tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54506326581996184952024-03-12T19:12:34.075-07:00Thoughts from this mom....Sarcasm....at it's not so finest!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger92125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5450632658199618495.post-42560510639488688452011-08-04T05:40:00.000-07:002011-08-04T05:40:24.591-07:00The EMT Mommy: HELP ME PLEASE<a href="http://www.theemtmommy.com/p/help-me-please.html?spref=bl">The EMT Mommy: HELP ME PLEASE</a>: "As an EMT and my boyfriend being a Paramedic we know first hand how to treat a medical emergency, so with that .. Why not start a business c..."<br /><br />I think this is an awesome idea and I'd really like to see this idea through - I think it's important for kids to know!!<br /><br /><br /><p><img class="centered" alt="post signature" src="http://craftyhippodesigns.webs.com/ThoughtsMom/Signature.png" /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_click?lid=41000000012871747&pubid=21000000000349272</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5450632658199618495.post-31419683486058979512011-08-03T03:34:00.000-07:002011-08-03T03:34:29.408-07:00Odd Jobs Momma: Interview with Shannon Milholland!<a href="http://oddjobsmomma.blogspot.com/2011/08/interview-with-shannon-milholland.html?spref=bl">Odd Jobs Momma: Interview with Shannon Milholland!</a>: "What is your name? Shannon Milholland What part of the world are you located? Memphis, Tennessee What is your company name, website, FB pa..."<br /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i777.photobucket.com/albums/yy60/LauraJaneDesigns/Infusion%20Designs/OJM_sig.png" /><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_click?lid=41000000012871747&pubid=21000000000349272</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5450632658199618495.post-37589461721165191442011-08-01T04:01:00.000-07:002011-08-01T04:01:33.858-07:00Odd Jobs Momma: Interview with Stacy Juba<a href="http://oddjobsmomma.blogspot.com/2011/08/interview-with-stacy-juba.html?spref=bl">Odd Jobs Momma: Interview with Stacy Juba</a>: "What is your name? Stacy Juba What part of the world are you located? I'm from New England . What is your company name, website, FB page..."<br /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i777.photobucket.com/albums/yy60/LauraJaneDesigns/Infusion%20Designs/OJM_sig.png" /><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_click?lid=41000000012871747&pubid=21000000000349272</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5450632658199618495.post-13390794372457073702011-07-29T04:29:00.000-07:002011-07-29T04:29:23.322-07:00Grocery store etiquette? Really?Do I really need to go there? I think so! <br />
Somedays I am more easily annoyed than others. People's stupidity and lack of consideration just piss me off. I can't help it. <br />
Let me start by saying, excuse me. Why? Because if you don't know that phrase, then the look you give me when I'm looking at a product label doesn't make me move. I can't <em><u>hear </u></em>a look. Open your mouth and politely ask me to move my cart and I'll be sure to move my ass out of the way. Personally, I always try to hug the aisle so that people don't need to ask me to move, but I understand that my cart is probably going to block what it is that you're looking for. Most days my ESP works fine, but with all the craziness a grocery store can bring, verbally being kind usually works best.<br />
Do you need air conditioning? Yeah? The freezer aisle is not the place to get it. Standing there with the door open, checking out the frozen dinners and wondering what's for dinner while sucking all the cold air out that you can possibly get while you contemplate salsbury steak over that great tasting fake thanksgiving dinner, get the f*ck out of my way! I just need some vegetables! Oh wait - I forgot my first rule: Excuse me, please! Go to the refridgerator aisle where everything is wide open and stare at the yogurt for a while. There's lot of choices there to keep you cool.<br />
The fresh breads. Ahh that aroma! Mmmm a carboholics dream. My kid's breakfast. Keep your hands off the fresh bagels and use the wax paper that is clearly provided to you. This isn't the produce section. Don't squeeze for freshness. I can't wash your cooties off my bagel when I get home. <br />
Finally my biggest peeve. This one could be the biggest. Self check out. If you don't know what you're doing, don't use it. <strong><em><u>Seriously</u></em></strong>. Especially if you have a lot of produce and bakery items or alcohol. You slow me down and I don't appreciate it. <br />
Then there's the store person that is<em> supposed </em>to be standing there if any issues arrive (yes, I've had the occasional coupon that does not want to cooperate) but she's usually at the customer service desk talking to her bestie. <strong><em><u>Please, please, please,</u></em></strong> don't think that you're helping me either when you bag my groceries!! If you don't know by now that soap does not go in the same bag as sugar or flour, you're stupid and should be fired. Cold goes with cold. Boxes go with boxes. My milk does not need a bag. You're not helping and I really can bag my stuff faster than you.<br />
On that subject, while I'm bagging, a note to the next customer on line. DON'T BE IMPATIENT. You know I'm working my ass off to get out of your way. Wait for my eye contact with you to give the heads up nod that it's okay with me for you to start scanning. Anything before that is just rude. I don't care if you're only scanning one thing. Patience is a virtue and if you can't abide by that, you're an idiot.<br />
Ahh, I feel better getting that off my chest. I'm leaving for the grocery store in an hour. Do you think this will make it around the world in time for everyone to read it??<br />
<br />
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://craftyhippodesigns.webs.com/ThoughtsMom/Signature.png" /><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_click?lid=41000000012871747&pubid=21000000000349272</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5450632658199618495.post-35179319379975328002011-07-19T18:05:00.000-07:002011-07-19T18:05:54.100-07:00Odd Jobs Momma: Interview Recaps!<a href="http://oddjobsmomma.blogspot.com/2011/07/interview-recaps.html?spref=bl">Odd Jobs Momma: Interview Recaps!</a>: "I can't thank all my interviewees enough!! Taking the time to fill in the answers and sharing what you know and your stories is very inspir..."<br /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i777.photobucket.com/albums/yy60/LauraJaneDesigns/Infusion%20Designs/OJM_sig.png" /><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_click?lid=41000000012871747&pubid=21000000000349272</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5450632658199618495.post-38850838683457006182011-07-11T11:00:00.000-07:002011-07-11T11:00:29.017-07:00A few thoughts from this mom....**GRAPHIC INFORMATION IN THIS POST**BE WARNED**<br />
