Friday, November 02, 2007

Because I'm Worth It, dammit!

You know how I dissapeared for a while? I was busy making passionate love to my new camera. Pedro suprised me with it because he appreciates all I do staying at home (or he wanted a "favor"). It is fantastic! I good camera really does make a difference. I am doing nothing different than I did before, but my pictures? They rock.

(Like how I am tooting my own horn? At least that's all I am tooting.)

Without further ado...
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Oh my God, those side by sides just made me realize how alike my kids look! The teeth, the eyes, the hair. Why didn't I realize this before?

Thursday, November 01, 2007

Not off with a BANG, but a toot!

Why am I doing this to myself?

Have you ever taken a Yoga class? Were the "normals" discussed? You know, like passing gas? It is actually super common because of all the "stirring up" your body in ways you don't normally do on a day to day basis. I've been teaching now for 3 years and just about every class someone lets one rip.

Sometimes the person is open and honest and will say something like,"Whoops! Shouldn't have eaten that chili before class!" We all giggle then just let it go (oh the puns). Other times someone will let one fly and pretend nothing happened. In those cases we all pretend like nothing happened.

Well. This week, after 3 years, It. Was. Me. I should be comfortable with this, right? WRONG! I was up in front of class demonstrating the tree and , "pop!" Oh Sweet Lord! I even did the obligatory little cough after. You know, that tiny little bit of hope that my whole class would think it was a little cough? Riiight. I pretended nothing happened. Lame right? I should have at least had a cute, breezy little comment to make light. But I was too damn embarrassed.

What a way to start NaBloPoMo! Humiliation. Good God I hope I don't have any ex-boyfriends reading my blog because Wow! That would be embarrassing.

Oh who am I kidding? I probably farted in front of each one because I am totally hot that way!

Pffft.

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Halloweener!

Well hi there! Remember me? I've been busy. Busy eating my sons hard earned halloween candy. Mmmmm, I love me some twix bars, but Heath? Why didn't anyone hand out Heath bars.

You want to see pictures of my little gobblins, don't you?

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Harper was a Ladybug with a blue sucker!

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Mason was a Chicken. I very cute chicken.

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But there was this weird lady we saw...

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who was a scarecrow per her sons request.

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The things we do for love!

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Girl Interrupted

...so much on my plate right now. I need some time to sort through it all. I'll be back November 1st. Who knows, maybe it'll make for some fantastic NaBloPoMo material? Are you in by the way?

Friday, October 19, 2007

Ongoing Battle

My little quad of a family is doing fine, except for the constant cycle of colds that we've been passing around for the past 3 weeks. It's been impossible for any of us to get a decent nights sleep.

That's all pretty petty though.

I know I've mentioned before about my families struggle with addiction and substance abuse. It's back. It's exhausting and hurtful and a relief all at the same time. A relief because now that things have come to a head, hopefully healing can start.

Hopefully.

It's easy to get caught up in the negative, but I am not going to. Instead I want to tell you a little story about a Friday night a few weeks ago...

In Wisconsin, we have what is called "Friday Fish Fry". Other states have fish and chips but none of the ones I've had have ever compared. When Pedro and I lived in Florida, I am pretty sure that not a Friday went by without us reminiscing and drooling over our beloved Wisconsin Fish Fry.

A couple weeks ago, we all went out for a Fish Fry. It was disastrous! Our waitress was the worst ever. She reminded me of Napoleon Dynamite, the awkwardness of it all. We gave her our order she wrote it down without ever looking up and then just walked away without saying a word. No "Thank you" or "I'll get your order right in." Nothing.

Our kids added to the "fun". Once our food came we began putting food on
Harper's little place mat. She ate a very few bites and then directed all her efforts to ripping off her place mat. She pulled and pulled until finally the suction cups gave and little bits of food went flying and landed on the table behind her. No, I am not joking. The table let out a little "what the hell?" then went on trying to have a nice dinner out. Ha! Good luck with that when we're here!

During all this drama Mason was singing, "put the lime in the coconut and stir it all up, put the lime in the coconut a mix it all together." Each time he sang it was getting louder and louder. Nice. It was by far our most chaotic dinner ever.

Without even finishing our meal, Pedro and I decided we needed to get the hell out of there. We started packing up all our stuff and also apologizing to the tables surrounding us.
Everyone just smiled and said it was fine. It wasn't though. It was like The Gong Show except the gong never rang to end the skit.
One guy actually said, "Thank You. I had a really tough week and you made my night. It was funny."

That man is my new hero.

Have a good weekend everyone!

Monday, October 15, 2007

Who's Weird? Not Me!

Ms. Mamma tagged me for this one claiming I've got "isms". She knows me well and she was spot on. I am full of quirks. Here goes...


1. What kind of SOAP is in your bathtub right now? Lush Karma, a yummy smelling handmade soap my mom got for me and 3 different shower gels.

2. Do you have any watermelon in your refrigerator? No, no melons whatsoever.

3. What would you change about your living room? NEW CARPET!! It is the only room that has carpet and it is nasty. Embarrassingly nasty.

4. Are the dishes in your dishwasher clean or dirty? Clean and hot. I just ran it after lunch.

5. What is in your fridge? Homemade Minestroni soup, provalone cheese, organic 2% milk for the boys, skim for me, go-gurt (have you tried it? It is awesome! Healthy, not so much but better than a lot of junk.) Turkey, salsa, butter, butter spray, 4 salad dressings and more...

6. White or wheat bread? Whole wheat.

7. What is on top of your refrigerator? Dust. Place mats I almost never use, a basket full of tea bags, a loaf of crusty french bread for the soup I made.

8. What color or design is on your shower curtain? It is a Martha Stewart one with multi-colored stripes.

9. How many plants are in your home? 2

10. Is your bed made right now? No. I wish I could say yes because my room looks so nice when it is, but I can't.

11. Comet or Soft Scrub? Comet. I need the harsh stuff to feel like things are clean. Oooo, except for the Magic Erasure. I love that.

