I Love This Circus

Photostory Friday My Christmas Presents...

2010-01-15T15:00:00.005-06:00

For the past year I've been online window shopping portrait studio setups. Stands, lights, backdrops, the works. I guess my sweet husband must have noticed because between him and his parents I got the whole deal for Christmas. YAY! This is just one of my first trial runs with it of my sweet but bored out of her mind daughter, Erica.

Hosted by Cecily

Through The Lens...

2010-01-14T12:41:00.006-06:00

A dear friend of mine has started back her "Through the Lens Thursday". I don't have any new pictures today but this picture is one of my favorite over Christmas. This shot was just a random click of the camera and I didn't even know I had it until I downloaded them onto my computer. I couldn't stop laughing at Eddie's expression. Kinda reminds me of those cartoons where the eyes bug out with the old car horn sound effect.

After years of begging for a cell phone Santa finally came through for him. Can you tell he wasn't expecting it at all?

What's through your lens this Thursday? Visit my friend over at Our Life in Focus at http://ourlifeinfocus.blogspot.com/

HELLOOOOO...HElloooo...helllooo...echo... echo...

2010-01-13T14:53:00.003-06:00

*Looks around* *gets out swiffer duster cause feather dusters are so not hip* *proceed with dusting off blog* *cough cough sneeze*

There now. WELCOME to 2010! What happened between March of 09 and today you ask? Well birthdays came and went, vacations to Mesa Verde, Moab, Florida, Holiday World, and New Orleans occurred. All three kids became student of the month, the baby started kindergarten *sniff*, Dave got a cool little 2 seater car (yay for midlife crisis), I got more and more camera stuff (yay for more midlife crisis), my brother-in-law moved far far away (to New Orleans) and took my favorite sister-in-law with him (how rude!), and just plain life and all the craziness that goes along with it happened. We've been relatively healthy. And, I had an unfun adjustment time after sending Jon away to Kindergarten. What's is it with little kids demanding to grow up? But now, all's good! Hope to keep a semi-regular new post up. For now Happy New Year! (13 days late)

Aloha Friday...#77...

2009-03-27T13:09:00.004-05:00

Today I usually participate in Photostory Friday but I have been a bit remiss in my picture taking this week. Instead I bring you my first Aloha Friday.

Finding a gray hair has been discussed on a message board I belong too. More specifically finding a gray hair on a young child. Now it is possibly a fluke stray gray and nothing more. That's what I told myself when at the age of 13 my BFF who sat behind me interrupted my ~~daydreaming~~ deep concentration (ha) during algebra by yanking out a gray hair. I stared in horror at the stark white offender. I knew it was highly probable that something like that would happen, after all my mom went gray early too, but still, 13 years old. Just. Not. Right. That's the last time my hair has been it's natural color.

So now when I recently filled out an application that asked me for my hair color I had to think about it. Do they want my natural hair color? That would be some shade of brown with gray highlights. I hardly ever color my hair one single color, that just too boring. And never use the same color twice in a row. It is usually a shade of red but I've done a dark blonde a couple times. I considered just filling in Feria shade #77 in the blank on the application but instead just went with brown.

So my questions are this...

Do you color your hair? Do you do so to cover something or just to change the color?

Have you ever had a self color job go bad? (I have matched my mother in laws burgundy couch before and told how cool my hair was by a girl wearing blue lipstick)

If you are brave enough to admit it, how old were you before you saw your first gray highlight?

And finally what would you tell your 8 year old daughter if she asked to have pink hair?

Visit An Island Life for more Aloha fun.

Ladies And Gentlemen, May I Direct Your Attention To The Center Ring...

2009-03-21T09:10:00.002-05:00

*The crowd quiets, the lights dim. A spot light follows a tiny little car to the middle of the ring. After the car stops the door slooowly opens. The suspense builds...*

Hello all you blog partiers!

I'm Missy, stay at home mommy to three gorgeous, smart, funny kids (no, I'm not bias) , wife of 14 years to my best friend, and owner of one stubborn, trouble making little furbaby. I've spent almost my entire life in the same 20 mile radius in the Midwest and am currently living in a beautiful rural community. Although I love where I live now I am a total beach bum and would love nothing more than to sit on the sandy shore of Destin, Florida. I dream of owning a pastel pink stucco house, sitting on my balcony and smelling salty sea air. I have never figured out what I want to be when I grow up, maybe that means I'm already doing it. I love to read and love animals and would probably have a small zoo if my husband allowed it. I attempt to find the funny in whatever happens. Even though I throw some of our personal life out there in cyberspace on this blog I really am quite shy, at least until we get to know each other.

My husband Dave and I are high school sweeties and he has been my best friend since I was 17. I think that is my one bit of advice to the unmarried set out there. The guy you can call you best friend and share everything with makes great husbands. He has been everything from a trash man (for two whole days) to upper-middle management of a large corporation where he can work from home. He worked hard and made lots of sacrifices to get where he is today and I am very proud of him. He is one of those people that just ends up in crazy/funny situations. He has fallen asleep on a jet and woke up landing in the wrong city, told off by a little person (is that the p.c. term for midget?), slapped strangers for touching cheese, and went on and on about most alcholi (you would have had to been there for that one) written on a sign at a local eating establishment.

As I said I have three adorable kids who never fail to entertain me.

First let me tell you a bit about my teenager Eddie. He recently turned 13 which was a bit hard for me to accept. So far, the ugly teen attitude has pretty much been non-existent. I ask you allow me to live in my denial that this is as hard as the teen years will be. He looks very much like his daddy. But to make up for not having any outside appearance of his mom he has my personality completely. Both the good and the bad. He is very laid back, is not a worrier, is extremely sensitive to those around him, and a master of sarcasm. But do not ever expect him to be in a hurry. His one liners are so funny at times that if he decides to rebel and not go to college he better go into stand up. One evening as my husband and I were trying to watch TV Eddie walks in and gets distracted by the show causing him to stand right in front of us. My husband said "Dude, you make a better door than a window." Without missing a beat Eddie looks over his shoulder and replies "Yes, but I make a pretty picture." Yeah, we could have gotten mad but it was just so funny all we could do was laugh. For the record he did move and find a better place to watch. Right now he is involved in Boy Scouts, karate, youth group, band (plays the trombone) and chess team at school.

Next is our only little girl. Erica is one of the Millenium babies born in 2000. She is my little mini-me in appearance except with blond hair. But 100 times more confident and self assure. She does have her daddy's organizing gene. That girl is always concerned about the time and being on time. She is a planner and is very good at taking charge. She hasn't decided yet what she wants to do when she grows up. She has talked about being a police officer, personally I think she'd make a great lawyer. She will argue a point until she just wears you out and you see it her way. She is also very sweet and thoughtful. She will take her award "dollars" at church and when they have their "store" she almost always buys gifts for her brothers. She was also recently awarded the student of character at her school for the month they practiced caring. As her teacher announced her winning the award she said that she not only walked in with a smile everyday and gave encouraging words to other classmates but she also volunteered to stay in from recess to help a classmate clean their desk. I had tears of joy watching her get that award. She is involved in Girl Scouts (where I am a co-leader), dance, gymnastics, and AWANAS.

