Suzy Homemaker

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T11:26:00.001-06:00

"As god is my witness, I thought turkeys could fly."

Enjoy this classic WKRP clip and I hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving!

No Mrs. Claus For You!

2009-11-23T20:54:00.001-06:00

Having a Christmas parade before Thanksgiving might be confusing to children and adults alike, but apparently, in Raleigh, South Carolina, that is not a problem...they had their parade this past Saturday. The bigger issue is having Mrs. Claus and Santa in the SAME parade. Now THAT could cause some problems, so parade organizers banned her from appearing this year...

John Odom, executive director of the Greater Raleigh Merchants Association, which runs the parade, said it's confusing for children to see two people in Santa suits. He said it's a policy that only Santa may wear the official outfit.

Parade officials even discourage people from wearing Santa hats, Odom said.

The photo accompanying the article shows a woman in a long red dress, trimmed with white fur at the sleeves and neck. She is wearing a "Santa hat" and white gloves. I called my 5 year old over and asked her who this was a picture of...she immediately said "Mrs. Claus - that's Santa's wife you know Mom." No apparent trauma appeared to have occurred to my child, but then Santa was not pictured by her side, thank goodness.

Some of the commenter's on the newspaper site indicate that this may be politically motivated, but I don't necessarily believe this to be so. I think John Odom wasn't hugged enough as a child.

Your thoughts?

The Man In Black

2009-10-07T22:50:00.001-05:00

Johnny Cash's final video, the Nine Inch Nails-Cover "Hurt"

This gives me the chills.

In Honor Of Elvis

2009-08-16T00:10:00.000-05:00

Today is the 32nd anniversary of the day Elvis left the building. In honor of his memory, I present to you the following photographs from my trip to Memphis to visit the King in early August 1990. I road-tripped with my cousin (and best friend) – Kathleen.

Here we are in our motel room…right before we hit Beale Street for an evening of drinking, flirting, dancing and catting around. That’s me on the left and Kathleen on the right. Can our hair be any bigger?

The next day we went to Graceland with some slight hangovers. Here is the front of Graceland. I was amazed at how small and “normal” looking (on the outside anyway) it was. The inside was another story. No photos were allowed inside..I so wanted to take one of the Jungle Room! The tour guide said that Elvis choose all of the furniture from a local store in less than 15 minutes. I looked at my cousin and said “It shows.” Later, we viewed the racquetball court where the guide informed us that “On the day Elvis died, he played a game of racquetball on this very court before he retired to his room…” At that point Kathleen turned to me and added “…Permanently.” Lordy, we were witty!
Here is Elvis’ backyard…I called HandsomeHusband (whom I was dating) from a payphone that was located by the back door. “Guess where I’m calling from honey? ELVIS’! BACK! YARD!” This was well before cell phones, so it was a big deal ok?

The Meditation Garden. My cousin and I completely forgot that his grave was on the premises.

Elvis’ grave from three angles.

People lined to pay their respects.

Me and Elvis. Ahh, the early 90’s fashion.

The wall surrounding Graceland. Graffiti covered each stone.

I liked this one.

One of the gates.

The “Lisa Marie” plane. You could go on this tour for an additional fee. As we had spent all of our money on alcohol, we did not purchase tickets for this tour.

My cousin and I then headed down to Beale Street to take some more pictures before heading back on the highway.

Our feet on the “Walk of Fame”

My cousin’s thumb, me and Elvis.

The plaque on the statue.

A mural on a building.

Beale Street. Much quieter than the night before.

I thought this was the coolest movie theater.

Love the arch!

Be sure to raise a toast in honor of the King of Rock and Roll – Mr. Elvis Presley. Thank you, thank you very much!

August 16, 1977 – The Day Rock Stopped Rolling

Happy Birthday MonkeyBoy!

2009-06-11T09:55:00.000-05:00

My boy was born 10 years ago today, June 11th. I cannot believe that a decade has past me by.

I was determined to slow down and savour each moment of your baby days, but you were just as determined to speed everything up. Here you are at 7 months old and standing already!

You were a happy baby and toddler. A little drooly at times though.

You grew into such a cute little man.

Do you remember your pirate party we had for your 7th birthday? I'm not sure that you were enjoying yourself. ;)

You liked the cake too.

You played football for the first time last fall and received the "Most Improved Player" Award for your team. Dad and I are so proud of you.

Now you are ten. And you like wearing "old man" hats (your words, not mine!) You've got style buddy...Love You!

A Day At The Races

2009-06-06T23:12:00.001-05:00

What I did today. HandsomeHusband did not join in the fun. He had another ceremony to attend in the morning. It was me, the kids and my dad. Oh, and my dad's co-workers.

This is the front of our dragon boat.

They are almost to the finish line...the #2 boat won this heat.

A pile of life jackets, which started out dry and became wet as the day and races went on.

Did the kids watch me when I was racing? No, they were too busy playing in the sand...

throwing rocks...

and trying to skip rocks in the lake.

StellaDella "tattooed" her belly...

and had her face painted with a "bat" mask.

Between races, Grandpa helped the kids fly a kite. Here he is getting ready to launch.

There it goes!

"Am I doing it right Grandpa?"

Looks good!

Even DramaQueen tried her hand at flying the kite.

Monkeyboy got the the bright idea to bury the handle in the sand. He soon learned that sand, even wet sand, does not hold a kite handle very well.

Stupid kite eating tree!
In the end, the kite was retrieved without any damage.

Out of our three races, the last race was our best time and the only time we won our heat. We came in 4th in the C Division Consolation group.

It was a beautiful day, the sun was shining, low humidity and a nice breeze. The kids had a great time and more importantly, they behaved! Woot! Woot!

Total Eclipse of the Heart: Literal Video

2009-06-01T08:29:00.000-05:00

Bonnie Tyler's 1983 song "Total Eclipse of the Heart" as a literal video, via Neatorama.

My favorite lines begin at 4:32
"What the effing crap?
That angel guy just felt me up!"

I have seen A-ha's "Take on Me" version, which I love, but hadn't seen this one yet. It made me smile this morning, and for a Monday, that's pretty good!

Playing Ball and Other Photos

2009-05-03T21:04:00.001-05:00

StellaDella had a T-ball game this afternoon. It was raining.

HandsomeHusband took this photo...This is the girls all running toward the ball in the infield. Notice the resemblance to a swarm of bees.

StellaDella running for home plate. HH observed that she seems to run a lot faster in the house. I concur.

The view from under my umbrella.

DramaQueen sat next to me using a black umbrella. And she complained the entire time about having to sit in the rain and watch her sister play ball.

StellaDella spent a lot of time "falling" in the muddy infield. I jokingly called out to her "Now I told you to stay clean!" She yelled back, "My coach told me to play dirty!"

I'm sure that is not exactly what he said. On the bright side, at least she's somewhat listening when the coach is talking.

And, just because I enjoy playing with the macro feature, a shot of HH's button on his shirtsleeve cuff.

A good time was had by all, well maybe except DramaQueen, but that's to be expected. ;)

Birthday Flashback

2009-04-29T11:32:00.000-05:00

This is the birthday that I turned 3...how do I know that? Check out the wall calendar - 1970 baby!

My mom is cutting the cake, then going clockwise are: cousin Brian, cousin Bobby (these first two are brothers), my brother John, me (notice the sexy shoulder!), cousin Kevin is standing behind my chair, then not facing the camera is Lisa with her pigtails, she is holding Kathleen, who is not only her sister and my cousin, but one of my best friends, cousin Kirk, and finally my brother Michael.

Good times, good times!

I Just Inherited Buttloads of Cash!

2009-04-27T19:00:00.001-05:00

I just received this in my Yahoo mail account. Read it and weep my blogger friends...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Payment Approval

Monday, April 27, 2009 4:15 PM

From:

"Dr. Ben Sonya" <drsonya@sonya.net>

To:

undisclosed-recipients

Hello,
Your overdue Inheritance/Contract payment valued at US$2,000,000.00 has been approved to be transferred to you before the end of next week.
Your payment codes are; Transfer code is: 695823HG and Payment Reference number is: LL214572. You will be able to collect your money at any Bank in your country as soon as the approval document is endorsed. Therefore you are required to provide US$149.22 to the High Court of Nigeria to endorse the approval document.
Truly,
Dr. Benson Sonya.
Legal Operator,
Federal Ministry of Finance.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

For the small sum of $149.22 I shall soon be a wealthy miser. Who's with me?

[sound of crickets chirping]

Riiiiiiight.

Monday Musing

2009-04-27T08:18:00.001-05:00

There are three stages in a person's life, birth, their life and death. They are not conscious of birth submit to death and forget to live.

Jean De La Bruyere
1645-1696, French Writer
more famous quotes

My paternal grandfather dancing at a Halloween party sometime in the early 1960's. He died February 9, 1989. He would have turned 85 on March 3rd of that year.

Suze Orman's Will & Trust Kit for Free

2009-04-24T14:38:00.001-05:00

Until midnight on Saturday, April 25th, you can download her Will & Trust Kit for free.

This link will take you to blissfullydomestic.com and the original posting for how to do this.

Sunday Stealing: The 40 Meme

2009-04-19T00:45:00.000-05:00

Cheers to all us thieves!

1. My (great)uncle once : ran down two ladies at the San Francisco exposition of 1915 in an electric car to "teach them a safety lesson", sent a 1,000 word telegram to Woodrow Wilson, was subsequently arrested by the Secret Service and claimed to be Jesus Christ. This should explain a lot about me!

2. Never in my life : have I gone to a prom. *sniffles*

3. When I was seventeen : I worked as a cashier at Target. I had to key in each item by a 6 digit code (department and item number) and verify that a credit card was good by making sure that it was not listed in a booklet that had the tiniest. numbers. ever. printed. Scanners? - Hah! I laugh at scanners. Amateurs.

4. High School was : OK - college was much better!

5. I will never forget : the night I met HandsomeHusband

6. I once met : Rod Blagojevich (I know, I shouldn't admit to it!)

7. There’s this girl I know who : had cheated on the guy she was dating, and then uttered this infamous line to him in front of many many people - "I was just f^%$ing him, I LOVE you!"

8. Once, at a bar : I had sex in the basement.

9. By noon, I’m usually : hungry

10. Last night : my youngest wet the bed, yet again!

11. If only I had : a hammer

12. Next time I go to gym/church : lightning will strike and the roof will fall in.

13. Susan Boyle : has an amazing voice.

14. What worries me most : if I can answer all these dang questions before I go to bed.

15. When I turn my head left, I see : HH's desk

16. When I turn my head right, I see : a file cabinet.

17. You know I’m lying when : I try to not get into situations that would lead to the need to lie.

18. What I miss most about the eighties : my youth.

19. If I was a character in Shakespeare, I’d be : Beatrice from "Much Ado About Nothing"

20. By this time next year : all my kiddos will be in school full-time.

21. A better name for me would be : any name my kids can't constantly call me - I'm not answering to "Mom" anymore today!

22. I have a hard time understanding : when people whisper. Speak up please!

23. If I ever go back to school, I’ll : get a graduate degree.

24. You know I like you if : you tell me how beautiful I am!

25. If I ever won an award, the first person I’d thank would be : HH for supporting me.

26. When I compare 80’s rock to 90’s rock : It doesn't really matter to me.

27. Take my advice, never : try to stuff 10 pounds of shit in a 5 pound bag. (actually this is my father's advice).

28. My ideal breakfast is : one I don't have to make.

29. A song I love, but do not own is : I'm drawing a blank here.

30. If you visit my hometown, I suggest : you come see me!

31. My favorite Beatle is : I don't like the Beatles. (ducks and runs)

32. Why won’t people : stop treating the highways and roads as their ashtrays. Your car has one - use it and empty it out in a garbage can, NOT the left turn lane.

33. If you spend the night at my house : when you get up, why don't you make me breakfast? (see #28)

34. I’d stop my wedding for : Gerard Butler.

35. The world could do without : 40 question memes!

36. I’d rather lick the belly of a cockroach than : answer 40 questions at one sitting again.

37. My favorite blonde is : me!

38: Paper clips are more useful than : paper cuts

39. If I do anything well, it’s : being a smart-ass

40. And by the way :
I want a feast.
I want a bean feast.
Cream buns and doughnuts and fruitcake with no nuts,
So good you could go nuts...
No, now!!
I want a ball
I want a party
Pink macaroons and a million balloons
And performing baboons and ...
Give it to me
Now!
I want the world
I want the whole world
I want to lock it all up in my pocket
It's my bar of chocolate
Give it to me
Now!
I want today
I want tomorrow
I want to wear 'em like braids in my hair
And I don't want to share 'em
I want a party with room fulls of laughter
Ten thousand tons of ice cream
And if I don't get the things I am after
I'm going to scream!
I want the works
I want the whole works
Presents and prizes and sweets and surprises
Of all shapes and sizes
And now
Don't care how
I want it now
Don't care how
I want it now

Photohunt 158: Purple

2009-04-18T16:29:00.001-05:00

Planter my HandsomeHusband gave to me for our 9th wedding anniversary. See another view of it and read the drama about it here on my Project365 blog.

