water birth at the birth center though. Knowing it was my last chance saddened me. I wish I had known about birth centers sooner. I may have had another chance.

Today I'm so conflicted. I am happy for my baby. And my head certainly understands that children grow up. And that we aren't having more children for time, money and space reasons.

But, my heart doesn't understand. My heart doesn't want any of my babies to grow up. Each year is one year closer to them leaving to go out on their own. This terrifies me. I pray that as adults we will still have a good relationship and they will live close. I remember how devastated my grandmother was when our family moved across the country. And she only got to see us twice a year. I pray that my children won't leave me like that! I guess I love knowing that they NEED me right now. One day they won't.

My heart also has a hard time coming to grips with the fact that I'll never be pregnant again. That I'll never experience labor and delivery again. Never have a brand new baby to hold and feed and love. (Or course I pray for grandchildren someday, but it's not the same.) I ache to have another newborn baby. Even if I had 10 children, I'd probably still feel this way. My mom says that she STILL feels the urge to have children sometimes. I guess it's one of those mommy things.

So, I am happy for my forever baby to be one. But, I am still sad that she will be my last baby. And that she has to grow up.

From sweet little preemie 5 lb 10 oz baby girl

To 19 lb one year old little monkey!

Picture Saturday

2007-07-21T09:39:00.000-07:00

First day of school
Some new bows!

Her favorite food: nectarines! What happens when the nectarine is gone.
Are these the cutest little toes you've ever seen?

Her new headband.

What happens immediately after the headband is put on.

And yes, my children are always naked. We live in AZ people!

Question Meme

2007-07-20T09:17:00.000-07:00

Rules
1. Tell me a random fact about you in the comments section of this post.
2. I will then ask you five questions
3. You propagate the meme when you post your answers in your own blog and invite others to tell you a random fact about themselves.

Here are Ingrid's questions for me:

1- You mentioned that you used to want to be a medical examiner. Tell me more about that; what appealed to you about it.

First of all, I LOVE biology. It was always my favorite class. The human body is amazing and I love to learn about it. When I was in high school I would actually sit down and READ Gray's Anatomy. I even got some college level anatomy coloring books that I loved to work with. I took AP Bio my senior year and that is the only class that I never ditched! Plus, I love mysteries and criminal justice. I've always been pulled to that type of book and show. Patricia Cornwell is my all time favorite author. I wanted to BE her.

Life got in the way and I couldn't go to college right from high school. When I started at age 20 I went into criminal justice. I didn't think I had the money or time to actually go to medical school. But, I did intern with the medical examiner for one summer. It was so fascinating. I am 6 credits shy of a degree in Crime Scene Investigation. I've thought about going back to it, but with the kids it doesn't make sense. It doesn't pay much and the hours suck.

2- You are a rocking babywearer. How did you get into babywearing and how many of your kids have you worn?

I actually got started babywearing when we were on the Babycenter board. Lisa B. showed a picture of a beautiful Sachi MT and I was hooked. Once I tried it I realized that is was SO helpful to have a sling. And you get a lot of attention when you wear a sling (and I sure love the spotlight)! They are so cute that I needed one to go with every outfit. Xander LOVED to be worn. I wore him until I was 7 months pregnant with Jocelyn. She on the other hand doesn't like it so much. She would prefer to be on the floor with the kids. But, she will tolerate it when we're out and about. I WISH I had known about babywearing a lot sooner. I would have loved to have worn the older two. Now it is my mission to make sure that every mom at least KNOWS about babywearing. If they choose to do it, good for them.

3- What is special to you about each one of your children?

Carissa- She is my first born. She'll always be special because she really made me wake up and become and adult. I was 19 when I had her. And immature. Once she came into my life I really straightened up. I am forever grateful to her for that. And she has such a fun spirit. A little frustrating at times, but she loves to have fun. She's very creative and of that, I'm jealous.

Robert- He is my quiet old soul. He is much wiser than his years. He is shy, but super smart. He can drive me crazy because he treats me as an equal (since he thinks he's an adult), but I love to see him soak up new things. He has a memory like a safe. I swear he remembers things that happened years ago!

Xander- My truly free spirit. I just love his zest for life. He is constantly on the go (and usually naked). And he is truly a momma's boy. He gravitates to me like none of the other children do. And he is SO loving. He always wants hugs and kisses. He has a smart mouth on him though (I don't appreciate being told to "shut your piehole"). He picks up on things in movies really quickly! And he loves the Pirates movies. He loves Captain Jack just as much as I do!

Jocelyn- She's just now getting a stronger personality. I love the way she loves her Daddy. She is definitely a Daddy's girl. She will go straight for him the minute he walks into the room. And she has a silly streak too, always trying to get a laugh. I love how easy going she is. She just goes with the flow. She has been the easiest child by far (that may be because we're so worn down by now).

4- Tell me, how is it working for a judge?

That's an interesting question. I would say it depends on the judge. Previously I worked for a judge that had an ego problem. She was very demanding and overbearing. I liked the job, but she was difficult to work for.

My current judge is a dream. I wish she wouldn't retire. She doesn't micromanage, gives praise, backs up her staff and is super easy going.

The work isn't too bad, but I've only worked on the Juvenile bench. The Civil bench is a lot more demanding. Working at Juvenile has its disadvantages, though. We get all of the CPS cases. And they are heartbreaking. To see 1,000 new families get their children taken away every year is hard. Sometimes I wish I didn't know that people did these things to their children. It's so, so sad.

On a day to day basis I get the judge's files ready for court, manage her calendar, type correspondence, orders, rulings, coordinate with attorneys, bailiffs, court staff, handle calls from the public (these provide my entertainment for the day). I actually like the work a lot.

5- If you could take your dream vacation, where would you go?

A trip around the world? Seriously, there are so many placed I'd like to see.

When we retire we plan to take a 14 day cruise from FL to Barcelona. From there we will take a 7 day cruise through the Mediterranean. And then take the 15 day cruise back to the Dominican Republic. I cannot wait! Can you tell I love cruising?

Now, play along. Post a random fact about you in the comments section and I'll ask you 5 questions!

Hang on or let go?

2007-07-19T09:56:00.001-07:00

Ah, the struggles of parenthood. It's always hard to know when to let go a little more or when to hold them back. Of course we want them to learn from their mistakes, but we also want to PREVENT them from making mistakes. This is one of the hardest struggles for me as a parent.