Next is my baby (and last), little JonJon. He is the spitting image of neither mom or dad, but of his Aunt (my baby sister). Strawberry blond, freckles, gigantic for his age, and mischievous green eyes he went from the easiest baby ever to a walking pile of trouble. I don't know if he was just that much busier than his siblings at that age or I was just more tired and not on top of him like the others but those toddler years were a series of one crazy mess after another. We had doors colored on, a peanut butter covered living room (and dog), permanent marker on a Mercedes, shoes thrown away and Leapster cartridges flushed just to name a few. Thankfully he is past that stage now (I hope) and will start school this fall. That thought breaks my heart so I refuse to talk anymore about that. He is a very happy little guy that is always quick to smile. He is always the entertainer and is always having fun. He can melt your heart in one second and make you bust out laughing the next. Right now he is a huge momma's boy. I'll take that for now because I know not much longer it will be all about dad and then slowly it will be all about his friends. He is in swim lessons and Cubbies.

Being pregnant with Erica is what opened my eyes to online communities and friendships. I found a message board of other moms pregnant with babies due the same month she was. At first I was unsure and a little weirded out talking with strangers but 9 years later a good portion of us are still together now sharing more than just tales of morning sickness and baby kicks. And although I have still yet to meet most of the girls I still laugh with them, cry with them, share their joy, and pray for them. I consider them great friends. Eventually I found my way to the blogiverse.

So all you wanting to party join me and a whole lot of others at 5 minutes for mom and their Ultimate Blog Party.

PS- if I were to win one of the prizes I'd love the Kitchen Aid mixer or the mom/daughter flip flops.

Wordful Wednesday...Dare I Say It...

2009-03-18T08:43:00.008-05:00

I think winter might be over.

Mind you we are still on the weather roller coaster but our highs have been almost summer like and there doesn't appear to be frigid freezing temps in the near future.

The grass is greening up.

My daffodils are coming up.

The trees are budding up.

People who we've not seen in the past 5 months are outside again. Kids are playing outside.

The birds are singing.

Shorts have been dug out.

Sandals have been bought.

Life is grand.

I love spring.

Goodbye Winter! Don't let the door hit ya.

For more Wordfulness visit Angie at 7 Clown Circus.

Look! We're Vandals...

2009-03-12T21:38:00.003-05:00

A few days ago spring was teasing us with a taste of warm sunny weather. Being that we are suffering from last days of winter cabin fever, we loaded up our kids and headed out for a hike at a nature preserve near us. This particular area has cliff carvings done by ancient Native Americans. There were pictures of men hunting deer and buffalo. There was also some carvings of horses, a dragonfly, and a bird that resembled an ostrich. There were signs warning against defacing the cliffs punishable by hefty fines. And then I caught my son Eddie standing near this.

Busted?

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

* Just so the FBI doesn't raid our house to take my oldest away, the cliff was like that when we got there.

Wordful Wednesday--The Worried Little Boy Part II...

2009-03-11T12:49:00.005-05:00

Today for Wordful Wednesday I give you the conclusion of my prior blog entry. While holding a toy in his mouth JonJon's first tooth fell out. He wasn't upset at all and instead very excitedly handed me his baby tooth. I handed him a cup to place his tooth in. We don't do under the pillow thing here, the Tooth Fairy has told me she is afraid of waking up people when it's time to collect (said she is a bit clumsy). The next morning JonJon was the first to wake up and found a five dollar bill left in his tooth cup (Tooth Fairy has gotten generous, I got a quarter). Later that morning mommy bought her big boy some gummy letters to show him his sweet tooth was still there.

For more Wordful Wendesday visit Angie at 7 Clown Circus.

One Worried Little Boy...

2009-03-03T10:53:00.003-06:00

JonJon has his first loose tooth. It's been wiggly for a while now. He has been a little concerned about it hurting when it falls out or that he won't get a replacement tooth. So far I've been able to relieve his fears, until a couple days ago. Over the weekend the little guys walk up to me after just eating a brownie that I baked. He has tears in his eyes and chocolate on his face as he says, "Mommy, I'm going to lose my sweet tooth. Then I won't want to eat anything sweet anymore."

Well that notion both made me smile yet horrified me. To not like sweets anymore? How awful. Imagine being 5 years old and thinking you won't like ice cream, cakes, cookies, or candy anymore? Isn't it written somewhere as a childhood rule to gorge oneself on all the sugary goodness one can find when ever possible?

I try to explain to my depressed little boy that the teeth only chew the food, it is the tongue that does the tasting. He sighed and said "Good I still get to eat sweets but I bet they won't taste as good."

Would it be wrong if I left a note for the Tooth Fairy saying along with the five dollar bill to please leave a sugar coated treat too to prove he hasn't in fact lost his sweet tooth?

That Will Teach Her...

2009-02-27T07:59:00.003-06:00

A little over a year ago we brought home an adorable little ball of fluff that was part Poodle and part Schnauzer. A Schnoodle, so my creative children named her Noodle. I would love to say she is well behaved and never causes any problems. But along with being a four legged paper shredder, a destroyer of plastic army men, and a stuffed animal hunter she is also a trash digger. She is just tall enough to stand on her hind legs and get her head in the trash can to look for discarded goodies. She knows this is bad because all we have to do is say her name and she tucks her tail and gives us that "I'm so sorry." look. But like children at her respected age she suffers from "I forgot mom said don't do this"itis. The other night after our long drive home from Kentucky I was making the kids a quick easy dinner of chicken nuggets and fries. After I get dinner in the oven I head upstairs to do some quick unpacking when suddenly I hear loud laughing and my husband telling me to come quick and grab my camera. Apparently Noodle was trying to get herself a little snack and she somehow managed to get the fry bag stuck on her head and she couldn't get it off. I did get it off her but not until I snapped a couple pictures.

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

Wordful Wednesday By Royal Decree...

2009-02-25T08:43:00.006-06:00

We took a little trip over the weekend. By the look of the picture one would almost think we had gone to Europe. But no, we drove out to Lexington, KY where surrounded by acres and acres of horse farms stands this oddity. According to what I could find on the Internet a couple had gone over to Europe around the 1970's and the wife fell in love with the castles they saw. Her spouse who must have been an extremely generous man said "Sure honey I'll build you one of your very own when we get home." The story turns sad then and apparently the couple divorced prior to completion of the castle. The gorgeous and large home has never been occupied. A few years ago the castle burnt to the ground after a possible lightening strike. The irony here is the fire department couldn't reach the flames because of a moat like ditch. From what little I could find, it sounds as if a new owner has bought it and has rebuilt it with the possibly of turning it into a bed and breakfast.

For more Wordful Wednesday visit Angie at 7 Clown Circus.

Time For A Brag...

2009-02-24T08:04:00.002-06:00

Erica was required to write a story for Young Authors a couple months ago. Being that it was right before Christmas she opted for a story about some of Santa's little elves. I helped her type it up and together we looked up some clip art for the pictures. She turned it in and that was the end of it. Up until last week that is. Last week she bounces in the door from school all excited and shows me a sheet of paper. It seems The Three Little Elves won a regional award. She will be going to the Young Authors award/conference in late March. She will have a writers work shop, get to meet a real life children's author, and have her book put on display. We are very proud of our little writer. We made this trip a few years ago with Eddie and his Adventures of Sockman book. See, they take after their Momma because I still have my little book that won at the state level. The Magical Unicorn, look for it at a bookstore near you. (ok not really)

CONGRATULATIONS ERICA!