(You are more than welcome to play! Visit PhotoHunt for the weekly themes!)

Saturday 9 - Almost Famous

2009-04-18T09:16:00.001-05:00

1. Have you ever been told that you look like some famous?
When I was in 3rd grade, I had hexagonal wire rim glasses, straight blond hair with bangs and was told I looked like John Denver.

About 15 years ago at at bar I was asked if I was Brett Hull's sister (who was at the time, a St. Louis Blues hockey player). Of course, this might have just been a really bad pick-up line.

My former next-door neighbor, who was 80 years old, often told me I looked like Princess Diana.

Hmmm, 2 guys and one princess...I'm sticking with the princess!

2. Name a celebrity that shares your birthday.
We were all born on April 29th

"Kill Bill" star Uma Thurman (1970)
tennis star Andre Agassi (1970),
singer Carnie Wilson (1968),
rapper Master P (1967),
"The Brady Bunch" actress Eve Plumb (1958),
"White Oleander" actress Michelle Pfeiffer (1958),
"There Will Be Blood" star Daniel Day-Lewis (1957),
"Star Trek Voyager" captain Kate Mulgrew (1955),
eponymous TV star Jerry Seinfeld (1954),
"SNL" alum Nora Dunn (1952),
race car driver Dale Earnhardt (1951; d. 2001),
pop singer Tommy James (1947),
film director John Waters (1946),
Motown singer Tammi Terrell (1945; d. 1970),
"Three's Company" actor Richard Kline (1944),
blues guitarist Otis Rush (1934),
baseball player Luis Aparicio (1934),
"All About Eve" actress Celeste Holm (1917),
and prolific jazz bandleader Duke Ellington (1899; d. 1974).

3. Tell us about your first kiss.
After working a shift at Wendy's when I was 16. Keith followed me home and kissed me as we were standing in our alley. French even. Ooh-la-la!

4. When you meet someone attractive, what do you notice first?
How they treat service folks, the bartender, the waitress or waiter, the cashier. If they can't be nice to everyday folks, then they are NOT attractive.

Oh, and then how many 100's are in their wallet! *wink*

5. What was your biggest mistake ever?
Nothing that can't be fixed!

6. Give us one random, but candid fact about you.
The nail bed on my left thumb is about half the size of the nail bed on my right thumb. What can I say, I'm a freak, call the circus!

7. What about your current or most recent lover excites you?
If I told you, then my husband would find out I'm fooling around on him. Did I just say that aloud? Doh! Just forget I said anything. Honey, if you are reading this, you're the only man for me. I mean that. Sincerely. Shutting up now.

8. What really annoys you?
Gosh, I don't know...everything?

9. How many other Saturday 9’ers answers do you usually read?
As of right, this moment, I've only read two. But, I'm sure I'll read more. Especially if you comment! Hint, hint!

A Monday Musing

2009-04-13T12:04:00.000-05:00

“I gave my life to become the person I am right now. Was it worth it?”

Richard Bach

Sunday Stealing: The Green Meme

2009-04-12T01:17:00.000-05:00

Cheers to all us thieves!
1. What is your current obsession?
Taking pictures
2. What’s a good coffee place?
I'm not a big coffee drinker
3. Who was the last person that you hugged?
My son, before he went to bed.
4. Do you nap a lot?
Not as much as I'd like
5. Tonight, what’s for dinner?
It's Easter! - Ham, green beans, potato salad, sweet potatoes...pie, and cookies of course.
6. What was the last thing that you bought?
eggs (Read why here.)

7. What is your favorite weather?
Fall weather
8. Tell us something about one blogger who you think will play this week?
Bud always brings a smile to my face with his smart-a%# answers.
9. If you were given a free house that was full furnished, where in the world would you like it to be?
I'd like it to be wherever I am.
10. Name three things that you could not live without.
Ozygen, food and water.
11. What would you like in your hands right now?
Can't tell you, this is a family blog.
12. What’s one of your guilty pleasures?
Can't tell you, this is a family blog.
13. What would you change or eliminate about yourself?
I want bigger boobs.
14. As a child, what type of career did you want?
One that made money. I have failed miserably.
15. What are you missing right now?
The point?
16. What are you currently reading?
These questions.
17. What do you fear the most?
Disappointing people
18. What’s the best movie that you’ve seen recently?
"The Godfather"

19. What’s your favorite book from the past year?
Scaredy Squirrel

20. Is there a comfort food from your childhood that you still enjoy?
Veal Milanese, and don't leave any comments about the inhumane conditions that veal calves endure. I know all about it, but they are so darn tasty, I can't help eating them!

PhotoHunt 157: Triangle

2009-04-11T10:17:00.001-05:00

An eraser I picked up at a thrift store for 10 cents.

(You are more than welcome to play! Visit PhotoHunt for the weekly themes!)

BEWARE OF IDENTITY THEFT BY THE EASTER BUNNY

2009-04-07T13:38:00.001-05:00

My sister sent me this via e-mail.
It is too sickening sweet NOT to share!

Happy Easter!

Photo Hunt - Stripes

2009-04-06T14:41:00.001-05:00

Playground structure shadows seen during our recent park visit to feed the ducks.

(You are more than welcome to play! Visit PhotoHunt for the weekly themes!)

Sunday Stealing

2009-04-05T09:26:00.001-05:00

Cheers to all us thieves!

Sunday Stealing: Our Third Meme About Blogging

1. How did you come up with your blog title OR what does it mean?
Well, let's see. My name is Susan. Right now in my life I am a stay-at-home mom, and keeper of said house. I had "Suzy Homemaker" toys when I was a child. It seemed like a winner!

The tagline, "Life's a bitch and then he married one" is a joke my husband and I share. Well, I see it as a joke and he sees it as a reality! ;)

2. What are your general goals for blogging?
For this blog, just to keep my massive following entertained. For my Project 365 blog, to take a picture everyday, think of a pithy title, find a relevant quote and post an interesting description.

3. Do people “in your real life” know that you blog and do they comment on your blog OR is it largely anonymous?
My husband knows. I just told my brother in California about my photo blog last night. Otherwise, I don't think so.

How often do you post (x per week)?
On this blog, sporadically. Everyday on the other.

4. How often do you read other blogs (x per week)?
Everyday!

5. How do you select blogs to read (do you prefer blogs that focus on certain topics or do you choose by tone or…?)
It depends, I love blogs that have good writing. I also like sarcastic, witty blogs. I like blogs that inform, blogs about craftiness that I hope to emulate one day, photo blogs, mommy blogs, blogs about other people's sexual escapades that get me hot and bothered, little-known fact blogs, funny blogs, genealogy blogs...I've eclectic tastes! When I find a blog I like, I will look at their blog roll and usually find a couple more to add to my list (which is really getting long by the way!)

6. Do you have any plans to copy your blog entries in any other format, 0r do you think that one day, you’ll just delete it all?
I plan to do just that for my photo blog. This one, probably not.

7. What are the things you like best about blogging?
I find it amazing the connections that we can make over the Internet. That we can have these cyber-relationships with people that until the Internet came into our lives, we would have never knew each other existed. Of course, there are a couple of bloggers that I would love to meet in person. Maybe one day!

8. What are the things you don’t like about blogging?
The pressure of producing a decent photo!

9. How do you handle comments?
I generally respond back to each commenter with another comment. I might have missed a few though. I'm not controversial enough to have hooked any trolls. If I do, then I'll know that I'm in the big time!

10. Do you have any burning thoughts to share on blog etiquette?
To quote my children's school pledge "Be respectful, be responsible, be honest and be NICE"

11. Any desired blog features?
Right at the present, I can't think of anything. I use Windows Live Writer for my Blogger posts and I'm pretty happy with it

12. Have you suffered blog addiction?
Isn't doing memes an addiction?

No Foolin' - Happy Anniversary My Love!

2009-04-01T08:46:00.001-05:00

14 years ago, we were married...on April Fool's Day no less. You don't always remember the day of my birthday, but you always remember our Anniversary!

"Love is an ideal thing, marriage a real thing; a confusion of the real with the ideal never goes unpunished."
(Johann Wolfgang von Goethe 1749-1832)

Kind of fitting don't you think? *wink*

You were, and still are the most handsome man I've ever met. You are a compassionate, caring husband and father. You are a wonderful provider for our family and I am so fortunate that you chose me to be your wife.

You put up with my idiosyncrasies, bad moods and general wackiness. You support me in all that I do and I appreciate that so very much.

The love I feel for you is so deep, total and enduring, it is a love you never ever have to wonder about. So when you look back at your past, or forward to your future, don't forget to look beside you at your present, because that is where I will always be...loving you with all of my heart and soul.

Love you babe - Happy Anniversary!

Sunday Stealing: The Ginormous Meme

2009-03-29T00:33:00.000-05:00

Well, I'm sitting here waiting for my last set of Pineapple Upside Down cakes to finish and what else am I going to do but this meme? (Besides going upstairs and waking up my husband to fool around...that's a given!)

Cheers to all us thieves!

Sunday Stealing: The Ginormous Meme
1. Are you single? Yes, there is only one of me
2. Are your parents still married? Dad is a widower
3. Are you in love? Everyday
4. Do you believe in love at first sight? No
5. Who ended your last relationship? He did way back in my college days
6. Have you ever been hurt by a break up? Breaking up always hurts
7. Have you ever broken someone’s heart? I doubt it
8. Have you ever had a secret admirer? If I knew than they wouldn't be secret would they?
9. Prefer love or lust? Can't I have both?
10. Prefer a few best friends or many regular friends? A few good friends
11. Wild night out or romantic night in? How about a wild romantic night in
12. Back in the day: Been caught sneaking out? Never caught sneaking out...sneaking in is another matter.
13. Ever wanted something/someone so badly it hurt? Yep
14. Who are/is your best friend(s)? My sister, Denise and Kat
15. Ever wanted to disappear? Yes, but unfortunately, I'd get charged with child abandonment and anyway, the kids always find me
16. First attraction: Smile or eyes? Smile
17. Prefer intelligence or attraction? Intelligence. It makes a person attractive.
18. Last phone call you received? My daughter calling me on my cell phone
19. Last thing you drank? Bailey's
20. Before your current one, when was your last relationship? In college, see #5
21. Do you and your family get along? Yes
22. Would you say you have a "screwed up life"? Nothing that can't be fixed
23. Have you ever gotten kicked out somewhere? If yes, do tell. Yes. It was a strip club (honest!) A couple of girls in the group I was with started bitching and harassing the bouncers about god knows what. It degenerated into them throwing their beer at the bouncers, while I and another friend tried to calm them down. We were all escorted out the door.
24. Do you trust all your friends? Why do you ask? Have you talked to them? Did they say something to you?
25. Who knows the most about you? I do of course!

It's Definitely Not Chanel No. 5

2009-03-17T20:26:00.001-05:00

StellaDella came to me last night and requested a bath.

"Why do you need a bath honey?"

"Because I smell like peanut butter and jelly and skunk farts."

Some Friday Humor

2009-02-26T21:49:00.001-06:00

MARRIAGE MATH

Smart man + smart woman = romance

Smart man + dumb woman = pregnancy

Dumb man + smart woman = affair

Dumb man + dumb woman = marriage

WORKPLACE MATH

Smart boss + smart employee = profit

Smart boss + dumb employee = production

Dumb boss + smart employee = promotion

Dumb boss + dumb employee = overtime

MARRIAGE ADVICE

A successful man is one who makes more money than his wife can spend.

A successful woman is one who can find such a man.

To be happy with a man, you must understand him a lot and love him a little.

To be happy with a woman, you must love her a lot & not try to understand her at all.

Married men live longer than single men, but married men are a lot more willing to die.

Any married man should forget his mistakes, there's no use in two people remembering the same thing.

Men wake up as good-looking as they went to bed.

Women somehow deteriorate during the night.

A woman marries a man expecting he will change, but he doesn't.

A man marries a woman expecting that she won't change, and she does.

A woman has the last word in any argument.