I think back to when I was a child. I am the oldest and only girl. My parents were super strict with me. I wasn't allowed to do anything (makeup, date, shave legs, go anywhere without a parent) until I was almost 16! It was tough. But, I think I grew up to be a pretty decent person. Was this the reason? If I had been given more freedom would I have wasted it? Or taken it for granted? Would I have made worse mistakes? I do know that when I WAS given freedom (when I turned 18) that I did make poor choices. Had I been given that freedom when I still lived with my parents would I have made better choices? I don't know. I don't fault my parents for raising me the way they did. I am a little bitter than my younger brothers were raised in a completely different manner (given a license and car at age 16, and another one when they wrecked that one, whereas I had to wait until 18 to get my license). At the time I thought they sucked and that they were ruining my world. But, I'm happy with how I turned out and the adult that I've become (can't really say the same for my brothers), so I thank them.

But, now it is time to make some of these decisions for MY child. Do we go the opposite way and relax? Do we do the same thing and stay strict? Is there a middle ground? And where is it? What things to relax and what things to reign in? It's such a battle.

Here are a few of the issues that we face with our pre teen daughter: cell phones, computer access, staying home alone, makeup, dating, going places without adults, shaving legs, clothing and hair coloring/straightening. You get the point. All the things that are SO important to a middle school child. We have decided to pick our battles and draw the line on things that are really important and be a little lax on things that aren't such a big deal.

We draw the line on cell phones (not anytime soon), dating (she actually had a "boyfriend" last year and she broke it off bc she didn't like being a couple), going places without adults (not allowed at this point), hair coloring/straightening (not allowed, even the hair dresser told her it would be bad). We are pretty strict with the computer access, but she does have some. She has an e-mail account (that we check daily) and will not have myspace, facebook or IM for awhile. We're pretty strict about the home alone thing too. She used to be allowed to stay home alone for 2 hours after school every day. But, she abused that power, so it's been taken away. Occasionally, we let her stay home while we run to the store, but it doesn't happen often. Once she earns back the trust she'll be allowed a little more.

We give her pretty free reign in the clothing department (as long as it's not skimpy). She definitely has a different taste for clothes, but as long as she's covered we are fine with her expressing herself this way. Last year I broke down and let her start shaving her legs. I know that it bothered me tremendously when people would tease me because I wasn't allowed to shave my legs. I didn't want her to go through that. And it's really not a big deal to me. As long as she doesn't hurt herself.

Here's the big one: makeup. We finally decided to let her wear make up this year. And by make up I mean eye shadow and lip gloss and a little bit of mascara. I really wanted to hold out. I hate the way some of these girls cake the makeup on. It looks awful. But, one of my friends suggested going to the school to see how many girls DON'T wear make up. She reminded me what it felt like to be such an outsider when "everyone else was doing it". I remember and it wasn't fun. And is makeup really such a big deal? At least she's not doing drugs or having sex. I can live with some makeup. She kept pushing that she wanted eyeliner. I REALLY didn't want her to, but I knew it was the "cool" thing. So, I decided to put some on her and see if she liked it. I didn't do the best job (partially on purpose, partially bc it was hard to put on someone else) and she hated it. She agreed that she didn't need eyeliner! YAY! And she even talked to one of her friends and she agreed that she looks better without! Double YAY!

Let me tell you this is one of the best decisions I've made. She's happy, I'm happy (you can barely even tell she has makeup on). She thinks we're giving her "freedom" and that we're "cool".

And she hasn't even asked for a cell phone for three days!

Definitely know when to pick your battles!

Off again!

2007-07-15T12:04:00.000-07:00

Sorry I've been neglecting my blog again! We all had this week off to recoup before the kids start school. We went to the waterpark and school open houses and shopping for clothes and supplies. Plus we watched some movies and did some all around family stuff.

Here are my Saturday pics (a few days late):

Before
After

In her new birthday dress.
Daddy wanted to see what she's look like with dark eyebrows!

In other news, my good friend Megan at Sorta Crunchy has nominated me as a Rockin' Girl Blogger. I am honored! I don't think I give my blog enough time or attention to be deemed rockin'. Maybe it's because I have that awesome picture of my kids. Yes, I am a rocker. Yes, I did dress my four children (the youngest was just 3 months old at the time) as KISS for Halloween (my husband and I were the groupies). Yes, I've been to more rock concerts in the last 10 years than I can count. We just went to Chris Cornell a month ago! In that sense, I am rockin', so thank you Megan!

I believe I am supposed to nominate 5 people to also be deemed Rockin' Girl Bloggers. I nominate Elizabeth at The Whole Family. I have enjoyed getting to know her through her blog. I enjoy reading about her family and how similar they are to ours. Next, I choose CamiKaos
I stumbled upon her blog when we participated in a group writing project, and I've been hooked since. She has such humor in her writing. And she writes about the everyday things in her life and makes them funny and interesting. I love her style. I must also nominate Susan who I actually know "in real life". She is super rockin'. She is smart and funny and practices AP parenting. I just love her! Next, I nominate Nichole at Ornery Musings . She IS rockin'. She is a super wonderful teacher, mother and wife. And her husband plays music, so she must be rockin'!

Last, but not least, I nominate my good friend, Devon . She is damn funny. I WISH SHE WOULD BLOG MORE OFTEN (hint, hint)!

Thank you so much to Megan for nominating me. It validates my random incoherent musings!

Body for Life

2007-07-10T12:24:00.000-07:00

So, I'm into my third week of the Body For Life challenge. I have to say that I'm really loving it. The whole philosophy involved weight training and cardio on opposing days. Also, six small meals of protein and carb each day. And ten glasses of water. Plus, you get one day of no exercise and one cheat day food wise.

So far, I'm not finding it hard at all. I actually eat more than I used to, but much healthier. And a lot more protein. You would think it would be hard to drink 10 glasses of water a day, but it's not. I have two glasses with each meal. Getting me to 12! And usually I have at least one when I work out!

The workouts are easy. You alternate upper body and lower body weight training with 20 minutes of cardio. For my cardio on Tues, Thurs and Sat I either walk around the block (1 mile) while pushing the stroller and run the last stretch or ride my bike around the block with the bike trailer or do a Tae Bo video. I can already tell my stamina is increasing. In the past I couldn't ride my bike completely around the block (we have some big hills), but now I can! And I never used to run, even for a little bit, but now I can run about 2/10 of a mile.

