Mome reads Mommy, My daughter's way to spell it when she was younger... It stuck. My son calls me Mome... just like it looks. I now sign all my notes to them "Love, Mome". It's our inside secret and makes them smile. I always want them to smile.

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Puddin Pop has a BFF

The kids had a fun day with friends and played hard all day. Puddin' Pop cried when her friend went home. Sad she had to leave. It was so cute. I can only imagine how she's going to be after she gets to spend an entire week with this same "Best Friend" when we all go on vacation in August.

After a day of chasing four kids around, I ended the evening sipping wine with two neighbors. It was a nice night to sit back in the patio chairs and just catch up with what everyone's been doing so far this Summer. It was also nice that the temperatures have dropped so we could enjoy this.

I love Summer!

This will get you Thinking

I'm way late on this...

I'm hoping Elle and Stacy will forgive me. It's about showing up, right? Not how early you get there?




Okay. Time to get your rain boots on. I would like this story to be true but...You be the judge. It definitely poses some serious questions.

A guy comes into work the other day and tells me how he had been in a terrible Motorcycle accident earlier this year. He was in a coma for over two months. On his sixth day in the hospital he is woken by two hands on his shoulders. He opens his eyes and stares into the eyes of Jesus. Jesus tells him he is not going to die and everything will be okay. So obviously Jesus is right because there the man is standing right in front of me. He's explaining how this how experience has changed his life and how in awe he is that Jesus chose to speak to him. He doesn't know how he got so lucky.

See. I like that story. While not a believer in Jesus as my Savior. I do believe he walked the earth. I would also like to believe that souls of people who have passed on can come to us in these type of situations to reassure us or make us comfortable should it be our time. (Too much Ghost Whisperer maybe?) Anyway, there's more to the story...

The man goes on to tell me how he has had several conversations with Jesus since that first one and Jesus has even told him the exact day he is going to die. Not sure what would be appropriate to say I said "I hope it's no time soon." The man turns to leave and on his way out the door says "It's less than six months." What the Hell?

I had so many questions but the man just left. How do you take that? Jesus comes to you to tell you you won't die but then tells you you will die within the next six months. Even tells you the exact day? I think I would be a tad pissed. I'd also wonder why the delay. Why not just take me while I'm in a coma? And what would you be doing on the day you knew you were going to die?

So many questions...

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Really?

I just took my two kids and the neighbor kid on a walk to 7-11. It's not a long walk but part of the way is without sidewalks. I wanted some exercise and bribed the kids with Slurpees if they came along. They were all more than willing. The event went off without a hitch...then I got home.

I went and chatted with the neighbors who's kid I had taken with me. They thought it was cool. Then I went home to pee and sit down. Hubster has a habit of watching mindless TV while building Lego's and I thought I'd need a portable oxygen concentrator to deal with what I saw. He was watching "Smarter than a 5th grader". No biggie until I saw Sanjaya was on. Seriously? I'm in a mind numbing comatose right now. How on Earth does something like this happen? I'm changing the channel. That was painful. ..Just saying..

Dog Or Home Security Alarm That Is The Question

Trying something new.


Written by guest blogger Alex Stanley.

I just installed home security cameras and I’m so glad I did. I have been living alone for most of my life and thought I was invincible. Well that all changed when someone broke into my house. The saving grace was that I was not at home at the time. I don’t know what I would have done if I had been there. Maybe they wouldn’t have gotten in but what if they had.

Like I said I thought I was indestructible before my home was violated. I just sat down and cried my eyes out after I called the police. It took a lot of courage for me to even enter my house after that and I don’t think I ever fell asleep at night without worrying for hours about what if it happened again.

My friends urged me to get a dog so that at least it would bark if someone tried to get in the house while I was there and I could call for help if that happened. Okay, I got a dog. She is the cutest little fur ball you have ever seen, but she runs and hides every time the door bell rings. Fat lot of help a dog is. I feel more secure now and me and Susie Que don’t have a thing to worry about now.

