Princess Bride. Monty Python. Caddyshack. The Godfather. Austin Powers. What do they all have in common? Well, if you are a movie lover (and geek) like me the answer is simple. MOVIE QUOTES!! My main movie to quote these days is PeeWee's Big Adventure. You see, it was all the rage for my best friends in high school. Kat could do a mean Pee-Wee Herman imitation; I am laughing just typing this and thinking about it. We imitated the bar/dance scene at all of the dances; walked around chirping 'la, la, la' for no apparent reason; and repeated "Shhhh, I'm trying to use the phone" until everyone around wanted to smack us I'm sure. There are so many downright hilarious scenes --- like this and this. How can I pick a favorite?

Just like music, movies bring me back to certain times and places in my life. I LOVED Grease as a young girl and now as a Mom I'm having a hard time letting my kids watch it b/c of the constant sexual overtones. I remember my Mom taking us to see Blue Lagoon in the theatre and two old ladies chastising her about it (lol!). Oh how I wanted to be on Fame or in Flashdance. Then Dirty Dancing came along and I wanted to vacation there so I could sneak out just like Baby. (don't laugh b/c you know you wanted to too)

So what movie quotes are your favorite movie quotes that you occasionally toss about? any movie that bring you back to your childhood?

Now I gotta go rent PeeWee's Big Adventure.

Quote of the day:
Ian to his 3yo friend "My Mom is allergic to noise."
I love that little dude!

LAME! It's my new word of the week. Really, it applies to so many things......

ME -- I'm lame b/c half-way through CA Adventure yesterday morning I realized my skirt was on inside out. Patterned and cute, just looked a little more hippiness with the seams showing.
ME -- b/c I couldn't get my act together to get a cake in advance for my son's 1st Communion dinner with friends. So we had cake on Sunday.
ME -- b/c I forgot my credit card on the kitchen counter and had to beg Costco to keep my cart while I ran to get the card & Amanda from school; which made me LATE to get Ian.
ME -- b/c it took me forever and a day to get the dryer vent cleared out and now it works like a charm. GO FIGURE, queen of lameness, laundry goes much faster when you aren't doing a double dry cycle.

Enough about me, many other things are lame too.........
Bad drivers = LAME -- thou shalt not honk at me when I am trying to turn left and there is traffic. I don't care if you are trying to turn right and squuuueeeeeze by my monster Burb. Get off your cell phone and wait your turn! And DO NOT honk at me. I was quite happy with myself when I turned and hollered "Dude, chill!" instead of showing him how beautiful my middle finger is.
Bad baseball parents = LAME -- if you are going to beam your kid in the batting cages during batting practice (on purpose) know that I WILL tell the people in charge. You are a psycho parent and are deserving of the King of Lame Crown.
Gas companies = LAME -- I get that they want to make a profit and all that other stuff but WHY is there such a varied price with the actual cost of a gallon of gasoline; even within the same company? Why is it that a gallon of gas costs $3.95 right off the interstate in the middle of nowhere/$3.50 in the middle of AZ/ $3.80 at the store on the corner/ $3.70 10 miles down the road. Answer: b/c they are LAME. Profit is one thing but selfish is another.
Stupid rules = LAME -- ex: the rule that the kids cannot be on ANY of the school equipment after school. Period. Not even to have a shady place to sit while waiting for your older sibling to get out (with your parent standing right there). They have to wait in the grass or sit at the picnic tables in the hot sun. Lame.

I promise -- I really try not to be grumpy. I'm just pointing out assorted lameness b/c if I didn't I would really go crazy. You really have to laugh at the insanity around you.

So the other day I was saying how scrapbooking is good for your soul. It still is. But so is shopping.

I like to shop but I wouldn't say I'm a shop-a-holic or an over-spender. I don't pay full price and I'm pretty practical overall. I mostly shop for the kids (of course) and like most Moms out there I hardly ever buy for myself (unless you are talking about a random apparel grab at Costco). With Sean's 1st Communion coming up this weekend, I decided to get myself something. Well, truth be told, I had to return a sundress that I had gotten when I took him to get his outfit on Sat. So I was really going to use the return credit to get something else. (details, details)

I started with this skirt and then I saw another one; so I got two. Then I came across this top to match the 2nd skirt. Then I saw these fun pants; not for this weekend, but I need some new bottoms. And these bermudas dress down the yellow top so of course I had to get them (the outfit looked great on the mannequin). And then I saw this dress; it's a bit of a stretch for me b/c I'm not that fashionable, but it's fun and different. Oh look, a cami tank for $4.99; I'll take one of those. And wow, basic shirts for $6.99....ah, junior section; so what, I'll just get a large.

I grabbed a couple of pieces of random chunky jewelry (yeah, 80% off) and headed to the register.............total time 40 minutes! But I didn't have time for cute shoes, bummer!

I headed off with my new duds and one of those "here sucker, come back next week for $30 off" coupons. B/c THEY NOW I'll spend more than $30. Just like the sundress that started it all.

Let's play a game -- WHAT'S THAT SMELL????????? It's not the dog, it's not coming from the bathroom, it's not something I have burned in the oven. It's coming from my kitchen cabinets! Yes - my new, beautiful kitchen.