I have a lot on my mind today. Saturday night there was a horrific car accident across the street from my home. I live in a quiet neighborhood. Kids on bikes. Neighbors walking dogs. It's a nice place to live. <br />
Long story short to start, 2 dads went to go get pizza for their little family party and died when their car crashed into my neighbors tree. <br />
I was putting my children to bed and it was HOT. The airconditioners were on in the windows. As I was kissing my little one good night, I heard the rev of an engine, rolled my eyes and hoped the kids outside weren't going to keep it up for too long. My husband and I turned off their light and walked down the hall and sat down with cold beers in hand. Just as we started watching TV my phone rang. My neighbor. I laughed - we had seen each other 3 times already today and I wondered what she had forgotten to tell me now. <br />
Christine was hysterical on the other end of the phone yelling, "WHY AREN'T YOU OUTSIDE??" I jumped out of my chair and went to the front door and saw chaos as there were children crying, a woman trying not to collapse and another neighbor that volunteers with the fire department trying to get control of the situation and all the on lookers. This was 3 minutes ago. There were atleast 5 cop cars out there already. <br />
I threw the phone on the couch and ran across to my neighbor and she was shaking violently. She was the only one that saw the crash. Everyone heard it. She saw it.<br />
As I ran across to her I glanced at the car and I regret it. I felt the passenger looking through me. His eyes were open and they were black. He had a shaved head. His head was resting on the dashboard, his tattooed arms were just hanging there. All of this in 1 nano second. <br />
Christine was just out of her mind. She thought it was a couple of teenagers in a hot rod car speeding down our street. She was sitting on her stoop painting her toenails when she looked up to see the noise and she said it was like an action movie. She said that they made no attempt to steer the car away. Her mind was racing with all of the "what if's". Meanwhile her 10 year old and 5 year old boys were worried about her and trying to look outside. I went in with them knowing that the EMT's and fire department were about to pry open the car. No one should look at that. <br />
I always thought that being a fire fighter (volunteer or paid), an EMT, nurses and doctors was such a noble thing. When I think about what I saw, just for that very second, I don't know that I could see that daily. These professionals that save our lives everyday deserve to honored every day. Just as important as the soldiers that protect our lives every day, it's the docs, nurses, and emergency services that are there no matter what. There was no hesitation. These firefighters were using every ounce they had to crowbar the doors open, pull the windows out and get those men out. I felt like they were gone in a flash. <br />
The scene stayed until after midnight. I tried to close my eyes several times but I kept seeing his eyes. The car is vividly pictured in my head. <br />
Sunday was almost as bad. Mourners were coming through as early as 6AM. Neighbors all walking down the street. Teenagers holding hands and saying prayers for the friend's dad. People pulling over in their cars and pausing, just for a moment, to have a thought. Families supporting each other as they were sobbing, walking down the street from the passenger's house. News 12 was out there for over an hour. <br />
Myself and Christine tried to help Marie clean up her yard. There were shards of glass still in her driveway. Her car was covered in gasoline. The town still hasn't come by to clean up the mess of oil and gasoline in the street. It's in a large pile of kitty litter/oil absorbing materials, glass, and pieces of the car, next to the tree in the street. <br />
I imagine that it will be quite some time for the memory of mine to fade. I will be reminded for a while to come with the tribute staring at my home. My heart aches for the wives, children and families of both these men. <br />
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://craftyhippodesigns.webs.com/ThoughtsMom/Signature.png" /><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_click?lid=41000000012871747&pubid=21000000000349272</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5450632658199618495.post-48607885221035459572011-07-09T13:20:00.000-07:002011-07-09T13:20:43.227-07:00A Weighty IssueI have never been one to worry about my weight. I am 5'5" tall and have always been between 160 - 180 and for the most part, haven't had to buy too many new clothes in different sizes. <br />
I'm 38 now. Still not caring too much until recently. My back fat rolled. It touched, it was just weird.<br />
YUCK!<br />
So, now I'm starting to exercise. I've done little bits here and there. But now I'm on 5 days straight of 3 miles per day on the treadmill and watching Ally McBeal on Netflix. MAN, I forgot how friggin' funny that show is!<br />
I'm putting it out there. Still don't know how much I weigh. I'm just hoping to melt away a little of my back fat while not adjusting cup size (the one thing I don't want to lose although I'm told it's inevitable.)<br />
I don't want to know how much I weigh. I just want to feel uncomfortable in my big clothes. <br />
I need a shopping spree - and that's something that, if you knew me, I NEVER SAY!!<br />
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://craftyhippodesigns.webs.com/ThoughtsMom/Signature.png" /><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_click?lid=41000000012871747&pubid=21000000000349272</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5450632658199618495.post-134829201967500712011-07-07T18:35:00.000-07:002011-07-07T18:35:22.919-07:00Non stop nonsense!Seriously. It is just coming up on 2 weeks home from school and I'm ready to send them back!!<br />
We had a great day today and as soon as we were on our way home, Frick and Frack got into SO MUCH TROUBLE!! I just don't get how 2 little people could cause such a ruckous?!?!?<br />
AHh, oh well. It's the weekend coming up. Camp starts on Monday (half day only) but it's something to keep them busy for a little while!<br />
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://craftyhippodesigns.webs.com/ThoughtsMom/Signature.png" /><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_click?lid=41000000012871747&pubid=21000000000349272</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5450632658199618495.post-76007899395877160872011-07-05T13:14:00.000-07:002011-07-05T13:14:18.971-07:00Post Holiday Bluesmy children have been so spoiled over the past week with constantly having play dates, they have forgotten how to play with each other. If they go near each other one more time today....... UGH!! I'm all for a lazy day every once in a while, but, they are taking lazy to a whole now level for 6 and 4 year olds!<br />
