Wicked Weekend

Well, it's come and gone. Team Keli visited this weekend, and we had a total blast. The entire weekend was packed with excitement, as it always is when 5 girls get together. But first things first. I got new furniture! Yay! It arrived a mere hours before TK, so it was close, but it made it. I'm glad, since we needed the extra space for the kiddies to play. Here it is, the blue suede sofa and the circle chair. I never thought I would own anything blue. I thought I was too traumatized from Mommas house all those years with blue carpet, furniture, drapes, you name it. But I guess not. I love it.

Now, on to the weekend. Of course, many, many fun things were had, said, and seen, but there were a few highlights for each of us. This weekend included:

• Gracie taking a few steps.
• Meg stuffing her face with a huge waffle.
• Jill asking "What are those honking birds?" Emphasis on honking.
• Kelli needing an angry local to translate her popcorn order for her.
• The Wicked theater bringing me to tears. Literally. ;)
• And Momma, well, what can I say about her? She's the best. I think she only beat up the baby once in an attempt to pick up the check, and she hails cabs even when they're full. I'm pretty sure I embarrassed her more than once, but she secretly loves it. My girls miss her already, and are asking when she's coming back. Of course, I'm doing the same.
  

Here's Team Keli, sans Keli. Jill with Gracie, Momma, Kelli, and Meg. It was tough letting them leave. And I'm not sure when I'll get to the point where I don't cry all day after they do, but it's worth it to have them here. So thanks for everything, gals. I love you guys!

Absence makes the heart grow...something

I actually met someone that does NOT have internet service. Nothing. Not at home. Not at work, nothing. I didn't think they made those kind of people any more.

I started thinking about what I would do without internet access.

• I would have more time to clean my house
• I would read more books
• I would do more laundry
• I would probably spend more money being out and about all day

But then I got thinking about what NOT having internet access would really mean.

• I wouldn't be able to keep up with family and friends on blogs
• I wouldn't be able to look up on Wikipedia words I don't know
  
• I wouldn't feel like I knew anything fun to do in my new town
• I would certainly feel isolated
• I wouldn't be able to research and shop for the best deal on products I love (That's an entirely different post)
• But most importantly, I wouldn't feel like I had an outlet each day for all the crazy thoughts that go through my head

But all this being said, I think I'm taking a blog break. I have FAMILY coming this weekend, and in preparation for that, I'm taking some time off. I'll be back on Tuesday, hopefully with all sorts of fun stories and pictures, and maybe even video. So I'll see you then.

Funny girls

Here is my baby girl. She likes to hide anywhere, these days. But one of her favorite spots is under the computer desk. And apparently she likes to chew on pencils, too.

Today she learned to say "uh oh". She thinks she's pretty smart.

And here is Emma. Do you love the hat? I bought that for me in Halifax, (read, humidity and naturally curly hair cut into a short A-line not a good mix), but she has usurped it.

Oh, and the dress, you ask? Why yes, I did in fact make that dress. Okay, I made the skirt and attached it to the shirt which is from K-Mart fall apart. It even has a lining! I think there is definite progress being made on the sewing front.

Happy Mail

Today I got this:First, I laughed my butt off, then I cried a little.

I lovey my Meg. She rules. Kayaking just won't be the same with anyone else.

Very Cap'n Crunch

I had a weird dream last night. I dreamed about blogging. And Cap'n Crunch was in there somewhere too. How random is that?

I had some saying going on in my head about Cap'n Crunch Blog Berries.

Really, it's a good thing. My two favorite things in one. I love Cap'n Crunch, except it makes the roof of my mouth hurt. But it's worth it.

That's all I have for today.

Tagged, a la Meg

Things I'm thankful for:

• Eliza for helping me change my blog to look all cutesy.
  
• On Demand free movies from Comcast.
• Good kids.
• A funny hubby who stays out late for Bulls box seats.
• A comfy bed.
• Cold medicine.
• K-Mart fall apart.
• Internet.
• Fridays!
• And Saturdays.
• And Sundays, too, I guess.
• Counting down 6 days until I see my Meg!
  

Everyone who reads this must blog about their Thankfuls. That means YOU!

I give you

Maggie.