Random Tuesday~ EA Active, TV and The Case of the Missing Ice Cream.

Just another totally random Tuesday. Brought to us by The Un Mom who make random Rock. Don't forget to stop by, link up, and visit some other totally random posts.


randomtuesday


I just ordered EA Active (through Amazon) and am expecting it to arrive this week. I need to step up my virtual fitness and have heard great things about this product. I even found a workout buddy to keep me challenged over at Wii Mommies. Wish us both luck. Does anyone check their pulse rate while working out? I saw this portable pulse oximeter but don't recall anyone talking about heart rate. Hmmm. Isn't an increased heart rate an indication of how hard the work out is? There must be a formula to figure calories burned using heart rate and length of time...right?

We've had some almost unbearable tempreatures here in Virginia. Mid 90's with 95-100% humidity. I walk out the door and start to melt (perspire) before I even make it to the car. Water Country and the Beach are my friends. The kids are loving all the time in the water. The sunscreen companies are loving all their time in the water too.

Hubster went on an ice cream run the other day and stocked up on all sorts of goodies. Puddin Pop had a bowl of Ice cream and then Daddy let her have a popsicle. I went upstairs to read and when I came back down Hubster and Handsome had finished off 10 Snickers Ice Cream Bars. Handsome claims to have had 2. Hubster says he had 2.5. My math must be getting bad because that just doesn't add up. I ate the last 2 while I had the chance.

Does anyone have troubles with CBS programming? Maybe it's not just CBS although that seems to be where I notice it. I'll DVR a show and when I go to watch it more that half of it is muted? It drives me crazy and I end up watching it via ONDemand or online. It happened the other day with Three Rivers. Anyone else have this problem or is it local? Just asking.

I'll leave it at that. It's $ movies at AMC and I think I may take the kids. Happy Random!

Monday, June 28, 2010

Need Wine Reviewed?

It's been a while since I've received any wine to review. For a while it seemed as though I'd hear my door chime at least once a week with a fresh delivery of wine to review. It's slowed. I have no problem buying wine and reviewing it. I love to shop and look at all the new and interesting labels. I just wanted to put it out there that I'm still available, in case someone has a wine they just have to have reviewed. I also recently joint the Taster's Guild and look forward to some wine and food events with them. In the meantime, I'm going to work on beefing up my recipe collection. Stay tuned for more Summer Wraps. They've been my staple around here in this hot, hot weather.

Games have Sucked me In

I've gotten sucked in to a couple video games. It's that damn games toolbar that offers a free trial every day. Cake Mania 3 is kicking my butt. I also started playing Baking Life on Facebook. You bake, serve, and try to have the prettiest bakery in all the land. I just hit level 20 and want to suggest the creators come up with a fireplace similar to these Amish fireplaces. I would definitely hang out at a bakery with a fireplace in the winter time...with some fresh coffee. Oh. I guess they need to add a coffee maker too. Who agrees?

I don't want to make it sound like that's all I've done. That's what I've been doing at night and early in the morning before anyone gets up. During the days we've been living near water. It's been in the mid 90's for two weeks now and anywhere without water is kind of miserable. Thank goodness for lots of beaches and Water Country within 20 minutes of the house. Otherwise we would be in the house all day.

Friday, June 25, 2010

The Non Engagement

With my Anniversary right around the corner, I thought I'd share with you the (not so) romantic way in which I found myself married. That makes it sound as if I didn't take part...I did. It was just a spur of the moment thing.

My father is a jeweler and 18 months into our relationship my boyfriend had called him to inquire about diamond engagement rings. Unfortunately this information got back to me. It was unfortunate not because the surprise was ruined, but because my boyfriend didn't follow through. No ring was ever purchased. No proposal was ever made.

