It's the end of a whirlwind Spring Break. Let's see -- Monday, the kids all had dental appts. NO CAVITIES, yeah! I don't know how that happened, but I'm just happy. We headed to AZ on Tuesday AM. The final tally: 4 days, 800 miles, 4 kids + 1 dog, a trip to the Wildlife World Zoo, a relaxing afternoon in the park, a FANTASTIC dinner at Pappadeaux's Seafood kitchen (side note: Maggie is the only anti-crawfish person in the family!) and another awesome breakfast at my beloved Waffle House. Yesterday was baseball (more details later) and today is church & grocery shopping.

I don't know how the teachers manage to educate anyone beyond spring break b/c I'm ready for the beach and the kids aren't incredibly excited about 2 more months of school.

We got a dog. Yes, a dog. Shasta (now 12) is NOT thrilled. But how can you NOT love a face like this.

Meet Fritz; 10wk. old Mini-Schnauzer.

Ian says: "He's my favorite doggie. He's mine. I asked Daddy for him."

So far, so good.

Our little sparkling Shirley Temple; Mag did a GREAT job presenting her clues on stage. Isn't her hair just darling and hilarious. It's still curly a day later. She got an A+ on her Famous Americans poster. I have to get a picture of her doll, too.

Lots of great costumes and presenters. Funny moment, one little guy was PERFECT in costume and great clues. Collin raised his hand and was picked responding 'are you Cassius Clay?' VERY QUICK and right on the mark the 3rd grader says 'No, I am not Cassius Clay.' The entire audience burst into laughter b/c he WAS correct he was Muhammad Ali. He jogged off the stage with his red boxing gloves held high.

Aaaaahhhhhh, spring is here! I'm not sure what's gotten into me but I'm progressing along nicely in this gardening thing. I, yes, I even cut the grass last Friday. Who cares if our grass is the size of a postage stamp. I think my neighbors were peeking out their windows wondering WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH HER; HIRE A GARDENER. They must have been really frightened b/c they didn't even come and offer a referral for their own gardener.

My quest to conquer the backyard has started. We've been here 2-1/2 years and barely done anything to the backyard beyond pruning. It's not like we have a HUGE backyard either (snort, I live in the land of stucco & cement aka Orange County). But seriously, it had become a completely embarrasing eye-sore. I'm clearing out all the weeds, junk, mess and putting in some simple flowers for color and I planted two tomato plants in the full sun spot. This is going to take a while b/c I really need a green waste dumpster not a green waste trash bin.

NOW, that is what the Real Housewives of Orange County DO!

So I attempted some pre-spring gardening back in February.......lined the front walkway with pansies, pruned & weeded the rose gardens, planted snapdragons and some other assorted flowers to fill in them empty bed spots, fertilized it all. Fast forward to now with minimal watering from me, phase 1 of gardening ended with this: the roses are blooming, the LONE pansy that survived, and some pretty purple flowers. Almost all of the snapdragons d.i.e.d. along with the spring planter at the door. I so stink at this.

SO, yesterday I started phase 2. With the help of some awesome customer service at Armstrong Garden Center, I added some gerber daisies to the front rose bed; put in more pansies & petunias in walkway bed; reworked the planter at the door with Rhaniculas (sp?) and some other funky stuff; composted it all. Today I'm planting some tomatoes in the backyard random spot that is full-sun (along with Amanda's bean project from school).

I have decided that THIS will be my exercise. How pathetic and old am I that I consider gardening my exercise, but I'm getting some yoga stretches out of this, I think. It makes me sore and tired. So why shouldn't it count.

Aside from the tomatoes, the backyard remains a scary, pathetic jungle to be conquered.

Stay tuned to see what survives.................

In a nutshell:

Baseball season is going well. Amanda's teeball team is, well, hilarious. Hard to even imagine Sean was at 'that level' just two years ago. Seems almost impossible actually. BUT she is having fun and we are having lots of laughs. Sean is adjusting to kid pitch pretty well. He had a big game on Sat.--1st time getting a base hit; 1st time getting hit with a pitch; and 1st time getting a big leaping catch for an out. (I missed it all, but I have to get over it.)

We've been battling assorted illnesses but I'm hoping that we are at the tail end of it. Amanda has a mild pneumonia but she is mending well and getting back to her spunky self.

Maggie is working on the infamous 3rd grade Famous American project. She is Shirley Temple Black so next week's costumed presentation should be fun. She also survived her 1st official Girl Scout camping adventure at Camp Sherman. She loved it and the dirt level on her clothes proved it.

Ian remains cute and funny although he has turned on his 3yo behavior button and challenges me quite often. Grrrrr........

A little dedication:
My dear friend Audrey had a little girl in January and she was born with Down's Syndrome (as a complete shock to everyone). Audrey and her family are doing great and she just sent me this beautiful, touching montage.

Please take the time to watch
http://www.giftsds.segullah.org/photo_montage.htm

HAPPY 3rd BIRTHDAY to our little wild man!

It doesn't seem possible that he's been such a treasure for three years already. Here's a fun little tribute to Mr. Delicious:

1. These days he loves everything 'Eigo' (aka Diego)

2. and he still loves Cars and trains.

3. He stills loves to snuggle like the best of them and makes sure we have 'room-a-lay' (translation: room to lay on his pillow for tuck in).

4. When he tired, give him the couch arm as his pillow and he'll be out in 2.7 seconds.

5. Do NOT allow #4 to happen when you are cooking dinner or at any point beyond 4:30pm!

6. Moosie is still his pal.

7. He has perfected screeching like a macaw or as he refers to it 'I'm being Shamu'

8. When I tell him something he doesn't like or I'm being mean Mommy, he responds with 'Mom, you da boss' (snicker.....he really is trying to say 'you're not the boss!')