She is my creative one. Obviously. Every day when she gets dressed, she comes up with these beautiful outfits. I like the idea of her dressing herself, and I don't want to squelch her creativity, so yes, I do let her go out in public like this. I'm such a good mom.

The always popular "polywog" look.


T

Again with the layering. You'd think it was -27 here, or something.

And here the striped shirt returns. Note the flood pants with "matching" socks.

And one more flood pants shot with "matching" socks.

We just love Maggie and her creative spirit. She says the funniest things, and always has some silly story about her and her friend Sally, who died. Sally is an imaginary friend who has met her demise in various ways. A bear attack, hit by a car on her birthday, a fire, but she always comes back to life. What a kid.

Question

Sugar Daddy and I have an ongoing "discussion" about something.

Who is responsible for changing the empty toilet paper roll?

Is it the person who uses the last bit, or the next person to sit down? I say if you use the last of it, you should be courteous to the next person and replace it. He says if you sit down and there's no TP, you're SOL, so it's your responsibility to look before sitting.

Who's right?


*Photo courtesy of JupiterImages

I'm prepared

Next week I get a special visit.

Not that kind of visit, what kind of blog do you think this is? Besides, I don't have those anymore, thanks to my IUD. TMI? Cool.

I get a visit from my cool momma and my awesome sisters! I'm very excited for this. Last time my momma was here, my house was in shambles, still being unpacked. I don't think we ate at home once during her visit here. This time will be different. I have everything(ish) unpacked, and I know where everything(ish) is. We can cook, and sew, and watch TV, and go for hikes, (or walks, since there are no hills here), and just enjoy life together. But one thing I'm the very mostest excited about is seeing WICKED! in the city. And I'm prepared for this. I just finished the book, so I won't be completely lost.

Ah, the book.

I would be worried about the play based on the book. But thankfully many of my friends have seen the play, so they say not to stress. The book is good, don't get me wrong, but it goes into wwaaaayy too much detail for my taste.

Unless you're into Munchkin sex and adultery and drug use and that sort of thing.

Most of this detail I just skipped over, seeing as how it wasn't really relevant to the plot. But without giving anything away, I'll just say, it gives me great pleasure to know that I will be seeing the Wicked Witch of the West's point of view, along with some apparently stellar music, on the stage, with the women I love.

Joy.

Auf Wiedersen

I have to admit, I'm a Project Runway junkie. Although I haven't yet watched to see who goes to Fashion Week, so don't ruin it for me, please. But until I started watching that show, I had no idea people actually sewed. Like, to make stuff, like their clothes. I guess I thought it was just for the, and excuse the stereotype, fat home ec chicks in High School. I'm so sorry. I honestly had no idea that sewing could actually turn into something. Who knew? I'm a little slow, so forgive me.
I have, however, been privileged enough to know, and know of, several people that sew. And they do it beautifully. You may remember Gretta's sweater, hand knitted by Laura's mom. (insert link to past blog here, but I'm too lazy to do so). And then there's all the quilting going on over at Kalli's.

So, all that being said, and linked, I give you this little ditty. Or is it diddy? As in Sean P Diddy? Whatever. Now, remember, this is a first for me. And I didn't really follow the pattern, since it required a zipper, and let's face it, I'm just not up to that yet. I added the humongous ruffle sleeves, which may be scaled down. And I also added a second ruffle above the first. I had now clue how to do the ribbon, so I just winged it.
Isn't she lovely? It's a little clownish, but remember what I said about this being a first for me? I guess I need to work on my fabric picking skills. I found a cute pattern for T-shirt dresses, all you do is add a skirt. I'll probably attempt those for the older girls' Easter dresses.

Family home moment

I returned in one piece from my Time Out. But just barely. Let's just say I've earned a testimony of my GPS. Or have I said that already? No matter, I have one, a testimony that is, and it got me through the hell that is Chicago Friday afternoon traffic.

