This is my official Holiday Post. Gingerbread tastes like shit.

With the holidays rapidly approaching, I figured it was time for a new post. I'm a blogging slacker anymore. Mostly because I can't think of a title. (As evidenced above.)

I've been stressing. Not about the holidays, about life in general again. Involving work and money. While I really enjoy money, I do not enjoy the act of working, nor do I enjoy working and still having no money. How the hell does that happen??

Once again the holidays have snuck up on me. I kept putting off getting my official Christmas shirts to see Santa, something I do every single year, and now it is too late and we will be sporting whatever red shirts I find in the closet. Christmas-1. Mommy-0.

So I made gingerbread men with my son the other night, just to partake in a holiday tradition. While I was stirring up the dough, I was already about to vom. It smells horrendous. Like, really, REALLY bad. But I can honestly say I've had really good gingerbread before, so I figured I'd give it a shot. I set up a section of the counter with all different icings & sprinkles so that my son could decorate until his little hearts content. What did we end up with you ask? Gingerbread men with sad faces made of red hots. Yes, he gave them sad faces. Isn't that so sad?? Whatev. They tasted liked shit anyway, so they're totally just to look at. We're re-doing the cookie thing tonight with no-fail sugar cookies. But I can get kinda crazy when it comes to baking, like, I MUST bake to perfection. I MUST decorate to perfection. It's my thing. So it takes a LOT for me to let my kid have a little fun in the kitchen around the holidays, bc I truly want my baked goods to look better & taste better than everyone else's. I'm competitive with my cookies & cakes. I made some reindeer face cookies for his preschool party last week (my favorite place to show off my skills...to 4 year olds...)and I sent a pic to my bff's phone, and when I got the response "God damn fuckin Betty Crocker", I knew I did good. "Martha Stewart" is also an acceptable comparison.

Merry Christmas to you & yours, from me & mine. :)

                                                                Merry effing Christmas.

                                             Just kidding....there ya go. Some happy faces.

No matter your age or marital status, no one wants to be seen buying a pregnancy test.

So my husband told me months ago, that pills are NOT the best form of birth control for me, bc I can't remember SHIT. I can't. But I really wanted to try. Bc I had previously used the ring, which hurt my vag pretty bad, not gonna lie, and the stupid shot made me gain a good 15 lbs. Not fair. To hurt my vag therefore ruin the "sex life", or be fat, or hope to remember pills??? I'm gonna pick hope to remember pills.

Well I did NOT remember a couple of those pills, hence going to buy a pregnancy test. I held it in my left hand so people would see my diamond as I clutched that box, and of course I stopped along the way for decoy items. Kids toothpaste & CARS body wash. I'm such a mom. And OF COURSE, I've NEVER seen a line at the self scan until I need to DISCREETLY BUY A  PREGNANCY TEST. It;s not so discreet when I'm standing in line in the middle of the people packed isle.

FYI-Test #1 was neg. Test #2 comes in the morning.

UPDATE: Saving test #2 for next month. Started. lol At exactly 4:30 am. How do I know this? Let me tell you the timeline of my night: 9:45pm- go to bed. 11:00-baby wakes up crying, hubs brings her into our bed bc it's one of THOSE nights. 12:00am-wake up & vomit bc of nasty pizza for dinner. yay. 12:30-more baby crying. 4:00-son comes into our room crying bc he wants his blanket, that we could not find anywhere before bed. 4:30-baby crys some more. 4:31-monthly visitor arrives. slight feeling of sadness. 4:34-hubs gives baby a bottle & had a great idea to chekc under ottoman for said blanket. Blanket is found. 4:45- son starts puking due to nasty pizza as well. 5:30-son still puking. 6:30- still puking. 6:45- get up to work my first saturday on a new schedule. 7:15-leave for work. come home at 12:15, let myself off early bc we had a familt thanksgiving at 1:30. son is still puking. ;( and mommy is EXHAUSTEEDDDDDDDDDD.

My love for Whitecastle

All I have to say, is my kids just had their first Whitecastle sliders...

AND THEY FUCKING LOVED 'EM.

Mind you, they were the frozen microwavable kind (a burger in 60 seconds! AMAZING!) so they haven't even had the GOOD shit yet.

And for all of you out there, that think the WC is gross, eff off. That stuff is da bomb. Seriously. I grew up on that. And the closest one in about 2 hrs away, and I seriously considered moving over it after high school. My family used to make trips into Columbus every Sunday for WC. SO GOOD. Good enough for after church food.

I nearly cried last time I was in Columbus a few months ago for a bach. party, and stopped & got Burger King (ack!) with my last few dollars, only to look up and realize there was a Whitecastle across the street. It was the liveliest I was that entire night. I may or may not have gotten teary eyed. You decide.

If you live down south, Krystal is a close substitute, but still not the same. But I'll take it. (Come to think of it, down south is where all the good food is. Quincy's, anyone?? Holla.)

And if you haven't had it, we are no longer friends. Okay we are, but only if you try it & YOU LIKE IT. I'm so serious about this.

Life is good.

Wow, it's been awhile since I've posted. I'm feeling very reflective today. I've been reading a blog, that I absolutely love. Go to http://www.kellehampton.com/ if you haven't already, and read Nella's story. And then keep reading. Kelle is a mother of 2 girls (and 2 bonus sons as well) that learned upon her youngest daughters arrival, that she had down's syndrome. It is an excrutiatingly heartfelt, painful, loving, amazing, and beautifully written birth story. It was also featured in Parent's magazine, I believe it was, just a few months ago. Many have read Nella's Story, but I encourage you to read & follow this amazing blog. She truly, truly has a way with words, and writing her feelings in a way, I only wish I could. She is awesome!

One of Kelle's posts, was about the grays of her day and the color of her day. The gray being something not so uplifting, and the color being some happiness.

So here's the grays of my day today:

My husbands grandmother is very ill, and in the hospital. Please pray for her, we love her dearly. And it occured to me last night, that we have not taken a pic of her yet with little miss Brynn. And this rips my heart out that we don't have these pictures. I pray for her, and for Brynn, that she gets well, and I swear we will take a lot of pictures!

Another shade of gray: just life in general beating us up. There's never enough money. There's always something that comes up when we get any. My hubs has been gone a lot lately, working all day, class 2 nights a week, on the off days, he's either been putting a new motor in his truck that was on it's last leg, or helping his cousin with gutting their new house, which hubs is doing the electrical work.

