Mellow Yellow Monday - School Supplies Make Us Happy

Not me, but the kids. My son is so excited about his new pencils, folders, crayons, notebooks, etc. He must go through the bag everyday. He sets them up on the table and asks to talk about each one. "Can we talk about this?" Hopefully the enthusiasm lasts until at least December before he starts saying, "I don't want to go to school!"

Blue Monday - Splash Down!

Sunday Stealing: Meme Of Many Odd Questions, Part Two - On Monday

Ran out to a birthday party yesterday and never got to one of my favorite memes, so here it is.

Cheers to all of us thieves!
23. Do you rent movies often? No. I borrow from the library.

24. Is there anything sparkly in the room you're in? Yes, the jewelry I make at Street Angel

25. How many countries have you visited? One! The one I am proud to live in.

26. Have you made a prank phone call? When I was like 9

27. Ever been on a train? Yes. I used to travel by train to work every day for over 12 years. I don't miss it!

28. Brown or white eggs? Whichever is in my fridge

29. Do you have a cell-phone? Yup! I have a PinkBerry!

30. Do you use Chap Stick? Not enough, but not big with the lip issues.

31. Do you own a gun? I do have an arsenal of high powered water pistols and one that shoots Nerf bullets so WATCH OUT.

32. Can you use chop sticks? I use them to eat my Chinese Food but that is about it. For everything else, just regular old fork, spoon and knife.

33. Who are you going to be with tonight? My little old Family.

34. Are you too forgiving? No, I am not too forgiving but I don't believe in wasting a lot of time blaming people for their shortcomings or issues. I feel if people could do better they would. They are doing their best.

35. Ever been in love? Yes.

36. What is your best friend(s) doing tomorrow (or the next soonest week day)? One is on Vacation. One is working.

37. Ever have cream puffs? I have had them, been called one and even thrown one.

38. Last time you cried? When I watched My Sister's Keeper.

39. What was the last question you asked? Did you Step Outside yet?

40. Favorite time of the year? Fall! I love the crispness in the air, the need for a small jacket, less bugs and the colors on the trees.

41. Do you have any tattoos? No! I was supposed to get one for my 22nd birthday. Thankfully the dudes wife went into labor after he finished my stencil and was getting the ink ready (Divine Intervention at its best).  It was going to be over 12 inches long on my back. How the hell would I have explained this to my impressionable children?

42. Are you sarcastic? No but I love when other people are. It doesn't come natural to me. Wish it did. I am really not that funny.

43. Have you ever seen The Butterfly Effect? I have and I actually found it interesting. Come to think of it, I should watch it again. "You can't play God!"


44. Ever walked into a wall? No, but I have walked into a sliding door while dating my first boyfriend. We were at a family BBQ (his not mine), when I walked right into the screen. Thankfully I didn't break it or knock it off track. His father didn't let me forget it the whole day and I just wanted to crawl into a hole.

Shadow Shot Sunday - Red Neck Slip and Slide

Self Portrait Sunday - July 18, 2010

Oh, my poor little meme has never quite caught on. So sad. Funny, people just don't like taking pictures of themselves but when we are old and gray and have a lot of people pictures of obscure things what then. I much prefer to think I am going to live into my Golden Years and will cherish all photos of me looking younger and full of life's promises.

Just back from the beach with the kids. It was a fabulous day.

Photo Time

Here is Handsome on the water-slide. Ahhhh...to be a kid in the summer.

Friday Fragments - Life In General

Went for a pelvic sonogram on Wednesday. Saw the report from the hospital which read, "left ovary not seen". Huh? After the exam the tech informed me that there were no detectable fibroids/nothing that I should concern myself with. Sounds good! Then I asked, "did you see my left ovary?" She said, "Not at first. I had trouble finding it, but I do see it. It is hidden behind your uterus."

Wait, huh? Behind!?

Let's look at a photo of the female anatomy shall we?!

Does this mean my fallopian tubes are twisted? Did the OB not put me back together properly after my last c-section? Is this why I always have so much pain on my left side? Grrr...

Goddess' teacher told me that I should be very proud. The end of the school year all the kids were talking among themselves while teacher set up for snack. They were talking about when their parents fight at home. Some were saying they hid in the closet, others cry themselves to sleep, another says, his dad grabs his moms shoulders and shakes her.  So, what did Goddess say? "Not me. In my house, my parents never fight, they love each other!" Awwww...my baby! She is right! We never fight. Seriously. We don't!

