Manic Monday

Imagine you're packing a picnic lunch. What would be in your basket? Are kids involved? PBJs, apples, baby carrots, juice and water. Adults: cheese and crackers, olives, some crusty sandwiches, and wine.

If your life were a weather vane, which direction would it be pointing right now? Which ever way the wind is blowing? Since school is out, it is going to be fairly laid back summer.

What's something that people do in traffic that really annoys you? Kind of funny you should ask this, I took this pic with my Iphone in traffic today. Do you see what I see on that truck? Look closer, just below the tag....yeah, those are truck balls. Now who in their right mind decides it is a grand idea to hang balls from their trucks? Not only that, but when Will asks, "Mommy, what is that?" Nice.....wait until your dad gets home, ask him!

Fleur-de-Lisa hosts the original Manic Monday here

Awesome weekend here....we did a little kite flying.

Will had his final soccer game. I had a Mother-of-the-Year moment: I had another game on my calendar for him. So I left before the end to get dinner started. I was so sad when he walked in the house beaming with his new trophy! Oh smell, it happens.

This morning, I dropped him off at his first camp. He is going to a half day soccer camp. He looked so little out there with all the big kids. He didn't say much to me about it except a minor problem in the bathroom: he couldn't get the faucet on to wash his hands! But when he was telling Husband about it, he went on and on about it. Husband said he hasn't heard him talk that much about anything!

First week of summer vacation has started!

Friday fill in

1. If we had no winter, the kids would never get to ride those fun sleds.

2. Things that come out of the kids' mouths a perpetual astonishment.

3. If I had my life to live over I would try to relax a bit. *pic taken at the pool from my neighbor in TX**

4. I try to live in the time of here and now inside of four and twenty hours.

5. If you've never been thrilled then I am sad for you.

6. To be interested in the changing seasons means I need to check my allergy meds.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to pizza with the family, tomorrow my plans include soccer for the boy and Sunday, I want to veg!

Mother's Day: an interview

Picture of Will and me at the Mother's day tea at his preschool. Blurry, but the only one I could get on my Iphone. Also he is smooching his lips, so that I wouldn't see his food! silly boy!

Will: I really love it when my mom tickles me.
Livi: I really love it when my mom snuggles me.

W: My mom likes to snuggle.

L: My mom likes to love on me.

W: My mom always tells me, "Stop, chewing on baby." (**a little baby he sleeps with, no child is getting gnawed on my my little boy!)

L: My mom always tells me to "Clean my room!"

W: The best thing she does is love me.

L: The best thing she does is snuggle me.

W: It makes her happy when I kiss her until she laughs.

L: It makes her happy when I love on her.

W: My mom loves to cook
L: My mom loves to do the house blessing.

W: I like it when she hugs me.
L: I like it when she cooks dinner.

W: The best thing she cooks is pasta.
L: The best thing she cooks is cheesy pasta.

W: When my mom shops she likes to buy Cheese Its and chex mix

L: When my mom shops she likes to buy food.

W: My mom’s favorite household chore is getting it up and down (cleaning both floors)

L: My mom's favorite household chore is to clean the floors and use her new vacuum.

W: My mom’s favorite TV show is 'trash' tv
L: My mom's favorite TV show is the news.

W: At shops she likes to apples and bananas.

L: At shops she likes to buy mommy chips (tortilla chips).

W: At the hotel, she likes to swim in the pool.
L: At the hotel she likes to help us go to bed.

W: and L: If she could go on a trip, she would go to Disney world

W: I love my mom because she is my mommy

L: I love my mommy because I just love her.

This weekend, Will's soccer game got rained out.....so both he and Husband were able to go to Livi's first ballet recital. She is in "creative dance". It was quite cute to see all these 3 and 4 years old dancing to their songs.

Friday Fill In

And...here we go!