Mushy Momma...

2009-02-20T08:40:00.002-06:00

Yesterday my sister in law needed me to watch her 10 year old son after school while she was working. I love EJ dearly so it was my pleasure to do so, but I had to pick him up early so I could be back in town when my two got out of school. My kids knew he was coming to spend the evening with us so they were very excited. While on my way there Jon was telling me all the fun things he wanted to show EJ.

Then just as we get within a mile of EJ's school Jon very seriously and cautiously says "Mom, when we get there" *pause* "please don't say that thing to me."

I'm a bit confused so I ask him what thing he is talking about.

His reply "You know," *another pause* "that thing" *pause again* "when you tell me you love me and you say I'm a cutie."

Nooooooooooooo.....my heart sunk. He's only 5 and already embarrassed by me? I think he could sense my sadness and said "I still love you and you get to still love me but just don't say it in front of EJ." I guess that made me feel a little better.

"Oh yeah and no holding my hand and huggies or kissies either."

Talk about twisting the knife already.

He did give me permission to give him a good-night kiss and tell him I loved him after I had taken EJ home.

P.S. 28 days until spring!

Teenagers And Broken Hearts...

2009-02-14T19:40:00.002-06:00

Friday was Eddie's Jr. High dance. Earlier in the week he had me run him all over the mall to find the perfect outfit. I didn't mind that so much, I'm always up for a good shopping trip especially when a kid is eager to hang with me. After much prodding from mom he admits he is wanting to ask a girl to the dance but she has been out sick with the flu all week. Friday evening he cleans all up and gets dressed to bust a move (yeah, I'm that old) and informs me that said girl made it to school that day but he lost his nerve to ask her but she was going to the dance too. I said "Well you don't have to show up with her to dance and hang out with her". He thought that was a great idea and was very excited to go. He wasn't too excited though as we dropped him off at the front door of the school his dad and I rolled down the windows to profess our love for him LOL. Parents, how embarrassing. A couple hours later I go back to pick him up and he looks like someone ran over his dog. I asked him what was wrong and if he had a bad time. He said it was fun all the way up to the last ten minutes. He said he danced with his friends and the girl. But towards the end of the night he asked the girl if she would go out with him. She said no :-( and he was crushed. I had conflicting emotions. Upset that my sweet, funny, caring son had his heart broken but at the same time glad that we escaped the whole boyfriend/girlfriend thing for a little longer. But overall I'm hate to see more evidence that my first baby is growing up.

Wordful Wednesday On An Eagle Hunt...

2009-02-11T10:26:00.006-06:00

A couple weeks ago, while the weather was still in the twenties, we headed out in search of bald eagles. Every year around this time they migrate to the area. This year has been reported as being one of the largest populations of eagles in many years.

We ended up going to the Missouri Bottoms Confluence which is where the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers meet. As we were driving to the river area we watched this guy. Being that it doesn't usually stay cold enough long enough to freeze bodies of water we found this very cool.

We saw at least 5 eagles flying around and swooping into the river for fish but they were so far away I couldn't get a good picture of one.

After we left the confluence area we took a drive up the Great River Road in Illinois. The Mississippi River was covered in a thick layer of ice in many places and that is where we saw this guy hanging out just as the sun was setting.

Want to see some more Wordful Wednesdays? Visit Angie at 7 Clown Circus.

P.S. 36 days until Spring.

37 Days Till Spring...

2009-02-10T12:29:00.003-06:00

That is the glorious sign that is on one of our local landscaping companies. Finally a countdown that makes me deliriously happy much unlike the the Christmas countdowns that just makes me anxious. The last couple days have been wonderfully springlike too. After what feels like endless months of twenty degree days the sun has popped out and we have had highs in the upper 60's-low 70's. I know this won't last, it is only February after all, but I am enjoying it while it is here. I am leaving the heavy winter coats on the coat rack. I am not bundled up head to toe in sweatshirts and sweaters.

I am letting my little tootsies see the sunlight by wearing my beloved sandals. Ah yes, spring is just around the corner so kiss my toe winter.

Turn Around And Let Me Take Your Picture...

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

Over the weekend the weather was nice so we headed out to Southern Missouri to go hiking. While out there we stopped at this Missouri Mining Museum so I thought it would be a great opportunity to whip out the camera and take some shots of the kids.

They really were not all that cooperative.

Erica just did not want to do this today without being goofy. Any time I even pointed the camera in her direction she hollered "STALKER!" and would run away.

I was able to get one non-silly shot of JonJon. The rest he decided were a good opportunity to use the dance moves he inherited from his father's dna.

And this, *shakes head* this is what I end up with when I have my camera set on continuous shooting and say "Hey Ed, turn around let me take your picture."

"Yikes Scoob! It's the Creeper!"

Wordful Wednesday From The Sick Ward...

2009-02-03T20:56:00.003-06:00

Let's do the math. 5 people - 3 kids down with the flu = 2 parents on Tamiflu to try to avoid the flu. It's been a feverish, snotty, coughing, medicine taking time at our house. Hope you and yours have escaped this.

Visit Seven Clown Circus to hopefully see some healthier Wordful Wednesday.

Music Monday On Groundhog Day...

2009-02-02T15:05:00.002-06:00

I can't think of a better song for today than the one that Bill Murry's character woke up too day after day in the movie Groundhog Day. Enjoy!

I Guess I'm A Little Stiff...

2009-01-31T22:19:00.004-06:00

Today was my nephew's birthday party at a local roller skating rink. Dave and I took the kids fully intending to sit on the sidelines or help JonJon in the little beginner's rink (which does not require skates). We get there and get the rental skates on the kids. Let me tell you they are ickier than rental bowling shoes (who really wants to stick their foot in a pre-sweaty skate?) . Eddie takes off and does pretty good. In my opinion if you are upright in a pair of skates, you are doing good. Erica takes off and hugs the wall, but she remains upright too. Hey, whatever it takes right? Dave sacrifices his toes and takes JonJon off to the beginner's rink, so I think I'm getting off easy. Well it isn't long before JonJon says he is ready for the big rink. As much as I try to talk him out of it, he wants no part of the kiddie area. This requires Dave or I putting on a pair of skates. He has a bum ankle, I have a bum thumb. Guess who wins a pair of sweaty skates. I rent the skates and try not to think about all the feet that have been in there before mine. After I'm all laced up I very carefully make my way to the rink. I tell JonJon to let me make a lap around first to get used to skating. Just an FYI I only went skating a handful of times as a kid and only once since getting married, so it has been a while. I get out on the floor and scoot my way around very slowly. I'm like the little old gray haired woman going 3o mph in freeway rush hour blocking traffic. There were tiny little three year olds skating backwards faster than I was. I finally make it around doing my little shuffle the whole time muttering things like "watch out" "show off" "whoa, whoa, whoa" but I stay upright. I gather JonJon and we make our way around the wall a few times. I also went a few more laps solo.

After the party was over (and I was back in non-rolling shoes) Dave said he was impressed with my skating. He said that "I never fell even though I looked like a mannequin on roller skates" .

Bulls Eye...