Reading one of the funniest books I have ever read. I know I am, but what are you? by Samantha Bee (review coming).

Dad called last night to see how I am doing and to tell me about his latest medical issues. His blood pressure is 80/60. He told me, "I'm not long for this world"

Took the kids down to the lake for the first time this year. They are much braver, I felt like I really had to watch them.

My husband kicked my ass at Wii bowling totally blowing away my top score of 214 with 241. I am never going to beat that score and will have to live with him shouting "241" at random times for the rest of my life.

Created 10 new items on Street Angel. Will be hosting a giveaway very soon.

Got a new comforter set for the first time in 13 years. It makes me feel like a Queen. Thank God for Kohls and their massively great sales. $399.00 marked down to $189.00. Nice!!!!

Teenage bear roaming the area at all times of the day. He is slick and doesn't care if you are there are not. Hopefully, I don't run into him while I am in the yard.

I can't wait for The Bachlorette to be over. Hate myself for watching this garbage especially since I vowed to never watch again, 3 seasons ago. Got sucked in while in the hospital.

The kids camped out down in a tent set up in the family room for two nights this week complete with S'smore, TV, blankets, pillows, too may stuffed animals, and glow sticks. At least I don't have to brave the mosquitoes to check on them.

Spent Sunday trying to catch a frog. Daddy couldn't get it so I vowed to capture so Goddess could touch it. When I couldn't get him after the three tries, Goddess headed inside. I saw her through the window drawing something. When she came back to the yard she had this.

When I asked what it was she said, "Here I made a picture of a fly, put it in front of the frog's face and when he tries to eat it, grab him." I told her that I didn't think the frog would buy it. She said, "Well, we've got to try!"

My kooky kids at the gynecologist office this week. Notice Handsome's snaggle tooth and Goddess's crazy eyes.

I hope you all had a great week.

Madeline's Great Adventures on DVD Will Have Your Child Speaking French

Ok, well not literally but after one view my Goddess was saying, "Oui Mademoiselle" "Au revoir", "Merci" and "BonJour".

As a kid, I loved Madeline. What was it, seeing the all the little girls in a row, in their row of beds, the way the spoke, the Dr. Seuss type of narrating? What ever it was, I loved it!

We have one Madeline DVD and a felt toy set which my Daughter has played with since she was 2 years old.

Walking into her bedroom with the DVD in hand, I asked her if she wanted to watch Madeline's Great Adventures with me. She was playing with her Littlest Pet Shop "Co-weck-shion" and said, "no". Telling her "I do!" I sat on her bed and pressed play. Within 3 minutes she was sitting next to me as we watched all 6 episodes. After watching, I walked off to make dinner, she pressed play again and watched it for the second time. Since then she watches it every night and once again plays with the felt toy set that we put away so long ago.

If you loved Madeline as a child, sit with your child and enjoy the DVD with them. Dog Genevieve, Madeline's friend Pepito and the 11 classmates will bring back fun memories for you.

I love movies I can watch WITH my kids.

Thanks to Shout for sending the complimentary copy to me. We are thoroughly enjoying it and I appreciate the memories.

Thursday Thunks: Kitchen Wonderland

1. Billy Mays died about a year ago. What kitchen gadgets have you bought that you've used less than three times? What are they? My food processor. I begged for one 3 Christmas' ago. My husband got it for me and I have used it about 8 times in 3 years. It is big and takes up counter space but if I put it away, I will NEVER use it. Mostly, it has been used to make dough for pizza.

2. What celebrity would you like to shake some sense into, and why? Lindsey Lohan. I just want to save that girl from herself. I am not sure how people get so fucked up but I believe if Lindsey could do better she would. In my opinion, her parents really fucked up. She needs to get her shit together. It amazes me how people will take the possibility of a great career (if you market yourself correctly) and just flush it down the shitter.

3. Jimmy Buffett just did on concert to benefit the victims of the Gulf. Name a Buffett song that you like. I don't know anything except for Margaritaville but I wouldn't call it a favorite.

4. How did you feel about Ringo Starr turned 70? So! It is right up there with how I feel about a slug making it's way through my back yard. Whatever.

5. What sport do you absolute see no point in watching?  Bowling. It's great to play but to sit and watch! Why. I had a brother-in-law who used to record bowling on TV and rewatch them over and over again. Really?!