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://craftyhippodesigns.webs.com/ThoughtsMom/Signature.png" /><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_click?lid=41000000012871747&pubid=21000000000349272</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5450632658199618495.post-72003671488851431692011-07-02T04:28:00.000-07:002011-07-02T04:28:33.792-07:00Happy 4th of July WeekendI'm so looking forward to this weekend. It's always great when my husband gets the extra time to play with the kids. My oh-so-talented husband built a cornhole board this week for us to play and we're going to break it in today. We played ladder golf with the neighbors last night and had a blast. <br />
The weekend menu:<br />
Last night was bbq'd chicken wings. Half went in hot sauce and the rest were with bbq sauce. <br />
I made 5 lbs. of potato salad and 2 pounds of macaroni salad (with italian dressing) to have the whole weekend. <br />
Tonight is spiral cheesy sausage and flank steak in a spicy marinade.<br />
Sunday is traditional burgers and dogs (weather dependent)*pop up thunderstorms predicted*<br />
Monday depends on Sunday, but, I'm thinking chicken kebobs.<br />
I also picked up a bunch of fresh strawberries and sponge cake. MMmmmm. <br />
Happy 4th everyone. I hope you get as much family time as I have been granted this weekend. <br />
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://craftyhippodesigns.webs.com/ThoughtsMom/Signature.png" /><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_click?lid=41000000012871747&pubid=21000000000349272</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5450632658199618495.post-89928139312264076892011-06-27T05:39:00.000-07:002011-06-27T05:39:24.942-07:00Whoa, hold your horses!Okay, how many minutes since my last post and now little man is in his room punished for all the SPIT I found on his bedroom floor. Hocking drooling loogies all over his floor. He has been yelled at for DAYS about this ridiulous drool thing and (PS - He's 4 1/2) and UGH!!! I don't know how to get through to him.. He says he's sorry because he thinks that's what I want to hear. It actually grates me when he says it. He doesn't know what it means to be sorry. AAHHHHH> <br />
Unbelieveable.<br />
Suggestions?<br />
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://craftyhippodesigns.webs.com/ThoughtsMom/Signature.png" /><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_click?lid=41000000012871747&pubid=21000000000349272</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5450632658199618495.post-4396558168561661002011-06-27T05:22:00.000-07:002011-06-27T05:22:55.157-07:00SummertimeAhh, summer has officially begun. School is finished. Piles of papers from my son's desk are strewn all about. Can't wait to throw THAT all away!! Officially a second grader, I'm so excited for him. I think I may be the odd mom out on this one that I am excited to see my children move forward. My littlest one is starting pre-k and I couldn't be prouder. Not nostalgic. Maybe that'll change in 3 months when I drop him off in his classroom, but not now! <br />
The past month has completely flown by. I have no idea where June went. I thought we could slow down this week, but that's not happening either! I suddenly am feeling pretty popular and that's not too shabby. Pool party today, possibly tomorrow. Sprinkler date on Wednesday and another pool date on Thursday (although, she doesn't have a heated pool and I'm spoiled so I won't be going in that one!!) Then it's 4th of July weekend!! <br />
We have a whole weekend of family time that I am SO looking forward to. I have planned ahead with my cake baking so it shouldn't disrupt family time. We'll be seeing lots of friends. Now it's another 8 days of go go go!!! I love it!<br />
Here's to a fun filled summer! <br />
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://craftyhippodesigns.webs.com/ThoughtsMom/Signature.png" /><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_click?lid=41000000012871747&pubid=21000000000349272</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5450632658199618495.post-7275032125408260142011-06-24T03:02:00.000-07:002011-06-24T03:02:19.324-07:00An Overdue Thank you!I have to give a very belated shoutout to Jeannette at Crafty Hippo Designs. She did this amazing job on my blog design! She was patient and kind with all my silly requests and was always in contact with me. Jeannette, I thank you!! <a href="http://www.craftyhippodesigns.com/">http://www.craftyhippodesigns.com/</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://craftyhippodesigns.webs.com/ThoughtsMom/Signature.png" /><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_click?lid=41000000012871747&pubid=21000000000349272</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5450632658199618495.post-77672106295368913542011-06-23T12:36:00.000-07:002011-06-23T13:39:26.622-07:00Fantastic Connecticut Weekend<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What an amazing weekend my family had!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were afforded the opportunity to go spend the weekend in Connecticut through Family Fun Mystic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had the option of choosing from 4 different adventures and we found the perfect ones for us!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We started out on quite a dreary, rainy Friday morning heading out to the Orient Point Ferry on the North Fork of Long Island.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rain was teeming at times and even at 9AM, lightning danced across the sky as we headed east.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got up onto the ferry and found ourselves a cozy table to sit at and sat back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On occasion, my husband did take the little guys outside, but they're not much for getting their faces wet!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trip across the Long Island Sound was an hour and 20 minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The boys handled it well for being indoors and sitting still.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were just thrilled that they were on a boat!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When we were ready to get going to our first destination, The Dinosaur Place (www.thedinosaurplace.com) we were still a little iffy on the weather.