it's not where i am, it's who i'm with

Early Valemtine's Day

2012-02-09T22:16:00.001-07:00

I'm phone blogging...with an awful Internet connection, so I'll just say this: I am having the time of my life! Rob surprised me with an early gift, and I'll tell you all about it when I have better access. Happy Valentine's Day to us!

BDEM: Couples massage!

Water...forgot to keep track. Not nearly enough!

Why I Can't Blog

2012-02-08T22:36:00.000-07:00

I have like three minutes....before I need to rinse this out! This is why I can't tell you about my awesome upcoming adventure. I suppose it'll just have to wait. Just send me good, "I hope you don't hate your hair color" vibes. Eh, what does it matter anyway - my hair always looks the same no matter what the color looks like on the box!

Doesn't my hair look like plastic? Hope that comes out with the rinse!

BDEM: My late night run to Target with my darling Stefanie! Thanks for going out with me for a dumb little trip - it was nice to have the company!!

Water: 60oz

I'm Considering.....

2012-02-07T22:18:00.001-07:00

...having an oil party - of sorts.

I'm not really one to say, "Come one, come all - I've got a GREAT opportunity for you!" Because, honestly, I don't really believe in those sorts of things.

BUT, I've had a lot of people wanting to borrow my oils, and a lot of people asking what exactly I use them for, so I think I'm going to have something where you can learn, and get some free oils yourself.

If you're interested, I'll post the deets on my oils page.

BDEM: I finally beat my sister in law, Mandy, at scramble with friends. The girl is phenomenal. She is the kind of person where after feeling good about your score of 435, comes back to beat you with a whopping 700. I'm pretty sure her phone broke down, and she had to forfeit, but that still counts as a win in my book!

Water: 50(ish) oz

Home Decor

2012-02-06T22:18:00.004-07:00

It's possible that your home has an enormous entryway.

It is possible that you have a massive theatre room.

It is possible that your master bath is larger than my entire house.

It is possible that your granite countertops shine like the top of the Chrysler Building.

However, I'm pretty darn sure that your house does not have the entire Angry Birds collection sitting on your fireplace.

And yes, they are the originals.

The green one in the middle (simply titled "Catapult") is obviously one of Jude's more abstract pieces, but I think it really showcases his progression as an artist.

I'll make sure to lock my doors tonight - don't want anyone to get themselves arrested for breaking and entering.

BDEM: Letting the above artist teach me how to play the game involving the above subjects. He was so funny. "You're doing great, Mom." "This level used to be hard for me, too." "I can just beat this one for you - then you can try a different one." "Next time try getting three stars."

Water: 60 oz

Food Coma

2012-02-05T22:18:00.001-07:00

What's the one thing that is worse than having homemade chips and guacamole, potato skins, crab dip, meatballs and celery as your Superbowl food?

Deciding to whip up a double batch of chocolate chip cookies to finish off the night.

Hormonal much? Geez!

P.S. Can you believe the Josh Powell news? So, so sad.

BDEM: Jude gave his first talk in church. He was so stinking cute, and in true inexperienced-kid-with-microphone-fashion, he spent every second where he wasn't speaking with his lips pressed up to the mic. I think I was actually holding him back by the forehead (while whispering the words into his ears) for the entire second half of the talk. All germ-phobias aside, he totally nailed it!

Water: 20 oz. I'll make up for it tomorrow when all the salt from above meal absorbs every once of liquid in my body.

Anybody want a double batch of chocolate chip cookies?!

So, yeah.

2012-02-04T22:18:00.000-07:00

I bought the dress.

I'll probably wear it to church tomorrow.

And it will probably be the last time I'll be able to fit in it.

No, I'm not pregnant...

But Deon posted these on her blog:

Kill me now!

BDEM: Planning tomorrow's Superbowl meal in my head. I'm sure the Superbowl meal itself won't be tomorrow's BDEM, but I love the planning of meals...the thought of the event...how exciting appetizers will be...I have such high hopes for a house that isn't even having a party, and probably won't watch more than a half an hour of the Superbowl. Who knows, maybe I'll even throw Deon's brownie cookies on the menu.

Water: Embarrassment - probably 20 oz.

The {NEW} Dress

2012-02-03T22:18:00.001-07:00

Here's the new one I've got my eye on.

They don't have it online in my size, so I may just have to run in tomorrow to try this baby on. I am so desperate for dresses. If anybody has seen any cute ones, please send me links. I am having the hardest time finding anything I like.

But this one, with a little yellow cardigan? I think it could be cute!

BDEM: My little chunker-munker is taking her first steps. I didn't think her legs could support that much weight, but we are getting somewhere! She may be walking by the time she is three after all!

Water: 40 oz

I Can't Decide

2012-02-02T22:18:00.002-07:00

I keep looking at this hair cut -

But have been working (and will have to continue working) towards this one for months -

What's a girl to do?

BDEM: I was having one of THOSE days. Just kind of grumpy and short - I'm sure Rob has NO idea what I'm talking about. So when he got home, I took off for the gym. It was a huge stress reliever. I know it seems lame that I often mention that my workout is my BDEM, but honestly - it really can make or break my day.

Water: 60 oz

Au Naturale

2012-02-01T22:18:00.001-07:00

I've mentioned in the past that I may have what some would refer to as "drinking problem." Diet Coke and I have been in cahoots for quite some time, and even though I don't necessarily see it as a problem, many people do. That, my friends, is not denial - it's the belief that I am right and you are dead wrong....Rob. So, in effort to experiment with a coke-free life, I decided to do what I have heard so many people recommend in the past. A glass of sparkling water flavored with lemon and lime.

Now, here's my question: who in their right mind thought this was some sort of substitute for the sweet, rich, goodness of a diet coke?! This stuff is HANDS DOWN TERRIBLE! I cringed with every sip, until I had the fantastic idea of adding a huge portion of Splenda. At that point it became tolerable, but not good by any measure. Then I realized that adding Splenda really just turned it into the same thing I was already drinking: a carbonated drink made with fake sugars...with NO caffeine. Pointless.

So, no thank you SELF magazine...Diet Coke and I are just fine as we are.

BDEM: Working out with my lady-neighbor-friends.

Water: Are we including the disaster from above? If so: 80 oz
Trips to the bathroom: 80+

A (Birth)day Well Spent

2012-01-31T22:18:00.002-07:00

Can you believe the Angry Birds Balloon is STILL floating? We're going on 14 days now!

I secretly asked Rob's boss for the day off - we woke up early - went out with the kids for breakfast - dropped the kids off at Rob's parents' house - we bought him a new hammer - we (unsuccessfully) shopped for his other present - we bowled four games - we ate bowling alley nachos - we saw Sherlock Holmes - we looked again (unsuccessfully) for his present - we had a surprise birthday dinner with friends - we gave him a crown.

Happy Birthday, Babe! Hope you had a great day!

An extra-special shout out to my mother in law for taking my kids from 11am to 9pm. I'm sure she will sleep well tonight! Thank you times a million, Tammy! We could not have had this amazing day without you!

BDEM: Bowling was a LOT of fun. We paid to have the lane for an hour, and crammed in four games. I've mentioned in the past that we are bowlers - and we are serious about it. We also had so many laughs at dinner, so I think this one is a toss up!

Water: 24 oz? Geez - I'd better go crazy tomorrow!

The Birthday Boy

2012-01-30T22:18:00.003-07:00

32 Fun Facts about the man I love the most:

1. He loves the outdoors
2. He loves classic cars
3. Contrary to #2, he also loves old Honda Accords (I'm still baffled by this one)
4. He is almost at his goal of having a six pack
5. He'll die when he realizes that I posted #4 on a public blog
6. He is fluent in Spanish
7. He is a golfer
8. When he can't golf, he is a snowboarder
9. He eats a lot of tuna melts
10. He is not a soda drinker
11. My soda addiction drives him crazy
12. I'm not going to change
13. He has a BA in Psychology
14. He owns 50+ tee shirts (this was after the purging)
15. He is apparently a better dresser than I am
16. He doesn't snore
17. He gets in trouble for playing games on his phone at meal times
18. He is very handy around the house - and would give up office work if manual labor paid enough
19. He is unbelievably organized.....I'm talking same status as my father
20. He lives for finding new bands
21. He is the most honest person I know
22. He will drop everything if someone needs help
23. He is dependable
24. He, more than any person I know, desires to be at home with his kids as much as possible
25. He loves to wrestle with his kids - even more than he loves #7 and #8
26. He would eat Portillo's daily if he could
27. Despite all of my faults, he tells me daily that he loves me and means it
28. He is a goal setter, and a goal completer
29. He tells the kids a made-up-on-the-spot bedtime story every single night
30. Even with all of these amazing qualities, he's always the quiet guy in the back
31. His ability to learn quickly is super annoying - he'll beat you at your own game the second time
32. He is the best thing that has ever happened to me, and the best dad my kids could ask for

Happy 32nd Birthday to my handsome, loving, supportive husband. I'll spend the next 32 years trying to become as amazing to you as you are to me. After 32 years I'll probably quit, though...because if I haven't succeeded by then, it's probably not going to happen. Here's hoping!

Love you so much, babe!

BDEM: Claire was so fun this morning! She was giggly, playful and cuddly. I couldn't put her down to get my stuff done - but I have no regrets. It was a morning I'll remember for a long time!

Water: 40 oz
Weight: -.5 I didn't lose much this week, but I think I dropped a pant size - which is a definite win

After Weeks of Insanity...

2012-01-29T22:18:00.000-07:00

...we are both going to be sore from video game boxing.

So pathetic!

BDEM: Getting through our Young Women presidency meeting in an hour flat. Definitely an all time record!

Water: Wow. Looking back, probably 10 oz. At least I made up for it with junk food and Chicago Style Pizza. I think I just blew tomorrow's weigh in...

I've Been Pinned!

2012-01-28T22:18:00.001-07:00

Now, maybe this happens to all of you creative types out there, but this is my first pin! I noticed a random spike in visitors to my LouBellBakes page, and what do you know - a stranger pinned my Mini Mouse Cupcakes, and now they're on Pinterest! Because of it, I've had a lot of people going back to my site to get the recipe, etc. Which I must say is SUPER flattering! Too bad I stopped updating that blog when I gave up baking to lose weight. Who knows, maybe one of these days I'll get back into the old hobby. But I'm sure by then my site will be LONG out of the Pinterest loop.

Either way - I've had my fifteen minutes of fame. I can die happy and poor! Eh, scratch that. I think I'll wait till I'm rich and grumpy to die. That usually comes around 90ish, right?!

BDEM: Probably finding this little gem on Pinterest. It really made me smile!

Water: 40 oz.

You Asked For it!

2012-01-27T22:18:00.000-07:00

After mentioning my cold sore excitement, I had a bunch of people ask via blog or via email what I was doing. Well, here you go. I'm starting a side blog - that really won't be updated anywhere NEAR as often as this one, but one that hopefully serves as a resource for my friends and neighbors who want to learn about or even come over and try some of the oils that Rob's company makes.

Way back when I was a kid, my mother was obsessed with essential oils. We used to refer to her as "The Witch Doctor" whenever she'd shove a pot of hot water infused with oils in front of our faces to inhale. I remember a few oils specifically: lavender, peppermint, cypress, rose, just some basics. But ever since Rob started bringing home these new products, I have found a renewed love for essential oils.

We have a big-old-book that's full of uses for each one, and every time we find any kind of "symptom" in our house, we immediately check the book and begin treatment. It took a while to not run straight for the tylenol or run right to the doctor for antibiotics, but I feel like over the course of the past few months we have become a healthier and more natural family. I also feel like these things really work. Who knew?!

So I'm adding to my blog list (remember, I'm a blogger...it's what I do - it says so right in my "about me" section) a new blog that I'll update from time to time about my experience with doTERRA oils. I'll share the good, I'll share the bad - I'll just teach you what I know.

Also - should you be local, and have any ailments that you'd like to put to the oils test, come on over. I'm happy to share!

Now - should you so desire...and don't feel like you have to...I've put a link on the right side of the screen sharing my cold sore concoction. Forgive the horrid pictures - they are taken with a cell phone, and as Rob mentioned, they make my forehead look like a bubble. I'm sure he meant it in a loving way.

BDEM: I taught Claire the "Five Little Monkeys" song and she's picking up the actions. She'll come over to me make some squeaking/grunting noise, and then do the action of monkeys jumping on the bed. That's my cue to get my sing on. She dances, and tells those monkeys to stop that bed-jumping by waving her pointer finger, smiling and laughing all the way.

Water: 50 oz

Keeping You Posted

2012-01-26T22:18:00.001-07:00

I end a lot of blog posts with, "I'll keep you posted."

I never do.

Probably because five minutes after I mention it, I forget I told you about it. It's still a priority in my head - and I get to it, I just don't report. And really, that's the important part. I lack follow through, and for that I am sorry.

Here are the last two things I was supposed to tell you about:

Quinoa:

I made it for lunch. I mixed it with black beans, corn, cilantro, and lime. Rob was really impressed - and I would give it a seven out of ten. It was pretty good, both warm and cold....but I made a massive batch and ate it for several days straight. For now, I'm a bit sick of it. I will make it again, but it's not the food of my dreams like I hoped it would be. Oddly enough, the main reason I wanted to make it was to replace my every day lunch (a frozen weight watchers meal) with something different. I have since returned to my frozen meal with a renewed love.