9. He loves baseball.

10. He has music in his soul; he notices music, even the faintest background tunes, and dances all the time.

11. He wants CHOCOLATE cake!

For many of you, this post will seem a little strange, but I'll try to help you understand. If you have never experienced going to a Waffle House, you must do it at some point in your life. One day on the drive from New Orleans to Atlanta we started counting Waffle Houses. Sometimes having TWO of these fine dining establishments off one interstate exit, we stopped counting at about 65.
I, personally, haven't been to one in a while, but my husband satisfied his craving and visited one while he was in Atlanta recently. I forgot to ask him if he got his hash browns 'covered or smothered'. BUT he did get me this:

Basically he had to leave a 'big' tip while the waitress turned her back b/c they aren't available for purchase. I cannot begin to tell you how happy this mug makes me whenever I pour my daily cup of joe. Makes me chuckle everytime.

Put it on your list of places to go before you die.

As my kids evolve in the television world, I periodically try to catch a few old favorites. Sometimes we'll run across a Maggie & the Ferocious Beast episode (great googally moogally!) or a random Mister Rogers Neighborhood (I still think the puppets are creepy) and it brings me back to how insane three children 3-1/2yo & younger was. Clearly I wasn't thinking clearly when figuring out birth control. Anyway, I digress.....I can on occasion get Ian to watch Sesame Street or a Blue's Clues.

Today I was disturbed at what I saw. Deeply saddened. (Still bitter from Steve moving on) First, it was a Blue's Clues episode with Joe. He's nice enough, but he's NOT Steve and I never made the transition. Second, and most shocking, Joe wasn't all jolly and happy about getting the mail --- he was singin' a little diddy about EMAIL. 'We've got EMAIL'No. No. No. It's all wrong.

Yes, we are tech generation (who'da thunk I would have a blog) with gizmos and gadgets galore, but is it absolutely necessary that we teach toddlers about email? Don't the creators understand that the HIGHLIGHT of my day as an at-home Mom in the throws of parenting wee ones was GETTING THE MAIL. It was a huge production; almost as huge as Steve made it. And Joe thinks he needs to skip the REAL mailbox. heh, last time I watch dear old Blue.

I'm gonna go dig up one of my most favorite books from childhood and savor some old fashioned Sesame Street. There's A Monster at the End of this Book

I LOVE the fact that all of my kids wanted to learn to ski.

I LOVE the fact that my not quite 7yo took his lesson and was a fast learner, but I don't love the fact that he is faster than me now.

I LOVE the fact that my girls wanted to learn. I don't love the fact that they both quit their lesson, but they did get back on the slopes and figured out the basics on their own. I LOVE that I ski well enough that I can hold my poles in front of me under Amanda's armpits and that I can steer her without falling.

I LOVE that Ian is the cutest thing on skis and that he is brave enough to actually do it!

I LOVE the fact that we can visit the snow and don't have to deal with snow gear for months at a time.

So we go to Sea World to enjoy the day with some friends that are visiting from Oregon and to celebrate Sean's birthday. Everything was just fine and dandy until they decided to start the Dolphin show with SPLASH TIME with NO WARNING.




Poor Amanda spent the rest of the show on alert just in case they held another unannounced splash time. I'm so bad; I couldn't grab my camera fast enough.

Taking a trip down memory lane this AM since my kids requested we watch the wedding video. It's been 11-1/2 years. The 1st thing they noticed -"Mom, you are so pretty and skinny." Um, thanks, I think. Lots of 'look at Daddy; look at Gma; who is that?' going on. Pretty funny overall; you know it was 1995 after all. Time flies. My godchild (then 6) is graduating from high school this year; my 3rd niece wasn't even born yet; Grandpa Hall was here; I have had four children not to mention the numerous children the wedding party have had.

Some things that stick out in mind:
1) the dresses -- really, WHY didn't someone shout in objection 'Magenta? really, Magenta?'
2)We danced to 'A Groovy Kind of Love' by Phil Collins. Bad choice. I couldn't even remember what we danced too until I heard it.
3) I NEVER left the dance floor except to cut the cake. All the while with a champagne glass in my hand. I even danced by myself. (is anyone surprised?)
4)WE ARE FAMILY! Watching this just makes me smile. It brings out ALL the Cantrelle family/cousins and it is always awesome. Ten siblings + spouses and everyone else. My Paran has some moves! My cousin Ginnyand my Uncle Jesse are gone now, so it was fun to remember the good times.
5) Doing a kick line to New York, New York with my father-in-law included was one of the best surprises of the day.
6) We've line-danced; 2nd lined; done the hokey-pokey; done the twist; done the boot skoot boogey; even our favorite Billy Idol 'Mony-Mony'.

What a hoot!
Oh look; we're chicken dancing now!

The days are numbered until my baby turns THREE. We know what that means -- a THREE YEAR OLD; that phrase alone can make many people wimper away and crawl into a corner. I keep thinking in my perfect world-brain that he won't be a 'regular' 3yo and he will remain cute, funny, and mostly delicious. Eh, not likely but one can hope.

Here are two of his latest funnies........

1) coming down the stairs after bath the other night, he was farting with every step. We both couldn't stop laughing and I said 'what? are ya leaking?' Fast forward 30 min., he was at the table coloring with Amanda and apparently he farted again. He loudly proclaimed --'Hey, I farted. I'm leaking again.' Seriously, he kills me.

2) yesterday AM he asked for armpit lotion. Yes, armpit lotion. That would be deodorant to you and me.

Love is having your son FINALLY cut his hair...........

BEFORE

I'll admit it -- the soft curls on the floor made me a little sad. He looks SO grown up now. Had his 7yr. well check and he's a solid 56lbs. and 48-3/4". I told him he could ride any ride that he wants to now; he wasn't convinced that monster rollercoasters are acceptable. Well, neither am I for that matter.