The colors of my day: We are all healthy. We have a warm home, we have food in the fridge. We had some family fun at the pumpkin patch last weekend. The baby is taking nap #3 already today, I'm glad for the break, and bc she is getting over this cold. My son is playing happily today, and even VOLUNTEERED to vacuum the living room. And did a pretty good job at it. I'm glad I have a good man in my life, that manages to make things work out for us. Yeah times are tough. But really, how tough are they in comparison? I'm sitting here in a cushy chair, on my laptop, my son is wearing head to toe gap athletic clothes, watching tv on a plasma hanging on the wall, and I have to go do laundry that has piled up bc we have enough to allow it to pile up. Life is good.

This is a pic from late august/early sept...but I love his smile here...(and I gotta figure out how to download pics onto this laptop...maybe I'll do that tonight!)

When it rains, it pours. So where can I get cute rain boots, size 8?

I haven't been a very active internetish person the past 2 days, the baby was in the hospital. We now believe she had a simple stomach virus, and she is feeling better ut still not up to par.

We took her to the ER Tuesday night around 9:30-10 pm, bc she started vomiting around 8 out of nowhere. The girl had  agreat day, there was not even the slightest cold-like symptom. But she just randomly started vomiting & gagging horribly, and I just could not let her go through the night like that, I didn't want her getting dehydrated. So off the ER we go. Which is EXACTLY in our budget right now, let me tell you. Hopefully we've met our out of pocket max for the year, or I'm going to be making payments for a long, long time.

Anyway, in the ER they did some bloodwork, did a chest xray, and said she had pneumonia. Ummm hello? What? Pneumonia? She hasn't even freakin SNEEZED. But I'm not a doctor, so what do I know? Then her white blood cells were elevated, so they decide they need to do a spinal tap to check for meningitis. And then tell me horrible meningitis is and all of the horrible things that cold happen. Needless to say, I stood in the hallway with the hubs, crying for awhile until they came out & said the spinal fluid was clear. Thank God, bc it was one of those moments where I was just wondering if things that you hope will never happen, were going to happen. Worst. feeling. ever.

They finally admitted her and got us a room in peds around 4am. We were exhausted. She still vomited some in the morning, so she wasn't allowed to eat for 8 hours to allow her stomach to rest. She finally started taking some pedialyte this morning, and eventually took a bottle, all of which has stayed down. Now, we have diarrhea instead. The doctor wanted to keep her another night, but honestly, it's too much for out family to do that, and we can't afford for hubs to miss more work. I think I can handle the diarrhea. I've done it numerous times with my son, and she's going to her regular doctors office early in the morning, so I'm really not worried about it. I think she'll be fine.

And on top of this, hubs is in his cousins wedding this weekend, so will be tied up Friday & Saturday nights. Hopefully, she'll be well enough we can still make it to the wedding.

So keep little miss Brynn in your prayers. She acts fine, you'd never know something was wrong with her. So hopefully her poop turns to more soft serve rather than pond water. ;)

I'm baaaaaaaacccckkkkkkk

Hello my little monsters! Yes, I AM actually Lady Gaga. No, not really, but I do enjoy a good meat dress when appropriate.

There I go getting off track already.

So my computer literally melted last week. Don't ask. So Hubs debated the options for a few days and finally decided to buy a laptop, which I am on now. Hopefully he fixes the desktop soon as well. I kinda miss my giant way too expensive super duper computer screen. It's pretty awesome as far as computer monitors go. And I was pissed when he bought it. Ha.

Huh well this would be maybe a bit more interesting but there is a baby staring at me whining, like she wants food or something. Peace out dolls.

(Dolls. What was Kourteney thinking wanting another baby with Scott????)

rah rah oo la la la rah ma rum mama gaga oo la la.....BAD ROMANCE

I just like that song. Still.

So.

Another of my fav bloggers- a blogging DUO actually called out my next post idea in the comments of my last fab hair post. Thank you, Two-Non Blondes. Unicorns & sparkles to you. And skulls. What? Ok.

In my last post, I briefly discussed the kissy face. This is also known as the duck face. And there is a wholllllle website devoted to it, and it's NOT FACEBOOK. I know. It is this masterpiece: antiduckface.com

Read the comments. Add you own. Live it, love it, REMEMBER IT.

NO KISSY/DUCK FACES.

I have compiled a list of requirements on kissy/duck face pics, based on what I've seen here, and splashed all over facebook.

1. Obviously, the kissy/ duck lips. Duh.

2. Cleavage.

3. Throwing the deuces. "Peace sign" for you old, un-hip folks.

4. Camera angled from above your face, at arm's distance, bc you know you look too stupid to actually do this in front of someone while they take your picture.

5. Background must be either home bathroom, bar bathroom, or teenage bedroom. Sometimes, the setting will also be a sports game/party.

6. There will be beer.

7. Girl's arm must be around a guy if another person is in the picture. Usually he's black.

8. If not a guy, another chick, also making a duck face & throwing deuces.

9. A tan.

10. Heavy eyeliner.

6 out of 10 requirements must be met to achieve. Just kidding, just put that stupid so not sexy pout on your face!!!

And here's a couple of pics of MY duck face...WAIT, WAIT!! I THOUGHT I HAD SOME AND I DO NOT HAVE ANY!!! I SWEAR I THOUGHT I DID! So here's the closest you get:

*Insert catchy title here*

So thanks to my fav blogger in all the land Kelly, at Speaking From The Crib, for inspiring today's post. Go here to see what all the fuss is about.

I took her advice and cut my hair. French bob style, a la Kristin Cavallerri. Yeah she's still around. I always liked her on Laguna...

Anywho- I chopped the mane. Mostly bc my dream of Kardashian/Aniston/well mostly Kardashian hair is just never coming true and I really need to just get over it. Every time my hair gets past my shoulders, I'm all like Hells yeah, I'm gonna have to hottest hair in all the land. And it never happens. What REALLY happens, is I put a bunch of shit in my hair, including but not limited to, mousse, gel, silk therapy, blow dry lotion, and use a plethera of styling tools, including but not limited to, blow dryer, crappy flat iron, crappy curling iron, velcro rollers, hot rollers...And what I end up with is...

...crappy looking hair that feels crappy and is in crappy condition.

And then comes my ponytail. Or my high school trademark of I don't even know what it's called, but I pull half my hair through the ponytail at my attempt for the messy, but I spent forever on this look. Which is also crap. I'd post a pic but as I told my facebook friends, I don't really like taking pics of myself, and I think the whole kissy-face that every girl makes when they take their own pic is getting a little out of hand, don't you think?

I mean really? Is that kissy face supposed to be hot or sexy or something? It looks effing retarded if you ask me. (disclaimer: I believe I have ONE of these pics on my fb page- BUT in my defense, it is at least 3 years old, I did not take it of myself, and it was when I still drank occasionally, and this was one of those occasions. I do not get all dolled up to take pics in front of myself in front of my bedroom mirror or bar bathroom. Bc that's where all the others seem to be at.)