Three and a half year after that, we had been living together, had talked about marriage, and were just going about our lives as couple. It was a July afternoon and the boyfriend had just come in from running errands and inquired what I wanted to do. We discussed golfing (too hot), going to the pool (too overcast)and I was watching my "soaps". I don't remember which one but there was some story line with an non-committing male and I mumbled something about my non-committing guy. When he asked what I was talking about I reminded him that the following day was the 5 year anniversary of our first date. He picked up the phone and walked into the other room. 10 minutes later he came back and told me to change. I asked where we were going. He said "What does it matter?" I said "You just told me to change and it would be easier to decide what to change into if I know where were going." He said "Put on whatever you'd like to get married in. It's two o'clock now and we have to get a marriage license before our 4 o'clock appointment with the JOP."

So at 4 o'clock on a Wednesday in July, '99 we were married.

What's your story?

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

(Not So) Wordless~ Roast Beef Wrap


When warm weather hits there's nothing better than a cool sandwich to help fight off the heat and satisfy your hunger. My dad used to make a version of this in pocket bread when we were little. I've done some modifying and this is one of my all time favorite Summertime Wraps.
Roast Beef Wrap~ 440 Calories
1 Light Italian and Herb (Flatout) flatbread
2 ounces Cole Slaw
1 Tbsp. French Dressing
2 Slices Provolone cheese
4 Slices of Roast Beef
Spread Cole slaw on flatbread to cover. Spread French dressing. Add Cheese and Roast Beef. Fold over ends and roll. Serve with your favorite crackers (I used Wheat Thins) or favorite salad or fruit. Enjoy!


It's better than ipad insurance.

July 4th Linky Love

With July 4th right around the corner I wanted to give everyone the chance to promote themselves and any promotional items they have for sale in their shops. Nothing is off limits. I just ask that you post a valid link, the item(s) for sale and when the sale ends. You can also add any good deals you come across on the internet with a link to the "sale" page. I know a friend sent me a link for a great sale on Crocs (which I thought weren't even around anymore) yesterday. I'll add that link when I come back across it. Let's share the great deals we find so we can all benefit.


What the Hell ~Chinese Vinyl

Gotta love Elle and Stacy over at Blue Monkey Butt for bringing us What the Hell Wednesday. You get to spout off about all sorts of stuff and just say What the Hell...a lot. Take advantage of this special day (every Wednesday) and then go visit Ell and Stacy so you can link up.




So. I have this job at what we refer to around here as a "boat store". It's an autoparts store...for boats. All sorts of cool boat accessories, water sports parafanalia, GPS, binoculars and other electronics, and everything else a boater would need. We even have shoes. It's the shoes that bring you this What the Hell story...and I swear it's true.

Sunday I was working and a retirement aged couple came in to return some Sperry sports shoes. We do tons of returns on Sundays so I thought nothing of it. Too small, too big, not comfortable, hurts feet, don't like the style, whatever the reason I was ready to take them back. I was not ready for the reason I was given.

According to the customer:

The shoes are made with Chinese vinyl, which not only has an awful stench, but, like the recent chinese drywall debacle, the customer is pretty sure the shoes will cause cancer.

What the Hell?

You KNOW I was looking over my shoulder for the cameras. I was sure I was getting punk'd.

Nope.

I kept a straight face. Thanked the customer for all the new information, and took back the shoes.

Oh wait.

Not before I let his wife smell all the other (same) shoes we had in his size. She said she could smell the Chinese vinyl in all of them but needed to smell just in case there was a pair that was made with something else. No lie. What the effin Hell?

I've got nothing better than that so I'll stop now. Come play along.

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Father's Day Weekend with the Flu

It's Father's Day weekend and I'm afraid it's going to go down as one of the worst. I spent all day yesterday in bed with the flu. It was awful. It turns out I have to work tomorrow so we had planned on taking the kids to Water Country for the day today but...now it seems as though Hubster has come down with the flu. That's 3 out of 4 of us. Fingers crossed it ends with him.

It's probably just as well that we skip Water Country today. While I was looking forward to getting some sun (it helps clear the adult acne) and cooling off in the water, my body is probably already de-hydrated and a day in the sun may make things worse.

Here's hoping everyone else has a wonderful Father's day and gets to spend time with all the Fathers in their lives.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Summer Vacation is HERE!