I first noticed a weird smell in the tupperware cupboard. I searched and searched to see if one of the kids had put a dirty bowl in there or if by some weird chance (I have a 4yo, remember) someone put a damp rag in there. The smell is a musty one that I can't put my finger on. Now, the smell is under the sink too. The problem is that I can't really smell it there b/c Zicam has ruined my sense of smell. I can't smell much of anything so the fact that I'm detecting anything must mean it is really gross. So, I'm thinking it a water/drainage issue b/c the lines for the dishwasher run along the back of the tupperware cupboard. If not, is there some critter back in there dead between the outer wall and the cupboard? Is there a leak that I can't see (I hope not!)?

Who do I call? Do I shoot for a leak detection company? Do I call the handyman who installed the pipes & drain lines? Do I call a company that seeks out dead vermin? HELP!

There is something about spending some time scrapbooking that is so therapeutic. It is good for your soul. It just is.

I spent some time at my workshop on Friday evening assembling a small paper album for Maggie's 10th bday and I did lay-outs for nine pages in Sean's album. Then on Saturday after baseball, I proceeded to organize more photos for the next round of pages for all the kids; ordered some photos for Maggie's bday album; ordered some photos to update the school albums; and looked at many, many albums with the kids. While dh watched I Am Legend on Sat. night (great movie to scrapbook with b/c I could look away during the scary parts & not feel like a complete dork), I completed the nine pages I had jumpstarted for Sean. When I told him that I worked on his album, he responded with "cool, thanks - can I see?" Treasuring their stories is why I do this and they truly love their albums. I couldn't pick something better to be passionate about.

The main question I get about scrapbooking is 'when do you have time?' Well, I don't have time. I make time. On Saturday, I had five baskets of laundry to fold. I always have laundry to fold or some random chore to do. Knowing that I could (& would) do the laundry on Sunday, I focused on my photos.

I have to focus on the positive, right? B/c if I focus on the fact that I'm up to summer 2005 in my scrapbooking I might die.

Let's talk Survivor why don't we. HOLY COW what a great season it is. The weather is pretty nasty; the beaches were incredibly different (poor pathetic fans); the personalities crack me up and the challenges have been pretty cool.

I will admit that our whole family watches. It's not your typical family show but we just love it and overall it's pretty harmless. Everyone has their own favorite(s) and it's all drama all the time. Maggie mostly goes for the girls (and the occasional cute boy); Sean immediately gloms onto the strong boys. Who would have guessed?

Now, last night we laughed out loud numerous times. First of all, Cerie being sent to Exile was perfect. What was she going to do --- go there and talk about people to herself? Ha! Go sit in the rain and sulk you non-swimming non-competitor. Then, Eric gets the 'deer-in-the-headlights' look around all the topless natives. I, mean seriously, grandma boobs, DUDE......eeeewwww! Poor sweet naive little boy couldn't handle the native beer & betal nuts. Come on, THAT was funny. Moving on to James waking the LAZY campers with his branch whacking and ax sharpening..........I would have thrown a coconut shell at Parverti for even looking at me sideways much less telling me to be quiet. Get up you lazy bums and tend your own flippin' fire. Now, the immunity challenge -- yikes! I would have lasted two minutes before I was whining about my arm being numb; b/c I'm wimpy like that. James spilling his water required a rewind it was so funny. And Jason is STUPID enough to cave after six hrs.; what on earth? And are they in 4th grade with all the crossed finger promises. Hilarious, just hilarious. Dude; I'll tell you whatever you want if you just hand over the chocolate & peanut butter. And finally, Ozzy. ::::shaking my head::::: I'm so disappointed b/c I really, really like him but I thought he was smarter than that. Cockiness did get in his way afterall. Eliza's bug-eyed surprise was the final laugh of the night. Parv is a dead woman walking.

Enough trash talk for this week.

I love my kitchen! I can't believe I lived for so long with 1/2 functioning electric burners/a stove hood that didn't fit and was FUGLY/drawers that were falling off the runners.

Here's a little before and after: we had already pulled out the cabinets over the peninsula and the circa 1970 light panels.........

to this.......
Voila!

Time for gardening again. Imagine my surprise when I went back to look up my post from last year about my annual gardening fest and it was exactly one year ago.

So I am officially done with planting now. The weather has been perfect spring weather and I've been trying to get outside whenever I can. (my deepest sympathy to all you snow bunnies out there) It's my little escape from the daily routine of insanity.

This years total: 1 pack of cilantro seeds; one beefsteak tomato plant (salsa anyone?); a 12pk. of marigolds; a 12pk. of Ajuga; a 6pk. of Voila; 1 gal. Scilla Peruviana (a pretty petite lavendar flower); and 3 1-gal. Cyclamen. I have mostly shaded areas with a few full sun spots. I'm hoping the marigolds will ward off the snails that like to eat my gerber daisies. I heard snail pellets are poisonous for dogs; and my silly dog likes to eat snails too.

Now, could someone please tell me what that orange plant is that is pictured above. It blooms like little cherry balls and then blossoms into these beautiful orange bursts.

In addition to the assorted pictures I owe you, I have also included Sean's bday surprise to meet NO Saints player, Reggie Bush; Amanda lost her two front teeth; and Ian has decided to be training-wheel free.

Enjoy......................

Good Times of winter/spring 2008

Label me the laundry princess! As my dear friend Amy would say, "well flip me a fish". That big empty space you see on the bed was piled HIGH with laundry and there you have it all folded. I have since added two more loads to the piles.

I'm sure I would earn the label laundry Queen if I actually accomplished putting it all away. Ha, one can wish.