For the weight training I have a bench and dumbbells at home. I had to start really light because I haven't ever lifted weights. I start with one set of 12 reps with the lightest weight, then one set of 10 reps with the next weight, 8 reps with the next weight and 6 reps at the highest weight. Then back to the second highest weight for one more set of 12. Then one quick 12 rep set of something else. I do this for each body part. Alternating lower and upper body days. I must say that I definitely feel stronger. My arms are definitely getting toned. And my legs hurt for DAYS after my first workout.

My goal is to lose about 15 pounds. Although I'd be happy with around 10 pounds if I gain more muscle. Ultimately, I just want to tone up. And feel better.

Here are my before pics:

Hopefully my after pics will look like these: Emily

Picture Saturday

2007-07-07T09:10:00.000-07:00

Hanging with Daddy

Sharing some watermelon

Cosleeping. They both start out facing the right way, but sometime during the night this is what happens.

Fourth of July

Waiting for the parade

Breaking into the stash (you can see his little stash by his feet)

Watching the parade

First Otter Pop

Playing in the pool

Going down the slide by herself, which she LOVED!

Watching Tata play in the band
Lovies
More Lovies
Jocelyn with Nana(MIL) and cousin Jessica
Jocelyn w/ the infamous FIL
Jocelyn with Great Grandma
More Lovies
And more
My kids and their cousins waiting for the fireworks

Watching the fireworks
Daddy and the squirmy babies

All pooped out!

Stupid Blogger won't let me put a title on this post!

In other news

2007-07-05T15:33:00.000-07:00

If you've read this post you know that it doesn't take much to amuse me.

But, I am so excited! I WON something! I won the solarveil ring sling from Elizabeth at The Whole Family! It will go to good use here in Arizona! I can't wait until our pool is completed so that I can try it out in there. Thank you so much Elizabeth!

In unrelated news, I am moving Picture Wednesday to Saturdays. (But, you must check back because I did get pics of Jocelyn and Xander cosleeping. They are adorable!) I just cannot upload my pics during the week. It's too time consuming and I can't do it from work. For some reason we don't have memory card readers on our computers. Geez!

Some other happenings with us:

Jocelyn is almost one! Her birthday is less than three weeks away. I am SO sad that my baby will soon be a toddler and that I won't have any more babies. Sad beyond belief. Maybe we should have had five children (or eight or ten). And my friend Stephanie is making Jocelyn's birthday dress. Isn't it to die for? I am in love! Stephanie has the BEST taste and extraordinary sewing skills. She makes all sorts of stuff. Contact her if you want anything.

Unfortunately, the party is going to be held off until our pool is completed. I'm hoping it will only be a two week delay. They were moving so quickly, but we've been at a stand still for three weeks because our tile is stuck in customs! I want to go pick another one, but Robert doesn't. He's hoping it will get here this week. They cannot do anything else until they install the tile. Ugh!

Carissa and I are going to The Melting Pot with her friend and her mother on Saturday. I LOVE The Melting Pot! And it'll be a fun Girl's Night Out!

Speaking of Girl's Night Out, we had another Mom's Game Night this last Saturday. I must say that I haven't laughed like that in awhile. We played Cranium, Catchphrase, and Scattergories. It is fun to see how different the games get as more alcohol is consumed. We were in tears. Such fun!

My kids go back to school on the 16th! Can you believe it! And Robert is going to be in a 1st/2nd combo class because he's such a smarty pants. They are putting the smarter Kindergartners in that class with the slower first graders from last year. Hopefully it will challenge him enough. He gets so bored. And he'll be going full day this year. Yay! It's so hard when they go for half of a day and you have to pick them up after three hours. Not really enough time to get anything done. I love year round school. They get a short summer, but they get three weeks off in both October and April. It's a lot of fun taking our vacations at those times when others are at home. A lot less tourists to deal with!

Lastly, I've gotten on Emily's bandwagon and started Body for Life. I'm in my second week and I really like it. I have a ton more energy and feel a lot better and stronger already! I am hoping to lose 10-15 pounds and firm up in general. The eating plan is really easy. Even when we eat out I don't find it too hard to stick with. And the weight training is definitely working. My legs were SO sore after the first workout. For cardio I walk around the block (1 mile) while pushing the stroller. After only the third time I was actually able to RUN part of it! I NEVER run. I cannot believe it! I really like the 12 week challenge part of it too. It gives me a definite deadline. Of course you still need to stick to it after 12 weeks. But, I like being given a time frame as to when I should expect results. I've done other diets, but haven't seen anything after four weeks and give up. This gives me a deadline to reach. Although, I am disappointed that I haven't lost a single pound yet. But, AF could have something to do with that. And if I feel better I don't really think the number should matter.

So, that's what's going on in my world! How about you?

FUNNY stuff!

2007-07-05T15:24:00.000-07:00

So, you may have noticed that I added Site Meter to my blog. Really just to see if people are actually reading at all or if my thoughts are just floating around in cyberspace. Either is really ok with me. A lot of times my verbal words are just floating around in the atmosphere because people get sick of hearing me talk!

One of the neat features of Site Meter is that it will tell you how people were referred to your site. Whether from a link on someone else's site (thanks friends who link to me) or from a Google search or other various places.

Some poor soul was referred to my site from a Google search for: Alektra Blue gone naked! (She's a porn star, in case you didn't know.) When I was tagged I had chosen Alektra's birthday as one of the ones I listed. How funny that now my blog shows up when people search for her.

Those poor, poor horny men that think they are going to be looking at a hottie end up at my mommy blog!

Entertaining to say the least! (For me, not them!)

Another solarveil

2007-07-01T13:35:00.000-07:00

So, since I didn't win Stephanie's solarveil ring sling contest, I've decided to enter Elizabeth's.

Elizabeth at The Whole Family is giving away a solarveil ring sling from AP Stitches.

It's funny how you meet people through blogs. I "met" Elizabeth through Stephanie from Adventures in Babywearing. Elizabeth and I have such similar styles and beliefs. I bet if we lived closer we'd be great friends. And we both have boys named Xander!

Tag!

2007-06-29T09:28:00.000-07:00

Mandy has tagged me!