12. Is your closet organized? Ha! It's a big hot mess.

13. Can you describe your flashlight? Does this have multiple meanings or am I just a 13 year old perverted boy? We don't own a flashlight, do we Pedro?

14. Do you drink out of glass or plastic most of the time at home? Always glass, Always. It is one of my things. Unless it is my big water jug that I would never put anything other than water in...

15. Do you have iced tea made in a pitcher right now? No, I do hot tea this time of year with local honey.

16. If you have a garage, is it cluttered? Yes. We just cleaned it out a few weeks ago so it is not as bad as it was.

17. Curtains or blinds? Curtains and shades but no blinds.

18. How many pillows do you sleep with? 2.

19. Do you sleep with any lights on at night? No way.

20. How often do you vacuum? Almost everyday. Never less than every other day.

21. Standard toothbrush or electric? Standard.

22. What color is your toothbrush? Lime green.

23. Do you have a welcome mat on your front porch? Yes, but it doesn't say "Welcome".

24. What is in your oven right now? Nada.

25. Is there anything under your bed? Nothing on purpose but I am sure there are various matchbox cars and mini socks.

26. Chore you hate doing the most? Putting away clean dishes and clothes. Especially silverware.

27. What retro items are in your home? My big red pantry in my kitchen bought at an auction.

28. Do you have a separate room that you use as an office? No.

29. How many mirrors are in your home? 6. Is that bad? I swear we are not incredibly vain people. We just use them as wall decorations in every bedroom.

30. Do you have any hidden emergency money around your home? Hell to the NO!

31. What color are your walls? In different rooms, Terracotta- living room, Buckskin- kitchen, olive green-dining room, cafe mocha-my bedroom,Stone brown-bathroom, Banana cream-Harper's room, Corn Husk green- Mason's room. I like color I guess.

32. Do you keep any kind of protection weapons in your home? I've got a Knife block. I got Nothin'.

33. What does your home smell like right now? Pumpkin Spice with a little dirty diaper in the background.

34. Favorite candle scent? Pumpkin Spice.

35. What kind of pickles (if any) are in your refrigerator right now? Homemade from my Dad.

36. What color is your favorite Bible? Good Lord. I plead the 5th.

37. Ever been on your roof? Not at this house.

38. Do you own a stereo? Yes. But I dream of the day I have a house that has one built in. I love those.

39. How many TVs do you have? Two.

40. How many house phones? 3 handsets one retro wall phone.

41. Do you have a housekeeper? You're lookin at her.

42. What style do you decorate in? I would love it if you told me it looked Pottery Barn-esque.

43. Do you like solid colors in furniture or prints? Solids. We finally got smart and splurged on leather and wow, is it easier to keep clean!

44. Is there a smoke detector in your home? Yeah, two.

45. In case of fire, what are the items in your house which you’d grab if you only could make one quick trip? Just my kids and my husband if he wasn't being a crab that day...Love you Pedro. Otto(the dog) would be right underfoot like he always is!

I am going to tag That Chick, Rachel, Ashley and Lizarita. Anyone else? Just let me know so I know I am not the only crazy chick out there!

Thursday, October 11, 2007

Big Bad Mama Bear

Monday I taught Yoga. I came home and Pedro said, "Jake bit Mason."

"What? Hard? Did he cry? What did you do? Did you bring him in the house?"

"Yes, yes, I brought him in the house."

"Mason, come here. Can I see your arm?"

After seeing his arm, I had to use all restraint I had not to march over and make sure that little boy knew that biting is never acceptable. I was fuming!

I am not sure why this is bothering me so much. I don't think I am totally unrealistic. I mean, kids slap, hit, push ( mine included), and I am well aware that many, many kids bite. I can't figure out why this has me so bothered? I am sure it doesn't help that we are at day 3 post-bite and there is still a perfect bruise of a 3 year-olds dental records on my sons arm. Gah! I can't get over it, Why?

Monday, October 08, 2007

Let her eat CAKE!

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It's my birthday!

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All these cupcakes, for me?

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Other kids get a entire cake to devour. I get a tiny little cupcake. My mom says something about too much sugar? Lame.

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At least it was Red Velvet! Mmmmmmm...

Thursday, October 04, 2007

Sparkles!

Last week a few of my girlfriends and I decided it was time for us to get out. Two of the 3 of us are still nursing so we couldn't be gone all that long or drink all that much! We went to a fancy, over-priced restaurant that has fantastic happy hour specials.

My neighbor friend walked over to my house so we could ride together. She walked in and Oh. My. God. We were dressed pretty much the same. SEQUINS! It was a little embarrassing but had no impact on our couple hours of girl time. We had the best time. My other friend drove from another city (Hi Jill!) and met us there. She was less flashy, sans sequins. We joked about the fact that my neighbor and I were dressed alike. Her reply was fantastic!

"That's what happens when you are a stay at home Mom and you get out...you wear sequins!"

Unfortunately I don't have a picture of the three of us, just my neighbor and I.

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Since Jill met us there I had already had two sips of wine by the time she got there and my brain had stopped functioning and I didn't take a single picture. Total lite-weight, make that feather-weight. We were home by 8pm and back to our kiddos. It was a perfect night out.


As much as I love being with my kids, being out with the girls was so great and reassured me that I still am more than a stay at home mom. I am multi-faceted just like the L'Oreal commercial.

Tuesday, October 02, 2007

A Day Late and a Dollar Short!

First things first. Do you know what today is? No?

The Great Mofo Delurk 2007

That's right, today is the day to pop out and just say Hi! Come on. Every one's doing it. Just one little hit. Hear that Britney? I said a little hit.

Have I told you lately how excited I am that super low jeans are becoming a thing of the past? Good Lord I am ecstatic! For a while I felt like I had to make the painstaking decision between Mom Jeans and the trashy plumber-crack ones. I will never be caught dead in the first, so butt-crack exposure it was. Talk about being self-conscious. I just don't think that my crack is pretty enough to put on display, is that so wrong? So for the past few years, I haven't been able to find any in-between and now they're here. Who-Rah! In the past week I've bought two new pairs and I feel confident enough to bend over in a crowded room. Now that's a good thing!

