Thanksgiving- one week early.

Today we spent around four hours in the car and the rest of the day doing funeral type things. Funerals, they're exausting in all ways possible. The one positive thing about them is how grateful I am by the end of the day. Grateful that I have two healthy kids who run me ragged, a hot husband who gets crabby and a big family with issues galore. Today nothing else really matters, I'm just happy they're all here.

Weight Loss, What?

Today was one of those days that makes me wonder if there is a god somewhere who wants me to be fat. My Mom called this morning and asked me and the kids to meet her out for lunch. Because I never turn down a lunch out, I got us all ready and out we went. We went to a little diner that has been in town forever, nothing fancy, just good plain food.

I look over the menu and made a reasonably healthy choice. The old me would've ordered something like chicken salad on a croissant but the new me who wants to be hot again ordered a portobella mushroom sandwich. OK, the old me may have ordered that too, but this sandwich sucked! The mushroom itself was thinner than a McDonald's burger and it just came with lettuce, tomato, a dry whole wheat bun and a pickle spear. Thank God I'd ordered a cup of chicken noodle soup or a may have started looking for food droppings under the surrounding tables.

I left hungry. I got in my car and drove directly to Starbucks and ordered a nonfat Chai latte and an Oatmeal cookie. I swear I am going to be in BIG trouble when I stop nursing, because I just can't eat enough, ever. Seriously? Who leaves a lunch date, hungry?

On Life and Death.

When Mason was born prematurely we spent two weeks in the NICU. It was all consuming. I thought about nothing else. I cared about nothing else. It was just Pedro and I and our little helpless baby with an occasional visitor thrown in. Nothing else mattered.

When the day came that we were given the okay to take our tiny baby home I remember having the strangest feeling. Everyone was the same. They had been going to their jobs, they had gotten haircuts. They were just living. While we were experiencing some of the hardest days of our lives, everyone else was just living.

On Sunday I called my friend,neighbor, photographer at 9:30 am. She was at her in-laws house while her Mother-in-law was spending her last days at home. I asked her how things were going and she told me her mother-in-law had passed away just a half an hour earlier. They had been spending the last 30 minutes soaking up all that was left of her. They gave her her last bath, they took pictures, and they said goodbye.

Later that day I was in my car, on my way home from grocery shopping and I had the strangest feeling again. While another family was grieving the loss of someone they loved so much, I was out shopping for food. I felt a little ashamed.

I think about all the times that little coincidental things happen and I say "what a small world". But the fact is, it's not small at all. It's huge-and sad how little each life being born or passing really affects the rest of the world. We are all just little water drops in the ocean that is life.

The weight is over.

This Saturday, I went back to Weight Watchers. Not that I ever left or anything, I just wasn't going. It was been months since I lost a mere pound. With my 30th birthday approaching in 18 days I've been revived and I am going to look good. I've set a reasonable goal for those two and a half weeks of 5 pounds. I can do it! Why five pounds? Because 5 pounds would put me at a very pretty number(to me). A number that I've been wanting to snuggle with.

I am not usually one to care about numbers. It's been made very clear that a number is nothing more than just, a number. I still weigh much more than I did in college but some of my smallest college jeans fit me with ease. My body is so different. My B's have become functioning D's. My once flat stomach has grown 2 healthy babies and is marked with proof. My budonkadonk no longer carries as much junk in the trunk as it did in my party days. So basically I still have problem areas, they are just new areas. Should we even talk about the muffin top? No? Good. I hate that.

So for the next two weeks I am working out hard, molasses cookie intake will be kept to a minimum and I am going to lose five pounds by December 1st.

Also, if you haven't left me your favorite workout song, could you help a girl out? So far, so good.

Music makes the world go 'round.

I am in search for new workout music for my ipod. I need help. The stuff I've been listening to works. So well in fact that I'm inspired. I've noticed that when I am on my long walk and a really good, upbeat song comes on, I get the urge to run!

