It's a Dog and Pony Show....

Ch, ch, ch, changes....

2010-09-15T13:09:00.004-04:00

Has it really been almost two months since I posted? Okay, don't really answer that. I am constantly humbled by my sweet friends that continue to check in on me during my periods of absence. I am filled with gratitude.

Where to begin? Oh yes, my baby went to kindergarten and I've wept like an idiot for the past month and my life has not been the same since. The end.

In all seriousness, I'm definitely in a place of transition. I wasn't really prepared for what I would experience letting go of my baby to full days of school. I guess I thought it was going to be a bed of roses, time of leisure, bon bons, you know. But the reality is that most days I feel as if I walk in circles, wondering what to do next, wondering where and when my little buddy will return. I wonder what I'm now supposed to do that I'm all grown up. I wonder if my kids miss me like I miss them. I wonder why the clocks seems to always read 10:00 am. I wonder why I never expected to feel this way.

But with each day comes a little more clarity. Each day brings a friend who checks in on me. Each day brings back my desire to get back to my routines of the past. Each day brings the sun which helps pull me outside to take a walk or ride my bike. Each day gets a little easier. Each day God whacks me upside my head to let me know what I'm really supposed to be about. Each day is a step on this journey called life. Each day is a blessing. And for all of that, I am ever grateful.

You asked. I answered.

2010-06-29T15:47:00.009-04:00

So, here is the long awaited blog post you've all been waiting for. I wish I could report that I've been up to my elbows in excitement, but not so much. It's hard to believe it's been a month since I last posted. As always, I am ever grateful to those of you that check in on me and wonder where I've been. You know I love ya!

With the exception of a box or two of chachkey, we're pretty much all settled in to the new house. I have to say, it is growing on me. After a rough start (read my last post!) I am happy to report that we are slowly winning over our neighbors. The neighbors on both sides of us are perfectly lovely and are DELIGHTED that we are here. As we've cleaned up the yard and brightened the curb appeal with some pots of flowers and a wreath on the door, I think they've figured out we're going to be a nice addition to the neighborhood. I am slowly finding my peace here. As I manage to forget on a frequent basis, God always has a plan!

Shortly after our move, we headed North to Chicago for my brother Joe's wedding. It was lovely. It was big and fat and Greek AND Hungarian. I adore my "new" sister-in-law -- although I've pretty much loved her the entire time she and Joe have been together. Nikki has a heart like no one and she's good to my brother. And they're good for each other. It was a beautiful day.

That's my Molly down in front. She's pretty much available for hire as a Flower Girl. That girl's got it down! From the petal dropping, to the working of the camera as she comes down the aisle, she's the complete package. Just gimme a call.

I really liked this picture of me with my sisters -- Mary on the left, Liz on my right. This was from the rehearsal dinner. On a side note, did you know those crazy Greeks light cheese on fire? Well, they do and then they all yell "Opaaaaa!" -- I mean, that's one sure way to get a party started.

From Chicago we took a few days and headed to Michigan to spend time at Leo's parent's lake house. It's always nice to get away and enjoy the lake and the quiet and the fresh air. It was in the low 80's while we were there, which seemed cold to me and leads me to think my blood really is thinning. The kids always have a great time swimming, fishing, boating, tubing and playing board games. We even got a chance to take a couple of our nephews with us, which was a total blast for my kids.

Here's a Molly Sandwich -- Michael, my sweet, adorable, amazingly smart, nephew AND Godson on the left and our Maddy on the right. Thumbs up for some tube action.

This past few weeks have been a little more quiet than usual around my house. We left Patrick in Chicago with my parents and he's having a blast getting lots of attention from his Aunts and Uncles and doting on his younger cousins. He and my Mom have done some resale shopping, which he has thoroughly enjoyed (he's my frugal one!) and he's helped my sister Liz with several organizing/cleaning projects. He doesn't seem to be missing home too terribly, although I miss HIM! He plans to stay and help my Mom with a garage sale she's going to have in a couple weeks. Poor John isn't quite sure what to do without his big brother around to bug.

Maddy saved up enough money to buy a plane ticket to go back to Columbus to visit her really good friend, Sarah. She's been gone just under a week and will be gone for another two. I'm not sure what to do without my big kids, as I forget how much I rely on them for their help around the house and with the two little kids. She seems to be having a good time and will hopefully be catching up with some of her other Ohio friends. She even has an overnight camping/Cedar Point trip planned with her old church youth group. I'm glad the timing worked out well for her.

Slowly I feel like my life is falling back in to place. I'm enjoying this time with my two little ones. Yes, some days I feel like all I do is cook and referee and play "Cruise Director" but when I stop and think about how truly blessed I am, I wouldn't trade it for anything. Okay, may be the referee-ing part. I think I'd happily give up my whistle. How 'bout you? How's your summer going?

Moving Adventures. Part Tres.

2010-05-24T09:44:00.008-04:00

So, we got the keys to our new house on Friday. Saturday morning began the process of packing up the cars and driving over a few trunk loads. The house had been for sale for five months and also vacant. Not that it wasn't a clean house, but not clean to my specifications and we all know that as the new residents we would clean differently than someone else.

Like I had stated before, the owner of the house has been amazing. We're actually working with a property management company that has also been great about allowing us what we need to get the house up to snuff. The owner was also willing to give us a substantial credit to do the work ourselves -- clean up the place top to bottom, paint a few rooms, mow the back yard, which I'll add was almost tall enough to reach Leo's hip. That sorta thing.

By mid-morning I was up to my elbows in rubber gloves and scrubbing the kitchen down when I noticed an older gentleman in the garage speaking to Leo. No introduction, no extension of his hand, simply the statement that this neighborhood doesn't "allow" renters, followed by the words "don't get too comfortable here." Something about HOA by-laws and people who got grandfathered in and him wanting to know who leased us the house, on and on. Come to find out, this guy was a "neighbor" who had gotten wind of us being renters.

Stunned, I just stood there. My head spinning, not sure if I should yell at the guy to get out of our garage or just break down and cry, as he said all this in front of three of our kids, who just stood there with blank looks on their faces, wondering what was going on.

I promptly went in to the house to call the property management company and thankfully, got our agent on the first try. The owner, a very smart man, which I had never doubted, retained a variance from the HOA the week before they listed the property for lease, getting approval for him to lease his property.

Approximately five minutes later the man returned to the front door to tell us "we were safe." In five minutes time he had phoned the president of the neighborhood HOA and our property management company, then I watched him walk over to the neighbors across the street, which I suspect was to fill them in on our situation. I mean, talk about a nice, big, warm welcome to the neighborhood. It was unreal. It still sorta leaves a nauseous feeling in my stomach.

As I type this I can almost hear my mother saying to me, don't let it take up rent in your brain, which I don't plan to do. I'm going to take the whole situation and use it for something better. May be my children are just what that neighborhood needs, a little joy. I will try and hold my tongue and be kind. I will work on thinking before I speak. I will ask the Lord for the patience and guidance I need, cause Lord knows, I think I'm gonna need it.

Moving adventures. Part Deux

2010-05-20T22:47:00.004-04:00

Check. Check. Is this thing on? Is anybody still out there? Bueller?... Bueller?... Bueller?

So, the move is on. To use a quote from one of my dearest friends, it's on like Donkey Kong!

Last week we found a new house.

I had found a house the week my Mom was here that I wanted and thought would be great for our family. Except the guy wouldn't rent it to me because my husband wasn't with me -- you know, he's been travelling like a maniac and happened to be in London and Berlin for ten days. Hello. 1950 called. Apparently it's looking for June Cleaver. Hey dude, guess what? I made decisions for my family for 10 months and the world didn't fall apart.

At any rate, that house didn't come together, but as God always does, he provided another house. An even better house. A better house that costs less than the house I thought I wanted. A better house because our landlord is amazing. A better house because we have a neighborhood pool four houses away. Lots of great things, and God had his hands all over it.

And don't ask me why, but surprisingly I am very calm about all of this. To me, a local move seems like a piece of cake. That said, please continue to pray for a smooth transition.

Hugs!

Cleaning and organizing and purging, oh my!

2010-05-05T08:58:00.005-04:00

I keep meaning to get back over here and put up a quick "what's been happening in our life" post. But then life interferes and the day is over and time has managed to escape me yet again.

Our lease is up at the end of the month on our the rental property that we're living in. And since they are trying to sell the property, they are opting to not renew our lease. Without going in to the whole long story, there was talk of Leo taking a new position with his company, but in a different city. We had been putting off making a house decision until the eleventh hour until we had heard what was happening with the job.

As of now, nothing has come together on that front, so we're planning to find another rental house, assuming things move forward at some point with the new position. We'd rather deal with getting out of a lease than selling a house...again. We'll be moving at the end of the month. Um, what's that you say? Are you having a flashback to this time last year? Hey, glass half-full, people! It's another chance to re-organize and purge, right?! :)

So, my Mom is here this week and we're busy like beavers. Oh, and have I mentioned my husband has been on the road for two plus weeks for work? We're going through drawers and closets and boxes and sorting and storing and donating. Gosh, it sure feels good. This is the part of the moving process I actually enjoy. I know. I'm a weirdo.

In a nutshell, that's the story. Bear with me if I go MIA from time-to-time. It means the world to me that my bloggy friends check in on me. Thanks, sweet friends!

The adventure continues.

Trying to get back in the groove.

2010-04-14T10:21:00.006-04:00

We made it to and from Columbus safely. Thank you Guardian Angels. It was a long drive, tough on the kids, tough on the Mom and Dad, but we got through it. The reality is that our drive was really nothing compared to the suffering Kim and Russ are going through right now.

Jonah's service was beautiful. Words cannot even describe. The outpouring of love and support for this family was just incredible. There were lots of wonderful photos, beautiful songs, as his father so candidly stated, Jonah loved his "Jesus music." At one point the congregation was given a chance to come up and share their favorite Jonah story. They were great ones, lots of memories, definitely lots of laughs. That little guy, even with all his crosses, always had a way of bringing laughter in to almost any situation.

Some of the sweetest stories were from his nurses that took care of him at the end of his time here on this earth. It's so awesome to me that our loving Father gave everyone the opportunity to know the real Jonah, even in the very end when their times with him were short. It was a true testimony of the kind of kid he was.

I ask as the days and weeks go on that you remember my dear, sweet friends in your prayers. I know there will be dark days ahead. I know there will come a time when the phone calls, meals and visitors cease. That is the time I worry the most for them. So, if you think of it, as you go about your days, when you see something beautiful, something of God's handiwork, stop and say a prayer for Jonah and his family. I know Kim and Russ would be ever grateful.

Heavy heart.

2010-04-08T23:51:00.006-04:00

Tonight I received the phone call I had never hoped to receive. My dear friend Kim lost her son Jonah last night. He fought all he could, but our dear Lord called him home. His mother was at his bedside when he died. I wanted to share her last entry on his care pages. He was a special little boy and touched each and every person he met. My life has been forever changed knowing Jonah.

-------------------------------------------
66 Days in an ICU...
Posted 4 hours ago

A picture of my Jonah....

I would be sad and start crying and Jonah would say "It's okay mom."

I would be frustrated or upset and tell Jonah..."Mommy's grumpy today Jonah. I'm sorry." and Jonah would say "It's okay, mom."

I would kiss him goodnight on his sweet forehead three times and tell him "Mommy will see you in the morning" and Jonah would say "Okay mom, love you." Never asking me to stay. Never making me feel guilty for leaving. Who does this? My brave warrior, my beautiful baby boy. My Jonah.

He NEVER complained. He always said he was GOOD. Sometimes even awesome.

He ALWAYS did what he was told. Every therapy. Every shot. Every dressing change. Every procedure. Every walk.

He smiled when you walked in his room and always thanked you for coming.

He'd only ask you to rub his poor back or tickle his toes. If you were lucky, he tickled yours.He'd always watch the clock--waiting on his next drink--his little 30 mls of juice.

Such simple pleasures for such a simple boy. Who never asked for much. Just your company and your prayers.

My Jonah is one of a kind. Always has been. Always will be.

He's touched many people I know and love and many I've never met.

He's loved more than life--and will be missed so much it hurts like an open wound that won't heal.

He is my beautiful baby boy. My brave warrior. He is my Jonah, now with my loving Jesus.

Jonah Robert Hoser
2-15-97 to 4-7-10

On a sidenote, this is a link to an article that I just found online at the Columbus Dispatch.
http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2010/04/08/pickerington-youth-finally-rejects-heart.html?sid=101

Hello sweet friends.

2010-04-08T11:09:00.004-04:00

Back when I started this little blogging journey little did I know about the wonderful people God would put in my path. He's pretty awesome like that!

In my blogging absence I have received such sweet e-mails and comments inquiring as to what I have been up to. I feel truly loved. And the funny thing is that many of you live miles and miles away. I am truly blessed.

When I started blogging I thought it would be a simple outlet for me to share my stories and my thoughts. And I actually had a few people reading.

Then somewhere along the way I began wondering if I could really spill what was on my mind and in my heart. I became worried about what people would think if I talked about my conservative views on family or politics. I worried that my family would be embarrassed by my sharing some of what I considered the bad and the ugly. I mean, life isn't always a bed of roses, right? Sometimes the day to day stuff isn't always coated in sugar.

I began to compare myself to big bloggers out there and thought I could never measure up. Although when I first started blogging, that was really never my intent. But, in my imperfect human way, I couldn't help but think I wasn't good enough or that I didn't have enough exciting things to share that would keep people reading and coming back. I became discouraged.

And the life happened.

And we packed up our life as we knew it, said good-bye to our friends and moved even further away from family.

And I became sad. And lonely and depressed. And constantly questioning a decision we really felt like we had been lead to.

But in time God has shown me that we carry on. That people still love us. That He has new friends for us no matter where we are. He lead us to a parish that over time began to feel like home, even though we've never felt so far from home in our lives. He puts people just in our path when we need them most.

And for that I am ever grateful.

Where have I been?

2010-03-23T10:29:00.004-04:00

How I've become so absent from my blogging is beyond me. Really, I feel like I blink and two weeks has gone by. I guess that's how life goes when you've got a part-time job out of the house and two part-time childcare gigs. :) Oh yea, and four kids and a hubby of your own.

Between a little bout of some strep (me!) and surviving spring break and the feeding frenzy that it becomes, I'm trying to get back in to the routine of day-to-day life. The activity of home buyers has picked up on the house we're living in which I'm finding to be a major annoyance and general inconvenience. I feel like I can't wait for this lease to be over so we can get outta here. Which then leads me to the next thought of having to prepare myself mentally to start the packing and reorganizing process. Thankfully we still have most of our garage contents still packed. Bonus! :)

I did hear from our friend Russ through fb last night that they are getting ready to list Jonah at the end of the week for a second heart transplant. I have very minimal details on his current condition but know they are not out of the woods and definitely still need lots of prayers. He did share Jonah has been in the ICU for 50 days. I cannot even imagine. Please, please pray for our dear friends.

The sun is shining and the weather here has been gorgeous. I guess this is the Spring we never really had in Ohio. By week's end they are predicting 70 degrees. Crazy! The kids and I have been outside a ton. We can't seem to get enough of the fresh air and balmy breezes. And Molly has mastered a two wheeler. My baby is getting so big. Sniff. Sniff.

Prayers for Jonah.

2010-03-10T10:35:00.006-05:00

Today I'm asking for prayers. Lots of them. Please.

Our dear friends Kim and Russ (from Ohio) have a son Jonah that was born with a rare heart condition. At the age of 4 Jonah underwent a heart transplant and up until about six weeks ago has pretty much been a normal, active kid. Jonah just turned 13 in February.

After a routine trip up to the University of Michigan hospital for a check-up, Jonah took a turn for the worse. Upon arriving to Columbus Children's Hospital, Jonah collapsed in the ER and went in to cardiac arrest. His heart is in rejection.

Since his admittance this little boy has endured one thing after another. Complication upon complication.

I am sharing one of Kim's latest Care Pages entries. I am asking for you to pray for Jonah. I am asking for you to pray for their family. For Kim and Russ to find the strength they need to be strong for their son, for their girls and for each other. I am asking you to pray for Rachel and Grace, Jonah's two beautiful sisters, I'm sure who are scared and feeling terribly uncertain. We are all praying for God's healing.

-------------------------------------

Still in Isolation
Posted Mar 5, 2010 1:03pm
Well, I said in my last message I hope to have better news next time I update everyone. That is not the case but I felt I needed to still let you all know the latest so prayers can continue to be lifted up for Jonah. He is not only fighting the varicella virus but either another virus or the varicella has attacked his lungs now. They are running all kinds of cultures to see what is exactly causing the respiratory distress and inflammation. He is back on a right sided chest tube and most likely will be getting one on his left side as well. It seems like all we do this week is keep going backwards instead of forwards and the mountain in front of me looks taller than ever.The heartache I have for Jonah is overwhelming. I am back to crying all day and night and live in complete fear. The only way I continue to get the strength to keep fighting is because I have given all this once again to God. I also worry about my girls. They have been so great through all of this but it has been going on 6 weeks now...and they are so tired of all of this and they are so sad. If you could check on them in any way you think might be helpful, that is what I am asking for from all of you. Invite Grace to the movies this week, or just to play, and send Rachel a text saying you are thinking of her. This would mean a lot. It is really starting to take a toll on us all. I keep getting asked if there is anything anyone can do and now I am asking. Please check on my girls and include them in some fun things starting next week. Thanks so very much.I am forever grateful to all of you for all your dinners, cards, prayers, and not forgetting about Jonah.
In Christs Love,
Kim

My breakfast of champions.