Edited:
I am not usually one for false promises, I swear, it is one thing I pride myself on. Our computer was totally constipated yesterday. So constipated in fact that my uber techie husband was going to wipe out everything and start from scratch. It just wouldn't budge! This morning I went upstairs and looked at all the blinking lights on the motem and saw that the internet light looked a little shakey. I unplugged everything and replugged and look at me! I am totally blogging without constipation. So now I am a little sad that I missed out on the great MOFO delurk. If you'd still like to say Hi, I 'd love to hear from you! Otherwise, I'll wait until next time...wwwwahhhhhhh!

Friday, September 28, 2007

Back with a Vengence!

Sit back, take your shoes off. Hell! Go make yourself a margarita!

This could take a while.

Button's new resident is moving in today and we could very well be slapped with a lawsuit from Captain Dickwad. First, we got phone call informing us that we should write him a check for around 4 thousand dollars, just cuz. Right. Let me get right on that. We didn't and he had his lawyer write us a somewhat threatening letter telling us to pay an absurd amount within 5 days. I don't know about you guys, but do people usually have 4 grand in between the couch cushions? What a dumb ass. The totally hard up realtor went and tried to find any way possible that he could get some money out of us since we fired his sleazy ass. I guess there is some clause stating that if a seller refuses a full asking price offer, commission is to still be payed. We were actually offered full price with the contingency of replacing the furnace ( a 2 thousand dollar contingency BTW) so we aren't too worried. Asshole.

Button's new resident is a girl I know. She is actually a single mom with a three year old son. She is super excited to be moving in. The day she started moving in, we were hanging out chatting when my other friend and neighbor walked a fresh baked apple pie over to my house. It smelled fantastic and was and still hot when I got home. Who knew you could be both a fantastic photographer and pie maker. Not to mention a Weight Watcher sabotager, hmph. Anyway, we sliced a piece and devoured it. I decided I should take a slice over to the new button owner. I got it all ready and told the kids I'd be back in one minute since she's right next door. I headed out the door, dropped off the piece of pie and Mason was directly behind me. We headed right back to get Harper who I could hear screaming at the door. I reached for the door and Oh, Shit. LOCKED! She must have been reaching for the door handle and spun the lock just enough to lock it. I ran around to the other 3 doors of our house, all locked. I started to freak out. Before I could think of anything else, I went into the garage, grabbed a screw driver and sliced the hell out of my bedroom screen. Mason was willing to be my little helper and crawled right in and unlocked the door within 10 seconds. Thank God for my little helper and my safe little girl.

I feel like after my writing slump, I all of a sudden have so much to talk about! Oh, and tomorrow, make sure to stop by. That's all I'm sayin...

Friday, September 21, 2007

9-21-07...

One year ago today, I woke up scared to death. Scared of giving birth. Scared to meet the little person I was growing inside of me. Scared of our nice little family changing. At 2:36 your warm gooey body was draped across my chest and I knew everything was going to be just fine.

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We brought you home after only 24 hours and you were healthy and perfect in every way. At least your dad and I thought you were. Mason? He wasn't so sure. He loved to hold you and kiss you but he took a while to learn how share his time with you. It is unbelievable how things have changed.

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You are so in love with your brother it makes my heart ache. You try to do everything just like him, even trying to mimic his occasional temper tantrums, squealing and then checking to see if we are all laughing with you. But more than anything else, I love how the two of you hold hands in the car. It is so sweet to look back at the two of you and see each of your arms reached across the middle seat hand in hand. It is truly amazing.

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You are a very active little girl, walking all over. You started a little over 10 months and never turned back. You say a few words like Mama, bye bye, uh-oh, guh-boy (good boy). You are a great impersonator; If I blink hard you blink hard. If I blow a raspberry, so do you. Speaking of raspberries, you hardly eat anything. You prefer milky and that's OK with me; It is what I am here for.

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The relationship you have with your Dad is a special one. Watching the two of you, I can feel the love you have for each other and it makes me love both of you that much more. I love to tell people how you have him wrapped around your little finger. When he tries to tell you "no", you just cock your head to the side and smile at him. He cracks every. single. time.
Good Girl!

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I have to say though, you are still a mama's girl. For the majority of this past year you've not gone to anyone but your dad and me. At times it was frustrating but deep down we love it. We've learned that our babies are babies for such a short time and we need to soak up all the lovin' we can get. Your grandma was over last week and we talked about how shy you are. You are never short on smiles, but you are happiest in my arms.

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Now, looking back on the past year I can say that everything was better than fine, it was amazing. Of course there were times that were hectic but I wouldn't change any of it. You've blended right into our family and brought out the best in all of us. You make me feel like the most special person in the world.

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I love you baby girl!
Mama

Thursday, September 20, 2007

Is My Zipper Open?

I've been really crazy busy lately. Not in a bad way, it has been a good busy. But, I am so far behind in my favorite blogs you'll have to keep me posted if I am missing anything good and juicy m'kay?

Are you wondering what the hell is going on here and why all my posts are so half-assed?

Here's the scoop, bullet style.

* Harper walks, like a woman on a mission.

*Mason poops. In the toilet. Everyday.

*Mason gets a big boy bike for said poop and rides it. Without training wheels!

*My 3 year old rides a two wheel bike! Like a champ!

*Mason also gets 2 fish from Ahma and Grappa for going poop. The fish poop all the time. They are sort of gross.

*Remember Button? As of Oct 1st she isn't ours anymore! Who-Rah!

*Tomorrow my baby girl turns one! Someone hold me. Where did the past 365 days go?

Hopefully I can keep my head on straight for the next couple of weeks. Bare with me.

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Fashion Police


After a long debate on how I really feel about the trapeze style tops. I have deciped they are totally thumbs up. I can't think of a better way to conceal muffin top. Who-Rah!

Friday, September 14, 2007

Proud Mama.