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, we proceeded because we knew ultimately, we wouldn't melt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOYVvCIHnE7Au4rfo_Pzh0WBcPpwatvZefv8MpL1tOKo81e71nWb-wwTmnsW4wM7sapma_t9sio5HSCx8WbCYJVqnHi042Ug5FtaISDrofP5WAAAi7XGtYVW2ahQfYlSvJUvQ8ycCxQKBO/s1600/DSC08666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOYVvCIHnE7Au4rfo_Pzh0WBcPpwatvZefv8MpL1tOKo81e71nWb-wwTmnsW4wM7sapma_t9sio5HSCx8WbCYJVqnHi042Ug5FtaISDrofP5WAAAi7XGtYVW2ahQfYlSvJUvQ8ycCxQKBO/s320/DSC08666.JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We pulled up to a GIANT T-REX name Monty wearing a neck tie!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The boys squealed with happiness and my husband and I knew we made the right decision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rain actually stopped completely by the time that we had gotten there, but it was still damp and cool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The other plus for us (and don't tell on us either) all the kids were still in school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had the place to ourselves!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It truly doesn't get any better than that!</span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We started off wandering around the amazing gift shop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every type of dino-related toy was available plus beading and gems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was beautiful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only disappointment we had was not being able to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>hit the jackpot mine where you look for "fools gold".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That didn't stop us!</span></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKugQuRZQ__UWYKwPTPU8pvzBzjvnBHhpPc0WLPjMfLtdEDBN4qrRR8txdOINpr80XKqR9Y086w7GC4bkzLVvFtbthZbDZ6RuBLNUHcGY31GIbsYqkv1dfBiIw_Sad7lC1xSUgZjzomJcn/s1600/DSC08681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKugQuRZQ__UWYKwPTPU8pvzBzjvnBHhpPc0WLPjMfLtdEDBN4qrRR8txdOINpr80XKqR9Y086w7GC4bkzLVvFtbthZbDZ6RuBLNUHcGY31GIbsYqkv1dfBiIw_Sad7lC1xSUgZjzomJcn/s320/DSC08681.JPG" width="240" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We headed across the parking lot to head into the mini Jurassic Park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The gentleman in the little shop had told us to start the trail by going off to the left first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Boy, did he give us the best advice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To start, the hourly volcano (yes, a volcano) was about to blow!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We waited 5 minutes before the ground started to rumble and smoke started to pour out of the top.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It got louder and louder and smoke was getting thicker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally it blew (water) everywhere,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>which didn't matter because we had already decided that we weren't going to melt, remember that part? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And now, the dinosaur hunt begins............</span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEgPeCb6HHNDR6e6FM2SB1jLWgBx8PbU5aAr0WAPKYUPvlRr6d_ok1Pm89PW0cQIIJDhucpG24TOdMb_nWe2SDu20XBNCosVB1sb-UPthepZ0APvNfCJ-TEexbmFw3AFGSOJoT5iUWbidI/s1600/DSC08688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEgPeCb6HHNDR6e6FM2SB1jLWgBx8PbU5aAr0WAPKYUPvlRr6d_ok1Pm89PW0cQIIJDhucpG24TOdMb_nWe2SDu20XBNCosVB1sb-UPthepZ0APvNfCJ-TEexbmFw3AFGSOJoT5iUWbidI/s320/DSC08688.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMFUAaej1FJavhM84HGrZPVhf8Jj3WbNBgp00aZyJEXHDar-SQb_rJmXvIbNYDrz0Y576ryl32cio7xdYzT3kGoK9C_a48Io6LSuHm41VLLlgOBEoiFcnZ3kCUl2iM9JbXnq7BURsux8Ra/s1600/DSC08699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMFUAaej1FJavhM84HGrZPVhf8Jj3WbNBgp00aZyJEXHDar-SQb_rJmXvIbNYDrz0Y576ryl32cio7xdYzT3kGoK9C_a48Io6LSuHm41VLLlgOBEoiFcnZ3kCUl2iM9JbXnq7BURsux8Ra/s320/DSC08699.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip_ct0vkVEn5s30QrNdfKVuRkVSkG7NViQUxsLiARD59YUWR_l40h-Fxn6oANhWVrGcnMSvyspFJJPb13GekR1CbJqg2qGcVUjfJLaDddZMT0KE1DiZTN76S2BLad6th2JS03tVIpvX0SR/s1600/DSC08695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip_ct0vkVEn5s30QrNdfKVuRkVSkG7NViQUxsLiARD59YUWR_l40h-Fxn6oANhWVrGcnMSvyspFJJPb13GekR1CbJqg2qGcVUjfJLaDddZMT0KE1DiZTN76S2BLad6th2JS03tVIpvX0SR/s320/DSC08695.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTqQPMxQeAK2rS8HmZt2E7l17mKSsKK8zw3PWLCfr3VOQ5RhWA-DahFJwCulUsEEV1N3u1AO0geHxYSe7Ie7QdZJIBWlK04NEwPTlKvJPJzoc-O75axSom6k-wiamaC5aXZV181SJD3Ivw/s1600/DSC08698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTqQPMxQeAK2rS8HmZt2E7l17mKSsKK8zw3PWLCfr3VOQ5RhWA-DahFJwCulUsEEV1N3u1AO0geHxYSe7Ie7QdZJIBWlK04NEwPTlKvJPJzoc-O75axSom6k-wiamaC5aXZV181SJD3Ivw/s320/DSC08698.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Then, this is why I truly give the admission guy KUDOS!! I don't know if he had kids or not or maybe he was just that smart, or maybe he really did just want us to see the volcano first. There is a HUGE playground in the park as well. The boys went nuts - and once again, it was ALL THEIRS!!! (spoiled rotten little boys) Did I say that out loud?</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">What fun we had! There was a giant "spider web" looking thing that they spent most of their time tooling around on and admittedly, so did I! Then there was a playset with a bone bridge, a rope bridge and probably the most fun slide that I have been on - it was all rollers so that meant SUPER SPEED!! I went on that one A LOT! </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Yeah, everything was wet, but that's one of the reasons I packed extra underpants, right? The other fun thing to do there that we didn't need to have open anyway was their splash pad. That was opening on Father's Day and we were celebrating a few days earlier. The cats around here wouldn't have been to keen on it, but, I know a lot of other kids that would have a blast there!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Then we were off to our hotel - the Marriott Springhill Suites. We had a great room, 2 beds, a little living room and little kitchenette with a fridge and microwave. The boys were <strong><em><u>exhausted </u></em></strong>and needed to take a break (yup, <em>they</em> needed to take a break).</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">So after resting up, we went down to the indoor pool (the only way I roll) and played around for a while to <strike>exhaust them some more </strike>play. It worked. Me and the boys were passed out by 8:30. I don't know what time hubbs passed out. I didn't ask. Apparently there was some wicked storm going on too........