2010-03-04T10:09:00.009-05:00

This morning as I watched my son eat a Twinkie I was reminded of a fond childhood memory.

I know. Shudder. My kid ate a Twinkie for breakfast.

Mom, if you're reading this, you don't have to say it. I can already hear you. :)

For those of you that know my Mom, you know we DID NOT grow up on Hostess It's something she would have NEVER bought at the store. EVER. Carob covered raisins were a real treat. Does anyone remember Carob? Did anyone ever even like Carob?

Anywho, when I was a kid the school we went to was a couple suburbs away from where we lived. I think the plan was to enroll us there with the hopes of eventually moving closer. Which we did a few years later. But until that time, my Dad drove me to school every day on his way to work.

Each and every single day on the way to school we stopped at White Hen Pantry. If you grew up in Chicago, you would have just called it "White Hen." White Hen was a 7-Eleven type convenient/deli/dairy store where you could find most anything. At the time my Dad was a pack-a-day Winston cigarette smoker, so I remember often stopping to buy him some ciggys and his morning coffee.

I'm not sure how it started but I began asking for a Twinkie and a chocolate milk carton to eat on the way to school and my Dad actually let me have them. Quickly it became our routine. My Dad would go get his coffee and I'd head over to the snack section and then dart back to the dairy case to get my lil' chocolate milk. I seriously remember doing this most days. For pretty much a whole school year. I'm guessing I was probably in about 2nd grade.

Thinking back, I wonder if my Mom knew I was eating a Twinkie every day. I wonder how much my Dad spent each day on our little routine. He never bawked or grumbled about it and now being an adult and knowing my parents went without a lot to raise seven of us, I'll bet even that little bit of money probably added up.

So, Dad, if you ever read my blog, thanks for all the Twinkies and chocolate milk. I loved that time with you and looked forward to it each and every day. And thanks too for that one time I almost fell out of the Oldmobile and you grabbed me and saved my life! :)

I love you twenty-bucks-a-dollars!

Random thoughts.

2010-02-23T14:37:00.009-05:00

Okay, I'm totally straight up admitting to stealing this post idea from Laura. Random seems to be my life these days. Which is going to have to be okay cause I'm really struggling with getting back to my regular postings.

After my washer died (yet again!!!) and going a week without it, I've got a washing machine up and running. Thanks nice lady off Craigslist for your year old Maytag that cost me next to nothing. As much as I swore I wasn't going to get another Maytag, the price was right, and hey, if I get a couple years out of it, I'm not out a huge chunk of change. When Craigslist works, it's a great resource for finding things on the cheap. And plus, I didn't exactly put the money in Maytag's pocket.

I've discovered online bill pay is pretty much amazing. Where has it been all my life? Thank you nice bank-teller lady for telling me all about it and actually getting me to try it. I'm hooked. Now, if she can tell me what to do with all the papers in my house I'd be set.

My dear friend Cynthia came through her knee replacement surgery like a champ. She's the kindest soul you'll ever know, so if you think of it, please say a prayer for her that she keeps cruising right along through her recovery.

Also if you wouldn't mind, may be say a healthy baby/healthy Mommy prayer for my dear friend Melissa. Their family is getting ready any day now to welcome their second baby, Henry. If you don't remember who she is, I watched their daughter Lily when we lived in Ohio. I miss them terribly and wish I lived closer so I could come smooch on their new bundle. And Lily. I miss that sweet little baby girl who's not such a baby girl anymore. Sniff. Sniff.

The other evening I had an awesome phone conversation with a Mom that I really respect. During our chat she was able to shed a lot of her insight on raising teenagers and the obstacles we parents are facing right now. It was exactly what I needed and I'm so thankful for God's grace right in that moment to hear what I needed to hear.

Thanks to my friend Father Pat I now have the Napoleon Dynamite "I Love Technology" song stuck in my head. He likes to call and sing random songs. He's just weird and quirky like that. And that movie is pretty much one of the most awesome and bizarre movies ever made.

I was able to gracefully bow out of being a bridesmaid in my brother's wedding this June. I kinda just decided I was feeling too old and didn't really want to go through the whole rigmarole. My dear future sister-in-law was super sweet and understanding and she's even letting me keep the beautiful pearl earrings she sent with the note asking me. :) And actually, by my bowing out, the numbers of bridesmaids to groomsmen evened out. See, it all worked out and I was fretting over nothing.

Our Lent is off to a good start. I'm thankful for more family time and the re-focus the Lenten season brings. I'm also feeling more and more at peace with our decision to join the church we did. I love when we have those "ah-ha" moments and God allows us to feel the calm and acceptance. He's so good like that.

On that note, the washer just finished, so I'm gonna get back to my day.

Hugs!

Happy Birthday, John Declan!

2010-02-16T16:16:00.009-05:00

I cannot even believe my baby boy is turning nine.

Seems just like yesterday we welcomed our 8 lb., 14 oz., bouncing baby boy in to the world (without drugs I might add! :) We joked from the beginning he was our "Dr. Pepper" baby, as I was completely and utterly addicted to my one Dr. Pepper a day (at least until the end of my pregnancy when the real pounds begin to pack on!) My love for Dr. Pepper has diminished, but not my love for John. Each day I love that child a little bit more.

He is my right-hand helper. Always. He will sit for hours watching a repair, just waiting for a chance to hand someone a tool. He watches and processes and absorbs. He loves all things mechanical and can't wait to try and figure out how something works.

He is kind and sweet and when he protects his little sister it melts my heart. He loves babies and asks me weekly if I can have another baby or adopt one. Don't even get him started on Chinese babies. He wants to adopt a Chinese baby about every other day (thanks, Nikki! :)

He is strong and athletic and doesn't stop until he falls over at the end of the day. And even then when he's fighting sleep, he's afraid he's going to miss something.

He is funny and is a great dancer. In his classroom his teacher puts on the music and he can't hold back. He dances whether or not anyone is looking. He lights up a room.

Happy Birthday to my tough, little man. I love you! Thank you for being wonderful you! You have been our gift!

Almost Wordless Wednesday

2010-02-10T09:40:00.004-05:00

Don't ask me how I got this sequence to show my daughter's expression so well, but here's the reaction I got when she discovered her jar of green olives was empty.

Yes, my daughter, in addition to loving mushrooms, LOVES her some green olives!

Looking....

Boo-boo lip...empty jar!

Nothin'....

YAY!!! A brand new jar!

Thanks, Mom! Glad you shopped the stock-up sale this week!

Winter Storm 2010

2010-02-01T08:45:00.005-05:00

Friday morning we woke up to this.

And as treacherous as it made the roads, it sure was beautiful to look at.

Frozen branches encased in glistening ice.

I watched a mama Robin fly in and out of the holly bush outside our window. For a long while she sat on a branch eating berries.

Thankfully we never lost power, as I know it's something that happens down here when the South gets hit with ice. The kids were off of school Friday (and again today, why, I'm not sure) and hubby even got to come home from work early. Like Boy Scouts, we were prepared, with dry logs on our covered patio, a gallon of milk in the extra fridge, loaves of bread, a pantry stocked with peanut butter and lots of other tasty snacks.

Start me up.

2010-01-28T14:08:00.008-05:00

The other morning while waiting for the coffee maker to finish brewing I found myself looking around for my new favorite coffee mug.

I couldn't help but wonder why it is that I find myself reaching for that same cup over and over again, while an entire shelf dedicated to coffee mugs just sits.

Favorite mugs have come and gone.

Some have met an untimely death in the dishwasher or suffered a painful ending, death by floor or counter top. Some have been left behind in office cubicles of days gone by. Some have even been lent out never to have been returned. Sniff. Sniff.

But one thing always holds true. My favorite mugs have gotten me through a lot. Rough mornings, good mornings, late nights, sleepy afternoons, lots of gabs with good friends.

Being the sentimental that I am, I thought I'd share a picture of my new favorite mug.

I'm not sure why I like it so well.

Is it the sweet person who gave it to me? Is it because it's the perfect size for the perfect blending of coffee and half-n-half? Is it the rotund handle that fits just right? Is it because it happens to be in Buckeye colors?

May be it's a little of all of that.

While browsing online I also came across a few other mugs that struck my fancy.

Like this one.

The old tried and true Corelle mug.

It reminds me of home. For as long as I can remember my Mom and Dad have had Corelleware. I grew up in a house where it wasn't a crime to brew a pot of coffee in the middle of the afternoon. I love that.

Then I found these cute striped mugs. They remind me of Easter eggs. In fact, those might just be bunny ears peeking out.

And the Hello Kitty mugs.

I mean, who doesn't love the Kitty?

Then I found this one, which could totally be photo-shopped, but I thought it was very creative and I'm sure would make your coffee taste even more heavenly.

And these made me laugh, cause we all know that really, when we're treating ourselves to a cup of overpriced coffee, it makes us feel like we're getting something really special when we order a "tall" and "grande."

So, do you have a favorite mug that you just can't live without? Or one that you've got a sentimental attachment to with a great story behind it? Or are you not a coffee drinker and just can't relate? (((shudder!!!))))

Almost Wordless Wednesday

2010-01-27T06:53:00.000-05:00

Yes, that's my baby riding her bike in the house and eating her most favorite vegetable of all times...MUSHROOMS...right out of the can!

And I wouldn't trade her for anything!

Gettin' Organized 2010 Style

2010-01-26T10:56:00.010-05:00

As I mentioned in yesterday's post, I've had an extremely difficult time being a renter -- specifically the part where I can't decorate and add my personal touch to this house. And those of you that REALLY know me, know how I love to paint a room. I can't even drive by a Sherwin Williams and not think about just getting a quart to paint an accent wall. When I offer my painting services people think I'm kidding. No people. I LOVE TO PAINT. For reals.

That said, I have decided that I can add my own touches in other, simple, REMOVABLE ways.

Like in the department of organization.

Hey, it's a new year. I'm thinking I'm going to make "GETTING AND STAYING organized" my 2010 resolution.

So, with my trusty helper, I headed over to the Lowe's and picked up this handy little number. And put it up all by myself.

And I didn't even hit any drain lines with my tools.

Look! The ironing board, iron and starch ALL in one place! WOO HOO!!!

And I got one of these to hang right inside the back door -- which btw, that radonkulously tiny pass-thru happens to be my "laundry area." The hooks are cute, it was cheap, it's functional and it's REMOVABLE when we leave.

And my other super find of the week were these little over-the-door hanger/hook thingies. It's beyond me why this house had no towel bars in the bathrooms, but without spending a fortune, I thought this might be a workable solution.

This little guy set me back a whopping 9.99 at my local TJ Maxx. And no holes to patch when we move.

And here's the cute one I found for Maddy -- cause my kids never know where to put their nine thousand hoodies.

Also from TJ Maxx. Hers only cost me 6.99!

I also picked one up for the boys room that fits perfectly underneath their loft bed. Their hoodies also now have a home and the boys are actually hanging them up. Double WOO HOO!!!

How about you? Have you come up with any great organizing ideas? Do you need any painting done? I'm totally available.

Finding the silver lining.

2010-01-25T09:30:00.000-05:00

The excitement of our weekend began Friday night at 9:30, when I went to drain the tub after Molly's bath.

And the tub didn't drain.

And the toilet began to bubble and gurgle.

And then the tub began to drain...up through the pipes and into the tub in the master bath. And then neither one of our toilets would flush...at all.

I phoned up our handy property management company and put in the emergency call. I'm thinking six people and no flushing potties definitely constituted an emergency.

The property management company put in a call to a plumber. The plumber in turn, phoned us early Saturday morning around seven. Mind you, in between all this, we've dealt with musical beds all night, a dog that woke us up twice to potty during the night and a dear friend who texted me at 6:07 am to drag me to yoga and then wanted the full 9-1-1 on why I wasn't going to yoga. Um, cause I was a little overwhelmed and exhausted. Amanda, you know I love you. Next week 'kay?! :)

Anywho, the first plumber arrived Saturday morning around eleven and delivered the news to us that the main sewer line that runs out of the house was broken.

Initially he guestimated Tuesday before they could get anyone out to dig up the yard. I'm not sure what happened, but he left and phoned another guy in their company who told us they'd have someone out around 2 p.m. It might have been the cup of coffee I gave the first plumber. He told me my coffee was delicious and appreciated my hospitality. I just smiled and reminded him that not all Yankees were evil. He chuckled.

By five thirty or so, we were all fixed up and good to go.

Literally.

Now many of you know I've really struggled with the limitations of our being renters. Harnessing my desire to want to decorate and add touches to the property has been really hard for me. But when the bill for the work was presented, I was so, so thankful it wasn't my check that had to pay the bill. Right there in that moment I found my silver lining!!!

So annoying.

2010-01-22T00:42:00.006-05:00

Okay, it's official. I feel a rant coming on.

Now I don't plan to make it a regular thing over here, but I do feel from time to time, the need to get things off my chest. Come on, somewhere behind all the whining and complaining, it's gotta be healthy to unload.

That said, I continue.

Oh, and just so you know, to protect all those involved, names have been changed to protect the "alleged" innocent.

So, last Friday my fancy, overpriced, just over the warranty, "Laytag" washing machine began acting up.

Again.

The fancy, overpriced, just over the warranty Laytag that was just repaired in August.

Twice.

And then again in September, when a whole new electronic console was ordered directly from Laytag and replaced, just before the warranty expired. And just so you know, Laytag's, parent company happens to be Whirltool.

When I phoned factory service, I was informed that I was beyond their ninety-day warranty and that I'd have to pay another service call fee and whatever parts and labor were required to fix the machine.

The machine they never freakin' fixed the first time back in August!!!

Factory service told me I'd have to take it up with Laytag/Whirltool to see if they would be oh so kind enough to extend my warranty.

Upon reaching Whirltool and explaining the situation to FOUR -- read it F-O-U-R people over the phone at Whirltool, they nicely informed me that they couldn't extend the warranty and I'd have to take it up with factory service.

Is anyone else hearing the song "Round and Round the Mulberry Bush" in their head? Just curious.

Whirltool was able to offer me an "awesome" deal -- a deal that took me about 10 seconds to turn down -- a 15% repurchase incentive -- you know, for another one of their stellar products. Which just so you know, there are eight brands sold under the Whirltool umbrella. Eight brands I plan to never purchase.

My conclusion is this -- spending a lot for all the bells and whistles is pointless. Now surely if someone were to give me a nice, shiny, fancy schmancy, all the bells and whistles washer and dryer pair, well, I might be willing to have a little heart and take them in. But I don't see that happening.

I do see going out and buying a stripped down, no frills, inexpensive machine NOT made by Whirltool, and calling it done. If it works for three years, hey great. If it works for five then dies, even better.

How about you? Have you ever wondered if it's worth spending money on the bells and whistles? Do you think they used to make things better than they do now? Did your Mom swear by the ugly, 50 year-old deep freeze in the basement?

What's happening in my life.

2010-01-12T12:18:00.005-05:00

Currently I'm addicted to Corn Chex cereal, as evidenced by the empty bowl next to me as I type this. It was my second bowl. And I demolished it. And it was guu-uud. Isn't it funny how the most simple of things are sometimes so enjoyable?! :)

In the background, I'm listening to Scooby-Doo Christmas. Molly is officially addicted to Scooby-Doo these days. I guess it's been good as we've been forced to stay inside with this cold snap.

As a Northerner I can't help but crack up when I see people out and about around town all bundled up like they're in the frozen tundra. I mean, sure it's cold, but really? Scarves wrapped around your head, followed by a hat, topped off with some ear-muffs? Doesn't that eventually get HOT?....

At work, the night before our predicted big snow fall, people were clamoring for snow boots for their kids -- you know, for the one inch that we were supposed to get.

I can't remember if I shared here that the house we're leasing has been listed for sale. Yep, yessireee, they put the house on the market in October -- five months after we moved in -- six months after they purchased the house. We did hear back from the property management company about getting out of our lease -- basically they said we could, but we'd lose our entire security deposit and still have to pay all but one months rent. So it's really not worth it. Well, at least to our checkbook, may be not my sanity.

We are back to having to show the house -- of course, with 24 hours notice, but we're all having a hard time with it. Not that I'm running around shining and sparkling fixtures like I did when we were selling our house, but there is inconvenience because of the time we have to spend away while they are showing the property.

With our lease still in tact, we are limited to finding a house -- whether we buy or rent again -- in the same school boundaries for the two boys. The thought of the boys moving schools again just about brings me to tears, especially with Patrick just having one more year of middle school before HS. I'm really, really trying to trust more and worry less. And pray. I know HE never fails us. I just can't beat it in to my head. :)

On a much more joyous note, our dear friends from Columbus, David and Nikki are getting ready to bring home their adopted son, Joseph from China. Well, actually, it's just David and their oldest daughter, as Nikki is home, nine months pregnant . She is scheduled to have a C-section five days after David and Joseph's return. Nikki blogs over at Banana, Bear and Bophie if you want to read more about their exciting family happenings. If you wouldn't mind, please, please, please say an extra prayer for them -- for safe travels, for safe baby, for smooth transitions.

As always, you guys rock! Thanks for being there.

Sometimes you just have to laugh.

2010-01-11T09:18:00.003-05:00

Last week my cousin Bonnie called to tell me about her little snafu with the snowblower.