ON THIS DAY - Go to Wikipedia and type in your birthday (only the month and day). Choose and write down 3 events, 2 births and 1 holiday. Then tag 5 friends.

1909 - Alice Huyler Ramsey, a 22-year-old housewife and mother from Hackensack, New Jersey, became the first woman to drive across the United States. With three female companions, none of whom could drive a car, for fifty-nine days she drove a Maxwell automobile the 3,800 miles from Manhattan, New York, to San Francisco, California.

Wouldn't that be fun? I'd love to throw three of my friends in the car and drive cross country! Oh the trouble we'd get in.

1934 - Donald Duck debuts in The Wise Little Hen.

Donald is my husband's favorite cartoon character!

1978 - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints opens the priesthood to "all worthy men", ending a 148-year-old policy excluding black men.

It's about freakin time! Although I don't think I've seen many black Mormon priests.

1983 - Alektra Blue, American porn star
I believe they got the date wrong. I was born in 1975!

1963 - Johnny Depp, American actor
We ARE soul mates!

1956 - Patricia Cornwell, American author
My absolute favorite author!

The only holiday
Roman Empire paganism - third day of the Vestalia in honor of the goddess Vesta

Our NEW family bed

2007-06-29T08:59:00.000-07:00

We have a NEW family bed. And let me tell you, I'm super excited. It means that mommy can finally get some sleep and daddy can finally get some alone time with mommy (wink, wink).

As most of you know, Xander has NEVER slept in his crib. Ever. He hated it. He coslept with us until his baby sister came along. It was just easier. We tried everything, but he just wanted us. That's ok, except mommy doesn't sleep very well when she's crowded. And Xander thinks that you sleep on a bed in the horizontal position. But, we dealt with it for 1 1/2 years.

When it was time for Jocelyn to come we convinced him that the bottom bunk in Robert's room would be a GREAT place to sleep. It took a lot of cajoling, but he finally tried it. It's gone ok. Some nights are better than others. Sometimes he comes in our room, sometimes it takes an hour to get him to stay in his room, other nights he goes right in and stays all night.

Jocelyn on the other hand HATED cosleeping as a baby. Even when she was breastfed. She did not want to be touched or held (must have gotten that from me) when she was sleeping. She was a WONDERFUL sleeper. We'd put her in the crib wide awake and she'd go right to sleep.

Then seperation anxiety hit. And she did a complete 180. Night and day difference. Unfortunately, mommy and daddy have gotten used to having their bed back. But, of course, we let her in. But, she's a squirmy little bug. And she likes to throw her butt around. Literally! She gets up on her knees (in her sleep) and throws her butt to the side. Over and over and over. All night long. It drives me crazy!

It was ok when daddy worked midnights. There was enough room in the bed that she could do her "butt flops" all night long. Now, daddy is on day shift and someone is always getting hit by that little butt. We've been taking turns sleeping with her in the queen size bed in her room. But, mommy and daddy miss each other.

So, we decided to put the two little stinkers together. By themselves! And let me tell you, they love it, we love it and four people are sleeping well! I want to take a picture of them all cuddled up together, but I'm afraid, very afraid, that I'll wake them. But, it's the cutest thing to see them all snuggled up together. And it works!

I know we'll have to break the habit someday (or else people will think we're REALLY strange for letting a sister and brother sleep together), but it works for now. When you have six people in the house you'll do anything to ensure a good nights sleep!

Three things I want my kids to...

2007-06-28T13:52:00.000-07:00

Jordan is sponsoring another Group Writing Project. These are a lot of fun! It's interesting seeing what a different take everyone has. This time we have to fill in the blank, Three things I want my kids to...

Three things I want my kids to experience before they move out of the house:

1. Cape Cod- I have such wonderful memories of spending summer in Cape Cod. Every single year we'd drive from NY to Cape Cod. My parents and brothers and aunt and uncle and cousins. We'd rent a big house right on the beach. We'd go swimming and biking and boating. Those are some of my favorite memories. I'd like my kids to experience that at least one time before they leave my nest.

2. NY- The place I grew up. Unfortunately I haven't been back in years. It takes a lot of money to fly six people across the country. While a lot of my family has relocated, we still have some relatives back in NY. And I'd like my kids to see the school I went to and the park that I played at.

3. Canada- I remember going to Canada all the time when we lived in NY. It was an adventure. Sometimes Niagara Falls, sometimes Toronto. I first saw Phantom of the Opera in Toronto, what an experience. I'd love for my children to see what Canada is like. To them it's just another place very far away. We now live on the other border.

Maybe one summer we'll head off for two to three weeks and catch them all. That would be a blast! We all love to travel. It's so much fun to see new places. And I'd love to see my kids in a new place that is "old" to me.

Great contest!

2007-06-27T15:17:00.001-07:00

As you saw from my past post, I am a sling whore! I need one for every outfit and occassion. I actually found a few more floating around after I posted!

Here is a great contest from Adventures in Babywearing for a solarveil ring sling. I have a solarveil MT that I love, but since I love ring slings, this would be great!

It's from KimzKreations. I may just have to buy one if I don't win one!

Picture Wednesday!

2007-06-27T11:20:00.000-07:00

The boys checking out the area.
Jocelyn's first s'mores.
J and her daddy.
Xander LIKES s'mores.

Hanging out by the fire.
I cannot believe I posted a pic w/ no makeup on a public blog!
Wearing a lizard.
J too. Although she wanted to eat it.
My boys!

Surfing
Hanging out w/ nature. He was in Heaven!

Starting a "Survivor" fire. She almost did it!
My cutie! I wish she wasn't in the shadows.

Eating rocks. Her favorite part of camping.
Hanging out in the tent.
Might this be a Christmas card?
Washing their bums.
Waterfall!

Sorry!

2007-06-27T11:18:00.001-07:00

I'm so sorry I've been gone for so long! My faithful readers have probably thought that I've disappeared from the face of the Earth! It actuality, we went camping for four days and then I had two days of training for work, then one sick baby and four kids home for the summer, so my ME time has been sparse. But, never fear, I will update today!

Babywearing Photo Tag

2007-06-15T13:22:00.000-07:00

This one is right up my alley! Whitney is hosting a Babywearing photo tag.

She wants us to share three things:

1) Your favorite babywearing photo (and if there’s a connected story)

2) How you got hooked on babywearing

3) Your favorite way to wear your babe.

