The Wee Hours, Revisited

*This is an old post I wrote a long time ago (When Kate and my mom were my only readers.) I thought it was an appropriate topic for today. Enjoy :)

I am not a morning person by any means. I am one of those "any excuse to stay in bed just a little longer" kind of people. Even though having children has forced me to wake up earlier then I would choose many times. But I found myself unable to stay in bed after Joe got up at 5am for work today. No kids were awake, not even the dogs. Just silence and me. So, I decided to sit on the back porch with a good book.

I am constantly amazed at how beautiful the early morning is, why don't I make an effort to get up early more often? (The bed is just TOO comfy, and I am just TOO grumpy first thing when I get up.) The sky was a beautiful sleepy blue with the sun just peaking over the trees, and then I saw the moon. It was so bright for the morning. I know, I know, the moon is often up still when the sun rises, but this was different. It seemed much brighter, as if to say "NO! I am not ready to just lay down quietly, I wanna be seen!"

I feel like that some days as a wife and mother. "NO! I want to be noticed for who I am, look at me, I am trying to get your attention!!" We as women sometimes lose our own individual voice and just become "mom." Not that there is anything wrong with that wonderful title, it is just important for us to not lose sight of who we are in the process.

Currently I have no clue who I am. I feel like a pre-teen trying to figure out where I fit in the world. I struggle with what I will do once my kids don't need me as much as they do now. The things I was once so passionate about now I find little interest in. My world truly revolves around my children (as it should) but, there is this little part of me that says "you can do so much more."

For now I will be like the bright early morning moon. Make my presence known "look at me! look at me!" and try finding myself through words in my blog, and then lay down during the day and let the sun (my children) shine all day long.

au revoir, adieu, ciao, till next time...

Practice Makes Perfect

The Buckeye Bolts... The cutest little flag football team you've ever seen :) These little guys practice Monday through Friday and I have yet to hear them complain! My munchkin is sure enjoying having his daddy on the field too. Season kick off is this Saturday, wish us luck!


Be prepared, I have a million pictures so far and the games haven't even started!! I seriously need someone to come over and help me get caught up on my scrap booking. I used to be so good at keeping up with all the memories. The kids got bigger and life got more demanding. I guess that's why I started this blog :)

My mom and dad will be flying out to see the munchkins first scrimmage. He is VERY excited. So I am off to clean my messy house since "real people" are going to see the inside. *eek*

au revoir, adieu, ciao, till next time...

Just Sit Down!

Do your kids sit on the couch when they watch Television? The reason I ask is because mine don't. They do everything but sit quietly on the couch.

...doing head stands, laying upside down, standing in the middle of the room, spinning in circles, on top of a dog, on top each other!

exhibit A:




*the reason for all the orange attire? Our favorite college football team The Clemson Tigers kick off in 13 days! We're a very prepared family :)

au revoir, adieu, ciao, till next time...

Wired On Diet Pepsi Randomness

I thought I would share some random hoopla because I have had too much caffeine this morning and can't seem to get my mind to stay on one subject (is it just me??)

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My mini-munchkin started gymnastics this week. I am THRILLED. When we first got to AZ she didn't want to do it anymore. Out of nowhere last week "mama, can i do gymnastics again?" YES!!!

Unfortunately I do not like the studio I signed her up with. She knows her stuff, even though she's 5, she's had over a year of training. This class was a bunch of kids goofing off, jumping on trampolines, etc. The coaches didn't even show them proper technique?!?! I know I sound like such a whack job, but I paid for lessons, not "happy fun time." I will be looking into other options.

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Football is going well, we are planning the football opening game jamboree right now. What's that you ask? It's like a carnival with football scrimmages being played at the same time. It also means I will be manning our teams booth, hopefully other moms will help so I don't get stuck doing it the entire time!

My son picked the #12 this year because it was my hubby's old football number. How cute is that?

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Did you know I have 3 tattoos (well, technically 4 because one was covered up) and I love them all.

Yes each one has a "story" or meaning. blah blah blah, I'm sure no one is that interested. Did they hurt? I say no, but everyone is different. YES I want more. 2 actually, on my sides. A Gladiolus on my right side and a Daffodil on my left. These are the flowers for the months my kids were born. I am still working on bribing my hubby into letting me get them. (Sorry mom!)

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Why can't people put their shopping carts away when they are at the grocery store? Is it really that hard to walk 20 feet and put it away in the little cart return slot? Every time I go to the grocery store I am forced to park in the South 40 because every spot close to the door is occupied by some shopping cart a lazy person couldn't put away!!! *ggrrrr*

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I have been obsessed with folk music lately. Damien Rice has been on my iPod non stop this week. Not sure what it is about Irish Folk singers that make me get all OCD and download all their songs. Darn them.