Living in Chicagoland they've seen their fair share of snow. Last week was no exception. While her kiddos were sleeping she went out to snowblow her driveway. Then she went to help her neighbor who had just had a baby. She was ready to head in when she decided to snowblow the back walk "real quick".

That's when the snowblower had a little "run-in" with the dog's leash.

At that moment I don't know what would have been worse -- the idea that the snowblower had met an untimely death or the phone call she would have to make to dear hubby.

Of course, after that phone call, she called to fill me in on what happened. Naturally, we laughed about it and I shared the story of the hour I spent in my garage on Christmas night.

Any household with kids knows about the aftermath of Christmas. Shreds of papers, boxes, plastic, batteries everywhere. Batteries that need to be installed with screwdrivers.

Six screwdrivers exactly. That's how many I picked up around my house over the course of Christmas day.

Having assembled a pile of screwdrivers and since the boys were already in bed, I took the screwdrivers out to the garage myself. When I walked in to the storage closet where the toolbox is, my head almost spun off.

My John loves to get in to tools. He is notorious for leaving a path of destruction EVERYWHERE he goes. I about broke my neck just trying to get to the toolbox to put the goofy tools away.

I began moving things around so I could get to the tool box, which for those of you that know me, leads to one thing. Then another. Then another. Before I knew it I was moving stacks of old kitchen floor tiles and yucky ole paint cans the previous owners left behind. Oh, and there was this random a gallon of tiki torch fuel.

As I picked up the torch fuel to move it, I somehow managed to bump the bottom of the bottle on the stack of tiles, which promptly cracked the bottom of the bottle and torch fuel began spewing out. All over my Ugg slippers, my pajama bottoms, glugg, glugg, glugg all over the floor. Flammable liquid just pouring out EVERYWHERE.

Cursing the prior owners under my breath for leaving behind combustibles, I grabbed two of the oldest towels in my linen closet, knowing full well they'd never return. Those two towels ended up promptly in my trash can. Btw, thank you Grandma Santa for providing us with some new white towels just in the nick of time.

As I type this, I'm thinking the smell in my garage has finally dissipated.

Do you ever wonder why sometimes the most simple of tasks turn in to something way more than you ever bargained for? I sure do.

Oh, and if you're curious, Ugg slippers wash up just fine in the washing machine. :)

Monday ramblings.

2010-01-05T00:51:00.008-05:00

Okay, last night I had a really bizzaro dream. It wasn't bad per say, mostly just weird.

I dreamt that I was invited by Pioneer Woman to come visit their ranch. Except there were like a thousand other people invited too, so in the end, I wasn't really all that "special."

While at the ranch, they were giving tours like the Roloff's do -- you know, on the the Little People, Big World show? And Marlboro Man was handing out cookbooks left and right and it was a whole family affair.

Then there was this rattlesnake that was chasing me and Ree told me to just reach down and kill it with my bare hands.

Then I woke up. The end.

Don't ask. I know. It was weird.

On New Year's Eve while out with friends, over dinner, I informed someone I was pretty sure I was done having kids -- you know, that I had turned forty and was completely at peace with four kids, I felt completely blessed, yada, yada, yada.

Turns out my friend just wanted to know if I was "done" drinking my Margarita.

Yes, it's okay. You can laugh at me. It was pretty funny.

The week is off to a busy start. Back to school. Back to work. The cold snap hitting much of the country has made it's way South. I've even been accused of bringing it with us.

There is actually even talk of snow accumulation -- and we're ready! Pj's will be worn inside out and tomorrow I'm going to go look for our sleds and snow pants. I hear we'll be neighborhood rock stars if we bust out the sleds.

How about you? Are you wishing for snow? Are you sick of snow? Do you want to go someplace warm never to return? Do you like Margaritas? Original or strawberry? On the rocks or frozen? If this "storm" doesn't pan out, can you send my kids some snowballs?

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

2009-12-31T12:48:00.007-05:00

It's hard to believe it's been a week since Christmas. Heck, it's hard to believe we're ready to ring in another New Year. Where do the days go?....

Thought I'd share a quick pic from Christmas of the kiddos. I've been informed (by the boys) that this is the last year they want to match. Oh, my breaking heart! Anyway, our first Christmas in our new home was just lovely. Our new church was very welcoming and it's finally beginning to feel like home to us again. We're not travelling this New Year's weekend, which is weird since it's the first time in many, many years we haven't headed back to Chicago. I'm not sad about not having to deal with all the work that goes in to getting there and all the catching up when we get back, but I am sad not to see our families. Plus the kids were really hoping to get North to see some snow.

And just to let the eight people that read my blog know, Molly received one of the things she wanted the most on her Christmas list.
And guess what America, it's really not as mess-free as they claim. In fact, I think it leaves a bigger mess than what's already in my sink, but hey, the kid was happy!

Tonight we're heading out for Mexican food with friends then returning back to their house to ring in the New Year. Although it's been a year chock-full of changes -- some good and some not so good -- we're thankful for our many, many blessings.

Hugs!

Almost Wordless Wednesday

2009-12-23T13:12:00.004-05:00

When I found the two babes in the manger, one from our old nativity set and one from our new, I couldn't help but think of baby Jesus and his cousin John hanging out together. And please tell me my house isn't the only house with kids that seem to think the nativity is an action figure set.

Cause when I saw these guys in a huddle...

my mind went here...

Tied game, clock running down, starting quarterback throws ball to backup quarterback lurking along the sideline, who hits a receiver on a slant who then outruns defenders into the end zone. Winning play.

Two more days. :)

Short and sweet Christmas edition.

2009-12-21T18:20:00.003-05:00

All the gifts are wrapped. Thanks to two elf friends that came over for an impromptu hot chocolate, cookie and wrapping party. Woo Hoo! This is a record. The earliest I've ever had ALL the wrapping done.

I'm working on our Christmas cards. I got a picture of the kiddos -- a half-way decent one of the kids after Mass on Sunday. It's been printed and I'm working through my cards at my pace. The pace of writing out one card, getting someone a drink, switching the laundry, making a Pb&j, calling the insurance guy -- you know.

Leo's been busy baking since before the weekend. Yes, he's the baker in the house. I'm the cookie eater. Hence, the beginning of my holiday ten. Just think, they'll be more of me to love! :)

Working a few shifts this week, spending Christmas Eve with friends, Mass Christmas morning in our new church.

How 'bout you? How are you all holding up?

Things that make you go hmmmm....

2009-12-17T21:20:00.002-05:00

Do you think if I had tools that looked like this

or this

or even this

they would be less likely to "walk" away with two certain boys?

By the way Santa, I've been nice this year. And these tools are super cute.

Baby Sisters.

2009-12-15T11:34:00.003-05:00

Last week my baby sister came to visit. She was actually our first visitor since our move to the South. It's hard to believe my baby sister and I are just shy of twenty years apart. She was two when Leo and I got married. It's just crazy to imagine that I've spent my adult life getting to know my sweet baby sister.

As a child she reminded me a lot of a certain four year old.

Having a baby sister is great for lots of reasons.

They know how to lovingly tell you the jeans you thought were "hip" really aren't and are still considered "mom" jeans.

They know how to give you make-overs without making you feel like your make-up has been stuck in the 80's.

They know how to buy you a scarf, then conveniently not mention how much they really spent until you've taken the price off and worn it -- knowing full well, certain big sister would have insisted on returning it.

Was it wrong as she was leaving that I was secretly wishing her flight would have been delayed so she could stay just one more night?....

Mary, I miss you and I love you twenty bucks a dollars.

Fa-la-la-la-la some bad Haiku.

2009-12-11T22:33:00.003-05:00

Bad Haiku I do...
Counting syllables is swell.
Must join in the fun!

So pop over to to Laura's place and join in the 2009 Bad Haiku Festival.

Christmas in the South,
Really isn't quite the same.
White Christmas I doubt.

Puppy Adventures, Black Friday Recap and Advent Explained by a 4 year old.

2009-12-11T11:47:00.003-05:00

With all the excitement over here I've managed to neglect my blog a bit over the last week or so. I'm scratching my head wondering how it got to be Friday again and how there are only two weeks until Christmas. Several of you have asked about my first Black Friday experience working "behind the counter" and many of you have wondered if I've fallen in to a hole. I guess you just call it life.

Two weeks ago we picked up our dear friends at the airport who had been away for an 8-day vacation to San Francisco. Upon returning to their home and unloading their luggage, we noticed a puppy in their back yard. Their back yard that is fully fenced in by a very tall, privacy fence. The neighbor confirmed the dog had been in their yard for at least 4 - 5 days. The poor little guy was hungry and thirsty, but very sweet and friendly. He was so skinny. It was almost hard to look at him. Poor guy.

Our friends made a few phone calls the next day only to find that all of the area shelters are in the same boat -- completely filled to capacity because of the holidays and operating on no money. The city shelter said they would take him but if he wasn't claimed in three days he would most likely be put down. At that point, they made the decision that they were going to keep the little guy, but because of his untimely arrival, they were both scheduled to be out of town for their jobs.

Being the animal suckers we are, we gladly took in the little guy and agreed to keep him for a few days until our friends were back in town. Since the little guy hadn't been vet checked, we had to keep him apart from our dog, so he spent his days in our garage and in the back yard. We set him up with some blankies, our old crate, got him some food, gave him two baths and provided him ample playtime with the kids in the yard.

I am happy to report he has settled in nicely to his new home. He received a clean bill of health from the vet and is already putting on some weight.

Getting back to my Black Friday -- all in all, it went well. Most of the customers were excited and friendly and willing to wait patiently. They were excited to tell me all about their bargain hunting escapades, those that scored sweet deals during the wee hours of the day. Then there were those that just were out to be out -- which to me is weird -- but hey, if that's your thing, more power to ya.

I did have one customer who laid down her items and someone went through her stuff and took one of the skirts she had in her pile. I did feel bad -- and of course, apologized, but on a day like Black Friday one would think it wasn't such a good idea to put down your items. The positive side of me would like to think the woman who took the skirt thought the pile was a pile of register "go-backs."

The thing I did find most delightful is that most of my customers wished me "Merry Christmas." May be it's a Southern thing, I don't know, but I like it. I'll give the South that -- they don't mind talking about Jesus! :) Oh, and in case you've missed me mentioning it before, they have this little thing called fried chicken that is sure to knock your socks off. Jesus and chicken. It's doesn't get any better than that.

Speaking of Jesus, at Mass the first week of Advent we were explaining to Molly the significance of the Advent wreath. Because her world is made up of all things pink and frilly, she can't wrap her brain around the fact that Jesus doesn't come on the pink candle Sunday. To her, of course baby Jesus' birthday should be celebrated on the pink candle, like all most excellent occasions. I've even overheard her explaining to her brothers that it's Christmas when we light the pink candle. Not sure how we're going to get around that one.

How about you? How's your Christmas prep going? What's filling your days during this Blessed Season?

Meeting Pioneer Woman.

2009-12-09T14:24:00.009-05:00

After having realized I missed the Pioneer Woman's book signing in Little Rock back in November and being so bummed about it, I decided I had to see if I could make it to her signing in Nashville.

I phoned my dear friend Cynthia -- my dear, wonderful, lovely, amazingly talented, supportive bloggy friend that I had yet to meet "in real life." Knowing we both read Ree's blog, I asked her what she thought about meeting up and going to the signing together. She thought it was a great idea. She would drive over from Knoxville and I would drive up from Memphis.

And since daytime childcare is still scarce for me, I decided to bring Molly and make it a girls overnight.

Coincidentally, my baby sister Mary was here in Memphis visiting. She had actually gotten to see Ree back in Chicago a few weeks ago.

And Ree remembered her.

Ree spoke just a few minutes before the signing, and I'm sure panicked a bit when she saw the size of the crowd. Thank goodness I had purchased our books early which put us in Group 1 and 2 for the signing. We were out of there in an hour.

I wasn't sure exactly what I wanted to say, but became completely flustered as it was my turn to approach the table and I looked down to see Molly pulling gum out of her mouth. It was all over her hands and of course, I had no tissue or napkin or anything to wipe her off. At this point all I'm thinking is please, please don't touch Ree's beautiful jacket.

I'm sure I came off sounding like a blabbering idiot -- and of course, Ree was very gracious and sweet. And her posture -- oh my word -- it's amazing! She really is just as gorgeous in real life as she is on her blog.

Ree's sister Betsy and Ree's friend, Hyacinth were also there. They were handing out t-shirts and I asked them to sign my books. They each have recipe pages in Ree's book, so they signed their respective pages. They were both just lovely. And Betsy told Mary that she looked like Taylor Swift, so that made Mary's night.

We handed Mary's camera off to the bookstore guy to take our picture and I was too busy blabbering that we never really posed for the camera. And Mary didn't bring her camera cord with her, so I'm posting without the few pics we got.

After the signing the four of us had a lovely dinner at PF Changs. It was wonderful to get to finally meet my friend Cynthia. It was the perfect way to end a great evening and I'm dying to curl up with my new book.

Thanks Ree. You rock!

Bargains, Deals and Black Friday. Oh my.

2009-11-24T12:01:00.005-05:00

Now that I've got this little retail "gig" going for me, it seemed appropriate to blog about Black Friday. Of course, it's hard because I want to do a good job at my job and sell, sell, sell, but I am also very aware of consumerism and the true meaning of the season getting lost. I'm definitely struggling with that.

I've never been one of those people that goes out looking for super blow-out Black Friday deals. To me, my post-turkey slumber is far more important that venturing out in to a cold morning looking for a bargain. And I suppose if there was something I just had to have and I got somewhere and it was sold out, I'd be really disappointed because of all the sleep I could have had. I like me my sleep.

So, Friday I am scheduled to work at 7 am. Which is super funny to me -- cause I am not a morning person -- AT ALL. And when I asked my boss why she scheduled me to open and not close, she replied that she loves my energy and enthusiasm. Um, apparently, she doesn't know that I'm not a morning person. I told her I would give it my best and as long as she brought in a coffee pot and kept it brewing all morning, I'd give her all the energy and enthusiasm that I could muster. Hmmm...I wonder if any customers would notice if I got one of those camel back-pack thingies and filled it will coffee? Imagine the customer service I could provide! :)

Our store doors open at 5 am. Since I'm not a Black Friday shopper I'm excited to see what it's like. I'll be curious to see how many people come out to our store and our little mall at the wee hours of the day. Will our store be ransacked by shoppers looking to score a good deal? And as I type that I am thankful I am not closing FRIDAY -- one upside to having to come in early -- not dealing with the aftermath. Will there be any good fights over graphic tees, sock colors or sweet jean deals? Probably not. Hopefully they'll be lots of coupon sharing and kumbaya moments.

How about you? Do you bargain hunt on Friday? What are you willing to wait in line for? What's the best deal you've ever found? Do you like the chaos or would you rather sit at home and do your shopping online? (me! me! I vote for that!) Do you have other Friday after Thanksgiving traditions? This non-morning person wants to know.

Talkin' turkey.

2009-11-23T08:11:00.001-05:00

Nineteen years in to our marriage it's actually quite surprising to me that we've never really had any major holiday meal blunders -- I suppose I should knock on some wood, as it isn't Friday yet.

Over the years I've heard stories about frozen turkeys the morning of Thanksgiving, turkeys left behind for pot-luck dinners, dogs eating turkeys -- that kind of thing. Of course, these stories make for great blog fodder -- which leads me to this post. And although, oftentimes something to laugh about, the holidays were no less memorable with time spent with family and friends.

Which brings me to my story of volunteering to prepare the roasted turkey for Patrick's pre-school class.

See, those were the early years of our marriage and I somehow managed to not have a suitable turkey sized roasting pan in my kitchen. I had always thought of buying one and for several years I went out looking for one -- usually the week of Thanksgiving. And the shelves were always empty. It wasn't until several years later that the roasting pan made it to my Christmas list and my dear MIL came through for us. (Btw, I still totally want to win the roasting pan Pioneer Woman is giving away -- plus it comes with a sweet knife and an iron skillet. Oh man, I SO want to win that giveaway!)

Anywho, for that pre-school turkey I resorted to the cheap, throw-away aluminum pan. Which was a good idea until I decided to PICK UP the entire pan, with the 22 pounder in it to try and strain off the juices.

At 11 pm in the evening -- the night before the feast.

The pan collapsed, the bird bounced out, hot grease went EVERYWHERE and I stood stunned -- in a full-on half split in front of the stove. My feet were literally sliding out from under me from the puddle of greasy drippings I was standing in.

Thankfully, I managed to catch the bird before it hit the floor.

With my potholders.

In my half split.

I was able to salvage some of the drippings to make my gravy, but my kitchen floor, well, that was a whole 'nother "bird" (hee, hee).

I spent hours -- and I mean HOURS, scrubbing and scrubbing that floor. It just seemed I couldn't get the grease up. After about 2 hours in to the clean-up I gave up and went to bed.

The turkey turned out great. People oooohed and aaaahed over my beautifully roasted bird. No one was none the wiser. And if by chance anyone from St. James the Less is reading this post, I swear to you, the bird never hit the floor. Promise. Scouts honor.

So, how 'bout you? Ever had a turkey blunder? Side-dish gone horribly wrong? Substituted a funky ingredient? Do you gamble and decide it's a good idea to try a new recipe for the crowd? Do tell. I want to know all your juicy details.

Starstruck -- Part Two.

2009-11-19T23:57:00.006-05:00

So, tonight Mary, my baby sister caught up with Ree, The Pioneer Woman at her book signing in Chicago. Mary has been reading Ree's blog as long as I've been blogging -- about a year and a half. Of course, like all of us, she fell in love with Ree and decided she needed to pick up a copy of her cookbook and meet her in real life.

