DIY Room Decorating

Seems like if it's not on Fox Soccer Channel around here, it's on HGTV. And with this family heading into it's 10th vacation day, these kids needed a project. Mom stumbled across some cheap wooden letters and some acrylic paints...and this is what we came up with. Actually, they turned out really cute. Some Radio Disney and a craft project. Now that's an afternoon.

Here's the work in progress:

Blue is Hayden's favorite color. He wanted it to "match" his Star Wars sheets. Later we went to the store in search of Star Wars stickers, but since Mom wasn't willing to travel far and wide for that journey, Hayden settled on Glow in the Dark Batman stickers instead. In fact, since they were the only glow in the dark sort, he said: "Well, this must be my lucky day!" Indeed. Good to be a 6 year old boy.


Here's Lindsay cutting up sponges for sponge painting. Not 1 minute later, Mom talked her out of that idea and painting stripes to match her bedding instead. And it does exactly! Her lines came out perfectly straight thanks to our friend, Mr. Masking Tape.


Here's Mal with her blank pallete! She was the last to finish because she is SO indecisive. She ended up sponge-painting hers 3 different colors and trimming it out in black. Her furniture is black and her bedding has the colors of the sponging, so it's going to look great on her wall! She's very meticulous, so the trimming of the lines with masking tape took quite a while due to all the curves. But patience paid off in the end.

Drumroll...finished product.

Was a great way to polish off an afternoon. It's tough keeping up with all you young mom's. In fact, come to think of it, I don't even try. Still, I guess we're not done with craft projects after all...now...back to Lindsay's science project (which is what got me to the craft store to begin with)!!

Recipes...since you asked

Homemade Turtles or "Sweet Sleds" (from American Girl Magazine Nov/Dec 09)

Cover a plate with wax paper. Arrange six (or 600) square pretzels on it. Unwrap chocolate caramel candies (such as Rolo's) and set on top of pretzels. Microwave for 25 seconds. Gently press a pecan (be gentle, don't smash) atop the softened candy. Allow to cool...enjoy!

Popcorn Cake

Pop 2/3 c. popcorn in a pan with a little of the oil (from 1/2 c. oil), the old fashioned way. Do not salt. Discard unpopped kernels. In the pan, add remaining oil and a stick of butter. (Why not?!) When melted, add 16 oz of mini marshmallows and melt down on low until 2/3 of the marshmallows have melted. Take off the heat and add 16 oz EACH of red & green M&M's and dry roasted peanuts. Press into bundt pan (I'd spray it with non-stick cooking spray) and allow to cool and set.

Trust me, it's so good. It makes a ton...so this should feed a crowd!

Tradition

When my girls were about 2 and 4 years old, we started the tradition of having a gingerbread house making party every Christmas Season. 10 years later, we are still going strong. 3 families rotate houses. One "hosts" the party, makes dinner, while the others bring dessert and appetizers. Everyone brings their own "house". The first year we had much to learn. We struggled to keep the sides of the house up with frosting. That led us to eventually using a glue gun...a housemaker secret that's golden! Now everyone shows up with an already "constructed" house, ready to decorate, cookie sheet and all. We use leftover Halloween candy for decorating, wheat chex with powdered sugar (this year) and graham crackers for rooftops, coconut for snow...there are so many different ideas we come up with every year. After so many years, it's a seamless party, that is purely relaxing and fun. Each set of siblings comes up with such a unique house...it's so much fun to see what they turn out. And they love it and look forward to it every year as well. Good food, good friends, good memories. I can hardly wait til next year's party.


Starting from the beginning...

Yummy appetizers with fruit fondue for dessert!

The table pre-lasgna, salad and bread! It was so yummo!

Doesn't that just make you want to run out and make fondue? Chocolate fondue with fruit and angle food cake. There were other treats as well such as square pretzels topped with a rolo and a pecan. Sounds weird? Don't knock it til you try it...and can't stop trying it!

Marshmallow, peanut, m&m popcorn bonanza. This one was a winner! (Plus, you can't have just one dessert...it's a rule. It is a party, after all.)

My Hayden and his cute Gingerbread train. He was very excited to have something of his own to decorate this year and the girls (who seems to be perfectionistic) were happy to have their house back to themselves.

This house has a graham cracker garage with a car parked in it (out of candy, of course). A hershey bar fence with the gates swinging open. The smarties are stacked in a circular fasion with licorice red rope to form a gazebo that hosts a fire pit. The front yard was dusted in snow.

Oh my...we are full! But we're happy!

Join Me, Won't You?