The Dress:

I mentioned a few days ago that I was in love with this dress. Then I got a "special secret sale" email from the store which announced that all dresses and skirts were on sale for $25 ONE DAY ONLY! I ran right over, tried on the dress, and hated it.

The material was super static-y (apparently that's not a word) and the neck was really wide. To say the least, it was ugly.

Update complete. I will now carry on with my regularly scheduled blog posts.

BDEM: Jude asked if I could go buy an air hockey table this afternoon. After I explained that there was absolutely no chance, he went ahead and made two paddles? (what are they called in air hockey?) out of paper, then made a puck out of a paper plate. He set it up on our end table, and we played best of five. It was ridiculously fun, and much cheaper and quieter than a real air hockey table.

Water: 55 oz

Rocco

2012-01-25T22:18:00.002-07:00

If I ever feel like I'm running short on blogging material, all I have to do is follow Jude for a couple of hours - his antics are nothing less than blogging gold.

For the past few days Jude has been playing with his "friend" Rocco. Rocco is a blue ball - a bit smaller than a golf ball - made of silly putty. Yesterday the two of them were playing hide and seek together.

"Rooooooocco? You're such a good hider! Mom, have you seen Rocco? Wait, I think I hear something. (Jude fakes a snicker on Rocco's behalf) Oh - there you are, Rocco - your laughing gave away your hiding spot! You need to be quieter next time."

Absolutely true.

Anyway, I guess Jude decided to sleep with Rocco last night because this morning he woke up looking like this:

I was surprised he wasn't TOTALLY devastated that we were going to have to throw both Rocco and the shirt away. He handled it really well. After realizing what he had done - and seeing the mess on his shirt, he asked for a piece of paper. (This is probably the second thing he asks for every single day). So while Rob and I exercised, he was working on something in the kitchen.

Apparently he was a bit embarrassed about what he had done, and didn't want Kaden (the cute kid we drive to school every morning) to see the mess on his shirt. Yes, half of my kids are still in pajamas when I drive the morning carpool.

What did he do?

Naturally he replicated his shirt on a piece of paper to cover up the mess. It's the obvious choice.

I'm sure nobody could tell the difference.

This kid SLAYS me.

BDEM: I get a lot of cold sores. They are big, nasty, painful and ugly. As of today I do believe I have found the cure - or at least the way to keep them small and painless. It has made my current cold sore bearable, and I'll keep you posted on whether or not it continues to work. I'm keeping my fingers crossed, though, because I need a cold sore miracle!

Water: 74 oz. Good day!

Scones!

2012-01-24T22:18:00.001-07:00

Tonight the Young Women I work with came to my house to learn how to bake. I decided on a simple recipe, but one I had never tried before. I didn't want to be poking around and cautiously checking to make sure "nothing was ruined" which is a lot easier to do when you're making something for the first time. (I am horrible about things like that.) So I chose homemade scones from Ourbestbites.com. The ladies did an excellent job - and I had my first homemade scone. I will definitely make these again. Anybody have any absolute-must-add-ins for scones? These were super basic, but still divine.

BDEM: Today I introduced my dad to Skype. Oh the joy of teaching oldies about the internet. I kid - but I couldn't help but giggle a bit as he discovered face to face chat. He even referred to it as "The Skype" one time and that just sent me over the edge! He has been vacationing in Argentina for a month, so it was nice to see his face and hear his voice again. Thanks for taking all that time to see the kids and talk to us. Enjoy the rest of your trip!

Water: 50 oz and counting....

While Mom is Away

2012-01-23T22:18:00.005-07:00

Rob just showed me what he and the kids were doing Saturday morning while I was at a church activity. Let me set the stage: Rob asked the kids to get dressed so they could all go to Costco. Each of them came back wearing something totally ridiculous, so Rob called the whole thing off. Once they were all in costume, Maddie took on the role of "The Host with the Most," a title that she just couldn't seem to say.

Take 1:

Take 2:

Take 3:

Take 4:

The Final Attempt:

All of the fun things happen while I'm gone!

BDEM: I couldn't stop laughing at the strange angry-bird-creeper that suddenly appears in the bottom video. Last thing I knew, he was still Bumble Bee! Also, watching kids fall down (with a happy ending) is always pretty amusing!

Weight -1.6 Total -5.7

Water: 60 oz

Family Dancing

2012-01-22T22:18:00.001-07:00

I was a cheerleader for many years, so I consider myself to have a decent (not extensive, but decent) knowledge of dancing, staying on beat, following cues, etc.

However, I am horrible at this game.

What you are seeing above is me getting my butt kicked by my twelve year old niece, my sister in law, and my older brother.

Talk about humiliation. In this particular game I came in 4th. The next lowest score was three times higher than mine. I tried to blame the controller, but then my sister in law took it - and did great. Lame.

BDEM: Tonight was a great dinner at Derek's house to celebrate Derek's and Jude's birthday. We laughed, danced and ate great food - but I honestly think the BDEM was just sitting and talking with my sister in law, Jessica. I walked away thinking, "Wow. I just love her. What a great listener."

Thanks, Jess!

Water: It's another one of those terrible nights where my lack of water is making me feel sick. My lips are dry, I'm a little nauseated, and I feel bloated from all of the diet coke I drank. I think I have a problem. I am literally a coke-a-holic. Anyone feel like starting a support group with me? So, to answer that question....honestly....12 oz. Ouch. I'm sure that's not going to help tomorrow's weigh in!

2012-01-21T22:18:00.001-07:00

I didn't end up trying on the dress, but I did spend the morning making a really cute ring and pair of earrings. Here's a really bad shot of the ring. It's made of fabric, and up close has a bit of a rose look.

Now, I'm dying to paint my really boring nails something along these lines:

I love them all, but I think the middle finger is my favorite. Take that however you want.

BDEM: I did NOT eat well today. On top of that, Rob and I didn't work out this morning. So about 8pm, I just felt like junk...overly full, body yucky, and bloated. As horrible as working out sounded, I got my butt up - and went to the gym. I still feel like vomiting up my dinner, but at least I feel like I did something today.

Water: 40 oz

Oh me, oh my...

2012-01-20T22:18:00.000-07:00

I'm having a terrible time coming up with reasons I shouldn't buy this dress. I'm kind of head over heels for it.

I think I'm going to have to go try it on tomorrow, and hope that I look TERRIBLE in it. But then there's that awful possibility that I'll love it even more in person.

Feel free to tell me that it's hideous - it will snag - your weird great aunt owned a similar one - anything to change my mind.

BDEM: Admitting this is a bit embarrassing, but I don't think I have really scrubbed my house since before Christmas. Today I feel like I am finally caught up - sinks and toilets are sparkling, all floors are mopped, everything dusted and the house is vacuumed. Sigh.....if only it could stay this way forever. I suppose ten minutes will do!

Water: 72 oz. (Holla!)

Isn't it Amazing...

2012-01-19T22:18:00.001-07:00

how some toys are just a passing trend - and others seem to stay forever? Jude got these for his birthday yesterday and spent all morning playing with them.

He was so excited when the "war" was over and only one good guy had died.

I explained that he didn't have to be dead, after all...it was his imagination that was controlling the whole event. He just stared at me like I was the biggest idiot and said, "But Mom, he was shot then a tank ran him over."

Point taken.

Thank you, dear soldier, for sacrificing your life for the sake of your fellow men. If I knew how to blog taps...I totally would.

BDEM: The long hot shower after this morning's miserable workout. How is it possible to love and hate exercise sooooo much at the same time??

Water: 60oz

"It was the best birthday EVER!"

2012-01-18T22:18:00.002-07:00

Jude had the greatest day - and couldn't stop saying, "Thank you for the best day ever, Mom and Dad!" I don't think it gets much sweeter than that!

Happy Angry Birds Birthday, Jude!

BDEM: Jude was Mr. Detail when it came to making the cupcakes. He literally stood over me and discussed every single aspect of each color of angry bird. "Well, that's good Mom, but it's not really right..." or, "He kind of looks like the red guy, but he's missing hair."

I also loved how all morning he wore his new black hooded angry birds blanket around the house. It was the gift from his sisters. He kept telling me that his blanket was the bomb. I was so excited that he loved it so much - and was also wondering where he picked up the phrase, "the bomb." When I finally asked where he learned it he said, "Um, I don't know - he is just the big black bird that blows up the pigs."

OH. The blanket actually IS the bomb.

Water: 60 oz. Finally getting back on track.

Tomorrow is a BIG Day

2012-01-17T22:07:00.001-07:00

Good thing we've got BIG balloons to celebrate with!

Happy 5th Birthday, Jude-a-tude!!

Seems like only yesterday you looked like this:

You handsome little devil, you!

You are the smartest, sweetest, most creative little guy I ever did see. I can't help but blush when people tell me what a great kid you are, because I feel so proud to be your mom. Love you!!

BDEM: Sitting quietly with my husband in a very special place.

Water: MAYBE 20 oz. It seems like I totally forget water when I break my schedule. I also have a pounding headache. Perhaps the two are related. I'll drink a bit and see if it helps. I'll say 32 oz just to be optimistic - including what I'm about to drink. (I WILL regret this choice in three hours when the water returns and wakes me up from a dead sleep)

A Good Man

2012-01-16T22:18:00.000-07:00

You know that phrase that says something like, "Behind every good man there is an even better, more thoughtful, well spoken, considerate woman that you don't think he deserved that was obviously out of his league - perhaps it was a shotgun wedding.."? That's paraphrasing a bit - but I think it's pretty close. There are so many days that I feel like my situation is completely reversed.

We've had a rough few weeks around these parts. As I've mentioned, Claire has not been the easiest lately. As of today, she has her third ear infection in less than three weeks. (All of our kids get them when they are teething). It's been getting me down - only because I really thrive on keeping up with all of my daily chores, etc. If I fall behind, I tend to get a bit stressed and overwhelmed. I understand her constant need to be held, but it has still been hard.

I was super frustrated and I told Rob it was probably best to not come home for lunch because he'd only find a huge mess and a super grumpy wife. What did he do? He brought home my favorite salad to cheer me up.

What a good, good man.

Thanks, babe - you are always there to pick me up when I am at my worst.

BDEM: Cranky, screaming, face-scratching Claire just kind of collapsed on my shoulder tonight as I rocked her to sleep and sang to her. Then she took her chubby little feverish hand and placed in on my cheek. It was almost like an apology, and it made me forget (at least for a minute) about the overwhelming day!

Weight: -4.1 total
Water: 46 oz.

A Good Laugh

2012-01-15T22:18:00.001-07:00

I'm sure a lot of you have already seen this, but my kids have been laughing at it for the last twenty minutes.

I think the announcer's reaction is probably my favorite. Absolutely speechless!

BDEM: Twas' a lazy Sunday round these parts. Sometimes a lazy Sunday is just what I need!

Water: 48 oz

Reevaluated

2012-01-14T22:18:00.004-07:00

I am not giving up my goal of losing twenty pounds. I am, however, extending my schedule a bit. When I originally set the goal, I thought I was giving myself PLENTY of time to get it done, after all - I just wanted to make it a goal that was accomplished - but not something I stressed over. I figured I'd lose 20 pounds in ten weeks, easily. When I really did the math - I realized that losing two lbs/week is healthy, and doable. But it requires a pretty strict regimen, which I spent all of last year following.

I don't want this to sound like I'm bailing on my plan - or that I don't think I can't do it. I just don't want to stress myself out by knowing I only have "(blank) days left!" I also have no idea where my body wants to be, so should I lose 15 lbs, but find that I've toned up, and feel like I'm where I want to be - I'll stay there. All I know is I'm not there yet, but I'd like to be there by MAY 1st.

I'm also going to start posting my weight weekly instead of daily. I still weigh myself daily - but I'll just bore you with that stuff every Monday.

BDEM: Rob, Madelyn and I spent the afternoon at the local fitness center. I got to run on a treadmill - which I LOVE, then we went swimming. I was so happy to see that even though I haven't been running in ages, I actually ran longer and faster than I normally do. High Fives to Insanity!

Water: 40 oz (I'm falling behind on this goal, too - I need to step this one up.)

Weight - goal is to lose 2 lbs/week. I am currently on target!

Well, that explains it.

2012-01-13T20:52:00.000-07:00

I have been cursing my camera for years. I think I recently mentioned how strained our relationship was...I say things like, "You NEVER focus!" or "WHY THE HECK DIDN'T THE FLASH GO OFF?!" But most of the time I just say, "OH MY GOSH! I HATE THIS STUPID THING!"

So, yes, there are some problems. Mark my words - the camera will be the reason I am forced to attend anger management classes.

After all these years, I am feeling a bit guilty because as it turns out the camera is actually disabled. I assumed that when it started smelling like smoke after taking pictures it was probably because it was about to explode. Now I feel like it was probably crying over all of my insults.

You see, the camera is actually colorblind.

I learned this when I decided to document the so-bad-it-should-have-been-on-TV moment of washing the one red shirt with all of the other whites. Yes. I actually did that. I should also add it was a NEW red shirt.