Mary was admittedly nervous and said she became red and sweaty, but managed to get out a few words that made sense.

Ree told Mary that she was beautiful. :) Which Mary totally is -- and that hair -- look at that hair! I'm so jealous.

Mary also scored the autograph of Marlboro Man and the two boy punks. Apparently, one of them wanted to sign twice. Mary said it was cute.

I think Mary is telling Ree that she will treasure her cook book forever. And I'm sure she promised Ree that she would make all the recipes in the book whenever I come to town.

And I guess they were giving out these cute t-shirts -- which Mary will be rockin' when she comes to visit and we roadtrip to Nashville together for the December 8th signing. So excited!!!!

P Dub, you rock! !f you're looking for two, new bff's, we're totally available -- you know, in a non-creepy, non-stalkerish kind of way!

Quirks.

2009-11-17T13:57:00.005-05:00

The other night I realized that my wiping down the table and counters before cooking might just be a little quirky.

Of course, I want to prepare food in a clean environment, but in my mind, before starting food prep, I need a clean kitchen. Like nothing out, sink emptied, even better yet, dishwasher emptied before I start preparing food. And it doesn't always happen like that because, you know, the kiddos are circling and the pressure is on to get something on the table.

When I'm cooking a huge meal, I'm loading dishes and washing pots and pans as I go. I definitely can't stand a big pile of dishes at the end of the meal. I think that comes from being from a large family and being on dish duty.

Now my Mom on the other hand, is like a tornado in the kitchen. As a kid I remember thinking could she possibly have used any more pots and pans to cook this dinner? Now being a Mom and cooking for multiple kids, I know she used what she needed to. But having to wash all those pots and pans made me wish my Mom could have been a one-skillet Hamburger Helper Mom.

What about you? How are you quirky? Did your Mom ever make you Hamburger Helper?

Starstruck.

2009-11-12T13:42:00.009-05:00

A few weeks back while visiting my friend Martha we somehow got on on the topic of being starstruck. Like, who would I really be starstruck by and what would my reaction be? Would I be goofy and not be able to speak or would I ramble on like a dork making a fool of myself? I suspect the later. Shocking. I know.

Believe it or not, I couldn't really think of anyone obvious. I mean, sure, I'd like to run in to George Clooney or Patrick Dempsey -- you know, just to see if they're really as handsome in real life or smell as good as I imagine. Honestly, I've never really had any "real" brushes with fame, unless you count a tv news reporter, cause I've actually seen a few of those in my old K Roger.

Oooh, once I was out for lunch with friends and Kirk Herbstreit (an OSU quarterback who now an ESPN commentator) was sitting across from us. I thought briefly about asking for his autograph, since it happened to be Patrick's birthday that day, but thought again, as he seemed to be enjoying lunch with a friend. Plus I'm a chicken.

Anywho, my point is that I did come up with one person I'd really like to meet in real life. Of course, in a totally non-creepy, non-stalkerish kind of way, but in a "hey, I think you're pretty awesome" kind of way.

It's Ree Drummond -- you know, The Pioneer Woman. She does it all -- master blogger, photographer, cook extraordinaire, cookbook author, homeschooling mom, ranch wife, on and on.

She's recently finished her cookbook and she's touring the country doing book signings. Btw, her cookbook reached #1 on the NY Times Best Seller list last weekend. Could you even imagine? I'm so happy for her. Really. She seems so genuine and hard-working and that, I totally admire.

She'll be in Nashville the first week of December -- you know, Nashville, which is only 2 1/2 hours from Memphis.

So, this mamma's planning a road trip. I've purchased my cookbooks which double as my ticket and I'll be meeting up with a surprise friend. And I'm excited.

Oooh, what to wear? What to say? Should I bring her a gift? How does fried chicken travel? Can I lose 25 pounds in three weeks? Oh, so, so many questions.

Who do you think is the cat's pajamas?

Click here to unsubscribe.

2009-11-11T15:34:00.001-05:00

Okay, totally random post here, but a few days ago I reached the point of total annoyance at the massive numbers of ridiculous e-mails I get.

Not from my peeps -- you know, I'll always love you. It's all those OTHER annoying e-mails from places I've purchased from. Uh huh. Of course, you don't sell my e-mail address. And I'm a size two. Uh huh.

So, I've spent the last week unsubscribing to oodles of retailers and political causes. I've just decided I've had enough.

Pottery Barn I love you, but honestly, who can afford you? Just keep sending me your catalog and I'll "borrow" your ideas. It's a win-win. For me.

Bye-bye Vicki's Secret, Chicos, Yankee Candles and JC Penney. It's been great. You've made me feel loved when no one else did, but I'm pulling up my big-girl panties and cutting my ties. Which btw, those aren't available at Vicki's Secret. It's time. Don't' call me. I'll call you.

And Upromise and LittleGrad -- just let me know in about three years how much I've accumulated and send me the big, fat check. Until then, I'll trust you're guarding my pennies just fine.

The great MEATSCAPADE of 2009.

2009-11-06T12:26:00.007-05:00

I've been so wanting to get to this blog post put together all week. Seriously, with my work schedule and Leo's travel schedule, I have no idea where the days are going. Oiy.

Last Friday night we went out with a super fun couple to this really great restaurant, Texas de Brazil, a Brazilian steakhouse.

Now, TdB is a national chain restaurant and in several large cities, but Leo and I had never been to one.

We had a GREAT coupon from a coupon book I purchased from a neighbor kid, so we figured it was the perfect opportunity to try something new and get out for an adult evening. And here's where having a teenager comes in really handy -- FREE BABYSITTING! I never thought we'd get to this point. We almost have TWO free babysitters. Don't worry -- I pay them in food, clothing and shelter. I know. I'm just nice like that.

Now, the gist of the dining experience goes something like this. You visit the "salad" bar in the center of the restaurant -- and this, my friends, is no ordinary salad bar. It's chock-full of several green salads, artisan cheeses, grilled and roasted vegetables, lobster bisque that was out of this world, olives, sushi, shrimp, and many, many other goodies to choose from.

After you've had your fill of the "salad" bar, you begin the meat service. Which mind you, also comes with mashed potatoes and grilled plantains covered in some yummy, warm caramel sauce.

At your table each person has a little token thingy that you turn back and forth to green or red, indicating whether to bring the meat or not.

The gauchos (the meat carvers) come right to your table with their ginormous skewers of meats -- each one bringing a different type of meat -- filet mignon, flank steak, garlic sirloin, various chicken recipes, rack of lamb, pork tenderloin, sausages -- you name it!

And these gauchos mean business. The second you turn your chip over to green, indicating "bring on the meat," they're ALL OVER YOU. In fact, Erin and I started counting to see how long it took them to come over to our table once we flipped our chip. It was quite entertaining.

Our hubbies had the "pace yourself, take a breather, eat no starch" plan. They were both determined to get their money's worth, for sure. Erin and I were unfortunately lured in to the salad bar and were unable to pace ourselves like the men. The lobster bisque was amazing and I just couldn't pass up the homemade croutons -- darn you evil starches! I'll never quit you.

At any rate, we had a LOVELY time. The food was delicious -- the company, even better. We decided this restaurant would be a perfect "Fat Tuesday" treat -- we might even make it a tradition.

So, my humble recommendation is to go check out a Texas de Brazil if you have one in your area. They're a bit pricey, but keep your eyes open for coupons -- they have really great coupons if you can find one. We decided it is a place you could do once, may be twice a year -- but for a really special occasion, it' would be a wonderful place to celebrate. Now I gotta go get me some meat. I'm hungry.

Tired parents, the time change and Molly-isms.

2009-11-02T12:45:00.005-05:00

Wouldn't you think that gaining an extra hour of sleep would help us all feel rested? Not so much. I'm always amazed how one little hour throws off the entire household for a week or so until every one's bodies get used to the change.

Last night Molly was in bed between the two of us because, well, we were utterly exhausted, and she was still rearing to go. We had hoped by letting her come in bed with us that she would finally give in and crash. Again -- not so much.

As I began to drift off to sleep, the child begins to sing. And just to mention, dear hubby has been asleep for a hour, just snoring away, completely oblivious. Now the singing is so sweet and precious and adorable, but at 11:30 (which is REALLY 12:30!!!) I'm not thinking it's so cute.

And her little song goes something like this...."one, two, three, four, five, six, seven...." up to twenty. And then she starts singing the same tune, but in Spanish... "uno, dos, tres, NACHO, cinco, seis..."

I completely lose it. NACHO? I mean, how can you not laugh? Which of course, completely re-energizes her and the singing continues.

Funny thing, I'm kinda in the mood for a taco this morning. Hmmmm......

Letting my creative juices flow.

2009-10-30T08:43:00.004-04:00

Two weeks ago I received an email from John's teacher looking for a parent to come in and decorate the classroom door for "Red Ribbon Week" -- a week with each day having a theme about not using drugs.

Since the move I haven't feel super inspired to get out my scrapbooks or challenge myself in the crafty department. I'm totally in a rut -- for sure.

At any rate, after the 2nd or 3rd email asking for a parent volunteer, I decided to offer my time and figured I could come up with something. Plus, I couldn't resist her note when she signed it "Mrs. Q and the 18 tadpoles." I mean, how could anyone disappoint the tadpoles?

So, off to the teacher supply store I went -- hoping to find supplies that I could use to tie the "Say No to Drugs" and Halloween themes together.

Here's the picture of the finished project. I purchased a bat Webkinz -- see him hanging upside down at the top of the door -- which I donated to the classroom. John's teacher was just delighted with how the door turned out.

Yep, I'm thinkin' I'm one crafty little beaver. :)

Rolling with the punches.

2009-10-26T13:35:00.004-04:00

I've definitely gotten better at that over the years. I think having kids for sure makes you more adaptable. I am trying more often to count my blessings and realizing with kids, you just never know what to expect.

Like finding vomit in your bed at 10:30 on a Sunday night.

On the comforter that you just picked up from the dry cleaners two weeks ago.

But that's just how life goes sometimes.

So, I'm thankful I had a washing machine.

I'm thankful I had an extra set of sheets in the closet.

I'm thankful only one kid got sick and not all four simultaneously.

I'm thankful hubby put in the final load of laundry in to the machine before he left for work.

And I'm crossing my fingers hoping the poor baby's sickness was a complete fluke. Wish me luck on that one! :)

Resurfacing.

2009-10-23T12:28:00.011-04:00

Oh my poor blog, how I have neglected you so.

For fear of being turned over to protective bloggy services, I figured I needed to post something. STAT! Do I still have any readers out there? Anyone? Anyone? Buehler? Buehler?

Anywho, it's been a crazy couple of weeks on the home front. Nothing too out of the ordinary, but I feel like I've blinked and the days are gone. Leo's been on the road almost every week for the last six weeks. How could I, of all people, actually feel overwhelmed single parenting again? I don't know. But I have.

This past weekend I actually got to take a trip sans kids. My dear friend Martha was kind enough to have me out for a visit -- which is always wonderful. She spoils me rotten. We sit around in comfy cozies and gab like crazy. It's great for me to step out of my mom role for just a day or two and recharge. The visit was just what the doctor ordered.

While visiting Martha, I was also able to meet Laura in real life -- who happens to be just as delightful in real life as she is on her blog, Catholic Teacher Musings. We chatted it up like we were long lost friends. She said I had a cute Midwestern accent and for that, I'll love her forever! And of course, we had to seize the photo op.

Btw, I'm totally trying to embrace my new brown hair. Feel free to lemme know your honest opinions. Because you know us women, nine thousand people need to like it before we really decide if we like it. I'm trying to get back to closer to my natural color (of course, minus the gray, wink, wink!) but after all this time, who really knows what my natural color even is. Honestly, I don't even think my hairdresser knows that secret.

I'm getting ready for a work-free Saturday -- YAY! I think I'll make some chili and just plan to enjoy hanging out with the fam. How 'bout you? Any exciting plans for the weekend?

So grateful.

2009-10-13T21:07:00.006-04:00

One -- I am alive.

Two -- People love me and have missed me. That sure feels good. I have missed you too! I have so much blog reading to catch up on.

Three -- I am a bonehead.

We survived our bouts of swine flu -- only four out of the six of us got it -- which is completely weird and unexplainable, but hey, I'll take it. The flu itself wasn't really all that awful -- I surely wouldn't wish it on anyone, but it could have been a whole lot worse.

Last week was spent dealing with the aftermath -- you know that uncontrollable bleaching that happens, the opening the windows, the catching up on mountains of laundry and then the trying to figure out how to get food in your house. Hello, Peapod? Are you still out there?

This past weekend we decided since we were all well and the kids had days off of school for Columbus Day, that we would head up to Columbus. Leo went to the OSU game and I spent the weekend driving around dropping kids here and there and briefly getting to see people. It just wasn't enough time. I feel bad about all the people I didn't get to see, but we did our best with what we had.

Then Monday evening happened.

We got back to Memphis and I asked Leo where my toiletry bag was.

To which, he replied, he had no idea.

I thought he packed it. He thought I packed it.

Come to find out, I left it in the hotel room on the desk.

And inside of it -- my wedding ring -- and my two Pandora bracelets.

We drove ten hours and I left a WHOLE bag in a hotel room and NEVER once thought about it until we got home.

Once I could think clearly, I knew right away what had happened and how it had gotten left behind. As we were leaving the hotel room, Molly made a run for it and I was distracted and walked out of the room without it.

I quickly phoned the hotel and talked to the manager on duty. He first told me I'd have to wait until the morning to talk to housekeeping, but I began uncontrollably crying, explaining the bag contained my wedding ring -- that he just had to look for the bag. I handed the phone over to Leo because at this point, I could hardly talk. The manager took down the info and said he'd check and call us back.

About 15 minutes later he called and said he had found the bag -- it was in the housekeeping office waiting to be "processed" -- whatever that means. I took a deep breath and asked him to check for the ring and the bracelets -- I had tucked them inside a little travel jewelry pouch.

Thank you Jesus, the ring and both bracelets were inside. The housekeeping employee turned in the bag -- and all it's contents -- my entire make-up bag, all my hair stuff, my hair straightener that I can't live without, two prescriptions, some random socks and a pair of Molly's shoes.

It warms my heart to know that there are still good, honest people in this world. Today I spoke to the General Manager and he assured me the person would be recognized. I am truly grateful that the employee chose to do the right thing. May he or she be truly blessed.

Flu Central.

2009-10-01T21:10:00.004-04:00

So much for talking myself out of getting sick. Today, I hit the wall.

I've been going all week -- in fact last night on the way home from picking Maddy up at v-ball, I stopped at Kroger to stock up on all the "illness" necessities -- ginger ale, popsicles, kleenex, more hand soap, oreos, chicken noodle soup. Okay, may be not so much the oreos.

I've been coughing and sneezing all day. Chilled off and on. The top of my lungs feel heavy, which makes me nervous after the whole pneumonia episode of January. I've promised my Mom to phone the Dr. ASAP if I turn for the worse -- I'm really scared of this going in my lungs. I can't do pneumonia again.

We're pretty sure it is the swine flu -- they are (the schools and dr's offices) telling us that it's most likely swine, as it's rampant in school (primarily the middle) and it's still early for the seasonal flu. Honestly, it hasn't been all that bad -- I mean, sure no one feels great, but is it what the media has made it out to be -- definitely not!

Molly started running fever this morning, as well as Maddy last night, so the good thing is that hopefully we'll all have it and be done with it in a week. As of now, just waiting on John and Leo -- and well, Leo rarely gets sick. Ugh. So not fair!

Off to crawl back in to bed -- not that I think I can possibly sleep as I've slept most of the day -- but I'm sure gonna try.

Weekend recap.

2009-09-29T13:39:00.005-04:00

Saturday morning's charity walk was a huge success. John and I had a great time. He didn't complain once about the walking part. Okay, he did want to hurry up quick and finish because he was all over the hot dogs they were grilling for the walkers -- at 10 am. I know. Eeewwww. I opted for the banana.

We had a bit of rain but nothing that lasted. You know just enough to run out to the car to get the umbrella and then be annoyed that you had to carry it around because it stopped raining. Even with the rain, it was a lot of fun and John and I really enjoyed being a part of such a worthy cause. We're already looking forward to next year!

Saturday afternoon I worked and after my work shift I met Leo and our new Northern friends to watch the 2nd half of the Ohio State/Illinois game. And our Buckeyes won. And I ate a bunch of food, deep fried to perfection. And drank too much. And did some Karaoke. And Sunday morning I wished Saturday never happened -- at least the drinking part.

The Karaoke part was something I thought I would never do and honestly, it was a hoot. Now, I'm not running out to buy my own machine or anything, but next time (((((shudder))))) I doubt there will have to be any arm twisting to get me on stage.

And let's just say Memphis will never be the same.

Oh, and I think we've had a visit from Mr. Influenza -- Mr. Swine Influenza.

Patrick's been down since Friday. I started feeling it last night and I think Molly's not far behind. And Leo's on the road.

The end.

Making my Friday.

2009-09-25T12:54:00.009-04:00

Several weeks ago on our way in to church -- well, one of the churches we're checking out, as I don't think we've found our parish 'home' yet -- we were handed a flyer from a Boy Scout.

The flyer contained information about the annual St. Vincent de Paul Walk for the Poor -- a charity walk with the purpose of raising funds to feed the area needy.