Anything a man says after that is the beginning of a new argument.

There are 2 times when a man doesn't understand a woman - before marriage and after marriage.

TMI Tuesday

2009-02-17T09:23:00.001-06:00

1. What is your favorite charity? Do you you give your time or just money to that charity?
I don't have a particular favorite charity. In general, I like to contribute to charities on a local rather than national level. One exception is the Leukemia and Lymphoma Light the Night Walk each September. But that one is purely for selfish reasons...I do it in memory of my mother.

HH participates in the United Way payroll deduction program at work and to a fund at his company which provides financial assistance for those who are unable to pay their heating or cooling bills.

2. Describe your bed. What side do you sleep on?
It is a Queen-size sleigh bed. When and if we ever buy a new bed again, the bed would NOT have a footboard. I've found that making the bed with a footboard is just a pain in the rear end. I don't like it. We have flannel sheets in the winter, crisp cotton in the summer. I like white sheets - I have this theory that sheets and towels should be white so I can bleach the hell out of them in the wash - but I will admit to have some that are purple too.

I sleep on the left side (if you're looking at the bed from the footboard side) closest to the wall. HH is closest to the nightstand and the door.

3. How important is a partner's kissing ability?
I never would have gone out with HH if he didn't have excellent kissing ability...so I guess it's important! ;)

4. Have you ever "taken advantage" of a person under the influence of alcohol? Have you ever been "taken advantage" of while under the influence of alcohol?
Yes and yes.

5. Ever tried to replay the famous scene from From Here to Eternity? How was it?
Ummmm, no, Getting sand and ice-cold salt water in my nether regions does NOT sound like a fun time to me!

Bonus (as in optional): What kind of birth control do you use?
None whatsoever! - I had a complete hysterectomy in 2006 (due to scar tissue from the 3 C-sections and ovarian cysts) and HH had the "snip-snip" done about a month after StellaDella was born.

Sunday Stealing

2009-02-15T00:39:00.000-06:00

Cheers to all us thieves!

Sunday Stealing: The Q & A Meme

1. where is your significant other? in bed
2. your favorite thing? raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
3. your dream last night? that daughter #2 would make it through the night without wetting the bed
4. your goal? to finish this meme and go to bed
5. your hobby? this year? - my 365 project
6. where do you want to be in 6 years? alive
7. where were you last night? wouldn't you like to know
8. what you're not? understanding this question
9. one of your wish list items? Cash, lots of cold hard cash
10. your pet? dog, cats, fish, snake
11. missing someone? my mom
12. your car? 1992 Sunburst Yellow Miata
13. something you're not wearing? a jock strap
14. love someone? HandsomeHusband
15. when is the last time you laughed? today at 9:14 am
16. last time you cried? today at 6:05 am
17. favorite past time? I like the seventies because I was a child and didn't have any worries or responsibilities, but I don't think I'd like any past times where they didn't have a flush toilet
18. are you a hater or a lover? lover
19. any vices? No, if I need a vice I borrow it from my dad - he's got a ton of tools
20. favorite meme other than Sunday Stealing? Ones that don't ask me what my favorite meme is

Valentine's Day

2009-02-14T21:53:00.001-06:00

This morning HH went to work. I cooked pink heart-shaped pancakes for the kids and then took them to the Lowe's Build and Grow Clinic. It is a great thing to do with the kids and it's free - you can't beat that! I always sign up on-line, that way I've got the waiver all filled out and all I have to do is turn in the confirmation email they send. Today they made Valentine Jewelry boxes. MonkeyBoy made his and turned it over to me as a Valentine gift. That's it pictured above. What a sweet boy. I told him he was my favorite son. ;)

Then we went to the Mart of Wal to look for the "Ghost Rider" DVD for HandsomeHusband. No luck. I did pick up "Hellboy 2" for him. While we were there, Fredbird (the St. Louis Cardinal mascot) was at the credit union located in the store for a promotion. Of course I had my camera and took pictures. Here they all are with the "Louie the Loan Star" thrown in as well.

Then we did more running to look for the "Ghost Rider" DVD with no luck. We made a quick stop at Office Depot for an ink cartridge for the picture printer that the Mart of Wal didn't carry and a stop by the video store to pick up some Wii games and movies for tonight. We capped off our running around with a trip to the pharmacy where I purchased Webkinz for all as a Valentine present. When we finally returned home, we ate lunch and then I finished HandsomeHusband's valentine. His valentine is posted here.

The day didn't end there, MonkeyBoy had an away basketball game at 4:30. Returned home around 6-ish and ate some dinner. I unthawed French Onion soup from the freezer and we also had some leftover fajitas from Thursday. I think that's it. They kids declared it a good Valentine's day.

What did HH give me? I received a card and some chocolate-covered strawberries-my favorites! I also found a love note in my email this morning. That is the thing I like best - love notes! I plan to thank him properly when I go upstairs to our bedroom later...I'll let you imagine the rest! *wink*

Babies having Babies...

2009-02-13T15:28:00.002-06:00

I have just read this in The Sun and am still trying to get my mind around it. I just cannot fathom a 13-year old boy, who looks like he is about 8-years old becoming a father with his 15 year-old girlfriend. My heart hurts.

Happy Birthday StellaDella!

2009-02-10T10:11:00.000-06:00

StellaDella, you arrived on this date 5 years ago. Daddy took this picture to show me in the delivery room after the C-section. You were my 3rd child and my 1st redhead.

This is when you were 2 months old at Easter. Your sister and brother thought the world of you.

You grew so fast and were such a happy baby. Here you are 9 months old and already standing.

Now you are 5 years old and will start kindergarten in the fall. Where did the time go?

We hope you had a wonderful 5th birthday! We love you StellaDella! Stay as sweet and as joyful as you are.

Musical Monday - Wet Dream

2009-02-09T14:38:00.005-06:00

My favorite lines..."Boy could she drink. She drank like a....she drank alot." and "This guy was steamed. I could see the anchor in his eyes."

I love puns...I'm geeky that way.

The Super Sunday Stealing Meme

2009-02-01T01:13:00.000-06:00

1) What was your dream growing up?
To be a grown-up! I was quite the ambitious child huh?

2) What talent do you wish you had?
To be able to sing!

3) If I bought you a drink what would it be?
Vodka or Bailey's

4) What was the last book you read?
I just got done reading "I Love You Stinky Face" to StellaDella

5) Worst Habit?
Worrying about what I can't change

6) If you saw me walking down the street would you offer me a ride?
If I knew you I would.

7) What is your favorite sport?
Love and other indoor sports.

8) What would you do if you were stuck in an elevator with me?
I would hope you weren't a serial killer who preyed on people in elevators!

9) Worst thing to ever happen to you
Doing this meme.

10) Tell me one eird fact about you.
I don't like mustard.

11) What if I showed up at your house unexpectedly?
I'd panic because it looks like something exploded in here...two snow days, and one parent teacher conference day. Kids were home waaaay too much last week. Nevertheless, I would sweep all the crap off the sofa and invite you in for a cuppa.

12) If you could change one thing about how you look, what would it be?
Bigger boobs.

13) Would you be my crime partner or my conscience?
Depends on the crime.

14) Ever been arrested?
Nope

15) If you won $10,000 today, what would you do with it?
Remodel our bathrooms!

16) Favorite thing to do in your spare time?
Sleep

17) Biggest pet peeve?
People who fling cigarettes out their car windows and dump their cigarette butts in the turn lanes. THE WORLD IS NOT YOUR ASHTRAY! There, I feel better now.

18) In one word, how would you describe yourself?
Blonde

19) Do you believe in/appreciate romance?
My HandsomeHusband made sure my car was cleared of snow Thursday morning before he left for work. I think that's romantic and I certainly appreciate it!

20) Who wins today: Arizona or Pittsburgh?
There's a game today?

Happy Birthday My Love!

2009-01-31T15:52:00.002-06:00

Today is HandsomeHusband's birthday.

I am blessed to have him as a spouse and partner. He is a wonderful father as well.

He was a pretty damn cute baby...I mean just look at that tushie...Makes you want to nom, nom, nom on it. BTW - the current tush is just as nommy! ;)

What a punk! He can put his hand in my cookie jar anytime! *wink*

I am so blessed that you came into this world my love. I hope your day is happy and we celebrate many, many more of your birthdays together. I love you more than I can say.

Thursday Thunks

2009-01-29T02:52:00.000-06:00

Alone, video games, food, windows, garages and mental disorders

This week I will answer some crazy questions brought to you by Berleen, the color purple and the number 6.

1. Have you ever felt alone, but yet there are people around you?
Yes - several times.

2. Do you have any video game consoles? Which ones?
Yes - too many! a Gamecube, a Playstation2, a Wii, a Gameboy and 3 Nintendo DS's - none of them are mine. Shocking.

3. Do you freak out at food warnings/outbreaks, such as the recent peanut butter salmonella scare?
No.

4. What color/pattern is your beds' comforter/bedspread?
It is a solid dark purple. (Wow! I just noticed that I match the sponsor this week - do I win a prize?)

5. How many windows do you have in your house?
28 - this includes 6 small ones in the basement. And I wonder why I haven't replaced them with new ones. It will cost a small fortune!

6. Name six things that are in your bathroom.
Right now there is a toilet, shower, sink, toilet paper (one of the most imporatant things to have in a bathroom!) soap and a naked man showering.

7. How big is your garage? Should it be bigger?
Two-car. Well, we need to get the crap out of it. Right now the Miata barely fits in there!

8. Got your taxes done yet?
*snort* - HandsomeHusband's employer doesn't send out its W-2s until the Jan 31 deadline. Bastards!

9. Think of a mental disorder..... why did you think of that particular one?
DramaQueen (who is "helping" this week) says OCD - she was watching "House"

TMI Tuesday #171 - The Movie Edition

2009-01-27T10:10:00.002-06:00

1. What was the last movie you saw in a theater?
Madagascar 2 with the runts. I won big bucks at ~~Drunko~~ Bunko and spent all my winnings taking the kids to the show. What a good mom!

2. What is your favorite movie theater snack?
Popcorn - with the bad for you not sure what it's made of movie theater "butter".

3. Have you ever snuck in 'outside' food into a theater?
When the kids were little, I would sneak in water bottles. But the theater we go to in town now, has 32 oz plastic soda cups. You can bring the cup back for $1.00 refills on sodas, or they will fill it up with ice and water for free. Plus it's a locally owned movie theater, so I don't mind paying a slightly higher price for the snacks.

4. Have you ever made out in a theater?
No, I haven't. A drive-in is another story!

5. What is the 'farthest' you have gone in a theater?
Do you mean seating? Then yes, I've sat all the way in the back! ;)

Bonus (as in optional): What is one of your favorite movie sex scene?
Now, I don't want to freak anyone out, it's from a horror flick and it's Donald Sutherland. There is a 3 minute scene in "Don't Look Now" (1973), where Sutherland and Julie Christie are vacationing in Venice. Their daughter has drowned. Emotionally, they are in the worst place ever. In their hotel room, they make such a reconnection that is truly tender and erotic. I think I like it because it shows that married sex can be so sexy.

$1.99 Amazon MP3 Download - The Animals, The Verve

2009-01-27T08:04:00.001-06:00

Here's another $1.99 deal from Amazon.com - The Best of the Animals.

Just *click* on the picture - it will take you there!

Or if you prefer:

*click* for $1.99 as well!

Or if you prefer free!

*click-click*

or for a Steve Martin banjo song - free!

*click*

Enjoy!

Musical Monday - What Moves You?

2009-01-26T14:04:00.002-06:00

Diane and Jori are the hosts of Musical Monday. I didn't get to play last week, but I am today! This song is by the Ting Tings. Now if you have kids and they watch Yo Gabba Gabba (another freaky show, that for some strange reason, resonates with kids, like the Teletubbies and Boo Bah - I don't question why, I just enjoy the 30+ minutes of peace!) then you know who they are.

My niece, who just turned 3 in December, loves this song. My sister plays it in the car and she will chime in at the end of each verse. It's hilarious! And I like the song as too. Well, maybe not after having to listen to the damn thing being repeated forty-two hundred times while we are running around town. But you get the picture.

Happy Monday!

She's Posting About Another Contest?

2009-01-24T13:00:00.003-06:00

The blogger who ~~suckered~~ encouraged me into participating in the Project 365 during 2009 is holding a giveaway. Secret Agent Mama is giving away a $65 gift certificate to EdenFantasys - just in time for an intimate gift for Valentine's Day or a little something for yourself.