When life hands you lemons...

...make some lemonade.

...add vodka.

...OR JUST GO THE FUCK OFF.

Hello pleasant MNAN readers. All 3 of you. I'm here today to discuss something I'm officially calling bullshit on.

I am a good person. I am. Sometimes I say the F word a lot, and often times I speak about people in ways I would never really say to their face. But generally, I am good. I heart my family, I work hard, and I've worked hard to get this family to where we are. I have a lot of pride, though we still go without most all of our wants in life at this point. Here's why I'm pissed today:

I'm pissed bc I've been out of school for over 2 years now and still have yet to secure full time employment. I'm pissed bc I've spent hundreds of dollars on stamps to mail out resumes, knowing full well that no one is hiring, but someday they might, and appreciate my persistence. I'm pissed bc in college they tell you a bunch of shit about how you're bettering yourself, and you will just love your profession, and this is the best thing you've ever done in your whole entire life. I'm pissed bc I saw the light at the end of the tunnel. I'm pissed bc everytime I feel like I catch a much-deserved break, I get slapped in the face.

Without going into too much detail, I have been blessed enough to qualify for unemployment benefits. I got an e-mail today that I may lose them for reasons that are entirely, 100% not my fault. The system needs to change, that's the bottom line. And I have a great feeling I'm going to get screwed in the process. Bc I told the truth. However, if I was a liar and could do that not feel guilty, I'd be just fine. Isn't that GRAND?????

I'm pissed at my former employer who has PROMISED I will receive my job back in due time, but yet again, when a full time person quit, the position was not even offered to me and someone else has the job, when I've got 2 years and literally blood, sweat and tears into that place. And they can STILL tell me that they love me, and want me to be there & keep me employed. Really? Bc you sure as hell don't act like it. I'm sick of people being hired over me. So sick of it. Even if I did go back, at this point I'm so pissed, they'd probably start disliking me pretty fast. I'm pissed bc my other job as well is a dead end.

So how long do I have to wait for a full time position? How long? I would just go back to school now, but I have a ton of student loans out there that I haven't even begun to pay back. Otherwise I'd do something else in a heartbeat. It kills me, that something I worked so hard for has failed me. It's failed me for over 2 years now. My only hope, is there is a chain dental office being constructed in town now, and I pray to God I can get in there. In my head, I'm already hired. I try to positive all the time, I keep telling myself that what's meant to be will be, but how long will it take? How long does my family have to live paycheck to paycheck? This is just ridiculous. I never do anything for myself, everything I do, I do for my kids, and I haven't even bought their fall clothes yet bc we've been trying to get back on our feet since my initial lay-off, and I swear, like we finally got there this week. We got caught u[p on everything, paid bills a month ahead like we usually do, I did do a little shopping for the baby & got halloween costumes, we went to an amusement park last weekend, going to a football game this weekend, things have been looking up. And his whole unemployment thing has screwed me again.

Sorry for the vent, I'm just so irritated now. One of these days I'll have something happy & funny to post about again, I promise.

Remembering Sept. 11th

When we go to history class throughout school, we learn about certain days that meant something big. But they were always so long ago, before my time. You never know when one of those days will happen in your lifetime. We learned about when Kennedy was shot, D-Day, Independence Day... My kids are going to learn about September 11th, 2001.

I remember walking into my junior year physics class, whatever class I had just left, didn't have the tv on, so we didn't even know yet. I walked in and there was maybe 7 students already in class, and everyone was sitting quietly in their seats watching tv. The teacher was sitting behind his desk, watching tv. I sat down, and started watching having no idea what was going on. I saw the towers, lots of smoke everywhere, and the news was covering it all. I remember sitting there watching as the 2nd plane was headed straight for the other tower. Just watching. Helplessly. As the rest of the country did as well. I can't even imagine what the poor people inside were thinking seeing this plane coming right for them. It's horrible, it's awful, it's absolutely heartbreaking. At this point, no one really knew what was going on or who was really behind all of this. I remember panicking, KNOWING we were going to war with SOMEONE. We didn't even know who yet. I remember knowing in my gut, this was major. This was going to be an all-out war, and so many service people were going to go. And I remember thinking what if we don't have enough people? What if they call my brother back? What does this mean for our country?? So much uncertainty. I remember thinking about how my mom must be flipping out at home, wondering the same things as me. I also remember thanking God that I didn't know anyone in New York, and feeling absolutely devastated for those who did, and lost loved ones on that day.

I still cry just recalling all of it. Especially now, having my own family, being older, more understanding...it breaks my heart. I've been fighting tears all day. I am so thankful for the men & women who have and do continue to fight for our country, for our freedoms, for our right to live. I sit here, in my comfy home, upset I spent so much at the grocery, but so thankful I have the money to pay for it, and that those items are available to us. I considered talking to my 4 year old about this day & what it means, but I couldn't. I couldn't get through it without crying. Instead, I just hugged him and told him I loved him so so much. He said he loved me too and hugged me back. And I closed my eyes, and just took in the moment. I wouldn't have those moments if it weren't for our servicemen & women. God Bless those who serve, and those who have lost their lives, so we could live ours.

Whoa, quick recap. Not that interesting, let's be honest here.

Wow, a lot of time has gone by since I've posted last. Oopsie. not much to report- I'm being summoned AGAIN this weekend to bridesmaid duty. I have a feeling this is going to be ginormous wedding. There was like 90 ppl just at the bridal shower....so yeah. Wish I was THEM, getting all THOSE gifts. Man.

I feel like I've hit a writing road block lately. Or maybe I'm just too lazy to post shit. There are so many times I think of a really great post, but I'm in the recliner with my feet up watching Big Brother. And that is where I stay. Speaking of, I LOVE Britney!

Anyone see the Hoff Roast? Freaking hysterical. That Greg Giraldi character was a lot funnier than I ever thought he'd be. What the hell happened to Last Comic Standing? God, this season sucked. It'll never be on the air again.

I'm still not back to work. I've heard "Oh just 3 more weeks....", about every 2 weeks, for about 2 months now. So I'm hoping to go back in time to save some Christmas money. I have a big list of big ticket items for the kiddos this year. But ya know, we're making it. Getting through it.

Brynn has been doing really well with her reflux, I tried to wean her off her meds, but it didn't really work out. But she's good. Austin busted his lip on the strawberry ride at the fair last night. What's a county fair with no bloodshed, am I right??

OH yeah and I went off that stupid shot. My dr says it'll take 2-3 months to get out of my system so I can lose this baby weight. I can't freakin wait.

