Medina Hula

I was given a new monitor the other day at the office. Had to really work to stretch my dog around it. My hula dog makes me happy.

I was going to tell you a story about my hula dog. He was going to have a personality that matched my computer. What things he likes to do. What programs make him chase his tail in an endless circle. What chirp he make for incoming mail.

But while I was taking this picture I thought how cute my handsome boy would look doing a hula dance!

Presenting

Siobain, Spartacus, Me, Caitlin and Hubby

In

Medina Hula

How does my family put up with me?

American Tract

It is a beautiful day outside. There is not a single cloud in the sky and there is a lovely breeze.

Hubby is doing work around the yard and the girlies are jumping and screaming and riding their bikes. Spartacus is keeping an eye on everyone.

Even I am risking a kick-in-the-face allergy attack to enjoy some of the day.

The broom is out. The hammers are out. So are the shovels and grass bags... and the rake.

At the request of my husband:

American Tract

Hubby loves to recreate famous art... His goal is to have the family reproduce all the Beatles' album covers... we have already done a horrible version of Abby Road. So this is our version of American Gothic. Only we live in suburbia where tract homes rein... thus, American Tract.

Thank goodness we live on a cul-de-sac because hubby decided to put the leaf bag over his head and blindly chase after the girlies.

This excitement, of coarse, tied my handsome boy up in knots.

A perfect day. I might even convince hubby to bbq...

These. Are. Good.

The hubby and girlies enjoyed the weather today while I worked, another shoot. Shoot went well.

So we are all beat and caitlin and I are curled up watching The Incredibles and snacking on these:

Yes, today was busy and perhaps this image is a cop-out. But true none-the-less.

Piece.

... get it? "Peace" but "Piece" because it's the name of the product...

Sunbow

Probably not the safest driver on the road as I was craning my neck to not lose sight of the amazing rainbow around the sun... finally found a place to pull over.

I've never seen this before... and I will be looking for it again for the rest of my life, hopefully my girlies will be with me next time.

This photo does not do justice to the actual sight, colors, and awe. Unlike this photo, the sky was a beautiful blue and the color distinction in the rainbow was breathtaking.

Of course I had to listen to The Rainbow Connection on my iPod immediately. Found it on YouTube for your enjoyment... until copy right makes this person take it down.

Research update: Because I am obsessed... this is called a Corona. So I will be searching for a Corona for the rest of my life, hopefully after I have purchase a camera that is real instead of the point and shoot one that I have... okay, it's a little better than a point and shoot but not by much.

Don't Sweat It

My girlies have to get their cloths together every night for the next day. This is to eliminate any arguments in the morning and to avoid the words "I don't have any clean underwear."

I do an approval, because my girlies love to try and sneak summer clothing into their winter wardrobe... many a time I've said "didn't I pack that away?"

But beyond ensuring the clothing is weather appropriate my sister has recently convinced me to relax about what my children want to wear. It's not worth the argument and gives them a feeling of control. Yes, I could eventually force them to wear a shirt and pants that match... but the begging, tears, and screaming are probably not worth it.

Since they are not allowed to have clothing that is not age appropriate (which eliminates 90% of the clothing marketed to little girls) my new motto is don't sweat it.

So, when Caitlin added an additional pink splash of color to her pre-approved outfit... I took a picture for this blog and dropped her off at school.

Lick it!

It's almost obsolete.

Endangered.

Neglected and lonely.

Rusting in its brick tomb.

Soon to become a relic on display at the Smithsonian.

I don't remember the last time I licked, stuck, and inserted something... into the mailbox. My mailman must think there is no action at my house. Nothing noteworthy to share with the world.

I don't want to waste my opportunity. I don't want to disappoint my grandchildren by having no tales to tell about the olden days when a HUMAN picked up PAPER with WRITING from your HOME to DELIVER to your friends and loved ones...

So, for my future grandchildren I am going to go on a licking spree.

If you would like to receive a note, a letter, maybe even a small gift then drop me an email with your address.

(The irony of me asking for an email so that I can send a letter...)

Donuts Anyone?

Had a long day. Loooooong Day.

Glass half empty: c-r-i-e-d in a meeting. Ummm, not the cool collected professional look I'm going for this year.

Glass half full: DUDE! I would totally be an entertaining reality show. Also, got a ton of catch up work done today.