Real quick.

Handsome completes first grade tomorrow and is very excited to be a 2nd grader. I'm excited for him.

Hubster's new job doesnot have the benefits we (he) thought they would and we still are undetermined as whether or not they have a life or disability insurance plan. It's making me very nervous. We also think it will be cheaper to obtain a health insurance policy for the kids and me outside of his benefits package. That makes me even more nervous.

I'm excited for Summer vacation to begin and will not commit to any amount of posting during the next few months. I love the freedom to take the kids anywhere and often feel guilty taking one and not the other during the school year so I wait until Summer. We'll be packing it all in. See you when I see you:)

Target Wine Cube ~ Riesling


On a recent trip to Target I decided to purchase one of their Wine Cubes. Usually priced at $17.99 for a 3 litre box, they were on sale for $14.99, a price I couldn't refuse. When Summer time approaches and temperatures are in the 90's I prefer a cool crisp white wine over the heavier, warmer temped reds. I chose the Riesling and was not disappointed.

"Target collaborated with Trinchero Family Estates of Napa to select just the right wines for the Wine Cubes, resulting in a uniquely packaged wine with superior taste and quality. Wine Cubes are exclusively available at more than 800 Target and SuperTarget stores across the country that sell wine."

In April they added the Riesling to their collection and it's the first I've tried from these specially-made-for-Target wines. It's crisp and refreshing with peach and apple flavors on the palate. It has a mild finish and went perfect with the Baby Back Ribs I had slow-cooked all afternoon. It reminds me of sitting back on contemporary sofas in an open aired restaurant in St. Johns. It's convenience makes me want to take a box along on my next golf outing.


I like the mild sweetness and honey aroma of this wine and have made it my early Summer Favorite. Stay tuned for more white selections to see which one gets my "Best of Summer" award.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

WTHW~ Barf Boy, Grey's, Working from your Parent's Home

I've missed a couple of these. This is one of my favorites but I've been slack. I'll make up for it now. Head on over to Blue Monkey Butt to read more posts, grab a button and link up. Elle and Stacy ROCK!



Are you on Facebook? Did you see THIS? What the Hell is it? It's a foreign object found in a Capri Sun. It's disgusting and hasn't been diagnosed yet. You really need to look at all the pics, read the comments and stop buying Capri Sun...at least the ones from China.

Hubster is still getting his office set up in his parents garage. He still needs some office furniture and supplies, a phone line and possibly Internet. I don't think he can get signal from the house but I'm not sure. Sounds like he's just hanging out in the living room chillin'. What the Hell? I want his Work-from-home job.

Two minutes before school started I got a call from the school nurse. Handsome threw up. What the Hell? We went to pick him up. Friday is his last official day of school. I was hoping to get some last minute things done before I had two kids to entertain all Summer. There's always tomorrow.

I mentioned that I'm watching Grey's re-runs on Lifetime. Why the Hell did I do this to myself? The last thing I need is another TV show to get addicted to?...It's too late. I'm almost through season 2. How many seasons are there?

I'll leave it at that.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Really Random Tuesday

If it's Tuesday it's time for some Random. Head on over, when you're done here, to link up at The Un Mom and read some other random posts.

randomtuesday

Hubster is officially at his Work-at-Home job. Thank goodness his parents built him and off ice at their house so he isn't working from our home. Pretty sure there are too many distractions here. He still needs a land line and some office furniture, but he's making do until he gets it.

If you're not familiar with Sandy at The Traveling Suitcase...shame on you. She also has another blog Bridge and Beyond where she solicits help in knitting hats, scarves and mittens for the homeless in her area (Ohio). June has been dubbed Sock it to me Month and Sandy is requesting socks for these individuals. Socks are needed all year long. I just picked up a pack and will send it along with two hats I've knitted. Don't you want to help?

I read an article the other day that claimed "woman who drink moderate amounts of wine on a daily basis gain less weight with age than teetotalers". They refer to moderate as 12-16 ounce...almost half a bottle.