Holy guacamole...........has it really been two weeks since I posted and hardly any at all in March. Well let me grab my calendar so I can give you a thorough update. My Mom brain smooshes all the days together and I can't remember what happens when.

Well, let's rewind back to Sean's 8th bday (2/22). The Cadillac arrived safe and sound. The kids were beyond THRILLED to get a ride home from school in it. The 6th grade boys were drooling and wondering if they could touch it, lol. Everywhere the Cadillac goes it draws a ton of attention. The funniest comment so far... "that's a pimpin' ride". I'm not sure Gpa Z. would even know what that meant. Sean chose Disneyland for his b-day; so we spent a great day there and I'm proud to announce that Maggie is now no longer character phobic!!!!!!

We moved through Girl Scout cookie season; had Opening Day for baseball; and Maggie and I finished up with the play, The Promised Land. We were both sick for the closing show, but nevertheless enjoyed every minute. We are taking a theater break and looking forward to the Sound of Music this summer.

On Monday, 3/17/08, I had a little party here for Ian's bday. It was his first 'party' and he loved every minute. It was the perfect party ---- 10am-1pm; 7 kids total; bouncy house; sticker craft; pinata; snacks & cake. I kept it all outside and by 1:30pm there was no evidence that a party ever occurred except for the bouncy in the driveway. Ian had a blast; the big kids bounced for hours afterschool and it was all good. Even better for me -- as of this day the play was over; GS cookies were done; and Ian's party was behind me. ahhhhhh.................don't get me wrong, we are still waaaaay busy with baseball (Sean & Amanda are both playing, seperate teams/practices/game locations); dance classes; and religion classes. Sean is prepping for his First Communion this April.

My friend Sandee and her kids came for the Easter weekend. We had a great time. Collin took her son and Sean fishing on Sat. AM and they only caught one spotted bass. Oh well, such is the adventure of fishing. Sean was so distracted by his extra fans that he didn't get on base once during his Sat. afternoon game; he was sooooo sad and frustrated. Of course, this past Tues. he went 3 for 3 again, lol. He is currently batting around 700. Amanda's game was too cute for words and we laughed at the little ones running in all directions and chasing the ball.

My nasty cold wound up being a killer sinus infection; I'm almost over it. I finally got the last touch done needed to complete the kitchen. I got the grout steam cleaned and we are in the process of sealing it all. (blech!) The kitchen is officially done. I've been a planting fool but that is another post in itself. On Tuesday, I got my hair chopped off (and I love it); Amanda sprained her wrist on Wed. sliding down the inside of the banister. Tonight is the Talent Show at school. Maggie and two friends are dancing to the new version of The Tiki Room. They choreographed it; it's pretty cute. Collin would rather have nails pounded under his fingernails but he is going to watch the talent show tonight; Maggie's act is in the late 2nd Act so his wait will be a painful one.

Blogger isn't letting me updates pics. right now so I'll try to get a slideshow together of all these adventures. Next week is conference week at school - oh yeah.

The boy crashes.

This week, this is exactly how I have felt. Between the STOOO-PID time change and a nasty cold/flu that has hit our house, the bed keeps calling my name. Sleep is good; waking up at 8am when kids need to be at school in 25min. isn't. The tardy sign-in excuse officially read: "Mom is sick/she overslept". Naps are good; waking up from them and discovering that your 8yo got out of school 30min. ago isn't good.

I don't get sick often, so when wishing illness away doesn't work and the germs take over I crumble. And when the germs take over two of your four children along with you it just gets uglier. I'm not the best sympathetic Mom when my kids are sick, but the poor things don't stand a chance if I'm sick right along with them. The best I can muster is "here come lay down with me" or "last call for lunch, I'm going to lay down".

This is my LOVE Thursday. I love this amazing lady in the photo.

My beautiful friend is doing a beautiful thing......she is helping Shave the Way to Conquer Kids' Cancer.

Read below and please help her support this amazing cause.

"I'm shaving my head. Yes, you read that right. I'm going under the clippers during a St. Baldrick's Foundation event to raise funds for childhood cancer research. Since it's inception in 2000, St. Baldrick's has raised more than $34 million and grown into the world's largest fundraising event for childhood cancer.

While battling cancer children not only lose their hair, but years of their childhood, and sometimes their lives. In comparision to their struggle, shaving my head is a small sacrifice, and the money raised with make a difference for children with cancer now and in the future.

No amount is too big or too small. To donate online, visit www.stbalricks.org and click on 'donate' and search for me by filling in my first and last name (Sandee Skversky) under 'Find a Participant'. Then click on my name to complete the transaction. You can also donate over the phone by calling 888-899-BALD."

Spread the love; everyone can donate something small --- sacrifice your lastest Starbucks or your next trip to a fast food restaurant. Let's work together to help my dear friend meet her goal of $2500.

My friend Lisa posted this on a Mommy board that I read. It's like a little music lesson wrapped up in comedy. I think it's awesome.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdxkVQy7QLM



What isn't so awesome --- when your son delves into his parents' red-neck roots and decides to poop in the grass at the park. Yep, you read that correctly. And he wasn't playing doggy either. He dropped his britches right within eyeshot and I couldn't believe my eyes. He was proud of his offering; I wasn't so proud of being his Mom at that moment. If you think picking up dog poop is gross, try picking up almost 4yo park poop. Add that one to your 'ya might be a redneck' list of jokes.