I have so many babywearing photos I don't know where to begin.

There's my first Hotsling:

My first Mei Tai (a Doodlebug)

My very favorite Solstice Hotsling

Big sister wearing her baby brother.

My very first Kozy (and oh, how it is)!

That very same Kozy on our camping trip.

My green silk ring sling that my friend Shannon made for me.

Robert with his very own ring sling.

Daddy wearing the Ergo. (Don't worry it was just around the cul de sac.)

Big brother passing the babywearing over to his teeny tiny sister.

My awful attempt at wrapping.

My little bean in the MT (camping again).

The newest Hotsling.

My favorite would probably be the one of Xander peeking in on his three day old sister. It was so sweet. Xander LOVED to be worn. I wore him up until I was about 7 months pregnant. He didn't ride in a stroller or shopping cart until then. Some days I'll still hitch him up in the MT! Jocelyn isn't as fond of being worn. She will tolerate it, but for much shorter periods of time. She would much rather get down and dirty with her sister and brothers.

Some of my online friends got me hooked on babywearing. Lisa B was the first one to sport an awesome looking MT. I asked her about it and she referred me to The Babywearer. It was a landslide downhill from there! Babywearing is one of the things that I wish I had known with my older two. It makes life SO much easier. Of course the slings are cute and fun, but they are WONDERFUL! Xander was such a high needs baby, if I didn't have a sling I think I would have gone crazy. I was able to cook, clean, sleep, you name it. It was wonderful. Now with two little ones it is even better. One can ride in the stroller or cart and the other can be worn. I have shared the love with lots of my friends. At first they think I'm some kind of weird hippie type. Once they started using their slings, though, they realized how awesome they are.

My favorite carrier is the ring sling. It's just so versatile and easy to use. My kids like to be on my hip or in front of me. We like the tummy to tummy carry the best for little babes and the hip carry best for bigger one.

BTW- To date we own 3 ring slings, 3 Hotslings, 1 mynestlings sling, 1 Kozy, 1 Babyhawk, I solarveil Kolamo and 1 Ergo.

C'mon and post your babywearing photos ladies! I know that most of the ladies on my blogroll babywear. Share the love!

Women I admire

2007-06-14T14:26:00.001-07:00

Last night I got to thinking about some women that I truly admire. Not celebrities or even high profile people. Just ordinary every day women that inspire me to be a better person. Here are some of the ladies I came up with:

- The lady down the street with 12 children, ages 18-infant. I truly admire her. Her children are SO well behaved. They help out around the house and are courteous whenever we see them out and about. And she home schools all of them! I wish I had her wisdom and patience.

- The other lady down the street. Her husband is deaf. The have one biological child that has normal hearing. They have adopted a brother and sister from Ethiopia who are deaf. AND they are on their way to China to adopt a deaf little girl. What wonderful people to open their hearts and their home to these deserving children. They are so sweet too! Always waving hello on their afternoon family walks.

-My many friends that are military wives. Including: Kulia, Mandy, Niki, Grace, Cindi, Becky, Nikki and Jamie. You ladies are amazing! I don't know how you deal with your husbands being gone so often. And being in such a dangerous position. I truly admire your strength. I thank you and your families for all that you do for the rest of us.

-Women who go to school while raising children. I've tried and I just can't handle it. I admire those with the perseverance and the will to continue their hopes and dreams. Much like my friend Shannon. Not only is she going to school, she teaches and has a beautiful 2 year old!

- Women who work while raising children. Like Andrea, Corey, Ingrid and Corrina. I work part-time so I can claim partial credit. But, those that do it day in and day out while still maintaining a household are inspiring. Some days I think that I might go back to work full-time and just the thought causes panic attacks!

- Women who stay home to raise their children. Like Age, Devon, Emily, Helen, Julie, Keara, Mary Ann, Noah, Sara and Susan. Once again, I'm only home part-time. If I was home full time I do believe we'd only have two children. I don't know how SAHMs stay sane. I salute you!

-Single moms. I've been there done that. It's HARD! For those that do it, I salute you! You are wonderful to take on both the mother and father roles. You children will be that much stronger because of you.

-Women with special needs children. Like my remarkable friend Piper. I truly feel that you have been blessed. And that you have received these children because you CAN handle them. Others would turn and flee. Yet you all become the advocates for your children. You fight for them and struggle with them and cry with/for them and cheer for the smallest accomplishment. There is a special place in Heaven for you.

- Women who start their own businesses. I have considered it, but I don't think I have what it takes. I applaud women who break through the barriers and follow their hearts to start their own businesses. A few of my friends that I admire deeply are: Meghan, Ruthi, Jennifer, Yan.

- Teachers. Need I say more? Of course we've had our run ins with crappy teachers, but for the most part they are wonderful. Like Nichole and soon Amanda. During the school year they spend more awake hours with my children than I do. And if I can get annoyed at my four children after two hours, I can't even imagine what it's like for you! Thank you for shaping the future of our country. Thank you for caring enough!

- Women that know their faith and are strong in it. I have always been too lazy to completely understand Christianity. I was raised Christian, but haven't ever taken the time as an adult to truly understand. Some of my friends like Laura, Megan, Karen, Ruthi and Stephanie (who has yet to start a blog) give me such insight into their faith that it inspires me to take the time.

Summer Traditions

2007-06-14T10:17:00.000-07:00

As part of a writing project sponsored by Scribbit

Where do I begin? We live in Arizona, so summer starts around February 21st. Seriously! But, the kids get off of school around Memorial Day. That's when summer officially begins.

We usually take a car ride over to Disneyland the first week of June. But, we have come to realize that this can be a really hot and humid time of year in California, too. So, this year we have chosen to mix things up a bit. We're camping in June and going to Disney in October. Hopefully it won't be too hot camping this weekend.

The biggest tradition of our summer involves the Fourth of July. My husband is from "Smalltown America" about 20 minutes from where we currently live. The have wonderful Fourth of July festivities that we have only missed once. (And I will NEVER do that again, we almost got divorced!)

The day starts out with a good ole parade. With horses and tractors and fire trucks and bands. It's really cool. The kids load up on the tons of candy that are thrown throughout the parade. Sometimes they get other interesting things- like Flavor Ice, paper airplanes, pinwheels. We usually hang out under the shade tree with the whole extended family.