Hubster went to Denver a couple weeks ago and on the way home (in a different state) decided he should bring each of us a little something. I got a really cool tie dyed tank top that says "Michigan". Always nice to get apparel with my home state on it.

The kids pool hasn't been cleaned since last Saturday. It's a small 10x10 pool without chemicals. I went out this morning and it was green and slimy and there were 1000's of mosquitoes. I think I may add a chlorine float after I clean and refill it today.

I've gotten back on my Wii Fit and am checking in daily with the other gals over at The Wii Mommies. If you love virtual fitness of any kind you should come play with us.

That's all I've got. I need to go finish cleaning the pool. It's going to be another 90 degree day and I want somewhere to cool off.

Monday, June 14, 2010

Redwood Creek Malbec


Redwood Creek is getting ready debut their new Malbec this Summer and I was fortunate enough to receive and early bottle. I was also offered the opportunity to ask one of the winemakers, Sean Hails, a few questions.

From the
Press Release


"Redwood Creek Winemakers Cal Dennison and Sean Hails ventured to Argentina to develop the 2009 Malbec"
"Avid outdoorsmen, Dennison and Hails both strive to create attractive, versatile wines that are as at home in a campsite under the stars as they are on the dining room table."

"Redwood Creek Malbec's superior taste and accessible price make it the perfect compliment to any meal."


Product Description


The 2009 Malbec embodies flavors of black cherry, blueberry and dark blackberry fruit, with hints of brown spice and maple after notes. Its full fruit flavor and soft tannins leave a plush and velvety finish.


Harvest Notes


Grapes from the Mendoza appellation, located on the cusp of the Andes Mountains in Argentina and reminiscent of the Sierra Nevada landscape, are picked, crushed and fermented with both French and American oak.


Availability and Price


Redwood Creek wines are available at retailers nationwide at a suggested retail price ranging from $6.99 - $12.99.




I thoroughly enjoyed this wine and sipped it with cheese and crackers and later enjoyed it with some dark chocolate chips. It was smooth and flavorful. It's attractive price will have me purchasing more when it hits stores near me.



Interview


Me: What is your favorite wine?

SH: Tough call, but I would have to say our Sauvignon Blanc. I love the citrus fruit and the racy acidity.

Me: How long did it take to produce this Malbec?


SH: This Malbec took about 10 months to deliver to the market.

Me: What is your favorite pairing with this Malbec?


SH: My favorite Malbec pairing has to be with a BBQ tri tip roast. Marinate the roast with garlic, black pepper and salt, then cook it on the BBQ rotisserie. Serve it with fresh grilled asparagus and roasted potatoes.

Me: I'm a huge believer that good wines do exist in the under $10 range. What would you say to those that disagree?


SH: I would ask them to taste our wines and be the judge. The proof is in the glass.
Me: What varietal will you be producing next?

SH: I think we have a wonderful lineup of wines right now, but one never knows what we will come forward with in the future.


I'd like to thank Redwood Creek for sharing this bottle of wine with me and for letting me spend a couple minutes with Sean (It was e-mail but I'm pretending we drank the bottle together).

Thursday, June 10, 2010

SMART Love of Learning

I was recently introduced to the Magical Classroom. I am constantly amazed and excited with what technology provides not only for us as adults, but for our children to enrich and stimulate their love for learning. If you haven't seen this I encourage you to check out the Magic Classroom here.

Smart Love of Learning is currently holding a contest to give one classroom (or school) an interactive whiteboard and all you have to do to enter is tell them who the best teacher in the world is. You can "like" them on Facebook and click the "win" button to enter. They also have ideas on Fundraising on their site to help PTA's and other groups obtain these magical tools.