Where have I been???
Well, busy having fun with assorted friends. Our 1st group arrived last Friday and we (9 total)had a fabulous weekend in Big Bear complete with 5in. of fresh powder for the kids to play in before we left on Monday.
NOW, we have a different group of friends here AND a much BIGGER group :) There are 12 people here - 4 adults/ 8 kids (the oldest is 11-1/2)!!!!!!!!!!

Here are a few observations:
1) wife friend and I have agreed that having multiples wives IS a good thing. We are having a ball ---non-stop chatter amidst cooking, cleaning, shuffling assorted children, errands, and even having wine & margaritas. Life is good. (side note: I don't want to necessarily share my husband if you know what I mean) AND she homeschools her kids, knits, smocks & sews. I might have to kidnap her.
2) we are eating MASS quantities of food. It is completely unreal. They arrived yesterday afternoon. Since then, we have consumed 4lbs. of strawberries, 2 gallons of milk, a large box of cereal; 4 gallons of water; a Costco sized spaghetti sauce + a couple of random jars; 1-1/2 lbs. of spaghetti; 32 homemade meatballs (we made 36 and they ain't mini ones); BBQ --7 chicken breasts + 16 chicken legs; a HUGE MONDO bowl of fruit salad; an entire pack of Costco bakery cookies. We've also had green beans and corn, but I don't even know how much. This is only what I can recall. Isn't it hilarious!
3) it is beyond hilarious to hear about all the random adventures that your dh had in college. I consider myself incredibly lucky to have met him when he was graduating. His poor Mom has always said 'anything beyond 25yo is bonus!' I truly get it now. Could it be funnier to hear one of his long-time buddies say "I think I've been there during everyone of your insane mishaps."

We are heading to the mountains again this weekend and it's supposed to snow again. Yippee!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

In the spirit of celebrating, today I thought I would list something that I love about those around me:

my husband -- I love that he works hard; that he loves teaching the kids new things; that he loves to cook!

Maggie -- I love that she loves drama & dance; that she still likes to be tucked in at night; that she ADORES her baby brother.

Sean -- I love that he loves to learn; that he is an animal lover; that he can be sensitive and silly all wrapped in one.

Amanda -- I love that she likes my silly nick-names; that she is friendly and sweet; that she can make me laugh so hard with her priceless giggle! (and that she digs lunch at Panera Bread)

Ian -- I love that he is MY baby boy!; that he is very funny; that he ADORES his older siblings!

Had a funny conversation the other day about STUPID television and how bizarre it is that people get sucked into it all. We've all done it at some point......sat there and watched for 30min./1hr./an entire movie! It leaves you with the feeling of "gah! I just wasted 30min. of my life that I can never get back!"

So fast forward to last night -- exhausted after a long FUN day at Sea World, dh and I got sucked into some random WWF Raw wrestling challenge. @@ OH DEAR GOD! I couldn't stop watching (and laughing). I couldn't stop babbling "do people REALLY STILL think this is real?" "where do these steriod freaks come from?" "can you imagine just going to one of these crazy, loud things and not die from laughter?" "Who will the Undertaker choose to wrestle?" "Did that poster really say 'My Mom thinks your hot'?" {snort!} Poof - 30 min. of my life gone!

And tonight, dh had the nerve to ask me 'ooooo, I wonder if the Undertaker defeated Batista?'

Baseball practice has started. YEAH! I love baseball season. I love going to the games. However, most of the conversations in this house recently go like this:
Dh: Sean needs a new bat
me: OK
Dh: wahwahwah blahblahblah some random numbers wah blah (imagine Charlie Brown's teacher)
me: uh, huh
[repeat this part about 20 times]
Dh: wah blah wah blah $250
me: *cough, gag* no! try ebay
Dh: wah blah wah What size do you think?
me: *deer in the heads lights look*
Dh: OH! I can get it for 1/2 off retail on ebay
me: yeah, get it!

It's all about the gear {shrug - who knew?}

Remember this jingle: Here's to good friends tonight is kinda special...

It's Superbowl Sunday and even though we aren't having a PARTY OF ALL PARIES BECAUSE THE SAINTS ARE IN IT we do have some friends over. Hubby has already made the crab-boil potato salad; he's slow cooking ribs; and I'll nuke the frozen corn, lol. We've already mowed through the chips & bean dip (with 3 adults and six kids it didn't take long) and the game is hours away.

We're rootin' for the New Orleans boy (Manning), but overall we don't care. I just wanna see these million dollar commercials.

There is nothing like the LOVE a Grandma has. My MIL sent this after our recent Christmas visit.

Seriously -- isn't it grand. I like to call it our 'surprise box o' junk'. For several weeks after we leave, she puts her house back together and gathers all of our random stuff. This box: one pair of dh's underwear, one pair of Mag's socks, Sean's beanie, a random deck of SeaLife cards, a Viewmaster (from the cousins), a few Barbie accessories [a girl has to have her shoes & sunglasses, ya know], an sctivity book and the NINJA TURTLES GAMEBOY cartridge! [the cartridge somehow got nestled under the bottom cushion of her recliner @@]

Now if that isn't LOVE I don't know what is.

The news is in.............

SEAN MADE KID-PITCH. He flipped back and forth about actually trying out for kid-pitch or simply playing machine pitch. HE IS SOOOOOO EXCITED!!! This little dude lives for sports; he appears to be pretty good at baseball so we'll see what kid-pitch brings. He will definitely be challenged.

The coach who drafted him (yes, they look at the try-out ratings and draft a few teams) is a guy we know from when the boys played together in early 2004. He is a really nice guy so I am glad to see that he has confidence in Sean.

GO RED SOX!