Today we ate lunch at McDonald's. Every time we go (once every couple of weeks) we see the same lady. A deaf woman whos job is to wipe down all the tables and keep the floors tidy. We keep her very busy.

I have never heard a sound from this woman however she is always smiling sweetly. Today I talked to Mason about her. After she had come over to sweep underneath our table for the third time and I mouthed "thank you" to her. I explained to Mason that the woman couldn't hear - she was deaf and that she speaks sign language. Then we talked about the signs that he knows. "Thank you" being one of the few he remembers.

As we were leaving Mason pushed the high chair that Harper had used back to its spot. The woman was right there waiting to wipe it clean and took it from Mason. Again I said Thank you to the woman and Mason put is hand up to his chin and brought it out signing "Thank you" perfectly. The woman who never says a word immediately said,
"Aww, your welcome!" in her distinct hearing impaired voice. Mason walked away proudly and I held back tears. My heart nearly swelled from my chest. He had made her day and mine too. This sweet little boy is mine!

I couldn't be more proud.

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Milestones



This kid is awesome!

Friday, September 07, 2007

Vote for Pedro!

Did you really think his name was Pedro? Really? Nope, it's not, but I hear latin men are fantastic in bed! Roooaaarrr! Pedro however doesn't have an ounce of latin blood in him, not to say that he is not fantastic in bed. This is getting weird; What was I talking about again?

Right. The story of Pedro. I think it was my very first post ever and I kept going back to look at my new blog that I just knew I was going to love. I noticed that some guy had commented that he thought I was a milf! I was so excited that I called Pedro to tell him.

"OMG! Some guy signed my blog and he thinks I am a milf! OMG!"

And then there was laughing. A whole bunch of laughing. And just like that my bubble burst. Pedro was my husband, not some guy from the internet who and found me out and thought I was totally hot.

It just stuck. Pedro.

Now you all know that deep down I am just a big dork with a husband who calls himself Pedro.

Wednesday, September 05, 2007

Flip this house. Flip-off the realtor.

Do you remember waaaay back when I talked about us buying a house? A second house that we wanted to flip? Yes? No? OK I'll recap. We bought this house that was vacant for around five years. It was this tiny little house that happened to be next door to us and was offered to us at a crazy low price. Like the price of a new car. I am not even kidding. So we took on the project and worked our hiney's off. OK, fine. Pedro worked his hiney off, I was big and pregnant. I picked the paint colors and painted them. They are fantastic colors too...

Anyway. We listed the house as the real estate market plummeted right into the sewer. Two months ago we agreed to let our over-baring neighbor re-list it. He is a creepy dude. Pedros reasoning...If he is that ambitious, maybe he can sell it? The man is an asshole. He is thinking about his own bank statement, not ours. Yesterday he came over all huffy. I was driving in.

"I bet you are looking for Pedro?"

"Yes."

"He had to go to Chicago for the week."

"He told me he'd meet with me today!"

"Sorry. I think we are going to decline the offer."

"Just decline and let the buyer walk away? I think you are making a huge mistake."

"Sorry. We just worked on this house too long and too hard to not even brake even."

"Why then am I wasting my money marketing it if you aren't willing to budge."

"The house is paid for and we really need to look out for ourselves and not lose money." (since you obviously aren't concerned about our best interest ASSHOLE!)

"Well I need to eat too." (WTF. Did he really just say that? I am done.)

"I'll have Pedro call you...(dickface)"

"OK have a goodnight." (I think he realized he just made an ass of himself.)

"Yup." (Trying to not jump out of the car and kick him square in the nuts.)

So tell me. When did it become OK for the realtor you hire to treat you like garbage? Isn't he supposed to be concerned with my best interest?

So now we are taking it off the market and hoping to rent it for a year or two. Who wants to be my neighbor. I bake things like cupcakes and cookies and take them to my neighbors...Now? Alright, fine. At least take a look at it. Click on the picture for the entire set.

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She's cute isn't she? She is causing me all kinds of grief;I think I'm ready to name her. We may be together for a loong time. Betsy? Does she look like a Betsy to you?

Monday, September 03, 2007

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Wow!

Yesterday we had a doozy of a storm. One that ripped one of our trees in half and laid it clear across the street. Also one that ripped the power cords from our house and had them laying in our back yard, SWEET! One that also kept us without electricity for 18 hours. Wow, I am glad that's over.

Thursday and Friday I agreed to watch my friend's daughter while she has to go back to work to prepare for the school year. I think having two kids is hard and for the next two days I'll have three! Wee!

Does anyone know what happened to summer? How did it fly by so fast? I think this has been one of my favorite summers ever. Until next year...
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Monday, August 27, 2007

The weekend in photos- Now with more donger!

We had a fantastic weekend. Our friday night out was actually us celebrating our 6 year anniversary and our first time away from both kids in 11 months!I even got to wear a pretty dress!

We stayed out a whopping hour and a half, long enough for an appetizer, 2 mojitos and scallops with lobster risotto. The food was actually just OK but the time out was so nice.
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self portrait in restaurant

Saturday morning we woke up and drove up to my parents cottage.
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the always popular driving photos

It wasn't warm enough to swim and hangout in the lake, so we decided to take Mason and Harper to a Wildwood Zoo.
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Mason couldn't ask for a more exciting day.

But, by far the Zebra was most excited!
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Booya!

The End.

Friday, August 24, 2007

A-how you say- Date?

Tonight Pedro and I will be attempting our first night out since Harper came into our family. I am so looking forward to a fancy dinner without having to pick chunks of food off the floor or having little food crusted handprints all over my person. Cross you fingers and Harper doesn't flip out as we're walking out the door...I want to wear my pretty dress!

Pictures to follow.

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

I see you in me.

The past few weeks I've been down. I am not sure if I started evaluating my life or it just came and slapped my face, but the truth? It hurts. I've been thinking about the people in my life that are really there. Through thick and thin, when they don't want to be, when they've got better things to do, they still come through. For me, there are very few.