Here's what the camera saw:

No, that's not even close to what the real laundry looked like. I will actually have to throw away all of the whites that were in that load because it all just looks like cotton candy. But Camera will never know that. It just sees that I took a picture of a boring laundry basket with boring towels.

Now I feel shame. I should never mock the disabled. I should never, ever mock stupid cameras that can't focus, don't flash, tell me my battery is low and shut down when I've just recharged it, and smell like electrical fires after each click. That would just be a horrible thing to do. Consider this my last complaining post...because I'm a changed woman.

BDEM: We had a horrible night last night that involved Ella throwing up next to our bed - then sleeping in our room, so neither of us got any sleep. I think I got about three hours total. So at about 10am I curled up on the floor with a blanket that covered the vent, and slept UNDISTURBED BY CHILDREN for an hour while warm air came through the house - and then got trapped inside my blanket cocoon. So wonderful!

Weight: -.1 (-3.7 total)
Water: 45 oz

They're not perfect....

2012-01-12T22:18:00.001-07:00

...but they're done. And only six years after I told my sister-in-law, Jessica, I was going to "go home and make them."

*rice and lavender bags - throw them in the microwave, then throw them under the covers so you climb into a warm bed.

Who knew that what took six years to get around to would only take twenty minutes to finish?!

BDEM: Pulling out the old sewing machine. I love that thing, and should use it more often. I may not be great at making things, but the machine is great at making "me" time.

Weight -.2 (Total -3.8? I think)
Water: 68oz

My Week

2012-01-11T22:18:00.000-07:00

Has looked like this:

So even three minutes of this felt like heaven!

Teething...it's the pits!

BDEM: Rob took the older two kids roller skating for Maddie's school party, and I got to spend the night with my two little redheads. Even cranky Claire seemed to enjoy the extra attention!

Weight: 0 - - Yes, I do blame you...fish and chips! (Total -3.6)
Water: 60 oz

Oh, FINE!

2012-01-10T21:39:00.001-07:00

Well, you've waited long enough. I'll show you the new room! The dresser took longer than we originally planned, so today is actually the first day I've had it all together.

I still have sheer white curtains ($4 at IKEA for TWO panels!) but we'll see if those get hung in the near future!

Dresser Before:

Dresser After

We painted the room a medium grey, and replaced all the linens and pillows. We then painted the dresser and replaced the hardware. I found the knobs at Lowe's for under $1each - but they were gold. So we sprayed them black to match the rest of the room. And last, but not least, we added the little lime lamp on the nightstand.

My camera could not capture the colors of the room quite right, but the dresser and throw pillows are turquoise, the comforter is grey and white, and the coverlet is plum. I'm kind of in love with it, and am so glad that Rob was on board from the start. I had jokingly mentioned that I wanted to paint the dresser turquoise, and he didn't really respond - so I just figured I'd go with black. Then I kind of made the joke again, this time with a link to a cool turquoise dresser I saw online, and he caved. I think he's happy he caved. I know I am!

So there it is! Now what the heck am I going to hang over your heads to ensure you'll come and visit my blog again? Any post requests?!

BDEM: Getting my clothes back into the dresser. All my clothes have been scattered for days on end, and being able to see the carpet again is fabulous. I love a good, clean home.

Weight -.6 (Total, -3.6)
Water: 40-ish oz

Finally!

2012-01-09T22:02:00.000-07:00

I meant to post these forever ago, but then I got on my Christmas kick, and these were put on the back burner. My sister in law, Jessica, is an amazing photographer and offered to shoot our family. So, without further ado I present for your viewing pleasure,

Family Pics 2011

Thanks again, Jessica! I absolutely love these, and can't wait to get them up in my house!

You can envy Jessica's blog HERE.

PS - she's good at everything.

PPS - seriously.

BDEM: Rob and I snuck away for a few hours today and saw Breaking Dawn: Part . Now, I never got into the books - and really wasn't that into the movies (I just started the series like a month ago) but I really liked this one....and so did Rob!

Weight: -1.5 (Total: -3 lbs)
Water: 60 oz

Excited to Cook

2012-01-08T20:23:00.001-07:00

There is very little that excites me when it comes to cooking. I love to bake, and get really excited about new ideas there - but when it comes to cooking all of my efforts usually end in, "This smells yucky, Mom!" (I should add that I actually really enjoy cooking - and will probably have a great time once my kids are past the, "Can't we just have macaroni and cheese?" phase).

All that aside, I have been really excited to try quinoa. Anything that I can add beans, corn and cilantro to is like a lunch made in heaven. I'm really hoping it lives up to my expectations because I will eat it every day if I like it. That is not a joke. When I was dieting really strictly last year (btw - it seems to be a LOT harder this year?!) I ate the same meal for lunch every single day for three months straight. I often even ate it for dinner. Did I get bored? Never. I would gush over how much I loved the meal daily.

But for some reason that meal just isn't grabbing me this time around. (Could it possibly be the obvious? My body is sick of it?) So I'm really hoping I can call quinoa my new best winter friend. Huh. Maybe that's my problem. As I typed that sentence I thought, "Why is food your best friend anyway?" Talk about some seriously deep issues! (I didn't mean that, food....I still love you - it's all for show. I just tell the people what they want to hear. Still BFFs?)

So have you tried this KEEN-WAH? Is it the best thing since sliced bread? I'll keep you posted.

BDEM: Dinner at the in-laws. My mother-in-law made the most delicious dinner in honor of the January birthdays in our extended family. Six birthdays all together, three in my family alone. Busy, busy! Then we all just sat around and enjoyed being with family. It was a great night. Thanks, Ross and Tammy!

Weight: 0 (Total: -1.5...I think) Rob and I head into phase two of insanity tomorrow. I'm hoping that'll kick this up a notch.

Water: I said I'd try. I did not try. And now I am parched. Sad - maybe 12 oz? I'll hang my head now.

Winding Down

2012-01-07T20:50:00.000-07:00

I walked into Target tonight feeling chipper, alert and ready to get my grocery-shop on. I walked out tired with my throat on fire! How do these things hit so quickly? So I immediately ran to grab some of this:

And if you'll be kind enough to forgive me, I'm going to shut down my computer, sit on the couch and hope that the cold cream cures me before my 7:30 am meetings tomorrow morning.

BDEM: While checking out at Target, the lady behind me couldn't stop staring at the conveyor belt as I unloaded groceries. I am very particular. Boxes first, then pastas, then cans, then produce, then meat/frozen foods, then toiletry items, then bread then milk. Some people think I am crazy - but it makes unloading SO MUCH EASIER! Everything gets bagged with similar items. Anyway, the lady would NOT stop looking, and I was feeling the "YOU'D BETTER NOT MAKE ME WAIT" pressure, when she said, "You unload your groceries just like me! Doesn't it make all the difference? Where's my husband? (she starts looking around) 'LOOK HONEY! SHE GET'S IT!'" I should have gotten her number - I'm sure she could have been one of those surprise friends!

Weight: +.5 (I forgot to weigh myself at the normal time, so I'll see if that changes anything tomorrow. I usually weigh myself in the morning, before there is any food or water in my system.)

Water: Pathetic. Maybe 32 0z. I was super distracted today. I'll try harder tomorrow.

My Baby is 1!

2012-01-06T21:17:00.002-07:00

Happy Birthday, little Claire Bear!

She hasn't been feeling very well lately, but we still decided to give her a little party to celebrate. When it came time to make the cake, I really didn't have a lot of ideas seeing as how Claire doesn't really have any favorites. We ran into the same problem at Christmas when Rob was programming a little dog that Santa left for Claire. You go online, choose some of the things your child loves best, then it kind of personalizes all the songs/games towards your child.

I wasn't around when Rob did this, but in the end - here's what he chose:

So ever since Christmas we've been singing all about how Claire loves purple, hotdog-eating fish named Claire.

Naturally, it only made sense to make this her first Birthday cake.

It was ONE SLOPPY CAKE! But it definitely served its purpose.

Happy birthday, little love! Not a day goes by where I don't think about how unbelievably blessed I am to have you in my life.

BDEM: Claire's Birthday was definitely fun, but Maddie was in charge of the bedtime story - something that Rob usually does, and her story was awesome. Every night Rob lets the kids choose one thing - can be ANYTHING at all, and he incorporates each kids thing into the story. But today Maddie did the same thing and ended up telling a story with the following items:
-Claire
-Birthday
-Pirate Zhu Zhu pets
-A shark
-Walking Clothes (obviously Jude. I'm sure he'll try to make walking clothes out of paper tomorrow)

The story was amazing. Got a little bit dodgy towards the end, but all in all, Maddie was a magnificent story teller!

Weight: -.7 lbs (total -1.7) I'm pretty sure you can count on a + for tomorrow!
Water: 64 dreadful ounces

Article Share

2012-01-05T21:06:00.002-07:00

When I read this article this morning, I immediately knew it was going to be my blog for the day. I LOVED it.

Whenever a women's expo or craft fair comes to town, it always makes me laugh at the booths listing wares that we as women are supposedly desperately wanting: goat lather soap, Zumba workouts, Montana-made syrup, and so on. And though I love to do Zumba in the shower while eating pancakes, I'm pretty sure what I really want is not at the expo.

Unless I'm with my friends.

In the last 11 years — while living in four states, three time zones and five homes — I have had a ton of experience making and keeping friends. Across this great continent, I’ve observed that I have consistently needed five types of friends to keep me sane and balanced.

First off, I trust your husband is hopefully your friend — best friend, even. However, he is not, never will be and never should be your all-in-one everything. No person should ever be burdened with fulfilling your every need, wish and whim for companionship. You will still need other women, both older and younger, to mentor you, serve you and look up to you.

My favorite and dearest friend is the Old Friend variety, who is like your favorite T-shirt: comfy, worn-in and, no matter what your mood, totally appropriate. This Old Friend knows your crazy family history and can write a pamphlet on why you are the way you are and how they like you anyway.

She’s probably seen you in your underwear, heard you sobbing over the phone or held you while you despaired over new-mom woes. You don’t have to worry about being far away because, somehow across the miles or around the block, you are still best friends and comfortable in whatever state your friendship is in.

Here's something to note: Sisters make great Old Friends.

Another essential friend is the Deep Friend. She’s the one who is like a therapist, only cheaper — and probably happy to eat ice cream with you as you delve into what makes a marriage really groovy.

The Deep Friend is perfectly at peace with dissecting your family background and how that formed the person you are now. She loves discussing the world; religion; and how to have a better, happier and richer life. She is worth her weight in gold — or Prozac.

Your Mentor Friend is often the age of an older siblings or even your mother. Even though she might say the same things your mother does, you don’t roll your eyes or search for the number to the local mental hospital. It sounds so right and true and a lot less annoying coming from the Mentor Friend. You mother probably sends her a script, but who cares? The Mentor Friend commiserates and validates your concerns.

The Mentor Friend says, “I’ve been there,” without sounding condescending. She watches your children because she misses her own and she makes sure to remind you often to make time for yourself. Sure, she might be slightly outdated when you compare her to all your hipster sisters, but the Mentor is one irreplaceable friend.

A subset of the Mentor Friend is the Younger (Sister) Friend. To her, you are the mentor and the voice of reason when all pooh breaks loose with small children. As the Mentor Friend, you get to share your hard-earned lessons, helping steer the Younger Friend toward the light at the end of the nursing or toddler tunnel. It is insanely rewarding to share the small tidbits of wisdom that someone once delivered to you when you were buried under laundry and sporting under-eye bags the size of Manhattan.

Our next friend is one of my current favorites: the Surprise Friend. Finding this person is like visiting your local thrift store looking for a cool Halloween costume and you find J.Crew pants for $2. Surprise Friends are like sprinkles on the cake of life: colorful and unexpected.

The Surprise Friend is the one you meet at a play group or school meeting and your first reaction is that you have nothing in common and she probably has socks that cost more than your entire wardrobe.

Then you find out, as time goes on, that she’s not as shallow or weird as you originally thought and the notion of spending time with her sitting on a park bench watching your children hang by their toes doesn’t make you gag or feel like getting a root canal. You find that the Surprise Friend is actually funny. And smart! And not shallow! And she’s even willing to share her gold-plated socks!

The last and most-important friend you can have is one that took me many moons to collect. She’s one that many don’t realize is a necessity. It’s You.

You should be one of your closest friends — and no, Dr. Phil did not pay me to say that. I hope that little voice in your head is like a great coach and not the mean girls from 6th grade, inherently critical and smarmy.

I’ve trained myself to control my inner dialogue so that when I lose it and holler at one of my children for hitting their sibling (again) my first response is not, “You’re a loser mother,” but instead, “You will do better next time.”

Some women still feel this adolescent need to always be with someone, texting someone or planning daily mommy play dates. But it’s OK to just be — to be with yourself and your thoughts and have awkward conversations like:You: “Hi.”
Self: “Hi.”
You: “How ar—”
Self: “Fine.”
You: “Are you going to work out at th—”
Self: “Eh, probably not.”
You: “Really? You know how good you feel afterw—”
Self: “I know. I should... OK, I’ll go.”
You: “Awesome! You're gonna lose 10 pounds!”

Awkward, yes. Helpful? Double yes.