I pride myself on being pretty healthy and never being sick. My dh says I have the immune system of steel. Well, it's 2007 and I'm not changing diapers anymore; so that means I'm not washing my hands 15times a day. Soooooooo, can you guess what happens next?

Yep --- I have the COLD FROM HELL. I've been wishing it away for about a week; mild annoying cough with an occasional need for a tissue. Well, this morning the cold decided to take charge; grab my lungs; and take hold!!!!!!!! Woke up at 5:30am coughing and DID NOT STOP until I pulled myself out of bed at 7:15. It was bad enough that after dropping my kids at school, I immediately hit Sav-On (without passing Go and collecting $200). Snagged some Mucinex [this is huge for me b/c I despise their commercials] and some cough syrup. I never take medicine. I did today.

I declared today that we would do NOTHING and that included getting Ian dressed. I did manage to keep my children fed, cleaned the kitchen, and did a load of laundry BUT the rest was NOTHING.

Does TV make a great babysitter? Yes, Yes it does.

Sing with me now.......think Rocky Horror Picture Show....'there's a light'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQwgu-3LTK0&eurl=

I can see the light at the end of the tunnel; the tunnel of mothering tiny children (ironically it's often like Frankenstein's place). This week Ian has decided that he is going to "wake up dry" and is magically over using Pull-ups for sleeping. Yeah!!!! After almost nine years of carrying a diaper bag, now I don't anymore. I simply carry a change of clothes in my car in case of a random accident or spill. He's 95% capable of dressing himself too; if you ignore his mis-matched outfits or his backwards pants he does a fabulous job. Being #4 child, I've gotten over the random stranger looks and just smile with the 'ain't he cute' look.

NOW, I'm not kidding myself. The light is glimmering, but it isn't glaring just yet. I still have kids in car seats; I still tote random snacks if the schedule is going to be tight; I still have to wash straw sipper cups b/c I can't handle random spills.

HOWEVER, I only have one child left who 1)can't tie his own shoes (but he CAN do velcro) and 2) who needs his butt wiped.

I think I'll take a moment to do the Time Warp in celebration!

Sometimes I wonder about Moms and where they have left their brains. Just in case you need reminding here are the RULES of the playground:

1) If you bring toys (sand, trucks, balls, etc.) LABEL them with your name and then consider them fair game for SHARING. You know the drill......'let Johnny use your truck. You aren't using it and he will return it shortly OR give him 2 minutes and we will ask to trade OR it still belongs to you and it's fun to let everyone play.' IF you can't do this, leave the TOYS at home.

2) When you child has a fit b/c someone else is touching one of your kid's 562 trucks, remove your Ipod and help teach your child HOW to share. OR better yet, leave the Ipod home.

3) DO NOT BRING TOYS TO THE PARK if your child is going to scream/freak out/throw them at other children when someone walks within 15 ft. of his 562 trucks. REMOVE your child whether he likes it or not. Just b/c my kid's shadow may have brushed your precious prince's 562 trucks, I don't to have to explain to my child why he just got beamed in the head with a truck.

Has humanity lost all common sense? Is it really that hard to try and figure out? I get that some kids don't like to share; don't set them up for failure by bringing 562 trucks to a busy park. Now, for the real kicker and most important rule......

4) One must NOT chase all of the other kids' off and monopolizes the 562 trucks when THEY AREN'T EVEN YOURS. GAH!!!

Can you even believe that Ipod Mom got a grip and finally said 'oh, he must need a nap' after 45min. of non-stop toddler tantrum and packed up her stuff. THe 562 trucks WEREN'T EVEN HERS. Well, maybe they were and her 'punishment' for not sharing was to leave the trucks behind????????? Is that possible???? To say to a 2/3yo 'since you can't share, we are going to leave your toys here.'

Holy frijoles. I think I'm getting to old for this park mumbo-jumbo.

Just in case you weren't aware of it, the NEW ORLEANS SAINTS are in the NFC Championship game tomorrow vs. the Chicago Bears. You can bet that my fleur-de-lis wearing butt is going to be parked in front of the television.

WHO DAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtNLKzmOyrM

I'm a real blonde and this post proves it.

I thought I had a steal of a deal at Bed,Bath,and Beyond when I snagged a 5qt. crockpot on display clearance (got an extra 30%off AND used my 20%off coupon) for $22! I was all jazzed and my brisket was ready to roll. That was until after about two minutes of being on the crockpot started to smoke (from the vent above the timer). Hmmmmmm, mild silent panic. Is this a 1st time use thing? Was I supposed to put water between the stoneware and main cooking pot? I have no manual so I started calling all my friends, NO ONE WAS HOME to answer my questions and assure me that I wasn't going to burn my house down. After five calls, I caught E.D. in her car.

me:"Hey, did your crockpot smoke the 1st time you used it"
her: "um, No!"
me:"Ok, so it isn't burning off some random coating?"
her: through her laughter "um, NO -- unplug it and come get mine if you have to"
me:"it smells pretty bad; I guess I'll bring it back "

I think I should be glad that she didn't wreck her car laughing at me. The folks at BB&B looked at me like I was INSANE when I said it was smoking. @@ Whatever. The manager actually smelled the vent and said 'oh, yeah - I can smell it'. I got a new one but didn't get the added bonus of clearance&30%off, grrrrrrr.

Counting my blessings that I didn't leave right after I turned it on. AND for the record, the brisket was delicious!

So I sucked it up and finally decided to make a few phone calls that I've been dreading. Mostly b/c they require uninterrupted time and patience to deal with AUTOMATED PHONE SYSTEMS. Kill me now.

I've come to realize that even if I provide my kids with their favorite snack; favorite TV show; and made sure no one needed their butt wiped BEFORE I dial the phone the phone call WILL NOT be uninterrupted. So I just do my best to grab the cordless and walk away from said whining, needy child(ran) while I attempt to deal with an AUTOMATED PHONE SYSTEM.