2009-01-29T20:55:00.002-06:00

My husband was looking for something to chase away the winter blahs and came home with this little dart board. Lots of fun although I'm lucky to hit the board and not just bounce my dart off the wall. The kids are pros. They walk right up and stick the dart right on the bulls eye every time. Now why didn't I think of that?

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

Here's A Bit Of Nostalgia For You...

2009-01-29T14:51:00.005-06:00

I was about ten years old when I got my first camera. Santa brought me a Polaroid One Step and a three pack of film.

It was big, bulky, and loud but I think I went through all thirty pictures within the first hour. I took pictures of everything. Pictures of my sisters, my dogs, my toys, my parents absolutely no one and nothing was safe until that last picture was spit out the front. I still have my photo album from then and still have pictures of my little sister dressed in kooky outfits that I talked her into modeling for me (if I posted them she'd kill me). I eventually graduated to a little 110 Kodak then to a 35mm, a couple little point and shoot digital camera and most recently to a dslr Pentax k200d (my baby). But none give that same excitement of two giggling little girls standing over an undeveloped picture sitting on the table waiting for the picture to appear.

Sadly Polaroid is going to quit producing the nifty film that you had to shake to make the picture show faster. Everyone knows the faster the shake the faster it developed. Just recently though I found out about this very cool site called Poladroid. It is a free download where you can take your digital photos and turn them into Polaroid looking pictures, complete with the "polaroid noise" (you know the one) and gradual fade in. You can even shake it. Granted, it isn't the same but fun none the less.

Wordful Wednesday All Covered In Snow...

2009-01-28T13:17:00.003-06:00

Well this is the result of 24+ hours of snowfall. We have about 8 1/2 inches of the white stuff covering everything. It's a really dry powdery snow so everything just glitters in the sunlight. And can I just say how happy I am to finally see sunlight. A couple days of clouds is just so blah.

But, the snow gave us two snow days in a row and the kids are out there throwing snow, sledding, making huge piles and rolling around somehow able to ignore the fact it is cooooold.

JonJon is all smiley with little pink cheeks and nose.

Erica climbing Mt. Everest or at least a big pile of snow from digging out the driveway.

And the teenager, oh so happily (you can tell from the huge smile on his face) digging out the rest of the driveway.

You can see more Wordful Wednesday here.

Quick We Need French Toast...

2009-01-26T20:57:00.004-06:00

The snow is falling rather heavily right now and has been for a couple hours. It started out with freezing rain and sleet. Now it is those big, fluffy snowflakes (Dave called them angry snowflakes) falling quite rapidly. The forecast is for up to 8 inches, all you that live up north can just go ahead and call us big babies ;-) . Tonight was supposed to be karate for Eddie and swim class for JonJon at the YMCA. After driving on slick roads to picks Eddie up from his chess tournament Dave and I decided it would be best to skip the YMCA since that would give the roads two more hours to get messy. We made a pit stop on the way home at the grocery store instead to make sure we had everything we would need for tomorrow. As we walked by the dairy case I couldn't help but laugh. The normally full egg and milk area was practically empty. Dave and I made bets with the kids if the bread aisle was ransacked. It was, but we saw people looking lost by the lack of dairy and bread. Apparently french toast is the food of choice for snowbound people. We decided to buck the system and buy stuff for spaghetti.

Wordful Wednesday In The Woods...

2009-01-14T09:23:00.005-06:00

Like I said a couple posts ago, Sunday was our anniversary. Just the two of us went out on Friday night to dinner at Texas Roadhouse to celebrate (sorry no pictures of the yummy steak and loaded sweet potato). The weather wasn't completely frigid on Sunday so we all bundled up in coats, gloves and Auntie Jenny hats and went on a hike. We used to do this more often and trust me my body knew it had been a while. But it was fun and really nice to get outside for a little while. The kids ran way ahead of us so it was almost like just the two of us going for a walk. What did we talk about? Well, we talked about how it seemed like for years we were always having to carry one of the kids when we'd go on a hike. (talk about a workout) It's bittersweet but those days are over. Now we just have three kids telling us what slow pokes we are.

Check out the other Wordful Wednesdays over at Seven Clown Circus (no relation).

Totally Inappropriate Response To A Crisis...

2009-01-13T12:30:00.003-06:00

I'll start this post by saying I'm a very, very good cook. I can whip up all sorts of yummy stuff that my husband loves. The kids on the other hand really only like about three things hot dogs, pizza, and chicken nuggets, but I can nuke a mean dog too. Anyway, last night I was really wanting some cabbage so I decided to make my beef and cabbage. I dug out my big 6qt pot to find that when the kids emptied the dishwasher they put it away with some crusties in it. So I hand wash it and then just set it on a hot burner to dry while I mince some onions. Dave was sitting on the other side of the counter chatting with me as I chopped. When I was done chopping I grabbed the bottle of olive oil and poured a bit into the hot pot so I could saute the onions. Suddenly, WHOOSH there is a foot and a half flame out of the pot. I jumped back a bit and squeaked then doubled over and starting laughing. Why I found this so funny I don't know. But Dave apparently found it hilarious too because he was laughing too. There is this huge flame threatening to take out the kitchen cabinets while our kids are innocently watching TV and we are laughing our butts off. Finally I decide maybe the kitchen isn't the best place for a campfire so I grab the flaming pot as Dave opens the garage door for me and grabs the fire extinguisher. The whole time we are still are still laughing like fools (intermittent by me saying "Ow! Hot! Ow!") We get the pot outside and Dave hits it with a shot from the extinguisher. With one final fireball (that singed the hair off Dave's arm) the crises was over. We were still giggling as I finished dinner using a different pot. I'm thinking it's good we never became firefighters if that is our response to a fire. Some poor victim screams "Help me! Help me! My house is on fire!" and we fall on the ground laughing. Not good.

Fourteen Years...

2009-01-10T21:48:00.004-06:00

January 11th, 1995 I married my best friend. It was a small wedding that was squeezed in right before Wednesday night services at church. In fact, we were still taking post wedding pictures as parishioners were finding a pew. But it was wonderful. Since then we've added three lovely children, managed to get Dave through school, been broke, been not so broke, moved (a lot), been on many family vacations, laughed, cried, and just had fun. Fourteen years ago we had no idea the path that was ahead of us but we wouldn't have changed a thing. And the next fourteen years are a journey waiting to be seen without any idea what the next corner will bring, but we will see it together.

Another Point In Favor Of The Donut...

2009-01-07T14:13:00.003-06:00

January 5th Erica got to celebrate her birthday (half birthday to be exact) at school. She requested Krispy Kreme donuts for her treat (ahhh, she is my daughter) to be delivered to her classroom at 2:30. Since the 5th happened to be the first day back from Christmas break everything I did was way behind schedule. So at 1:30 in the afternoon I rush out of the house with JonJon to drive the 20 mile one way trip mostly little back twisty roads to the nearest Krispy Kreme. I just get out of town and am at my usual cruising speed. JonJon and I are jamming to the local country station as a county police officer passes me going the opposite direction. I do what most people do in such situations, I tap my breaks. I look in the rear view mirror and see him do a u-turn in the middle of the road and turn on his flashy lights. "Perfect" I think to myself. I pull over to the side of the road and dig out my license and insurance card while he walks up to my car. All the while JonJon is asking me twenty questions from the back seat. (Mommy, why did the police man pull you over? Are you getting a ticket? Are you going to jail? I'm telling daddy.)