Friday night started off well. A yummy meal at the Hotel Restaurant Francaise, which is code for "over priced ham and cheese", and then it was off to hear 3 speakers and 2 singers. We were enriched, really. I do have an opinion, and it may offend, but what do I care, it's my blog, so deal. Was that too many comma's? I digress. Brother McLean, please don't sing anymore. Just speak. It gets the point across just fine, and we don't have to suffer through what I can only describe as crappy cruise ship Karaoke. There, I said it. He's hilarious. And his life sounds wonderful. We also heard from Sister Okazaki, and I just want to bring her home to be my grandma. She was sure to tell us that now that she's single, and loving it, she takes Jesus wherever she goes. And she doesn't make him wear his seat belt. How cute is she?

Saturday we also got to hear two wonderful singers along with 4 or 5 speakers. I forget how many. Although for some reason I couldn't shake the feeling that I was at a Christian revival concert of some sort. It just seemed weird to me. I guess it's being away from Utah, and having the Gospel spoken of more matter of factly or something. Either way, Hilary Weeks of Lehi fame, and Cheri Call of somewhere in Utah fame both sang and spoke. Good times. There were other speakers of course, and they all lifted us up, made us cry, and best of all made us laugh. That's what it's all about for me, is laughing at life.

Things I learned this weekend:

Insert bullets here, but they don't show up, sorry. I'll try numbers instead.

1. We didn't come to earth searching for self worth. We brought it with us.
2. There are languages of love. We all speak something different, and we need to discover which one our partner speaks.
3. Sometimes "FHE" should be "FHM" Family Home Moment. I know it is at our house.
   
4. Self-talk can make or break our goals.
   

And last but not least, I learned that posting a picture of a coat on my blog, and then wearing said coat will allow me to be spotted by random readers. Yes, I was recognized by a reader at TOFW in Chicago. There's more to the story, and we "know" each other through our sisters, although we've never met. It's a small world, this Gospel we live. And I guess the internet is too.

Because I'm a naughty woman

I guess I need a time out. And not a moment too soon. The last few nights, after eating dinner and practically begging my children to eat what's on their plates, I've made a clicking sound with my mouth, and said, "That is the sound of me punching my time card. I'm done for the day." And with that I left Sugar Daddy to clean up the dishes, and what not.

I've succumbed to a strange sense of domestication in the last few weeks. A new sewing machine, home cooked dinners almost every night, and a peculiar sense of accomplishment for the little things such as sweeping, or loading the dishwasher. This is all very new and exciting to me. Maybe I'm growing up, maybe I'm fooling myself. Whatever. All I know is that I'm looking forward to this weekend for 2 reasons.

1. I get a night away from my kids and snoring husband.
2. I get to spend 2 days with women that have made me their friend, without even knowing me, and listening to wonderful speakers tell us we are doing a good job.

And right now, that's all I need. A sense of domestic bliss, coupled with a pat on the back. That makes for a very sweet revival.

Time to 'fess up

Because I'm lacking a little blog posting creativity, I'm doing the standard roll call.

All you lurkers out there, don't be shy.

All you have to do is state the following:

1. Your name
2. How you found my blog
3. Your favorite movie, tv show, or CD.

Easy, right? That's just how I roll.

Because I can't decieve you

I have a confession to make.

I fell off the wagon. And I fell hard.

That's right, people. I failed miserably.

I lasted approximately 18 hours.

I blame the GNO we had last week.

So here I sit, typing my confession, and drinking my amber delight.

And life is good.

Hell has frozen over

Look at this. I have become domestic. Scary.

Yes, it's a new sewing machine. I was inspired by a friend of mine who has a cute scripture bag made from a place mat. So cute! And now that I live so far away, sniff sniff, from Mom C's sewing expertise, I figured it was time I start on my own. The thing I love the most about this model, is the speed control. It will sew at the slowest speed for beginners, so I can teach the girls how to sew. I've already fixed a pair of garments, and I plan on doing some tights later today. I'll certainly post any crafts I make!

In Case that last post was too serious

I give you this. Hopefully it will brighten your day.

S-M-R-T, smart

Well, I gave in. I've done it. We all know that I'm addicted to my celeb trash, right? Well, I took it one step further, and actually bought, and read, the Tom Cruise Unauthorized Biography. It takes celeb trash to a whole nother level. I have several strong opinions on this book, one of which is particularly scathing, so I'll keep that one to myself. All I can say, is Tom Cruise, you are a selfish, controlling, sociopath with no thought or feeling for another human being.

There, I said it.

Now, to explain.