What occurred next rarely happens, I can remember only one other time. I, oh the gluttonous shame... detoured for some Krispy Kremes. But mm-mm-mm, there's nothing like coma inducing donuts for a glass-half-full day.

Since I worked so late... and had to stop for coma inducing donuts... I didn't get home until the girlies were already in bed.

Unfortunately, after a borderline glass-half-empty day I need girlie love. Sooooo... we broke out the donuts.

Mommy actions today:

Got girlies out of bed for completely selfish reason - CHECK

Contributed to tooth decay - CHECK

Hopped them up on sugar and then expected them to go to sleep - CHECK

Broke house snack rules - CHECK

Created a dangerous precedent - CHECK

Woke hubby up with our antics (he goes to work at 3am) - CHECK

Made girlies day - CHECK

Made my day - CHECK CHECK

Purring Pearls

Mmmm... my pearls purred for me today. Every time my temper started to rise I would pet my pearls and relax. I'm not sure how that looked. But I do know it had to have looked better than the alternative... a scene from The Exorcist comes to mind.

Part of my problem was re-entry into the world after so many sick days. I hate missing work, it just means extra long days catching up (10 hrs today and definitely 10 tomorrow.) Rest assured, if I have called in sick... it's a last resort.

The rest of my problems have names and I will protect the "not so" innocent. :)

So, the pearls that saved my "sanity" today, modeled by yours truly...

On your mark, get set,

Go... 0-60 in a second! SLOW DOWN!

Your mommy only has two legs and is towing... extra lbs. and doesn't really relish a face plant.

After 4 days of sick/ick/blah bed time I decided to kick start my week with laps around the track. I brought Honey and Spartacus with me.

It feels good. And I got some alone time with Honey. She's really "not into" team sports... On our walk we decided she will start tennis lessons. It's a team and independent sport. There is a really good club one city over and they have monthly classes... may get Caitlin into it to.

So I'm going to try and get to the track several times a week... and take Honey with me. She's in good shape, but more exercise won't hurt, and it'll be a little bit of us time. And Spartacus time!

Post removed - awkardness

I have caved to my family and removed the picture and post for 1/22/11.

This was, I guess, a supreme example of my general social awkwardness. The good thing about project 365 is that it forces me to interact with the world at least once a day, to take a photo. The bad thing about project 365 is that it forces me to interact with the world at least once a day... generally guaranteeing awkwardness... sometimes funny... and sometimes funny just to me.

So the photo/story has been removed from this published blog, but remains in the archives for this year. I won't delete it totally, just "publicly"...

Smart Sisters

Smart sisters studied and snagged spectacular school scores.

So silly are these superstars on Saturday eve smiling for a snapshot.

All stoked to sleepover at their sidekick's shack.

***

Girlies came home with report cards today. Lowest score was a 96 in drama? Hello, does this teacher know my family? If we score extra credit in anything, it's drama!

I took this photo from bed, because I am still not feeling well. To be honest, there was a little bit of yelling while this "photo shoot" was happening.

Me cranky and sick + girlies hyper and ready for sleepover = ... Hubby shouted from the other room "Maybe we should do a making-of video for this photo."

Honey's Homework

Sick still... ug. I feel better after sleeping all afternoon. Everyone is taking good care of and/or staying away from me.

I asked Caitlin to be my guest photographer today. From the doorway, she would be in the "staying away from me" category, she asked what she should take a picture of.

I explained that it should say something about our day specifically our about our life in general... but don't take a picture of the laundry that is piling up.

She came back almost immediately.

"Honey doing homework"

photo by Caitlin

Here is the real beauty of this picture. Caitlin adores Honey. Adores her. Looks up to her in every way. AND Honey is such a great role model. What does she do every day? Obsessively? Studies. Reads. Creates Art. Shows Kindness. And Caitlin wants to be just like Honey.

Good Dog

A picture a day will be hard when I'm sick. I've thought of a plan for those days... It will be family photographer guest day. I'll send the camera with the hubby or one of the girlies to capture the day... because no one wants to see what I had to see/do today.

As always, Spartacus stayed in bed with me (or whoever is currently sick). So I guess, with the help of my hubby, he started a blog of his own. My handsome boy is so talented.

I Am Spartacus

Photo provided by Hubby

No Pho King Way

Not every moment, hour, and day is peachy. The 6:00 hour was no good for me... shaking with temper not good.

So when I need a pick-me-up... I drive by the Kroger shopping center. Because there is No Pho King Way I can drive by without giggling.