Down in the depths of my throat there was a small tickle. So, I decided to follow the lead of my dh and the suggestion of AMAZING TRIPS: an amazing trip trick: staying healthy'>my friend Jen. I jumped on the Zicam wagon.

Yesterday I used the mint spray -- blech, tastes like Milk of Magnesia but didn't really affect my taste buds or anything. Today I decided to try the nasal gel to see if I could avoid the yuck taste. OMG!!!!!! What did I do???? Now my nose won't stop running; I can't stop sneezing; and my nasal passages are on fire. Now it seems like I HAVE a cold. It's been two hrs. and it still feels like I snorted jalapeno juice up my nose. If I could shove ice cubes up my nose I would. AND it is completely affecting my taste buds, so lunch pretty much sucked.

I'm going to try the gel on a q-tip like Jen suggested if I am brave enough once my nasal passages return to normal. If that doesn't work, I think I'll just continue with the the kids chewable Echinacea & with the cold away. In the mean time, I'm going lay on the couch and fight the urge to sniff.

I'm so proud of myself for actually posting on a regular basis so let's keep it rolling shall we.........Tagged by my friend Nicole..........

1. Typically what time do you wake up? 7:00 am- I typically roll out closer to 7:20 to get the kids up.

2. On a really good night what time are th kids in bed? 8-8:30pm -- it takes that long to do all the reading; tucking; prayers; and bedtime madness.

3. How long have you been a mommy? Almost 10 years!!!! How did that happen?

4. How old were you when you became a mommy? 28

5. What is your favorite kids show? Word World (sooooo creative) & Backyardigans

6. What is your least favorite kids show? Sponge Bob and Fairly Odd Parents and the tween shows like Zack&Cody.

7. What is your favorite chore? I can't believe someone actually wrote that question- isn't that an oxymoron? making the beds (if I actually do it) b/c it makes all the rooms look much cleaner

8. What is your favorite meal to cook? Breakfast b/c everyone eats it w/o complaining

9. What is the meal you cook most often? I try to mix things up a lot but probably spaghetti it is quick and creeps up every two weeks or so

10. What is your kids favorite meal? going out........sigh

11. What is your favorite thing your husband does with your kids? he reads to them a lot but he also makes a point to have date nights with them so they can each have some daddy time.

12. What are 5 things that make you smile when you are being a mom? I love it most when they play together nicely and make each other laugh. I love watching Maggie enjoy the things I did (dance/drama/music); watching Sean play sports; listening to Amanda laugh (she has the best laugh); and snuggling with Ian.

13. If you could take your kids anywhere in the world where would it be? That's tough! probably Hawaii b/c they have been BEGGING to go for a while.

14. When was the last time you went out with your kids? Friday night we went out for Sean's bday.

15. What is your favorite past time/activity to do with your kids? going to the beach

16. Name 1 thing you said you'd never do as a mom? ground my kids for ridiculous amounts of time completely unrelated to the crime. I would get grounded for "six weeks" b/c I didn't do the dishes ONE night. And then after a few days, my mom would always let me off. @@ I refuse to do that stupidity.

17. Name 1 thing you do that your mom did: cook!

18. What is your favorite quality that your mom has? she is still close with her brothers & sisters

19. What is your favorite children's book? Hmmmmmm, There is a Monster at the end of this Book (Grover from Ses.Street; golden book) --- makes me laugh everytime and it's the one book I remember reading over&over as a kid.

20. Advice for new moms? Scrapbook -- celebrate your memories don't leave them on a camera, disk, or hard drive

21. What is your scariest or most heartbreaking moment as a mom? when Sean was sick with Kawasaki disease.

22. What is your most joyful moment as a mom? Mother's Day b/c they usually try to do extra special stuff and keep it a secret.

23. When was the last time one of your kids said I love you? 10 minutes ago from Ian

24. When was the last time you told one of your kids I love you? 10 minutes ago to Ian

25. Your biggest pet peeve as a mom? aw, just one...............that my kids will inevitably spill something or make a huge mess of crumbs 15 min. after I mop the floor.

Now I'm tagging ---- Amy(foil hat), Janet, Jen(trips), and Deana

The best LOVE Thursday ----
Friday, February 22, 2008 is going to be a big day in our house.
Sean turns 8! Eight is hard for me; he seems like such a big kid now. Where did my bald headed little guy go? From the time he started crawling at 4-1/2 mos. (I have video proof) he has never looked back. He is one bundle of energy. In a nutshell, he is athletic, busy, physical, friendly, shy, inquisitive and most of the time hungry. He loves non-fiction books, collecting football & baseball cards, playing with Fritz, and doing anything with his Dad. He a pretty cool little dude; he makes me laugh and makes me want to pull my hair out with his never-ending sound making. He is his father's son, down to the request for cheesecake for his b-day cake. Happy Birthday to my sweet boy.............

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

and the topper of his birthday --- his Great Grandpa's 1959 Cadillac is set to arrive. He is anxiously awaiting his birthday ride with his Dad behind the wheel.

"I see them melting"
Trying to earn some fun-Mom points with the littles.......yesterday I decided to make some choc.chip cookies from scratch b/c what else would be appropriate for a cold, icky misty rain day. (work with me here, I know many of you are buried in snow and label me a weather wimp, but this IS SoCal winter) I even let them taste the creamed sugars & butter before we put the eggs in. That should get me double points.

Kill.me.now.
I don't know how I'm going to afford to feed Sean if he keeps this up.