I know, right? Who would've thought.

The problem is very few of the songs on it are fast and furious. So my question for you is...tell me one or two of your favorite workout songs or a song that you can't help but start grooving to when you hear it.

Don't be embarrassed. The ones I have ready to go are:

Since You've Been Gone- Kelly Clarkson
Who Knew - Pink

So bring it on! Can't wait to hear your suggestions.

*Laura, you should have a huge list for me since you run marathons. A whole lot of music can be played while running 26.2 miles. She runs MARATHONS people!

Bargain Babe!

I like nice things. I like deals. I am not sure which I love more. I think it's fair to say I've found some awesome deals that I am going to pass on to you. You'll thank me; Unless of course you like to pay lot's of money for your stuff. But then? You are probably just a little on the not so bright side. I kid. I am not about the verbal assault. Here is the info, take it if you please.

First things first.

Do you see what I see? Do you wear glasses? Wouldn't it be nice to keep an extra pair in your desk at work or in your car? Except they cost a gazillion dollars. Mine were and now they are "all custom" with scratches. I want to kick myself for waisting money when I could pay under $20, have them shipped to my door, and not care
too much about what happens to them.

Holla! I'm your girl! This site advertises the $8.00 glasses. The whole package $8.00. I took them up on it and bought my super cute husband a pair to try.


Not bad huh? They are prescription sunglasses. They have more expensive ones too but I think the most expensive package was $29. Who can refuse? My only suggestion is to have an idea of what you want, then try to match it. Otherwise there are hundreds to look through, not to mention that each frame shown has probably 5 other color options. I like to use the search box and type in exactly what I am looking for to narrow things down.

Next.

Do you like shoes? Duh. Who doesn't like shoes. My new "Mom" shoe obsession are Earth Shoes. They are kind of expensive though, right? Well I started doing my research and found them at Sierra Trading Post for half the price, sold!

I have more, but it'll have to wait for another day. Now go buy yourself something real pretty m'kay?

Babysitting 101

I need a damn babysitter. Stat! One of my big issues is that I need a break every now and then. The problem? I am so picky and rightly so. So tomorrow I start my search, hardcore.

I've got 2 girls in mind, one would be available daytime hours. The other one nigh time, so maybe a dinner out more than once a year would be an option?

Fingers crossed.

Easy Button

You know that old saying about "It you don't have anything nice to say..."? I am applying that today.

Somedays wouldn't you give anything to go back to the days that were so carefree and simple?

Yesterday Mason and I were having a conversation and I asked him "what he wanted to do today?"

"Just play."

All over a bowl of Corn Chowder.

Last night I had my Mom and my brother's girlfriend over for Corn Chowder and crusty, fresh bread. Since my dad and brother were out of town I thought it would be a nice thing to do. They came over and we all sat around eating bowls of soup when some how the conversation turned to showering and washing ones hair. We all had our own vues but mine was something like...

" I shower everyday, without fail. Occasionally if I don't have anything important to do that day or anywhere to go I won't wash my hair."

Pedro jumped in at this point saying "but then you have a big speed bump in the back!"

Pedro and I laughed because I do in fact wake up most mornings with a nice little perma-lump in the back.

I giggled a little but then quickly said "but I don't go anywhere like that!"

He was then quick to jut in, "last weekend you left with a huge one!"

"Ah! And you didn't tell me?"

"You were mad at me anyway."

Passive-aggressive Jerk!

You think I should've told him about the big chunk of oregano from the pizza we had for lunch lodged between his teeth before he went back to work?

Ah, Karma. How I love thee.

_____________________________________________

Show me your stuff!

A few of you wanted to see my kids' rooms. So today I give you Harper's Bedroom. For some reason it also happens to my favorite room in our house. It's tiny and fresh and positively girly all without being nauseatingly pastel.
Mom to Cass, Ashley and pgoodness, here is Harpers bedroom!


"H" is for Harper!


Hours are spent in this chair everyday and night. Sometimes there is no other place I'd rather be.