I stuck it in the church book bag and planned to read it once Mass was over.

Somewhere around the time of the 2nd reading I glanced over and noticed my John reading it. And let me just say, getting that child to read anything is a monumental task, so instead of giving him the look to put it away, I let him finish.

And just when we sat down for the homily, he scooted over and whispered in my ear "Mom, can we do this?"

Swallowing the lump in my throat, I told him we'd look at it after Mass. Talk about an opportunity for a lesson in Christian charity -- a lesson an eight year old could really wrap his brain around.

We got home, checked the calendar and together sent out an email requesting pledges -- a bit hesitantly, knowing that in today's economy, for many households every penny counts.

And dear friends and family opened up their hearts and gave.

I'm proud to say that we raised just under $300 for our walk -- little ole us -- $300. Wow!

Tomorrow morning we'll be walking our one-mile fun walk. May be you could say a few prayers for us. Oooh, for sunshine. Yes, pray for sunshine. :) Pray for the safety of all those involved. Pray for those that have the awesome responsibility of feeding the hungry on a daily basis. Pray for hearts to open to hear HIS call.

My dogs were barking.

2009-09-22T22:39:00.010-04:00

Yes, they were after my first weekend shift working the retail gig.

And completely unrelated -- for those of you out there watching the new, hit show, Glee, one of my favorite lines is when the lead character's wife is complaining about her job at the local Sheets-n-things and she says "I'm on my feet four hours a day, three days a week!" I keep saying that to Leo and it makes us both laugh. Like she was the hardest working woman in America. It's just funny.

Anywho, I think I mentioned something about starting my part-time job a few posts ago. And so far, I really like it. I'm working in a small, national brand, children's clothing store here in our town. Of course, I'm not making huge money, but in today's economy, every little bit helps and I get a sweet discount and I'll admit, I'm enjoying getting out of the house a few hours a week.

But I'll tell you this -- I'm definitely not used to being on my feet for hours at a time. And the two pairs of shoes I pulled out of the closet that I thought would work, well, not so much.

So I caved and bought these....

Crocs...I know. ((((shudder)))) But desperate times call for desperate measures. And they were cheap, okay.

But know, I really want these.

I've got Dansko clog envy in the worst way. Unfortunately, I think I'm still a few more paychecks away from making that purchase.

Oh well. Such is life.

Summer Wedding...Part Deux

2009-09-18T10:27:00.001-04:00

Wow! Friday already?....

This week has been better, but has flown by. I'm not sure where the time has gone, but I did manage to cross a few little things off my list -- setting up some Dr.'s appointments for various kiddos, scheduling a few house repairs, lots of games of Candyland -- that type of thing.

As for this rain system that has stalled out over Memphis, seriously. It has been raining here consistently since Monday. I'm feeling as if I'm back in Ohio during the spring.

Moving on to a sunnier topic -- the continuation of Liz and Matt's wedding day.

The beautiful bride and baby sister on the way to the church.

Dad walking Liz down the aisle. I really liked the reflection of the stained glass. A professional photographer would probably consider it a flawed picture -- I liked it. :)

Matt shaking my Dad's hand and greeting his new bride.

Right before the exchanging of the vows.

Mr. and Mrs. Matthew B.

I loved this picture! These are two of my brother's triplets. Liz wanted to be able include all the kids, so she, of course, made this little "here comes the bride..." banner for the two of them to carry before she and my Dad came down the aisle. They were so proud.

This was one of my favorite pictures of the day. Liz with the good sisters -- two nuns, very near and dear to our hearts. Coincidentally, Sr. Celestine (the one holding Liz's hand) was my first grade teacher and Sr. Eugenia was my second grade teacher. They taught several of us kids over our years at St. Philip.

And notice dh in the background holding a sleeping Molly. That child has not fallen asleep during Mass in I can't tell you how long and that day she decided she needed a siesta, right smack in the middle of the wedding.

And SURPRISE! She woke up happy!

It's official!

To be continued....

Welcome baby Henry!!!

2009-09-15T10:41:00.004-04:00

I'm so excited to announce that I have a new nephew -- Henry Joseph.

He arrived last evening -- I don't have the specifics on the time yet, but he weighed in at 8 lbs., 5 oz and measured 20 1/2".

After a long day of labor for Christina and some heart rate drops with the baby, they took the baby late last evening by C-section. Mommy, Daddy and Henry are all tired, but doing well.

Congratulations to my brother Dave, his beautiful wife Christina and two proud big sisters, Emily and Abby.

(By the way, David is right under me in birth order, the 2nd oldest.)

God is so good!

Help! Someone needs a name!

2009-09-14T19:28:00.007-04:00

Okay, so the baby sister went and rescued this cute, little, 11 month old Pomeranian. Which makes me wonder, as a foofy lapdog, really, how rough does your life get that you require rescuing?

Anywho, SHE came with a name but Mary doesn't love it. And I'm not going to tell you what it is cause I'm curious to see if any of you will come up with the same name.

So, all six of you out there reading -- what do you think? What should Mary name the little beast? Even if you're not a small dog fan, you have to admit she is pretty stinkin' cute.

Can I have a Groundhog Week?

2009-09-14T00:31:00.005-04:00

Okay, just when I thought the week couldn't get any worse, Friday happened.

One of those days, capping off one of those weeks.

But, thankfully I got by with a little help from my friends, Mr. Ghirardelli.

And his friend, Miss Ta Quilla.

Of course, all in moderation.

Friday morning we picked up Leo's car to find that it really wasn't starting any better. You know, $650 later. One of those super craptastic you've-got-to-be-kidding me moments.

Leo drove the car to work and most of the day we went back and forth about whether or not he should just rent a car for the weekend as he was planning on driving up to Columbus later that day. I didn't want him taking possibly unreliable transportation on the road and I surely didn't want to be left with possibly unreliable transportation if he opted to take my van.

I was still pretty convinced it was the battery, so instead of spending money on a rental car, we decided to spend the money on a new battery and hope it was just that.

Ching. Another $140.

And she purrs like a kitten. Or at least starts like one.

Which leaves me to wonder about said $650 repair -- but I'll leave that for another post when I'm feeling in the mood for a rant. How's tomorrow?

Fast forward to Friday afternoon -- the battery's replaced. The car is packed. Dh has remembered the football tickets. We head out in two separate vehicles and plan to have dinner as a family and he'll get on the road from there. Hubs hits the ATM for some cash and on the way to the restaurant I realize he's left the GPS on the counter.

He turns around and heads back home to grab the GPS.

Off to dinner we go.

Where I ask him about the cell phone charger that he doesn't have.

Back to the house he goes...again.

Only to find the charger in his bag the whole time. Poor guy.

And by now I'm pretty much thinkin' it's an omen and he's really not meant to get on the road, but he knows he can't let down one super excited teen who's pumped about seeing her friends and one feisty 8 year old who's making a surprise visit to his old neighborhood buddies.

Plus, there was something about the Buckeyes, the Horseshoe and some other team.

Which is a whole 'nother story, cause well, that wasn't a pretty ending.

Thankfully, everyone arrived safely to and from their destinations.

And Patrick, Molly and I enjoyed hanging out for the weekend. I started my new part-time job (which I haven't blogged about yet!) and dear, new friends from the North, hosted us for a cookout and the OSU/USC game.

Our same new friends even took Patrick and Molly to the zoo while I was working so the kids would have something fun to do. And Miss Molly's lifelong dream of getting to see a Panda at the zoo was finally fulfilled. Okay, we're not totally awful parents. We did take her to the National Zoo in DC to see the baby Panda. We couldn't help it that she couldn't see out of the Baby Bjorn.

So last week was a tough one, but I survived. May be I didn't do it with the grace and patience I would have liked, but I'm determined to make this week better. Even if it's just one hour at a time.

In a funk.

2009-09-10T13:44:00.003-04:00

I'm not sure why exactly, but I've been in a bit of a blogging funk lately. It's definitely been one of those weeks. Leo's been on the road and I haven't been sleeping well. I'm tired and cranky and feeling like the no fun mom.

Leo's car is in the shop and I'm not buying what they're trying to sell. I'm frustrated because when you're new in town the process of building honest relationships takes time. I'm missing our old, honest, Columbus connections.

We're at the point with the car where every dollar is just a band aid keeping the car running and us not having a car payment. I hate not knowing how much is too much. I wish my brother's were close so they could look at the car -- better yet, do the repairs on my car for a fraction of the price. I'm missing family.

I had a dumb run in with the school nurse over immunizations and straight up, she was just rude. It makes me wonder what kinds of hoops I'd have to jump through if we were a family that chose not to immunize our kids. And from there, I feel myself wanting to go on a rant about government and health care and you know, the state of the world in my mind just spirals.

I struggle with the fact that things like that make me hate living here. I know that's a strong word -- but I have days, weeks where I'm just not feeling it. I feel so out of my element. I wonder if I feel like this as a grown-up, is it this hard for my kids? And then I'm sad for the kids who must be missing all their friends terribly.

I know all this will pass and next week will be better, but for today I'm just being honest.

So, I'm posting this picture to make me laugh -- to make you laugh.

This is what happens when you leave an 8 year old up to his own devices with a hair dryer and some hair gel.

Praying and remembering.

2009-09-08T12:41:00.007-04:00

Today marks the one year anniversary of the passing of Mr. VW.

Little did I know the impact this man and his family would have on me. Living under the VW roof my senior year of high school, the picture I remember the most is Mr. VW on his knees in prayer with family surrounded. To me, a picture that spoke a thousand words.

Today I'm remembering a quiet man with a big heart. I'm remembering his kindness and generosity. I'm remembering his awesome example of Christian charity in everything he did. I'm remembering his ultimate sacrifice.

Sidenote: EWTN Thursday at 8:00 PM Fr. Tom will be a guest on Life on the Rock to talk about his father

Summer Wedding. Part One.

2009-09-03T22:30:00.017-04:00

Several e-mails and Facebook comments later about me being a slacker, I'm finally getting around to posting about Liz and Matt's August wedding.

I guess people like nice summer weddings, plus there was something about wanting to see me in the green dress and the gold Tarjay shoes. And for you my friends, I aim to please.

The first picture though has a little background story.

Just like a Big Fat Greek Wedding Windex moment, my beautiful sister woke up Thursday before the wedding with a HUGE pimple on her chin. Well, it wasn't really a pimple, it was more like a very large, red, super irritated, angry beast.

The day before the wedding Liz began to panic, insisting it was getting worse. As morning went on and as her nerves began to get the best of her, Mary (the baby sister) and I realized we needed to pull out the big guns and call in some favors.

Cuz we're nice like that. Plus, we don't like to see brides cry.

A few phone calls later, we had an emergency appointment with a salon esthetician who was able to zap Liz's, uh, blemish.

And being the sister extraordinaire that I am, I took a picture, you know for ~~my blog~~ her wedding scrapbook.

Here's my Molly in my Mom's laundry tub the morning of the wedding. I can't tell you over all the years how many baths have been taken in that thing. Countless.

The bride getting her hair done.
(And it's finally dawned on me after looking at several pictures that my lens was ((shudder)) dirty.)

Even through my sticky lens, you can see her hair turned out gorgeous!

Look at this cute, preggers bridesmaid! Come on, Henry. Get here soon!!!

My brother's fiance, Nikki -- the next wedding -- a big, fat Greek wedding!
(Again, sticky stuff on my lens. Ugh!)

The two Moms -- and one flower girl! My Mom on the left, Matt's Mom on the right with Matt's niece.

My niece Emily and my Molly.

Me and the baby sister -- with our perfectly coiffed hair!
And how cute were our necklaces? Liz thought of everything.

And finally, the beautiful bride just before leaving for church.

To be continued....

Almost Wordless Wednesday

2009-09-02T13:56:00.002-04:00

Vegetable Egg Foo-Young

It's what's for breakfast.

Teen speak.

2009-09-01T10:40:00.013-04:00

Last night while hubby and I were gabbing over dinner preparations -- you know, he was cooking the bacon and I was ~~eating everything that wasn't nailed down~~ supervising, we chatted about some boy that he thinks apparently likes our daughter.

"Well, he's always borrowing her pencils, pens, paper, asking her what time it is, you know, trying to talk to her any chance he gets. He's totally crunching on her."

"Um honey, don't you mean CRUSHING on her?....Or is it crunching? Oh heck, I don't know. I guess I should go google that."

(insert major sarcasm here)

2009-08-31T09:37:00.002-04:00

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

The school bells a ringin'
And every one's singing
"get out the checkbook"
It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
It's the fleece-fleeciest season of all

With the lunch card to buy
I let out a sigh
and hope it's all over real soon

They'll be textbooks to cover
Art fees to discover
Gym shorts for one and for all

Don't forget PTA dues
Baby needs new volleyball shoes
Oh and the organized sports fees.....

It's the fleece-fleeciest time of the year
It's the fleece-fleeciest time of the year

Soon you're hocking gift paper
the cash becomes vapor
because you and the hubs buy it all

It's the fleece-fleeciest season of all
It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

Bells and whistles?

2009-08-28T10:04:00.008-04:00

Most of my "real life" friends know I am a Consumer Reports junkie -- well, at least I was, until the economy tanked and I, like most Americans, needed to curtail spending and cut the budget. So, I cancelled my subscription. Sorry CR. I do still like you though.

Anywho, prior to all that, I researched most of my purchases using my trusty ole CR. Typically, I've been a consumer that has subscribed to the line of thinking that "you get what you pay for."

Until last week.

When my Maytag Neptune washing machine became possessed.

The expensive, highly-rated, supposedly highly efficient, washing machine just under it's five year warranty -- and I'm talking by mere weeks.

The expensive washing machine that required a lot of soul searching and CR research before biting the bullet and making the purchase.

Oh, and did I mention, it was expensive?

So, last week, Mr. Service Technician Guy shows up and informs me that the control board is malfunctioning, but thankfully, the $275 part is under warranty.

But the labor isn't. The $155 worth of labor. The labor that took 5 minutes. No lie.

I paid the guy the money. Grumbled a bit (sorry Mr. Service Technician Guy -- it might have been that "special" time of the month) and then went about my business -- you know, the business of getting back to the laundry.

Only to have the machine become possessed again on the very first load through.

Okay, in hindsight, it's probably good it was Friday afternoon and the dude was long gone, cause let's just say, I was a bit, uh, fired-up.

Fast forward to this week. Another visit from different Mr. Service Technician Guy and an express order to Maytag for the whole flippin' top console of the machine. The part is now here and apparently they're coming back next Tuesday. You know, when it's good for them, sometime between 8 and 5. Ugh.

The good thing is that all the repeat trips back are covered under a 90 day warranty.

But all this leaves me wondering. If that goofy part wasn't covered under warranty, there's NO WAY I would have paid $275 for a part on a nearly five year old washer.

I would have taken the money and gone out and probably just gotten a new machine. A $399, stripped down, plain Jane washing machine -- cause apparently, like mom always said, "they don't make 'em like they used to."

Update on the Southern homefront.

2009-08-27T10:40:00.007-04:00

Yesterday I removed my Ohio license plate -- TEAM H 6. It was very sad. It's now hanging in my garage -- you know, the place where you put rusty ole license plates you're just not ready to part with. I've always kinda wanted to do that. I guess I've gotten that chance.

While I was tinkering around in the garage, I was thinking about our two months living here in the South.

I know this. It's hot here. Not just a little, fan yourself with a rolled up church bulletin kinda hot, a sweat dripping down between places your mama said we shouldn't talk about kinda hot.

I know my love affair with the pulled pork continues. And the kids have joined that band wagon. Except for Molly. She prefers her some Southern Fried Chicken.

I do know I HATE the bugs. There are massive amounts of skeeters here that attack ALL hours of the day. The itchy ankles I wake up with EVERY MORNING are proof of that. I've never owned so much bug spray, deet, citronella, dryer sheets, bottles of skin-so-soft in all my life.

In all it's tackiness (pun intended :) I've got a strip of flypaper hanging by my back door because the flies here are unbearable. I mean, really? Eeeewww.

I also know this. We're not saving money for a fancy patio set. We need to be saving our money for the screened in porch we're going to need to build to be able to go outside and not get eaten alive. You know, on the may be three nights the temperature drops below 95 before 10 p.m.

We're working on teaching the kids to use proper Southern manners -- "yes, ma'am" -- "no, ma'am." And of course, it's not that I don't expect my kids to be polite, but the ma'am thing is new to us. I think they're catching on. Yessireebob.

I've had to explain to the kids what "fixin' to" meant. They had never heard of such a thing. The upside is that when someone says "I'm fixin' to make you some fried chicken" it's a probably going to be a good thing.

When I open my mouth and "you guys" and "see ya later" comes out in my nasally Midwestern accent, it's a dead give away. I'm still getting used to the "where y'all from?" question.

I know I still don't understand the no basement thing -- especially in a part of the country that is susceptible to such severe weather -- I mean, really, the bathtub for all six of us? Oh, and while running to the tub we're supposed to "real quick" grab a twin sized mattress.

But all in all, we continue to make the best of it. Right now we remain SO thankful dh has a job. I'm thankful the kids seem to be adjusting okay. I'm thankful we're all under one roof again. With less outside distraction, we're definitely spending more time together as a family, which has been the best, most unexpected blessing of all.

Mom.

2009-08-26T11:24:00.002-04:00

While folding laundry the other afternoon, I chuckled to myself as I picked up a pair of my black shorts.