Overall, he's a good eater. He always has been. I don't recall him hitting the picky toddler stage. He likes food. Yesterday for breakfast he ate -- 1 ham&cheese omelette; 1-1/2 english muffins; 2 slices of bacon and one sausage patty; 1/4 of a belgium waffle; and a slice of cantaloupe along with two glasses of orange juice. He is an eating machine and can eat more than I do, and often does. He burns every single calorie b/c he is solid muscle at 60-ish pounds w/o an ounce of fat on him.

He'll be 8 on Friday. Send grocery gift cards for his birthday.

Thank goodness Valentine's Day is over. I am quickly becoming a Valentine's Day grinch. The madness of getting valentines for four kids and getting them all filled out just to be exchanged for a bag of paper and candy just makes me insane. Case in point:

Maggie -- had to have two different kinds b/c the boys wouldn't want Hello Kitty @@ So now we have extra cheap paper crap.

Sean -- only obliged b/c there was candy trading involved.

Amanda -- liked doing it but was scoping out her bag as the week progressed to make sure she was getting lots of candy.

Ian -- he can't even write yet, ferepetesake! AND the preschool specifically asks you not to bring candy, stickers, etc. And I am apparently the only lame parent who follows this rule. He had no clue who everyone in the class even was (they are in three mini-groups) nor did he understand the chaos of distributing them in the bags. He is THREE; they are his valentines. He didn't want to give them away. WHY do they do this?

So it was Red-Dye Candy Fest 2008 here yesterday afternoon.

Now, I thoroughly enjoyed getting roses from my husband and going to lunch with him. He liked his wine book and lunch as well. The kids each got a small something from us. I made a nice pot roast with veggies/roasted potatoes/fresh fruit/crescent rolls dinner along with some red velvet cupcakes for dessert. THESE people are my valentines -- I love them. This the reason for Valentine's Day; to remind those you love how special they are.

Not the candy trading madness and clutter creating paper trade that it has become.
OK, I'm done.

So, we try to read to (and with) the kids as much as possible. It's not an easy task with four very different reading levels and personal tastes.

Maggie still enjoys being read to but she struggles to find a genre/theme/catagory that she enjoys. I get it; it's all my fault. I hated to read as a kid b/c it was such a struggle and she is cut from the same mold. She always asks (more like begs & pleads) with me to buy her books; yet she never reads them. I'm encouraging her to use the library to find a good fit THEN we will purchase to our hearts content. It's so frustrating b/c she will read a few pages of a book and immediately hate it. [I just want to note that I have no problem buying books as long as they are going to be read.] She did finish Diary of a Wimpy Kid recently and she is working on The Tale of Despereaux right now.

Sean remains the non-fiction reading king. He loves, loves, loves animal stuff; mostly oceanography but he'll read about most anything. He is working on Step 3 beginning readers. He's moving toward chapter books, but he hasn't seen much that he likes there. I'm hoping he'll jump into Magic Treehouse soon. He's a bit behind on his reading fluency, but he is improving.

Amanda is really moving forward with her reading. She is currently breezing through Bob books and trys to figure out words constantly. I am reading a Magic Treehouse book to her and she is really enjoying the short chapters. She'll be reading these before I know it. One of her current favorites is I Ain't Gonna Paint No More; so fun, and it fits her personality to a tee.

Ian just appreciates the reading time he does get. He loves all the classics (Big Red Barn, Sandra Boynton stuff, etc.) but his two favorites these days are: Ten Clean/Dirty Pigs and Baby Bear, Baby Bear What Do You See? Of course, you have to pinch your nose when you read the skunk page.

I'm not a big military buff. My dh being the typical male species will watch anything anywhere on military stuff. Most of his TV watching consists of History Channel or Discovery Channel or another military flick (title doesn't matter; he'll watch the same one over & over). Most of it is lost with me and I'm Charlie Brown listening to his teacher when he talks to me about it.

However, I do want to give credit where credit is due. If you ever get the chance to watch Band of Brothers, DO IT. Done by Spielberg & Hanks, it is gripping, realistic, and heartwrenching. The scene where the company comes across the concentration camp KILLS me everytime. It's not on the same level as most recent war films. It's intense like Saving Private Ryan and Pearl Harbor, but in no way do you get the 'men in uniform' look of Affleck

I need to go watch a chick-flick to get my life back in balance. Got any suggestions?

Lots to post about but first and foremost on my brain is sleep. Must. Sleep.
Basically I gave up liquid caffeine (coffee, soda -- still eating chocolate) for Lent. Do I really need to explain any further.

Well, by 2:15pm today I. was. dead. could. not. function. I stopped at home for a few minutes before heading to pick up Sean from school. With the two littles playing quietly upstairs, I crashed on the guest bed. There was no stopping it. I woke to my dh walking in to look for his library card. I made a mad dash to get Sean lest he think I forgot to pick him up.

I think I tricked myself into surviving until now b/c I had a caffeine-free Diet Dr.Pepper with my dinner.

I completely understand how comfortable this monkey is b/c that is how I felt this afternoon. It's going to be a long Lenten season.

In the news............
I AM still alive --- incredibly busy with life. Maggie and I have had a ton of rehearsals for The Promised Land over the last two weeks. Run-throughs start next week and then the show begins; it's actually easier when the show begins b/c it's a weekend commitment. Sharing this experience with Maggie has been so much fun; the rest of the family has all of our show songs ringing in their heads.