</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Saturday morning, we enjoyed our free breakfast buffett and we totally took advantage of it!! Fresh waffles, sausage, eggs, english muffins, bagels, muffins, cereal, fresh fruit, oatmeal, yogurt, juice and coffee. Lots of coffee.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Then we were on our way to the Essex Steam Train and Riverboat <span class="f"><cite><span style="color: #0e774a;">www.<b>essexsteamtrain</b>.com</span></cite></span>. We were really excited for this one too(until the little guy asked if it took us to the Dinosaur Place and I had to let him down easy.) The boys had never been on a train before so when we pulled into the parking lot, they were in awe at the size of the engine (okay, so I was a little too!!) <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip88h3BnvZQLswVMdlAXjRncbUhSvAsbQFIelAiC7QQuPl6O3XpqANQYmTDJ9IM6BAHJ8_09TDixAZRWeKkAesmCwVUtDTKe6pwqONcn7-ug3GikX-paV95uv-rDT99qzOVTyFE2ai56zW/s1600/DSC08712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip88h3BnvZQLswVMdlAXjRncbUhSvAsbQFIelAiC7QQuPl6O3XpqANQYmTDJ9IM6BAHJ8_09TDixAZRWeKkAesmCwVUtDTKe6pwqONcn7-ug3GikX-paV95uv-rDT99qzOVTyFE2ai56zW/s320/DSC08712.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">We went to stand in line to get our tickets and there was a conductor walking the line to move things along, prefilling orders of which tour they wanted to take. Some people had made reservations, others were just getting there. Here's my advice. Get online and order your tickets in advance - especially if you want to take the riverboat. Apparently, from the woman that I had befriended while standing on line, she was there for her third attempt at getting train <em>and</em> boat tickets. The third time she got wise and bought her tickets online. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Now, back to the conductor that was walking around. He was moving things along finding out what each person was doing. Some people were there just for the train ride. Like me, others were there for the train and boat and there was a third option as well that included a hike. The first stop off the train was a hike to a ferry with a short trip across the river to another short hike up to Gillette's Castle. From the river, the castle looks beautiful. (My knees thanked me for not going up that hill!!) Definately something that I know I would <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin1csfMtbc1pGt_qD4shCrLP3wanETfDFpRSWKKtkUWosFdQXWVR4Fa_ppyD3r6onuPs2Vl0XC8pAQj5RRk9BHmcb9IICkEVZPZiuH-lDOB0w_RyNXH1iEPcSCZ5iDTFwu_DFLOmptg2jC/s1600/DSC08749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin1csfMtbc1pGt_qD4shCrLP3wanETfDFpRSWKKtkUWosFdQXWVR4Fa_ppyD3r6onuPs2Vl0XC8pAQj5RRk9BHmcb9IICkEVZPZiuH-lDOB0w_RyNXH1iEPcSCZ5iDTFwu_DFLOmptg2jC/s200/DSC08749.JPG" width="150" /></a>have enjoyed!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">So we set off on our train ride. A lovely 1/2 hour ride, whistle blowing, slow trip up the tracks. Locals wave at everyone on the train as we pass by. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"> When we got to the end of the line, the train goes in reverse. First the Castle tour gets off the train. Then we back up some more for the Riverboat. During that stop, the train engine detaches from the front of the train and goes to the backside. The kids loved watching that. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">We boarded our boat and grabbed some seats together. We meandered down the river while a guide told us stories of the boatyards and the castle and the Goodspeed Opera House. The scenery was beautiful. The four of us went topside and enjoyed the scenes some more - we even saw a bald eagle!! The boats, jetskis, yachts and all the beautiful scenery made for a relaxing hour long excusion. Even the boys dealt pretty well for the length of time. As we were docking though, they were getting ants in their pants to get back on the train!!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbPenN4Q2jv-p95RpM6W21XJOByVhd8SxUS2zZ4jWnCfC7qwnn5VeBDjBeS9Q_W17c32yVDQt8Znpt8d7RIeQQNaqYoPCATax49jt4QRh-G66RPQbLirdB1gUUso2qnBj2muIA2kJFsgiS/s1600/DSC08725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbPenN4Q2jv-p95RpM6W21XJOByVhd8SxUS2zZ4jWnCfC7qwnn5VeBDjBeS9Q_W17c32yVDQt8Znpt8d7RIeQQNaqYoPCATax49jt4QRh-G66RPQbLirdB1gUUso2qnBj2muIA2kJFsgiS/s200/DSC08725.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">It was another 1/2 hour ride back to the station that we enjoyed. And Sue, if you're reading this, you can be expecting my husband and I back for the Essex Dinner Train. We were REALLY intrigued and thought it would make for a great date night!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Our weekend was coming to an end. We couldn't believe how much we had accomplished in 30 hours! Whirlwind, yes! Full of memories, definately! </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">I haven't been to Connecticut in over 10 years. I think they are going to be seeing our faces more often - those dinosaurs haven't seen the last of my little men yet and I have a pending dinner date with my husband on a train!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Most of this trip was compensated by Family Fun Mystic, but all these opinions are my own.</span></em></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.familyfunmystic.com/">http://www.familyfunmystic.com/</a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://craftyhippodesigns.webs.com/ThoughtsMom/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="post signature" border="0" class="centered" src="http://craftyhippodesigns.webs.com/ThoughtsMom/Signature.png" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_click?lid=41000000012871747&pubid=21000000000349272</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5450632658199618495.post-30881538566161474652011-06-15T10:51:00.000-07:002011-06-15T10:51:46.772-07:00How lucky am I?Very! 2 blog redesigns in 1 weekend! I get to premier everything all at once!<br />
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I must tell you about my day in NYC!! Names may be changed, but, since I don't know how to block out faces, the innocent shall have faces only! <br />
Our awesome day started with meeting in the parking lot of the Ronkonkoma train station. 14 incredibly awesome women with the whole day to themselves!! So, we got ourselves some mimosas in to go cups and boarded the train. Since there were so many of us, we looked for a large group of seats that could face each other. Easily done. As we boarded the train, there were several stray passengers in the car. Most of them left. One poor soul did not. He was warned. He was a smart single guy. He had a name. It was.................Random Guy. Yup. We called him Guy. <br />