6. Trivia time. Do you know the first names of the French twins? NOPE! Pepe and Le-Pew

7. You are in the best seafood restaurant in Canada. What type of meat do you order? Lobster and Ribeye, perfect together

8. How far would an electric car have to go without a recharge before you'd buy one? 1 month

9. Did you see that a high court ruled that you can swear on regular TV? What word can you just not wait to hear? Really!? What? This is crazy. I never swear in my house. They can now say the 7 dirty words?

Stop! You are lying to me Bud. So my kids will never be able to watch TV again, is this what you are saying? Howard had to go to Satellite Radio and now the words are OK on TV?


I miss you George Carlin (RIP)

10. You are in the finest steak and rib joint in Kimberville (Arizona). What seafood dish do you order? Lobster and King Crab on the biggest plate imaginable, BTW..there better be some Ribeye on that plate.

11. What was the last concert that you attended that really sucked? I haven't been to a sucky concert. I have been to a Guns and Roses concert where we had to wait almost and hour for them to go on but once they did, it rocked!

12. What type of accent would you like to have, if you were forced to change yours? British or southern! When I read by myself out loud, I like to do voices. Depending on the book I change my voice to fit the story but only if I am alone.

13. Kimber's got four kids with chicken pox. Berleen is not feeling the love today, so I was asked to host. What do you miss most when neither originator of TT is asking the questions? I don't care who asks as long as the question isn't boxers or briefs?

Sepia Thursday - The Carnival

It is amazing how much Sepia changes a photo. This was taken this year, the rides are old, the day was beautiful, I shot it in color but change the photo and it may as well have been taken in the 1940's.

Weekday Photos - Bench

I love this stone bench at the Botanical Gardens. It just looks so rustic and makes me wonder who has sat here to rest for a spell. Was it the lady of the manor? Perhaps, the workers who tended the garden, or lovers having a quiet talk? It has been around since 1846 and I am sure has many stories to tell, if only it could talk.

Memory Rewind - July 2004

This weeks Memory Rewind brings us to 2004. I have been a mom for a little over a year and I am so happy.

It is the first year that my niece, Samantha comes to spend the summer with me. She and I have been close since the start. I adored her from the first moment I met her.

Here is Sam and Handsome sitting in s blow up train ball pit that used to take up half of my dining room. Handsome loved it. He would sit in there for hours and look at his picture books, he would take naps in there and drink his milk there too. My how times have changed. It seems like a life time ago that the train was here.

Here we are heading out to a local farm.The bear was a gift from his Aunt Marta and since she lived in California, I made a conscience effort that this would be his lovey. When he was an infant, I would hold him to while he was upset, or rock him to sleep at night, while I did, I also held the bear. It worked and the bear is still a prime too in his life. I love how he is holding onto that bear and I love the bare little toes sticking out of the overalls.

Is there a special memory for you?
Join me for Memory Rewind every Thursday and use those archived computer photos and document why that moment was special. I hope to see you here.

We Are A Toyota Family

I have been driving Toyota for over 16 years.

My first Toyota was a Tercel. I purchased it from my sister-in-law wayyyy back when she got her Rav4. I drove the Tercel until it literally, passed out at the dealer the day I was heading into buy my Corolla which I currently drive.

Whenever we start talking cars in my circle of friends and family, I always say, I am a Toyota girl. The reason: My car is 10 years old, has 145, 000 miles and still (knock on wood) has never given me trouble.

• I love my car for so many reasons but mainly because:
• It is the car that drove me to the hospital to have my babies and also drove us home.  That first ride home with a newborn in our newly installed car seat was one of the most nerve racking days of my life.
• It handles well and saved my life two times when  I spun out on black ice while driving to work in the early morning.
• While pregnant with Handsome a tree branch fell on my windshield during a rain storm 4 minutes from home. I was scared, never lost control, and drove the remaining distance with a small part of the branch still lodged in my windshield. The window simply buckled in leaving very few, tiny pieces of glass on my dash, 1 tiny cut on my arm and 1 tiny cut on my cheek. Thank God, nothing worse than that.
• It is great on gas - I fill up once every 7-8 days depending on the week.
• Big enough for the four of us to get around in and used to hold a massive carriage in the trunk and still had room for my groceries.
• Needs very little maintenance. Just a check up every year.

All of these reasons are why I am a Toyota Girl! Before my Corolla, I wanted the Rav4, then I wanted the Sienna, now I want the Rav again. Hopefully, eventually, I will get that Rav.


What are you driving?