Here Have a listen:
(don't forget to pause the music player in the upper right of this blog)

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It's still hot in Arizona. I miss trees, water, being outside...

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Weight loss, slow going but still going :) I am loving my kick boxing class. It is the only work out that works my back. I like putting on my boxing gloves and getting all my aggression out. And of course they are pink boxing gloves. My grandfather used to box, he'd be proud.

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Well, I think my caffeine is wearing off (OH NO!) I am off to slice a million lemons for a Bunco fundraiser tonight. We're raising money for Relay For Life and guess what the chick who can't cook was asked to bring? Yup, lemons for the drinks. Perfect. So if you happen to be in the Phoenix area and want to support a good cause shoot me an e-mail or if you are not in the area you can donate! Just click the picture for more info.

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I hope you all have a fabulous, wonderful weekend. Sorry for the long rambling post. Goodness, I just looked at how much I typed, sorry!!!

au revoir, adieu, ciao, till next time...

Others Who Chatter... ObamaCare

There are times when I am reading blogs that I stumble upon a post I just HAVE TO SHARE. Do you ever have those moments? "Wow, this is such a great idea (or tip, or advice, or whatever) I wish it was on my blog!" Well, I am going to put some of them on here from time to time. *with permission of course*

Jeannie over at Jeanie's Happy World posted this the other day and I about died laughing, then of course I was scared for our country. But that's an entirely different discussion... Enjoy!


10 Signs you've joined ObamaCare, Letterman style:

(10) Your annual breast exam is done at Hooters.

(9) Directions to your doctor's office include, "Take a left when you enter the trailer park."

(8) The tongue depressors taste faintly of Fudgesicles.

(7) The only proctologist in the plan is "Gus" from Roto-Rooter.

(6) The only item listed under Preventive Care Coverage is "an apple a day.."

(5) Your primary care physician is wearing the pants you gave to Goodwill last month.

(4) The line, "The patient is responsible for 200% of out-of-network charges," is not a typographical error.

(3) The only expense covered 100% is "embalming."

(2) Your Prozac comes in different colors with little M's on them.

AND THE NUMBER ONE SIGN YOU'VE JOINED OBAMACARE:

(1) You ask for Viagra and they give you a Popsicle stick and duct tape .



Thanks Jeannie for the laughs!!!

au revoir, adieu, ciao, till next time...

Football In Full Swing

Gee, Lizzie, what have you been up to? We haven't seen you around much, we miss you SO much! Our lives aren't complete without you in it! (OK, I added that last part, ha ha)

me? Where have I been? Oh. I've been been busy with football.

than after that I'm busy with football just a bit more,

in the end it's all about football ... apparently.

Hubby is coaching, my son is playing, my daughter is, well, she's in charge of playing in the dirt on the sidelines. What is my job you ask?

Make sure the coaches are happy, sell goodies at the concession stand, keep dirty daughter off the field, apply many layers of bug spray to hubby, son, and dirty daughter, keep track of time, help other football moms with any of the above listed items, earn money for the team through sponsors, hydrate the entire world, and drag everyone home hungry and tired :)

So again, to answer what have I been up to?

football!

and I love every minute of it!
(adorable pictures of my munchkins throwing around the pigskin coming soon.)

au revoir, adieu, ciao, till next time...

Who Woulda Thunk It?

Happy Anniversary Sweetie!
I love you so much

"Bless The Broken Road"
by: rascal flatts

I set out on a narrow way many years ago
Hoping I would find true love along the broken road
But I got lost a time or two
Wiped my brow and kept pushing through
I couldn't see how every sign pointed straight to you

Every long lost dream led me to where you are
Others who broke my heart they were like Northern stars
Pointing me on my way into your loving arms
This much I know is true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you

I think about the years I spent just passing through
I'd like to have the time I lost and give it back to you
But you just smile and take my hand
You've been there you understand
It's all part of a grander plan that is coming true

Now I'm just rolling home
Into my lover's arms
This much I know is true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you

au revoir, adieu, ciao, till next time...

What About A Doggie Day?!

I notice this "Caturday" nonsense all over the internet every Saturday. What about a Doggie Day? Maybe there is one and I just don't know about it. Or better yet, dogs get everyday and cats just get Saturday! I'm not sure how it all works. Either way I was in the mood for some cute dog pictures :)

And since I'm in charge here I have decided to showcase Jack Russell's and Boxers cause that's what I have, and I think they're the best, ha ha. Hope you all have a nice Sunday.