The train to Ronkonkoma is 90 minutes to the city. 90 minutes of mimosas and Random Guy. 90 minutes on the 10:40 train to Penn Station. That was the beginning of our day. It was an awesome day.<br />
What happens when 14 women walk past Macy's Herald Square? If I have to tell you, then you're reading the wrong blog! One of the lovely ladies just wanted a gift certificate for a party she was going to the next day. 45 minutes later, we had boobie pasties, a new shirt, a new necklace (on clearance and with a coupon), 3 Starbucks iced coffees and a gift card. Yeah<br />
Then it was off to the show. We managed to find a bar before the show - you know, because they serve drinks during the show, but, why not start early - it's our day off!! Poor bartender didn't know what hit him.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg20O3Nzzbc_jZSh_azcD-OlIvFrtfLf-fnRG23oUCVP9T0l1odu0YWnX-VqyzB6CQrv-XHDabHZLxqIokWbpXaWLFBsbnGnD2V6rjrgu3kpMwWA65zdnVbkCiNmIUOjuTj-MeCHK4sgaeW/s1600/DSC08611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg20O3Nzzbc_jZSh_azcD-OlIvFrtfLf-fnRG23oUCVP9T0l1odu0YWnX-VqyzB6CQrv-XHDabHZLxqIokWbpXaWLFBsbnGnD2V6rjrgu3kpMwWA65zdnVbkCiNmIUOjuTj-MeCHK4sgaeW/s320/DSC08611.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div>Then it was SHOW TIME!! ROCK OF AGES!!FRONT ROW SEATS!! It was like being at a rock concert - and I caught a thong! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxyMerne6hNltULDo5ON1MO6h5YTlvyqooMMsuP50XYaWfXFFPbAIu855X3sdvnXYfDCcoqOvblrIt9upnrw_vtx4VWeAbx8ay3a3jCOx9he4vW3UHhWLbNOU6Z3QPMUTJEQnN0056Vc2w/s1600/DSC08602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxyMerne6hNltULDo5ON1MO6h5YTlvyqooMMsuP50XYaWfXFFPbAIu855X3sdvnXYfDCcoqOvblrIt9upnrw_vtx4VWeAbx8ay3a3jCOx9he4vW3UHhWLbNOU6Z3QPMUTJEQnN0056Vc2w/s320/DSC08602.JPG" t8="true" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Then I flirted with the guitarist a little - <br />
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Good Times! Oh - and then I posed with the lead actor who was in his broadway debut -<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNzPUUhqeV6zmb1R4CEf7k9b9HLm-2-uRXMNyKqa3anErKDQ-Uz69JT4JRiTTxZ9MolDILyXU6VB4tAUJCWGeQTmJ75uvejQq9bLxp36xhdwu_WdTQQ4G5WhphV34Pte7zrGtxRH-bkNh3/s1600/DSC08612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNzPUUhqeV6zmb1R4CEf7k9b9HLm-2-uRXMNyKqa3anErKDQ-Uz69JT4JRiTTxZ9MolDILyXU6VB4tAUJCWGeQTmJ75uvejQq9bLxp36xhdwu_WdTQQ4G5WhphV34Pte7zrGtxRH-bkNh3/s320/DSC08612.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div>What a fun show!<br />
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Then it was off to Tony's DiNapoli. We were wearing our playbills in front of our faces so they wouldn't recognize us from last year. (Saving the not so innocent there!)<br />
But, all was well and we all sat down to a fantastic dinner that included a lot of seafood that I have no interest in talking about, but what I ate was: Fried zucchini, fresh tomatoes and mozzarella, penne a la vodka, chicken parmesan, chicken francese, tri-color cheese tortollini in an alfredo sauce and meatballs with sausage. - No No - I didn't get that all on one dish- Tony's is family style! It was outrageously delicious and honestly, $60 per girl to feed 14 girls, ain't too shabby! <br />
After dinner we headed back to Penn Station to catch a rather early train - which is highly unusual! We were about to board the train when we noticed - RANDOM GUY!!!<br />
He was stuck with us for the ride home and had to listen to us carry on and laugh and sing and all sorts of good stuff - the conductor actually came by and said that we had to quiet it down. Kill Joy.<br />
I have to say, not to sound old, it was a wonderful day and I was so glad to be home before midnight. Not too much before, but, long enough for me not to worry about pumpkin status!<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_click?lid=41000000012871747&pubid=21000000000349272</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5450632658199618495.post-27658608968423207562011-06-04T04:13:00.000-07:002011-06-04T04:13:13.273-07:00From Riverhead to NYC!!Can't wait to share tomorrow what I'm doing today. It's GIRL'S DAY in the CITY!! So happy to be spending the day with lots of my favorite ladies, taking in a Broadway show and having a fantastic dinner. Wait 'til you hear the details tomorrow (if allowed, I'll post some pics too - they can get a little out of hand......)<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_click?lid=41000000012871747&pubid=21000000000349272</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5450632658199618495.post-92051813652878719702011-05-31T18:25:00.000-07:002011-05-31T18:25:10.092-07:00A Fun Day On Long Island!Today was our extra day off for Memorial Day. After all the snow we had this year, we still got to use up a day because our kids need more time off this time of year. With the parents in town, I took advantage of the extra eyeballs to take the kids to the Atlantis Marine World in Riverhead, New York. It's been here on Long Island for 10 years and today was my first trip. (Technically I was there 8 years ago, but, hubbs and I were at the animal rescue center visiting a friend that worked there and then we weren't "allowed" in the aquarium because we might get the animals "sick".) <br />
Any hooo, the day started off great for the single fact alone that my girlfriend gets discount tickets through her union and she just happened to have had 5 laying around her house. The price was right and we were ready to go (PS - any and all money that I had saved was spent on 2 THINGS at the gift shop). <br />
The ride out was smooth enough. A lovely drive on the Long Island Expressway with minimal traffic - upside to a Tuesday trip. Traffic was a little heavy in Riverhead as there is much construction going on right in front of the aquarium. A gas station remodel as well as a hotel being built on either side of the aquarium made for a slow go. <br />
Once we finally found the parking down the street, we took a great strool to the entrance where you can watch seals while waiting to enter. The downside to today - school field trips. Atleast 3 different schools were there. From elementary to crazed middle schoolers. I just kept a <strike>tighter grip </strike>closer eye on my kids. <br />
The stingrays are right up front when you get in. On the other side of the interior is a great scene with shallow water and a beachy feeling. You walk over a dock, look down and there's sand sharks. That went over big! We saw Japanese Spider Crabs (HOLY CRAP!! They were HUGE and very scary looking) and electric eels. We even found Nemo.<br />
Sharks, octopus, penguins, snow monkeys. SNOW MONKEYS??? Isn't this an AQUARIUM??? oh, and 4 parrots. Fish, lots of fish. The boys loved the sea lion show. It was short, but cute, none the less. <br />
2 1/2 hours of pure joy on my children's face. No complaints other than the usual "I'm <em><strong>THRISTY</strong></em>!!" <br />