Now, I'm not talking about the 'for Spanish, press 2' option or the endless 'please listen carefully as our options have changed' scenario. That would be too simple albeit tedious. I'm talking about the AUTOMATED ones; the ones where you have to TALK to a random mysterious computer. My calls usually go something like this:

system: why are you calling?
me: need repair service (child in background: MOM, he hit me!, I mumble 'stop that please; I'm trying to make a phone call')
system: I'm sorry, I didn't understand
me: (UGHHH!) need repair service
system: OK, did you say set up service?
me: NO (random child screams: CAN I HAVE GUM?)
system: I'm sorry, I didn't understand
me: CUSTOMER SERVICE PLEASE (whatever happened to pressing 0 for assistance?)
system: Ok, you want to set up service

ARGH!!!! I usually end up sitting in the bathroom with the door locked so 1) no one can mess up the SYSTEM and 2)no one will ask me to wipe his/her butt b/c I'm occupying that space.

LOVE this pic. Crashed out at Grandma's over the Christmas holidays. They do love each other on some level.

Happy LOVE Thursday!

Ahhhhhh, back to school this AM. I managed to get everyone there on and time and jumped back into the reality/routine of life. Hit the library, returned videos, kids to the park, Costco run, the joys of motherhood and all that.

My crazy husband has to decided at the last moment to roadtrip it to the National Championship game. I thought it was in Pasadena(Rose Bowl) when told him to "go for it!" Um, HELLO???, it's in Phoenix, Arizona. I don't want to know how fast they are driving; I'm just happy that he isn't going to have his name on the speeding ticket if/when it happens. ACK -- whatever, boys will be boys. [in case you were wondering - no, they don't have tickets]

Yeah, me - I got a babysitter b/c I realized I have a GS Cookie Mom meeting tonight. I'll appreciate that little accomplishment and treat myself to a Starbucks. So is the life of a Mom.

Funny stuff:

Since I call Ian so many nicknames, I asked him today....'what's your name?' And he promptly replied 'Ian!' So I said 'Ian what?' And he happily chimed 'Ian Stay-in-the-House' He would fit right in with Bill Cosby's old joke about his kids being Damn-it and Jesus Christ.

For all my wonderfully competitive friends out there............


GEAUX TIGERS!!!!!!

and

WHO DAT SAY DE GON' BEAT DEM SAINTS - WHO DAT?

You are a scrooge if you don't laugh:

Sean -- http://www.elfyourself.com/?userid=9ec08866dea18df98dc04f1G06122208

Maggie -- http://www.elfyourself.com/?userid=c77230c5fa002d00decbe58G06122208

Amanda -- http://www.elfyourself.com/?userid=dfde0c465ba532558884b6dG06122210

Ian -- http://www.elfyourself.com/?userid=8e6a56ed507c0978da6b76eG06122210

Merry Christmas!

Houston, we have a problem!

Poor little Ian just can't seem to get a decent nap in during the 'normal hours' of the day b/c we are at the height of holiday madness/school parties/etc. Recently he has taken to zonking OUT COLD around 5:30-6pm. (Excuse me.....did you just say 'well keep him up/wake him'? I didn't think so.) We've had pretty good luck SO FAR with putting him in his bed and he sleeps through the night. I'm pretty sure he's growing again b/c he ate TWO pb&j sandwiches yesterday afternoon.

Well, imagine my surprise as I came out from the computer area to discover my dear darling hanging out on the couch at 10:30PM!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yippee, he thinks he just had a four hr. nap. I dozed on the couch until 1AM until I finally decided to move us to the guest bed. He could happily watch TV in there while I attempted to sleep with him. He DID fall asleep at some point but was UP at 5:30AM. ::::yawn::::

Think I'm gonna ask Santa for some sleeping powder, just in case this phase lasts too long.

What to say, what to say. It is true that if you don't blog on a regular basis you forget and then don't blog at all.

Let's see --
1) I need to trudge through laundry so I can pack before they wear the clothes again. We leave on Sunday; Maggie's stuff is pulled out. I'm working toward Ian's stuff, but :::::whine, whine::::: I hate packing for five people. Add to that the need to sort our winter/snow stuff and toss a few pieces of that in. :::: more whining from me:::::

2) We are opening our family gifts this Friday so hopefully the kids will play with the new stuff while dh and I take down the tree. Fire hazard and all that. Don't need a phone call in OH saying our house burned down.

3) We are hoping for snow at Grandma's. Ian is telling everyone he can that he is going to 'go-cart in the snow' so the Winter Warlock best pay central OH a visit. Pray that my box-o-Santa-gifts arrives safely at Grandma's or Santa has some 'splainin to do.

Haven't posted a LOVE Thursday in a while......
This is what you get when after 6yrs. of avoiding ANY sort of character (from Disney to the Chick-Fil-A cow) your oldest child sucks it up and decides to visit Santa b/c her baby brother wants too.

Go post on your blog about LOVE today too.

Yesterday was one of my favorites days of the year. It's the day that NBC televises the Ironman World Championships from Kona. I've watched it for many, many years; since before I was even married to a triathlete. It is a celebration of the human spirit and how amazing people can be.

This year it has become even more special. We went to experience the race last year to celebrate our 10th anniversary. We were there when the gun went off at 6AM and were there when the clock struck midnight. Breath-taking doesn't even begin to describe it; insane would also be fitting; right along with inspiring. Now, we even took a break around dinnertime and went back to the hotel for dinner and nap. I had a hard time thinking about all the athletes on the course while I swallowed my fine cuisine. I needed a nap simply from standing in the sun and being a cheerleader all day. Does that explain how out of shape I am?