Also, just don't stop at the give-a-way post. Check out her photography. She's a finalist in the Ninth Annual Weblog Awards for Best Photography of a Weblog. Go vote ~~for your favorites~~ for her!

Sex Pistols - Never Mind the Bollocks

2009-01-23T08:32:00.008-06:00

Do you like the Sex Pistols? Do you enjoy some "Anarchy in the U.K." ? Do you pray everynight that "God Save the Queen"?

Well, then, head on over to Amazon.com. They are offering the entire "Nevermind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols" as a MP3 download for the low price of $1.99! What a deal!

I think this is just for today, so don't delay.

Thursday Thunks

2009-01-22T04:01:00.000-06:00

Tats, blogs, swimming in your favorite shirt and Oh so much more!

Welcome to the Jan 22th version of Thursday Thunks!

This week I will answer some crazy questions brought to you by Kimber, the color yellow and the number 24.

1. Obama tattoos. What do you think of people who got one? If that's what they want and don't try to force one on me I really don't give a rat's a##!

2. How many blogs do you read a day, and do you always comment? My Bloglines are over 200, but I don't read them all. I do read all my Project 365 blogs and comment on the pictures.

3. Do you know to swim? Yes-my parents believed that knowing how to swim should be a basic life skill. I have made it a priority that my children know how to swim as well.

4. Describe your favorite shirt. Plain white V-neck T-shirt.

5. What is one thing that is ALWAYS on your grocery list? Extra points for imagination and creativity. On the Sam's list is the ginormous 10lb bag of Krusteaz pancake mix and gallon of Mrs. Butterworth's syrup. Monkeyboy is a pancake machine in the morning. At the local market we always get bananas, milk, and eggs. Booooring!
No extra points here.

6. Have you ever done any acting? Professionally? Nope, but we all act everyday don't we?

7. I just made a delicious smelling dinner with mystery meat. Will you have some? I'll try anything once, twice if I like it and three times if it's really good!

8. If you are driving in the rain and you see a person walking along the road, do you intentionally try to splash them? I was splashed several times like this when I was in college. But no, I wouldn't do it - that is just mean.

9. Yearbooks- do you still have any from school? Yes I do...I only pull them out during reunion times though. I also own a 1915 yearbook from a high school in our town.

10. What kind of shampoo do you use? Suave - Works just as well as the expensive stuff for a lot less!

11. And just to counter Ber's first question from last week.... What's the hottest temps you have experienced? In 2006 I visited a friend in San Ramon, CA - I think it got up to 107 degrees.

Happy Birthday Brother!

2009-01-20T09:24:00.000-06:00

My older brother John turns 43 today!

That's him on the left, touching the photo booth screen with his index finger. I'm in the middle with the stupid look on my face, and my oldest brother Michael is tilting his head in wonder. My poor parents!

Turn toward San Francisco, California and wish him a happy birthday!

Who Was in Our Yard?

2009-01-19T19:49:00.002-06:00

*click* on picture to see - Ahhh the wonders of adjusting the levels in Photoshop! This was last night. Not a perfect picture - it was very dark and I didn't want to use a flash to frighten him away.

Later when I took the dog out, I found out what he was doing there. A rabbit took off running when Oreo was sniffing about. The rabbit got away, Oreo did her business and we went back in. It was cold out!

Sunday Stealing: The Cannon Fodder Meme

2009-01-18T15:02:00.002-06:00

Cheers to all us thieves!

Sunday Stealing: The Cannon Fodder Meme
1. Is there someone you'd like to be kissing right now?
My HandsomeHusband.

2. When you're being extremely quiet, what does it mean?
I'm either thinking, sleeping or really PO'd at you.

3. What are you listening to right now?
My kids bickering.

4. Are you a big fan of thunderstorms?
Yes! I love to stand on the porch and watch them come in.

5. Do you believe in perfect?
Of course I believe in me!

6. Are you a jealous person?
If I think I have a reason to be.

7. What was the first thing you thought this morning?
What the *&%$ is that thing poking at me?

8. What do you think about when you are falling asleep?
I go over my day, think about what was good about it, about what I could improve upon and if I should wake up my HH with a special kiss or just go to sleep. *wink*

9. Are you satisfied with what you have in life?
Other than having more money than you could shake a stick at? - yeah, I'm satisfied. I have a good husband, 3 great children. I like my home, even though it is not the newest or most up-to-date, it works for us. I'm blessed to be able to be a stay-home mom. Overall, my life is good.

10. Do people ever think that you're either older or younger than you actually are?
Yes to both. One day I was at the mall with my sister (who is 9 years younger than me) and her daughter who was 2 years old at the time and one of the clerks asked if we were twins. I felt pretty damn good about myself until we went to another store and the clerk asked if they were my DAUGHTER and GRANDDAUGHTER! The only thing I can figure is there must have been some REALLY bad lighting in that second store. Yeah, that's it.

11. Do you think men truly understand women?
Good lord no.

12. How about women understanding men?
We SHOULD know that men are simple beings. Food, sleep, sex. That's all they need. We screw ourselves over when we try to read more than that into them.

13. Did anybody ever call you handsome or beautiful?
Yes.

14. What is one fact about the last person that called you?
I just got off the phone with my good friend - Betty. I met Betty at college. We lived together in an apartment our Junior and Senior years. Betty is Chinese and now lives in Wimbeldon, London. She is married and has 3 children. OK that's more than one. Deal with it.

15. Other than your current one, what’s the longest relationship you have had?
3 months.

I'm It! or Picture Tag!

2009-01-16T03:09:00.000-06:00

My blogger friend Diane over at Good Mourning, Glory, tagged me for a picture game.

The way I have to play is go to my fourth folder and get the fourth picture and post it. No cropping or editing allowed.

So I went to my fourth picture folder on my external hard drive, took the fourth monthly folder and then the fourth picture. Here it is:

This picture was taken April 13, 2006 at Union Station in St. Louis. We had just taken a tour of a nearby radio station. My cousin had worked there in the advertising department and helped to set up the tour for my son's Tiger den. Then we had lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe and the kids fed the koi. StellaDella is in the front, then Monkeyboy, and DramaQueen is hidden behind him - you can just see her feet and hands.

If you want to play...let me know-I'll tag you!

Thursday Thunks

2009-01-15T00:06:00.001-06:00

Temps, awards, Bud, tabs, Vicks, bugs and a bunch of other crap.

This week I will answer some crazy questions brought to you by Berleen, the color green and the number 1256.

1. What's the coldest temps you've experienced?
-19 degrees in 1977. But I'm sure I've experienced colder windchill temperatures!

2. What's for dinner tonight?
Garlic and soy chicken thighs, rice, steamed broccoli

3. Would you consider this job in Australia?
Heck yes. I need to submit my application!

4. What was your favorite subject in high school?
Bowling

5. How many hours a day is your TV on?
Too many! We have a hand-me-down LCD screen from my dad. When you turn it on it is a little fuzzy, then it gets clear after about 15 minutes. There is also some data loss lines on the screen. We are too damn cheap to buy a new one yet.

6. Have you ever received an award?
My husband and I received a "Launching Our Future" award from our children's school in recognition of our volunteer activities. I also have received a #1 Mom mug from the kids. That counts right?

7. What's your mousepad look like?
I do not have a mousepad. The kids have a Webkinz one.

8. Do you think Bud should do the Thursday Thunk meme?
Yes dammit!

9. How many browser tabs do you have open right now?
Email, Bloglines, Blogger Dashboard, Thursday Thunks site - 4

10. If you are a parent, have you or did you ever put Vicks VapoRub on your children under the age of 2?
Yes, I have also left them in the car when I ran into a convenience store to get milk. And the car was running. (But it was locked) What can I say, I'm a bad mom!

11. If you had to pick one insect to infest your house for 1 day and after that day they would just suddenly vanish, which insect infestation would you pick?
Butterflies!

12. What color is your underwear that you are wearing right at this moment?
Give me a sec while I look (hey you! no peeking!)...they're pink.

13. What was the last thing you watched on TV?
Queer Eye last night.

14. What are your plans for the 4th of July this year?
Usually, we go down to the riverfront to watch the fireworks. A friend of ours works security for a company that allows us to park in their lot. Excellent view! Other than that I have no clue.

15. Tell us about one absolutely wonderful thing that happened to you as a teenager and every time you think of it, it brings a smile to your face.
The day I received my acceptance letter from the University of Illinois in the mail.

16. What product could you sell someone based on your love for it?
Mr Clean Magic Eraser. Simply.the.best.thing.ever!

TMI Tuesday #169 - Back to TMI Basics

2009-01-12T22:17:00.003-06:00

1. On a scale of 1-10, how satisfied are you with your sex life?

I must say, I am VERY satisfied each and every time. Oh, you mean in general! 9/10 - always room for improvement and experimentation. Of course HH would say we need more, more more!

2. If someone shoves you up against a wall while kissing you, your reaction is?

Oh baby, you'd better finish what you started!

3. What is the most romantic thing anyone has ever done or said to you?

HH used to leave love notes and sometimes single roses on my car when we were dating. I really looked forward to those!

4. Where is the most unusual place you have ever had sex?

Before HH, in a park that was next to a cemetery. I had grass cuts on my back that took forever to heal!

With HH - in the basement of the bar we met - on the most disgusting sofa ever! I bet all the regulars in that bar had sex on that sofa. It was infamous! Then we went back upstairs and continued drinking.

5. How do you liked to be kissed?

I like long, slow, deep, soft, wet (but not slobbery!) kisses that last three days. I like hard, passionate kisses. I like the pecks I get from HH before he leaves the house and when he returns. I like to be kissed all over. I like kissing!

Bonus (as in optional):Most embarrassing sexual moment?

The night I lost my virginity in college. In the midst of the act, there was a tornado siren and the RA knocked on the door. We were forced to go down to the tunnels. I believe everyone in my dorm knew about my evening's activity!

A, B, C, D, E, F, G.......

2009-01-12T21:19:00.011-06:00

Here is the “Brought to you by the letter…” game. I got ~~roped in~~ introduced to it by Evil Twin's Wife.

This is how it works…If you want to participate, you need to leave a comment on this post, and I get to assign you a letter. You write about ten things you love that begin with your assigned letter, and post it at your blog. When people comment on your posted list, you give them a letter, and the chain continues on and on, world without end, amen.

I commented that the only letter I didn't want was the letter "X" and God love her, she gave me a "R".

For what it is worth, here is my list (in no particular order):

1. Reading - I love to read. Newspapers, magazines, books, cereal boxes, blogs, just anything and everything.

2.Relatives/Roots/Recording - Genealogy baby. I love going to the library and cranking those microfilm readers. I love speaking with my older relatives, going over photos and documents they have and listening to their stories. It really gives me a sense of self. And brings home the reality of how short a period of time we have on this earth. If we are lucky, we will grow old and live to see our grandchildren. That's my goal in life. (Picture of my paternal grandmother - Ignazia Tedesco)

3. Roux - I love Cajun food. Crayfish, oysters, etouffee, jambalaya. HandsomeHusband and I went to New Orleans for our honeymoon. Good sex and good food. What more could you ask for?

4. Rain - I like to stand on the porch and watch the storm come in. Mother Nature is beautiful.

5. Ride - Motorcycle and car rides. HH had a Harley when we started dating and we would take rides almost every weekend. Car trips are something my HandsomeHusband and I have also done since we met. How much do I like car trips - well, we did it with the kids last summer - the dreaded 4 day trip to San Francisco.

6. Roses - HandsomeHusband gave me my first rose delivery after our first date. I was so touched and surprised as well. I thought I had screwed up the date at the end of the night. (Reasons not going into at this time!) To receive the roses the next day reassured me that he was a good guy. My favorite roses now are single ones (less expensive!), especially yellow ones.

7. Romance - Not in the classical sense, but in the little things that HandsomeHusband does to show he loves me.

8. Reindeer - I have a collection of vintage and not-so-vintage reindeer that I display during the holidays. Love them!

9. Rummage sales - A good rummage sale makes my heart pound. What goodies await to be unearthed for a tiny sum? Ahhh, the thrill of the hunt!

10. Redheads - HandsomeHusband is one. Enough said.

Sunday Stealing: The hardest Meme Ever

2009-01-11T06:56:00.002-06:00

Cheers to all us thieves!

1. What is the bravest thing that you feel you've ever done physically? Give birth to my three children.

2. What is the bravest thing that you feel you've ever done emotionally? The 3 years of my mother fighting lymphoma and being by her side when she passed away on March 21, 2005 at the age of 63. Miss you so much Mom.