And though I am a certified extrovert who has a habit of slightly oversharing and is a lover of people, I think many women need these distinct relationships to make their lives richer and happier.

Are these five friend styles the only ones suitable for sustaining a healthy friend closet? No. Is it necessary to collect friends like charm bracelets? Unless you're in 6th grade, no.

But I do know that it has taken many types of women over many years to help me be a better person, a better mother, a better wife. I need them. I need their wisdom, their laughter and their genuine humanity to rub off on me.

And that is far more useful that goat lather soap.

How stinking cute was that? And seriously, how true?!

I think in my adult life I have severely slacked off at maintaining friendships. This sounds HORRIBLE, but I always think, "Who has time for friends?" I often hear from people, "how do you have time for anything?" and honestly, it's because I don't spend any time with friends. Or being social. Or getting out.

I am a hermit.

I need to get past that.

Thank you to all those adorable girls in my neighborhood that call me and invite me out. I love it! I just wouldn't ever think to do it on my own. Please keep calling, and please keep making me break out of my mold.

And to all of those "T-shirt" style friends, thank you for accepting who I turned into - and loving me anyway!

BDEM: I got caught up on laundry today. I know, dumb. But I was totally right in predicting this morning's frustration when it came time to finding clothes for Maddie. It was disastrous. Now tomorrow, I can find something for her to wear to school that doesn't require mothers-dry-cleaning (aka - scratching off the dried food).

Weight Loss -1 (that was a MIRACLE). Total loss: 1 lb

Water intake: 72 oz. Honestly. I have spent at least one third of the day emptying my bladder. Does that ever go away?

Accountability

2012-01-04T20:37:00.000-07:00

I'd love to show ya'll my new room, but it's going to have to wait.

That's mostly because I'm not done.

I'm loving this project so much that I am doing everything I can to drag it out as long as possible. It has been a wonderful distraction from the laundry, ironing, vacuuming and dishes that usually fill my time. It's fun to say right now, but tomorrow morning when I go digging through the dirty clothes to find Maddie's least wrinkled pair of jeans I may be punching myself, and my hobby, in the face.

Anyway - while that is still going on, I have decided to add YET ANOTHER little daily thing to my blog. (I heard that eye roll, by the way...) Since making my resolutions on New Year's Day, I haven't thought much about them. I have been MORE careful about what I eat, but not careful enough. I'm basically eating to maintain, rather than to lose. I have also probably had ten sips of water since then. All of which I drank during our morning Insanity workout.

{Side note....have I ever mentioned how much I LOVE working out with Rob? It makes all the difference. On the few days that we have done our workouts at different times, I cheat. If I get tired, pressing the skip button on the remote is sooooo justifiable. Knowing he is getting up to work out makes me want to get up and join him. Moral of the story: find someone that will make you accountable!}

Since I just admitted that I am a cheater, I've decided to HONESTLY share my weight loss and water intake over the next three months. That way, at the end of the day, I'll have to face up to my decisions. Now, I won't be tracking my actual weight - I'll be tracking loss and gains. So, as of today my score is 0. Tomorrow morning I may be + or - then a number. The goal is to be -20 by April 1st. Seeing as how I just had a cheeseburger for dinner, you can pretty much plan on tomorrow being a +. Oops. But there will be plenty of + days, I can guarantee it. Feel free throw tomatoes at me when you see that happen. (Just don't throw donuts...disaster waiting to happen).

I'll also track my water. {and ps - this number might be SCARY for those water enthusiasts. Bless your hearts. I'm sure you're good people.}

BDEM: Rob gave approval for the last little project I wanted to do on the bedroom. Have I mentioned how cheaply I have done all this? It's been great. I can't wait to finish and share.

Weight: 0
Water: 32 oz. {Please don't scream. I'll be better tomorrow. Pinky Swear}

2012-01-03T21:18:00.000-07:00

The bedroom is JUUUUUST about finished - with maybe a detail or two left, but for some reason the camera can't seem to capture the colors correctly - so I'll try tomorrow in the daylight and see if that helps!

So for now, I'm going to share the HEALTHY dinner that we had tonight. It was also, I should add, really really tasty.

I made the White Chicken Chili on the Our Best Bites website. Gosh I love them! Rob got me their cookbook for Christmas and I've been devouring it all week. So many things I want to make!

We kept this on the healthy side and didn't add sour cream or cheese. (Grab the Chili recipe HERE). At first I wasn't completely sold on the recipe - but I added a little bit of garlic salt to the final recipe and my taste buds went crazy!

We then went ahead and cancelled all that out by eating tortilla chips and this salsa.

It's a really great and easy salsa that my brother, Greg, introduced me to a while back. Throw this together, and let it sit in the fridge for a few hours while the flavors all come together.

1 can black beans drained and rinsed
1 can corn drained
1 can rotel tomatoes with Chilis
a handful of cilantro chopped
a decent squeeze of lime juice (I use bottled)
garlic salt to taste

Rob doesn't LOVE this, because he doesn't dream of cilantro the way I do. I want it all day every day. Mexican food + Diet Coke = my heaven. So if you love Cilantro, and being an American, try this. Feel no guilt while realizing this food has nothing to do with being an American.

BDEM: SO EXCITED ABOUT THE BEDROOM! It just feels like me! Putting it together just made me so, so happy. Even better was when Rob came home from work and loved it just as much. Success!

Getting There

2012-01-02T21:03:00.001-07:00

I'm getting really excited about our new master bedroom. We painted today, and it looks like it's all coming together nicely. I've still got some details to finish up - and I don't want to post until it's completely done, but here's what it looked like before:

Okay, maybe not the BEST "before" shots... I forgot to take them before we pulled everything away from the walls and took off the bedspread, and threw all the junk on the bed, and took down the pictures, and threw all sorts of toys on the dresser...you get the point. This is a bare-minimum shot. (PS - do you like my weird rectangular prison windows? Definitely not my favorite feature of our little old house!)

Okay - I scanned through my photos, and found this shot. Again, not the best...seeing as how the whole picture was based on my kids sweet attempt to make my bed (the stripes are supposed to be vertical). But this shows the old color scheme, etc.

So, perhaps in a few days I'll post the after pictures - till then, wish me luck...it's always hard to find what you're looking for when you have it so perfectly planned in your head, but no idea where to find what you need!

BDEM: Painting. I love it. Makes me feel like I'm accomplishing something, and then when it's done I get to enjoy the fruits of my labors.

Resolutions

2012-01-01T22:33:00.000-07:00

Yes, I feel like I - along with the rest of the world - should post about a few of the things I'd like to do in 2012. Seeing as how I'm only four months into the best year of my life, I should still have up until August of 2012 to make it phenomenal.

Here are a couple of the things I will work on in 2012

1. I'd like to work on being a better listener. I think this applies mostly to my kids because, honestly, I think I talk to them the most. I sometimes find myself distracted, saying, "Uh-huh, sure..." to something they are trying to tell me. This is bad for two reasons. 1. They are my kids, and they should feel like they can come to me if they need to talk. 2. I sometimes snap out of my distraction to find very strange things going on that I apparently agreed to...and at that point, how can I say no?!

2. I'd like to improve my physical health. I feel like I've made some pretty good strides over the last year, but there are still some areas that could use improvement (thighs, butt, tummy..) okay, no - I actually meant areas of health. I drink RIDICULOUS amounts of Diet Coke. Love it, live on it, plan my meals around it. I'm not giving it up. BUT, I feel like I should try to incorporate more water. My goal is to drink at least eight glasses of water per day.

3. Along with the physical health, I still have a lingering 15-20 lbs I'd like to shed. Losing that would take me to a weight that in my post-junior high life, I have never seen. It's not an image thing as much of a, "can I do this?" thing. My goal is to have that shed by April 1st, 2012. That gives me time to take it slow, and make it a realistic goal.

4. I'd like to take up a hobby. I've mentioned in the past that I don't really have any hobbies besides blogging, and this year I think I'll change that. I want to be a better photographer, and along side of that, I want to learn photoshop. I will set aside one hour/week (man that seems pathetic) in which I can sit down and just watch tutorials or get advice from friends.

5. Outlive the Mayan Calendar. I'm still planning the details on this one. Thus far it involves a gun, a whistle, a life jacket, a week's supply of Diet Coke, and the secret panic room in our friend's mansion. I figure at that point the "less coke, more water" goal will probably be void.

I think that's it...for now. There may be a few more that come up, but putting four things out on the inter-web already gives me some level of accountability.

Here's to 2012 - the second half of the Best Year of My Life.

Anybody remember "The Summer of George?" Maybe I'll just call this "The Year of Melissa."

BDEM: Cute little Ella Bell just joined the big kids at church for Sunday School. She graduated from the little kids' class, and today was spotlighted in front of all the other kids. Between meeting them all yesterday, and seeing them again today, she was asked a bunch of, "let's get to know you" type questions.

Here are a few of my favorite answers:

What is your favorite color?
- Roxy (My in-laws' dog)

What is your favorite color (a second time)
- Tinkerbell

What is your favorite food?
-Poop

What is your favorite song?
-again, Roxy

Review

2011-12-31T22:18:00.000-07:00

In 2011 we:

welcomed our third daughter

took swimming lessons

(I) chopped my hair

took up Insanity - I lost 50 lbs, Rob lost 15 (and got ripped!)

before

after

(I) loved my calling as the Young Women's President

Rob lost a bad job, and then was blessed to quickly find a much better one!

(INSERT SAD - THEN HAPPY PHOTO HERE)

hiked a lot

spent holidays with Rob's family

went to my dad's wedding in Chicago - and somehow didn't get a picture with the kids and my dad!

saw one of our favorite bands in concert - in the rain

lost first teeth - some more naturally than others

had the time of our lives at family camp (and can't wait to go again in August!)

trick-or-treated

pierced ears

and celebrated Christmas like it was going out of style

Can't ask for a better year that that, now can I?

Happy New Year, friends!!

BDEM: My dad got us some gift cards for Christmas, and I'm going to use the money to re-vamp my bedroom. I bought the bedspread today, and am looking forward to putting it all together - then buying the finishing touches!

I'm No Fashionista...

2011-12-30T20:30:00.000-07:00

I never have been. Like I've mentioned in the past - Rob tells me what to wear. Now, that being said - I keep seeing these blanket sweaters all over the place.

Is anyone I know wearing them? What do we think?

BDEM: It's going to happen, right after I finish this post. I'm going to convince my husband to rub my shoulders. He's pretty good like that. I'll let you know tomorrow if it was a successful BDEM, or this day was BDEM-less. (I suppose I should have a back-up plan. If he laughs, then throws things at me, the delicious curry soup I had at Noodles will have to take its place. So yummy!)

Sneezy

2011-12-29T22:18:00.002-07:00

My kids are all little sickies. They've had this horrendous cough/cold for weeks now. Maddie was the first to get it, then Jude, then Claire, and last - but never least - Ms. Ella Bell. Maddie is just about done with it, but Ella is still in the thick of the nastiness.

Now, when it comes to being sick, all of my kids have some sort of strange trademark. Madelyn HONESTLY doesn't know how to sneeze. Within days of her birth we realized it. She starts with a half cough, followed by an "ack" noise, then this weird head jerk while making a "CH" sound, then a real sneeze. It is the STRANGEST thing to witness, and people turn to see what the drama is all about every time she does it.

Jude has had asthma since he was a baby, so when he gets sick, all of his coughs turn into asthmatic coughs. He barks, he wheezes, he sounds like he is going to vomit, then stops and goes on about his business.

Ella hasn't really been much of a cougher - but she is a sneezer, and she actually knows how to sneeze. Ella sneezes usually 4-5 times/hour when she has a cold, and I kid you not, it is GUARANTEED that after every single sneeze she will look like this:

Did that gross you out? Imagine wiping this several times/hour....AND this is only an average booger shoot. Sometimes they hang well past her chin. Oh, and it's even more disgusting when it happens while you are driving, have no tissues, and have to yell, "KEEP LOOKING UP!" so it doesn't spill all over her shirt and car seat.

BDEM: Oh man, perhaps it is the grinch in me, but doesn't de-Christmasing sometimes seem as great (if not better) than Christmasing? I feel like my house is finally clean. Oh, and I even finished taking the tree down, getting all the decorations put away, vacuuming and dusting five minutes before the SURPRISE meeting Rob had at our house at 5pm. I'm glad they didn't all show up at 4:30!

Video of the Day

2011-12-28T21:27:00.000-07:00

I'm kind of a closet-muppet freak. I always have been. I loved them as a kid, and secretly still adore them. This probably doesn't surprise most of you seeing as how I've already confessed to loving Sesame Street as much as - if not more than my kids.

Here is one of my favorite clips. My husband and I actually quoted it today, so this is actually for him. (Still secretly for me, too)

BDEM: We spent the evening watching old movies at Rob's parents' house. We watched the video of my mother and father-in-law's wedding, and then some classic Christmas clips circa 1971(?). So the BDEM has to be a tie between the videos, and having to dry my hair with a fan. Stupid blowdryer.

Before and After

2011-12-27T20:16:00.004-07:00

Man, was this little guy brave! The nurse kept asking, "Is he always this good?!" And truthfully, the answer was, "Actually, yes!" He really is such a positive little guy who is wise beyond his years.