It truly was a picture perfect family day. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAVq2XBzC7avpEudWbviooiij2YJsuYwv55JtAW72w7ttMWTSDgNo-LI3CjsQRRY63cPDyWJC_nKJIRlRQ8sBHsjr9_FAucaT5SotqDUK2Fx1aK8ayVApRt_IV-Kq-s4jc0YcWv4JbreWo/s1600/DSC08588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAVq2XBzC7avpEudWbviooiij2YJsuYwv55JtAW72w7ttMWTSDgNo-LI3CjsQRRY63cPDyWJC_nKJIRlRQ8sBHsjr9_FAucaT5SotqDUK2Fx1aK8ayVApRt_IV-Kq-s4jc0YcWv4JbreWo/s320/DSC08588.JPG" t8="true" width="240px" /></a></div>Oh, and I held a snake. <div class="blogger-post-footer">http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_click?lid=41000000012871747&pubid=21000000000349272</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5450632658199618495.post-18852679042659708602011-05-27T03:48:00.000-07:002011-05-27T03:48:55.082-07:00Over doing it....Well, it truly has been a while since I've had anything to say. Really, it's not that I haven't had anything to say, it was lack of time!! When I get involved in something, I have a tendency to throw myself into it and kinda leave everything else in the dust for a while. So, this lovely little blog of mine is the one that suffered. BOO.....<br />
Here I am at a holiday weekend, and I'm pretty sure that I"m going to be spending my daytimes catching up on the 3 GIANT piles of papers, mail and forms that have been waiting for me, so graciously catching the dust for me and leaving it's imprint on my couch cushions. Anyone looking for rectangular cushions, let me know. My butt is quite round and I don't know how it will fall in. (Round butt, square seat???)<br />
I digress, I really have taken on quite a bit lately. My parents are visitng for the next 2 weeks. So, in my own brilliance, I started spring cleaning 3 days before they got here. REALLY?? Yes, I am that stupid. SO, there's piles of outgrown clothes that I want to sell on ebay laying around. There's piles of "stuff" to go into the basement - and they can't go down there because that needs it's own spring cleaning. <br />
Cake orders are booming, so, I'm really excited about that and I'm focusing a lot of time on my other blog to be helping out other mommas!! PHEW - the neglect. I am never without my cell phone so i don't miss an email - I still can't respond on time. <br />
I'm hoping when school ends, i'll be able to redirect my focus to the kids more and really just divide my time properly between internet, piano, cooking and playdates. Thank goodness I have a very supportive husband who gets me and how I function - I think a lesser man would have imploded by now........<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_click?lid=41000000012871747&pubid=21000000000349272</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5450632658199618495.post-11902436047624637782011-05-15T12:03:00.000-07:002011-05-15T12:03:05.087-07:00Still catching up.........This weekend was not as catch-up worthy as I wanted it to be. I had some fun. My cup runneth over but, my plate is too full!! Friday night I had the opportunity to go to the movies with my girlfriends. That was a lovely night out. Then, by the time I got to bed, my littlest person started crouping. What child croups in May?? He was barking for an hour!! <br />
Finally, around midnight, I was able to start drifting. 3AM rolls around and he's calling out for us. He wet the bed. WHAT?? SO, that means we clean him up, change his clothes and let him come sleep next to me. My husband still gets all the room in the world to sleep, but, my little person has to climb back into the womb when he lays next to me. We have a stinking king sized bed and I'm the one hanging off the edge. By 6AM the big little is awake and all hell starts breaking loose. COME ON!! Why do they do that?? Why must they wake this early. We have room darkening shades in their room. Their room is black!!!! I can't stand it. After that night, I was just miserable. <br />
So, I went to see my chiropractor first thing after finally getting motivated. There's the upside to my day. I love her. She's an awesome friend. <br />
Saturday was a strange day. My SIL's husband's best friend, Jimmy, is involved in what he's calling 52 Missions. One mission each week for 52 weeks of stuff that he has never done before. So, I was teaching him to play the piano and then teach him to play a song. We spent 4 hours on and off doing that yesterday (my children suckered him into a few games of LEGO Star Wars - although, I don't think they had to try too hard - he's a Star Wars and Video Game junkie as it is-in between learning new notes)<br />
The afternoon disappeared a bit. I put off making the cake until this morning because I was worried about the cake's integrity in the swampy weather. <br />
Husband and I watched Scott Pilgrim VS the World last night - amazing how I stayed awake for it - it really held my attention. Finally, a movie that was totally different.<br />
This morning, I set out to put the cake together. The whipped cream stayed the consistency of cream no matter what I did. It was stinking ridiculous. When the executive decision to make a buttercream instead came about, that also threw a wrench in the works because I didn't have enough powdered sugar. <br />
AHHHH!! Right down to the last second was I putting this cake together. I wanted to add a starburst to it (it was a cake for a boy so I wanted to pass on flowers) and the buttercream was turning into cream itself and blah blah blah. To make this long story slightly shorter, the cake was delivered. I am kicking myself about it. There is always so much to change after the fact. I wish I had done the fondant. I wish I had figured the name differently. I wish it wasn't 1000% humidity. <br />
Ah well. Hubbs and I are going out to dinner tonight. We'll see how that goes........<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_click?lid=41000000012871747&pubid=21000000000349272</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5450632658199618495.post-18938298541242011262011-05-14T15:02:00.000-07:002011-05-14T15:06:47.353-07:00Bridesmaids - The MovieI believe one catch phrase that I saw was, "A chick flick that doesn't suck" and it was correct!! Kristen Wiig and Maya Rudolph were hysterical together in this movie. I wish SNL was this funny every week. Yes, some of the humor was crude (I believe I had a screaming laugh going on at one point while crying at the same time - I should have been worried about bladder protection at that point!) <br />
A cute story about childhood friends. One is struggling to keep her head above water financially and the other just got engaged. So, you can see here where the craziness can kick in. Kristen Wiig is just pure comic genious. I don't know how she pulls off some of the stuff that she does. The supporting cast (the bridesmaids) definately are scene stealers! I gave such a glowing review to my husband, he is actually looking forward to it being available on netflix! That's definately a thumbs up!<br />