Annnndddddd I got my hair done last weekend, and my pants split right down the ass. It was awesome.

I need a blog makeover.

Okay so I REALLY need to figure out how to up the ante on this blog. I figured out how to place a pic in my header, but the thing is, is apparently microsoft doesn't have paintbrush picture anymore (soooo 1999) and I REALLY want paintbrush. So anyone who has any advice, would be great. And no, I will not pay for shit.

And ummm.....that's about all.

Okay , okay so just 1 more bad date...or example of me being a bitch.

Okay so I've been totally MIA lately, I know. No reason, I'm just really lazy. This was evidenced yesterday by me not being able to take a shower until 2:30 pm when I got some towels washed & dried bc there were none. So what? Say somethin,

But I was catching up on a couple of my fav blogs, one being Two Non Blondes, who did a post inspired by my last bad date post. While reading this particular posting, I remembered yet another, that is so stupid & high schoolish, I had to share.

So let's put it out there: in high school, I was fairly popular, I was cute, not super pretty (that was a few years later...js.) I wasn't fat or even chunky, I was this tiny little thing. I still shopped in the girls dept. until I was a freshman, and only moved up to juniors bc I felt stupid. But, for whatever reason, I was everyone's "friend". That means, no boys EVER asked me out. Ever. I hardly ever had a date for a dance, and when I did, it was Sadies and I asked someone myself. I even asked a boy from another school to prom, and he told me no bc he didn't want to go to another prom. Isn't that sad? It is. Really. Wow, LAME.

Anyway, junior year homecoming. I REALLY wanted a date. like REALLY. I had gone half of my high school career, and still not been asked, ever. I HATED the weeks leading up to a dance, bc I had so much anticipation, hoping someone, ANYONE would ask me. So like 4 or 5 days before homecoming, I still had no date. And I had a pretty big circle of friends, girls & guys, and I thought for sure a couple of those guys had the potential to ask me, but ended up asking other girls. So I'm sitting in math class, and I knew that 1 boy in our little group of friends didn't have a date. Mind you, he was also the LEAST attractive one. And by least attractive, I mean he's a nice person & all, but I wouldn't touch him with a 10ft pole. He was the kid that had a rat tail when we were younger. And lots of freckles. And was pale. And super skinny. Not exactly what I was after. But I was desparate. So I'm in math class, and 2 girls were talking. These were girls in the group, but not ones I was real close to. And the one says to the other "*Johnny still needs a date. He was thinking of asking Sarah." and the other, her eyes get big, she pauses and says "Do you think she'll say yes?"

WHAT THE FUCK PEOPLE? AM I THAT BIG OF A BITCH THAT 4 DAYS BEFORE THE DANCE WHEN EVERYONE AND THEIR MOM HAS A DATE, YOU THINK I'M GOING TO TURN ONE DOWN WHEN I HAVE A DRESS THAT'S BETTER THAN YOURS, AND A WRIST JUST BEGGING FOR A CORSAGE??????? I WANT TO GO TO THE DANCE TO DAMMIT AND I WILL HAVE NO ONE TO GO WITH IF RAT TAIL DOESN'T ASK ME.

Rat tail asked me. I accepted. We went to a dinner with a group of about 30 people, 15 couples. I sat by my friend, who was also on desperate date from hell. During dinner, we devised a plan.

This is where I turn bitch.

We devised a plan, that I would drive my car, with my date, and she would ride in her dates car. Follow this, people. (My date has some like rusty 1990 woody van. There was no way I was going to homecoming in that. My car was much nicer.) Anyway, we decided that at the dance she would get really, really, sick, even make herself vomit (or at least say she did), and her parents weren't home to come get her, so I had to be the one to take her home. But the guys should stay at the dance and have fun with their friends, we don't want to ruin their night.

And that's what we did.

My date didn't speak to me until graduation. And there was a lot of "Did you have fun at homecoming? My date LEFT me. It was AWESOME. Great time." being whispered at the back of english class, just within earshot...

I was a mean, mean girl I guess. Oops...

Worst. Date(s). Ever.

So thanks to my girl Kelly, at SFTC, for inspiring today's post about bad dating experiences, which I've oh so cleverly titled Worst Date(s) Ever.

I'm not going to go into full detail about anything really, just a glimpse into my past desperate dating life. Most of it makes me want to vom quite honestly.

Let's see, there was the Sadie Hawkins dance...I asked my date idk, maybe a month or so before. He was a cute boy that I worked with and it was fun. But I had this really bad habit of changing my mind on a dime when I was in high school (well, basically until I met my husband). So the morning of the dance, I decided I didn't like him anymore. Just like that. of course, I couldn't cancel, so I went. A couple friends came over before & I told them how much I DID NOT want to go but obviously HAD to. And I really don't remember a whole lot about it, except he did try to kiss me when he brought me home, and it was awkward and uncomfortable, and I made my friend call him the next day & tell him I just wasn't into him anymore. I KNOW. And let's not forget that we worked together!! So we never talked again. So weird. And btw- my husband is from the next town over from where I grew up (and this boy as well), and his fiance is also from my hub's high school. And I shit you not, about 2-3 years ago, we went to a friend's wedding, and at the reception, I sat down right next to this boy, not even realizing it was him. We eventually noticed each other and I turned my chair so my back was to him. But I did lay my hand down so he could see my beautiful engagement ring. Keep in mind, he never did anything wrong at all, I'm just a bitch. lmao

Hmmm let's go for 1 more...I live in a college town, where most students at this college are males who work on cars. (This university is like the largest ever for high-performance vehicle stuff & all that jazz...) There are very few high school girls that don't date at least 1 of these boys. These boys are known for going after young girls, and usually getting them knocked up too. Lovely, isn't it? And they come from all over the country, so then they get baby mama's and never leave. Someday, we will run out of oil change places for these guys to work. Anyway, I had a friend that met one at the mall, and about a year or 2 later, I, for some strange reason, thought I should share my number as well. (They only dated for about 7 minutes, so it was no big deal.) My friends & I called him Mad Muscles McGee. For a reason. Either way, I was like 16 or 17, and he was like 22 or 23, and waaayyyyy more into an under-age chick than he should be. We never even went on a date, I'd just see him working at Vitamin World, and he'd call me NON-STOP. NON-STOP. There's no real point to this, except to tell the world that a guy named Mad Muscles McGee was into me.


And trust me, there's much more dumbness in my past, these are just a couple times that may have a little humor. (I'll have you know I deleted at least 1 story while editing...do do doooo...)

Let's hear 'em- tell me your awful dating story (i.e. what you'll strangle your daughter for in the future if you ever find out she did shit like this.)