(oh, did I forget to mention I'm a dog person?)

au revoir, adieu, ciao, till next time...

It's About Time!

I have been sitting pretty at 182 pounds for over a month now. Sure everyone hits weight loss plateaus, but come on! I'm at the gym at least 4 times a week, and eating well. I have kept a positive attitude on the outside. On the inside I have been screaming with frustration!

So this morning I step on the scale for my weekly weigh in...

178.4

YEAH, the last time I was in the 170's was before I had children. Yippy skippy! OK, I know some of you are thinking that is still a big number but for me it is a major milestone to get to pre-baby weight. I am thrilled. Bringing my grand total of pounds lost to 32 pounds. Which means I have officially past the half way mark to my ultimate goal.

Don't worry, I didn't celebrate by eating donuts. I decided to stay home, get on the treadmill while watching Rogers and Hammerstein's "South Pacific." Love that movie :)

What did I do different this week? The only thing I can think of is I drank a TON of coffee to keep up with my son's football schedule, ha ha.

Before (March 2009)

After... So Far (August 2009)

How did you do this week?

(also, want to appologize for not visiting your blogs as much this week, football, gym, dirty house... you get the picture!)

au revoir, adieu, ciao, till next time...

Wordless Wednesday, The Season Begins

Yup, it's that time of year again. We'll rush home do homework at the speed of light, gobble down dinner insanely early, load up the truck and head to the field. We'll get home late, tired and dirty, clean up and hit the hay. Then we'll wake up and do it all over again. Football has begun!

au revoir, adieu, ciao, till next time...

I Can Be A Foodie Too! (well, kinda)

I love reading about my blogging buddies yummy culinary creations! I wish scrumptious aromas often filled the air in my own kitchen. Well, I've decided to do something about it. I too can document my fabulous food concoctions!

Today's assistant will be my lovely daughter.

The delicatessen of choice? Box cupcakes, yum :)

Step 1: Turn box over and read the back, collect ingredients.
(after you chug a glass of wine)

Step 2: Pick out your cupcake cups.
(this will eliminate any unnecessary cleanup)

Step 3: Put cups into pan, arrange in a colorful pattern, a MUST!
(in my experience it makes the cupcakes taste better, i swear)

Step 4: Put packaged mix, eggs, water, and oil into large bowl.
(if you spill the powder as it comes out of the bag just scoop it off the floor and add to bowl, no one will know!)

Step 5: Make the hired help do the mixin'.
(watch her though, she can be a real messy cook)

Step 6: Time for a taste test!
(nothin' like some raw egg goodness!)

Step 7: Does it taste good? if it doesn't then abort immediately.
(OR finish the yucky cupcakes and give to a friend!)

Step 8: If it does taste good, then lick the mixer beaters!
(am I the only one who's tongue can't reach the center pole?)

Step 9: Admire your handy mixing skills, and thank the help.
(meaning bribe her with candy so she'll leave and quit eating it)

Step 10: Pour mix into cups, stick in oven.
*be sure to turn the oven on... VERY important.
(note the beautifully clean oven? the advantages of being a bad cook!)

Step 11: Banish the mixer the the "chamber of never used appliances."
(kind of like the "Island of Misfit Toys" without the island, or the misfit toys)

Step 12: Take out of oven and place on a plate to cool.
(be sure to keep out of reach of dogs. They like cupcakes on the counter... apparently.)

Steps 13 - 15 are not available due to next batch being left in too long, smoke detector going off and hands being burned trying to remove said burned cupcakes from the oven without pot holder. *ouch* No children or animals were harmed in the making of this post.

Good luck and happy baking!

au revoir, adieu, ciao, till next time...

Museum Collages, Too Much Fun!

The Children's Museum of Phoenix.
"Crazy Camera Lady" came along, I took a million pictures.
We all had a fabulous time playing together.
Click for larger collages, Enjoy!

The ceiling was decorated with thousands of paper origami crane's.
The kids loved catching the scarves that fell from the sky.
Huge crawl through tubes made everyone giggle.
Daddy even played with some of the "air experiments."

At the art studio the munchkins created painted bugs.
The tricycle obstacle course was a big hit by all.
My girl created her own flower garden.
We learned about gravity!

Time for some grocery shopping at the market.
Fish made from recycled laundry bottles hung on the walls.
We loved running through the Noodle Forest!
The kids were our chefs at the kiddie cafe.

My favorite part of the day.
A quiet nook perfect for a good book.
Tired kids enjoyed snuggling with mama.
A perfect end to a perfect day!

au revoir, adieu, ciao, till next time...