I am lucky to be the mother of this toothless little feller.

BDEM: There have been a lot of great moments today. I'll just list a few - seeing Jude's excitement with his "funny new mouth," watching Puss 'N Boots with Rob's family, eating grocery-store (aka -cheap) sushi while blogging, and learning that Claire's fussiness is curable (ear infection)!

Guess who has two thumbs...

2011-12-26T22:08:00.002-07:00

and just got her ears pierced...

this gal:

She didn't wince, squirm or shed a single tear. What a brave {and EXTREMELY HAPPY} little girl!

BDEM: Rob's brother and his family are in town from Arizona, and we have had such a great time hanging out with them. We adore them and their kids, and wish they lived closer. So over the next few days we will cram in as much Matt and Lindy time as possible!

We Came, We Saw

2011-12-25T20:34:00.000-07:00

WE CHRISTMASED!

And now, instead of wasting time on my computer, I am going to go enjoy the rest of this blessed day with my husband.

Merry Christmas to all!

BDEM: Saying, "It's Christmas," suffices, right?

'Twas the Night Before Christmas

2011-12-24T23:02:00.000-07:00

My belly is aching from twenty six delicious dinner courses at my brother's house, the stockings are hung by the chimney with care, we read the Christmas Story as a family, Santa has already stopped by our house, and now there is nothing but silence and the warm-glow of Christmas lights. Tomorrow will be filled with church, wrapping-paper-messes, bakery donuts, dinner with Rob's family and lots of love and laughter.

I love everything about Christmas. Most importantly, I love that I can share everything about Christmas with those I love the most. I have a wonderful home that provides me with warmth and shelter, I have four beautiful children that make this season so magical, and I have a husband who would go to the ends of the earth for the happiness of his family.

I am truly blessed.

Merry Christmas, dear friends.

BDEM: Derek and Jessica threw the most rocking Christmas Eve party ever! We ate so much, laughed so hard, and just enjoyed being together. You guys truly make Christmas special for us, and we appreciate all the effort that you put into this special tradition! XOXO

Muppet Christmas Carol

2011-12-23T10:18:00.000-07:00

'Twas the night before, the eve before
the day we love the most,
So we sat 'round, as tradition states
and watched a film with Ghosts.

A red-head screamed, a blonde felt sick,
A little boy played with toys,
But in our all-togetherness
We shared in Christmas Joy!

BDEM: My family loves to send me little reminders of home at special times, and one of those is getting Chicago Style Pizza for Christmas. The past few years the dry-ice-packed box has come a few days before Christmas, so we've started combining Chicago Style Pizza with The Muppet Christmas Carol as one of our Christmas traditions. YUM! Thanks, Dad!

One Last Day

2011-12-22T21:25:00.000-07:00

I wasn't expecting Internet interruptions when I started my Christmas blogging, but as of tomorrow, I'll be back in business. I can post all the photos and videos that I've been storing away for my big Christmas finale. For now, I'll leave you with a Christmas poem:

Night Before Christmas For Moms

Twas the night before Christmas, when all thru the abode
only one creature was stirring, and she was cleaning the commode.
The children were finally sleeping, all snug in their beds,
while visions of Nintendo 64 and Barbie, flipped through their heads.
The dad was snoring in front of the TV,
with a half-constructed bicycle on his knee.
So only the mom heard the reindeer hooves clatter,
which made her sigh, "Now what's the matter?"
With toilet bowl brush still clutched in her hand,
she descended the stairs, and saw the old man.
He was covered with ashes and soot, which fell with a shrug.
"Oh great," muttered the mom, "Now I have to clean the rug."
"Ho-ho-ho!" cried Santa, "I'm glad you're awake."
"Your gift was especially difficult to make."
"Thanks, Santa, but all I want is some time alone."
"Exactly!" he chuckled, "I've made you a clone."
"A clone?" she asked, "What good is that?
Run along, Santa, I've no time for chit-chat."
The mother's twin. Same hair, same eyes,
same double chin. "She'll cook, she'll dust,"
she'll mop every mess. You'll relax, take it easy,
watch The Young & the Restless." "Fantastic!" the mom cheered.
"My dream come true! "I'll shop. I'll read.,
I'll sleep a whole night through!"
From the room above, the youngest began to fret.
"Mommy?! I scared... and I 'm wet."
The clone replied, "I'm coming, sweetheart."
"Hey," the mom smiled, "She knows her part."
The clone changed the small one, and hummed a tune,
as she bundled the child, in a blanket cocoon.
"You the best mommy ever. " I really love you."
The clone smiled and sighed, "I love you, too."
The mom frowned and said, "Sorry, Santa, no deal."
That's my child's love, she's trying to steal."
Smiling wisely Santa said, "To me it is clear,"
Only one loving mother, is needed here."
The mom kissed her child, and tucked her into bed.
"Thank you, Santa, " for clearing my head.
I sometimes forget, it won't be very long,
when they'll be too old, for my cradle-song."
The clock on the mantle began to chime.
Santa whispered to the clone, "It works every time."
With the clone by his side Santa said, "Goodnight.
Merry Christmas, Mom, You'll be all right.

I didn't write that, but it sure does apply this time of year. It gets busy, but try to not let the "busy" ruin your Christmas spirit!

BDEM: Listening to sweet Ella sing The Little Drummer Boy as we drove through the Thanksgiving Point lights.

All I Want for Christmas

2011-12-21T20:40:00.000-07:00

Sweet Jude was riding his scooter around the gym at our church and took a nasty fall. The wood floors were really slick, and the wheels slipped sideways sending him and the scooter into a pile of chairs. The handlebars went straight into his mouth, and messed up his upper lip pretty bad. After about ten minutes of icing it and blotting his lip, I noticed blood was still pooling up in his mouth, so I looked inside and realized his two front teeth didn't look right. We ran him over to a new dentist who told us that both teeth would have to be extracted. He is waiting until after Christmas, because in his words, it is going to hurt.

I explained the situation to Jude and then Rob started singing, "All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth." Jude was pretty bummed, and I asked him if he was sad they would be gone. I explained that the tooth dairy would still come, and hoped he'd be okay. Then he very quietly told me, "Mom, I am sad because I don't want my two front teeth for Christmas. I already asked Santa for something else."

Oh, that kid.

So glad he's okay.

BDEM: On the way to the dentist's office, Rob told me that we didn't have dental insurance, and the thought of an uninsured dental surgery scared the daylights out of me. I guess I was expecting it to be around $2000, so when they handed me the estimate for $275 I nearly wet my pants. Another Christmas miracle, considering we will need the extra cash for the car that broke down on the way home!

The World's Greatest Gift

2011-12-20T21:53:00.000-07:00

One thing my parents were really great at was making sure that we always knew how lucky and blessed we were to have so many comforts of life. We lived in a nice home, and enjoyed our share of extras, but along with that, we always knew that the very best gift was the one we gave away. Every year my parents spent a portion of our Christmas budget on a family that desperately needed a Christmas miracle. One of my favorite Christmas memories is making the yearly trip to the "bad" parts of Chicago. We usually left very early in the morning (my dad thought it would be safer then) drove the forty five minutes, and delivered Christmas to an unsuspecting family. We filled entire rooms with gifts. That's not saying we brought too many gifts, just showing how different their circumstances were. We rode on elevators that reeked of urine and went into apartments where children in ripped tee shirts slept on couches. We placed presents under Charlie-brown-esque trees that had nothing below them. As children, we were not sheltered from the hardships that others were facing, and for that I thank my parents. I can only imagine what we must have looked like: six young, white, children, walking around the projects carrying bags of gifts. We were such an easy target, yet the only people who approached us were neighbors or friends of the family we selected offering assistance.

I am so grateful that I was able to be a part of making a miracle happen for a few families. It was and still is one of the greatest possible gifts you can ever receive; the joy that comes with serving others. The Christlike love you are able to have for a complete stranger. To me, that is Christmas.

BDEM: the youth group I work with at church did a sub for Santa for a local family. They purchased and wrapped the gifts, and tonight I was able to deliver them to the family in need. It took me back to the jobless spell we went through. It was a time of uncertainty, and I was worried about what Christmas would or would not hold for my children. I am grateful for the chance I had to play a small part on helping this family, and for the reminder it brings that all families are not as lucky as us this Christmas. We truly are blessed.

Old Friends

2011-12-19T23:44:00.000-07:00

It's official. As of this afternoon Comcast is no longer our Internet provider. Unfortunately I don't have a new Internet provider lined up just yet, so I'm phone blogging again. Good luck to all of us!

Today I was able to spend the evening with three of my best college friends. Ben, Tom and Dan were those life-changing friends that are there as you try to figure out who you really are. The ones who will always hold a special place in your heart. Luckily enough, Ben and Tom married girls that I absolutely adore, so maintaining the friendship has been a piece of cake. And i have been lucky enough to find new friends in their wives. Even though we are all spread out across the country, we can still get together and laugh like we haven't missed a beat.

To me, there are few things as perfect at Christmas as spending time with people that make you feel good.

I am grateful to all the wonderful friends I have out there, both near and far. Merry Christmas, old pals. I hope your Christmas Season is filled with lots of laughter.

BDEM: Same as above. Nothing like feeling young again, if only for a night!

Snowflake Wreath

2011-12-18T22:18:00.006-07:00

My kids are obsessed with paper snowflakes, and I just found this cute idea as a way to display them all, without having to tape each individual snowflake to the wall. It might even be cute to laminate this so it can be preserved as one of those, "when you were a kid" decorations.

As UNcrafty as I am, I may just have to make one of these over Christmas Break with the kids. They would be in heaven!

BDEM: My cute friend, Stacy (the one I always call Jamie) and I made dinner for a lady at our church who just had a baby a couple of days ago. It's one of my favorite things to do, because it makes me feel like I'm giving back to those wonderful, WONDERFUL people that have brought me dinner after I've had four kids. Anyway, on top of getting to see a tiny little newborn baby, Stacy also made enough bread and salad to share with my family! Pure deliciousness. Seriously, what is it about food that is prepared FOR you that tastes so much better?! Thanks, Jamie!

PS - Does anyone else feel like they've gained 50 lbs this Christmas season?! I have literally BEGRUDGINGLY eaten sweets because I feel like it's the "Christmas" thing to do. In that sense, and that sense alone, I am ready for New Years. On January 1st, I have vowed to give up baking again. Rob is actually as excited as I am about it. We are sick of groaning about how much we hate ourselves for eating every single thing in our house.

Resolutions....they are coming!

Because Everybody Loves Santa, Right?

2011-12-17T22:18:00.001-07:00

Santa has called our home on more than one occasion this year. Mostly it's to tell Ella that he just saw her hit Jude, and that the forty five minute tantrum where she kicked the door and screamed bloody murder were not helping her cause this season.

But now that we're getting REALLY close, I need to show them THIS:

Click HERE to get a free, personalized video from Santa where he either congratulates those on his good list, and chews out those on the naughty list. Okay, he doesn't really chew them out - he just gives a little bit of encouragement and says there is still time to change their ways.

BDEM: I love listening to Ella sing Christmas carols. If asked, she can't. She giggles too much and suddenly becomes super shy. (Yes, this is the same Ella I mentioned earlier) But if you catch her when she doesn't know you're watching she has the cutest little voice, and unbelievably adorable-pretend lyrics to all the songs she sings. Oh, and she'll even improvise with a whistle when she can't remember or make up the words fast enough. Ella has been whistling since she was 18 months old, and she's actually gotten pretty good over the years! (Maddie is still really jealous that her little sister can whistle and she can't!)

Christmas Charity

2011-12-16T22:18:00.000-07:00

{I saw this story earlier, and it actually brought tears to my eyes. Everyone knows we had a rough patch this year, and it truly was through the kindness and generosity of others that we were able to make it through. How I love the kindness of strangers!}

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) -- The young father stood in line at the Kmart layaway counter, wearing dirty clothes and worn-out boots. With him were three small children.

He asked to pay something on his bill because he knew he wouldn't be able to afford it all before Christmas. Then a mysterious woman stepped up to the counter.

"She told him, 'No, I'm paying for it,'" recalled Edna Deppe, assistant manager at the store in Indianapolis. "He just stood there and looked at her and then looked at me and asked if it was a joke. I told him it wasn't, and that she was going to pay for him. And he just busted out in tears."

At Kmart stores across the country, Santa seems to be getting some help: Anonymous donors are paying off strangers' layaway accounts, buying the Christmas gifts other families couldn't afford, especially toys and children's clothes set aside by impoverished parents.

Before she left the store Tuesday evening, the Indianapolis woman in her mid-40s had paid the layaway orders for as many as 50 people. On the way out, she handed out $50 bills and paid for two carts of toys for a woman in line at the cash register.

"She was doing it in the memory of her husband who had just died, and she said she wasn't going to be able to spend it and wanted to make people happy with it," Deppe said. The woman did not identify herself and only asked people to "remember Ben," an apparent reference to her husband.

Deppe, who said she's worked in retail for 40 years, had never seen anything like it.

"It was like an angel fell out of the sky and appeared in our store," she said.

Most of the donors have done their giving secretly.

Dona Bremser, an Omaha nurse, was at work when a Kmart employee called to tell her that someone had paid off the $70 balance of her layaway account, which held nearly $200 in toys for her 4-year-old son.