I haven't been in because my hubby doesn't like the cuisine, but if any friend in the neighborhood would like to join me I think I'll be checking it out soon.

Why God made Hills and Sunny Days...

Today was the perfect end to our all girlie stay-vay. Yes, I had to work, but it was with fun and talented people and... I got to bring my girlies.

The photo shoot may have been all boys, but the stars of the day were the girls. 4 of the cutest girlies in the whole wide world. My girlies and Stephen's girlies got along wonderfully and entertained each other while we worked, at our totally awesome jobs.

This looked like so much fun... I promise, if my allergies weren't on high alert I would have joined them.

I don't know how many times she went down that hill, but I do know that we will come back to visit it.

Not your Grandma's 3D

Continuing our weekend of girlie fun we saw Tron Legacy today. It was Gorgeous' first time to see a 3D movie since... Jaws III? A lot has changed.

We were so excited that E was able to join us, bringing even more fun to our girlie stay-vay.

A Monkey, Penguin, and Rabbit walk into a bar...

When Hubby is away... the girlies will play!

I have my girlies to myself this weekend and decided that we would have FUN! They voted to go to Rainforest Cafe for dinner and then some shopping. Cloths, shoes, books, jewelry... we all got a little something and even bought a pair of Darth Vader slippers for the hubby (on sale $5!!)

Rainforest Cafe was so much fun. Lightening storms and wild animals and food (actually, really good lasagna) and balloon animals and... MAD LIBS!

***

We are now cuddling down to watch Harry Potter... Tron tomorrow...

Girlfriends by my Girlie

My oldest girlie, Honey, is very artistic. She especially loves to draw manga and create new characters.

Caitlin is Honey's biggest fan. She takes Honey's drawings, cuts them out and plays with the paper dolls.

So, for Christmas this year (2010) I thought Honey would like to turn her paper dolls into stuffed ones... and boy did she! I found Spoonflower online, they custom print your designs on fabric and ship it right to your door.

Since a yard is the minimum order we were able to fit 5 sets of the 5 dolls on our fabric. That's one set for Honey, Caitlin, Eleanor, Mia and even our newest cousin Kate.

Honey selected fun fabric, in everyones favorite color, to sew on the back side of the dolls. We stuffed and stuffed and stuffed. They came out GREAT and were loved by all.

It was so fun to help Honey create these. I really wish I had taken pictures of our progress... A lesson I've learned.

You had me at tutu...

We have the best dog ever! Ever and ever. Michael and I have both had many great dogs in our life and we wanted our girlies to experience the same unconditional love and cuddles that are so unique to a dog.

Our first family dog, Sterling, was just 3 when we had to put her to sleep. We discovered that Sterling had a tumor on her spine, by the end she couldn't use her back legs... the day of the surgery the Dr. called and said it was much worse than she had thought and we should go ahead and put her to sleep before she comes out of anestesia because her life would be so painful.

I decided we would never have a dog again. I just couldn't do it.

A year later my family had worn me down to the point that I said I was willing to LOOK at dogs, but we were NOT getting one.

Oh my, they were so excited. SO excited. They convinced me to stop at Petsmart (who was hosting a city pound adoption day) on our way to the park... "Just to look"

All it took was ONE look. I was hooked. I fell in love.

My girlies said no, they wanted a puppy. My hubby said no, he thinks the dog might be a pit bull.

I said "this is my dog!" and took him home.

His name is Spartacus... and we can not imagine life without him. He's a boxer/terrier mix. He's totally layed back. He will let my neice poke him in the eye. He'll let my girls lay on him. He cuddles anyone who is sick, won't leave their side.

He'll even let us dress him up.

This is my handsome boy. And my only baby that is allowed to sleep in our bed every night.

Beth D'Bomb

One of my new favorite writers is Beth D'Bomb (ummm... this is not her official pseudonym but I am voting for it.)

She is really really talented and is FINALLY starting on her children's book. It's "adorables" and available to view online at Hungry Words as she writes it. Beth also writes about other topics on the blog. Some of my favorites so far:

Where are they now?

Old Pictures

My Favorite Things

AND, today's C is for Chipmunk

If you are asking yourself who the handsome pink guy in the picture is... he's Marcelus Monkey, her editor.

TMI Warning - Diamond in the... Rough

Official TMI Warning, do not read on unless you want to know way too much about my day.

3

2

1

Scene: I was sitting in the ladies room, yes on the toilet.