1. Apples are to oranges as laundry is to cleaning.

2. So happy it is the weekend and that's all I have to say about that.

3. I think I hear the quiet house, kids are sleeping.

4. You're a grand ol' flag. (Will is learning this for his preschool pre-K graduation.)

5. Do what you want to do, but have fun while you are doing it....it was raining cats and dogs today. This is the street in front of our home....when it rains, get your raincoat and boots.....Then go have some fun!

6. The kids were dragging every tw0 and four wheeled toy out of the garage and behind him was a Radio Flyer wagon; in the wagon was a bucket filled with bottles of bubbles and sidewalk chalk.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to Livi's ballet recital, tomorrow my plans include grocery shopping and Sunday, I want to have my favorite meal for Mother's Day!

Friday fill in courtesy of the talented Janet...

Manic Monday

Fleur-de-Lisa hosts the original Manic Monday here

What's the best summer job you ever had? babysitting...the mom would tip really well after having a glass or more at the end of the evening.

Tell me about the worst date you ever went on.: I had been teaching for a couple of years. There was this super cute student teacher. We did the standard first date: dinner and a movie. When he picked me up in this car that looked like its next stop should be the scrap yard...I really tried not to judge. He was just finishing up school. He walked around to open the door, kind of impressed. He was a coach, didn't seem like the type! Once he got in on his side, he said, "That door is a wee bit loose." uumm, excuse me...what do you mean loose, define loose. I kid you not, after the dinner on the way to the movie, the freaking door fell OFF! Now that I look back at it, it just sounds funny.

Do you think the age for a driver's license should be raised (currently 16 here in the U.S.)? Since mine are more than 10 years from the age, I really have no opinion. Granted most of my friends did get in wrecks within a few months of getting their permit.

future driver in 2019

future driver in 2020

pics randomly found on my Iphone from recently....the kids love taking pictures of themselves.

Friday Fill In

1. Apparently there's some sort of diva at Will's soccer game...she is modeling Husband's sunglasses. She was striking poses as I was trying to take pics of Will at his game.

2. Soccer on a sunny day is the best.

3. 2009 has had WAY TOO MUCH winter so far.

4. Moment I got sentimental.....Will's kindergarten registration this morning that was it.

5. For too long I've been waiting for spring.

6. I am not obsessed with my Iphone; I am not!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to Will's soccer game, tomorrow my plans include more soccer and Sunday, I want to surf Etsy for some fun stuff....bet you thought I was going to say sleep in!

Friday fill in courtesy of the talented Janet...

Friday fill in

1. Join me in a great afternoon of fun and sunshine.

2. Put a little sunshine and happiness in your day!

3. Happiness is seeing tulips along the walk around the neighborhood.

4. Dressing in her brother's swim suits and confused is how Livi dressed while we were washing my car this afternoon.

5. I'm waiting for spring to stay.

6. A glass of wine is hard to resist.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to veggie pizza with the family , tomorrow my plans include haircuts for the boys, yardwork, and just being outside in this gorgeous weather and Sunday, I want to sleep in & make some crab cakes!

Friday fill in courtesy of the talented Janet...

Monkey : kid style

What started out as kind of a "drooly" day, as the kids would say......turned out to be fairly busy.

First thing in the morning, Monkey noticed that we had a dog. He has had his fair share of dogs on this adventure. Josie, our French Bulldog, is about as easy going as they come. Monkey had to give her a little poke to even wake her up! "Oh yeah, I can handle this one!"

"Come here, little puppy....let me read your mind??"

Will had to see what all the forehead bumping was all about! Sorry little Monkey, all I know are some sight words and a few knock knock jokes!

Once the "drooly" rain let up, we headed outside to get some of that energy that Monkeys and kids seem to have an unlimited supply. Will was sure to show the little Monkey some tips and tricks on the trampoline.....complete with scratching of the pits and ooohhh oohh awwee awwes!

Now this is more like it...a teeter toter, you do all the work. I am just hanging on here.

Do you kids ever stop?? I am tired! Okay, okay....let's go inside for some quiet time.