"I was speechless," Bremser said. "It made me believe in Christmas again."

Dozens of other customers have received similar calls in Nebraska, Michigan, Iowa, Indiana and Montana.

The benefactors generally ask to help families who are squirreling away items for young children. They often pay a portion of the balance, usually all but a few dollars or cents so the layaway order stays in the store's system.

The phenomenon seems to have begun in Michigan before spreading, Kmart executives said.

"It is honestly being driven by people wanting to do a good deed at this time of the year," said Salima Yala, Kmart's division vice president for layaway.

The good Samaritans seem to be visiting mainly Kmart stores, though a Wal-Mart spokesman said a few of his stores in Joplin, Mo., and Chicago have also seen some layaway accounts paid off.

Kmart representatives say they did nothing to instigate the secret Santas or spread word of the generosity. But it's happening as the company struggles to compete with chains such as Wal-Mart and Target.

Kmart may be the focus of layaway generosity, Yala said, because it is one of the few large discount stores that has offered layaway year-round for about four decades. Under the program, customers can make purchases but let the store hold onto their merchandise as they pay it off slowly over several weeks.

The sad memories of layaways lost prompted at least one good Samaritan to pay off the accounts of five people at an Omaha Kmart, said Karl Graff, the store's assistant manager.

"She told me that when she was younger, her mom used to set up things on layaway at Kmart, but they rarely were able to pay them off because they just didn't have the money for it," Graff said.

He called a woman who had been helped, "and she broke down in tears on the phone with me. She wasn't sure she was going to be able to pay off their layaway and was afraid their kids weren't going to have anything for Christmas."

"You know, 50 bucks may not sound like a lot, but I tell you what, at the right time, it may as well be a million dollars for some people," Graff said.

Graff's store alone has seen about a dozen layaway accounts paid off in the last 10 days, with the donors paying $50 to $250 on each account.

"To be honest, in retail, it's easy to get cynical about the holidays, because you're kind of grinding it out when everybody else is having family time," Graff said. "It's really encouraging to see this side of Christmas again."

Lori Stearnes of Omaha also benefited from the generosity of a stranger who paid all but $58 of her $250 layaway bill for toys for her four youngest grandchildren.

Stearnes said she and her husband live paycheck to paycheck, but she plans to use the money she was saving for the toys to help pay for someone else's layaway.

In Missoula, Mont., a man spent more than $1,200 to pay down the balances of six customers whose layaway orders were about to be returned to a Kmart store's inventory because of late payments.

Store employees reached one beneficiary on her cellphone at Seattle Children's Hospital, where her son was being treated for an undisclosed illness.

"She was yelling at the nurses, 'We're going to have Christmas after all!'" store manager Josine Murrin said.

A Kmart in Plainfield Township, Mich., called Roberta Carter last week to let her know a man had paid all but 40 cents of her $60 layaway.

Carter, a mother of eight from Grand Rapids, Mich., said she cried upon hearing the news. She and her family have been struggling as she seeks a full-time job.

"My kids will have clothes for Christmas," she said.

Angie Torres, a stay-at-home mother of four children under the age of 8, was in the Indianapolis Kmart on Tuesday to make a payment on her layaway bill when she learned the woman next to her was paying off her account.

"I started to cry. I couldn't believe it," said Torres, who doubted she would have been able to pay off the balance. "I was in disbelief. I hugged her and gave her a kiss."

BDEM: In the past 24 hours I spoke to three brothers, one sister, one sister-in-law and my mother on the phone. The funny part is that every single one of them called ME! Talk about feeling loved! XOXO - love you guys!

Christmas Program

2011-12-15T21:56:00.005-07:00

Even though my brother, Dan, still holds the award for Best Supporting Actor in a Christmas Program {Dan changed lives with his portrayal of an elf in "Wake Up Santa Claus"} Maddie's Christmas songs were pretty darn cute.

Poor little, short Maddie was hidden in a sea of red santa hats - can anyone spot her in this horribly blurry photo?

It was the closest thing to "Where's Waldo?" that I've encountered since the 90's.

So I wanted to get a solo video of her singing her songs: Once There was a Snowman (In English, then Chinese) and I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas.

Ella was doing EVERYTHING she could to distract Maddie, so there are a few seconds of, "uhhhhhhh!?" and me trying to scoot Ella out of the way, but we did our best!

BDEM: Definitely seeing Maddie at school. As I dropped a few gifts off with Maddie's teacher, she said, "I just want to tell you how much I enjoy having Madelyn in my class." I smiled and thanked her and she continued, "She is the FUNNIEST kid. She makes me laugh every single day - and honestly, there are not a lot of kids who can do that. I seriously just love her."

I am a proud, proud Momma!

Cute kid!

My Favorite Children's Christmas Books

2011-12-14T22:19:00.001-07:00

I still have a few of these, but by golly, I wish I had them all. I loved these books as a kid, especially around Christmas time. {Christmastime? Christmas time? I know it can be one word but I just don't know when. Any smarty-pants peeps out there?}

Fill me in on any I might be missing!

BDEM: A surprise visit from one of my very favorite people! My friend, Kat, is in town from Florida - and popped in with her three kids. We spent the afternoon chatting as I baked cookies and chasing seven kids around the house. I miss having her here, so it really was the perfect Christmas surprise. Even better than the backpack puke. Yes, it's true Kat....I like you better than puke.

Peppermint Popcorn

2011-12-13T20:53:00.001-07:00

As I was making this today I HONESTLY thought, "Oh finally a recipe that's NOT chocolate and mint." Yeah, seriously. I think it's because of the almond bark. It all just felt so vanilla.

1.5 C uncooked popcorn kernels
1 lb almond bark
1 C crushed candy canes
2 teaspoons peppermint extract or a 10-14 drops of peppermint oil ( I used oil...since Rob is now in the biz)
3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Melt almond bark according to instructions - be really careful not to burn. Pour over popped popcorn, then add crushed candy canes. Stir to combine.

Lay the popcorn out flat on a piece of wax paper and drizzle with melted chocolate chips. Allow to cool, then enjoy.

BDEM: As I was making this - Ella came in and asked for a little bite. She smiled and said, "Izz yummy mom!" Jude immediately followed suit - so I told him to open his mouth and I popped a couple pieces in. His face immediately turned sour - his eyes got REALLY angry and he ran to the garbage can to spit it out. He even wiped off his tongue. "MOM! Why didn't you tell me this tastes like candy canes?! YUCK" I received the evil glare and he left the kitchen. Apparently, tasting like candy canes is a bad thing!

The Christmas Surprise

2011-12-12T22:18:00.002-07:00

We had a little Christmas miracle happen at our home last night, and I'm hoping that everyone will indulge me as I share one of the stories that I'm sure will be told in our home for years to come.

For as long as I can remember, we have spent one Sunday a month at Rob's parents' home with all of his side of the family. Last night Ella refused to eat her dinner. She complained that she wasn't hungry and her tummy hurt. Both Rob and I blew it off as we always do, because as soon as Ella's plate of food hits the table, her tummy immediately hurts. We forced a few bites down before letting her run around with her cousins. As the night went on, she came back to me and acted a bit more cuddly than normal - and then started crying about everything. I assumed she was really cranky because she has had some late nights lately - so we took her home and put her to bed.

At about 11:30, Rob and I were pulled out of a very deep sleep to Ella crying at the side of my bed. I couldn't quite place what she was complaining about, but after touching her wet face, I figured she had a bloody nose and bounced to my feet. While walking to the bathroom she kept telling me that she needed a bowl - and then threw up on the bathroom floor. Luckily being only feet away from the toilet, I pushed her towards it JUST in time to catch most of the vomit. We stripped her clothes, washed out the rug, and realized that we had been SUPER lucky. With the exception of a couple little vomit spots (next to my bed where she was crying, and a tiny bit by her bedroom door) we had made it out clean. It was idyllic for a night-time vomit.

Most nights I am up for hours after puke episodes scrubbing sheets, giving baths, trying to get the stench out of my house. Not last night. Right back to bed. Christmas miracle indeed.

This morning Ella woke up feeling happy - and had no tummy ache. I figured it was something she had eaten, and fed her breakfast which she miraculously kept down. I told Maddie to gather her things so I could take her to school. Maddie yelled, "Mom, what's this?"

She came into the kitchen - carrying her backpack. That's when it all hit me: Ella's wet face, the tiny traces of vomit in her room and by the door. Upon waking up sick, Ella scrambled out of her room to come and tell me, but didn't make it past her bedroom door...wherefrom Maddie's unzipped backpack was hanging.

Surprise! Dried vomit all over all of the contents of Maddie's backpack. I had only witnessed, and cleaned round two of throw up. If I had been in my right state of mind I would have realized that "little spots" of vomit don't just happen. Throw up NEVER happens in small amounts. I just didn't put two and two together.

I can't decide what excuse is worse for the papers left in Maddie's bag - the dog ate it, or my sister puked on it. Maybe I'll just send it to school with no explanation and see what kind of response I get.

BDEM: My sister in law, Marci, and I had a conversation last night about how to style girls' hair. She insisted that any mother of three girls had to have a topsy-turvy. I have tried manually topsy-turvying Maddie's hair in the past, and always end up with weird pieces. So, while at the mall, Marci picked one up for me and hand delivered it. I'm going to go try it on Ella's hair as soon as I'm done typing this. Thanks Marci, definitely a BDEM!

My Favorite Christmas Movie Moment

2011-12-11T22:18:00.000-07:00

I've posted this clip before, but I don't think it ever gets old for me. Amidst all of the hustle and bustle it's nice to take a moment and remember what's really important.

BDEM: My little sister Sarah gave birth to a BEAUTIFUL baby girl. I am so sad to not be close to snuggle and kiss this sweet little thing, but I am so happy for her. There is no feeling like having your first child. Your heart expands in a way you never knew possible, and I can't be more excited that Sarah is getting to experience it! Congratulations Sarah, love ya!

We're still waiting for snow,

2011-12-10T22:08:00.000-07:00

But that's not stopping us from getting all bundled up to see the lights!

(Sorry about all the red-eye shots...I'd usually take the time to fix them, but my computer is freaking out)

BDEM: With eight adults and ten kids, you can pretty much count on disaster at a restaurant - but somebody had the great idea to take the kids to IKEA for dinner. All of the kids were perfect little angels! They ate their food and allowed time for the adults to catch up over a few plates of Swedish Meatballs.

Tannenbaum

2011-12-09T22:18:00.003-07:00

Every year there is a part of me that has Christmas tree envy. I see so many monster-sized, beautifully decorated trees with shiny ribbon and color coordinated ornaments. The kind of trees that look like they could have come straight from Martha Stewart's very own tree collection.

But then I remember how fun I always thought our Christmas tree was when I was young. It wasn't always the prettiest, but it was perfect because it had something that represented everyone. And, to me, that's what makes our tree special. It may not be the most beautiful - but my kids find it enchanting, and it smells divine.

I also remember that turning my back for three minutes can result in this:

and who wants to be mad at that happy face if she destroys the tree?

My point is - I have plenty of years to build the tree of my dreams, but so few where I can make it something that my kids love. I hope they are able to look back and remember that our tree was special, because it represented them.

BDEM: Playing Patty-Cake with my cute little chubber dubber. She belly laughs every single time. To the point of hiccups. Heartwarming.

Recipe Share

2011-12-08T22:38:00.000-07:00

And since it's Christmas time, it's obviously going to involve chocolate and mint. If you don't know me by now, you will never never never know me.

Today's recipe was borrowed from my friend, Lisa. She OOZES class, and never ages. One of those timeless beauties. Check out her awesome blog, HERE!

8 ounces BAKER'S Semi-Sweet or Milk Chocolate (depending on your mood - I made semi sweet this round)
1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
36 Ritz crackers
1 peppermint candy cane, crushed (6 inch)

DIRECTIONS:

Microwave chocolate in small microwaveable bowl as directed on package. Stir until completely melted. Blend in extract.

Dip crackers in melted chocolate, completely coating crackers with chocolate. Carefully scrape off excess chocolate. Place on waxed paper-covered baking sheets; sprinkle with crushed candy.

Refrigerate thirty minutes or until chocolate is firm.

Easy, crispy, Christmas yummies!

BDEM: Tonight we spent a few hours with Rob's cousin Tom and his beautiful wife, Angie. They live in Iowa now, and are only here for a few days, so we were lucky that we both had a night to get together in the middle of this ~~chaotic~~ wonderful season. It was so great to sit and laugh with them. Rob and Tom grew up only a few houses from each other, so all of Rob's childhood stories start with, "I remember the time that Tom and I..." Tom was one of Rob's best childhood friends - so we jump on any opportunity that we get to visit with them.

One thing that is really fun is that both of our families have a Madelyn - spelled the same. They also have the same last name. Maddie's best friend is also named Madi, so we are fairly used to calling our Maddie by Maddie (insert last name). So tonight when we were trying to talk (sternly) to our Maddie, using her last name didn't help at all, and poor other Maddy kept getting the sad, "Why are these strangers yelling at me?" face.

Great seeing you, Tom and Ang....we'll look for you on The Facebook!