Sean got picked for kid pitch again this season. We are looking forward to seeing how much he has grown since last year. Yet another bat has appeared in the equipment bag; it's a little bit of de-ja-vu. Practice starts soon; me & my camera can't wait for opening day.

Maggie's first viola concert is tomorrow AM. She is so excited that she earned a spot in the front row. Of course, the occasion required a shopping trip and she looks so grown up. She loves to practice and isn't half bad actually.

Amanda's latest obsession -- learning to read. She is trying to read anything she can get her hands on. It's so cool to finally have a kid who LIKES to practice reading. She loves school. We are so glad that she had a bonus year. She is hoping to find her teacher on the ski slopes this weekend.

Ian --- he is almost 4! Next week I submit my final preschool registration paperwork. We have been there since Fall 2001 (when Amanda was born!) and we will officially be finished June 2009. It's been a loooooong stay and a wonderful experience, but I am counting down the tuition payments.

We are heading to the mountains this weekend. We will be joined by our Best Man and his family. With our recent storms, the conditions are great so it should be a blast.
That's the lastest edition of our news. Now if you need something to do in between these blog posts go check out lolcats.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Here's a little taste of a SoCal Christmas -- tree decorating, boat parade, Disneyland, etc.

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Time for another installment of LOVE Thursday; it's been a while.
I LOVE being organized and the clean fresh feeling of put-away Christmas decorations (you aren't imagining it; the bottom three large containers are all lights for Clark) and an organized garage. Aaaaahhhhhhhh............

Isn't there some saying about 'things' happen in threes. Well, can I just take a TWO and call it close enough........

Friday night during my CM workshop I had turned on the stove to warm a little glaze for my dessert. Well, I got busy doing something else and forgot about it. Minutes later, smoke was pouring out of my newly, remodeled kitchen. I was moments away from a fire I'm sure b/c the glaze was completely black and smoldering. Pot went into the trash after it cooled.

And today, I smelled something burning this morning. Dh informed me that it was probably the waffles; however, nothing was in the toaster and it was unplugged. Hmmmmm. Later this evening around 7pm, we couldn't get our living room TV to come on. Weird; it was fine earlier. Hmmmmmmm, strange. Guess it's dead; it looked like the little power/channel disk on the top was stuck down so we figured we would need to start shopping for a new one. Dh is quietly happy I'm sure. Fast forward to 9:30pm after bedtime routine, I came downstairs to the tv popping every two seconds and smell of something burning. Dh thinks it was the 'power trying to kick on' with the stuck disk thing but I don't care. Had I gone to bed and not come to down to wade through more laundry we would have had an electrical fire.

SO the installation of smoke detectors is now on the TOP of the to-do list. They have been in the garage forever. (I know it is BAD that we don't have them but they got taken down when we had the ceilings done.)

In the meantime, I promise not to leave the house with the dryer on.

Comedy. Watching your 44yo husband try to learn how to put his contact lenses in. Pure comedy.

I told him I was going to video him and put it on YouTube, but he didn't think I was funny.

So here goes my 1st post of 2008 ------
started the year off right with a roadtrip to AZ last week. It was so wonderful and relaxing. I still played 'wife' to Sandee by meal planning and grocery shopping while she worked but it was so nice to just have no commitments or obligations. We vegged on random television shows in the evenings......making us realize that 1) we want to stay healthy and not weigh 800lbs. individually or collectively and 2) I could easily be considered 'schlumpy' or 'drowning in Mom wear' on the show What Not to Wear.

So what better way to end our visit than with a trip to the outlet mall in search of NON-Mom wear. I kept saying 'what not to wear' special or no? each time I came out of a dressing room. I purchased a pair of tan cords, a denim skirt, a versatile blouse/top (what word do I use that doesn't make me sound old?), and a pair of Bass flats that are soooooooooo comfortable, yet stylish. AND I didn't spend a thousand dollars doing it; all totalled it was less than $100.

Now I just need a makever for my hair! Please!

UGH!!!!!!!! So I'm not going to make it to 100 posts for 2007 (which would have been double 2006). Bummer. Oh well, I'll shoot for 150 in 2008.

HAPPY NEW YEAR -- welcome 2008! Hoping for more travel with friends; a healthy family; successful business; and meeting my weight loss goal. I'll take the first three and just enjoy chocolate if I can't have the 4th.

(ready to help the tile guys with the backsplash)
I know I tend to share a lot about Ian. He makes it so easy.....he's the baby, we are together for more one-on-one time I had with any of my other kids, and he is just so stinking cute. (sorry, I'm biased) I'm really trying to treasure my time with him b/c with the other kids growing up so fast I know my special time with Ian is short-lived.

spinning on the swings

flying with his 'Superman' shadow

waving to his adoring fans walking into his Christmas concert



enjoying our Disneyland adventures



Plus, I need to make up for the fact that he was only about one sentence in our Christmas letter.

Yes, you are seeing Ian in December in a wetsuit and rain boots warming his back by the fire. He slays me.

Our conversation just now as I was reading my friend Deana's blog and he saw a pic. of her new niece:

Ian: "that's a cute baby"
Me: "yep, it is. You are my cute baby"
Ian: "no, I'm Daney"
Me: "no, you're my baby"
Ian: "no, I'm a big boy"
Me: "no, you're my baby"
Ian: [cupping my face in his hands] "listen to me, I am your Ian"

...........it's the good stuff............