Ok, so I'm not gonna lie. While my life isn't crappy (excuse the expression), it's been really trying lately. Mostly cuz of work related issues. And that's hard. Because we're owners, and we affect other people, not just ourselves. And while I try to "go with the flow" -- it's like a fish swimming upstream -- it doesn't suit me at all. I'm very structured and I like predictability. And life, right now, is anything but.

Speaking of butts, Thanksgiving did not help to shrink it. And while remaining positive is on the daily agenda right now, exercise is just what the doctor ordered for my ever expanding back side. The sun doesn't hurt, either. Or a salad from La Bou, butt I digress.

This is a dangerous month, folks. As if November weren't fattening enough (thanks, Lane, for the Sweet Potato Pecan extravaganza with 5000 calories per bite), December can be downright cruel. (Hello Grandma See's). So I decided, let's control what we can control. I can control whether or not I exercise, for my backside or mental management. Yesterday I went running. Well, really, it was probably more of a wog. (You figure it out). But running sounds so much more impressive. Today I went for an 1 1/2 hour hike with a friend of mine. I live in a hilly town -- and we hiked some trails today. The sun was shining, crisp air, perfect. Sweating with a sweatshirt on. The fur on my legs helped me to stay warm even in shorts. And I feel better. In fact, it made me feel great. And I always do post-wog. As my sister would say...I love SWAK. (Sweaty back) or (SWITS...sweaty pits). (C'mon, you try it. It's fun and funny. We've had entire phone calls laughing at all the stuff we come up with...)

And you will, too, if you need it. Get out there! Do it! It may just be the best part of your day. And if you can, do it outside. I quit the gym cuz I hate it (and I don't need people watching my back side hit my back while trying to burn a few calories in the name of "I'm trying" and better health). Fresh air is the greatest. Because while I may not have a goal to lose weight this month (not that I would mind...) -- (okay, I always have that goal but don't necessarily work towards it) but I do have a goal to not lose my mind. Or get overly anxious. Definitely a dominant gene in our female side of the family. And whether any of that works or not, I KNOW, I KNOW I feel better when I've moved my body. Enjoyed nature. Sweat off some of my worries. It gives me strength and joy. And it's free. And December is a long month. And it's the time of year I need it most. And while I love Santa, I don't want to look like him!

Official Merry Christmas to all.

Now, about that La Bou salad...

Oooomph

Help me...I'm still so full.

Just in case you were wondering how I felt!?!

G-R-A-T-E-F-U-L

Great day with my kids...bowling and arcade...makes my kids happy.

Really enjoyed the sunshine today at the park.

Ate lunch out for fun together at Wendy's...Hayden's favorite.

Took the kids to the library.

Even took the dog for a walk, and then a longer one for me!

Feels great having no real schedule today...my favorite kind of day.

Unusually long hair on my legs...time for a hot shower and a leg shave...(too much information?)...grateful for pants! LOL.

Liz and family are coming in less than 48 hours (we hope) to spend Thankgiving with us and boy, are we grateful!

Where am I????????

For the love of Pete...you figure this out.

Peruse the following list of names. Where might you find them?

Ming, Julio, Rashid, Erin, Grace, Diego, Deja, Zoe, Reggie, Gina, Yin, Jun, Javier, Manual, Nia, Abby & Carmen.

I'll TELL YOU WHERE!!!!!!!!!!!! A 1st grade Math Assessment test!

I was asked to assist a boy who had been absent in completing the test...i.e. answer "word" questions assuming he needed help reading. The poor boy couldn't even get through the word problems because: a) he's still learning the ENGLISH language and b) didn't know that a "J" was an "H" in Spanish!

Oh, man. I am so on fire, here. I don't consider myself to be prejudice, but how I watched this little boy struggle through this test because of the names. He didn't know what a "Ming", "Jun" or "Javier" was...so it was difficult for him to focus on the math aspect of the test. This made me think of my poor son. While a decent reader, we're still grasping the English language and all its idiosyncracies on a good day, let alone combining it with algebra word problems.

I don't know, but I'm just sayin!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Old Fashioned Birthday

Yup...I was determined to have it at home. Pizza and a little cake. Maybe I was drinking...

Lindsay and most of her soccer team for her 12th bday.


Me with a few other lovely ladies...


Hayden is spying on the girls with his pirate scope. All boy, that kid.


Someone (again, me, hitting the bottle) thought it might be fun for the girls to have karaoke night. Never knew noise levels like that before. Dave got hives.

There were some lead singers along with a lot of back up!