Is it weird that I typed in "bad date" on yahoo images, and Tori Spelling's pic popped up???

Being laid off really puts a damper on buying stuff.

So I am really unsure of how "temporary" my temporary lay off will be. I really haven't had any contact from the office to know what the heck is going on, but other girls are feeling pretty shaky as well, judging from their facebook status'. I didn't bother trying to get unemployment, bc with me having another part-time job, it just seemed like more trouble than it would be worth for only 3 weeks. But if I find out that I will not being going back to work next week, then I will be calling the unemployment office. Maybe I should just do it...it's not like I have anything else to do...ha!I still would like an amazing new camera, however that is dependent on my employment status. Boooooooooooooooo.I ordered Brynn the cutest high chair ever, it's a space-saver high chair from Target, here's what it looks like:The space savers are nice, bc they'll strap right to your regular dining room chair. I have a full size high chair from when Austin was a baby, but the pad was ruined in damp basement, and I couldn't get a replacement bc they don't make it anymore. Which was fine, bc it would take up too much space anyway. But Brynn's been eating solids for almost 2 weeks now, I've been feeding her in her bouncy seat, and she's flinging food all over it! So this purchase couldn't wait anymore, and Hubs will just have to understand. Not getting paid has made things pretty tight.I will take this time to show you some other things I either have, or want, from Target. I am OBSESSED with the Dwell Studio line!! First up, what I HAVE: my kids matching bedding. I searched EVERYWHERE known to man to find something gender neutral & fun for my boy-girl shared room and this is what they have:The tricky part was finding something sold in both a crib set, AND a toddler bed set. I also ordered 1 single window panel. I didn't want full length curtains bc I thought it would be too much of the same pattern, so I had my mother-in-law cut it and sew it into 2 valances, 1 for each window in their room. Painted the walls yellow, a friend had their names made to hang on the wall in different, but coordinating patterns & colors, and there it is. Bam!

Now, our lovely home is for sale, and when I move, this is what I'd like in my new bathroom:
Can't you just see it with purple walls? I've always wanted purple in my bathroom, but have never actually done. Or if you're really daring, black. Even green or yellow for more color.

And this is what I'd like for my new bedroom:

Love love love. I'd do gray walls, black bed & furniture...Fab. Love it.

I'm really finding new inspiration lately. With my house, clothes, everything. Now I just need a job to fund all of this....

Let's get perky!

Ok, so my Debbie Downer moments are D-O-N-E. I am contemplating taking a new direction in my life. For a long time, I have always known that my career as a RDH would not always be my career. I just don't see myself doing it forever. Never really have. Unfortunately, that also means I am stuck, bc there's else I can go to school for around here, without uprooting the fam, where I'd make as much, or more, money. So I've been thinking of other avenues to explore for my future.
Where's my head at now? Photography. Why? Bc it's cool, and I love seeing other people's professional images. And bc I was in a wedding this past weekend, where the photographers had none of their own creative ideas, and I chimed in for a few of them. (Hopefully, they come out good! Haven't seen 'em yet!) Other bridesmaids had ideas as well.

Anyway, I think it's something I could learn. And the initial investment seems it could be pretty low. Just camera & equipment. I could practice on my own kids, family, friends & their families...Just something fun I can do for awhile until I really start to learn some things & eventually take it futher...What do ya'll think?
So the first thing I need, is a good camera. I currently have a $200 point & shoot Olympus, that serves it's purpose, but clearly is a college camera & doesn't take professional quality photographs. Anyone have any recommendations for a good, beginner camera, preferably around $500, give or take???

With that, I'll leave you all with one of the most iconic images of the 1900's, btw, the nurse in this picture passed away this past week.

What a week...

Well loyal followers, I have much sad news to report.

I have blogged before about my somewhat turbulent relationship with my kitty, KitKat. Things had been pretty good with KitKat lately, he's been playing outside a lot, we've been giving him more attention...he's just been a happy cat lately. Unfortunately, KitKat was hit by a car Tuesday, in front of our house. I was not home, with friends planning a bridal shower, but my hubs heard a loud thunk, he thought it was thunder & looked outside. I'll spare you the details, but KitKat is no longer with us, and it makes me sad to say that he suffered; he did not die right away, and I so wish he would have. It's so weird not having him here. We told our son, and he took it well, just asked a lot of questions, and is occasionally saying that he misses him & he dreamed about him last night. I was downstairs doing laundry yesterday, and I turned around to go fill up his food bowl. And it was still full. I think I see him out of the corner of my eye sometimes. I open the back door, and expect him to run out...it will take some getting used to. Someday maybe we will get a new cat, but I worry that I'd never find one that put up with my kids! Austin would hit, kick, pull, punch, and KitKat would just sit there & take it. I can't believe he never bit him or anything, bc he probably should have. lol So RIP KitKat, we will miss you & never forget you!
The next morning, Brynn woke up at 5am and screamed her face off until 7:30. I was so tired, and upset that I've done everything I can for her, and still here we are...I cried with her for awhile.
And then shortly after she settled down, my boss called and my hours at 1 job were drastically reduced (initially it was "laid off" but I think I can get 1 day a week in) for the next 3 weeks or so, while we wait on another doctor to join our practice. I am not the only one this happened to, and honestly, from what I've heard I got a pretty good deal, bc at least I know I will get my hours back soon. I freaked out at first, and cried some more, but I actually thought about it, and I really don't have a reason to worry. I'll be saving a ton on daycare, which will help get us through. So I'm okay with that.

When it rains, it pours, I guess. Or around here, it makes tornados. lol We've had like 3 or 4 tornados these past few weeks. Crazy. Enjoy your weekends everyone! Gotta go!

Kim, you're as good as dead to me.

All I have to say, is I've REALLY REALLY REALLY been trying to see the bright side of the past 3 months of horrific Shoedazzle selections. Really. I just know in my heart that someday, Kim will see the light and send me some good shoes. The first 2 months, it was HARD to make a decision. Now, there's like no decision involved, I know I'm going to hit that little skip button & pray for better.
And this is the shit she sends me:Okay so this is not too bad, but I'm pretty sure I can find it hanging by the purses at JCPenney's for $12.99. So no.
And these are the ones of which we do not even speak:(I'm not even sure what this one is actually. But I'm pretty sure it involved killing nultiple animals.)
(Why yes, I visit the indian reservations quite frequently! Where's my turquoise owl necklace at???)

(This looks like the snake died trying to suffocate my ankle. And is therefore creepy. Sorry for all the parentheses, not really sure why I keep putting them...)

(Could've been a winner-IF IT WAS AVAILABLE IN MY SIZE!!! WHAT THE EFF KIM!!!)