My Favorite {holiday} Things

2011-12-07T20:50:00.001-07:00

We are without interweb for a little bit. Yes, it has to do with the Comcast squabble...we dropped them, but have yet to figure out our next move. So I'm back to phone blogging for a bit...kind of reminiscent of my camp days last summer. Expect lots of errors, and no pictures for a few days.

Since I'll be needing some fun movies to watch while living in cable limbo, I'm hoping some of you are willing to share your favorite holiday flicks.

Here are my top 5 holiday movies:

5. A Christmas Story
4. Mr. Kreuger's Christmas
3. Christmas Eve on Sesame Street
2. The Holiday
1. A Muppet Christmas Carol

Now, I may be missing a few staples....example, I've never seen It's A Wonderful Life.. so please recommed any favorites of yours, and I'll try to get right on it!

BDEM: We had to visit Santa one more time because last time we saw him, Maddie totally froze. So tonight we did our traditional see Santa, Red Robin dinner and train ride. The kids were so great and they all had a wonderful time. But the best moment, by far, was when we placed Ella on Santa's lap. She sat down, looked at him and started giggling. She then smiled and said, "I just tooted on you, Santa!"

Christmas Countdown

2011-12-06T22:43:00.000-07:00

As I've mentioned in the past, I am surrounded by talented women! My sister in law, Jessica, made us one of these super-cute count down to Christmas posters. The kids look forward to coloring it every single night. And thus far, it has gotten me out of making the traditional red and green chain that hangs in our kitchen!

For more cute things by Jessica {or her talented staff} click HERE

BDEM: We just returned from Rob's company Christmas party. We had a really tasty dinner, got a few presents, and met a bunch of new people. I loved how excited everyone was to have "found" Rob. They just kept telling me how lucky they were to have him. I've been saying the same thing for years!

Christmas Fudge

2011-12-05T22:18:00.004-07:00

I made half plain, and half with crumbled candy cane topping. So chocolatey, SO rich! Be sure to cut it into bite sized squares, a little goes a LONG way!

1 (7 ounce) jar marshmallow creme
1 1/2 cups white sugar
2/3 cup evaporated milk
1/4 cup butter
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups milk chocolate chips
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Line an 8x8 inch pan with aluminum foil. Set aside.

In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine marshmallow cream, sugar, evaporated milk, butter and salt. Bring to a full boil, and cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.

Remove from heat and pour in semisweet chocolate chips and milk chocolate chips. Stir until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth. Stir in nuts and vanilla. Pour into

prepared pan. Chill in refrigerator for 2 hours, or until firm.

BDEM: Okay, this may technically not qualify - because it didn't happen today, but today is the ten year anniversary of Rob and my first kiss! We had been kind of dating, kind of hanging out, but from that day on we were the most committed on-again, off-again couple you've ever met! And after only a year and a half of dating, we got hitched. Love ya, babe! PS - Rob, when you read this, and realize that you had NO idea of this anniversary, just know I wasn't expecting you to remember this one. You're totally off the hook! I already got myself a present from you. Thanks for the earrings!

On the drive home from Derek's...

2011-12-04T21:45:00.000-07:00

We got to stop by and witness this Christmas miracle:

Now THAT is what I call Christmas Spirit. (Even the grass has lights!)

BDEM: Impromptu dessert session with my brother Derek and his family. Thanks for the invitation, you guys! We loved the visit.

Lights

2011-12-03T23:24:00.001-07:00

We decided to take it easy this year and avoid the Temple Square lights. We always love the experience, but with the kids and the cold and the drive and the traffic and the crowds and the parking....we decided to stay a little closer to home. And by golly, look what we had just blocks from our house:

Two usually fighting siblings became friends

Our Claire Bear really was.

A giant sized nutcracker

Surprise - we even saw Santa

We snuggled up like two birds of a feather

The sky was on fire with lights

The kids had dipped marshmallows

Rob and I skipped the marshmallows, and purchased a treat of our own

BDEM: We purchased our Christmas tree! It's all set up and tomorrow we will decorate it. Remember last year's mini-tree?

Silly mini-tree. We didn't go that route this year - but I guess it changed our perspective on trees. After looking at what we thought were "big" trees, we found a beauty, brought it home, set it up and realized it was still fairly small. I mentioned last year that our Charlie-Brownesque tree reminded me of a miniature pony: comical and uncomfortable all at the same time. This year's tree is like a donkey; the shape looks right, and it'll do the job, it's just not QUITE what you wanted. Then again...how did pregnant Mary get to Jerusalem? Hmmm. Maybe I'm onto something here!

Baby's First Christmas

2011-12-02T22:18:00.001-07:00

Imagine her JOY when we put up our real tree this weekend!

BDEM: Obviously watching Claire play with the Christmas trees was delightful, but I'm going to add something REALLY ridiculous that has made my day. For years I have wanted to find a red lipstick that didn't make me look like a clown. You know, MY red. Well, I do believe that today I may have just found it. It will only come out on special occasions, but I'm really excited to try it out!

A Couple of Years Ago..

2011-12-01T22:19:00.002-07:00

I blogged (basically) all the days of December. Or at least all the days until Christmas. At the time it seemed like a huge accomplishment - I never saw the 365 days of blogging coming. (Confession - six months into this, I still have to figure out what the heck I am going to be blogging about!)

So once again, I feel I shall return to festive holiday blogging for the next 25 days. A craft (that I obviously won't do) a recipe (that I have probably already made and polished off) a funny Christmas story or movie reference, etc. You get the picture - Holiday mode in full force.

To kick things off, I want to take a moment to recycle an old post. I just feel like this post describes me to a T.

Another Hidden Talent

Originally Posted December 4, 2007

For some reason I am overflowing with holiday cheer. The house is decorated, (with the exception of the outdoor lights that we'll do tonight) the air smells like sweet pine from last night's Christmas tree purchase, I recieved and wrapped two of my friends' gifts today - with several more arriving tomorrow - and to add to that, Madelyn and I made our first gingerbread house this afternoon. It was an adorable little kit from Target, that I was at first a bit weary of. It looked like a lot of hard work from a very talented gingerbread architect. But, who knew - it really wasn't that hard! To the prefessionals it may seem a bit entry-level-ish, but to the untrained eye, I think it's a pretty good match. See if you can tell which one is the "demo" and which one is ours.

BDEM: My cute patootie (come on spellcheck, I'm SURE that's the right spelling) husband came home for lunch today with Cafe Rio. It's one of the benefits of having him work so close to home, and having Cafe Rio right on the way. We sat in the kitchen, ate our tasty lunch, and talked about things we are looking forward to in life. He's a gem.

Top Five Holiday Traditions

2011-11-30T22:19:00.000-07:00

As a young family, we are starting to get our own traditions together that will hopefully leave really special memories for the kids. Thus far, these are the ones we've started - and will hopefully stick to.

5. Baking and delivering Christmas treats to friends and neighbors
4. Opening presents to John Denver and the Muppets Christmas songs
3. Taking a night to drive all over town to see all the Christmas lights
2. Some form of nativity with the kids - last year the kids put on Nativity Puppet show that was just perfect.
1. Dinner at Red Robin followed by a train ride and a visit to see Santa

As a kid, my parents always bought presents for a family in need - and I'd like to start doing that with the kids as well.

Anybody want to share some of the things they look forward to around the holidays? I'd love to make my list a little bit longer!

BDEM: I finally got my hands on the "hard to find" present that I've wanted to get Jude. Now I can start focusing on the other gifts. Talk about a huge weight lifted!

On the Wish List

2011-11-29T20:52:00.000-07:00

This year's Christmas list is ridiculous. I'm having a hard time thinking of anything. The two items I do want are off the charts with Christmas budget:

Therefore, I am not planning on getting either. So I kind of lucked out when I found this little thing today.

I've never been too much of a watch person - I have a remarkable internal clock. (I have no problem bragging about this - only because it's freakish how well I always know what time it is - my family can attest to that) but I think these watches are ADORABLE! And you can change out the color of the faces. A white band with a pink face, a black band with a white face - they are just so cute. AND, the bands are super soft. Kind of like a slap bracelet. They remind me of a craze that I was desperate to be a part of when I was a kid (but my parents said I was too young at the time - they were probably right).

Who out there remembers Pop Swatches?

I still remember the commercials. Everyone was walking around in ripped, stone-washed jeans trading watch faces. All of them being cooler than I ever thought I could be. My grade school best friend, Denise had one. She was that cool. She had the biggest bangs in our grade. Yes, I had bang envy.

I guess that finishes my list - two unattainable items and a watch. At least the watch comes with the promise of fulfilling old dreams!

BDEM: The stockings are hung by the chimney with care. With the exception of our Christmas tree, we are ready to get this holiday started! I'll post pics later.

Maddie has been walking around singing Christmas songs lately - and it's AMAZING how many she knows. Even more amazing are the lyrics she makes up for the songs she doesn't know.

Deck the halls with balls of holly
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
This is seasons to be jolly
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
(this is where it gets interesting)
Ahm bee acka, oooh - lee icket
Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la
Who loves Christmas? Jiminy Cricket
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la

2011-11-28T22:18:00.001-07:00

I know a lot of mothers. We all have similar experiences with our kids, love to talk about life raising small children - and all seem to be able to relate to life as a stay at home mom. But one area in my life that I'm not sure anyone will ever be able to relate to is being Jude's mom. I have no idea how to explain this kid without seeming like I'm making fun of him, because my feelings for him couldn't be more opposite. The kid literally cracks me up in the head shaking, baffled, where did you come from sense. And it is all of the Jude quirks that make me love him even more.

Remember how he makes EVERYTHING out of paper? The other day he was playing Super Mario Brothers in our living room. He designed, cut out, and taped all of the characters to the wall, couches and entertainment center. Then he took the Yoshi that he made and ran from one bad guy to the next defeating each one and gathering coins at the same time. He even made sure to make a mushroom picture that he could run to in case Yoshi got small. There is just no stopping his weird creativity.

I came home from my Sunday meetings, and saw that he had made this:

In case you can't tell - it's him, made out of stuff.

This leads me to my BDEM:

This morning as I was searching Cyber Monday deals Jude kept coming up and talking about his snowman costume. I have to be honest and say that I really was not listening at all. If you know Jude, then you know he gets an idea and has to see it through. AND he talks about it in full force until it's done.

After coming up to the computer several times talking about snowman, stealing scissors, grabbing the tape, and leaving while saying things like, "it'll go in my costume drawer because it's a costume"and,

I turned my pajamas inside out.." he finally came back and said, "It's done mom!"

Yep.

There you have it....a snowman costume. Yes, he colored sticks and TAPED them to his arm. Yes, those are colored pieces of coal taped to his pajamas, and yes - it now is in his costume drawer. Because according to Jude, he "can't wear it all the time yet because there is no snow, and people won't believe that (he) is actually a snowman. There has to be snow for that."

I don't love this kid despite his weirdness, I love him for his weirdness. And boy, is he weird!

2011-11-27T22:18:00.002-07:00

I finished my baking, we finished family movie night, we got PJs on, had the kids brush their teeth, and sent them to bed. While I was unloading the dishwasher I had that record-scratch moment when I looked at the clock and realized it was only 7:45pm.

The kids usually go to bed between 8:15 and 8:30, so 7:45 seemed a bit early, but hey - we all know I'm not going in there to rile them up again! Then I wondered what time other kids are going to bed. Am I putting my kids to bed at a whimpy hour? I don't want my kids turning into these guys:

Maddie is in first grade, and I still put her to bed at the same time as a ten month old, and a barely three year old. Just typing that made me feel like a bad mom! Whoops.

BDEM: Tonight at dinner Jude just could not get the words "sour cream" out of his mouth. He must have said "Shower Keem" ten times in a row. He was flustered but he just couldn't stop laughing either. Every single time he thought he had finally said it right, too - which made it even funnier.

Look Who Came to Town

2011-11-26T22:05:00.000-07:00

For the locals - it's right by Target

BDEM: It seems like weekends are always rush-rush around here. We are busy, busy bees - we are. So this morning laying in bed in a half-sleep state until 8:30 was wonderful.

Black Funday...

2011-11-25T22:09:00.002-07:00

If the whole point of our Christmas shopping date was to have fun, then we were totally successful. If the whole point was to get everything we wanted at a killer deal, then we were somewhat successful. I think I prefer the first option.

On top of all the shopping and eating on our long-day-date, we had planned on seeing a movie. There really wasn't much we wanted to see without our kids, so we went bowling...again. Maybe I've never mentioned it before, but Rob and I are bowlers. It's OUR thing. When we become empty nesters we are fairly sure our life will be filled with bowling, traveling and fly fishing. But that's obviously while we are running our private resort. So much to do!

Today I bowled a 171, a 147 and a 103 - in that order. 171 isn't my all time high - but it's pretty close. (I should have stopped while I was ahead). I think 177 was my best game, so it was almost a record breaking day.

Oh - but we did break the fun record.

Booyah!

BDEM: AN ENTIRE DAY WITH JUST MY HUSBAND! He didn't complain once about the time we shopped, the crowds, the traffic or the smothering heat in H&M. He actually outwardly enjoyed a black friday with the wifey. Possibly another record. Tradition started. Thanks to everyone who helped out with the kids today!