I roll down the window and plaster a big old silly smile on my face.

Me: Hello, officer. (you know just in the off chance he was bored and looking for some small talk)

Officer: Hi there. You in a hurry?

Me: Ummm sort of. Not really. (as I hand him my cards)

Officer: Where you heading?

Me: Honestly?

Officer: *smiles* Sure.

Me: Well... to get donuts. (now I'm worried he is thinking I'm making a wise crack or a bribe. For the record the man looked as if he might have tasted a donut or two.)

Officer: Donuts huh?

Me: Yeah. My daughter requested Krispy Kreme for her birthday party at school. (I'm feeling mighty silly by now)

Officer: *chuckles* Are they hot?

Me: They're always hot aren't they?

Officer: I'll be right back.

He takes my stuff and heads back to his car. I sit pondering how much this little trip to the donut shop is going to cost while JonJon is still adding his two cents from the back seat. After a couple minutes the officer comes back to my car and says "Since your going after donuts for your girl's birthday I'm giving you a warning but slow down."

I went on my way albeit at a slower pace and managed to buy 4 dozen donuts drive back to town and still made it to the class room by 2:36. Although I half expected to get pulled over on the way back with the officer asking for a donut.

My Little Hero...

2008-12-13T21:03:00.002-06:00

Last night, while I was coloring my hair, Eddie was playing the ps3 with his new blue tooth headset he bought himself. It was an online game so he was playing with 16 or so other people from around the world and the headset allows him to have a conversation with his fellow gamers. (isn't that just too cool?) Dave, being just as much as a child tormentor as I am, was doing his best to embarrass Eddie. This new headset easily picks up and broadcasts background noises so Dave started yelling random things in the background. Apparently the yelling downgraded into Dave loudly saying random "Your Momma..." jokes so the other players could hear. This got JonJon attention very quickly. The little guy ran into the room and told Daddy that he was being mean and that his momma wasn't dumb, short, fat, or ugly. Followed by "You better tell mommy you're sorry or else you will be in big trouble."

How do I know all this? Dave came in the bathroom, while I sat with stinky bright red goo on my head, laughing to tell me sorry. Awww my hero.

My Son The Future Author...

2008-12-09T14:41:00.002-06:00

Every once in a while Eddie has a homework assignment for literature class where he has to write a short story. I have to share this particular one because it sums up his personality so well. Enjoy and read at your own risk.

What really happened to Humpty Dumpty
By: Eddie
There once was Humpty Dumpty, the egg, who enjoyed sucking on lollypops on an eight hundred ft. wall. When the egg wanted to go buy lollypops he would jump off the wall and land on a pillow, so he could go next door to the five cent candy store. This day was just the same as any day. The king was out hunting with his golden musket .the townsfolk were begging. The children were scurrying, screaming, and laughing. As the king shot his weapon it misfired, and blew Humpty into a million pieces. All the king said was “That was one lucky shot; no I mean we’ll all miss Humpty a lot.” And it was true. The townsfolk did miss him because he was the best breakfast they would ever have. Sadly, the king was dethroned and beheaded for killing the last Dou-Dou bird egg. Now that you know the true story of Humpty Dumpty you must join the F.B.I. or be devoured by the giant squid.
The end

*welcome to the F.B.I.*

Fun Now In Exchange For Years Of Therapy Later (aka I Love To Torture My Kids)...

2008-12-08T09:02:00.003-06:00

A little over a week ago I hurt myself doing something um well stupid. My little mishap left me with a sprained/possibly broken thumb. To attempt to speed the healing I have been wearing a lovely flesh colored thumb immobilizer. For whatever reason this thing totally creeps JonJon out. He will pull his hand away and run around to the other side of me if he forgets and and holds my bad hand. He doesn't want me to touch anything of his with the wrapped hand. So being the loving mother I am, I torture him with the hand at all possible moments. After I tuck him into bed, give hugs and kisses, and do everything at bedtime with my good hand, I'll give him a pat on the head with the bad hand right before I walk out the door. I'll ask for him to give me 5 on the good hand and then switch hands while he is in mid slap. After pouring him a drink with my good hand, I hand it too him with my bad hand. Oh the fun is endless. And the fun is just not limited to the youngest child. Yesterday we took the kids to Toys R Us so Eddie could use his gift card he got. He also got all the money he has earned for the past year or so gathered together. All together it was quite a wad of cash. He beelined for the ps3 games. While he was deciding on what he wanted to spend his money on Dave and I noticed they actually had a couple wii in stock. We decided to offer Eddie to make up the difference if he wanted to put his money towards a wii. As we made said offer you could see the two little ones' faces light up. Erica immediately started rattling off games we could get. To all of our disbelief Eddie chose the ps3 game and headset he picked out. As we were driving home Dave told the kids that was their one and only shot at getting a wii. And I just couldn't help myself, I had to say "Thanks Ed."

In my defense, I'm a stay at home mom, I have to find my entertainment somewhere. Hopefully Dave will always have insurance that covers psychological visits we may need them in the future.

Oh Christmas Tree...All Over My Floor...

2008-12-03T14:20:00.003-06:00

Dave hauled the two large Rubbermaid containers of Christmas decorations/tree up from the basement Monday night. I am 3/4 of the way done with the indoor decorations, which means the two very large Rubbermaid containers are still sitting in my living room. The tree is fully assembled and decorated and the mantel has been Christmased up. What is left inside is to wrap the banister with greenery and ribbons, decorate the kitchen with greenery, ribbon, and lights and make a wreath and hang it up. Oh yeah and plug in what I like to call my Corona Christmas tree. (you've seen the commercial) Then it is off to the great (frozen) outdoors to wrap the house in greenery, ribbons, lights and hang multiple wreaths. Every year I think how smart those that leave their lights up year round are as my fingers freeze and break off. But when it is all done, and the boxes are put away, I always love how pretty and festive the house looks. Now if I could only find a less realistic artificial tree, one that does not leave "needles" all over the place.

Zombie Grandpas...

2008-11-25T13:57:00.002-06:00

Yesterday afternoon Dave and I were driving in the car with JonJon in the back seat. The child is obsessed with all things military, so when we passed up a VFW hall that had an old tank sitting out front it opened up a flood gate of questions.

JonJon: Is that an Army tank?

Dave: yes it is

JonJon: Did your daddy ride in that tank?

Dave: No, my daddy worked on airplanes and rode on boats (father-in-law was in the air force for a while then moved to the navy).

JonJon: Oh, Mommy did your daddy ride in that tank?

Me: No, my daddy was a sailor and worked with computers (probably insanely boring in the mind of a 5 year old who wanted to hear that our dads went to war with guns blazing taking out all the bad guys).

JonJon now disappointed: oh...did they get dead?

Dave: Uh, no. Mommy and Daddy's dads are your grandpas, they aren't dead.

JonJon sighing like we stated the obvious: I know that they are my grandpas. But they could be dead. I think they are zombies.

I'm A Big Fat Meanie Head...