Action: Generally, I was doing what people do in the restroom*, I don't know what I was thinking about before this moment... or what I normally think about when in the ladies room... but I do know that all thought stopped completely when I glanced down...

...and saw a diamond in the crotch of my panties.

I have to admit, it gave me a start to see something sparkle back at me... and yet, this is by no means the most exciting nor most startling thing to happen to me in the ladies room.

Naturally, I have taken a picture of the diamond in question:

Some thoughts:

- Note that I did not have the camera in the bathroom with me.

- Nor would I have taken a picture if I had had the camera with me.

- Clearly the diamond fell out of my new bracelet when I, ya know, sat down.

- OR.... Am I such a ROCK Star that when under extreme stress and pressure, as I was today, I am able to turn sh*t into diamonds... hmmmm.

*Since I'm "in the bathroom" topically I thought I could vent a moment about the ladies bathroom. In my opinion it is for bodily functions, washing your hands, and possibly to look at the mirror to see if you sat in something. It is NOT for gossiping, talking on the phone, sleeping, or reading (ok, some would argue that one but keep it at home.)

Quality Time

Does all of us being in the same room at the same time count as "Quality Time"?

I got home late tonight and this was the scene:

Caitlin watching Disney (I still don't know why she's wearing her coat)

Siobain reading on her Nook (Which I am totally jealous of!)*

Hubby strumming his electric guitar

Me... eating dinner

Fortunately Michael is able to pick the girls up from school everyday. They get their homework done, play, argue, play, study, laugh and have fun... and are usualy pooped by 7:00.

*Side note: this the second time today I could not sufficiently spell jealous for spell check to figure out what I was TRYING to spell. The first time I changed the word to envious... this time I asked my hubby.

**************

8:30 - update. I asked Caitlin to take her coat off and put it away... I turn around and she's in not 1 but 2 tutus. Got. To. Love. Her!

Pay no attention to the floor that desperately needs to be cleaned.

The Original Rock Star

I love the term "rock star" I totally overuse it.

But I can't help it. It's one of my favorite compliments. It can be used for almost any occasion!

So, my original rock star is... the hubby:

I totally take for granted all the music in my house and I don't think my girlies know that it's not "normal."

With 4 guitars, a piano, and a drum-set Michael is always making music.

He's my ROCK STAR!

Adventures of Super Sick

The new adventure of Super Sick.

I have many powers, but have just discovered a new one! I can refuse to take medicine, bwahahahahaha! I am to old to hold down and force feed... and I do not believe your threats. You frighten me not, weak Mommy, for I know that when I am in pain you will hug and comfort me.

"I'll call Daddy!" you say? Ha! That threat hasn't worked for years.

"I'll call Dr. K!" you try? Mwaaahaa! You will only look the fool.

"I'm going to tell Gorgeous!"... you KNOW that only works when it comes to table manners and behaving lady-like... I am Super Sick and I am immune to her Powers of Politeness.

My fever has broken and you will let me outside to enjoy this glorious day.

My fever has BROKEN and you will let me outside to enjoy this glorious day!

MOMMY!

"Your fever has broken, oh that is wonderful" says Mighty Mommy. "You will not go out and play. You still need to rest, but you can play dress-up if you would like."

... and the balance of power shifts back to it's rightful place.

Need a Kiss?

Cupcake and Icing sitting in a tree

K-I-S-S-I-N-G

First comes sugar

Then comes spice

And on top is something REALLY nice

Finally had time to bake for the first time this year. Made my girlies some chocolate cupcakes with kisses on top. I thought the discarded wrappers were a really pretty pile of trash... and it's the first time I've ever had that many wrappers and no belly ache.

Brought to you by The Clock and the #133

My baby girlie has been sick all week with strep. Her fever broke today (it had peaked at 104.5 last night) and I came home to a glimpse of my little girl's personality!

She had felt well enough to count ALL of her silly bandz at some point today. I'm really sorry I missed it. But I forced her into a reenactment... which may have sent her into a relapse...

"Can I get back in bed now Mommy?"

"Will you do it one more time? The clock started chiming."

"I want to go back to bed mommy."

I'm trying to remember what I collected when I was 7...

The Noise of Art

Honey, my oldest girlie, is constantly drawing. She's really quite good and has a passion for Manga.

OMG, here's the picture.

Isn't she cute, blah blah blah. I was going to do a little bragging on her artwork but I'm incredibly distracted now.