Merry Christmas!
The overall consensus....
Maggie -- THRILLED with her DreamLife game and Barbiegirl thing; I probably won't be online ever again.
Sean -- LOVES his swizzler car track and the Fathead is already up; the Nerf gun bullets are going to be the death of me.
Amanda -- beyond EXCITED about her Dora cash register (especially since Santa got it wrong last year and brought the Dora Kitchen) and her Webkinz border collie. She is applying makeup at her new vanity as I type.
Ian -- DIGS his Leapster but is also very happy about Sean's car track. Currently he's trying to master the Flippin' Frogs game. Cute and easy game, not complicated or obnoxious with a million pieces.

Me --- furiously typing so I can shower and play with my new AWESOME digital camera....a Rebel XTi. Lots to learn and discover. DH did good. Yeah, me!
Collin --- likes his gifts good enough (clothes, new biking socks, an LL Bean rain coat for work) but nothing stands out except the JUMBO remote that he might be able to read w/o his glasses. He's busy prepping the prime rib for dinner.
Fritz -- is steadily working on his huge beef knuckle that is bigger than his widdle head.

To all of you with snowy weather, throw an extra snowball for me.

Rockin' around the Christmas tree.........I think the Beastie Boys 'bring out the dough it's Christmas YO!' was on at this moment.

the stockings were hung by the chimney with care




Fritz took it all in stride
our beautiful frasier fir; Merry Christmas!

It seems like I'm always rewinding to catch everyone up on pictures. Here are my two little sous chefs on Thanksgiving. They just appeared like this; they were too cute and ready to work.

Helping Sandee with deviled eggs; then they helped with green bean casserole, corn casserole, and sweet potato casserole. And I didn't loose my mind. They still didn't eat most of what they made but it made them feel like they did something. I have a plan. Thanksgiving in five years will not involve cooking on my part. Ha!

Now, if dh keeps playing flag football on Thanksgiving morning I'm not sure that he'll still be able to make the turkey though.
This bruise looked like this within an hr. of being home from the field. OUCH! It was like watching a bunch of 7yo. boys play in grown up bodies. You should have heard it: "Do OVER!" "there are no do overs!" "he didn't score" "that's cheating" "fine, play like that" Honestly, it was the funniest thing and I can't wait to watch again next year.

Ahhhhh, it's feeling like it's REALLY fall and moving toward Christmas. Lately it's been in the 60s during the day and in the high 40s at night. For us SoCal weather-deprived folk, it is SO NICE. Many trees have even had some yellow & red color changes before losing leaves (unlike just losing leaves b/c they are dry from drought conditions). We've even had some rain recently. But enough about the weather.

It's all about --- fires in the fireplace, peppermint mocha, Christmas cookies, and the topper.....peppermint soap!

SHOWTIME!!!!!
The girls are having a ball; and I have to admit, so am I. They were in the opening night show and had a bunch of friends there to see them along with Me, Dad, and the boys. Here are some pics. from right before the show --
"Christmas with Scrooge"
Maggie is in the chorus (poor girl) and Amanda's is Fred's daughter (so Scrooge's great niece)

----I have more pics. but blogger isn't letting me upload them right now, so more later.....

A Make-over

Just got tired of looking at the dots. It served me well, but I wanted to spruce things up a bit. It's like rearranging your furniture; same ol' house but it feels so much better. Add a few decorations (ie, the survey & header) and VOILA! it's all new :) AND the best part -- you can read some great blogs from the links off to the side. I'm still tweeking things, but I like it so far.

What about you.......Love it; hate it; did I miss something?

De-Je-Vu!

So my crazy husband and his buddy Ron have once again decided to go to the National Championship game. For good reason -- B/C LSU is going (GEAUX!) and b/c they are playing Ohio State. It's the perfect match-up for these two grown boys.

Now, don't forget last year's adventure
http://www2.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=32957975&postID=116829840759907771 where they didn't even GET INTO the game. They watched it at Applebee's in Phoenix. [snort!]

As of yesterday, they HAVE airline tickets for the Championship in New Orleans. Of course, they HAVE to go. Now, they HAVE to get tickets or they will be watching the game from the French Quarter.

Trying to finish up my Christmas shopping......the adults are pretty hard to finish up. This time of year brings out the gift options and choices on kiosk displays everywhere. You know what I'm talking about-- watches, wallets, gloves, ties, generic blah/blah/boring and the holiday favorite, fruitcake!

Glancing through the Bed, Bath, and Beyond flier today I came across this treasure--
http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=14399593
I don't if I'm skeeved more by the thought of someone needing to use one OR actually using one.

Here's another fun find -- http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=14779434 it looks great in the grand scheme of things, but then reality slaps me in the face and it simply would be SILLY for several reasons: 1) wine in the tub -- it would look like a crime scene with me and my spastic self. 2) by the time I set it all up someone would come pounding on the door. and 3) I enjoy a soaking bath once in a great while, but showers are simply quicker.

So, I giggled my way through the flier and did find something I really need --http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=14759174

Don't laugh b/c you probably have a tennis ball hanging in your garage to help. :P

Tomorrow it's the 1st of December; in case your head is buried in the sand, that means you have 25 shopping days until Christmas. Just a polite reminder b/c I'm a giver like that.

For those of you waiting until December to put up your decorations, you have my permission to begin. The outside of our house is done (thanks to Clark) but the inside isn't even started; not b/c I wait until December, it's b/c I'm a horrible procrastinator.