2008-11-21T09:35:00.002-06:00

Sometimes being a parent makes you have to be the bad guy. My oldest is currently upset with me. I told him he could not go to his survival camp out with the scouts tonight. It is supposed to drop down to 17 degrees and the only shelter they will receive is a trash bag. I know it is a survival camp out but come on. This is something that should be done when the weather isn't so extreme. That news resulted in the lovely teen reaction of "fine I'll just sit here with my lip stuck out and not talk to anyone". Followed by him going outside sans coat, shoes, and socks in the 30 degree windy weather we had and laying on the concrete driveway for 2 minutes to prove to me how tough he was. He almost convinced me with his logic, almost.

Will I Be The Creepy Old Person...

2008-11-17T22:20:00.002-06:00

Just a few months ago my dear sister-in-law got me sucked into the Twilight series (oh lookie a pun lol). Before I started page one I was thinking that since these were written for teens that should hold my interest for all of about five minutes. Four days and three books later (darn family, always needing stuff like food slowing me down) I was well and truly a fan that could not wait to get her greedy hands on book four just to find out what happened between Bella, Edward, and Jacob. Now after the reading the last book and dealing with the let down of no more story I await the movie. The question is, do I go to the theater with the throngs of squealing teenage girls half my age? Do I take my daughter along just so I can look like I was the one dragged there? Do I wait for the dvd? (not sure I can hold out that long) Or do I just call up my sis-in-law and the two of us sit proudly in the seats of the movie and get our Twilight fix? Seriously I can stop at any time.

Those of you that read this that are Twilight fans, you might want to look into the Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris. It's similar yet made for a more grown up crowd.

Yay For Grown Up Night...

2008-11-13T14:27:00.002-06:00

Tomorrow my wonderful husband has a birthday. Part of mom-in-law's present is she always lets all the grandkids spend the night so we can go out on a date. We decided to use our date time going out to dinner and going to the theater (maybe a trip to the river boat casino after if we feel like it). So for dinner we will be going to a lovely little Italian restaurant on The Hill (for you non-locals that is the area where many Italian immigrants settled) called Zia's. They have the most awesome toasted raviolis I've ever had and their salad dressing is to die for. If you ever come for a visit you MUST eat here at least once. Oh and it's on the corner of Edwards and Wilson, how perfect is that? After dinner we will be going to the Fabulous Fox Theatre to see Sweeney Todd. I don't really know what Sweeney Todd is about but the few performances I have seen at the Fox were wonderfully entertaining, I have no doubt this will be too. Besides it isn't often I can get all dressed up. And the great part about the kids spending the night is we don't have to rush home. There is always a bit of mommy guilt when leaving this kiddos behind but, it is oh so nice to have some time away where we can just be Missy and Dave instead of Mom and Dad.

I Can't Take Them Anywhere...

2008-11-09T18:41:00.002-06:00

Every Sunday it is required that we take a trip to Wal-Mart (blah) to pick up things for the kids' breakfasts and lunches. Usually I try to make this trip sans kids. Anyone who has ever been to a Wal-Mart on a weekend will know it is absolutely insane there. Today we were all out and the store was on the way home so in my mind at the time it made sense to stop then. The five of us walk through the front doors and are greeted by our singing greeter. "Weeeeeelcooooome to Waaaaaaaallllll-Maaaaaarrrrrrrrrt!" I say my silent prayer that I am so glad I do not work there and have to listen to that all day long. Eddie grabs a cart and follows the rest of us to get toothpaste. Before ever crossing off the first item on my list my heels have been run over by the cart, and I've told both of the younger ones they could not swing off my arms today (I have pinched a nerve somewhere and have shooting pain down my arms, chiropractor tomorrow). As I slowly cross off items I have thrown in the cart Dave and I are rambling things like "Don't touch that! Put that down! Jon get over here! Where did Erica go this time? Eddie don't run into anyone!" We get over to the cheese where Dave is searching for some Havarti and the kids are still being a bit wild. Dave sees a hand sneak past him and grab for a block of cheese and he smacks it and says "Stop grabbing stuff!" The hand pulls back minus the cheese and suddenly a woman starts laughing behind us. We turn around and she is rubbing her hand and says "I take it you've said that a few times in here." Yes my husband smacked a strange woman. He was very apologetic and embarrassed. If I recall though the woman left without her cheese. At least someone listens.

Friday Find...

2008-11-07T14:42:00.002-06:00

My daughter has always been one of those kids that got 100% on her spelling tests without ever having to study. Up until this year that is. Her first F on a spelling test devastated her. I frantically tried to help her study for her words for the next week. We said them out loud together, she wrote them 5-20 times each, I tried to teach her little tricks (like together is spelled to-get-her), and we even sang the words out. The next test a D. I couldn't understand what the huge difference was between last year and this year. So I asked her what her teacher is doing differently than last year. I found out last year every day they would play spelling games. So I have a light bulb moment and do a quick google (yes it is a verb now) of online spelling games. Spellingcity.com is one that came up. It allows me to type in her weekly words and then she can play a number of games like word scramble, hangman, and fill in the missing letter. It will also test her. She loves it and will play it over and over again. And the most amazing thing, the first week we used spelling city she came home with an A. Who knew you could learn more when you're having fun?

Thank God For The DVR...

2008-10-28T10:07:00.002-05:00

Is anyone else ready for the election to be over? Does anyone else feel like it is particularly ugly this time? Maybe it is always ugly and we just have four years to forget about it. Between the debates, television and radio news shows, web sites, verbal sniping between the two sides and yard sign wars (personal pet peeve of mine-really does a sign saying vote for ____ really sway someone?) I just can't wait till November 10th (gotta give it the extra days to clear up all the whining and recounts by the losing side and all the high-fives, in-your-face talk from the winning side). But one thing I've noticed this year, I haven't had to sit through a single commercial saying McCain eats babies or Obama is the Anti-Christ. How did I manage this? After all I have a list of must see shows. Well for the past year we've owned a dvr, and I have to say I didn't think I could love it more. I mean really, I thought it was wonderful that I could watch a show like Lost after the kids went to bed so I wasn't interrupted five thousand times. Anyone who watches Lost knows you must not be disturbed or you'll miss something important. But this past month I've noticed something great. I get to fast forward through the commercials, all of them, even the irritating political ones.

HO! HO! HO! BOO! Huh?

2008-10-17T09:58:00.004-05:00

I am so confused. When exactly did Halloween become one of the Happy Holidays? I've seen stores putting out their Christmas trees and decorations since September. The earliest violator being a craft store but I sort of get that, sort of. Now you walk into any of your WalMarts or Targets and what do you see? Aisles of spooky decorations and scary masks everywhere but what's that sound? Why it's Jingle Bells coming from the next aisle over where the multicolored lights are blinking to the beat. Never did I expect to see the inflatable Grim Reaper grinning eerily at the inflatable Santa. You can almost sense the tension between the big puffy bodies. It's like a sign of the apocalypse. In one aisle we have the witches, vampires, ghosties and gore. And in the next aisle we have Frosty, Santa, Rudolf and baby Jesus in a manger. What happened to Christmas starting after Thanksgiving? And who exactly is buying candy canes and Christmas trees in October? I think if I saw someone pushing a cart of Christmas supplies right now I'd have to fight the urge to take their roll of wrapping paper and whack them in the head with it. How's that for Christmas Spirit? But really, what's the rush? I'd like to get through the fall season of changing leaves, light jackets, bonfires, hay rides, and Trick or Treating before I start thinking of snowflakes, heavy coats, mittens, carols, and egg nog (yes they have that in stock too now). And what started this tirade? Why the fact that my favorite radio station is now playing all Christmas songs all the time starting from last week till the new year.