Okay really now, I'm effing pissed. EFFING PISSED. Who would actually be caught dead in this crap? And now that my blood is starting to boil, I probably really would've bought that last pair. Why the hell would I get options that aren't available? That doesn't even make sense. I know I've done some ShoeFab bashing, but you know what?? If you can't beat 'em, join 'em. I may just join 'em, bc obviously Kim is failing me miserably. I can't imagine that anyone could possibly have gotten uglier choices then I this month. If you did, I feel terribly sorry for you, but please link me up to your choices bc MINE SUCKED. THE END.

I'm irritated. Like a diaper rash.

There are so many little things bothering me, I don't know where to begin. When I feel like I need to vent, or talk about things, I typically do so to a friend. Sometimes I feel like I have diarrhea of the mouth. I feel like sometimes I give a little too much information, about things such as my finances, the usual source of irritation, or somehow related; but I really can't explain my frustration without those details. Sigh.

So what am I so irritated about? Finances. Work. The usual. The go hand in hand. See, most people that work are like OMG, I am so glad I have a day off! I'm like why the eff am I off? I need to work. And you know, I really don't get too stressed about money anymore- my needs are met, at one point in time (before kids & hubs) my needs were NOT being met, and I was very reliant on my dad for awhile. I stressed myself sick. I lost a ton of weight, was told I was too skinny a few times (maybe not such a bad idea, ay??) and I just cried a lot. Life was not how I pictured it. The grass is always greener, right? But NOW, I went to college, have great family, Hubs & I DO have really good jobs, but I feel like we're ALWAYS either reaching so hard to keep it altogether, or we are thisclose to any idea of financial freedom, and then shit happens and we're back to square one. We've worked so hard to get to where we are, and my GOD we have come a long, long, loooooooonnnngggggggg LONG way. Our bills are always paid on time (except when Hubs forgets bc he does that sometimes....grrrrrrr) but we haven't gotten to where our WANTS are bring met.

Ok, so I've made 2 shoedazzle purchases this year. Whoop-de-doo. I've bought 2 new shirts this year. Exciting. Still haven't gotten new jeans. Still wearing the ones I wore before pregnancy. And wore them through my entire pregnancy too, so they're pretty flattering at this point. Did I mention I've gained 20lbs, so nothing even fits me? I'm a hot mess. And I would like to say, that I do not mean to complain; I am so thankful everyday for what we CAN do. Is it selfish of me to want more? We deserve it. We deserve buying some things here & there. We deserve that family vacation. We deserve to go to the movies if we want to, go out to eat if we want to, take the kids to the zoo without planning it for 2-3 months. Know what I mean? It's just frustrating sometimes.

Thanks for letting me vent.

Now, more importantly, Hubs has to go on a bachelor party tomorrow. Which means he will be useless to me all weekend. Awesome.

Weight, weddings & why I don't like either of them...

I have the day off. Which most people love, however I do not. Bc I love money. And I don't make any by being at home. Blaaahhhhhhh

My Shred is not going so swell, I don't think. I sustained a minor injury last week, bc I didn't do the neck circles in the warm-up. They make me super dizzy and I want to vomit. I paid the price the next day when I couldn;t turn my head to the right. My neck was in bad condition. So I took a day off from the shred. I also took this weekend off; Saturday, bc I had to go to a bachlorette party, and Sunday bc it was WAY too hot in the house to be working out. I worked up a sweat just walking around. There was no way Jillian was going to pull me in that night. So I have 5 days until a wedding this weekend. I wonder if anywhere around here sells Spanx?????

And truthfully, I do see a little (small) difference with the shred. Unfortunately, as I've said before, I will not change my diet. If I lived off of lettuce and plain grilled chicken, I'm sure there would be a significant change. But I really like cookies. And cookies like my mid-section. I can't break that up!!

And is it bad of me, to not care about weddings anymore? Like, mine's done, so I'm over the whole wedding thing. I haven't even tanned for this one. At all. I'm at least getting my hair done tomorrow, so that's a plus. Weddings are just highly overrated, but everyone wants one. I tell people all the time, if I could do it over again, we'd have gone away somewhere nice, and done something very small, just us. That way, we'd have saved THOUSANDS of dollars, and we'd have gotten a honeymoon. Hubs & I have never been on a vacation together-EVER. So it's pretty disappointing. It's even more disappointing, bc the reasons why we didn't do that in the first place, was so our families could be there (they couldn't afford to travel, specifically, my dad, who didn't even go to the reception. Which I found out AT THE RECEPTION.) There was a lot of things about my wedding that I went out of my way to do for others, instead of doing things for myself, and those people didn't even care, so to me, it was just a bunch of hurt feelings & wasted money. I'm thankful for my marriage itself...and I did get some really nice pictures (which I could've gotten nice pics somewhere else too.) Have I ever talked about how my cake was the wrong color?? Agh don't even get me started.

What is your attitude toward weddings? Are you over it too if you're already married? or am I the only mean person in the world???

Chat Stew: Rainy Days, Disney & Shredding

Well more big things are happening. Unfortunately, SOMEONE doesn't know it yet, so I cannot talk about it. No, I'm not pregnant again. It's not even about me. But it may quite possibly fuck up my next year vacation plans, so I'm a little on the fence about it.

I'm on Level II of THE SHRED. GO ME. WOOT WOOT. And I must say, I do not actually own a scale, so I don't really know if I've lost any weight, but I feel like I only look about 3 months pregnant, as opposed to 4 or 5, so that's always a plus. (Especially when I'M NOT EVEN PREGNANT.) T minus 12 days until wedding #1 of the summer. 12 days, 12 lbs....think I can do it??? Maybe. But I haven't changed my diet. Um at all. I'm just one of those people that cannot possibly diet. It's bad enough I am forcing myself to do a work-out video, must I also punish myself with food??? No effing way. I can't give up chocolate milk, 100 calorie pack chocolate covered pretzels, Taco Bell, or McDonald's mocha frappe's (might as well be crack). Won't happen. I am a big believer that good food enhances your life. Now maybe if I were 400 lbs, THAT might be different... Luckily, I'm not. I'm only HA YOU THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO TELL YOU MY WEIGHT RIGHT THERE DIDN'T YA??????

Did I mention that Hubs watches me work out and makes fun of me at least 25% of the time, which is 25% too much??? He does.