While I would never claim to know who the best Teacher in the world is, I know one teacher that had a huge impact on me. It was my 11th grade Advanced Literature teacher. The class required a lot of reading of books (I thought) I wasn't interested in. Each day Mr. Spag (short for Spagnoulo) would recap chapters and encourage the class to participate in a discussion of what they thought characters such as Macbeth and Hamlet were thinking in different situations throughout the books. No answer was ever wrong. If you were brave enough to speak up, as I was, even after never reading the book, all ideas were met with a "Hmmm. I never thought of it that way", or a "Good...but did you think about this...". He encouraged participation and never made anyone feel stupid or wrong for doing so. He made me interested enough to go back and read the books I thought I had no use for. In high school we had the ability to choose our own classes and teachers. We made those choices based on recommendations from friends, teacher's we had had in the past, how long they gave you to complete term papers. We were even shallow enough to choose those most pleasing to the eyes. Mr. Spag could have used a cure for hair loss and I hadn't had him previously. I don't remember the exact reason I chose his class. It may have been that he was the only teacher teaching Advanced Lit in the time slot I had selected it. Whatever the reason, I'm glad I ended up there. Encouragement and the ability to make students feel open to speak their minds, no matter what was on it, made this teacher one of the best I ever had.



I took the kids to Water Country yesterday and two Moms were talking about their kids schools and one mentioned something that sounded very much like the Interactive whiteboard. She said the teacher can talk and every kid can see what she is talking about. She was saying how fun her kids thought it was and how much more they were participating. I'm not sure it was the same thing but the parent seemed very pleased with their child's new found excitement.

My children are still young so it thrills me that new technology is being created to continue to peak their interest. A love of learning is a great trait to carry into adult hood.

I wrote this post while participating in a blog tour for Momcentral and will be compensated for my time. The views are solely mine.

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

What the Hell ~ Wrinkles, Grey's, and Summer Vacation



I love to get stuff off my chest on Wednesdays. On most days, actually, but Stacy and Elle make it really okay on Wednesdays so that's what we're doing. Go link up.

Things have been pretty busy around here. Hubster started his new job last week and spent 3 days in Denver. This week he's in Arkansas meeting some more co-workers and learning the ropes of this new company. What the Hell? It's a work-from-home position.

Do you worry about wrinkles? I'm fortunate enough to have a fat face, not too many wrinkles. I bet if I lose 20 pounds the wrinkles will start showing. Just in case I did some research and came across this prototype 37c review. What the Hell? Claims to be better than botox. I'm not really that vain. I think I'll pass. Nice to know it's available though, right?

I'm ready for school to be out. What the Hell? I'll probably change my mind in another week...when it's actually out, but the kids have miraculously gotten along pretty well this week. It has me hopeful.

If kids have such great memories, and mine do, why do their shows repeat themselves so often? They'll freak if they have to miss a show that they've seen 12 times. What the Hell? Something about "this is my favorite part" crap. I'm banning TV over Summer break...except for me.

I never watched Grey's Anatomy. I know. Yell at me now. But I accidentally caught the very first episode on Lifetime and they're playing sequential episodes. I love watching stuff from the beginning. 3 hours a day. That's what I'm recording and trying to keep up with. What the Hell? At this rate I'll be all caught up in no time.

Now go read some other funny What the Hell posts.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Humidity, All Nighter and Spelling~That's Random

Another Tuesday. Another totally random post.

randomtuesday



You know the drill. Read here. Do your own random post. Go to The Un Mom and link up. Nuff said!


I'm still recovering from staying up all night on Friday for our Relay for Life walk. I used to recover from an all nighter so much quicker. Getting old sucks.

It's been really hot here in Virginia...and humid too. Humidity sucks.

I'm ready for school to be out so I can ditch my morning routing for a bit. It's monotonous and I'm bored with it. Time to switch it up.

My son has been getting into the Discovery Kids channel. Every morning we watch Trading Spaces Boys vs Girls and I'm just waiting for one of the kids to decide they want to redo their room...

Got some mail for a new auto insurance provider. Apparently my employer offers discounts with a certain provider. Too bad it's the same provider that I had before and vowed to NEVER use again.

It's almost time for Big Brother to start. July 8th to be exact. Don't judge.