I was fairly certain soccer practice was going to be cancelled. But after a good few hours of sunshine....off we went. Oh yeah....my Mommy taught me to drive. yeah yeah whatever....buckle up you silly little Monkey!

Look at those blue skies and all that greem grass. After the horrible ice storm this winter...it feel so good to see and feel sunshine.

"Monkey, you kick the ball...not hang in the nets!" PS...yes, Will has a black eye. Monkey was showing him some flips on the couch. He tried them as well!

Kind of a mundane Thursday...but very true to our life! We are loving having this little Monkey in our home!

Photostory Friday: Monkey Feet

We have had so much fun with a silly little sock monkey. When I signed up for this visit last spring, I just thought it would be fun for the kids. But it has been so awesome to see the smiles on people's faces when they see him. Everyone is happy to see a monkey, many have stories of monkeys they have owned previously.

After the kids came in from bouncing on the trampoline, the sat on the mat outside the door to get their feet wiped off. It had been raining and misting all day. Their feet were a little damp, bits of grass clinging to their toes. As the kids plopped down, Will stuck Monkey's feet right up there too! I couldn't help but laugh. What it is about this little sock Monkey that brings so much laughter?

PS, if you have not kept up with the little Monkey, here is his blog: Monkey Me, Monkey You


Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

Monkey's Movie

While trying to figure out a setting on the kids' camera, I found out it could record audio. Who knew? Note...lower your volume if you don't want your speakers blown out. Livi starts singing REALLY loud!

Photostory: Itchin' Kitchen

Will has been doing so well in Pre-K. It is so exciting to see him reading. One of the many things they do is to practice reading "word families". His teacher, Miss Linda, will write -at on the board. The kids will give her -at words......bat, cat, fat, hat, mat, etc. So his rhyming skills are awesome!

Tonight at dinner, I said something about my eyes itching. We had done some yard work this afternoon. My allergies are already kicking in at high speed. With my southern accent, it sounded like "itchin'". All of a sudden, Will says, "Itchin' bitchin' kitchen".

I really had to supress a giggle. Far be he realize it is a "bad" word. Mike Rowe has already taught him a few choice words!



Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

tuesday with tommie

WHAT I’M READING: can't remember the name of the book...but something is on my nightstand

WHAT I’M WATCHING: Believe it or not, the DVR is empty, so I am watching Dancing with the Stars and House....flipping back and forth to not have to watch commercials.

WHAT I’M LISTENING TO: Josie snoring...(at least she isn't tooting).

Had to add what Will said today. We were outside doing some yard work. Bugs are starting to fly around, one flew very near or in his ear. Swatting at his ear, he said, "What in the hell is in my ear?" WHAT??? I admit, I have slipped a few times but that is not my choice of swear words. He said he heard it on "Dirty Jobs" with Mike Rowe. Damn Mike Rowe!

WHAT I’M WEARING: green tank and shorts...It is St Patrick's Day.

WHAT I’M EATING: had my favorite penne for dinner....penne, kalamata olives, spinach, feta, all tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette....so yummy, so yummy, in the party in my tummy

WHAT I’M ENJOYING: my Iphone....I took this pic with it. I was going to do some fun sepia tones on it, but it really shows the true pumpkin orange color of the bathroom downstairs. I was trying to get the back of it. I got it cut today and she did a great job! To think, this tuesday with tommie started six weeks ago when I got my hair cut and colored last time.

WHAT I’M SNIFFING: Brisket.....Husband is having a lunch at his work tomorrow. It smells so good!

Happy Tuesday, y'all

tuesday with tommie

***I thought I was getting all creative and artsy shooting a pic in front of the brick. But the wind was blowing like a "herd-a-cane (Livi and Will speak for hurricane). Then I glanced up just as the the camera took the picture.....dang...I need to get my roots done. PS, I have an appointment next week. Bring on the color. I am too young to go gray!***

WHAT I’M READING: Just got the new Real Simple for April 2009. Kind of exciting just to write April...I am so over winter. Remind me why I wanted seasons???