I think maybe I expect too much. I know that if I commit to something, I follow through every. single. time. Not everyone else is like that and I need to except that and stop letting myself get down. I think I take it personally. When people let me down I always play it out in my head as something else was more important. But really, that sucks. It sucks to feel not important enough.

My Dad is one of those people that is there, always. I know that if I really am in a pinch, he would move mountains to help me out. I was not raised to be all mushy gushy and expressive with my feelings so I never have been able to tell him how much I appreciate the qualities I've gotten from him.

We are both slow to warm-up and sometimes I think it's misinterpreted as coldness. However we'd do anything for people we love.

We are both stubborn.

We are both fun-loving.

We are committed and passionate about things we really believe in.

We walk exactly the same.

Someday I hope to be able to tell him how proud I am to have gotten these qualities from him. But for today, I sincere Thank You will have to do.

Monday, August 20, 2007

The Search for the Perfect Doll!

Wow! You guys have great taste. I have to say my faves were the natural nova dolls and the Waldorf dolls; the two were very similar. But, I am not going with either. I found one courtesy of a friend who read this and called me yesterday. She is soft all over, sweet and cute, blonde, simple with no frills and is reasonably priced at $25.00. The other ones I absolutely loved but I'd be nervous mommy might have a coronary if baby doll got a little dirty. So for now I am getting this one at a third of the cost of the others. Her name is Rosy Cheeks and I think she is as sweet as they come! Thanks Megan!

Introducing...Rosy Cheeks!

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

For Sale

When Harper farts it smells like cleaning supplies. Is this normal?

I decided today that Friday is the day. I am having a rummage sale. Pedro will have no part in it. My Dad hated them too when my Mom had them. Why is this? Why do men hate rummage sales. I think it is a great way to sell things that have served there time and then use the money to buy things needed now! For the last...oh, 4 years I've been holding onto Mason's tiny preemie things because I just couldn't let go of them; there were too many emotions attached to them. Now? I am ready. I have a perfectly healthy nearly 4 year old that will never fit into those tiny things, but I have him and that is way more important. The rest is just stuff. Stuff that will be sold on Friday.

I want to just keep a very few special things, that way if we have another baby we can use those very special things just one more time. I know I said we were done, but I am not sure anymore. People talk about "feeling complete" with their family. Is this a figure of speech or is there really a feeling of completeness? If there is an actual feeling, I don't have it yet, I don't think? Watch, 6 babies later and I am still waiting for the "feeling" only to find out it's just an expression. No need for a bunch of "I told you" comments about wanting more babies. I am starting to think you guys know me better than I know myself!

On a completely different note. Harper's birthday is coming up and I am thinking of getting her a doll. I just know that I want it to be special. I don't want a Cabbage Patch doll or any of those skanky girly dolls. What I do want is something soft all over and possibly a personalized one that looks like her? Are any of you familiar with a doll like this? Where might I find or order one. Because, soon, like Friday I'm gonna have a pocket full of bling!

Thursday, August 09, 2007

Double your pleasure, double the fun!

We need to talk about something okay? Let's talk about the extreme changes we make from first child to second, m'kay?

The basics first. Food. With Mason, the food dropped on the floor and I was on high alert, dashing over to the fallen morsel scooping it up and throwing it away promptly before Mason would *gasp* try to re-eat it. With Harper the more she eats off the floor, the less I must vacuum! Eat away little Hoover-I mean Harper! Not exactly, but close. I have been known to put a little pile of cheerios right on the rug, instead of in a little bowl because a bowl? a 10 month old? Yeah.

Now toys. Harper doesn't have any. Really. I am pretty certain that we haven't bought the girl a single toy. Why? She loves Mason's toys, especially Matchbox cars. What! Babies aren't supposed to play with those? Then I probably shouldn't tell you about the scissors? I do have to tell you about the Nerf ball. Here, take a look.

This ball was in perfect condition until Harper started to realize it felt really cool to take bites like an apple and spit them out like watermelon seeds. And...we let her. Because she was quiet and happy and sometimes cleaning up a mess later is worth the few minutes of "quiet and happy".

I also have a feeling we are way past due on the baby proofing thing. Yesterday I caught Harper playing in a hill of Comet. You know the green stuff you use to scrub your toilets and sinks. Yeah. She only had a little around her mouth. I wish I were kidding, but I am not. She is fine. Today I found her soothing her sore teething gums by gnawing on a candle and also playing patty-cake in the toilet. You guessed it! There was pee in there too, thanks Mason!

Have I relaxed? Oh hell yes. Is it time to baby proof? Oh hell yes.

Thursday, August 02, 2007

Funk with a capital F





What?



I know I know. First I am jealous, then I get all pouty and refuse to post, right? Ha. I've got the funk over here.

Harper is totally thumbing her nose at naps these days and I am not handling it well. At all. Now I totally understand why all those baby books tell you to put your child in their crib slightly awake. I get it now. Now . Now! It took me two children and a whole lot of misery to get it. I would nurse Harper until she was practically dead to the world and then ever so gently place her into her perfectly girly crib and tip toe out crossing my fingers that my knees didn't pop on the way out. When Harper would wake up, All Hell Broke Loose! Sometimes it was after 5 minutes, sometimes 3 hours. Usually it was about 45 minutes and I'd do the whole routine over again. It was all consuming. I was becoming a mean resentful Mama and my poor three year old son was fending for himself. Totally not fair. Things had to change. I borrowed the No Cry Sleep Solution and haven't had a chance to read it (remember, all consuming.) but I've come up with my own method and I think it is working! I nurse Harper until she is pretty zoned out and place her into her crib. If and when she wakes up I stay right next to her crib and sing and pat her bum until she falls asleep. Yesterday it took 45 minutes. This morning 25 minutes and she was totally awake when I put her in the crib. This afternoon 5 minutes and tonight not a peep. Hell yeah! I knew I couldn't just let her cry but I wanted her to know that she was staying in her crib and we weren't going to be the whole routine over and over. I want her to know I am there and I won't let her cry, but I do also think it is very important for her to know how to put herself to sleep without my boob every single time. The nursing a bazillion times during the night though, in our bed? We'll worry about that once the pre-bedtime routine is mastered. Baby steps.