Next everyone heads over to the Lions Park. Here local law enforcement and fire departments square off in a high power water fight, using fire hoses! Each team must try to move a buoy up on a wire to the other side. It's a round robin competition. And a sure fire hit with all of the hot kids that like to get soaked.

After a good soaking we all head to Grandma's house. Grandma lives centrally in town so this is the natural meeting place. This is the one holiday that EVERYONE attends. Cousins, aunts and uncles, some weird people that I hope to God we're NOT related to. Everyone brings something to eat and we all eat and relax and hang out and catch up. For some this is the only time we see them all year. (Sometimes that's a blessing.)

When the sun begins to set we all head back over to the Lions Park. The town band (can you believe the TOWN actually has a band, similar to the school band?) plays all sorts of traditional American music. The kids get out there and dance. The old timers clap and sing along. We all get a little teary when they play The Star Spangled Banner.

Once night falls we head out to the football field. Some on blankets, some in chairs, some on tops of cars. And we watch the spectacular fireworks (know as poppers in our house). This small town puts on a really good show. One year there was a fire danger so they couldn't do fireworks. That was DEPRESSING! Luckily they rescheduled for August, so all was good. Last year a monsoon hit us right after the fireworks. It POURED. People were running into the ramada and running for their cars. That will be the year that everyone talks about.

It's nice to see that some traditions like this remain. Living in the city and seeing how the world changes so quickly it's nice to go back to our roots and enjoy some good old fashioned family fun.

Interesting Social Trends

2007-06-13T15:45:00.000-07:00

Here are a few things that I've seen recently on the news. They are very interesting to me. I guess I should have been an anthropologist because things like this really get me thinking.

Serial Monogamy
This concept is very interesting to me. It's been talked about more recently as people are living longer lives. It seems that back in "the day" people only lived until their 60's (if they were lucky). A marriage would last around 30 years. A good long time (if you ask me)! Now, people are living well into their 80's and 90's. It is not uncommon for people to be married for 30 years, then divorce and get married again for 20-30 years. It makes perfect sense. I've only been with my husband for 10 years and sometimes that seems like an eternity! Not that I'm trading him in anytime soon. We still enjoy each other's company and have things to talk about. I would say we are pretty equal partners in this relationship and family. But, I can totally see how people drift apart when their children grow up and move out. Leaving only the two of you day in and day out. I pray that this will never happen to us. It is interesting that people choose to get into another long term relationship. I think that if something were to happen to my husband or our marriage that I would NOT get into another long term relationship. It's a LOT of work. I'd probably just "play the field". At least I could mix things up and keep it interesting.

Another interesting item deals with Starter Wives
The whole concept that a man marries a woman early on in his adulthood and career. She sees him through the good times, the bad times, possibly college. Usually they have some children that she helps raise. Then he has a "midlife crisis" and decides to trade her in for a younger model. A lot of times he leaves her high and dry and lives like a teenager again. I can totally see where these women want revenge! A lot of times they help put these men through school and help them start their careers. A lot of times they are there during the really bad times and the scary and risky times of starting a business and career. Then, right when the men feel their most confident and have reached their full potential they drop these women like a hot coal. They find a skinnier, prettier, younger model, who will put up with their arrogance and crap. My husband knows darn well that this will NOT be happening in our house. He likes to joke that when I turn 40 he's turning me in for two 20's. HA HA! I tell him that he won't have enough money to support his two 20's so he might as well not even bother. Of course, I really don't think he would. He's the more sentimental and sensitive of the two of us.

Picture Wednesday

2007-06-13T10:57:00.000-07:00

The boys got along for more than 5 minutes!
The view from the hotel that my husband whisked me off to for my birthday.
Our self portrait on my birthday.
Two kids crashed out on their sister's bed.
Paper tastes good!
Do you know how long I've waited for this day! Piggies!
The girls playing Cranium at my surprise birthday party!
Someone found the good stuff!

Look at the progress of two weeks!
When alcohol and ladies mix!
Girl's Night Out!
Next time we need more people!

It seems that all I ever have time for is pictures! I guess it's because life is hectic in the summer with four kids home from school. And a husband who works graveyards. I promise to post more this week because I'm actually working three whole days! I hope I make it!

Picture Wednesday

2007-06-07T07:12:00.001-07:00

Alright, for some reason Blogger doesn't like my pics. I've been trying for two days to post and this is the only one that shows up!

Risk

2007-06-06T07:56:00.001-07:00

Oh, to be a child again and not fear all the risks of life!

I have been seriously contemplating my career path for the next few years, as you're already aware. While I'd love to become a midwife or open my own business, I know that I am not a risk taker and won't do it. I am too sensible and too conservative to risk all that money and time. How I wish that I was a single 20 something again. I would have my whole life ahead of me and I could make better choices with the knowledge I have now!

Not that I regret the path my life has taken. But, sometimes I am sad that I didn't take the opportunities that were presented to me at the time. I didn't realize that I wouldn't get those opportunities again. That sucks!

But, I have applied for a federal paralegal job that pays TONS more than I make now. With GREAT benefits and the ability to retire at age 52! The only downside- it's full time. I don't think I'm ready to go back to work full-time yet, so I'm sure they'll offer it to me!

We shall see.

And, faithful readers, don't worry I'll still post pics today!

Mom's Night Out!

2007-06-01T10:19:00.000-07:00

Yay! The night has finally come! Tonight is Mom's Night Out. It's not really "out" for me because I'm hosting it. But, that's even better because I can get my drink on and don't have to worry about getting home.

See all of my recent posts have been of the "fairytales" theme. Well, now it's time for the "margaritas"!

I definitely cherish my Mom's Night Outs. They just don't happen often enough. Our last one was in December! And what a time we had! We stayed out until all hours of the night (meaning 11:00) and closed the bar down. Ok, it was a restaurant with a bar. But, we made lots of friends and sang loud songs and did some questionable shots. We even had some 50 year old men buy us a round! Good times!

I think it's really important for Mom's to continue to be women even after they have children. Yes, my children are 98% of my life, but I still need to be ME sometimes. And ME is a wild and crazy girl who likes fruity drinks and likes to dance and laugh and play games. Yes, games. My favorite being Cranium. Quite possibly the best game ever!