I've also been spending a large amount of my internet time planning my Disney vacay. Which I am shooting for next spring, unless said big stuff doesn't fuck it up. I just choose to sometimes go to my happy place, which are a small collection of websites devoted to Disney World. I've never been, but have been on a lifelong quest of getting there. This slew of weddings (4 altogether) really effed me in the A this year, as ummm we were planning to go this week actually come to think of it. And here I sit in Ohio, and it's been pouring down rain since about 8am, and doesn't look to be stopping anytime soon. I'd be having a WAY better time in the World searching for Hidden Mickeys, and getting my hair done at the BBB. (Ok, so I'm not really going to get my hair done at BBB. Well, maybe. A little glitter never hurt.) I could be poolside at the AKL, instead I'm worried there may be a pool forming in my basement (it leaks with heavy rain). So with that I will leave you with a pic of the Happiest Place on Earth, and hope it brings a little magic to your day, as it does mine...

I have an announcement. Not a good one.

I went to my Dr yesterday to get the BC shot. (Hurts like a bitch, btw.) And the first thing they asked me to do is step onto the scale.

Um I'd rather not, but whatev.
Ok I just had a baby blah blah blah. I should at least SLOWLY be losing SOMETHING, right???
But instead the confirmed me & my husbands suspicions.

I am becoming a fat ass. I GAINED 9 LBS since 3 months ago.
WHAAAATTTT????So today on my lunch break, I purchased this:


YEAH I KNOW. Desperate times call for desperate measures. I've got 20 lbs to lose, and a weeding to be in memorial day weekend. And another 4 weeks later....and another 2 months after that. KILL ME NOW.

I mean, with problems like these, how can I possibly focus on more important things, like whether or not to ask Kim to send me 5 more selections or keep what I got?????? I JUST DON'T KNOW.

I have strongly considered posting "before & after" pics of my weight loss journey, and for the sake of my privacy, I will just give you a representation. Here is my "before":





And here is my "after" (in 30 days):



I won't leave home to work out. That's why I spent 9 hard earned dollars on J.M.'s dvd. Oh and she's got another one- "Last Chance Work-Out". PUH-LEASE!! Actually I may buy it just for funsies. And challenge Hubs to a last-chance work out duel. He's already refused to shred with me though. Whatev.

So my current challenge is getting Hubs out of the living room so I can use the dvd player. (Actually, blue-ray bc we're fancy kind of folk.)

A QUICK RUNDOWN

Sorry, it's been a little while since I've posted anything. Big things are happening here!

Okay well not THAT big, but I picked up some extra hours at work, so I'm actually working 5 days a week now. I KNOW. But the 2 days I picked up, I only work half days, in the afternoon, so it's not too bad. I still get to sleep in a little. But my mornings are a little busier; I can't just play in blog-land all day, I have to like, shower & get kids dressed & fed & all of that momly stuff.

Another update- I am NOT purchasing from shoedazzle this month. I think I made Kim mad. I requested 5 more selections, bc my first 5 were ugly, and I asked for flats-mid heel. Then in the comments I wrote "PLEASE STOP SENDING ME HOOKER HEELS. I HAVE 2 CHILDREN. AND YES I'M TYPING THIS IN CAPS BC I AM YELLING IT AT YOU." And what does she do? Sends me all 3+" heels, that is even more hideous than the first set. So apparently they were thinking they should really stick it to me....Fine. You win this month Kim. Actually you lose, bc you didn't rip me off another $40 this month...

Agh and who's been watching Dancing with the Stars? We all know that I <3 Kate, awful dancing & all. But she finally got voted off last night. For anyone who is also a fan, she will be on a new TLC show, "Twist of Kate" and will also be doing some "Kate + 8" specials this summer.

That's all I've got time for today folks! See ya!!

5 hours of LOVE.

Well, I really wanted to better document this weekend's birthday events, beginning to end. my son is turning 4 tomorrow; today was his party. I really wanted to take lots of pictures of me baking, decorating, celebrating....all of that.
I did not have time for this.
Hubs said he'd have all the tables & chairs set up Friday night, so we could decorate & everything would be ready to go, all we'd have to do in the morning was food. This is not what actually occurred.
The party was at noon; he went to go get the tables & chairs around 10:30. Yeah.
But all in all, the party went great, despite a little bickering due to some planning misunderstandings between us. *sidenote: I am the type of person, that I like to do EVERYTHING by myself, so it's done the way I want it, when I want it. I decided to loosen up and let Hubs have a say in some things. Bad idea. Never again. I must be in control.* Oh and the 5 hours of love?? The tractor cake I made by myself. Yep. Feel free to give compliments. I'll take 'em. I finished the cake at 1am and stayed up another hour cleaning up the mess!

And I did catch a few pictures along the way:
I also wanted to share a couple Easter pics of the kids:Austin showing off his new "sleeve". lol

Brynn looks so happy! lol

Enjoy your weekend everyone! Oh and hopefully, I will stay up on blogging, I was offered some more hours at work this week (I asked for them a few weeks ago) so I have to go to work 5 days a week now. I KNOW. TELL ME ABOUT IT. It's been awhile. But the 2 days I picked up are only half days, so I think my new schedule will actually be very accommodating to my busy mommy life!

Oh and also, please keep my little Brynn in your prayers, we will be seeing a GI doctor from the Children's Hospital soon. Her reflux is not improving with medications or formula changes, so they'll be doing a scan to check for any structural issues. I will def. keep everyone updated on her status!!

Tales from the Crypt, I mean, Sleepwalking Adventures

So my little guy (who will be 4 years old next Sunday, where does the time go???) started sleepwalking just in this past year. Mostly when he does it, he cries, and I find him hiding under the dining room table. For whatever reason, that is where he typically goes. And he is IMPOSSIBLE to wake up. IMPOSSIBLE. I have shaken that poor child trying to wake him to calm him down bc of his crying.

So Friday night was like any other night. He goes to bed; when he falls asleep we move the baby's swing in there & she goes to sleep. (She's got reflux and needs to sleep upright. I'm sure this will make it into another future post. Ay yi yi.) Okay normal so far.

About 2 am I hear Austin crying. I debated on whether or not to make Hubs go deal w it, but decided to be nice bc he was picking up overtime on Saturday. So I get up, walk into the room...And I see poor little crying Austin standing directly in front of his baby sister and I realize what is going on which leads to this reaction:

"AUSTIN DON'T PEE ON YOUR SISTER!!!!!!!!!!"

And I literally leap and grab him and pull him backwards. He continues crying & peeing, he's asleep through all of this, has no idea what the hell he's doing. I look and see he's nailed the edge of the swing and Brynn's blanket is wet, but he BARELY missed "giving her a golden shower" as hubs puts it. So at this point, there is nothing to be done, except wait for him to finish peeing. On the carpet. That got shampooed 2 weeks ago bc he's been peeing on it. So he finishes, I get a wet washcloth, take off his cloths, get him cleaned up, put on a new t-shirt & new little boxer briefs on him. Mind you, still asleep; still crying. Cannot get him to wake up. I take him into our bed, quickly tell Hubs what happened & that he won't wake up, so please get him calm while I clean Brynn's stuff & scrub the carpet. He quickly was sound asleep & quiet again, I take him back to his bed...