Besides that, this is the week of the big fair. I mentioned this last year. It brings out the classiest folk. My friend and I were debating whether or not we wanted to walk down.

Me: I would go down there to get a corn dog and a funnel cake and then be done. But I am not even sure the food is worth it.

Her: I don't know? The fair makes me thankful for what I've got...like all my teeth!

Us: Roaring Laughter.

We didn't go. Not even to see Weird Al!

I told you I had the funk.

Monday, July 30, 2007

I am a raging stalker

If you went to Blogher this past weekend, first, you suck. Second, if you see a bazillion page hits they were from me. I stalked anyone I knew was going, hoping they were going to write tiny little updates during the day. I wanted to be there so bad! Next year I am going. I swear. Even if it's in Hawaii. Sweet! It totally should be in Hawaii because, Awesome!

Instead of posting pictures of myself drinking with a bunch of cool internets, I am posting pictures of my daughter. With dirty pants. Playing with her boyfriend Kael. Who was born the same day. Enjoy!


Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Kind of like a choose your own adventure from 5th grade Reading.

Hi. Remember me? Last week was kind of like spending a week in hell that I kept hoping would end. Harper started to decide that sleeping was totally over-rated. She just didn't want to have any part of it. It was driving me insane!

One of my favorite things to do here in the summer is going to these local family concerts. They are just these little concerts with small time performers that are almost always pretty good. There are always people I know there and it is just kind of nice to be able to get out of the house and talk to adults while listening to music. These concerts are also on the nights that Pedro plays basketball. Except basketball goes all year and the concerts are for 2 months. Are you seeing where this is going? Last Wednesday we went to the concert for a half an hour then we left so Pedro could make is game.

Pedro came hobbling in the house less than an hour later. He wrecked his ankle. Bad. I was having a hard time being sympathetic. Even more, it was downright annoying.

"Ow, ow, ouch."

"Hmmm? You got hurt again?"

"Yeah, bad! Ow, ow, ow. Probably the worst ever, ow, ouch."

"Okay. Enough with the ow stuff. I think you've said "ouch" 247 times since you walked in the door. I understand it hurts."

" I listened to you say that for 9 hours!"

"What?! When?"

"When you were in labor."

OH NO HE DIDN'T!

Oh Yes. Yes he did. Isn't it written somewhere that a man is never allowed to compare his pain to that of childbirth, Un-freaking-medicated!? Unless of course he has had the unique opportunity of shooting golf balls out of his pee-hole, which? Doesn't happen ever!

So today we are one week after the incident. Pedro has been to the Dr, has been referred to a Bone and Joint specialist and still has no answers except that he is in fact sporting one hell of a cankle.

Harper on the other hand is super sick. We think it is from all her floor licking. She licks every surface before she'll crawl on it. Strange, no? She gets it from Pedro. All she has is a runny/stuffy nose but it is severe. Last night I finally got her to sleep some time after 1 am. She was up probably 3 more times during the night and up for the day at 6 am. Party! I have not complained once about being tired today. Pedro? Every single time I talk to him it is about how tired he is after the "rough night". I am pretty sure he hasn't started lactating and it wasn't his boob she tried to soothe herself with all night long, but I cold be wrong. Wow, is he in my list today. It's a good thing he looks so good in his Speedo or I may have already gotten rid of him!

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Pimpin' out the fam.

We made the cut! A bunch of our family pictures are up on this website. They are in the family gallery, #20 and up. I don't think I've posted any of them that are up at Grace in Design so take a look and tell Megan she took totally awesome pictures.

I've got more to tell you later, once I finish my post I started 3 days ago. I love chaos!

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Recipe Anyone?

I made this salad on Sunday and it was FAB. I am not a huge bean person but something about the combination of things in this salad made this so tasty and summery. It started as a "bumblebee salad" but I tweaked it so I'll give you my recipe.

Confetti Salad- cause it's like a party in your mouth! ( no cheese just corn-iness!)

1 can black beans
1 can garbanzo beans
1 bag frozen corn (get good frozen corn)
I green or red pepper chopped fine
1 red onion chopped fine
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 Tbs. olive oil
salt and pepper

Drain and rinse beans and corn in colander. Chop onion and pepper so everything is roughly the same size ( as beans and corn). Chop fresh cilantro. Throw everything into a big bowl and add oil, vinegar, salt and pepper. Toss and refrigerate.

I was skeptical with the lack of seasoning and almost added some of my own, but it needs nothing extra. It is seriously a great salad and very healthy. Mason couldn't get enough of it, and I ate it on tortilla chips the next day. Go on and try it, then tell me how much you loved it!

Friday, July 13, 2007

Do I need to mention what day it is?

Have I ever mentioned how superstitious I am? I am crazy superstitious. I believe in Karma 110%, or for the religious ones out there my friends mother-in-law says, "God'll get ya!" Or for the lay person, What goes around comes around.

I would have a nervous break down if I ever broke a mirror because Good God, 7 years of bad luck! When things have been going really well in my life, there is always a tiny little spot in the back of my head waiting for my luck to run out. It's kind of sad isn't it?

About a week after I had Harper I walked down to the park across the street. I met this lady who had three sons and we talked freely the entire time our boys played. It turned out that her husband is a Walk-In doctor who I had seen years earlier when Mason rolled off the bed at around 7 months old. I remember thinking to myself that I felt no judgement from him when I was expecting to be scolded for leaving Mason on the bed without my eyes glued on him for 10 seconds. He just assured me that "these things happen". When we were leaving she told me to call her sometime to get together. I never did but always thought about it.

A few weeks ago (fast forward 9 months) I ran into her at the pool. I went up to her and asked if we had met months ago at the park. We had and chatted again easily. I've seen her twice since then at random places.

Last night Pedro and I were talking before bed.