In 2005, we were blessed to see Faris Al-Sultan and Natasha Bademan finish in 1st and were even more blessed to see 80yo Robert McKey [oldest to ever finish] and Jonathan Blaise, aka Blazeman, finish. That was in 2005 -- 2006 is a whole new race for Blazeman. Stricken with ALS, he is now in a wheelchair. Watching it all unfold on TV was just gut-wrenching. I cry every year, but this year's showing was extraordinary.

I urge you to watch it. I challenge you not to cry.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.....
Her treasured 1st Christmas ornament

Birthstone angel from Grandma

Taking a moment to pose

His version of helping

Seriously; wouldn't this be the funniest Christmas card.

Wrong time of year to decide I have to do something about my weight. I'm at my heaviest I have ever been while not being pregnant. I'm uncomfortable in my own skin. I can't stand the thought of having to get dressed everyday. It's that bad. Elastic-waist granny pants from Walmart are my next purchase if I don't get off my butt and do something about it.

I have and will always have a sweet tooth. It's the exact reason I don't bake unless I'm bringing it to someone or the item will be consumed quickly (mostly by other people). The thought of making Christmas cookies with my kids just makes me grumpy. I guess I'll just be happy that I don't work in an office where people bring in holiday snacks constantly.(Amy, I left out the 't' word, lol)

Part of my problem is that I NEED someone to hold me accountable. WeightWatcher meetings would probably be good but I don't want to spend the money every week nor do I want to shuffle Ian weekly to attend them. Many folks can and do lose weight on their own; it doesn't work for me. I need someone pushing me. WHY?

My 1st couple of goals are to start doing sit-ups daily while I watch any nightime TV and to start drinking 64oz. of water a day. That's 2 -32oz. bottles; a healthy amount and easily attainable.

A moment of bliss-
Most days I think I'm not conquering this Mommy job very well. I yell too much; my kids watch too much TV; do I play with them enough; am I providing healthy enough food?; etc., etc. BUT there are moments that make me realize my kids love me perfect or not. They even like some of my little quirks.

My favorite little pajama clad superhero (aka Ian) crashed into the couch and bumped his head. (Apparently he needs some additional superhero training.) Tears aflowing, I scooped him up for some Mommy luvin'. And then one of my quirks submerged....as I sat there on the cold tile trying to comfort him, I started to sing. It's something I've always done. And it worked. His crying softened and he started to just listen. :*) I've sung to them (as most Moms do) since they were wee newborns. I've always sung to them; often ridiculous made up stuff, but still singing. I don't think I'm great at singing, but I did sing in high school for 4years; I can read music; I can carry a tune. And now, it's something that I see my kids love about me; as part of being their Mom. It's the smallest things that often go unnoticed.

Don't get me wrong -- I won't be singing at their weddings or anything.

Another assorted-topic post to keep you updated on the many adventures here b/c I know you can't stand the suspense:
1) The pie and cheesecake are finally all gone and my thighs can prove it :)

2) Clark's masterpiece:



The inflatable snowman is to the left of the candy canes. It's hard to see but the palm is also done and up the walkway to the front door.

3) Heater guys have come and gone AND not a darn thing is wrong with the heater. @@ It miraculously fixed itself and refused to play the on/off game for the repair guy. Grrrrrr.....on a good note, they checked and didn't detect a carbon monoxide problem. So, unless it starts to play the on/off game again I'll try to relax and stay warm.

4) Need I say more -

Ahhhhh, Sunday after Thanksgiving. It's easiest to provide you with a list style update since I have so many topics:

1) Thanksgiving dinner was AWESOME; one of dh's best turkeys ever. It was a perfect weather day so he, of course, started on the 3-story Christmas tree in the front yard. Quite a sight to behold, the neighbors simply chuckled and mumbled 'what is he up to now?' Everyone is in awe of his masterpiece and he puffed his chest as he moved on to the strings of lights. Dinner was quiet and I made it through the 'thankful' part w/o any tears. Quote of the day goes to little Ian after his first nibble of turkey skin......'mmmmmm, I want some more of dat!'

2) Clark vs. the Christmas decorations -- final tally: two full days of labor, 39 strings of lights; several net-style lights; three strings of candy canes; two lighted deer; a 60in. wreath; a HUGE holographic Noel; and one inflatable snowman. Clark wins again! (without hurt himself once)

3) Tip of the day: GET A CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR. We've only run our heater a couple of times so far this year. We knew it was on the fritz so I was going to call home warranty for service this week since it's cooling off. Friday night/Sat. AM we were frighteningly awakened to the sound of our carbon monoxide detector. Nothing like a little moment of panic and adrenaline to keep you awake for hours. We immediately opened windows, stopped running the heater and are using the fireplace to keep a little warm until the heater is repaired. I'd rather freeze to death than even consider the possiblities if we didn't have the detector. Do everyone a favor -- PLEASE go and get one.

4) Shopping anyone???? I did it. I removed myself from my cozy bed at 6:15 and was out the door by 6:30. (This is after dh went out at 5:30 and was 'getting something for me' but they were already all gone @@) Armed with a list, I hit Target, Old Navy, Sports Authority and JCP. With a stop for a coffee and a muffin I was home by 10:30 and that includes travel time. AND..................I'm 95% done!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! How ya like them apples? Me -- world's worst morning person. All I have to get is a Dora Kitchen (blech!) and a Barbie house. Well, I still need to do the online order for Gma&Gpa's Harry & David package, but I don't count that as shopping.

5) And perhaps the best news of all, my darling Sean has lost both of his two front teeth this holiday weekend. THANK GOD b/c I couldn't look at him anymore and after he lost his 1st on Wed. we started calling him 'Mater in our tribute to the movie Cars. He's already been serenaded with All I Want For Christmas is my Two Front Teeth. Nothing says 6yo like a big ol' empty grin. :)

Well, Thanksgiving is tomorrow and for once it looks like we might actually have 'fall' weather; it's only supposed to be 70* tomorrow. Yippee!!!!