While at my parent's house the week before my sister's wedding, I took the liberty of using their washing machine to run a few loads -- you know, one of the perks of visiting home. You bring less (in theory) and take advantage of those kind of amenities.

One afternoon, I was keeping my Mom company while she sat at the sewing machine working on the bridesmaid dress for my el prego Sister-In-Law. Yes, my Mother made the dress -- the week OF the wedding. That's how she rolls. I'm pretty much thinking that will never change.

As I sat beside her I noticed the fabric belt to my shorts sitting there on the edge of the couch -- the black shorts I had hung out on her clothesline to dry.

"Oh, there's my belt" I said.

With that, my Mom says "No Kim, that's the belt to my shorts."

"No, Mom, that's MY belt -- you know, for the shorts I hung up on the line."

With that, my Mom starts laughing uncontrollably.

"You mean, the black shorts that I just took in at the waist?" Followed by more uncontrollable laughing.

Huh? Scratching my head in confusion.

Apparently, she thought the shorts on the clothesline were hers -- shorts that happened to be the same exact pair as mine, only hers were too big on her.

As she sat there removing the tucks she put in the waist, she couldn't stop giggling.

And that my friends, is why I adore my Mother.

Gift giving 101.

2009-08-24T17:06:00.004-04:00

John received an invitation to a birthday party over the weekend for a little girl that lives in our neighborhood.

Not really knowing her all that well, I wasn't sure what to purchase as a gift. Maddy's 15 and Molly's 4, so I'm kinda not all "up" on what's hot these days for 8 and 9 year old girls.

I remembered a gift that one of our kids received a few years back and thought I'd share the version of what I put together.

Purchase a tub of popcorn -- the tub becomes the gift holder.

Fill it will movie-theatre related goodies. I let John pick out the treats and we added a $10 Blockbuster gift card.

Fill out the card and slip it inside.

Wrap the whole thing with gift cellophane and tie it up with some cute curling ribbon.

Viola!

A great, unisex gift, perfect for all ages. I know I'd totally love to get something like this -- you know, for a chick flick night in!

Back to school ideas.

2009-08-21T10:25:00.006-04:00

After feeling like I was spending a million dollars every year on scissors, rulers, stretchy book covers and calculators, I decided I needed to come up with a way to store reusable items for the next year.

Of course, you homeschooling moms have one on me. Y'all are the most organized Moms out there!

Anywho, I went out and purchased a large, clear tuppertainer and labelled it "School Supplies." You know, with my label maker. (Which btw, I almost bought one to give away on my birthday, but certain people that shall remain nameless, said it was a dumb idea. Would y'all have loved to win that or what? Tell me honestly, cause some day when I'm feeling generous, I might just surprise you!)

On the last day of school when the kids bring home their backpacks and pencil pouches, I empty the supplies out, clean them off with some Clorox wipes and store them in the container.

My system has actually worked fairly well. In fact, I've continued to use that box all year -- for keeping index cards, extra paper, pens and pencils.

Now that my kids have gone back to school and we did all our supply shopping over a tax-free weekend right before school, I would like to get out and see if I can pick up some deals still being advertised to stash away in the box. Wouldn't it be great to be already be finished school supply shopping for next year before the year is over?

What helps keep you organized?

Snap, Crackle, Pop.

2009-08-20T10:04:00.007-04:00

Okay, so again, may be it's all psychological with my recent birthday, but I've had a rough week.

I woke up Monday with a pain between my shoulder blades like none other. I did my little, usual self-medication with some Advil, Tylenol and even heeded my Mom's advice and busted out the ice pack.

By Tuesday morning the pain was even worse. I couldn't hardly get out of bed -- I felt like the muscles in my upper back and shoulder area just wouldn't work and I had gone from discomfort to straight up pain. I even briefly thought about popping a Percocet left over from a surgery -- then realized I had flushed them down the toilet before the move.

When I chatted with my Mom Tuesday morning she encouraged me to call around to see if anyone I knew worked with a good chiropractor. I know, call around -- to what, the four people I know here?

Anyway, I had no luck with a straight-up referral, so I checked out the list of providers with my insurance plan. I did find someone close and decided I felt so bad, I didn't care -- that something, some sort of relief, was better than the way I was feeling. Even with my $40 "specialist" co-pay. Ugh.

So I went over on Tuesday and had my little adjustment. It felt wonderful. It brought some relief. I could turn my head definitely further than I could before. I still had some muscle soreness, but given the intensity of the spasm, I figured it would be a day or two before all the pain subsided.

And then he recommended I come back in a day or two for another adjustment because the body's natural reaction is to want to tighten back up again.

Which I did, you know, for another $40 co-pay.

Again, a bit more relief and another recommendation to come back Friday.

Now, here's where I start to scratch my head. My tingly spider senses are telling me "whoa, dude!" but, in the moments right after the adjustment I feel good, so I can't help but think something is helping, right?

And I don't want to sound all down on chiropractic because I believe there are many good ones out there. It's just, I almost wonder if they keep you coming back as long as the insurance gravy train is flowing. Totally the skeptic in me.

So, have any of y'all used a chiropractor? Do tell.

Birthdays, Birthdays and one Anniversary.

2009-08-19T09:20:00.007-04:00

It's been a busy week over here at Casa de Dog and Pony Show.

My dear SIL phoned yesterday to express birthday and anniversary wishes and gave me a little bit of a hard time for keeping my birthday on the down-low.

I don't know. I thought about putting a big "Kim's turning 40" post out there, but then I put the idea out of my mind and ran off to organize something. You know. That's what I do when I'm not sure what to do next.

Anyway, so yes, Friday was my 40th. It was low-key and quiet and it was probably a good thing I wasn't still back in Ohio, for I fear my girlfriends might have tried to kill me with their drink concoctions.

One of the sweetest things that happened on my birthday was a surprise homemade cake.

Friday evening our pool held their last dive-in movie of the summer -- and being the Mom extraordinaire that I am, I took John down to see it. I mean Toy Story -- who can resist Buzz and Woody?

Anywho, our dear, NEW friends Tim and Michelle surprised me with a cake -- a cake TIM baked completely from scratch. Like when I say "surprised me," I mean they pulled a cake out from under their stroller. I still can't believe it.

It could have been quit possibly the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me. I was so touched -- and Michelle even sang. It was just lovely and just perfect and low-key and fun and I feel so incredibly blessed to have such wonderful people in my life. Gestures of the heart are the best gifts of all.

I was showered with lovely wishes from my family, friends near and far, cyber wishes on facebook, calls and cards galore. Certain friends even risked life and limb to get their card in the mail to me. And of course, Laura's choice of her Peter Brady card cracked me up. Who doesn't love Porkchops and Applesauce?.....

Monday we celebrated Molly's birthday -- which was awesome -- until she asked me what time her party started. Not the "family" party -- the party where I rustled up some friends and headed off to the land of Chuck E. Cheese or some place equally annoying.

Thankfully, we distracted her with the allure of the five star meal waiting for her at Mickey D's -- you know, one that had a play place (eeeewwww....)

And finally, yesterday dear hubby and I celebrated nineteen years of marriage.

Well I guess you call it "celebrating" if it means breaking bread over a gourmet meal of sausage and sauerkraut and then going our separate ways cause someone had a very important Bunko game. Which by the way, for future reference, probably isn't the best meal to consume if you're leaving the house right after dinner ifyaknowwhatImean.

Here's hoping for another nineteen years equally chock full of HIS many blessings.

Now I must put my house back together. There's laundry waiting, a newly turned (completely binky-free! :) four year old that needs some entertaining and lots of thank you notes that need to be written.

Man, it feels good to be loved.

Happy Birthday Molly Roo!

2009-08-17T06:10:00.006-04:00

I can't believe my baby is four.

It seems like yesterday we were bringing our pink bundle home from the hospital in all her sweet-smelling, baby newness.

Today, she keeps us on our toes and amazes us with her boundless energy.

When she's around there's never a shortage of snuggles and hugs.

If there are worms to be found, she's the first one there with her shovel -- even if she's wearing her princess dress.

Here she is having found a nice resting spot on my dear Sister-in-law's baby bump! I so can't wait for Henry to get here! The countdown is on.

And while going through some pictures I came across this one and it completely CRACKED ME UP!

We'll just call it the "It wasn't me!" photo.

Even in all her feistiness, I thank God each and every day for the gift she is.

Happy Birthday Molly!

I miss this little muffin.

2009-08-14T23:32:00.004-04:00

Terribly.

http://melissalaudick.com/blog/?p=132

Almost Wordless Wednesday

2009-08-12T06:20:00.002-04:00

Yep, it's back to school here. My kids started on Monday. I just can't believe it. They're officially registered in a completely new school district! It's just surreal.

Nothing better than first day faces!

Maddy, the cool 10th grader -- who by the way, made the varsity Volleyball team -- if I can toot her horn for just a minute. Woo hoo!

Patrick, whose shirt really isn't dirty -- he just wet down his bed head and got a little out of control with the water. That is SO Patrick. 7th grade -- big man on campus -- who forgot his belt the first day of school and I had to bring him one so he didn't get in trouble! Yep, he's our nutty, completely disheveled professor!

John, my sweet, can't wait to learn new things, can't wait to make new friends, 3rd grader! Where does the time go?

And I've got this little muffin home to myself ALL DAY LONG!!! Is it wrong that I just don't want to let her go?.....

Peanut Butter Buckeyes

2009-08-11T06:17:00.003-04:00

Okay, can you hear it? The choir of angels? Cause lemme tell you, those little peanut butter nuggets of goodness I mentioned yesterday are TO DIE FOR!

I promise, even if you're not from the Great State of Ohio or have never lived in the Great State of Ohio or ((shudder)) you're not a Buckeye Fan, you'll still like these little melt-in-your-mouth-morsels.

And they're actually quite easy and fun to make -- and if you're okay with a mess in the kitchen, the kids really like to help roll the "nuts."

You'll need:

1 stick of butter
1 1/2 cups of creamy peanut butter
1 box of confectioners sugar
1 tsp of vanilla
1 bag of milk chocolate chips
1/4 bar of paraffin wax

Mix the butter (softened), peanut butter, vanilla and powdered sugar together. I use a fork and smoosh it back and forth. See, smooshing is very technical cooking term. Try not to get out of control. And definitely DO NOT take a bit of this "dough" because, well, you might not have anything left to roll. It's that good! I'm just sayin'.

It'll look something like this.

After you're good and mixed up, get out a cookie sheet so you have somewhere to put the rolled "nuts." Roll large marble sized "Buckeyes" and place them on the cookie sheet then in to the refridge to get good and cool. I'd say I let them chill for about an hour or so.

For me, I put together about 40 or so balls -- you know, give or take the few that "went missing."

Then you can get out your cute Buckeye platter that you got from your good friends when you moved away (sniff, sniff) so it's ready for its little buddies.

On the stove in a double-boiler, melt one bag of milk chocolate chips and about 1/4 of a bar of paraffin wax. In my opinion, the paraffin helps the chocolate melt more smoothly and it helps the coating stick to the peanut butter balls. Plus it gives them a little gloss and makes them look like the extra special bundles of love that they are.

Using a corn cob holder thingy (here's where I get super technical!) dip each ball in the melted chocolate, leaving some of the peanut butter part showing through -- to give the look of the Buckeye nut.

Placed the dipped nut on to a sheet of parchment and just for kicks, I put them back in to the fridge until we were ready to go. You know, cause it's like a hundred here.
And viola! Buckeyes!

And if your husband gets ahead of you and plates these little nuggets before you get to "fix" the holes -- no worries. Even through saran wrap you can smooth out the holes with your finger and no one will ever know. Wink. Wink.

Enjoy!

And I promise, if you come to Memphis, I'll hook you up with not only some delicious bbq, but I'll make you some of these!

New Friends.

2009-08-10T07:05:00.003-04:00

A few weeks back I met a delightful Mom, Michelle, at the Friday night Dive-In at our neighborhood pool. I was excited to find out she was from Erie, PA. We chatted it up as fellow Northerners and quickly put together some Ohio connections. Come to find out they have some really good friends here in Memphis that have roots in Columbus.

Friday, I ran in to Michelle at the elementary school and she extended an invitation to Leo and me to come to a "New to Memphis-Old to Memphis" cookout at their friend's house -- the Ohio connection people. After quickly dismissing my fears and figuring, what's the worst that could happen, I accepted the invitation.

Newlyweds as of May -- and new homeowners -- the host and hostess, Erin and Sham were just adorable. They were so kind and welcoming to the two of us -- complete and total strangers. They were the kind of people that you felt like you knew for a lifetime. They made us feel comfortable, hugged us, welcomed us. They definitely dished out the Southern hospitality! Leo and I had such a great time -- we stayed until almost one in the morning.

We met several other really great people -- lots of ties to Ohio -- people that I could totally see us getting together with in the near future. It was just what the doctor ordered.

And in honor of the occasion, I made these peanut butter Buckeyes.
(Don't worry, I fixed the holes left from the chocolate dipping). I'm pretty sure the crowd enjoyed them. :)

I'm thinking if I keep making these we'll have to beat the friends away!

The Rehearsal.

2009-08-07T07:26:00.000-04:00

I figured I'd tease you all with a few pictures from Liz and Matt's wedding rehearsal.

I'm apologizing for the poor quality of my photos. I don't know what's up with my camera. I swear some day when I come in to some cash I'm going to buy a really good camera that takes great pictures with little or no effort. Feel free to lemme know your thoughts on that.

Anyway, here's a pic of the bride doing her thing -- I think I'll call this the "here's what I want you to do" pose.

She was probably trying to get these muffins to cooperate. All SEVEN flower girls. I kid you not.

Then there was the walk-thru.

And the renegade flower girl.

Uh. There she goes again! Thank goodness my brother is fast. That kid really wanted to be ON the altar.

My beautiful Maddy with my beautiful Sister-in-law -- Mommy of the renegade flower girl and the flower girl with the blond head of curls. She's also got a muffin in the oven -- Henry Joseph -- due in a few weeks! :)

The oldest and the youngest. Both equally sassy.

Adorable future Sister-in-law and baby brother #3.

Sweet girlfriend/childcare extraordinaire and baby brother #4.

The beautiful bride and our nephew, the dancing machine. I'm tellin' ya what, that kid can cut a rug!

And you know you're in Chicago when....the rehearsal dinner has a Chicago-style hot dog bar!

And some serious Cubs fans!

Glass Repair 101.

2009-08-05T22:46:00.004-04:00

Now I'm just as girly-girl as the next, but I've always joked that my husband sure is lucky that I'm not afraid to get my hands dirty.

My plans for today didn't quite go as I had originally hoped.

I got the lawn mowed mid-morning while Molly played outside. I tidied up around the house a bit and then jumped in the shower for a quick rinse off, with the plan to have lunch and then take the kids to the pool.

Then holy hell broke loose.

While I was in the shower.

John came in crying that a window on our back door was broken.

"Accidentally," of course.

You know. In the house we don't OWN.

Thankfully, I had a few minutes to calm down and compose myself while I got dressed.

Now, I know from past experience that on-site glass repair is expensive. There was this certain "baseball incident" so you know, I knew the drill.

While putting the sounds of dollar signs out of my head, I first needed to get the window cleaned out so no one could get injured. It took a long time. And lots of patience. And safety eye wear. I felt super tough.

After I got all the glass cleaned out I decided that I could probably repair the window glass myself.

I measured the glass opening and headed over to the local hardware store to see what I could find.

The piece of window pane glass cost me $1.79.

I got out my handy sanding square and sanded the edges of the trim pieces I removed.

I carefully slipped the new piece of glass in to the back of the door. It fit like a glove!

After placing the glass I ran a bead of clear silicone around the edges of the glass.

I was able to pop in the trim pieces right back in to place. They fit snug and tight and the silicone adhesive helped keep the wood secure.

After a good wipe down and some light sanding, the door is ready for a fresh coat of paint.

Total spent -- less than $7.

Life lessons learned -- priceless.

Good times.

2009-08-04T22:41:00.007-04:00

Two Saturdays ago my kind FUTURE sister-in-law (that wedding is next June!) opened up her lake house to us for my sister's bachelorette get-together. The idea behind the "party" was to have a girls night in -- which involved a delicious home-cooked meal, lots of yummy drinks, great music, lots of R & R and of course, great company!

The house was so warm and welcoming -- and big enough to sleep 15 women comfortably. It was such a blast. Until the septic went South, but the details of that debacle really aren't so "g-rated" so I'll refrain.

My skinny baby sister actually caught a fish with this Barbie fishing pole!

We did a lot of this.

It was delightfully peaceful.

Then we did some of this.

Here are some of the gals trying to choreograph a dance for Liz's wedding. We couldn't keep it serious enough to make it happen. But we sure had fun trying.

Three sisters.

There's just something about getting away even just for a day or two, spending time with those you love that rejuvenates the soul.

Life is good.

The final countdown.

2009-07-30T23:46:00.000-04:00

So things are going well here in chilly Chicago. The weather has been kind of weird. I'm just hoping and praying for no rain on Saturday. Not that you can control the weather, but for my sister's sanity -- and all those around her -- it'd be so much less to contend with if Mother Nature cooperated.

Today my sister and I ran a bunch of errands -- one of them being picking up her dress -- and I admit I got a little misty when I saw the dress hanging in the shop at Gigi's Closet. It's just beautiful. She's going to make a lovely bride. And it is fun having a sister getting married -- so far the only other weddings in my families have been my brothers.