"You probably are going to think I am crazy but I feel like I am supposed to be friends with Lyla."

"Who's Lyla?"

"The lady with three boys that I keep running into. Our paths just keep crossing."

"hmmmmm?"

You probably know that I am not very religious at this point in my life, but I feel like there is some reason we keep meeting and I just haven't figured it out yet. So the next time I see her I am going to ask her for her number. I mean, I have to, right?

So today is the 13th, Friday the 13th. Do you walk around with your fingers crossed? Or am I just a total superstitious freak?

WooT!



Did you see that? I got nominated for a Rockin' Girl Blogger award by Rachel. How cool is that? I'm totally flattered and for the record, I think Rachel is pretty Rockin' too. It only took 4 days for me to figure out how to put that little pink image up there. I may be slow but at least I'm rockin'!

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Harpy, Snarps, Harperina

I just realized I write very little about Harper. Maybe because my naughty, adorable, high-maintainance, quirky son is at such a funny stage that he gets all the glory. But Harper is pretty darn great too and I'm going to tell you all about her.

Over a month ago we went to the doctor for her 6 month visit that I am two months behind on. So whe was eight months old, exactly. She was 18 lbs 6 oz. and 30 inches tall. Basically, she is really tall and pretty skinny in comparison to her height.

Also at this time she started crawling. And standing up. I shit you not, on the same day. She is pretty close to walking; standing without holding on to anything for 30 seconds at a time. It is crazy to think she'll be walking soon since Mason was well over a year.

Last Sunday she started saying "bye-bye". The first 3 times I thought it was a fluke but by the 12 time I realized that she had made a connection. Of course I got all teary and proud like a total mush.

The girl hates food. Her doctor couldn't believe it when I told him that she eats just a few teaspoons of food a day. I wouldn't normally care in the least, but I feel like she barely nurses either. I guess she's just efficient.*

Over the past couple of weeks Harpers top two teeth have been working their way though. Good God I forgot how much that sucks. It really, really sucks. Thank You to the gods at Hilands. I love you and would make out with you all if given the opportunity.

Her sleeping leaves a lot to be desired. She is up a ton during the night. Stuck to my boob. *(Duh, or she gets all her food then!) Seriously most nights I lose count and am willing to bet she wakes up around 10 times. Remember when I would brag that she only got up once a night to nurse when she was just days old? Karma. It's a bitch.

She still will not go to anyone except for Pedro and I. And Mason. She LOVES Mason even when he is pinching her. Loves him. We kind of though all this would change this past week while on vacation( did I tell you we were on vacation?) since we were in close quarters with Mikes family. Nope. Not a chance. She cries like her heart is breaking that we let someone else take her. It gets hard but I remind myself that it is actually a really positive thing that she is that bonded to us and it won't be like this forever. Before I can blink twice she'll be telling me to get out of her room. *sob*

It really is amazing how different siblings can be yet be so very similar in other ways. Jeese! I am one lucky Mama.

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Monday, July 09, 2007

Welcome Home.

We are home. We are still married. Both my eyeballs are still intact. Who knew?

Were there goodtimes? Yes.

Were there things that were bothersome? Hell yes.

Will we do it again soon? Probably not.

We've decided that vacations with family tell you just how different family members can be. Thank God for my little quad. I love them to pieces.

Thursday, July 05, 2007

Still Alive.

I haven't tried to poke my eyes out yet. That's a good sign, right? A few backhanded compliments now and then in which I reply with a simple smile and knod and a hidden middle finger behind my back. But it's OK.

"This is really good for your kids. Now the next time you go somewhere it'll be easier."

Because we store them in a cave and they never see the outside world, NEVER! What the fuck?

We are in Traverse City, MI. Just blocks from the beach. It's beautiful here. But it's not the tropical vacation my snobbish side adores.

Now how about another picture?

Action Shot!

My very tall, handsome husband and squirrely son.

Monday, July 02, 2007

Just Another Manic Monday

There are few things that I don't talk about on my blog. One of them, my in-laws. Tomorrow we leave for a 5 day vacation with them. This scares me, but I am hoping for a nice week. The End.

Now, how about some more pictures? I need to give credit where credit is due. I am super lucky to have two great friends that take amazing pictures. These were taken by my friend and next door neighbor at Grace in Design. She done takes some purty pictures, no?

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Happy Fourth! I am not sure if I'll be able to update during the week, but If I can, I will.


Happy thoughts...

Monday, June 25, 2007

Just Chillin' or not.

It has been really hot and sunny here, beautiful! The kind of weather that makes you want to eat watermelon and cold salads and turkey sandwiches. I can't. Why? Because our refridgerator took a big crap. So tonight? To Sears we go, hopefully returning with a new fridge.

Am I the only one that thinks spending hundreds of dollars on a new fridge is a total waste? A new washer/dryer I'd be excited about, but a fridge? Gah.

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Judge Judy

We all know that this parenting thing comes with a whole lot of judgement, yes?

"Oh, you bottle feed."
"You breastfed your son for threeeee years?"

"Your daughter sleeps in a cage, I mean crib?"
"You sleep with your kids? How do you get any sleep?"

-you want more?

"Crying it out is just cruel."
"If you would've just let him cry a few night, he would be sleeping through the night!"

"I won't let someone else raise my child."
"What do you do all day staying home?"

Good God people are harsh! We 've all felt the judgement and probably dealt it too. After having two kids and being pretty confident in the way I parent, I still feel it. I have to say I have recently figured out that the area I've felt the most judgement. POTTY TRAINING! It has been a struggle and I let myself feel the pressure.

We started working with Mason when he was two and a half. We had some success, then Mason decided he'd start holding his poop until it made him sick. We stopped all together. He'd let us know when he was ready. He didn't.

About a month ago, I had enough. He was old enough. He knew better. And this shit was getting gross! We did the cold turkey method that works for "everyone". We just put him in undies. He wasn't having any accidents. He wasn't pooping either. After four days he was in pain again. This time was worse though. Now had held it so long and was in so much pain that he wouldn't even go in a diaper. It was time for a suppository.