I'm making the pumpkin pie today since we have the smallest oven on the planet and nothing can fit into it besides the turkey. It's an insane dash to get the green bean casserole and bread baked while we the tent the turkey for a few minutes. I pretty much just stand back and watch while my dh works his kitchen magic. (He even uses his Weber grill to keep stuff warm, heehee) It's quite a spectacle to behold, BUT the meal is AWESOME! So there, I'm not claiming to make Thanksgiving dinner, but I can bake.

I'm once again going to scan the sale ads tomorrow with delusions that I might actually get up and grab a few deals. I have this utopia in my mind that even though it's busy, it will be fun and festive. Then reality blurs back in and I imagine people fighting over material things and parking places; add to that the long lines and I'm thinking my bed will be awfully cozy at 6am.

Happy Thanksgiving!

So.....where have I been?
Well, my computer got pulled down off the desk and it wonked the mouse connection. Therefore, I have had very abbreviated computer time using dh's laptop AND I haven't ventured to see if GeekSquad will be able to fix the other computer. I HAVE TO retrieve my Memory Manager software with all my organized photos; somehow THAT has to be recovered. Everything else would be lagniappe.

The hustle and bustle of the holidays is approaching. Can you even believe that Thanksgiving is next week? Where are all of your recipe suggestions?????? Hmmmm?

Since I'm married to Clark Griswald the much-anticipated prep of Christmas decorations has begun. It all started when he helped my neighbor unload her new Three Wise Men lights. (picture deer in the headlights; wheels spinning; WHAT? He will not be outdone!) This could get ugly. He is still trying to figure out how to decorate the monster tree outfront (it's taller than our house). He's chomping at the bit to hit Costco for MORE stuff. The kids don't help by saying 'we are gonna beat that guy' everytime we drive by one of the infamous/decorated/get-your-name-in the-paper houses around the corner. I'm thinking the new Danny Devito movie 'Deck the Halls' is going to hit a little too close to home (if ya know what I mean).

Random thoughts:
WOW....that was pretty much my reaction to last night's Desperate Housewives. I won't be a spoiler in case you have it saved, but trust me it's a good one! I think Desp.House has been dragging this season and almost lost me as a regular viewer. Yesterday's episode brought back the good stuff.

What have you organized lately? I've been striving weekly to get something new organized. Maggie and I tackled the tupperware/container cupboard yesterday. Didn't really have to toss much once we married the lids/bottoms but goodness it looks so much better and it is sooooooo liberating.

Thanksgiving -- I'm usually a procrastinator and I can't promise I won't be when the time comes, BUT FOR NOW, I'm asking you to share some favorite dish ideas. We are inviting over some friends (yes, Sandee that means you) and want to have some good stuff considering one of the guests is an executive chef.

SEND ME SOME MOTIVATION, please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm never going to fit in my clothes beyond the holidays if I don't get some help. I got a fitness ball for my bday and dh installed a home gym in the garage (his anniversary gift) SO I really have no excuses. I have FitTV and Tivo so why isn't my lazy butt recording some good shows????? And then, doing them!

Maybe I really am allergic to exercise.

And another pic since it's LOVE Thursday......celebrate who you love; why you love them; what love is all about.

I LOVE that Ian is my last kid. He's mostly hilarious, but still challenging at bedtime. I heard the floor creak and went upstairs to find him like this -- playing with Dad's laptop. Another tube of lipstick down the drain and I didn't even get mad. (in fact, I had to stiffle my laughter)

Happy Halloween!!!!! (a little late - how am I supposed to take pics. of them dressed up and wish you a Happy Halloween on time?????) Hope you all got your favorites picked out of the kids' loot. Where are the Bit O' Honeys and Mary Janes????

Beyond cute!
It's so darn cute and I can't bring myself to even attempt to fix it.

Ian is starting to dig animals as much as Sean did (Sean still does!). He is playing with this old jeep & animal cards thing. I asked him what each one was.....he called the gorilla King Kong. [never seen the movie, but Sean has one of the toys] Yes, that's funny but the other giggle is even better. He calls the zebra a RACE HORSE! I think he's brilliant b/c he has correlated STRIPES (the movie) to his cards. If you tell him it's a zebra he says 'no, it a wace horse!' Yep, little dude, you're right. :)

A little late for LOVE Thursday but a little early still....11 years on Sat!

Busy week here --- it's Red Ribbon Week at our school so the kidlets have assorted things going on each day with the big event being the Jog-a-thon today. Awesome fundraiser that beats selling gift wrap ANYDAY and it earned twice as much money. Sean ran 22 laps (the boy loves to RUN) and Maggie ran 14 laps (hey, she beat last year's number by 2!). It's fun to be able to participate in a few things at school; I was a lap marker for Mag's class. I survived the stampede.

One of the best parts of this week -- it's my first week of having a DVR/TIVO. It's AWESOME; still getting used to lots of details but my shows are in there and I'm diggin' it. Got any must watch suggestions for programming???

Scrapbooking is many things to many people; whether you come to my house to actually get some albums done, organize some old photos, shoot the breeze or just sit and eat, it's ALL good. Having a wide age range of customers always makes things a little more interesting. Yesterday was a lesson in how much of a cocoon I live in. Conversations a plenty ranging from 'how blind are you?' to 'yes, pregnancy will change your shoe size' to the always popular 'anal bleaching/pubic lipsuction'. Yep, you heard me; don't make me repeat it. Those two plastic surgery procedures were seen on Dr. 90210. PLEASE tell me that this is an all fiction and not based on any sort of reality show. People really do this??????? Ugh, I need to find a bubble to put my family in.