And I've actually stepped foot in to Gigi's Closet -- a bridal shop here that I have loved since I was a kid. It's a funny little building but they always have beautiful dresses in each of the windows and I used to admire it as a kid. Why I never went there when I was looking for my wedding dress is beyond me, but at any rate, it was fun to go there with my sister.

We dropped off the table numbers and place cards off to the reception site and the out-of-town bags to the hotel for the guests staying there. I have to say, my sister is pretty amazing. When I'm home and have my proper photo software available to me, I'll take some pictures of some of her creative ideas. Believe you me, she has thought of EVERYTHING!

Okay, gotta get these little muffins to bed -- the groom's family hosted a family bbq tonight and my kiddos are still up watching some Tom and Jerry. Big day tomorrow -- manicures, pedicures, last minute alterations pick-up and a few other little things squeezed in -- and of course, the rehearsal wraps up the day.

Missing all my friends and sending big HUGS!

Real Worlds and Cyber Worlds collide!

2009-07-27T16:54:00.005-04:00

Sunday afternoon after my sister's bachelorette girls weekend wrapped up, I was able to "meet" my friend Therese. She's my first bloggy friend I've actually gotten to meet in real life. It was awesome!

From the lake house we were at for my sister's get-together, it was just a short drive for each of us and we were able to meet for a late afternoon dinner. We gabbed for 2 1/2 hours. I felt like I've know her my whole life. It was wonderful -- and what a blessing it was to get to meet her in person. She's just adorable! And to think my sister was nervous about me meeting someone I met "online." My response was "oh for crying out loud, she's got three kids and is 8 months pregnant with her 4th kid. I'm pretty much thinking I could "take her" if she gets feisty!"

Therese remembered to whip out her camera right before we left for a blog photo op.

The blogosphere is such a cool place.

Hittin' the Road....

2009-07-23T23:16:00.003-04:00

So, I'm getting ready to hit the road tomorrow for my first drive up to Chicago since moving to TN. Leo won't be joining us until the end of the week. My sister's wedding is a week away and I've got lots planned for our time in my hometown. I'm so excited!!!

The car is just about packed and I think I have everything.

Bridesmaid dress -- check
Gold shoes -- check check
Flower girl dress -- check
Glitter shoes -- check check
Boys suits -- check
Dress shoes -- check check
A bunch of other random junk -- check check!

Saturday night we'll be celebrating Liz's last weekend as a single woman with a ladies night in up at a lake house near the Wisconsin border. Sunday I've got something exciting planned -- and I'll post all about it hopefully early in the week.

I'll try and post some pictures from our weekend festivities -- and next week I hope to have lots of wedding and family pictures!

Almost Wordless Wednesday

2009-07-22T11:01:00.003-04:00

Three year old discovers yet another use for wine charms. Who knew?

Happy Birthday Maddy!!!

2009-07-21T10:41:00.001-04:00

Yesterday we celebrated Maddy's 15th birthday.

Where does the time go?

It seems just like yesterday we were picking out baby gear and counting down the days until she arrived. Now she's turned in to a lovely young lady right before our very eyes.

She still has her Daddy wrapped around her little finger. He made her this delicious, completely from scratch, chocolate cake. I added the embellishments. ;)

And she, like the others, is an "As Seen on TV" product junkie.

Being the diva that she is, she had to try out the "Bumpit" pony tail.

Happy Birthday, Princess!

Captured!

2009-07-20T01:31:00.005-04:00

Okay, seriously. That darn hamster must have nine lives. I'm keeping track. He's already spent two of them. I'd rather he use his next seven inside his cage. I'm just sayin'.

I am pleased to report the furry critter of the rodent variety has been apprehended.

The night before last -- at 1:20 AM!

We were all nestled in our beds when we were rocked from our slumber by high pitched teenage girl squeeling.

"It's Quincy! It's Quincy! Aaaaaahhhhh! Aaaaaaahhhh! It's Quincy! It's Quincy! Aaaaaaahhhhh! I hate rodents! Patrick you're so dumb! Aaaaaaaahhhhhh! Get it! Get it! Aaaaaaahhhh!!!"

Or something like that.

Anywho, it seems Maddy woke up to a bug or something flying around her head and she sat up in her bed to turn the light on and when she turned the light on she saw the furry beast running across her floor.

Thankfully he was no worse for the wear. I have no idea where he was hiding all day, but thankfully we found him...alive.

Quincy's on the run.

2009-07-17T13:27:00.004-04:00

Oh Sh%@!!!

The hamster's out of his cage. I know he was there earlier this morning. A bit ago I was putting some papers on the buffet near where his cage sits and noticed he wasn't in his usual spot. The little beast pulled a corner of his cage back and got out.

We've looked for about an hour with no luck. I fear for his life in multiple ways.

1) he's crawled in to somewhere never to come out again
2) he'll die of dehydration
3) Dyna will get him -- sorry, you know, that whole food chain thing.

I just want my prayer answered so I don't find the little dude shrivelled up somewhere. Bleechhhhh!

We're hoping tonight he'll come out and we can catch him on the run. Cross your fingers.

Terra, I know. I know. You totally warned me.

Gullible is my middle name.

2009-07-17T10:45:00.004-04:00

This little exchange went down the other evening.

Madalyn, walking in to our bedroom says to me, "Man, it smells like up dog in here!"

Me: "What's UP dog?" (Raising my brow, tilting my head)

Madalyn: "Not much!" Followed by uncontrollable belly laughing.

They get me every time!

Hot pretzels, popcorn and the Kmart buffeteria.

2009-07-16T00:06:00.001-04:00

Okay, I've said it before. As a parent I'm totally not above bribery. I'm sorry. Just being honest here.

Today I took the two littlest ones to run a few errands -- one of them being another trip to another seamstress for round two of bridesmaid dress alterations. Molly and John sat patiently while I tried on the dress and the sweet woman yanked and pinned. The kind seamstress rewarded each of them with a piece of candy and they were delighted. I have to say, they were very well behaved and very patient and very deserving of their little treat.

From there we hit Target for some household necessities. By the way, they had some cute tennis clothes there. ;) (Hey Mary (cough. cough) mention that to Mom -- someone's got a birthday coming up (wink. wink.) ) Anyway, I digress.

Now while we're in Target, if we've had good behavior in the store -- no running, no climbing in and out of the cart, no tantrums, no asking nine hundred times for everything they see -- you get the drift, I allow a popcorn treat at the end of our shopping trip. And it's just as much a treat for me because, well I don't know what it is about Target popcorn, but I can't walk by and not buy a bag.

Today John and Molly were awesome in the store! They were very patient while I got what I needed on my list. They were very patient when I wandered around looking at stuff NOT on my list. :) They were so good I decided they could even get a small Icee -- and I made sure to tell them how much I appreciated their cooperation and excellent behavior. You know what they say -- catch 'em being good.

And our little popcorn ritual reminded me of a childhood memory I haven't thought about in forever.

Do you remember when you could get a hot pretzel at Sears -- you know, back when it was Sears Roebuck and Company?

I remember as a kid when we would visit Sears, which wasn't very often, but we did go from time-to-time for tools for my Dad or pj's or something for my Mom or some Garanimals for my brothers -- and if we were well-behaved, we were treated to a hot pretzel -- hot pretzels they sold at a little snack stand in the middle of the store.

We'd split that pretzel 3, 4, 5 ways -- I don't know, it just depended how many of us were in tow. That my friends was such a great memory. And if we were really, REALLY good, I even remember getting to split an Icee occasionally. I still can remember licking the salt off my fingers in the back seat of the Oldsmobile.

Now all the above brought me to another memory.

Do you remember the Kmart buffeteria? Did the whip cream and jello salad desert thingy look good to anyone else?

Ooh, ooh, did you remember when Kmart also used to sell luncheon meat? Chip-chop ham was always "on special."

What the heck is chip-chop ham, anyway?

Tennis 101.

2009-07-14T22:56:00.004-04:00

Tonight I had my first tennis lesson.

I was actually very nervous earlier today about the lesson and almost tried to talk myself out of going. I guess I was afraid of making a fool of myself.

I dug deep and found my confidence and approached the court with sweaty palms and a churning stomach. I know. Full-on ridiculousness.

I was greeted by four lovely women. Four very warm, friendly, inviting women, who assured me that I was in the right place and would be just fine. Two more women came right before the lesson started and were equally friendly. It was a very nice group of women.

The instructor was very kind. Definitely very patient with all of us. He was very complimentary as we hacked and whacked our way through the lesson. I am definitely all about wanting to learn proper form so as not to develop bad habits that I need to break. I listened intently. I got over myself and I hit the ball. I did okay. I might have done even better than okay. The instructor asked me if I was sure I never had never taken lessons before -- he might have been just sucking up to keep me coming back, but either way, I am going to take it as a compliment.

I had a ton of fun and I cannot wait for my next lesson. And man, some of those ladies have some super cute outfits!!! Who knew?...

What have you done for YOU lately?

2009-07-13T15:06:00.004-04:00

When I'm in a funk my Mom, like the predictable bunny she is, will always end a conversation with "do something nice for YOU, Kim!"

We women, being the natural caretakers we are, often tend to put our needs at the bottom of the list. I don't quite know why that is. I know for me, oftentimes I tell myself I don't deserve it -- or worse yet, that I'm not worth it. I know, years and years of unresolved stuff.

But I am trying. I am trying to work towards a more healthy line of thinking. I might be taking baby steps, but I'm giving it a go -- whether it be buying that $4 clearance shirt I eye at Target (I'm sorry I still use retail therapy :) or simply soaking in the bath with the door closed after it's quiet on the home front. I've even allowed myself to chat on the phone with a friend without feeling like I have to do nine hundred things at the same time. Sound familiar?

Anywho, for years I've wanted to take tennis lessons. Sure, I can hit the ball back and forth which I totally enjoy, but really, I've never had any sort of any formal instruction. In fact, just today I went online to try and learn the simple rules of the game. I always felt like there were a billion reasons as to why I shouldn't-couldn't-wouldn't.

But today I mustered up the courage and I did it. I signed myself up for Adult Women's Beginning Tennis.

I got online with the parks and rec department (apparently they have a very large adult tennis program here -- they're always playing in the evenings on the courts around here) and researched my class options. I made a few phone calls to ask some registration questions and then I signed up.

I didn't think about what I will wear -- you know, I wonder do I have the "right" clothes for tennis? I didn't think about not having proper "tennis" shoes -- my running shoes will do just fine. I didn't think about my racquet being too old. I didn't think about people thinking I was a geek. I didn't fret about the money I could spend on one hundred other things. I just did it.

I thought about the possibility of meeting new and exciting people. I thought about getting outside and getting some exercise. I thought about learning the skill of the game. I thought about having fun.

I'm totally psyched. My first class is Tuesday evening. I'll let you know how it goes.

Now, what have you done for YOU lately?

Tastes of home.

2009-07-13T13:15:00.004-04:00

I became inspired after T's post of last week about her Kmart score to share with you my find from Friday.

Much to my husbands disbelief I'm sure, I really have been thinking more about ways of saving money. I've actually been reading the sale ads from all area stores and going through the weekly coupons looking for items we use.

Now I've never been a "discount grocery store" shopper. Many of my friends swear by them, but I just never got in the habit I suppose. But after the second week of my kids eating me out of house and home in about an hour, I decided I had to DO SOMETHING -- so I thought I'd check out one of the local Aldi's.

My first trip I stuck with the basics. Apple juice, a couple boxes of "knock-off" cereal just to try, some snack items, some butter, a pint of blueberries for $1.49, a block of cheddar cheese, a pound of bacon for $2.29, spaghetti sauce, pasta noodles and a few paper products.

Can I just say, I was very impressed. My bill was easily HALF of what I would spend on similar items at the big box grocery. And my family didn't notice a difference in what I had purchased. In fact, there were a couple of the cereals that they really liked.

I have heard that bigger companies actually package the same products under the Aldi brand, but whether or not that's true, I don't know. I plan to do some research on that.

Now this past Friday I decided to make another Aldi run -- this time, stocking up a bit more on the things I know my kids liked.

Much to my surprise, when I got to the packaged meat area (you know, the hot dogs, bologna, salami, bacon area) I did a double-take.

I swore I saw a package of Vienna Beef hot dogs.

Now, my family all knows this, but we love our Vienna Beef hot dogs. If you're from Chicago, you know Vienna Beef. In my eyes, they are the Cadillac of hot dogs -- and definitely a true taste of home that we have come to miss. If you're in Chicago, you must -- YOU MUST -- get somewhere and have a true Chicago-style hot dog. And get it with everything. I'm telling ya, there's nothing like it.

Anywho, my point is that we were never able to get them in Columbus. We would bring a cooler home with us to hit the store on the way out of town to stock up on our dogs. Or, we'd have whoever was coming from Chicago bring us some when they were visiting.

Imagine my surprise when I saw on the shelf Chicago-style hot dogs -- Parkview BY VIENNA BEEF. Whatever the heck "Parkview" meant -- but they looked like Vienna Beef, same packaging and everything, so I grabbed five packs of them and hoped for the best.

Saturday we cooked them up for lunch and can I just say -- they were simply DELISH! I noticed no difference in taste -- I did notice the difference in price -- easily two dollars less a package than what we typically give for them. I'm kinda thinking I need to get back to Aldi in the hopes of them still having some left on the shelf.

And I'm thinking I kinda want a hot dog now.

What's one of your favorite tastes of home?

Memphis bites!

2009-07-09T22:42:00.006-04:00

Okay, well, at least our first Emergency Room experience did.

Slight pun intended (of course, now knowing Patrick is no worse for the wear) -- I had to take Patrick to the ER last night because he was bitten on the leg by a neighbor friend's dog.

We met this lovely family around the block from us. They have three kids -- and Patrick and the oldest boy have really hit it off great. Last night Patrick was invited for a sleepover.

About fifteen minutes or so after Patrick left, my phone rang and I knew something was up just by the sound of the Mom's voice. She wasn't sure of all the details, but the bigger of their two dogs seemed to go after Patrick's leg and chomped on, to the point of Patrick's friend having to pry the dog's mouth open to get it to release.

Thankfully, the Mom is a nurse and cleaned it really, really well -- but upon taking a look at it, I suspected we might be needing some stitches and probably a course of antibiotics.

I came back to the house, gathered my purse, had a conversation with dh about which hospital to go to and headed out the door.

The Mom suggested I take Patrick to the close-by, local hospital; Leo suggested I take him to the Catholic hospital, which happens to lie within the city limits of Memphis.

Grumbling about not wanting to drive further, I went against my gut and took him to the Catholic hospital.

Shortly after our arrival we were called back to triage and the nurse there cleaned out the wounds again and bandaged his leg. We were then sent back out to the waiting room of doom. Where we sat.

And sat.

And sat some more.

When I got up about 2 1/2 hours in to our wait to inquire as to any "guestimate" for treatment, I was given the canned "Sorry Ma'am, we can't give you any sort of estimate" schpeal.

Now mind you, the other thing concerning me, was that NO ONE for the 2 1/2 hours we waited was called back for treatment. It was a total joke.

And after a few more, let's just say, unsavory characters arrived, I was getting outta dodge.

Grand total -- 3 1/2 hours -- NO TREATMENT!

We got up and left and I drove over to the hospital closer to our house.

Oh, and because it was a dog bite and it wasn't OUR dog, the hospital had to call animal control, who in turn phones the police department to see if we want to press charges. So, in the midst of my 3 1/2 hours at hospital number one, we were visited by two officers of the Memphis police department.

We arrived at the local hospital, were quickly called back to the triage nurse and about 2 minutes later a Germantown police officer knocks on the door for Round Two.

Now Germantown's protocol is a bit different and they require a report, so after triage and while waiting to be called back, we sat with the officer who took the report of what happened.

We were called back shortly after that where Patrick was offered a bed, a warm blanket, a pillow, and a tv remote. And mind you, by now, it's about 12:30 a.m. The poor kid was such a champ.

The sweet nurse assured us the doctor would be in shortly, which he was.

The nurse and doctor cleaned out his wounds again and because the bites were in a place that didn't need fixing because of cosmetics, the doctor opted to not close the wounds with sutures because of the possible risk of infection. He said they actually like to let them heal with glue and steri-strips if possible. And we're pretty sure Patrick's career as a leg model was long over before it began.

Total time at hospital number two -- which included registration, paperwork, insurance person, triage nurse, ER nurse, treatment, payment -- under TWO HOURS!

We arrived home at 2:45 am and promptly crashed.

I should have trusted my gut. But what's done is done and now we know for the future.

But the whole ER thing remains a mystery to me. Why does it take so flippin' long? Why can't anyone give you straight up answers? Why haven't cities adopted other means of treating those that come in without insurance for minor illnesses? Why are there always nine hundred doctors and nurses standing around computers at the nurses station? Or even worse, doctors and nurses standing around gabbing? How come someone hasn't figured out a way to streamline Emergency Medicine?

And I know, I know, I'm just a little ole stay-at-home-Mom -- whadda I know?

We're back.

2009-07-08T15:37:00.012-04:00

Leo had this idea way back in March that he wanted to take a vacation after the move. I questioned the timing, given that we would have just moved and would be getting settled, but when he threw out the "we need to re-connect as a family" comment, I agreed.

We have never taken our kids to one of the Disney parks. It's something we've talked about wanting to do for years.

In planning the trip, Leo had a very brilliant idea. He actually took in to the account of the weather when we picked which park we wanted to go to. We opted for Disneyland, thinking the breezes of Southern California would help us beat the heat -- plus it was actually cheaper for the six of us to fly to CA than to Florida. Go figure.