3. What one talent do you wish you had that you don't? I wish I could sing. I can't carry a tune to save my soul. I want to be able to sing like Patsy Cline.

4. If you had that talent what would you be doing with it? Singing!

5. We all have our reasons for blogging but what would be your ultimate goal for your blog or as a blogger? My Project 365 blog is to document a year in my and my family's life and hopefully get better at photography. This blog is to have some fun with memes, connect with other bloggers and post other miscellaneous stuff. My genealogy blog is to document my family's history for my children.

6. What advice would you give a new blogger? Do it for yourself and don't freak out if no one reads it but you and your husband for the first 3 years. Also, you've got to comment to get comments.

7. Who are you three favorite blogs to visit (Yes, you can have ties and name more than three.) This is a hard one. I read many blogs all for different reasons. I'm going to chicken out and name blogs that aren't by individuals.... I Can Has Cheeseburger, Mental Floss , Blissfully Domestic and CRAFT Magazine

8. You can trade lives with any one person for a month. Who would it be and why? I'm going to be completely frivolous here - Victoria Beckham. David Beckham for a whole month? Yeah, I could do that.

9. There's a fire and your family is safe but you have the chance to save any one item from your house. What would it be and why? My external hard drive - it has all our pictures and my family genealogy, including pictures and scans of documents on it.

10. You have the chance to go back in time and warn yourself before making a bad choice. What choice would it be and what would you tell yourself? All my choices have made me who I am today. My advice to me would be don't spend so much time in high school and college worrying about never having a steady boyfriend. He's out there. You will find him. It will be a time when you definitely aren't looking for someone but you will be so very glad you wandered into the bar that night!

Download Suze Orman's Book for Free

2009-01-09T21:32:00.008-06:00

I just found out that Suze Orman's latest book, Suze Orman's 2009 Action Plan-Keeping Your Money Safe and Sound, is available for FREE download from Oprah's website until January 15Th. Click here to go to the download page. You will need Adobe Acrobat reader to view the book.

The paperback is listed for $9.99 on Amazon.com and a Kindle edition is $7.99, so save yourself a few bucks!

I downloaded mine and will be perusing it shortly.

photo from Amazon.com

Thursday Thunks

2009-01-08T11:36:00.009-06:00

Braces, cookies, measure, talk radio, and other junk.

1. Are you a celebrity news junkie? I've got Jezebel on my bloglines.

2. Have you or anyone in your family ever had braces? Not immediate, my niece and nephew had them. I'm praying our kids have my teeth!

3. Name 4 things in your garage that you don't think anyone else has in theirs. A sunburst yellow 1992 Mazda Miata, political signs, a red rocking chair and about 5+ gas cans. Why we need 5+ gas cans, I have no idea. Ask the HandsomeHusband

4. Do you order Girl Scout cookies? Order them? We sold them baby!

5. If you have a cat or a dog, what brand of dog/cat food do you feed them? Iams

6. When you cook, do you use measuring cups/spoons? Yes - I am an accountant - you gotta be exact!

7. If you were stranded on a desert island, how many sand castles would you build? Just one, but it would be huge so I could live in it!

8. Whats one thing you own too many of? Papers - we are drowning in a sea of papers!

9. If given the chance to go to the moon, would you? Heck yes! How cool would that be? Plus, I would weigh less there.

10. Talk radio - listen or not? Sometimes - the HandsomeHusband is a big talk radio fan.

11. When you put silverware in the dishwasher or in the drainer to dry, do you put the handles up or down? Handles are up on knives, down on spoons and forks - it's the only way I can load them in there.

12. Video Games for kids - good or not? Depends on the game.

13. Share a website with us. The Crafty Crow - love, love all the ideas for crafting with kids. And One Pretty Thing - it summarizes the craftiness out there on the web.

14. Water - bottle or tap? Tap - which is placed in a Pur water dispenser in the frig.

15. Have you ever eaten a giant jawbreaker, the ones that are the size of the palm of your hand, all the way to the end? Yes I have - When I was younger, my neighbor and I had a contest to see who could suck it all down first...I won.

Wordless Wednesday-Carmela Greco 1922-1926

2009-01-07T11:12:00.003-06:00

TMI Tuesday #168 Would You Rather

2009-01-06T14:29:00.001-06:00

1. Would you rather be stranded on an island alone or with someone you dislike/don't get along with? Alone - I'd end up killing them and I don't need that kind of guilt!

2. Would you rather accidentally walk in on your parents having sex or have them walk in on you? On me. You know, my parents only had sex 5 times. Really, that's my story and I'm sticking to it!

3. Would you rather be snapped by paparazzi during a nipple slip or while exiting a car with out any underwear? Nipples - Only the HandsomeHusband and Ob-GYN gets a looksee below!

4. Would you rather not have sex for two years or not be able to use the Internet for two years? As much as you all would miss me, I'd give up the Internet (the old-time waster)

5. Would you rather find true love or 1 million dollars? True Love - (I am quite sure I have it already) I'd just spend the million dollars!

Bonus (as in optional): If you had to choose *one* sexual position for the rest of your life, what would it be? Why? Missionary - It's a classic and I'm a traditional kind of gal.

Blissfully Domestic Giveaway

2009-01-05T13:53:00.005-06:00

I am entering a contest at Blissfully Domestic. One of the steps requires me to post about the contest on my blog and link to it...which I have done so above. Under protest, mind you. I really don't want to alert anyone else to the giveaway to keep my odds of winning low. So don't you enter, 'cause if you do and you win and I don't, I really don't want to have to go medieval on your behind! ;)

Well, I guess it's a free country and you can enter if you want...just remember, I am half-Sicilian (dad's side), I'm just saying.

Sunday Stealing: The New Year Meme

2009-01-04T00:33:00.000-06:00

1. A New Direction, 2. jamie lee curtis, 3. My Family, 4. Photo collage, 5. Guadalcanal Diary 2x4, 6. Untitled, 7. Momma, 8. Peace ,Prosperity & Time to Enjoy in 2009, 9. frolicsome, 10. Eurako, 11. It's not about what you have to do, but what you have to stop doing..., 12. Enjoy

1. Looking back on 2008, what might your theme song have been? A New Direction
2. If 2008 was a movie, who would play you? Jamie Lee Curtis
3. What was your greatest gift of 2008? My family
4. What is your New Year Resolution, or, what are you committing to this year? Project 365
5. If January could be represented by one song, what would it be? Litany-Life Goes On
6. What do you wish for your body in 2009? Self-Acceptance
7. Name one new thing you would love to try in the New Year. Learn to knit
8. What do you long for 2009 to bring? Peace and Prosperity
9. If that happened, how would you feel? Exuberant
10. Where would you love to vacation in 2009 if money were no object? Sicily
11. What would you like the theme of 2009 to be? Live the present
12. If 2009 was a book, and the title was 5 words or less, what might the title be? Today: Live, Learn, Enjoy.

One of the Best Viral Videos

2009-01-03T08:51:00.007-06:00

Salon.com has a post on the best viral videos of 2008. At the top, and my favorite, is "Christian the Lion"

The first time I saw this, tears streamed down my face. And, because I am a sap, basically each and every time I watch this from 0:50 on, I am bawling!

Go, on, admit it...It makes you tear up! You can't tell me it doesn't!

Who says cats are aloof, unfriendly creatures?

From the BornFree Foundation:

"In 1969 a young Australian, John Rendall and his friend Ace Bourke, bought a small lion cub from Harrods pet department, which was then legal. 'Christian' was kept in the basement of a furniture shop on the Kings Road in Chelsea, the heart of the swinging sixties. Loved by all, the affectionate cub ate in a local restaurant, played in a nearby graveyard, but was growing fast...

A chance encounter with Bill Travers and Virginia McKenna led to a new life for Christian. He came to live in a huge enclosure and to sleep in a caravan at their Surrey home. Then in 1971 he was flown to Kenya, his ancestral home, and returned to the wild by lion-man George Adamson. Nine months later in 1972, John and Ace returned to Kora in Kenya. This clip is of their reunion at that time.

It was an emotional reunion: 'He ran towards us, threw himself onto us, knocked us over and hugged us, with his paws on our shoulders.' "

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

Edited to add: THIS IS MY 100TH POST! YEA ME!

Thursday Thunks

2009-01-01T00:03:00.001-06:00

Pick a pet, music, pennies, salt, dinner and a few other things

This week I will answer some crazy questions brought to you by Kimber, the color sienna and the number 2009.

1. Would you rather have a pet hippo or a pet elephant? Pet elephant - I would name him Stampy.

2. If locked in a cell and music blasted constantly 24/7, what would NOT drive you crazy that might annoy other inmates? "Hillbilly" music

3. If you see a penny on the ground, do you stop and pick it up? Of course! See a penny, pick it up, all day long, you'll have good luck!

4. Sea salt or table salt? Depends on the thing being salted.

5. Do you use bar soap or liquid soap? Liquid for handwashing, but I do like a nice handmade bar soap. We were introduced to Woodspirits Soap at the Rainbow Grocery in SanFrancisco. I love the Zanzibar soap.

6. What/when was the worst travel experience of your life? Coming back from SanFrancisco when Handsome Husband and I were dating. We drove (natch) there for Thanksgiving to see my brother, sister-in-law and my new niece. We decided - or rather, Handsome Husband decided - to drive straight back without stopping. Route 66. 2100 miles. In a Bronco. No showers. 36 hours. He wouldn't even let me drive through the Petrified Forest! (I'm STILL upset about that!) When we reached my parents house (I was still living at home at the time), he couldn't throw me and my luggage out of the truck fast enough. I wonder why? ;) He hightailed it to his place and we didn't speak or see each other for 2 days.

7. You are at someone's house for dinner. It's an important dinner such as meeting the In Laws, with the boss or an important client. The food comes out and all homemade. You take the first bite and nearly puke into your plate. You're sure you'll end up with food poisoning. Do you eat it, pretend to eat and spit it into your napkin or some other clever way to get yourself out of eating it? I would discreetly use my napkin to dispose of it.

8. Do you watch any judge/court shows? No.

9. Is your nose pierced? No, just my ears.

Wordless Wednesday-A Boy and His Dog 1955

2008-12-31T09:33:00.002-06:00

New Years Eve Toast

2008-12-31T00:03:00.002-06:00

Please raise a glass with me to welcome in the New Year tonight. And in honor of that, a couple of toasts...

First for the guys...

She offered her honor
and she honored her offer
and all night long
he was on her and off her.

Now for the ladies....

Here's to the men we love
and the men who love us
and if the men we love don't love us,
then screw the men and here's to us!

Hope you all have a wonderful and safe New Year's Eve!

Alla salute!
Na zdravi!

TMI Tuesday #167 - Happy New Year!

2008-12-30T03:30:00.000-06:00

1. Last week was "The Most Wonderful time of the Year", but what are your favorite 2008 memories? 1. The road trip Handsome Husband and I took to SanFrancisco with the kids...StellaDella throwing up almost an entire bag of gummy Lifesavers in Denver in the car and me catching it in a plastic bag will not soon be forgotten!
2. StellaDella breaking her thumb 4 days after we returned from said trip. "Stella, don't run in the house, you're going to trip over something and hurt yourself", I said. About 2 minutes later, she tripped and broke her left thumb.
3. My Monkeyboy playing football this fall. He never complained about the 3x (then 2x) a week practices for 14 weeks. They made it to the playoffs, and suffered a very ugly loss. This is the first year he played and he received the "Most Improved Player Award" in his division.
4. DramaQueen playing volleyball this fall. She is not the most co-ordinated when it comes to athletics, but she gave her best and had several great plays. I am very proud of her.

2. What is the best thing you learned in 2008? That I am truly blessed with all that I have...

3. On a scale of 1-10, how good was your 2008? It had its ups and downs, but I would give it an 8.5/10

4. What is your wish for 2009? My wish for 2009 is to continue to work on being happy for what I have and to enjoy each day as it comes.
What is your wish for someone else for 2009? I really can't say.

5. Where was the first place you ever passionately kissed? I was 16 and it was after my shift at Wendy's. A co-worker followed me home. We stood in the middle of the alley on the side of our house and I received a very passionate kiss.

Bonus (as in optional):Do you make New Year's resolutions? What is/are your's for 2009? I do make resoulutions. This year I am going to challenge myself to take a picture a day for my other blog. I also have some other goals that I am just going to keep to myself for now. ;)

Project 365

2008-12-29T15:19:00.005-06:00

I have started another blog for a new project in 2009, basically a new picture taken and posted every day. Here it is!

I'm not abandoning this blog, I just wanted the project to have it's own space.