And Lindsay picked her favorite...B&R Cookies & Cream Ice Cream cake. Needless to say, it was a HUGE hit!

Definitely pleased this hard-to-please fellow.

Guessing game...that cute blonde won two -- but had to give one up to the runner-up. Smart girl.

Our sweet Lindsay digging into her LOOT!

The remainder of the gang...3 had already left. Hayden was in HEAVEN playing Ninja and Ghost in the House or something like that. (Lights out, TONS of screaming, running like herds of cattle...Dave almost needed the straightjacket and shock therapy to calm him down).

Brave enough for a listen. First, crank your sound up til it's fuzzy. Then put a microphone up to that...that is what my house sounded like. 12 twelve-year olds screaming!

One girl wrote a 3 page card...I only managed to capture 2 of the pages...it's Sam describing Lindsay. So sweet and SO funny.

I know we'll remember this one for years to come. Not only will kids be kids, but kids need to be kids. That's what this was all about. Good, old-fashioned get together for a little craziness. And while my ears are still ringing...it was definitely worth it!

There's No Such Thing

There's no such thing as a perfect life.

There's no such thing as a perfect child.

There's no such thing as a perfect parent.

There are perfect moments in life, but the rest of life's experiences, today, I believe, are to keep you in check. Make you humble. Make you appreciate the rest.

One morning last week I woke up feeling really grateful for our house. Having moved 3 times in two years would easily make one have that feeling. But it was deeper than that. And because you never know what life can throw at you. Living in a state where not a few, but many people I know have lost their homes due to losing jobs and a failing economy, home is not necessarily written in stone. It is something to be honored. And cherished. A haven. For now.

I'm lucky. People often tell me how wonderful my children are. And I whole-heartedly agree with them. But it's scary being on a pedestal. Even risky. Because eventually, you fall off. Or are pushed off. And there's that fork in the road. And mistakes are made. It's hard for them. Hard for me. Heartbreaking at times.

Part of parenthood. Most of it is wonderful. Some of it is so hard it will take your breath away. It makes you toss and turn at night. It makes me shed tears in moments alone. It takes me back to the mistakes I've made as a child and beyond. (I know, you thought I was perfect!) Oh my, there were many. And yet, I was still loved, even though I know I made that difficult to do. Or maybe it wasn't that they didn't love me, they just didn't love the decisions I had made. But I didn't feel that at the time. And it was lonely. I want so much for my children to not feel lonely. And yet they will, probably, because I can't make their lives perfect all the time. I have to let them find their way.

But what is perfect is love. It does prevail. It is pure and true. It does not change with the weather but instead, withstands weathering. It gets stronger. And deeper. And hopefully, in the long run, cuts through the red tape of life and shines brighter than the dark clouds that try to cover it up.

And that is what I do have...a perfect love for my family. We do not have a perfect life and I know hourly that I am not perfect. And on this gray day I will feel warmth from that perfect love. It will carry me through. And it is a gift from which I draw strength.

And while these challenges never feel promising, the eternal promise is love. And forgiveness. And the opportunity to share it with my family. And that, my friends, is perfect.

Day at the Farm

Born to Goodly Parents

Well, Doug sort of inherited me, and I'm sure at the the time, it was not by choice! But we seemed to move on and our love of Diet Coke and other refined foods replaced any bitterness that may have once existed. They made the big trip to visit us and took some fabulous photos of my kids at soccer and some nice photos of family as well. Lovin' that new camera Mom! And we love you guys. Miss you already.


Grandpa Doug & my sweet children.



Really...who could resist this face?!



A rare family photo -- all together -- all smiling! Who knew?!

A family is a beautiful thing...and I love the one I came from as well. I have wonderful parents who love us a lot. What more could I ask for in this life? Thanks for the memories!!! Can't wait til next time.

All I want for Christmas...

...is my two front teeth!

Captain's Log

October has been one of those months.

Here are some highlights:

1) I mean, I got highlights, no...low lights, went a shade darker. Still deciding. But really, having someone scrub my hair is so relaxing...definitely a momentary highlight.

2) Hayden finally lost one of his top very loose teeth...while brushing his teeth! He was so excited. Apparently the tooth fairy was so excited he finally got rid of that bugger she gave him three whole dollars!