LOVE is reading together when neither child knows HOW to read.

Now the gut-wrenching sad part of my New Orleans visit
It was my 1st time back post-Katrina; it has been almost 14mos. since the storm. However, from what I saw, not a lot has changed in many, many places. Empty is a good way to describe it all. I sample a few photos:
This is West End Park -- the former location of Jaeger's, Bart's and other bar/restaurants.
Just one of the thousands of homes in the Lakeview area. The horizontal lines on the pole are water marks. The slow steadying markings as the water subsided. You can still see the family's couch in the front. These poor, poor families.
Yes, that is a boat in the middle of the street. Miles away from where water is now. Still there after all this time.
Breach now fixed, but if you can see the large piece of grassy land -- completely washed away homes.
Touching.

HOME.............
Still here, just wondering around with several blog topics in my head and I can't seem to get any of them out of my brain.

What a difference a week makes.....all of a sudden I'm magically older AND did a quick visit to New Orleans (compliments of my brother). In recent years as my bday approached I found myself having to figure out how old I was turning. It's not that I can't do math, it's just that now the bdays just seem to melt into one another and they are just another day. Don't get me wrong; I love my the gifts/hugs/cards. It is just that it's a reminder of my wrinkles and slowing metabolism.

Now - the visit to New Orleans. It was nice to spend time with my family by myself. Not having to worry about what my kids are doing and what they might get in trouble for is always nice. Plus having undivided attention to play with my nephews is an added bonus. I was able to surprise a couple of friends that didn't know I was coming in town and I even scored a nice dinner out of the deal. Just to enjoy a grown-up dinner with friends is quite a treat. I even got to pop in on a family bday party for my 80yo Uncle Jesse. I saw cousins I hadn't seen since my wedding (almost 11yrs. ago). The Cantrelles sure know how to make me remember home: comfort food, Saints football, and lots of fun. Stepping off the plane in New Orleans, I felt a feeling of 'aaaaaahhhhh, it's good to ge home' even after being gone for 16yrs. BUT then, stepping off the plane in OC to a gaggle of screaming kids 'Moooooommmmmmmmyyyyyy's here!' also sent into the mode of 'it's good to be home.'

Home is where the heart is; very true, but don't forget that your heart has many chambers!

LOVE is finding your favorite place in Dad's lap no matter how old you get.

Like most things in life when major changes happen the event usually means good & bad things happen. For example, when it rains in SoCal --good=we NEED rain; bad=people can't drive in spit drizzle. Need another example, teens start to drive--good=your taxi service is slowing; bad=you add MORE worry onto an already full plate. See what I mean.

SO......Ian is heavy into learning to dress himself & potty training; doing really well; about 95% there! Yeah, right???? Well, let's talk GOOD = no more poopy diapers; easing the budget from the diaper cost; mastering milestones; interesting clothes choices and this:



Now, here's a little BAD = visiting every toilet in every store we go to; wiping another child's butt; toting extra clothes wherever you go; and the dreaded plugging the toilet and holding the flusher so water flows continually and non-stop while you scream for help.



I stopped counting at 12 towels.

Pull up a chair and enjoy a little Pete's Pond.........
http://www9.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/wildcamafrica/index.html

I just got lucky and sat here watching a herd of elephants (at least three of them babies) for 10minutes. The elephants moved back into the brush. And suddenly, look here come assorted deer type creatures.

Many thanks to Amy@thefoilhat for linking me to this. Nature in it's truest form.

Over the years I've mostly found magicians annoying; meaning, they mostly just piss me off b/c I want to know 'how do they do that?' A couple of years ago, we were given tickets to see David Copperfield. His show was really amazing and he was very personable (as opposed to the plastic guy I envisioned him to be). His tricks were awesome. Then came David What's-his-name/failed drowning stunt guy Blain?....he is good, but I'm over him now. He seems wasted all the time and he lost his appeal. Along comes Criss Angel. You GOTTA see this guy. First you have to get over his grundge look, but it suits him well. This guy FREAKS ME OUT; CREEPS ME OUT and makes my jaw drop.
His TV show is amazing. The stunts he does continue to captivate me and I can hardly tear myself away. Check him out.

LOVE is picking THE perfect Halloween costume and wearing whenever you want, even if it's 80 degrees outside.

Beyond being incredibly cute, I think Ian is either going to be high maintenance or a metrosexual. His favorite thing these days is "creamy, clean, & mint". Translation for this toddler speak would be: I would like some lip balm, purell, and a tictac. The boy will stop playing at the park and has even bee-lined over to my purse during a Mommy&Me class to do this. I know part of it is the allure of my Mom's mysterious purse, but I laugh every single time he does b/c I thought for sure he would be 'over' it by now.

I even find myself double-checking for these items occasionally b/c I am trying to avoid a random meltdown.

Maybe he needs his own man-purse.

While I slowly drudge toward becoming a Mom of four KIDS, kids as opposing to newborns/nurslings/toddlers (b/c for the 1ST time in 8-1/2 yrs. I'm NOT doing anymore diapers or always toting a stroller), there are still things that I enjoy with my little Ian even though he's plodding toward being a big boy. I love children's music. I always have since I was teaching.

I guess I should clarify -- GOOD children's music; FUN children's music. I did allow some Barney for my first-born, but the purple thing got OLD really fast. One of my classroom favs. was Red Grammar and I still play him in the car. Amanda was playing on the computer and came across this http://disney.go.com/disneychannel/playhouse/choochoosoul/index.html
If you're feet aren't movin' and/or you butt isn't groovin' you must be dead. I don't know which one I like better ABC or 123. Now that I have those fun little diddies stuck in your head my work here is done.

ALL ABOARD!