Come back tomorrow for TMI Tuesday!

A Math Joke

2008-12-29T03:30:00.002-06:00

If you are a fan of puns &/or math, you will appreciate the following joke. I'm a geek, so I found it highly amusing!

There were three medieval kingdoms on the shores of a lake. There was an island in the middle of the lake, over which the kingdoms had been fighting for years. Finally, the three kings decided that they would send their knights out to do battle, and the winner would take the island.

The night before the battle, the knights and their squires pitched camp and readied themselves for the fight. The first kingdom had 12 knights, and each knight had five squires, all of whom were busily polishing armor, brushing horses, and cooking food. The second kingdom had twenty knights, and each knight had 10 squires. Everyone at that camp was also busy preparing for battle. At the camp of the third kingdom, there was only one knight, with his squire. This squire took a large pot and hung it from a looped rope in a tall tree. He busied himself preparing the meal, while the knight polished his own armor. When the hour of the battle came, the three kingdoms sent their squires out to fight (this was too trivial a matter for the knights to join in).

The battle raged, and when the dust had cleared, the only person left was the lone squire from the third kingdom, having defeated the squires from the other two kingdoms, thus proving that the squire of the high pot and noose is equal to the sum of the squires of the other two sides.

Joke, courtesy of Dr. Volker Runde found here with many other math jokes.

Sunday Stealing: The TV Meme

2008-12-28T09:31:00.009-06:00

Cheers to all us thieves! Sunday Stealing: The TV Meme

1. Name a TV show series in which you have seen every episode at least twice: Spongebob Squarepants and The Simpsons

2. Name a show you can't miss: I am a sporadic TV watcher at best...I try not to schedule my life around TV.

3. Name an actor that would make you more inclined to watch a show: James Caan

4. Name an actor who would make you less likely to watch a show: Anyone that appeared on a reality series.

5. Name a show you can, and do, quote from: Spongebob Squarepants and The Simpsons - dosen't everyone? "Liar liar, plants for hire" "It's 'pants on fire' Patrick" "Well, you would know...Liar!"

6. Name a show you like that no one else enjoys: Parking Wars - it's a trainwreck

7. Name a TV show which you've been known to sing the theme song: "Ohhhhhhhh, who lives in a pineapple under the sea? SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS!..."

8. Name a show you would recommend everyone to watch: Any American Experience on PBS

9. Name a TV series you own: Starsky and Hutch - the 1st season

10. Name an actor who launched his/her entertainment career in another medium, but has surprised you with his/her acting chops in television: James Caan

11. What is your favorite episode of your favorite series? "Gary Takes a Bath" - Spongebob. I can almost recite the entire episode by heart. Sad, really. Ooh - "Sailor Mouth" is another good one! It's so hard to choose. Luckily I don't have to, all my favorites are on one DVD!

12. Name a show you keep meaning to watch, but you just haven't gotten around to yet: House

13. Ever quit watching a show because it was so bad? Sadly, no

14. Name a show that's made you cry multiple times: Gosh, the only one I can think of right now is "Little House on the Prairie" Pathetic.

15. What do you eat when you watch TV? Popcorn

16. How often do you watch TV? Not very often, we just arrived in the 21st century this October when we subscribed to DirecTV. Before that, we just had an antenna and got about 4 good channels...a lot of PBS was on in our house. Many DVDs were watched. Now, the kids are obsessed with Cartoon Network - "Total Drama Island".

17. What's the last TV show you watched? "What Not To Wear"

18. What's your favorite/preferred genre of TV? Documentaries

19. What was the first TV show you were obsessed with? Starsky and Hutch - When I was much, much younger, my cousin and I pretended we were married to them. I was married to Paul Michael Glaser and she was married to David Soul. We also helped them in their police work.

20. What TV show do you wish you never watched? Full House

21. What's the weirdest show you enjoyed? Alf

22. What TV show scared you the most? Night Gallery

23. What is the funniest TV show you have ever watched? Fawlty Towers

Thursday Thunks

2008-12-25T21:28:00.005-06:00

Burning Christmas trees, rings, dogs barking, cell phones and cookie jars - among other things

Welcome to the Christmas Day version of Thursday Thunks!

This week I will answer some crazy questions brought to you by Berleen, the color white and the number 78.

1. Have you ever started your Christmas tree on fire? No - But, many years ago, my dad and I took the old Chevy Impala to the mall to get my mother a Mother's Day gift. I was in high school at the time. Earlier that day, my oldest brother, "fixed" the drivers side power window. I drove, we had the windows down (there was no pillar between the front and back windows, so when they were all down, there was an unobstructed opening - I loved that car!) and when we got to the mall, I remember having difficulty getting the front window to power up. But, we got it closed and went in to go shopping.

As we walked out, we could see a piece of paper stuck under the front wiper. I joked "Look Dad, someone left you a love note...Why is the front window so dark?" We could smell burning rubber as we got closer. Dad opened that note and read "Your car was reported as being on fire at 6:42pm, we extinguished the blaze at 6:55pm." Dad just stood there and said "My car was on fire." We called home for a ride and tow. Apparently we were paged in the mall, but didn't hear it.

We blame my brother and his paperclip for the electrical fire incident. He's not allowed to fix our cars. Mom wouldn't let Dad and I go to the mall together anymore. It's still joke between us. I'll tell him I'm going to the mall, does he want to come? He'll say, "I don't want my car to catch on fire - I'll pass."

2. How many rings do you wear? Wedding ring + engagement band which are soldered together. Sometimes I will wear my mother's anniversary ring on my right hand.

3. I say "dog barking", you say _________ ? "Oreo! Who's here?"

4. How many pictures are in the room that you are in. One...It is a reproduction print of our town in 1867 by the Chicago Lithiographic Co., drawn by R. Ruber. It hangs above my desk - I am really into genealogy and our town's history. I'm a dork like that!

5. Do you decorate the outside of your house for Christmas? I have a wreath (real!) hanging on the front door. That's it. We used to put lights on, but we just can't seem to find the time these days.

6. What's your favorite Christmas song? Again with the Christmas song question? I'm not answering 'cause right now, I hate them all! DIE Christmas songs, DIE!

7. What do you fill your Christmas stockings with? The kids put out their stockings on December 5th (St. Nicholas' Eve). They get a DVD, some candy, and new toothbrushes every year.

8. How many times a week do you charge your cell phone? Once.

9. Do you own any exercise equipment? What are they? I have an exercise ball that I had to put away as the children were using it as a play toy.

10. What's your cookie jar look like? Cookies don't last in our house long enough to make it from the package into a cookie jar.

Yes Virginia.....

2008-12-25T08:42:00.006-06:00

Eight-year-old Virginia O'Hanlon wrote a letter to the editor of New York's Sun, and the quick response was printed as an unsigned editorial Sept. 21, 1897. The work of veteran newsman Francis Pharcellus Church has since become history's most reprinted newspaper editorial, appearing in part or whole in dozens of languages in books, movies, and other editorials, and on posters and stamps.

"DEAR EDITOR: I am 8 years old. "Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. "Papa says, 'If you see it in THE SUN it's so.' "Please tell me the truth; is there a Santa Claus?" VIRGINIA O'HANLON."115 WEST NINETY-FIFTH STREET.

'VIRGINIA, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except [what] they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men's or children's, are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.

Yes, VIRGINIA, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus. It would be as dreary as if there were no VIRGINIAS. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that's no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.

You may tear apart the baby's rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, VIRGINIA, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.

No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood."

Wordless Wednesday-A Hint of Blue

2008-12-24T03:39:00.002-06:00

TMI Tuesday #166 - Merry Christmas!

2008-12-23T12:37:00.005-06:00

1. What do present do you hope ends up under you tree? Perfume from the HandsomeHusband and some of whatever he is making that he is being so secretive about!

2. What present are you most psyched about giving (PLEASE be vague or ignore this question if the recipient reads your blog)? The present(s) I'm giving to the HandsomeHusband

3. DO you prefer to give or receive? Give (Take that anyway you want...wink!)

4. What is your favorite part off a sexual partner's body? I love his strong shoulders and his compassion for others.

5. What is your favorite part your body - the one you hope a sexual partner will find or pay the most attention to? All of it!

Bonus (as in optional): [Idea blatantly stolen from Os and hist HNT wishes.] What Christmas wishes would you grant to whom? I would love to be able to give my father the gift of companionship and friendship - this will be the 4th Christmas since my mother passed and I so much want him to be happy.

My Sunday Evening...

2008-12-22T18:15:00.008-06:00

7:50 pm - I am sitting at my desk, trying to start to clear the ginormous amount of paper from the top of it, when I hear a "whump!" and my youngest daughter crying. I turn to see her lying face down on the living room floor with at little red plastic wagon behind her. I go and pick her up and see blood on her chin. Further inspection shows a lovely gash in a star shape (and a dog hair!). I realize immediately that a trip to the ER for either stitches or Dermabond is in order. I ask DramaQueen for a damp dark washcloth to use for pressure on the wound.

7:51 pm - I carry her upstairs to my bedroom, Handsome Husband is already in bed as he has to be at work at 5:00 am the next morning. I tell him "I think we are taking a trip to the ER" and show him StellaDella's chin. He says "Shit".

7:52 pm - I dress StellaDella and start to gather some books (for her and myself) for the waiting room, along with her Vtech in case she decides she wants to play it. I hear StellaDella tell her daddy that she was just using the wagon as a skateboard and she thought it would be a safe thing to do. Her brain told her so!

8:01 pm - I start the car to warm it up (about 8 degrees outside!). I then locate Sonic and Cia (her Triceratops and Hippo Build-a-Bear) and get coats for StellaDella and myself on. Handsome Husband helps.

8:06 pm - I kiss Handsome Husband, then go outside and bundle StellaDella in the car (praise the lord for heated seats!). We are off.

8:13 pm - We arrive at the ER and go to the reception desk to sign in. The ER is looking pretty full and I resign myself to a long wait. I dig through the purse to locate the insurance cards. A slight moment of panic ensues when I am unable to find them. A deep breath and another perusal of the purse finds them in my wallet where they should be. Shocking.

9:01 pm - We are called by the triage nurse who takes StellaDella's blood pressure, temp (all normal)and weighs her. I am instructed by StellaDella to put Sonic and Cia on the opposite chair (Mom, don't cover them with the coats! They can't see!) so they can watch. The nurse also puts gauze on her chin so we don't have to keep holding the dark green washcloth on it. We are sent back to the waiting room.

9:23 pm - We are called by the registration nurse. I triumphantly hand over the insurance cards, but am knocked down a notch when asked for StellaDella's social security number. I got nothing. StellaDella is given stickers and then entertains herself by placing said stickers all over her pants.

9:34 pm - Sent again back out to the waiting room. Am asked by StellaDella to remove all stickers from her pants because she dosen't like them.

10:01 pm - Are finally called to go back to an exam room. Gather up 2 coats, shoulder bag of books, purse, 2 stuffed animals and StellaDella. Head to room.

10:02 pm - Establish ourselves in the exam room. StellaDella is upset that I turned the TV channel from "Family Guy" to "Cars". I tell her for the kabillionth time that Family Guy is not a cartoon for little kids (although I do enjoy watching it from time to time).

10:10 pm - ER nurse comes in and reviews what has occurred. She tells us the doctor will be in shortly. "The Year Without a Santa Claus" starts. I love the Heat Miser!

10:21 pm - ER doctor arrives and again has us reiterate what has transpired. He says that since it is a star type wound, and not a lateral wound that Dermabond will probably be the way to go. He orders a topical anesthetic to be put on. They apply the anesthetic and let us know that it will take about 20 minutes to take effect. They take their leave.

10:21 to 10:57 pm - StellaDella complains that she is thirsty, then in the midst of complaining falls asleep. I continue to watch "The Year Without a Santa Claus"

10:57 pm - The ER doctor and nurse return. We wake StellaDella up - she is still out of it and position her for the glue application. She is not fully awake and is not cooperating. Even with me holding her legs, the doctor cannot apply the glue. The ER nurse calls for reinforcements.

11:05 pm - Another ER nurse arrives. They rig a sheet to restrain her arms and I hold her legs. Glue success!

11:19 pm - The glue has dried and the nurse returns with a cup of water, a Popsicle in another cup, discharge papers and follow-up care sheets. I put a coat on StellaDella, get my coat on, gather book bag, purse, 2 stuffed animals, and bag containing discharge papers, care sheets, gauze and first aid tape and head out the exam door.

11:21 pm - We walk out of the ER to our car. StellaDella spills her cup of water on the seat. The Popsicle survives. It is now 5 degrees.