The next morning the first thing he said to me was "Mom, why am I wearing this???" bc he knew that's not what he went to bed in. Kid has no clue any of this even happened.

March Shoe Selection

Allright, I'm a few days late posting this, but here is March's shoe selection. I requested Kim to send me some flats, and I told her it's bc I have 2 kids that cannot possibility chase after with a 3.75" heel. Not gonna happen. So, these I figured were my best bet:
This is my 2nd pair from Shoedazzle so far, and I must say, that I'm hoping for something of a mid-heel next, just to see if it's just the styles I chose that are uncomfortable, or if they ALL are uncomfortable. Obviously 3.75" heels are not like wearing pillows on your feet. Flats are pretty iffy too, with no support whatsoever. So next month, I'm hoping we get this right...Oh and as for my daughters lack of enthusiasm, she had pink eye AND an ear infection, not to mention her reflux is getting out of hand, and no treatment is working, but that's another post for another day....Cut her a break.

Also, we got family pics taken today, so I'm gonna throw one of those in here, for good measure!

Looking over my shoulder....

Today's post is inspired by Juliana at A Blonde Walks Into A Blog. It brought tears to my eyes, so if you want a good-hearted mommy moment, go check it out at the link above.

I remember the first week I dropped Austin off at daycare. I was just beginning my clinicals in the dental hygiene program; something I'd waited 2 years for. I had interviewed the daycare director, and had a little tour, met the teachers & caregivers. I thought it was a nice place but I didn't really have anything to compare it to, so I went with it.

I nearly dropped out of college that week. I cried everyday on my way to school. It ripped my heart out to take my 5 month old baby boy there. Nothing against them, but I was the one who spent all day, everyday with him until that point. If I wasn't with him, his daddy was. Oh it was awful. I remember telling myself, "Sarah, if you don't just get over it, you'll never give him the kind of life he deserves..." I told myself over & over in those car rides that I HAD to do it, otherwise, what else would I do??? I couldn't stay at my crappy waitressing job forever. I HAD to do something. Make SOMETHING of myself, not for myself, for him. It wasn't even a choice.

As time goes by, it got easier. He loved it. Still does. But there's never, ever, EVER been a day where I could just walk him in, say bye and leave. I've ALWAYS had to hand him off to someone. He needs held & cuddled. Or he WILL run after me. Until last Friday.

Last Friday, I walk him in like always, and he sees a pal playing with some toy, and whispers "Mommy? Can I play with that toy he has?" And I said, "Well, maybe he'll share with you. You can ask him." And the little boy walked up to Austin and offered for him to play. Austin took the toy, and began to play. And I stood there. And then I thought, maybe I should try to walk away. So I did. I turned and took 2 steps, turned back around. He was still playing. I May just get away, I thought. No, he'll come running in a second when he realizes I left. I get to the door, I look again. He's not following me. I walk outside. Down the sidewalk. Looking over my shoulder every 2 or 3 steps. He's not following. There's a lot of cars coming in & out of the parking lot at this point. Good God, I think, he's going to come running out those doors, right into the parking lot. I keep looking. All the way out to my truck. I keep looking. I get in the truck. I look out the window. No one. I drive away. My little boy is growing up. He didn't need me today. I didn't even say goodbye. I felt bad. I felt weird. Like something was missing. I think about that first week of daycare. How I cried when I left. And how we got to this point. Time goes so fast.

For the record, that all must have been a fluke. Because I def. had to hand him off to a teacher yesterday and today. lol We also got his yearly evaluation report today, in which he received an S- for the 'separates easily from parents' part. Yeah, I don't care. It also claimed he was right-handed. (Or so his teacher says, but I tried to politely tell her not to fuck up my left handed pitcher. He's a lefty. He's not both. Nor is he a righty. He's a lefty.)

Only my kid...

Now, I must first say that all I want for my kids & for them to find what they're good at, and be happy with it. Simple, right??

I also must confess, that I dream of my son being a football star at The University of Michigan, and my daughter cheering being a UM cheerleader as a freshman, cheering him on, and me & hubs sitting in our reserved seats, and people parting the isles for us to walk through bc we are who raised the #1 NFL draft pick and the best cheerleader UM had ever seen...And really, I can deal with my dream of football greatness not coming true. But I assume then it would be baseball greatness, seeing as my son is a lefty and has a heck of an arm, that being a left-handed pitcher would be a natural choice. I could learn to like baseball. Maybe. Oh yeah and they need to be doing these things while working on their dental or medical degrees. I'm open to any form of doctor, really. I'm easy to please. Obviously.

So what has my darling son taken to the past few days??? Cup stacking. Like, speed cup stacking. Except minus the speed part. He practices using baby bottle lids. Sooooo I guess I know what to get him for his birthday...

THE HAPPINESS PROJECT:WEEK 2. I'M TOO LAZY TO TURN OFF THE CAPS LOCK. OOPS.

Here's what is making me happy today (sidenote: I'm sulking today, and these are the things I found a teensy bit of comfort in. Teensy.) Go visit Leigh vs. Laundry, the host of The Happiness Project & see what's tickling her fancy today!

SHOEDAZZLE PURCHASE #1. LOOK HERE, MY BABY WANTS YOU TO!!!

Here it is: my Feb, shoe selection. And Baby Brynn told me she wanted in on the action too. So Kim K is totally getting an e-mail of my baby shoedazzle ad. And yes, my son is standing next to me holding his blankie, lovingly referred to as "bear blanket" in our house, and yes, that's also my kids laundry in the background. I felt both of these were important to leave in the picture, to tell the world that mommies can be wanna-be Armenian hot too. Suck on that. (And it's no toilet MODG, but once again, I feel the ABC hand-painted step stool really adds to the pic.)

The Happiness Project

Well, I agreed to make a happy post(sorry this a day late), an idea by Leigh vs. Laundry, so here's a few things that make my heart smile:Remembering my son as a little baby! Cutest thing ever! This was him tearing the tissue paper off the table at a doctor's check up! 11/22/06

Taking him for his first bike ride on the back of Daddy's bike! 3/24/07
The day I sent him to daycare with the worst bedhead ever, bc it was SO CUTE to have a trifeca of mohawks!! 6/15/07Now I watch him become a really great big brother! As evidenced by the FIRST smile Brynn gave, only to him, caught in this picture!
And now I can't wait to see what this little one does to make me smile everyday! Loving her bathtime is one of them!