We have just had our first "What are you listening to?" argument. How old am I? 80? I thought I was, ya know, musically current... kind-of. Lady GaGa, Ke$ha, Katy Perry, Taylor Swift, Flo Rida - I know them. I listen to them. I'm not tied down to the Bee Gees, BNL, and Neil Diamond (although I do LOVE them.)

But what is that noise coming from my daughters computer? And, kill me now, why am I reacting like I'm Mrs. Cleaver and all "I don't understand what you kids are listening to now?"

But it's like nails on a chalkboard.

The worst part. I've shown her my weakness. My angel will sneak this music onto my iPod and when I am vulnerable and in a "safety shuffle zone" not expecting "noise" and it will ATTACK my audio senses.

Must. not. leave. my. ipod. alone.

For your listening pleasure, Caramell...

Barbie I Can Be...

I looked through my window as I was getting into the car today... and saw the contents of my change tray. I've walked by other cars and looked in. Some are pristine, some are trash baskets, some have car seats, they all say a little something about the driver... and I had... wait for it...

My youngest girlie wanted "Barbie I Can Be...Dolls" for Christmas. She got "Barbie I Can Be Pizza Chef Doll" and "Barbie I Can Be Snowboarder Doll."

I image this to be "Barbie I Can Be Party Hard Girl Doll":

She didn't plan on this happening. It was just supposed to be drinks with the girls. Darn those Pom Martinis. Now she's hungover, naked, missing her legs, in a stranger's car and only has 26 cents and a tin of altoids to her name. What happened after that 3rd martini???? And where are her cloths?

Tehe.

How she really got there... My beautiful niece E turned 5 and I made her a purple princess cake. Princess hasn't made it back into the box yet. In the meantime princess pick doll looks like a great weapon incase of a carjacking. 1st you startle the hoodlum by wielding a naked barbie then while he's distracted and surprised you stab him in the eye and escape... Wait, this blog has taken many wrong turns.

Here's what "Barbie I Can Be Party Hard Girl" looked like before the martinis:

Since this is my picture a day blog I should mention that the cake photo was taken by my much more talented sister, Sarah.

Making a list...

I'm making a list for the new year. Things I want to get done around the house. I won't be able to do it all at once, but if I make a list and chip away at it then I might be able to get it all done this year... starting next weekend :)

So here at this house

in addition to getting rid of our attic mouse

I'll mend this fence

no matter the expense

and I won't rely on my spouse

Other, less picturesque, items include:

- Dusting (deep deep down dusting)

- Closets (the horror)

- Kitchen Cabinets (no, we do not need to keep all these free plastic cups)

- Wood floors (time for a deep grain massage)

- Front screen door

- Back screen door

- Patio furniture

- Patio cover

... more to come

I think I will tackle... Windows next weekend.

JalaPAINos

Living every moment. I had to hang-on to this ambition as every cell in my sinus track was dying a slow and very painful death.

This moment is remembered with a photo and a limerick:

For me jalapenos are usually a breeze

Until the unfortunate day i had to sneeze

Surely I took my last breath

As my sinuses burned to death

I survive with one nostril and a wheeze

That is an ice pack on my face. I considered snorting milk at one point. I actually ended up blowing a junk of jalapeno out of my nose before the pain started to subside.

The Moments Matter

2011 has started great! Me and my girlies had a great time today (and as I write this post I am being serenaded by my hubby with the BeeGee's Jive Talkin'!)

It is my goal to take at least one photo every day this year. 365 photos for this blog and hopefully many more for scrapbooking. I've gotten photo lazy the last couple of years. We've been so busy rushing around working and schooling and working and worrying that we, or at least I, have not stopped to appreciate the moment. I'm changing that. The moments matter.

We danced today. We sang. We played outside. We were together.

Cookie and I went looking for a new camera at Best Buy. They were all out... So today's picture is from my webcam. Not great quality but great content! I made it black/white to embrace the grainy quality.

The photo is from a high angle. My girls can take a picture from any angle and look fantastic, but this angle takes away 2 of my 3 chins :)

"Twelve significant photographs in any one year is a good crop." - Ansel Adams

Ansel's "significant" photographs and a "significant" photograph from me are a world apart. But for my last post of 2011 I aim to pick my 12 favorite photos of the year. Check back in!

I'll leave you with a video celebrating a significant accomplishment in my youngest girlies life, she is officially a biker!