My friend Corrina (pronounced Kor- IN- a) teases me about this. Every time I have people over I have the Cranium box out and ready. I vow that, "This time you guys are definitely playing." But, we have yet to play. Usually we get yapping and laughing and drinking and time gets away from us. They have no idea the fun they are missing!

So, I vow, TONIGHT IS THE NIGHT! Prepare yourself ladies, because Cranium is in the house!

Dear Children

2007-05-31T10:41:00.000-07:00

Dear Children,

As you get older and wiser you will begin to think that I have gotten older and dumber. This is not the case. Please understand this now. It will save us both a lot of time and anguish.

I was once your age. (Yes it was in the "olden days".) I thought MY parents didn't know anything. I thought I was smarter than them. I thought I knew all the tricks. My friends even shared some things that worked with their parents. I've tried them ALL. And the ones that I didn't try, your father did. Sure we got away with some things, but believe me, my parents knew I was up to something.

So, here is a list of excuses that don't work:
General excuses
1. All my friends are doing it. (We've already had the bridge talk, you know the one.)
2. I need ______ to be cool. (Already done this too. You're cool in my book and that's all that matters. Someday you'll understand.)
3. It's not fair. (Life isn't fair. I'm teaching you this lesson early so you're not disappointed as an adult.)
Curfew related excuses
4. The payphone ate my quarter. (I've used every variation of this excuse. And, yes, we had pay phones in the olden days. This excuse works even less these days when everyone- except you, I know- has a cell phone.)
5. I fell asleep watching the movie. (Been there done that. No teenager falls asleep, much less watches a movie. Most of the time laughing and gossipping are going on during the movie.)
6. The car broke down/had a flat tire/ran out of gas. (Nope, not believing it.)
7. My watch died. (Definitely not. There are clocks everywhere, not only on your wrist.)
8. I forgot about daylight savings time. (No such thing here in AZ! Ha at least I got to try it when I lived in NY.)
9. I got sick. (Then you should have been home even earlier!)
10. I got lost. (Too bad we now live in the information age and directions are a phone call, button click or computer screen away.)

I'm sure you'll think of new ones. And I'm sure I'll blow all your devious plans to hell when I figure them out.
Just know that I love you and that's why I'm the mean mom. One day you will understand. I promise. Until then, take my word for it. It's NOT worth it.

Love, Mom

This was part of a group writing project called "Dear Children" hosted by Jordan at http://www.mamablogga.com/

Picture Wednesday

2007-05-23T14:25:00.001-07:00

We've had a busy week!

The boys got new jammies!

Carissa played in the last band concert of the year.

Jocelyn had the chicken pox!

Carissa got her Girl Scout awards. She earned the Bronze Award this year. Tomorrow she will be bridging to Cadettes.

Jocelyn learned a cute new face.

And she learned that self feeding is FUN!

She's Come Undone by Wally Lamb

2007-05-22T12:48:00.001-07:00

I just finished reading this book for book club. I really liked it. I'm not much of a literary aficionado, give me a mystery or love story anyday. But, I understood a lot of the symbolism in this book. Usually I just read because I enjoy the story.

I'll never forget English 102. My teacher was about 80 years old. She loved to have us study poems to find "the real meaning". I never understood why the author didn't just right what he meant. This particular teacher thought that ALL poems were about sex. Every single one we read would lead back to sex. It was very weird. The class would have all of these other theories, but she would always tell us we were wrong. Who was she to say? Did she know the author? What if he was just admiring the flowers and wasn't thinking of taking someone's virginity?

Anyway, in case you haven't read the book, it's about Dolores. The book starts when she is a young girl. A series of events happen (her mother has a miscarriage, her parents divorce, her mom enters a mental hospital, she moves in with her grandmother) to cause her to self-destruct through eating. The story follows her through her trials and tribulations. It's almost a self-help book in that I saw a lot of myself in Dolores. Sometimes you want to wring her neck and other times you want to cry with her. The most interesting aspect is that the book is written by a MAN!

Any suggestions for my next book?

Question Meme

2007-05-19T07:20:00.000-07:00

If tomorrow you woke up with amnesia:

What do you think you’d do firstly?
Probably scream. And cry. I'm not sure what else I could do. Maybe find someone and see if they knew me.
Would you trust the first person who tells you, about you (like a family member)?
I think I would have to. It would be the only information that I had. And I'm a pretty trusting person to begin with.
You found out about a bad past.. would you still want to know who you really are?
Hmmm, maybe not. Depending how bad it was I'd probably just want to start over. I had a really shitty time in high school and moved after I graduation, I pretty much rewrote my life. Nothing is the same now as it was before (except my family). I guess I take opportunities like this to turn over a new leaf.
You fell in love with a foreigner from another country. would you take off with him/her and move on with your new life?
If I was truly in love, probably. Although, if I had any inkling that I had had children before the amnesia I probably wouldn't leave until I found out for sure.
Your memory’s back! would you go back to old habits, or start your life afresh?
Depdends what my committments were. If I had a husband and children then I would go back to them. If I was just a single person and had started this great new lift then I'd continue on that path.

If you are so inclined, answer these same questions in the comments or on your own blog.
Grey's Anatomy girls I EXPECT YOUR ANSWERS!

What do you want to be when you grow up?

2007-05-17T11:50:00.000-07:00

This question has been plaguing me for 30 years. I just don't know. I was taught that I could do anything, be anything. That leaves a lot of possibilities! The world is such a big, wonderful place that I'm not sure I can decide. I have so many interests and hobbies that anyone of them could develop into a career. It seems like every time I "plan" to take a career path something life changing happens and I go down a different road.

My original plan was to become a Medical Examiner. I was going to go to medical school and major in forensic pathology. Except that I started goofing off my senior year of high school and my parents informed me that I needed to move out and there were no funds for college.

Next, I thought I'd become a nurse. Preferably a pediatric nurse. I got as far as my nursing assistant certification and became pregnant. At this point I couldn't afford to go to school full time, I needed a job. So, I settled at a bank and later at an insurance agency.

Then, I thought I'd become a Crime Scene Investigator. In the same field as a Medical Examiner, but much less schooling. I really enjoyed the classes that I took and thought it was definitely the job for me. But, in one of those classes I met my future husband. We started dating and then moved in together. Three classes away from my degree he was offered a job with the Border Patrol and had to move to tiny, godforsaken Ajo. I had a choice: follow my career choice or follow my heart. I chose my heart.