Being December 1st, I also declare it time for COOKIE fest to begin. My friend Sandee sent me this link http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/12_days_of_cookies/0,1904,FOOD_18276,00.html and I think you should join me in starting TODAY. I'm not doing the 12 day countdown; it's COOKIES not a partridge-in-a-pear tree. We could even go through the list twice forpetesake.

Now, I CANNOT eat all of these cookies. I could. But I'm thinking the WW people would laugh at me. Sooooo, if you really want cookies and you want to be my taste tester, email me :)

Maggie is officially a valley girl -- as I was looking at her religion class papers the other night, I came across an activity where she was supposed to fill in what happened after Jesus was there (in assorted situations). One of the questions was something like "What happened to the lame?"..............

wait for it......................




wait for it...........................



her response: "they would be cool" [complete with a drawing of sunglasses]


Methinks she missed the point. Methinks she needs a dictionary. However, I'm still like totally laughing.

In a mad dash to finish the kitchen before Thanksgiving we had the backsplash installed last Monday & Tuesday. The ceiling was drywalled in on Wednesday.
Nothing like last minute.
I'm really pleased with the look we chose.
Now we just have to install the pendant lights on the peninsula and paint. And install the drawer knobs. And get the window trimmed. And put the canned light covers on. And get the floor grout steam cleaned & resealed. Anything else?

I wonder how long these things will take since 1)they don't affect me using the appliances, etc. and 2)none of these items are urgent. (dare I mention the outdoor Christmas decorations are already complete)

This post is either going to be insanely funny or you will be extremely bothered by it. I'm still laughing as I type.

By complete accident, dh and I discovered that Amanda is sporting a TATTOO on her behind!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Of course, it's a temporary tattoo; but what on earth? possessed her to do it. {snicker, snicker, snort} Seriously, she is 6! I just about died laughing and the thought of her holding a tattoo on her butt with a wet towel makes me howl.

FTR, dh has one tattoo from his college days on the inside of his ankle. I don't have any. It's not something we ever realy talk about. A tattoo on her butt, huh???

Talk about a great Thanksgiving dinner table conversation in the future!

There. It's up within a month. Darth Vadar, Sleeping Beauty, Cptn. Jack Sparrow, She Devil
Life is simply insane right now. I keep telling myself that 'things' will slow down but it just isn't. The taxi service is in full swing. Football is finished, but baseball will start soon. The girls are in a play right now but that will come and go. Religion classes. Dance. Ian doesn't even have an activities yet. Ugh!

In the midst of the craziness/volunteering/Creative Memories, I'm learning to appreciate the little things. All of the kids still love to be tucked in at night and basically demand it (from both Collin and I). If I'm tucking Ian in and Amanda is being impatient she'll holler 'come on Mom'. It's actually pretty amusing and probably funny to watch Collin and I playing dualing banjos with the bedtime routine. There have been many, many days where I think "why is the bedtime routine getting longer?" "why can't they just have one of us read to them?" "do I really have to sing this song again?" BUT (isn't there always a but) they stay in their beds and sleep well. As I lay in Amanda's bed listening to her read, impatient Ian came in and sprawled over me. We all dozed off with me scratching their heads; Ian would chirp "scratch" if I dozed before he was ready. As corny as it sounds, I just thought 'this is the good stuff'. Those are the moments that help me get through the insanity of life.

Especially since my coffee pot decanter got broken.

So let's talk TURKEY...........I know I owe you some pics. of Halloween but I've been busy.

I love Fall. And it's finally cooling off around here for the most part. Low 70s during the day; 50s at night. Need a jacket/sweatshirt, check. It's all good.

Next week is the 2nd grade 'feast' for Sean so I have volunteered to bring two pumpkin pies (thank you, Costco). Is there anything cuter than little ones doing the Indian/Pilgrim thing? I know it's hokey and in many circles not politically correct, but I don't really care. I've got bigger things to worry about than whether or not someone is offended b/c my kid is sticking some feathers on a paper headband and pretending. But I digress.

I really wanted to talk about FOOD. Fall just brings out the best in food. Lots of soups, stews, and chili. Talk about comfort food. Thanksgiving with ALL the fixins; pumpkin or pecan, I'll have both thanks. I have made banana bread; cinnamon streusel muffins; and pb cookies in the last week.........I don't need the calories, but I do need the scents in my home (a candle just doesn't cut it). Tomorrow I'm making a HUGE batch of crockpot applesauce. WW is not my friend but I'm trying to behave and still attend my weigh-ins to stay away from gaining the dreaded 'holiday 10'. Cookie fest 2007 will start soon; but it's sorta like Christmas music and Christmas decorations, you HAVE to wait until after Thanksgiving.

So, are there any Fall MUST HAVES that you and/or your family enjoy??? I'm looking to expand my horizons so comment away. Just don't ask me how to make an 'un-dry' turkey b/c that's dh's job.

Fall back.........sigh............hate it!
I stayed up late b/c I had an extra hour to work on getting the Storybook digital scrapbook ready for Collin (as a surprise). Much to my dismay, my children were up at 6:30am; this MUST not go on.

This day has gone on FOREVER and it's only 5:15PM! It's almost dark outside and dinner is cooking already.

Blech!

Seriously. Some things in life just make me shake my head and say 'what are you thinking? Dumb ass.' It's not really a nice thing to think or say, but GAH!!!!!!

http://news.aol.com/story/_a/fugitive-teacher-arrested-in-mexico/20071101175909990001?ncid=NWS00010000000001

And a huge EEEEEWWWWW!