Take That, Nemesis...

2008-09-30T15:44:00.004-05:00

Bwahahahaha...I win, I'm victorious! Now that you are done applauding for me "Victorious over what?" you ask. Let me tell you. For about 13 year (not counting 3 preganancies) my body has decided to stay in the same size clothing. Sometimes they fit a little loose, sometimes a little tight but always in that same size. Thirteen years ago puts us back around 1995. Think about the fashion of that time. Now imagine if you never wore out any clothing but added a few pieces every year. New t-shirt here, new sweater there, eventually 13 years later you find you have a timeline bulging out of every possible closet, drawer, and cubby hole. Add to this my not purging the other four people's clothing for the past 3 years and, holy moly! It became a chore that moved from my to do list to my apply blinders and pretend it isn't there list. This past weekend my dear sweet husband finally said "ENOUGH! I can't find anything any more." For those that don't know Dave is a neat freak that thrives in order. Talk about an odd couple. Together we tackled the massive amount of cotton, polyester, and various other materials oozing from every crevice to separate what we were keeping and what we were donating. Twelve, yes TWELVE lawn and garden trash bags and almost 6 hours later every person in a third world country should be well dressed, as long as they don't mind being a decade behind in fashion.

A Whole Hand...

2008-09-24T10:07:00.002-05:00

Today my baby turned 5, a whole hand. I can hardly believe how fast it has gone. It is a happy day yet mom is a little sad. I know this is the end of an era. I will never have another little one who can proudly hold up just a couple fingers when people ask how old they are. The days of sitting in a quiet room at night singing softly while slowly rocking a tightly wrapped little one back to sleep are gone. I knew one day I'd look back on those sleepless nights and miss them. No longer do I experience the sweet freshly bathed baby smell. The days of cutesy clothes are long gone. With the rate he is growing he will be moving into the big boy 8-16 clothes next year. I haven't stepped foot in a Babys R Us in a couple years. No longer do I have to walk so closely behind a small child to catch them as they take their first steps. With walking came independence. They are able to go where they wish (within reason) which allows them room to explore. Explore things like throwing shoes away, flushing your sisters Leapster game down the toilet, coloring doors with bright orange crayons, and the infamous painting the poodle with peanut butter (I will never forget smelling peanuts while I was showering). Each event was highly annoying at the time as I was the one to have to clean up the messes. But now I can look back at all of those and laugh. As each year passes another finger gets to come up. As each finger comes up they become more independant. It almost feels as if when the hand birthday comes around they are waving good bye to the infant stage which makes one sad but they are also waving hello to the next phase of life. The next 5 years he will start school, meet new friends, and learn and grow just as much as the first five. I look forward to that. All I ask is you occasionally let me hold you on my lap, slowly rocking you while I sing you your song.

Bringing Culture to the Masses...

2008-09-21T15:42:00.007-05:00

We recently took a trip to the Missouri Botanical Gardens to attend the Japanese Festival they hold every year. Usually the gardens are not a huge thrill for the children. I guess there just isn't enough action in seeing the flowers bloom. Personally, I love the place, so peaceful and beautiful. Every time we go I leave thinking I'd really love to get into botany, of course the reality that anything I plant dies soon sets in. This is the first time attending the festival and it was packed (and hot). There were all sorts of demonstrations--taiko drums, kimono fashion shows, ikebana flower arranging and bonsai ornamental pruning, bon odori summer festival dancing, budo and koryu bugei martial arts exhibitions, and don't forget the Sumo wrestling (the main thing the boys were interested in seeing). We started the trip parking as close as possible to the gardens, which was at least a half mile away. Did I mention it was packed? Yes, walking that distance with three kids, crossing multiple busy city streets, in at least 150% humidity is not as much fun as it sounds. When we finally arrive and get into the gardens there are many booths selling Japanese wares. Dave really wanted to get me a sugegasa, which is Japanese for one of those cone shaped straw hats. I declined the offer on the grounds of not knowing to what event one would wear a sugegasa. We found our way to the taiko drummers. I could have sat there and listened to the rhythmic beating all day. The kids and Dave on the other hand were done within just a few minutes. As we wandered through the beautiful landscaping JonJon saw a fountain that he just had to play in. Erica and Jon had so much fun running through the water. It was a good opportunity for them to cool off some too. We walked past the Koi fish lake and rock gardens.
Always beautiful. The English gardens were the least busy part there. It was very relaxing and shaded. While standing in the shade we watched a martial arts demonstration. After a few hours of wandering it was time for the Sumo demo. We sat as the speaker was telling us about Sumo and the lifestyle. I have to say, with the way she described it, except for the select few the life of a Sumo is not very glamorous. During the introduction she described how the Japanese view Sumo as heroic and honorable. She then asks the question to the audience of what word comes to mind when she says Sumo. The crowd was quiet until my lovely husbands shouts out...DIAPER. So much for culture, I tried.

Erica posing in one of the sculptures.

The Boys...

Being Hugged by Jesus...

2008-09-13T08:46:00.003-05:00

My friend that I wrote about earlier has gone Home. She's been given a new body and a new life free of hurt, tears and pain.

Stacey your courage, determination, love, ability to forgive, and sense of humor was an inspiration to many and will be sorely missed. You left five beautiful children to carry on your legacy. They were the center of your world and the reason you fought as hard as you did. I will always keep them in my prayers.

I always told you that you had more people that loved you than you knew. I hope you look down from Heaven and can see that now.

Like a Show on Animal Planet...

2008-09-10T13:31:00.004-05:00

"Here we have the common Couch Sloth. Watch while she sits on the shiny black leather and tap away at her lap top. Oh, wait, she is getting up to get her offspring and glass of ice water and a sandwich. Now, she sits back down upon the comfy cushion..."

So I got myself a pedometer and just out of morbid curiosity I have worn it today just to see how much walking I do in a normal day. I have been up since 7am and as of right this moment (approx. 1:30pm) I have a tally of *drum roll please* 793 steps. The recommend amount of walking to stay fit is 10,000 steps a day. At the rate I am going, and I could be wrong, but I don't think I'm going to make it. This evening I will give a grand total. Anyone want to make a guess? For fun I will post my total for the next few days. Maybe the sheer mortification of how little I move will give me the motivation I need to get in a habit. I am an anti-exerciser. Truly, I do not get joggers/runners and I live with one. I have never in my life experienced runner's high. I've experienced runner's pain, runner's tired, and runner's omg I can't breathe, but not the high. I'll tell you, if it were not for good genes (thank you so much mom) I'm sure I'd be one of those people Richard Simmons would come visit. So, does anyone else want to join me in counting their steps?