If you've ever been to that tiny little border town you know that there is NOTHING there. Literally nothing. No name brand stores, no fast food, no hospital, NOTHING! It looked like I'd reached a dead end. I tried to take some online classes, but it was too difficult and wasn't leading anywhere. I was lucky enough to get a job with the government in criminal justice. It was in juvenile probation. I liked it, but then we transferred to Tucson.

When we got to Tucson I wanted to transfer within the government. So, I applied for and got a job as a Judicial Administrative Assistant. This is what I do currently. But, I am now in need of making another change. My judge will retire in three years and I don't know what I'll do with myself. I work part time right now, which I truly love. I'm sure I could find another job in the court, but it would probably be full time and I'm not sure this is the career I want.

Here are some ideas I've toyed around with:
midwife
open a bakery
open a spa
make wedding cakes from home
open a franchise, like Cold Stone Creamery
interior design
legal transcription

The possibilities are endless! Good thing I have some time to "get my ducks in a row".
I think I'll just teach my kids that they can only become doctors. Then they won't have the stress of trying to decide what to be!

Of course, I'm just kidding!

Picture Day!

2007-05-16T11:31:00.000-07:00

Every Wednesday will now be picture day. Just know that I am an AMATEUR! I am no good at all, and I don't own Photoshop.

Here are some recent pics (most were taken at Chuck E Cheese with playgroup):

Robert and his future wife, Emma, in their redneck truck. Very mad that mean Mommy wouldn't let him push Jocelyn down the slide.
All better! Peek A Boo!

One more milestone passed. Boo hoo!

I've been tagged- twice!

2007-05-14T11:41:00.000-07:00

My good friend Keara has tagged me. I now must share "7 Weird Things About You"
1. I love tattoos. I think they're sexy on guys- love a full sleeve and I love them on me too.
2. When I was younger I had an irrational fear of quicksand, I thought it was everywhere.
3. I bite my nails and cuticles. It's an awful habit that I cannot quit.
4. I am a huge bargain shopper. I clip coupons, check sales, search the Internet for discounts.
5. I would love to have a million children. If we had more money we would have had at least one more probably two.
6. I'm an office store junkie. I love to buy paper and pens and things like that. I get all happy if I get a cool looking notebook.
7. My original career path was to become a medical examiner. I even did an internship in the MEs office one summer.

Now, I must tag five others to complete this list (hopefully I won't duplicate any that have already been chosen). I choose: Susan, Helen, Nichole, Karen and Yan

Then, my wonderful friend Ingrid tagged me to list "10 things that make me feel warm and fuzzy inside".
1. Seeing my children play NICELY together.
2. Having one of the kids tell me they love me.
3. Having my husband tell me he loves me.
4. Finding love notes from my husband.
5. Newborn babies
6. Watching my children sleep
7. Laughing with friends.
8. Feeding people
9. Getting my groove on
10. Getting something unexpected from a friend in the mail

And I tag Kulia, Sara, Colleen, Noah and Andrea (yes, Andrea you will have to post on your blog!).

Identity Theft

2007-05-12T08:13:00.000-07:00

So, last night I received a call from American Express verifiying that I had applied for a card. They were concerned that I listed a Tampa, FL address that does not match my credit report. I inform them that I don't live in Tampa and that I never applied for a card. They inform me that some jackass must have stolen my identity. GREAT! We go through the whole process and they cancel the application and report it as identity theft. They give me all the info to put an alert on my social security number and my credit report- although I'm not sure I'll do that, a friend did and said it was nearly impossible for her to legitimately apply for credit.

But, it got me thinking- if you want to be me, then you can't just take the good stuff, the money, you need to take it all. So, Mrs. Identity Theft (I'm assuming it's a woman because a man would have a hard time using my card) are you ready to step into my shoes? It would mean that you have to deal with a preteen daughter who, on a good day, considers you a witch, with a capital B. And a two year old who thinks mom's bed is a great place to be at 2 am and that a back massage given by feet and knees is a treat. Or the nine month old that decides 4am is a good time to wake up. Or, how about the house, dinner, the dog, all the bills. Yes, if you've got control of the money you better pay the bills too. And what about those crazy hormones. After four kids, everything is not right. Those mood swings are a bitch, are you sure you're ready for it.

Most importantly, if you want my name, then you've got to deal with what comes with it. That's right, the in laws. If I have to put up with them to have that name, then you sure as hell have to too. So, get ready for the crude jokes and the controlling phone calls. Expect those children to pick up so awful habits and expect to be the "family bitch" if you say anything about it. YOU deal with that stupid sister in law that considers herself a mother even though she's never cared for either of her girls. YOU deal with the weird brother in law that doesn't announce his marriage or divorce or child. Not to mention all the other crazies. Are you sure you've thought this out? Are you SURE you want to be me? Actually I think it's a fair trade. Sometimes I've wondered how much money it would take to make them go away.

So, if you're sure you want it, you've got it. I'll even mail you the card.

Closet Cusser

2007-05-11T09:00:00.000-07:00

Yup, that's what I am. I don't know what my deal is. I grew up in a VERY conservative house. My parents never cussed around me. I still remember the first time my dad said "shit" around me. He actually apologized afterward, I was 11! I was always taught that people cussed because they were too stupid to find other words. I think that's where my problem started. It was such a taboo that I had to make a big deal out of it. So, I slowly started cussing around my friends at school, because that was cool! When I moved out on my own I could cuss wherever and whenever I wanted. So I did. Even some of my guy friends were amazed by my potty mouth. But, whenever I visited my parents I always stopped cussing. What the hell? I was a grown adult! But, I guess it's the whole pleasing the parents thing. Anyway, now I have children. So, I rarely cuss at home. My husband doesn't see anything wrong with cussing at home as long as the kids learn that those are "daddy's bad words" and you have to be "old" to use them. I think I've just gotten back into my old self, where I would filter it around my parents. But, I admit that when I'm at work I cuss my little head off. I just messed up a ruling that I was typing and let a big FUCK right out of my mouth! Thank God my boss wasn't here, because I kindof feel like she's my parent and I don't want to let her down. What is my deal? Can't I just come up with some other word to use? I do at home. Very weird.

So, if you ever see me around my parents or kids expect me to say, " Gosh darn son of a gun."
But, if it's Girls Night Out expect something more along the lines, " Goddamn son of a bitch!"