"Great! Now I get to traumatize my son by putting something up his butt that makes him poop Jeff Daniels style a la Dumb and Dumber. "

The poor kid was so relieved after the fact he was nearly thankful. And I had my old Mason back within 10 minutes.

"All my kids were potty trained by 2!"
La-ti- fricken-dah! I bet non of your kids were half as cute as my kid. So there!

I just wanted my happy little boy back. I started doing a ton of research and gave it all the finger. We are doing things our own way now. We are doing what works for us. Guess what, it's working! Mason wears undies all the time. He hasn't had an accident in weeks. When he notices the urge to poop, he asks for a diaper. When he is done, he wants his undies back on. He isn't holding his stomach in pain anymore. He isn't crying or throwing fits over sitting on the potty and "trying". He tells everyone that comes to our house that he is a "big boy now" and shows them his undies. He is truly proud.

Of course I wish he could've been one of those kids that was potty trained in two days, but he's not. It may take another month or more but we're on our way. And guess what? We are all the least stressed we've been throughout this journey and I think that is why it's working. Hopefully one day he'll just run over to the toilet like he does to pee 15 times a day to poop. Until then, we are letting Mason run the show, and that he is, helmet and all.

Alternate Title: ''Shit Happens!"

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

McDreamy, McDonalds, McGermy and a side of verbal diarrhea

Where have I been you ask? (huge dramatic sigh) Over-freaking-whelmed! I feel like I am carrying the 25 lbs I lost from my ass on my chest. Thank you all by the way. Badonkadonk rocks!

Mason started getting a sore throat on Friday, was a little stuffy over the weekend, and was rolling on the ground holding his ear yesterday. POW! Double ear infection with a side of pink eye, anyone? Not a pretty combo for my germiphobia. The only thing that could have made things a little better is if McDreamy were my doctor. Damn TV got my hopes up once again. A girl can dream can't she? . . . Oh God that hair!

What was I talking about again? Right, my sick boy. After our hour and a half jaunt to the doctor, Mason was starving. I told him if he was good we'd go to McDonald's. Unfortunately I have the most un-food motivated kid ever. He'd rather have shrimp cocktail or steamed broccoli. Weirdo. But I still try.

"Mason, if you are a good boy and stop hurting your sister, we'll go to McDonald's and get a double cheeseburger. And if you can't finish it Mama we'll help you, m'kay?"

"What? You don't want to go there? Sure you do, just wait, you'll love it this time."

Score!

Are you guys aware that McDonald's carry different items in different regions? When we lived in South Florida, they had a McCuban. I have also seen a McBratwerst way north. Yes, I am serious. Did you know this? So now my question for you is about their new Iced Coffee. . . there is a God.
It comes in Vanilla, Hazelnut and Regular. Do they have this at your McDonald's and is it delicious? All right, forget it. I am going to get myself one now. I talked myself into it. I'll let you know if it is worth the double cheeseburger temptation.

Friday, June 08, 2007

In which I boast of budonkadonk.

Today is beautiful and magical and all that stuff. Today I decided to get brave and start trying on some skinny clothes. Let's just cut to the chase shall we?

Today I am wearing a pair of jeans I haven't worn in over 5 (count 'em FIVE) years. I decide I was going to try on my old Abercrombie jeans and they fit with ease. Now Abercrombie? I am pretty sure they don't carry big girl clothes, but I wouldn't know since I haven't stepped foot in that store forever! They are wrinkled and certainly haven't been washed in over 5 (count 'em FIVE) years but once I put them on I became way too excited to take them off.
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So for the record I've probably be wearing these jeans until they rot off or until they are so funky they can take themselves off and jump into the washing machine.

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Because I am keepin'em on!

Tuesday, June 05, 2007

Holy Moley!

If you haven't thought I was crazy up to this point, here is your ultimate proof.

Today I am having minor surgery. On a mole. I am scared shitless. I don't know why. There is no threat of cancer or anything. Basically it is just really ugly. Want to see? Sick-o's. The picture really doesn't do it justice. It sticks way out like a little balloon and it is "vascular" meaning it is full of little blood vessels, making it a gorgeous shade of red.

I think I have figured out what is freaking me out. I am scared that when they take it off I am going to see blood squirt and shoot me in the face. I would freak out and pass out right there. And also quite possibly have a heart attack. Why? Why do I think this way? I have had two babies which I am almost certain is a pretty messy sight and I am freaking out about a mole.

Just keep your fingers crossed that the mole removal is simple and squirt free!

Friday, June 01, 2007

My Favorite Things

If I would've written a post yesterday, the title would've been The Day My Kids Made Me Drink By 5pm SHARP! The day wasn't a very smooth one. But today? is better! So now I'll tell you what I am currently obsessed with because Ashley wants to know .

1. Lip Venom courtesy of Metalia. It is supposed to give your lips a bee stung look. I think it smells fab and feels awes!

2. Lean Cuisine Spa Meals, Butternut Squash Ravioli. I understand not everyone is on Weight Watchers, but these are fantastic! My only issue, like with all these freezer meals is that I am hungry within an hour. I am all about quantity and I 'd like about three more ravioli.
I can't leave out this dynamic duo either. This green olive salsa (which, what a rip, $28 for 3 jars? I buy mine at Wally World for not even $3 a jar!) with these multi-grain chips, mmmmmmm... Mason and I can't get enough of the stuff. Pedro thinks its nasty but doesn't like olives either, weirdo.

3. Regina Spektor.

4. Honey I Washed the Kids Soap and King of Skin body butter. I've never had to really hold back from tasting something so often. This soap smells so good it has to taste good, right? The body butter just gives my super dry skin a ton of greasy moisture that I love.

5. Margaritas!! It's summer! Is there a more summery drink? And sometimes you just need a drink by 5 pm!

Let me know what you love right now, m'kay?

Edited: I wrote this post on Friday and just had to add the linky love. And on that note, Doesn't all this linky love knock your socks off?