11:30 pm - We arrive back home. Handsome Husband and DramaQueen are waiting up for us. Monkeyboy comes downstairs to check out the damage. I am exhausted and ready for bed. StellaDella, who had the catnap in the exam room is raring to go. However, pajamas are put on and she, Handsome Husband and I, climb into our bed. I don't sleep very well. I'm sure Handsome Husband didn't either. StellaDella was dead to the world.

Poor Handsome Husband...StellaDella is going to be the death of him!

Sunday Stealing: The Screaming Masses' Meme

2008-12-21T00:02:00.004-06:00

1. What is a nickname a former (or present) lover gave you? Biker Bitch

2. How do you style your hair? If you just would say "cut" what style is it? I blow it dry, use a little curling iron and some hair spray. It's a layered cut.

3. What's your least favorite Christmas song? A song called "Christmas Shoes" (depressing), "Santa Baby" especially when sung by Jessica Simpson (annoying) and finally, "Do They Know It's Christmas" the most pretentious song EVER...especially the line "Tonight thank God it's them instead of you" and "There won't be snow in Africa..." No kidding? And I really don't think the people they were addressing could give a rat's aXX about our religious holidays!!

4. How many colors are you wearing now? Olive green pants, black wife-beater, white zip up hoodie, brown shoes - 4!

5. Are you an introvert or extrovert? I am more introverted than extroverted. I can be extroverted when needed.

6. What was the last book you read? Coraline by Neil Gaiman

7. What's one piece of fiction that changed your life? The Five Secrets You Must Discover Before You Die by John B. Izzo. He interviewed over 200 people over the age of 60 who were described by family and friends as "the one person they knew who had found happiness and meaning". The five "secrets" of "be true to yourself," "leave no regrets," "become love," "live the moment," and "give more than you take" aren't exactly secrets, but coupled with the interviews and life experiences of those he spoke to and questions to ask make this a life-changing book.

8. If you are attracted to someone who is already in a relationship (or married), what might do you do? Nothing

9. Is there anything that has made you unhappy recently? Yes

10. What's your favorite dessert? Lemon Meringue Pie

11. How long does it take you to get ready in the morning? 30 to 40 minutes

12. Name one website that you visit daily. Why do you read it? mental_floss - to feel smart again!

13. What was your last job before either you are at home or at another job?? I was the Chief Financial Officer at a financial institution.

14. Do you like to clean? I don't mind cleaning - I just wish it would stay cleaned! Darn kids!

15. What was the last song to get stuck in your head? Lovebug - Jonas Brothers. Why? Why must I be tortured so?

16. What's the last movie you saw? Madagascar 2 with the kids

17. Pirates or Ninjas? Ninjas. Did you know that every December 5th is the Day of the Ninja? I missed it.

18. What is your least favorite thing to do that you have to do everyday? Go to the bathroom. Seriously, if I didn't have to stop and go to the bathroom everyday, do you know how much more time I would have to do things? It's a stinkin' waste of my valuable time.

19. Best time of your life? Gosh, I have so many times that I think are wonderful for different reasons. One of them would be those first weeks and months of dating the Handsome Husband. Life was simpler then, not as many responsibilities as now (3 kids, 2 cats, 1 dog, 1 snake, house, etc, etc!) We could concentrate on getting to know and discovering each other without so many distractions. Good times...good times.

20. What are you most looking forward to in the coming year? Spring!

Thursday Thunks

2008-12-18T00:02:00.006-06:00

Brains, mayo and fricken cold

This week I will answer some crazy questions brought to you by Berleen, the color hot magenta and the number 9786.

1. If you had to have a brain transplant and had to choose between a cat brain and a dog brain, which would you choose? Cat brain - I've seen my dog eat its own feces - don't want that kind of brain, no thank you!

2. Why do you think bananas are shaped the way they are? Bananas are curved because of the phototropic chemical Auxin which makes them grow towards the sun. Bananas like most other plants contain Chlorophyll which has a green pigment, this absorbs the green from natural sunlight and is used in photosynthesis. When bananas ripen, we see them turn yellow. This process of turning yellow is a result of the deterioration of the membrane of the chlorophyll. Once the protective membrane is gone, various enzymes act on the Vitamin A in the banana to produce its yellow colour. http://www.everything2.com/index.pl

Upward and toward the sun is the correct answer.The trunk of the banana plant is actually a densely packed group of concentric leaves, a pseudostem. After the banana plant has grown about thirty leaves, the fruit stem shoots through them from the rhizome and emerges as a terminal inflorescence (a group of flowers at the tip of the stem). The fruit stem matures three to four months after its emergence. Flower bracts soon cover the stem and then roll back almost daily, each exposing a hand of bananas. At the beginning of their development, the little hands grow downward, but as they grow, they turn their fingers towards the sun and appear to be growing upside down. This phenomenon is called negative geotropism. http://www.whatprice.co.uk/gardening/bananas-growing.html (this whole answer blatantly copied from AnswerBag - was this TMI? I went for the intellectual vs. smart ass answer this time!)

3. Mayonnaise or Miracle Whip? Mayonnaise - Miracle Whip is a salad dressing!

4. Do you use keyboard shortcuts? Yes

5. Are you a member at InsanityCafe Forums & Arcade? If not, you should be. No - I will check it out

6. Where I live it was a low of -19 degrees this morning - what was your low last night/this morning? +20 degrees Fahrenheit

7. Do you like hard boiled eggs? Yes I do.

8. Have you ever drank green beer? Every St. Paddy's Day!

9. Whats your favorite cleaner? I love Clorox Clean-Up, Endust and plain old baking soda.

10.White or whole wheat bread? White Multi Grain

11. Everyone has some type of phobia - whats yours? Coulrophobia- Fear of clowns

12. Aren't you glad there weren't any Christmas related meme questions? Sweet Mother of Abraham Lincoln - YES!

Wordless Wednesday-Tea Party

2008-12-17T00:02:00.001-06:00

TMI Tuesday

2008-12-16T07:58:00.006-06:00

1. What is the greatest age difference between between and a SO? Older or younger? My Handsome Husband is older and wiser by 11 years.

2. What is the greatest age difference between between and any sexual partner? Older or younger? See above for older. Younger would be 3 years - a college conquest.

3. Have you started your holiday shopping? Is it done? Started - not finished.

4. What are the chances there will be a "naughty" present under the tree this year (either from you or for you)? Well, the Handsome Husband has a 100% chance, but it won't be under the tree *blush*

5. What is your favorite holiday song? I have two, "Little Drummer Boy" - but NOTthe Bob Seger version. My second is "Baby It's Cold Outside" by Dean Martin - gotta love the Rat Pack!

Bonus (as in optional):Do you have a preferred time of day to have sex? If so, why? The Handsome Hubby would be funny and answer this question for me as "Never!". (Can men ever have enough? - and I believe that answer would be "No!") I guess I would have to say I prefer it at night - I enjoy the snuggling and falling asleep together afterward as well. But my answer to HH would be "Anytime with you baby!"

My Husband's Snake

2008-12-15T16:31:00.006-06:00

So the Handsome Husband comes home today with this in his hands....

What!!!- You thought I was talking about something else? Get your mind out of the gutter - geez!

He found it outside today while working at the airport. Being the big, soft-hearted, lug that he is, he couldn't leave it out to freeze to death (only getting to be about 19 degrees Fahrenheit today) or eaten by a coyote or hawk. It's a garter snake - we'd put it in the basement to eat any roaches, spiders and crickets, but the cats would probably kill it.

So, for now, it is in an empty kitty litter container - warming up and waiting for its next meal.

Sunday Stealing: The Christmas Meme

2008-12-14T00:02:00.004-06:00

I've seen this Meme on other blogs, and now it's been officially "stolen". So here we go!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? I try to wrap most of the gifts, sometimes I get tired of wrapping and throw one in a gift bag. Some presents require a gift bag because of their shape.

2. Real tree or Artificial? Currently we have an artificial tree. I would love to get a real tree, but my Handsome Hubby (HH) thinks they are a fire hazard.

3. When do you put up the tree? My goal every year is to put it up the day after Thanksgiving. But it's usually about a week after Thanksgiving. The latest I have put one up is the 15th of December.

4. When do you take the tree down? New Year's Day baby. I'm done by then. I do keep the Nativity up until January 6th - the Epiphany.

5. Do you like eggnog? No - but HH does!

6. Favorite gift received as a child? A Julia Barbie doll.

7. Hardest person to buy for? My father - the man wants for nothing - He'll even tell you he doesn't want anything. This year though, I'm leaning toward a wine of the month club. He does like his wine.

8. Easiest person to buy for? My daughter - DramaQueen - she gives me a list!

9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes - a ridiculously expensive one from the Franklin Mint. I began purchasing it when I was single - I received one piece every three months. Each piece was billed $48 a month for three months. It took 36 months to amass the whole shebang. I'll let you do the math to figure out what I paid for it. Yeah, it wasn't cheap. They kept the Baby Jesus hostage - he was the last figure that was sent in the subscription. Bastards. DramaQueen was 14 months old and just walking when the set was completed. It has been displayed on top of the entertainment center since then. I love it and I'm glad I purchased it when I was able to afford it, cause lord knows, it wouldn't be happening now!

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? I never knew email was an option...Mail - it's the only way to do it. I love getting Christmas cards, especially from old friends and love it even more when pictures are included.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I don't think I've ever received a bad Christmas gift - I truly believe it's the thought that counts.

12. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Traditionally in our family, at least my dad's side, is barbecued pork. A local barbecued pork that I don't think they make anymore. Mrs. Rincks - it came in a big 2 gallon jar. Now we just have homemade.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Whenever I can. It is usually done when kids are in school. Since StellaDella only goes on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and I work two of those days, I run like a chicken with my head cut off on the other day trying to get it all done. Sometimes I'll go out at night and HH stays home and holds down the fort.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? No, but I have donated to Goodwill or the local thrift store.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Gingerbread cookies.

16. Lights on the tree? Colored lights, and I do it old school - I put them on by hand all 1200 of them, no prelit tree for this gal!

17. Favorite Christmas song? I have two - The Little Drummer Boy and "Baby It's Cold Outside" by Dean Martin (from "Christmas with the Rat Pack" - my favorite Christmas album!)

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? We travel all the way across town on Christmas Eve to my Dad's house. Christmas morning is spent at home.

19. Angel on the tree top or a star? On the big tree - Angel. On my little tree - Both! (She cost me a whole dime at my favorite thrift store.)

20. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Both - Christmas Eve at Dad's from Grandpa and Aunts and Uncles, then Christmas morning from Santa and each other.

How to Triple the Size of Your Freezer

2008-12-13T16:45:00.016-06:00

Come with me as I venture into the dark recesses of our basement. No, no...don't be afraid, we have plenty of breadcrumbs to leave a trail so we may return to the light of day. Take my hand, we're almost there...you want more light? Just open this door...

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Are you scared?

Ohhhh, you're hungry. Well then, I can make some chicken thighs - circa 2006

If those aren't to your liking I can whip up some meatballs made with this lovely veal and pork...

No? Well, let's see what else we have...wait a minute...what's this?

Ahh, chili - yummy! Just the thing for a winter's day. Shall I defrost and serve you some chili?

No? You'll pass you say? Well then, do you think I should defrost the freezer or keep this lovely homemade winter wonderland?

No? Snow and ice should remain outside you say? All right, you've convinced me, I'll go and defrost it.

There - are you happy now?

Now, let's go follow those breadcrumbs back upstairs.

Thursday Thunks

2008-12-11T00:03:00.004-06:00

Waffles, touching, senses, skills, holidays, DUI's and other stuff

1. Do you like waffles? Mmmmmmm, waffles

2. Name 3 things that is within your reach right now, excluding anything to do with your computer/laptop. My youngest daughter, the dog, my camera.

3. Do you hang laundry out on a line outside? No, but I would like to start. I love the smell of sheets after they are hung outside. Plus, it would cut down on some energy costs.

4. Loss of vision, ability to speak or hearing - which do you choose? (you have to choose one....). Tough one. I'm thinking speech. There are so many other ways to express myself-a look, body language, touch. I can't give up seeing my family or hearing the kids laughter.

5. On a scale from 1 - 10, how are your computer skills? Eight

6. Do you volunteer or donate to anything around the holidays? We donate new toys &/or money to an annual toy drive in November.