I'm very proud of Handsome. They finished their end of year testing and had a benchmark of 20 out of 48 for spelling. He got 48. He also tested at a third grade reading level. I love that he is enjoying reading. This morning, the first thing he did was sit down with his book (Diary of a Whimpy Kid) and read for 30 minutes. I hope he continues this joy of reading.

Today is going to be a laundry and float in the pool day. I'm too tired for much else. Maybe I'll get some motivation after my THIRD cup of coffee.

That it.

Have a great Tuesday!

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Summer of '83 was the Best Summer Ever

Reading blog posts the last couple days has brought back such memories. A recent reminder of fashion such as Mork suspenders and stirrup pants (years later) has me reflecting on my past with such fond memories. I'm also amazed with how much things have changed. Everyone is way more cautious these days and none of this would be possible now but...Oh the fun I had.

When I was 14 years old I moved in with my bachelor father and 18 year old brother. Shortly after my brother moved out and while my dad was hardly ever home while my brother lived with him, he had a revelation that a teenage girl needed more...something. He started coming home at dinner time and spent less time out at night meeting friends at bars. He also wanted more information than I was willing to give. After a few months I think he either became aware of my independence and trustworthiness or he was bored always being home and went back to his old routines. I enjoyed the freedom and quiet.

In the summer of '83 my father had won a trip for two to Australia for two weeks. He had a lady friend he was wooing and decided to extend this trip by spending two more weeks in Hawaii on the way home. I was slated to stay with another friend of his who lived a couple miles away. I think I stayed one night. I'm not sure what happened but I didn't want to stay with this woman. I packed my bags and moved back home. Thankfully I had friends who helped me get a months worth of clothes back to my house. We were on bikes. I remember my girlfriend and I and two boys were hanging out at my house when the "babysitter" came looking for me. I told her I would not come back to her house and she left. That was it. No call from my dad insisting I go back, at least I don't remember one, and I didn't go back. I was home alone (with friends) for about 10 days before my brother decided he would move back in. There we were. An 18 year old boy and a 15 year old girl, living alone. We had (my brother mostly) some incredible parties. The age difference was perfect. My brother encouraged his friends to "hit on" my friends and even took to some himself. I, however, was closely monitored and if anyone got too close they were told to leave. Gotta love big brothers.

There was smoking and drinking and god only knows what else (no one shared with me). No police were ever called. My dad didn't cut his trip short. No one paid any attention or came by to check on us. I don't remember my brother going grocery shopping. What did we eat? Did we have a months worth of food in the house? Some of the details are blurry but that was the Summer my brother and I actually started getting along. We actually became good friends. It was a totally different time. No one worried about children getting abducted. We weren't worried about diets that work . We weren't even worried about dad being upset. Maybe he trusted us? Maybe he was having too much fun.

My children are exactly the same age difference as my brother and I. You can bet Hubster and I will not be taking any month long vacations. Experience has made me too smart for that.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Replacing My Anticipated Wii Workout With A Walk

Holiday Weekend is over. Hubster is FINALLY back to work and I had high hopes of getting back to training with Mike (my Wii Fit trainer). With all the time I've taken off I'm in serious need of a heavy lower ab workout as well as a thigh workout. I have vacation in my sites. A full week at the beach. I would like to lose 15 pounds before then. Wish me luck. First, though, PP and I were slated to meet a friend for lunch...about 30 minutes ago. Not. Gonna. Happen.

Ya see, a couple months ago I lost my keys. They may be somewhere in the house (although I've looked everywhere I can think of). My best bet is that they somehow got knocked into the recycle bag and, well, got recycled. Anyway, I got all new keys but have not yet gotten a new alarm remote. I keep reminding Hubster to not arm the car so I don't get stuck in case he isn't home. He has done an excellent job of remembering...UNTIL NOW. He left at 5am this morning. Headed to Denver to meet his new employers. PP and I went out to the car as usual to meet our friends for lunch and were met with blaring siren and horn honking when trying to unlock the car. Yep. Hubster set the alarm. Now were stuck. No lunch. No groceries to make lunch for Handsome tomorrow. I may be skipping my Wii workout for a little walk to the grocery store to get the things we need and then a stop at 7-11 for some WINE.