3) Road rage. Not really a highlight, but my hand is being forced to share. After being cut off and slamming on my brakes shortly after picking up my daughter from high school and after having a very bad/stressful day -- I made the ridiculous decision to get out of my car at the stoplight to yell at a high school age driver: "I have kids in the car! I'm reporting you as a reckless driver...I've written down your license plate. (and finally...) You are a very ugly person! " (delivered with intensity, passion, and sincerity). In the days of YouTube...you really have to sit back and reconsider that decision. I know, not very impressive OR smart. I'm nothing if not impulsive.

4) My Dad came for a visit. I feel really lucky to have had some one on one with him. Parents are, after all, partly who you are.

5) Ditto for visit with my Mom and Doug. My mom always brings a little bit of sunshine wherever she goes...even though she drove through a typhoon to get here! We always eat well when they are around. (Which isn't to say I don't always eat well...most times you can find me in some local eatery around noon. In fact, when we decided to meet my folks who had my kids for a while at a restaurant last Saturday, when Dave & I showed up first, the owner said: "Where are your kids?!" Wow. I'm half-celebrity, in my own mind at least!)

6) Forced my middle child to get her eyebrows waxed. Unfortunately for her, she inherited her father's bushy brows...Mal got the gap in her teeth but my eyebrows...(we all have to share). She was verbally & physically trying to get out of it based on irrational fear. The way I see it, the sooner they learn beauty has it's price, the better. My sister tried to argue this point saying: "I've never had my eyebrows waxed!" As if I was offering some cruel and unusual punishment. And while I think my mother is wonderful, she was not running me to the beauty parlour all the time. These things I developed on my own. I'm high maintenance...I'll be the first to admit it. I like it that way. My daughter has gorgeous big eyes. But they were being overshadowed by the brows. Despite tears and anguish...and me having to graciously and generously get waxed to all in the name of "paving the way" -- she got in the car, flipped down the mirror, and said: "Sorry, Mom. You ARE right. It does look much better." If only I could capture those words for the future. Then she proceeded to say: "Now, if I could just do something about this big overbite!" We'll get there...just one more tooth to lose.

7) The pool is done. No more pool workers in the yard. Looking forward to lots of fun family moments next summer already.

8) My eldest has a crush. Wonder where this will lead if anywhere! This is not just a highlight, but a first. She's been cute to watch.

This has been a long, hard month. Important to focus on the good times when they can be overshadowed by difficult moments. Although my son has missed 6 days of school due to illness, I've also really loved having him around. This growing up stuff is for the birds.

Happy Haunting..(if I could ever make it to the pumpkin patch!)

Initiation!

Creepy in time for Halloween

Oh...David Letterman. How the mighty have fallen. If you don't know what I'm talking about, then check it out:

http://m.www.yahoo.com/?fr=fptb-&r0=1254521493

Here's the thing. I get that he's a comedian. But now he's a hypocrite! No longer will I be able to stomach a joke about some politician who's succumbed to affairs and prostitutes because I know better. He's as low as they are. And then to make light of it on his program last night to save his career? For me, he has just demeaned those women again. Publicly. I'm thinking the fallout has just begun. I hope so. He's just as low as the guy that tried to bribe him.

Being famous. I'm pretty sure that is about as low as life gets. Rarely do I hear anything positive coming out of these people. And while that's making headlines, it's such a sad sign of the times. I didn't hear a public apology to his wife or child on that video, nor sense any remorse whatsoever that he'd been pinned. Just an admission of "Yup, I did it. So what? I'm creepy."

David. Yes. You are!

Cookie Stir

Who knew all this fuss over a box of cookies could raise such a ruckus? Well it did. And then I got to thinking...we love our cookies...don't we? That's where the passion comes from. (And goes straight to my hips & thighs...oh heck...I even have back fat!)

After revealing Lorna Doone's to my poor sister, another sister reminisced about Lemon Coolers. Oohhh, I could eat a whole box of those in one sitting just for memories sake. Really, I could. (I'm sure I have!)

I'm truly not a huge fan of store-bought cookies. I'll confess to pulling out a batch of Nestle Tollhouse already made just cut and bake on a semi-regular basis and claiming the fanfare I receive from bringing that smell into the kitchen. But I only like those when they're warm.

But I do love a pinwheel. Marshmallowey goodness sitting atop a crumbly graham cracker cookie, topped with chocolate. Delish. And you can't really make those. Smores don't taste the same. Love 'em. That's a special treat once in a blue moon.

So I'm wondering, what's your favorite store-bought cookie? No contest, just curious?! And if you don't know what it is, Grapefruit, it's time you frequented that aisle of the grocery store just to stay informed. It's how the other half lives.

Homecoming Beauties

Mal's first homecoming dance with friends...while not official princesses...they are sure gorgeous!