7. If a person receives a DUI while in government office, should he lose his/her position? I'm pretty cynical here...if every politician that has ever driven drunk had been stopped and charged with a DUI, there would be very few in office! That being said, since the potential for damage from driving drunk is so enormous, I think the loss of their job would be appropriate. Of course I think anyone arrested for a DUI should face harsher consequences, not just politicians!

8. Do you take vitamins? No-but I should.

9. Do you wear fingernail polish? Only on my toes!

10. If every flower in the world only grew into one color, which color would you want? Yellow-I love yellow roses and couldn't imagine a world without them.

See other people's thunks here.

Wordless Wednesday-Looking for Squirrels

2008-12-10T08:57:00.005-06:00

Tackle It Tuesday

2008-12-09T14:25:00.006-06:00

Before

I had purchased a chalkboard at an estate sale waaaay back before I was married. (13 years ago!) I intended to hang it in my kitchen for menus, notes etc. It needed to have the surface repainted with chalkboard paint and the frame freshened as well. I have finally tackled it!

AfterYea Me!

Genealogy Site Update

2008-12-07T16:42:00.003-06:00

I've FINALLY posted new item on my other blog...The People of my Past. It's a transcription of my maternal Great-Grandfather's reminiscing of Christmas in Sicily. I don't know the date of the item, nor the newspaper. I'm guessing it was in the early 1950's, and was in one of the two hometown newspapers at the time.

Thursday Thunks

2008-12-04T00:06:00.004-06:00

Suicide, House, Neighbors, Dogs, PB&J, STD's and Accents

1. Have you ever not thought about the possibility of suicide? No. I think almost everyone has thought about it. But could I ever go through with it? Hell no.

2. How many dogs have you owned in your life? What kind? What were their names? A total of two. The first was when I was a child. My father's co-worker bred wire-hair fox terriers and I remember going to pick the dog up. Her AKC registered name was "Keith's Emerald Toto", but we just called her "Toto". I learned what "doggy style" meant when we had her bred with another wire haired fox terrier in the neighborhood! I was able to witness the miracle of birth (twice!-the second litter happened when she got out of the yard when she was in heat and must have done it with a beagle-the little slut!). When she was put to sleep, I was about 10 or 11 and it was the first time that I experienced the heartbreak of losing a loving pet. Public Domain photo from here.

The second dog is the one we have now...Oreo. A cross-eyed XXXX-dog. (XXXX being the name of the small town she was born). The DH brought her home without consultation the day after Thanksgiving 2006. He is still making up for it! ;)

3. In one word, what do most people describe you as? Blonde

4. Do you watch HouseMD? No Why not? Just never have watched it.

5. What irritates you most about your neighbors? Nothing I can think of off the bat. I do wish all of the people in the neighborhood, including my family, knew each other better, and interacted more.

6. Have you ever called someone in for some sort of abuse or neglect on humans, animals or property? Yes

7. What color is the sky in your world? A purple haze

8. Did you see those 2 planets that everyone is talking about this week? No-Although we do own a telescope, I should be looking.

9. Would you like to submit your own question for future Thursday Thunks? Maybe

10. Do you have a skin condition? Are you gonna tell us what it is? Solar Keratosis - I go to the dermatologist 2x a year to have him burn them off with liquid nitrogen. He LOVES his job. He wears the liquid nitrogen on his hip like a cowboy and when he walks into the exam room he starts pulling the trigger and shooting the nitrogen in the air saying "Woohoo! I get to burn some stuff today!" I like my dermatologist, he's goofy. In fact, I am going on Friday, but I am requesting this cream that contains 5-fluorouracil. This cream will cause my keratosis to become red and inflamed before they fall off. It will be very attractive, I tell ya.

11. Have you ever had an STD? Do children count?

12. Do you do any crafts? Heck yes!

13. Peanut Butter & Jelly - what flavor is the jelly? It can't be jelly, it must be jam, grape jam only. Smuckers. End of PG&J discussion.

14. Stripes or polka-dots? Stripes - vertical ones that make me look thinner.

15. What accent drives you crazy? Scottish Is it a good crazy or a bad crazy? It's a good crazy, a Gerard Butler kind of crazy. I wouldn't kick that man out for eating crackers in bed!

Wordless Wednesday

2008-12-03T00:02:00.000-06:00

Orange Kitchen

2008-11-29T21:47:00.007-06:00

Before
After

I got a bee in my bonnet on Wednesday to paint my kitchen...I could not stand the craptacular woodwork anymore, so I painted it white - officially it's called "Queen Ann's Lace". Actually, we should have painted it before we moved in 7 years ago, but at that time we had a 4-year old and a 2-year old and that wasn't happening.

Then, that stupid covering on the wall was mocking me with its ugliness - it is some sort of linoleum that a previous owner installed. WTF? Did I mention we live in a house with "heritage"? So I went to Lowe's this morning (had to go to the Wal-Mart next door for some birthday party gifts anyway) and tried to match the paint I already had on the walls. Then I saw the orange paint chip and took a chance on the "Roasted Squash". Belatedly, I realized that in order to paint, I needed to throw Kilz over the whole wall first. Sigh. Luckily I have Kilz on hand, from the living room woodwork painting extravaganza.

This is going to take longer than I thought. Laundry beckons, DH is suffering from some sort of flu-related illness and the kids demand to be fed. Come on guys, didn't I just feed you yesterday? And you want to eat 3 times today? What's up with that? Well, at least one wall is done. It's a start!

Thanksgiving Prayer

2008-11-27T12:06:00.004-06:00

May the spirit of my Aunt Phyllis guide me in the making of the stuffing.

May all notice that I REMEMBERED to add turkey gizzards this year to the stuffing.

May the stuffing be moist and delicious.

May my SIL NOT make any snarky comments about said stuffing.

May my DH not add to the snarkiness by making comments about the SIL's comments on the ride home from my sister's house.

In Aunt Phyllis' name we pray.

Amen.

100 Blogs That Will Inspire You to Be a Better Person

2008-11-24T20:24:00.002-06:00

I found this list via I'm an Organizing Junkie.

Looks like some great blogs to peruse. I see many additions to my Bloglines feeds!

Thankfulness

2008-11-21T19:48:00.004-06:00

My maternal grandfather - Edward Dolansky with turkeys.

I am thankful for:
* my husband - who works his butt off so I am able to be a stay-at-home mom, and when I'm in his embrace, makes me feel loved and safe.
* my children - each of them are so unique and I am so grateful to be their mom. I look forward to seeing how their life evolves and wish them a happy and contented life.
* my home - it needs updating in many ways, but I love living in a home that has a heritage.
* my sister - she's nine years younger than me, but as the years go by, we grow closer and rely on each other for so much, especially since Mom has passed.
* my Dad - his help and advice are always welcome.
* my brothers - even though they would sit on my face and pass gas when we were kids!
* my life - It has sped up significantly these past couple of years, and makes me realize that the saying "Life is short" is so very true.

What are you thankful for?

Stella's Self-Portrait

2008-09-20T19:31:00.002-05:00

Here is a self portrait Stella created in Mother's Day Out on Wednesday. Notice the bottom portion of the drawing. Those were put there on purpose.

"Stella," I said, "tell me about your picture."

"Well, I drew my eyes, and put in eyelashes, then my nose and mouth. I drew red hair."

"What are those circles on the bottom?"

She looks around, then leans over towards me and whispers, "Those are my boobs."

Only Stella.

Because I Haven't Posted in Awhile...

2008-06-08T22:30:00.003-05:00

1. Black-eyed Susan, 2. Spaghetti in Tomato Cream Sauce, 3. Crusader King, 4. Kaboom, 5. Sam in the Big Lebowski, 6. Vodka, 7. TERMINI IMERESE-VIA BAGNI ANTICA, 8. Daring Bakers: January Challenge: Lemon Meringue Pie, 9. We are choosing hope over fear., 10. Day 27/365: Two years, 11. it won't....fit! argh!, 12. mikey gave me this lovely vintage toy oven :) it's from 1967. so cute!! :)

The Questions:
1. What is your first name? Susan
2. What is your favorite food? pasta
3. What high school did you go to?
Althoff Catholic High School
4. What is your favorite color? purple
5. Who is your celebrity crush?
Sam Elliott
6. Favorite drink? something vodka-y
7. Dream vacation? Termini-Imerese, Sicily
8. Favorite dessert? pie
9. What you want to be when you grow up? content
10. What do you love most in life?
my family
11. One Word to describe you. trying
12. Your Flickr name. suzyhomemaker

Mother's Day

2008-05-11T10:32:00.001-05:00

Ruth Ann Caponi 1942-2005

“Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy.” Eskimo proverb quote.

13 Years Ago - April 1, 1995

2008-04-01T10:11:00.002-05:00

13 years ago we became one.

Happy Anniversary My Love.

Snow Day

2008-02-22T15:56:00.002-06:00

We hand another snow day here today. Lots of ice on the ground and cold! Today we did this, an idea I remembered from an old Martha Stewart Kids magazine (how I miss it so!).

Claudia's Pea

James' Killer Pumpkin

Stella's Penguin

The kids love them!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2008-02-14T14:31:00.001-06:00

Yeah, great gag.

4 Years Ago

2008-02-10T09:52:00.000-06:00

Four years ago, my sweet baby arrived.

Now, she is 4.
Happy Birthday StellaDella!

Snow

2008-02-01T09:03:00.000-06:00

We got snow! About 8 inches worth. The two older kids were already off school because of teacher's conferences (now canceled) and Stella Della's school was canceled as well. Dentist appointments, scheduled for today are rescheduled, as the office has closed due to the snow. I anticipate a day ahead of snow being tracked into the kitchen, slowly melting on the floor.

Whenever it snows, I am reminded of an old saying....."Snow is like sex, you never know how many inches you're going to get, or how long it's going to last."

BAND MEME

2008-01-20T17:26:00.000-06:00

BAND MEME: Three sites to randomly select band name, album title, and cover art.

1. Go here for the band name: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Random
No matter what the title of the article is, that's the name of your band.

2. Go here for the album title: www.quotationspage.com/random.php3
The last four words from the very last quote on the page makes up the title of your band's album.

3. Go here for the cover art: www.flickr.com/explore/interesting/7days/
Whatever the third picture is, that's the cover to your band's album.

Here's mine:

1. Band Name

Le petit Nicolas

2. Album Title

Trees, the Clouds, Everything.

3. Cover Art

from: uncle mike in knoxville's photos

Rainbow on my hand

2007-12-19T15:47:00.001-06:00

Rainbow on my hand, originally uploaded by suzyhomemaker.

Our suncatcher in the kitchen window cast a rainbow on our counter this morning. StellaDella was fascinated.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2007-11-22T08:35:00.000-06:00

A Conversation With My Son

2007-11-09T08:44:00.000-06:00

An R-rated bathtub conversation with Monkeyboy.

Monkeyboy: Mom, why is the end of my penis that color?

Me: I don't know, ask your father...I don't have a penis you know.

Monkeyboy: I know, you have a pink taco looking thing.

DramaQueen Hits the Double Digits

2007-10-27T08:52:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Claudia!

Funky Winkerbean

2007-10-04T08:21:00.000-05:00

Tom Batiuk has been addressing breast cancer in his comic strip Funky Winkerbean called "Lisa's Story". The last week of comics has really brought back the memories of Mom's cancer and last days at home. There is some controversy about his direction he has taken with this story, and although I am not enjoying reliving Mom's final days, I think that he has written the story with dignity and compassion.

Woobatta

2007-09-25T21:43:00.000-05:00

I made this stupid sock creature (from this book) for Monkeyboy's space badge project. Last year DramaQueen made a puppet, but this year I went for the stuffy. Monkeyboy choose the name.

I made it out of a pair of my mom's socks. After she passed, my sister and I cleaned out her clothes at my dad's request. She had soooo many socks, but it didn't surprise me. She would always say that her feet were cold when she was fighting the lymphoma. She had told us that she wanted to be buried in the warmest socks we could find. We would tease her that we were going to put rainbow "toe" socks on her and she said that if we did, her wedding picture would be spinning when we came back home from the cemetery. When she passed we put cashmere ones on her with love. Anyway, I took a couple of pair home with me and wore them for the last two years. This pair that I used was becoming worn in the heels. Monkeyboy loves the alien. And he loves the fact that it is made of Grandma's socks. In fact, he has pretty much carried it around since he came home from school today, took it with him to the fall festival that they had at the school tonight and is now sleeping with it as I type. Grandma would be pleased!

Simpsonized!

2007-08-04T23:01:00.001-05:00

Here we are as the Simpsons.....

Larry
DramaQueen
MonkeyBoy

StellaDella

Pretty darn accurate!