Scientology. Whatever. It apparently was founded on "the fact" that people are inhabited by aliens, and the goal of Scientology is to rid the body of these invaders. Ooookay. As far as Mr. Cruise being involved in this, he really had no choice. You see, Scientology nearly fell off the face of the earth in the early '80's. So to hold on to the last few remaining members, they had to practically cater to their needs. Enter Tom. This, ahem, "religion" has basically been formed around what he needs, when he needs it, and with whom he wants to socialize. Who wouldn't want that kind of attention? Me, for one, but this isn't about me. Yeah, yeah, there are other weird things about Scientology, like Auditing, and Operating Thetans, and Potential Trouble Sources, oh, and their hatred and guile for any form of Psychiatry. Turns out, if you ever use any form of Psychiatric medication, you are sent to Scientology work camps. I guess that excluded the dear founder of Scientology, Mr. L. Ron Hubbard, since he was found to be full of anti-psychotics when he died.

Now don't get me wrong, the book is about much more than just Scientology, but it's basically about the same thing. Tom not getting what he wants, pouting, turning into a jerk, and shutting down any kind of human feeling for others. He wantonly tossed Ms. Kidman aside through an email after a 10 year marriage. Nice. He also lied about his being a "functional illiterate", since he never had any special education classes after the 3rd grade. He even read and memorized scripts for school plays on his own.

So this to me, just brings home the point that Tom, you suck. You may be eye candy, but that is all. Just a shell. Just a pretty, tan, short, aging shell of a person. I pity your Thetans.

So far, so...

Good? I don't know. I've off-centered these cute prints on my big big blank wall. What do you think? Good? Bad? Ugly? Note there will eventually be furniture in this room, although at this point Sugar Daddy is convinced it should be a pool table. What is this? A bachelor pad?

And here's a little sumthin sumthin just cause she's so cute. She sticks her tongue out at everyone. She thinks she's pretty darn funny. And she is.

Mornings

Mornings around here are crazy. It starts off with me not being a morning person. At.All. But up I get at 6:50, okay, more like 7:00, to get Emma off to school at 7:50. It always entails some sort of "motivational prodding" to get her out the door on time, dressed for the subzero temperatures. Gretta is undoubtedly walking around yelling at me for one reason or another. This seems to be her new favorite pastime. Lucky me. Today she was doing so in socks and a diaper. Her new thing is to be naked. I'm pretty sure she gets this from Sugar Daddy.

But as I sit here watching the Space Shuttle landing in Florida, and see my kids playing and eating breakfast, it makes my life seem small and insignificant. But as small as it may be, it is my whole life. Maggie carrying her blankie around, Gretta waddling and yelling as she carries some sort of tool she has found, and Emma barely making it out the door and to the bus stop on time. It's crazy, and wild, and maybe it is insignificant to most, but it's what I love about my life.

Can it be?

Today I was watching Oprah. It's a sinful indulgence of mine, especially that now she comes on at 9:00 AM my time. Right when I'm letting my hair air dry or folding laundry, so it's the perfect coupling with time wasting and multi tasking. Dr. Oz was on, and aside from being kinda hunky in a dorky doctor sort of way, he's very smart. And he asks good, pointed questions without making people feel self conscious. A trait I need to adopt, I suppose. So Dr. Oz has started "Prescription America" to help Americans get more healthy. His first goal is to get us to stop drinking soda. Even diet.

Insert gut wrenching moan here.

I am a diet Pepsi girl. I must get it from Momma. Sean and I have a bad habit of always having a "tasty beverage" in our cup holders at all times. Yesterday, case in point, I stopped at BK for a Diet before heading to the JBF. As the helpful lady handed me the giant cup, I went to place it in my holder, only to find 3 empty cups occupying my cup holders. I may have a problem.

So this challenge comes at a good time for me. I've recognized the problem, and I'm now willing to do something about it. So this morning, I enjoyed what is to be the last of my tasty beverages. So long good, sweet, bubbly friend. I'll miss you. And I'm not looking forward to the dull, aching headache that is sure to follow. Hopefully Dr. Oz is right, and this will make me feel better. Not that I'm feeling bad, but I guess you can always feel "better".

Anyway, here goes nothin.