Dresser with changing pad I never used.
Note to self: Get rid of it already!


I still love her bedding!


Isn't she so sweet, that Harper! I kid. That's Rosy, Harper's stunt double.

There you have it! Until tomorrow...

Bonus! Molasses cookie edition.

You will really love these cookies when you see how easy they are to make! I am all about the one bowl cookie and also about recipes that make a gazillion. Because then? On one of those nights when you have to have something sweet, you pull cookie dough out of the freezer and viola! Ten minutes and you've saved yourself a trip to the grocery store at 10pm to get donuts! Not that we ever do that...ever.

OLD FASHIONED MOLASSES COOKIES LIKE
GRANDMA MADE

1 c. packed brown sugar
1 c. molasses
1 c. Crisco shortening
2 eggs
2 tsp. soda dissolved in 2/3 c. hot water
4 to 5 c. flour (about 4 1/2 works)
1/4 tsp. salt
3 tsp. ginger
3 tsp. cinnamon
3 tsp. cloves

Combine all ingredients in large mixing bowl. Drop by spoonfuls on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees approximately 10 minutes. They split on top when they are done.

* I also sprinkled the tops with raw sugar to make them sparkly. Apparently I am all about the sparkle.

** I also refrigerated my batter overnight. Not on purpose but because my kids woke up before I could start to bake them. Many of the recipes suggest you do that so the flavors of the spices can blend.

Now go make them and dunk them in your coffee. Pure Heaven!

Have you seen my BenGay?

Dude! When did I become such an old lady? My newest love, the molasses cookie. In Love. I can't get enough of them or Ginger Snaps either. I wonder if they'd go well with my favorite candy, Good and Plenty? Five years ago you couldn't have paid me to eat either of those and now I am all hardcore.

This morning I made homemade molasses cookies.

See that one right there, to the left?

I ate it! Along with like five others.

Am I totally old lady or would you eat one? That's what I thought. Just put me out of my misery when I start telling you how wonderful my new Rose air freshner smells.

and...

Speaking of spray to cover bathroom funk. I present you and MP, our one and only bathroom. That's right our family of four functions with one bathroom. Pretty smoothly infact. Except when we are all plagued with stomach flu. Then it's not so pretty (I'll leave it at that).

Self-Portrait Sunday

Vanity at it's finest!

But, there's more!
I have a favor to ask. Since I got my new camera I've been trying to take photos all the time. What I am asking of you is to give me a subject or object. It really can be anything that you want to see. Want to see my closet, my fridge, my favorite room in my house? Anything. You name it! I'm going to call it Show Me Your Stuff and I'll link you with your question. Thanks! I'm ready when you are...

Lullaby

We've been limiting the amount of time the TV is turned on during the day. It was just becoming a habit to get up in the morning and turn the TV on leave it on all day long. Even though we weren't plopped in front of it most of the time, I wanted other things to take the focus, like music. So lately we've been turning on the TV in the morning. Mason still watches more than enough until late morning when Harper wakes up from her morning nap, then it's off the rest of the day. It hasn't been a challenge at all. Instead, my kids are being creative, doing things like this.

A couple of days ago. It was mid-afternoon; time for both kids to take a nap. I turned on some of the slower songs on my iPod to help wind the kids down. The song Lullaby was on. Have you heard this song? I am not a country fan at all and the Dixie Chicks are just OK for me, BUT, this song is one of the most amazing songs over.

Anyway, Mason came over and sat on my lap facing me. He wrapped his little arms around my neck and we snuggled and swayed as I sang along to the song. After a minute, he lifted up his head from my shoulder and said, "Mama, this song makes me love you."

How's that for the power of music?

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...






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?

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.

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?



Harper was a Ladybug with a blue sucker!



Mason was a Chicken. I very cute chicken.



But there was this weird lady we saw...



who was a scarecrow per her sons request.



The things we do for love!

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?

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!

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!

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?