*edited grand 9/10/08 total 4931*

*edited again 9/11/08 total of 7904 (getting closer)*

You are Hereby Cordially Invited to the Party of the Century

2008-09-09T14:07:00.003-05:00

Yes, the almost five year old has huge plans for his birthday. He has been planning this since at least June. Just yesterday he informed me I was to send birthday invitations to not only all the family (which he named every last Aunt, Uncle, cousin and 2nd cousin twice removed) but all his friends, all his brother and sister's friends, all Daddy's friends, and all my friends. Let me tell you if I manage to pull off all he wants this is going to be huge. I mean MTV's "I'm a 16 year old spoiled rich girl, throw me the biggest party ever Daddy" reality show will have nothing on this. We are to start the party at the local air force base complete with soldiers and an airshow. I thought this was going to be the hardest part but the birthday fairy must listen to the wishes of an almost 5 year old because the local air force base is hosting an open to the public airshow the weekend of the birthday. I lucked out on that one. From there the party is going on a road trip. We will all be meeting at Santa Claus, Indiana where I am supposed to rent out Holiday World. We will be riding lots of roller coasters. I am also supposed to make them reopen their water park so we can do some "awesome" water slides. After that it is back to St. Louis so we can all go to a Cardinals game. I'm not sure they are even scheduled to be in town that weekend but I'm sure a small phone call and I can arrange something. After the Cards whoop butt on whatever team happens to be playing we will all head down to the arch grounds to watch a "sweet" fireworks show. Once again I'm sure all it will take to shut down the barge traffic on the Mississippi River for about a half hour would be a couple phone calls or a really polite e-mail. Finally after the fireworks we will all come to my home where we will have a BBQ (and you thought I wasn't going to feed you), cake, ice cream and play games. Oh, and can't forget presents. He would like to receive lots of army men. Let's see, his birthday is the end of this month, I still have time to organize this.

Music Monday

2008-09-08T17:23:00.004-05:00

Miss Stef from The Love Knot wants to know what music is speaking to me right now. Well I'm going to show my true dorky side. Laugh all you want but I am totally excited that The Block from New Kids is out. I haven't bought it... yet (please let me know if it is totally lame for a 30-something woman is buying the NKOTB CD). But I was so thrilled to hear of their reunion. I love their single Summertime and their video debut of the song on VH1 was the first time I've watched a music video in at least ten years. In some way the music of NKOTB lets me go back. Back to a time of friends, goofing off, slipping notes into my friends lockers, writing on bathroom walls that I loved Mark (I knew I didn't have a shot with Jordan), and cruising around with the buds in a stripped down Festiva singing acapella and making up our own words because it didn't even have a radio. So Danny, Donnie, Joey, Jordan, and Jon (and no, I did not name my youngest after him) thank you for making me feel like a kid again.

Those Gets a Bad Rap...

2008-09-05T10:00:00.004-05:00

Poor those (and that). When did such an everyday common pronoun with synonyms such as thingamajigs and doohickeys turn into an adjective meaning incomprihensible evil or ignorant? You know a word that is emphasized with disgust when spoke and usually accompanied by an eye roll. Those parents, those people, those neighbors, those kids. (and of course the singular that boy, that girl) Just the other day while innocently out shopping (being a kept woman is tough), I was told I was "One of thooooose parents." Oh no, I've been lumped into the rank of crazies and serial killers. How did this happen? There I was standing in the middle of racks of resell denim when a woman came up to JonJon and me and struck up a conversation with the little guy. First words out of her mouth were asking him how old he was and why wasn't he in school. JonJon is my shy one so he just scooted a bit closer to me and just gave her a "Why are you talking to me?" look (my thoughts exactly kiddo). I bit back my "None of your busniess." retort and just politely said that he was only four and therefore not in school yet. That is usually good enough for the nosey ones, after all the child is the size of a third grader so I can see the confusion. But she just carried right on "Well, he is in preschool right?" By now she has thrown me by her persistence so I just answered truthfully that "No, he was not. I am a sahm and he is my youngest and I'm just not ready to give him up." That was the moment I became one of thoooooose parents.

Off to Learn New Tricks

2008-09-02T14:53:00.006-05:00

Otherwise known as the first day of school. Ok, so I'm a bit of a slacker. Technically, the first day of school was like two weeks ago. I would like to tell you that my life has been sooooooo hectic that I just now found a spare thirty seconds to get the pictures off my camera and onto my computer. Unfortunately, I can't. Nor will I tell you that along with the kidlet's first day of school pictures I also downloaded our July beach vacation. As you can tell I'm so on top of things.

Here is the oldest all ready for 7th grade.

And the big 3rd grader.

A bit of (forced) sibling love.

And here is the death march *ahem* I mean the much anticipated walk to an exciting year of learning.

"Goodbye Eddie!"

Erica meets up with one of her BFFs. *squeeeeeal* *hugs* *giggles*

Ready to meet the new teacher.

Now it is just the little one, the doggie and me (and dad who works from home in the basement). JonJon is B-O-R-E-D and the puppy just sits by the front door all day waiting for her girl to come home. Me? Well this whole getting up at 7am is so not cool. Is it summer vacation yet?

Tears of a Clown

2008-08-29T00:33:00.004-05:00

Sometimes life seems incredibly unfair. I knew the day was coming, but being a living in denial type person, the news that a friend of mines health has taken a turn for the worse felt like a punch to the gut. To say her past six years have been tough would be a severe understatement. She's not only had to battle a life threatening disease but those who should have been her rock abandoned her. But through her strength, positive attitude, faith and will to live she has touched more lives than she probably knows, especially those of her children. I've thought of those beautiful children many times since hearing the news. I can not imagine what they are going through. My thoughts turn to my own children. What are they learning from me? I hope they learn to find happiness no matter what life throws at them. I hope they learn that if they don't like something change it. If they can not change it then accept it but don't dwell. I hope they learn that there is a healthy balance between living for today (me) yet planning for tomorrow (Dave). I hope they learn to not fear change. Change is good, it is exciting, and adds adventure to one's life. And even if the change is not so good that it is a growth opportunity. And I pray they learn to love, protect, and nurture each other and their loved ones. Most days I'd say they've got that one covered (except for the occasional sibling battles).

To my dear friend I pray God gives her peace and strength for whatever time He allows her here. And I pray her children feel her love for all their years.

New to the Blogiverse

2008-08-28T15:53:00.005-05:00

Well, here I am. My very first blog--ever. We've been told we have a fun house (I lean towards crazy house). I hope through this blog you can get a peek into our fun (or craziness). First let me direct you towards the center ring and introduce your entertainment. Dave and I married 13 years ago with huge plans and a well thought out future. Within 2 months the plans went out the window with a + sign on a stick and life has not been boring since. Eddie our oldest is quickly approaching the teen years (you have to have the word teen in the name for it to count to me). He is charming, goofy and very witty. Ed has already mastered the fine art of sarcasm and is pretty good at using it to be funny but not disrespectful. He also has my fantastic laid back attitude. Erica is my living breathing PDA. She makes sure everyone around her is doing exactly what they are supposed to do ON TIME. She is my little mini-me in looks but the polar opposite in attitude (should make for fun teenage years). But don't think for a minute the goof gene passed her by. She loves nothing more than to entertain. And JonJon, my little red haired, freckled nose, mischievous little (only in age) guy. He was the most easy going baby but as soon as he learned to walk I was in trouble. Thankfully he has outgrown the age of painting himself, the living room, and the dog in peanut butter and has turned into an energetic, always smiling and laughing preschooler. Now sit back and enjoy the show.