With the special promotions Disney offered, and of course, Leo's sweet employee hotel rates, we were able to make the trip relatively affordable.

We didn't tell the kids until the night before we were leaving. Which, in looking back, was great for two reasons -- they weren't driving us nuts asking "when are we going to Disney?" nine hundred times -- and they were completely shocked and surprised when we told them. Their reactions were really fun.

Over the days at the parks, the kids did remarkably well. Leo and I did remarkably well. United Airlines lost my luggage -- not once -- but TWICE! Again, go figure.

We,of course, did a lot of walking, but there was minimal complaining. The park traffic wasn't overly crowded, except for on the 4th, but we expected that. Sunday, our last day at the park was great. There were literally no waits for most of the rides. It was incredible. We were told it was because it was the day after a holiday. At any rate, we took advantage of it, and Sunday rode tons of rides, multiple times.

We took our stroller which worked out great. Molly AND John actually took turns riding in it -- and of course, it was great to have to carry the incidentals we needed.

The parks were great about letting you bring food and water inside. We brought our own water bottles and snacks, which helped keep our food costs down considerably -- and surprisingly, the few times we ate in the park, I was pleased with the healthy food choices. Don't get me wrong, I couldn't resist the lure of the fresh popcorn carts scattered throughout the parks. Our kids are big popcorn eaters -- they definitely get that from me -- and I get that from my Mom! We love our popcorn! :)

I thought I'd share some of the pics I snapped.

The first day on the Anaheim Resort Transit bus. We rode the bus back and forth from our hotel to the parks. With this bus, we didn't have the need to rent a car -- and didn't have to pay daily parking at the hotel or the park. Woo hoo! Again, smart planning Mr. Leo! :)

Here's John and Molly and me on one of the first rides of the trip (quite possibly one of about three pictures of me taken the whole vacation -- not complaining -- I just want my kids to know I was really there when they look back at my albums and wonder).

See that big ferris wheel in the background -- we dubbed it "Mickey's Wheel of Death" because I was completely terrified on it. I hate heights and when you add a swinging gondola to the mix, let's just say I was completely FREAKED OUT! Yes, my friends, I am an amusement park WHIMP!

This is my daughter making fun of me. Yep, next vacation she's staying home.

I loved this picture of Patrick. I think he and Molly rode these bumper cars about five times in a row.

A trip to Disney wouldn't be complete without some Mickey ears.

The Alice in Wonderland spinning teacups. Again, not for the weak stomach. I rode once. Enough for me thank.you.very.much.

Leo and Molly on the Dumbo ride. I love Dumbo! How can you not love Dumbo?!

The crew in front of the Magical Castle.

Molly and Princess Ariel -- the Princess Walk was definitely worth the wait.

Although we live in Tennessee, our hearts will always be in O-H-I-O.

Leo and Maddy -- roller coaster fanatics! Molly would have ridden, but she wasn't tall enough. The kid LOVED all the fast rides -- and she actually rode Space Mountain. She's a trip.

Oh yea, and she LOVES corn! (Melissa, this made me think of you!)

The Winnie-the-Pooh honey pot ride. Molly's MOST favorite ride of the vacation!

Completely out of sequence -- a trip to California isn't complete until you've visited In-N-Out Burger. YUM! Judith, this picture is for you!

Good-bye Disney! You were great!

Takin' a break from my regular programming.

2009-06-30T00:51:00.005-04:00

I haven't said much about what will be happening with us over the next week, cause secretly I was kinda hoping I could talk my husband out of what I thought was one of his hair-brained ideas.

No such luck.

See, he had this little idea -- a good idea I suppose, but I didn't agree that it was the best timing in the world given that we just moved five hundred plus miles and are still getting settled. But his plea for "family re-connection" won me over and I decided time away would probably be a good diversion for the kids.

So, dear hubby will be taking some vacation time -- we're all packed up and ready to go -- and heading off to somewhere Magical.

I'll be back in about a week -- and will be dishin' all the details -- and hopefully I'll have lots of great pictures. Stay tuned.

Why must I be so dense?

2009-06-26T09:35:00.006-04:00

Okay, hypothetical question. You really don't have to answer that.

See, just when I become all filled with woe and angst, the Lord yet again smacks me upside my head. Why, why, why, do I struggle so much with the trusting HIM part?

Again, don't answer that -- I know. I'm totally imperfect. Flawed. Human.

But today, all hope has yet again been restored.

Yesterday I took the kids back down to the pool -- cause, you know, it's about the one thing they don't fight over. I overheard these two women talking and I knew one of the women was DEFINITELY not from around these parts. I almost swore she had a Cleveland accent.

So, you know me. I straight up asked her where she was from.

Yep, I was right. Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio -- her husband -- get this -- born and raised in Columbus, Ohio! Their families -- lots still back in Ohio -- and she even has family in Chicago!

And all the while I'm thinking, really Lord, you are going to put this woman right in my path, just as I doubted you so?...

We had a lovely chat. She was very down-to-earth, super bubbly personality, asked a bazillion questions about how we ended up here. She shared they were also "transplants" and informed me that although people down here will be "polite," they're not always easy to make friends with.

THANK. YOU. JESUS. I was thinking it was just me.

By the end of our time together, she had freely given me her phone number and e-mail and her friend she was with had taken my daughter's name and number for babysitting.

All is well with the world.

I also answer to Jill.

2009-06-24T00:35:00.011-04:00

My nickname could SO be any of the following: "Flyin'-by-the-seat-of-my-pants Frannie," "Down to the wire Wilomena," "Last Minute Linda" or even "Cuttin' it Close Cindy". I'm just one of those people that has the best of intentions when planning for something, but always seems to be scrambling to get the details taken care of at the eleventh hour. I kinda think I work better under pressure. But sometimes the pressure gets to me, and I swear the 'next' time I'll try and actually plan ahead.

Today we met Leo out for lunch and I decided while I we were at the mall (ugh...I HATE THE MALL!) I would look for some shoes for my sister's upcoming August wedding.

As the Matron of Honor, I was informed that we were to find something elegant, with a heel, in a metallic neutral -- without gaudy bling -- I know, I really was hoping for some gaudy bling. I tell you what, that bride is a real fun-wrecker!

Plus, the other thing is that I cannot walk in heels -- and at 5'9", I'm sorry but heels make me feel really tall. REALLY tall. I just don't like them. On me.

That aside, I resigned myself and popped in to a few stores and actually came across a really cute pair of strappy sandals in the Nine West store. They were "high" by my standards, but probably do-able with some practice.

One of my other hesitations is that I really didn't want to spend a lot of money because realistically, I'm probably not going to wear the darn things again. These particular heels were on sale and rung up with tax to be around $49.00. I guess I could deal with $49.00.

Fast forward two hours later to the Target shoe aisle. I happened to be in Target to get a couple random items, you know, two hundred dollars worth of random items, and thought what the heck, I'll see if Target has any cute "special occasion" shoes.

Lo and behold, I found some that I really liked. They were very similar to the Nine West ones, probably even more comfortable and a tad lower than the other heels. Even Maddy liked them. I know, call the Vatican -- it was a teenage miracle!!! The kicker -- they were on clearance -- for $16.49!

Now that's what I'm talkin' about.

Sorry Nine West. I tried.

Target I'll never quit you.

Saturday deliciousness.

2009-06-22T00:03:00.002-04:00

In a nod to my friend Sandi, I thought I'd make the family some Sausage and Biscuits for breakfast on Saturday.

My John is always ready and willing to take over working the stove. The kid loves to cook. Really. He even told me to move over, that he knew what he was doing. He's definitely my hands-on child. For sure.

And I cheated a bit and bought some freezer "Southern Made" biscuits -- and not only were they easy, they were delish! Everyone enjoyed them. The boys even added some cheese, cause you know us Midwesterners like our dairy! :)

Today I'm planning on making Sandi's Sweet Tea recipe in my new pitcher from my dear friend Allison. Gosh, do I have great friends, or what?! :)

Settling in.

2009-06-18T14:10:00.003-04:00

Okay, well I don't really feel at all settled, but figured it a good title for today's post. By the way, I've been told to keep posting as it has become light reading for a certain friend's coffee break. Wink. Wink. I miss you too, Katy! :) Apparently, she's a little slow on the coffee break uptake -- isn't that what this whole blogging thing is all about -- reading blogs and drinking coffee? Could life get any better?

So, we're doing good here. Quarters are a little closer than before, and of course with the added bonus of the heat, the kids are a little on edge during the day. I'm sure some of that will subside once they've made some friends -- in fact two little boys came to the door yesterday to introduce themselves. It was so cute -- and I did end up meeting the Mom and two of her three boys when we were down at the pool yesterday afternoon.

They're calling for three digit temperatures next week. I fear that when the locals talk about the heat, I'm pretty sure they're not messing around. After three afternoons at the pool (and I'm talkin' going down after 3:30 p.m.) I have a tan. And I used 50 sunscreen. It's incredible. I feel bad for the guys that work outside -- I don't know how they do it during the day. It makes me want to get in my van and drive around and hand out cold water bottles. No. Really. You should have seen the garbage guys -- they were just dripping with sweat. Poor things.

I put together a roast in the crock-pot for today, my first official "home-cooked" meal. I'm slowly getting used to the layout of the kitchen, so I kinda walk in circles and don't feel that efficient yet. I feel like all I've done is laundry. Towels sour so much more quickly -- and with our afternoon trips to the pool, I've gotta figure out a better system. Hmmm....wasn't that what I had kids for?.....

At any rate, we're making due and each day is one under our belt. We're drinking lots of water, not sleeping great -- you know, new place, new noises -- but I'm thankful we're all under one roof. Our comfort will come in time. It's great to have Leo home at the end of the day and that makes the rest of it all worth it.

I'm pretty sure we're not in Kansas anymore.

2009-06-16T12:41:00.006-04:00

This whole experience has been surreal. It's hard to believe 18 years in Ohio is behind us. Last week was a rough week. I cried more tears than I ever knew possible. I am completely humbled by the outpouring of love and support showered upon us as we counted down our final days in Columbus. Just thinking about it brings back the lump in my throat.

I snapped this pic of Molly looking out our kitchen door our last morning in our house.

My sweet friend Sandi brought us bagels and stayed with me helping me do those last minute things you do before you leave a house. Just having a friend there with me brought me more comfort than she'll ever realize.

The drive down to Nashville was pretty smooth. Of course, one of Leo's nice perks working for a hotel company is that he can get some sweet hotel deals. Even Quincy the hamster liked the Embassy Suites! :) We got a few "looks" bringing him in. What? They're a pet-friendly hotel! Aren't rodents included?

The view from my rear view mirror as we pulled out of Nashville.
Memphis bound!

As we pulled up, we were greeted with balloons on the mailbox and all throughout the house. Leo's dad even had a cold drink in hand for me! I knew there was a reason I loved that man! Leo and his parents were amazing. I still am overwhelmed thinking about how much they were able to accomplish. I was once again moved to tears seeing our stuff in a new house. It's just bizarre and exciting all at the same time.

We are slowly getting things put away. Storage will definitely be the issue in this house. Living in the Midwest we were spoiled to have a HUGE basement. Here homes don't have them. So, you rely on your attic -- which in this house, houses the furnace and AC. But it's hot and going up in the attic is not really something you do during the day, so it'll happen in time.

Have I mentioned that it's HOT here -- like we got to Nashville and the morning we came out of the hotel I knew it was a different kind of heat. You can almost see the heat hanging in the air. We attempted to mow the grass yesterday and Leo got the front done, but by 10 a.m. the heat is unbearable, so we finished later in the evening. You have to mow either really early or in the evening. And NO ONE is out during the day. It's weird. My kids want to go out and it's going to take some getting used to that they can't just be outside for hours on end.

We did check out the neighborhood pool yesterday afternoon. It's great! We'll surely enjoy having it right down the street. As for the baby pool that Molly favored, um, well, let's just say it felt like a bathtub. I had to go in to the "big" pool to cool off. This heat is definitely going to take some getting used to.

The neighborhood is darling. Very cute homes, very tidy, well-manicured laws. The grass is different here. And they mow it very short. It looks like everyone has golf-course lawns. And there are plant varieties I don't even know what they are. It'll be exciting getting to learn about what grows down here.

Molly spotted a couple little girls that live caddy-corner from us. She desperately wants to go over and meet them. We did meet one set of next door neighbors -- when the boys launched a ball in their yard -- and they are a very sweet, older couple. May be this afternoon I'll venture across and introduce myself to the people across the street. That's if I can do something with this hair and the humidity! Oiy!

And last night I heard something I haven't heard in a long time..."Daddy's home!" and it was music to my ears.

No turning back now.

2009-06-09T09:02:00.008-04:00

Believe it or not, there's still a small part of me that thinks we're really not moving. I think I might need to get over that. By Friday.

Here's a shot of my garage yesterday.

But I still have a make-shift computer set-up. MUST.HAVE.INTERNET until the eleventh hour.

And this just made me crack up, my kids absorbed with tv, even on a wood floor.

And here's the most precious cargo of all, on the back of a packed truck.

See ya later Columbus...you've been great!

Bottom of the 9th.

2009-06-06T09:38:00.004-04:00

One out remains.

I feel as if I've been neglecting my little bloggy-pie for the last couple of days. I'm happy to say that my heels are feeling better -- the socks and A&D ointment seem to be helping. You know me and my A&D, the magic cure-all.

At any rate, I'm feeling like I'm in good shape with the packing -- at least for this hour. I'm sitting here sipping my coffee like I've got all day to relax. Which I don't. But I'm going to revel for a minute.

I'm struggling with the emotional part of all of this. I feel as if I have put MY feelings about leaving on the back burner for so long, that this week I think they're catching up with me. I've cried a lot of tears. Sad tears over leaving people that we have come to love like family. Happy tears over the feeling of having such beautiful friends and what an incredible gift that has been. Beautiful friends -- old and new -- that have been such a blessing in our lives.

It seems so hard to fathom that I once felt there was a time in my life that I actually felt like I had no friends. That is such a distant memory now, as I'm surrounded by friends from all corners. Dear friends that want to spend time with us and send us on our way with hugs, kisses, beautiful tokens of friendship. I'm so blown away. Really, I am. I cannot even come close to putting it in to words.

Anyway, the truck comes Monday and actually, it will be perfect because we'll have all week to visit with people and be available to say our good-byes. Well, actually I keep saying there are no "good-byes" -- it's just "see ya later" -- cause Lord knows, you never know what path your life will take. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine we'd be leaving this place we've called home for the last 18 years. And that said, you just never know. You too, could end up in Memphis some day! :)

Okay, going to wrap it up for now -- it doesn't take much to get me weepy these days. Thank goodness for my "Lemon-Aide" cover up -- I'm using a lot of that these days! :) I'll still have internet until Wednesday, so I'll try and get something up before the big disconnect.

Thank you too to all my amazing bloggy friends -- you have carried me and loved me up more than you'll ever realize. I love you all!

Full-on ridiculousness.

2009-06-04T09:33:00.004-04:00

Last night I had to pop some Advil before I could fall asleep. Four Advil to be exact.

And it wasn't because my back was sore from packing or moving boxes.

It wasn't because I thought I might be coming down with the cocktail flu (that's another story for another post...)

It's because I did a little number on my foot.

Seems the other night I got a little over ambitious with the Ped-Egg -- and well, my heel is raw -- so raw it's cracked, bleeding and throbbing in pain.

And I've been gimping around for two days just wanting to cut my foot off. And cursing the %$(*#)$ Ped-Egg.

The things we women do all in the name of beauty.

And the sad reality is that I'm pretty sure my love affair with all things "As Seen on TV" is still as hot as ever.

Littlest blessings.

2009-06-01T22:15:00.013-04:00

About two years ago or so I was sitting at a scrapbooking crop table yammering away about my life and kids and my desire to find a little part time job to help supplement our household income. With that, a fellow cropper chimed in with something along the lines of "Hey, you wanna watch a baby?"

Now I had only cropped with Melissa a handful of times -- I didn't really know her all that well, but I did know she was pretty and had magazine perfect skin and took amazing pictures and was an unbelievable scrapbooker and was a nurse practitioner on an oncology unit. (I know, she's a real underachiever! :)

I did know she had gotten married not all that long before -- so in her quiet way, this was her way of making the announcement that she was expecting.

We chatted a bit that evening about the idea of me babysitting and I was totally on board with the idea. Melissa's schedule worked with what I was looking for. We talked again a few months later. She came over and met my kids and checked out our house. The plan was coming together. And on April 13th, 2008 Lily Ann made her grand arrival.

Little did I know what a blessing Lily would be to our family. I cannot even come close to putting in to words what a joy it has been to have her in my care. With her parents, our family has shared the joy and excitement of milestones and memories. We have shared in first waves, first teeth, first hugs and kisses, first steps. We have watched Lily's sweet personality grow and blossom in to the delightful little person she is.

And tomorrow is my last day watching her. And I'm sad. And all of us are going to miss her like crazy.

I love you, little muffin.

On a side note, you may check out more of Melissa's beautiful photography at her website. I feature her blog, "The Bee Blog" on my blog list. You might even just see a familiar princess twirling in a yellow dress on her header. :) Over this past year Melissa has not only been just my employer, but has become a dear friend. She is a faithful reader of my blog. She's an inspiring mom. She has been an incredible listener and a such a supportive friend, just when I've needed it most. I'm so going to miss you. I love you!