WHAT I’M WATCHING: I have NEVER gotten into American Idol.....so I am forced to watch Rock of Love the Superfan challenge episode

WHAT I’M LISTENING TO: during the day I listen to my favorite radio station podcasts..Bobby Bones out of Austin. I can listen to his morning show online if I am home. But I tend to run errands while the kids are at preschool. But it is so easy to download the podcasts to my Iphone.

WHAT I’M WEARING: jammie pants....t-shirt....it is 9:30 at night.

WHAT I’M EATING: had Chinese for dinner....chicken with veggies. It was only okay.

WHAT I’M ENJOYING: I love Tuesday evenings.....Monday and

Tuesday days are pretty busy. We made cookies today, then rushed off to ballet for Livi. Wednesdays are so laid back.

WHAT I’M SNIFFING: Mississippi Mud cookies (recipe in the previous link) we made today. These were really good! You melted chocolate to mix into the butter and sugar. Oh me, oh my! They really were yummilicious! Want one, we have plenty left over even after sharing with the neighbors and the kids' teachers.

Manic Monday

What would you do with an extra hour each day? Easy .....I'd sleep.

Do you wear a watch? Yes......If so, tell us about it. I recently just bought a Bulova for my last big birthday. It is a gorgeous stainless steel watch with a face that looks pink or white depending on the light. I love it!

If not, how do you keep track of time?

If it was possible, would you want to know how many days you had left to live? Oh, very deep question for a Monday night. But I don't think I would want to know.

I hope listen to my heart and live each day as best as I can, I know I try.

Fleur-de-Lisa hosts the original Manic Monday here

PS...no muffins today. I think we are going to move muffin Monday to Tuesday and call it Tuesday treats. Mondays are way too busy around here. Also both of these pics were taken one year ago ! I searched "listen" on my Flickr.

Happy Monday, y'all!

Manic Monday and a cookie

Fleur-de-Lisa hosts the original Manic Monday here

What's one of the simple pleasures in your life? I would definitely say baking and cooking with the kids. I started muffin Monday when Husband was deployed. It has since become a tradition. We have made some great muffins, shared them with friends, and learned to bake in the process. Unless one kid is sick, we pretty much do some type of baking every week.

What do you like to snack on when you watch a movie? Husband's popcorn: air popped with butter and a bit of salt. I don't like movie theater popcorn at all! When I was younger I used to mix Sugar Babies with popcorn. It was like caramel popcorn right in your mouth!

If you were a Survivor contestant, what would be your luxury item? Probably something practical like a Swiss Army knife or a Leatherman.

We decided to make cookies this week for a little change in the routine. I asked Will why he wanted them, he said because they had chocolate. Can't argue with that logic?

We used the recipe on the back of the Nestle chocolate chip bag. I didn't have a whole bag, so we mixed mini semi-sweet chips and big milk chocolate chips. We added the pecans as well. They really were good! As usual, plate and share with friends.

Want one?

Photohunt: bridge

Totally shamelessly reusing a pic AND post I have already done. But when I saw the theme was bridge....this is the shot and thoughts I thought of.....

This past summer we had a hectic transition from TX to KY. This picture was taken during the month long stint of living with my mom. There is this awesome park in the big town next to my podunk America town. Totally worth the drive into town for a little fun. This park had towers, bridges, swings, things to climb on, ramps to run down, and just about every fun thing a kid could have fun. Will would try to walk down this rope bridge every single time we went. Will is more cautious than Livi. But finally by the end of our month in OK, he mastered this bridge. He would practically run down the little ropes.

Just like this rope bridge, we have been in KY for almost three months now. He is excelling at preschool. He is starting to read. He is excited about learning addition. He is making friends. He loves the days when he they don't have time to finish some work. Then he gets to finish "homework". Seeing him master these basic skills is so exciting!

He is mastering just one more rope bridge in his little life. That is what makes me excited!