Anyone know how to un-arm a car alarm??? We googled it but got results that say we should start the car. No luck. Car won't start until it's unarmed.

Totally Random June 1st

Hell Yeah. It's Tuesday. Nothing says Tuesday like Randomness. Don't believe me? Check out The Un Mom and see all the people who agree. You'll be a believer then. Let's get playing...

randomtuesday


Awesome weekend. You can read about all our family fun here. We packed in lots of fun and sun.

The Blue Monkey Butt Sisters had a fabulous idea (they've had several but I really like this one). I may have invited myself. A bunch of us are going to meet up at Stacy's pond and try out her wine. We're just waiting on Stacy to tell us what day is good for her. It'll be so much fun.

Saw Shrek Forever After with the kids on Friday. Where have I been that I didn't realize 3D was so flippin' cool. Must. Have. More.

Lee Won American Idol. Very happy about that. I know some are upset and think this season was awful but...I'm not one of them and can't wait to buy both Lee and Crystal's first Albums.

Got an email titled: does extenze work? My response: How the hell should I know? and, I really don't care.


When we play games on our Wii the color changes to a greenish hue. Does anyone know why and/or how to fix this?


Yesterday, after setting up the kids pool I was really hot and an ice cold beer sounded really good. I'm not usually a beer drinker but it tasted so yummy out in the heat. Why when I was back in the air conditioned house and cooled off did it not taste so good?


I know, lots of questions. This is the stuff that runs through my head. I need answers to stupid stuff. Help a girl out.


House is even more taken over by Legos and Hubster doesn't seem to be slowing down. It's BIG stuff he's building. Is there a group for that? He needs some help.

That's just the living room. He has 7 built vehicles on top of the entertainment center and several more boxes on the side of our bed. It's out of control. Please send help...FAST!

Okay. That's it for me this Tuesday. Check out more randomness or post your own. Ciao.

Weekend Packed Full of Family Fun

I can't remember the last time we packed so much into a weekend. We usually spend one day around the house with Hubster taking care of the yard and me taking care of laundry and other chores and letting the kids play inside and out with their friends in the cul de sac.



Friday is always pizza and movie night and as I mentioned we went to Cinema Cafe to see Shrek Forever After and I'm still in awe at how far 3D movies have come. I also liked the spacious seating and will definitely go back. The tickets are cheaper (in the hopes you're ordering food) so it's a win/win.



Saturday they were calling for thunderstorms all day but we had planned on spending the day at Water Country. Usually when bad weather is called for it lasts for a little while and then the sun comes out when it's too late to pack up and go anywhere. We played the odds and packed up and went anyway. We made it to the park just after they opened. It was cloudy most of the 20 minute drive but the sun came through just as we pulled into the parking lot. It was beautiful all day. Even better, most people weren't as risk taking as we are and the park was pretty empty.
We all got plenty of natural vitamin D. We kept the kids lubed up well but Hubster and I neglected to get our backs well so...


Sunday I had to work all day so Hubster took the kids to the library to pick out some new books and some movies to watch when I got home. They played in the sprinkler with one of their friends and we had another movie night after it got dark.



Yesterday Hubster slept in due to the fact that he had to get up at 4am this morning to fly to Denver for a meet and greet with his new employers. The kids and I headed out for our yearly trip to Big Lots to set up a backyard oasis for them.


We do this every year because we usually lose the stuff or neglect to take care of it from the previous year. I spent $50 on the pool, floats, bamboo mats and the umbrella. We would have spent that much if we had gone out somewhere and now they have somewhere to hang out and cool off all summer long. They played together nicely (which never happens) for more than 3 hours. Well worth the money. We then cooked burgers on the grill for dinner and had a relaxing evening before getting back on our school night schedule.

How did you spend your weekend?