<br />
PS to my girls that went out last night. My childhood friends. I love you!<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_click?lid=41000000012871747&pubid=21000000000349272</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5450632658199618495.post-86291553858119939202011-05-11T03:53:00.000-07:002011-05-11T03:53:41.304-07:00Am I Ever Going to Catch Up??I just don't understand. Well, actually, I do. So much going on now. <br />
My blogs really are becoming a full time job. Now that it has been over a month, I am starting to be compensated for my Odd Jobs Momma stuff. (<a href="http://www.oddjobsmomma.blogspot.com/">http://www.oddjobsmomma.blogspot.com/</a>) - you know I had to throw that in there!! <br />
More and more opportunities are coming my way and I couldn't be more excited! <br />
Life is still happening around me though and it's getting really tough to keep up. My grandfather has been in and out of the hospital for 2 weeks now. 2 weeks ago he had a stint replacement in the city. After he came home, I promised my uncle that I would be a good girl and stay home (I have a tendency to be a "mother hen"). My aunt has been wonderful and keeping me updated so I can keep my parents updated. It's a good phone system for a large family. Then, after being home for 2 days, Pop started having stroke symptoms. Very minor - slight droop to the mouth, slight loss of motor function to the right hand and dragging the right foot as well. So, off he went to the hospital again on Friday - fortuneately, this time it was local. Now, you can't keep me away! (I'm annoying like that too)<br />
So, Saturday morning I parked myself in a chair next to his bed and stayed there until after lunch and the same on Sunday- Hey, Mother's day is about what mommy wants to do - that's what I wanted to do - while my children and husband did not set my kitchen on fire baking me a cake!<br />
Through lots of therapy and much grumpiness for being there, my pop is home with my aunt temporarily. YAY!! So, in the meantime, not just because of that, (I have kids too, did I mention that???) those demanding little buggers that want to be fed and played with sucked up a lot of my time too. The wii bowling, the UNO games, the tickle tortures. All in a days work. oh yeah- That's what I was complaining about. I can't keep up!!!!<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_click?lid=41000000012871747&pubid=21000000000349272</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5450632658199618495.post-87322568715048174332011-05-05T04:43:00.000-07:002011-05-05T04:43:15.816-07:00Giveaway!Head on over to my Odd Jobs Momma website and enter to win 2 giveaways! A $5 Starbucks giftcard and $5 Paypal cash!<br />
<a href="http://www.oddjobsmomma.blogspot.com/">http://www.oddjobsmomma.blogspot.com/</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_click?lid=41000000012871747&pubid=21000000000349272</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5450632658199618495.post-17180061521846323502011-05-04T03:57:00.000-07:002011-05-04T03:57:20.324-07:00Damn you Hot CoffeeIt's starting off to be one of those days.....<br />
As I was pouring Darling Husband's coffee this morning, the coffee decided to jump out of the pot and hang on to my knuckles for dear life. How dare it! I mean - I use those knuckles! Quick witted and yet still half asleep, I whispered <a href="mailto:!@*$">!@*$</a>&*#^!&* and then turned the cold water on. Gently, i placed the coffee mug down (haha sucker, that extra little guy that tried to escape? MISSED ME!!) and then i let my hand gently cool off in the frozen flowing fountain of healing. <br />
Crap - my hand hurts. No blisters - just really red. :(<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_click?lid=41000000012871747&pubid=21000000000349272</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5450632658199618495.post-74515093939225374982011-05-03T04:48:00.000-07:002011-05-03T04:49:06.712-07:00A survey site for fun!<a href="http://tryvindale.com/VudPPzjJ">http://tryvindale.com/VudPPzjJ</a> Survey Site! <br />
<br />
This is Vindale Research! This survey site does both cash and points. This site will not make you rich, but, gives you lots of survey opportunities to make cash. I recommend setting up a paypal account if you don't have one already for these survey sites. Most of them will deposit directly to it. I use it kind of like a savings account!<br />
Enjoy and as always, have fun! <br />
<br />
Please check out my other blog, <a href="http://www.oddjobsmomma.blogspot.com/">http://www.oddjobsmomma.blogspot.com/</a> for other opportunities like this!<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_click?lid=41000000012871747&pubid=21000000000349272</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5450632658199618495.post-17940622233930219122011-05-02T18:01:00.000-07:002011-05-02T18:01:35.711-07:00And now for something completely different.........Since I got that last rant out of my head, I can move on with life. <br />
I kind of feel like life has been moving at warp speed lately. We came out of the winter doldrums into spring chaos and it has been non stop! I cannot get over the fact that it is May. Next weekend, it's going to be the 4th of July! <br />
Hubby's birthday is this weekend right before Mother's Day. I have to give the guy atleast one day before I suck up all the love of the children again. THe children seem so confused as to what to celebrate and in what order. All the prep work that they are doing at school for Mother's day and then I try to remind them about Daddy, but, if you want to make all the presents for me, that's okay too!<br />
And now the sad news - TV season is ending. THis month. It's over. I can't stand reality TV (unless it's a cooking competition!!) I have the most boring TV schedule for the summer. I'm so glad that we signed up for netflix. Soon my evenings will be filled with NIP/TUCK eye candy from Dr. TRoy and watching Heroes. <br />
I have been on another mission too - a bit of a ridiculous one, but one none the less. I want to find "You Can't Do THat On Television" on DVD. Apparently it was available once, for about a day, on DVD. SO now people are selling them on DVD-Rs and my DVD doesn't play those. If you know of anyone that has a real DVD for sale, let me know so that I can show my children that BRAINSURGE isn't the originator of getting slimed! WHAT??<br />
So, that's enough rambling for now. Nothing whitty this evening. Nothing of consequence. Good evening.....<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_click?lid=41000000012871747&pubid=21000000000349272</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2