Thanks

2011-11-24T23:42:00.000-07:00

Today was a beautiful day. A long, food-eating, bowling, card-playing day. I am truly blessed.

Tomorrow will be another beautiful day. A long food-eating, shopping, movie watching day. Rob and I are spending the day together, no kids. We haven't been on a date in about three months, so naturally I am stoked. Stoked that my good sport of a husband loves me enough to brave the crowds, just to please his black Friday loving wife.

So, to bed I must go.

BDEM: A lot of really great moments today, but bowling had to be the highlight. We laughed, we danced, we passed around children, we gutter balled, and we did it all as a family. Joy.

Ready for the Big Day

2011-11-23T20:38:00.000-07:00

The turkeys are brining, the cookies are baked, the green bean casserole is all ready to be thrown in the oven, and I am ready for the food coma that will surely ensue tomorrow afternoon. Now I can wake up late, lay around in my PJs as the turkeys cook, and watch the Thanksgiving Parade with my kids.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of my dear friends and followers. I am grateful to have wonderful people, like you in my life. May your day be filled with food, family, and fun.

Here are a couple of food pictures I snapped this afternoon on my cell....just to set the mood!

This is the brine that my turkeys are currently soaking in. This year I included rosemary, brown sugar, garlic, peppercorns, salt, bay leaves, apple cider, and orange peel. Cooking up four gallons of this stuff will make any house smell festive.

Snickerdoodles - one of the billions of desserts my family has on Thanksgiving. A tradition started by my Aunt Cindy many, many years ago. To me....they are a Thanksgiving staple.

BDEM: As I sat here, pondering on the day, trying to figure out what was the Best Day Ever Moment, I think it's right now. The house is quiet and clean, all the dishes are done (oh man....if you could have seen this place earlier) the food is prepared...you get the picture. I think it's the feeling of accomplishment that comes at the end of a really successful day. A deep breath, a smile, and a nod of approval for my day.

Cable Schmable

2011-11-22T21:30:00.001-07:00

Comcast and I have a love/hate relationship. As in, I love to hate them. I am on the phone with them at least once a month complaining about the newest raise in prices and/or bad service. I swear there is a flag on my account that pops up every time I call that just says, "Good luck - she'll never be happy."

That's the truth. I just feel like prices keep getting higher and higher and the "after I've complained" price keeps getting worse and worse. So now I am curious as to what other people are using. Are my hands tied? Do I HAVE to stay with them for cable/internet? I've threatened to leave so many times now, that I don't think they are buying it anymore. For once I just want to say, "No, this isn't so you'll lower my price, it's because you drive me insane."

Last week I called, complained, gave them my usual "I think I'll be switching to Dish," line - and I think they decided to add me to a new list of some sort because a few days later THEY CALLED ME to inform me of a better price option. At first I was very intrigued. The call went like this:

"Hello, Melissa - I see some notes in your account that say you are looking for better pricing on your current package. I think I can help you out with that." I smiled. "Okay, so it looks like you pay $(X) every month for cable and internet, right?"

"Yeah, but I'm probably switching to Dish - it's just getting to be too much."

"Oh, well - I've got a great plan for you. Now, do you have a home phone, or do you just use cellular phones?"

"Just cell phones."

"Great, great - this is perfect. Are you looking to get a home phone any time soon?"

"Never."

"Okay - great. Well, now since you are paying $X/month for your cable and internet, I want to let you know that I can get you signed up today for a package that includes the same internet and cable you have now, plus a home phone line for only $45 more than you're already paying."

"WHAT? Are you listening to me at all? I don't want a home phone, and don't want to pay MORE than the bill I am already complaining about!"

"Right. It's just a really great promotion that's only going on for a limited time, and since you're someone who we know likes to get in on the best pricing, we feel this the perfect package for your family."

Click.

Okay - I didn't really hang up. I gave a few nice goodbye comments as I punched myself in the face. It's hopeless.

Please tell me you have Dish, or direct TV, and have great pricing and service. Please tell me you use someone other than Comcast - OR that you have slow Comcast internet and it works just fine for your family. I can handle mediocre internet - and for cable the only real requirement is that I get DVR service. Heck, I'd take only basic channels if I could get DVR with them. Is that even possible?

Oh help!

BDEM: Maddie and I raked all the leaves today. It always LOOKS like such a fun and easy task. Two hours later as my biceps and back throbbed I decided that it's just not as fun of a fall activity as I had hoped! But in this time we had this conversation:

"Mom, all of the kids at school LOVE Michael Jackson. Everyone but me."

"But Maddie, you DO love Michael Jackson. Don't ever say such blasphemous words in my home again." (Second sentence was only in my head)

"Oh yeah - I do like him, but there's somebody else all the kids love."

Eye roll, "Justin Bieber?"

"Yeah! Him! All the girls just LOOOOOOOOOVE him."

"Do you even know his songs?"

"No, but I don't think I'll like him. Besides - I don't really think I'm his type."

Then she ran away and pretended she was an Indian shooting arrows from her make believe bow.

Now, what kind of pop-star wouldn't be ga-ga over a gal like that?

Distracted

2011-11-21T20:43:00.001-07:00

I sat down to blog, but instead have found myself staring at pictures of pretty kitchens. Ya know how sometimes you get an idea in your head - and it seems to be all you can think about? I swear this is my life story - and this way of thinking often gets me into trouble. I can't walk through my kitchen lately without thinking about HOW SIMPLE it would be to turn my kitchen into this:

I love this kitchen. It's not crazy over the top - wow....but I like the subtle colors and white cabinets. Since my cabinets are looking a bit bleak over here, I just keep imagining taking an afternoon and just taking care of them.

This is where the trouble comes in. I honestly get the urge to do this (and finish this) on a Wednesday afternoon - with thoughts like, "Oh, Rob will be so excited when he gets home!" I just can't seem to grasp that it would take me a million years to do this on my own - let alone, buy everything (then take twenty trips back to get it all right!)

The worst part is that you get on Pinterest, and every single person has somehow whipped this up, already - posted the before and after pictures, and now has a perfectly, perfect kitchen. And has also added phrases like, "do it yourself," or "the easy way to.." so I get myself all psyched up to do it.

Will I ever? Not sure. Maybe. Or maybe I'll just get on Pinterest and dream about refinishing my entertainment center. Perhaps that is a bit more within my reach. Until then, I'll just blog about how desperate I am to do it. That's how I roll.

BDEM: Probably Rob's nod of approval as I mentioned painting the cabinets. I've kept my mouth shut on that one for months. I figured if I even mentioned it, it'd be shot down. Instead of, "Oh, I don't think that'd look very good," he just said, "That's a lot of work..." WHICH IS NOT A NO!

2011-11-20T21:00:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy Sunday around here. I had meetings this morning before church, then ran home for about an hour, and then headed to church. With the exception of my slight congestion and double cold sores, I am the only healthy person in our house right now. Whatever hit our house has slowly been passed from one child to the next, and now onto Rob. So in that hour I had at home, I made some vegetable soup and a few loaves of french bread for dinner.

When I got home from church, half of one of the loaves had been eaten, and the kids could't stop talking about how much they loved the bread. We sat down for dinner, and they began this chorus of gratitude thanking me for anything and everything they could starting with the bread - then hitting the soup - then talking about the drinks - it just went on and on and on. It was one of those, "Is this really happening?" moments.

They started chowing down on the bread - and Rob said, "Okay guys, now you can't just eat bread - you need to start on your soup. Jude took one bite and his whole body went into a shudder. He grimaced, he gagged and then said, "I don't like this soup, Mom. Can you get all the yucky stuff out?"

Rob looked at him and said, "Buddy, just two seconds ago you couldn't stop telling Mom how great everything was, and how happy you were to be eating it!"

Jude replied, "Oh yeah. That's just because we said all of those things before we knew it was gross."

BDEM: I'm about to sit down to a parade put on by my children and husband. They practiced it while I was at church. I'm sure it's going to be magical. I hear Rob is throwing candy.

(I was actually able to catch some on video - it looked like this. I DO PROMISE my kids and husband are sick...although you wouldn't know it from their perfect parade faces!)

The Commenter

2011-11-19T20:24:00.001-07:00

Lately I feel like commenting is kind of on the outs for blogs - like it's losing its appeal. Since starting the blog-a-day thing, I've seen my number of readers go way up, while my commenting has gone way down. Rob asked me the other day if that bothered me, and my immediate answer was, "No - it seems like it's that way on all of my friends' blogs, too." Which really is a bummer - I think everyone loves a good comment, right?

After that I also added, "And the good news is, we always know Deon will comment."

Have any of you seen the funny comments from Deon? I get asked a lot how I know her, so I figured I'd share the connection. Deon and I went to the same church back in Illinois, and she and her husband were good friends with my parents. Her kids were some of the first I have ever babysat - and DEFINITELY some of the best! Deon and I lost touch for probably a good fifteen (maybe) years, and I somehow found her blog - and stalk it.

Her blog is one of those that cheers me up, makes me laugh, and just shows exactly who she is. She is witty, she is crafty, she is ever-so-fashionable, and is listed under top five kindest people I have ever met. She is genuine to the end, and has a heart made of pure gold. The funny thing is....I still haven't seen Deon in person since the blogs rekindled our friendship, yet oddly, via blog, I still feel so close to her!

It is because of that - I wanted to give her this award.

This award would be a lot cooler if I was better at photoshop....still learning in my "free" time. AND there is melting frozen yogurt waiting for me....but really, the main reason is the photoshop.

I love you, Deon - you are amazing. Now - go visit her blog HERE. She's hilarious.

BDEM: I think it will be eating the frozen yogurt that is melting on my end-table. I have been blessed with not one, but TWO cold sores! WHAT DID I DO TO DESERVE THIS?! My mouth is on FIRE! Hopefully the frozen yogurt will make me feel numb. If only it could help numb the emotional scarring that comes with my leprosy as well!

First Taste of Ice Cream

2011-11-18T20:44:00.000-07:00

Boy, was it a doozie.

BDEM: My husband got home tonight after four days on the road. Enough said!

Genetics?

2011-11-17T20:54:00.001-07:00

When Ella was born, and actually for most of her life, everyone has said that she looks JUST LIKE ROB! But recently, someone saw this picture that my dad posted of me on facebook and people started saying that she looks just like me. I've NEVER seen any of my family in her, but perhaps I'm wrong. I'm not sure, with the exception of Jude, that any of my kids look like me. Maybe I actually have been birthing Stefanie's red-headed children as she likes to assume!

BDEM: While Maddie was at school and Jude was at his buddy's birthday party, I was able to spend a little bit of one on one time with Ella (Claire was there, but she was really quiet - so it was close enough). I told her maybe we could go out for some ice cream together so she had something fun to do, too. I explained that first we had to go to Target to get a few things, then we'd go out for a "just girls" ice cream. As we walked through the frozen food section she saw the ice cream and said we needed to buy some. I reminded her of our next stop - but she then told me we needed to buy THAT ice cream, so we could take it home and share with Maddie and Judy (as she calls him - yes, I realize Judy is a girl's name - no, I don't even kind of care - I actually think it's pretty cute.) So we bought the ice cream, and shared it with Maddie and Judy after dinner.

What a sweetie.

Don't worry, she realized her mistake and immediately took care of that by punching Jude in the back.

There's my girl!

So you're telling me...

2011-11-16T21:07:00.000-07:00

...that you can make microwave popcorn in brown paper lunch bags? How did I not know this?! Am I the only person out there still buying microwave popcorn?! I really am a sucker.

Maddie begged for family movie night tonight, and wanted "that popcorn that comes in bags." I'm not really sure why, I actually think microwave popcorn is gross. Truthfully it's a rare occasion I eat any popcorn. Something about it makes my stomach churn...like pancakes with maple syrup. Vomit.

Anyway, I told Maddie I could make her regular popcorn, but she just wasn't feeling it. That's when I searched this amazing thing called the internet, and found out that people all over the world are buying into the fact that because the microwave popcorn bag says, "this side up" there's something to it that we don't have. Not true.

You just throw about a half a cup of kernels into a brown paper lunch bag (I drizzled mine with a little bit of oil while they were sitting in the measuring cup...like DROPS), folded up the top of the bag, then popped it in the microwave for a little less than two minutes. I salted, and gave each kid their own bag of popcorn. Maddie was even more excited about this than regular popcorn because the bag had her name on it. It really is the small things...

UNBELIEVABLE.

BDEM: I got the cutest little card in the mail from my grandma. I love reading cards from her, because it reminds me of things that are just so...her! Being so many states away from her it's easy to forget little personality traits that she has, but reading it was like one of those movie scenes where the person who wrote the letter is narrating it. And her handwriting...I'm pretty sure anyone in my family could pick out her handwriting in a handwriting lineup! It's just so unique. It also made me smile that at 97, she still has it in her to send me a beautifully hand written card. Isn't she cute?!

Yeah - cute. Oh, and did I mention she loves hot dogs? I think that makes me love her even more!

Celebrity Style Match Up

2011-11-15T21:27:00.001-07:00

Who wore it better?

Madelyn rocked the tan carpet in a sheik, retro-rocker get-up...

While Jude took the opportunity to show off his long, pale gams in a barely-there hoodie.

I'm not sure I can pick a winner this round.

BDEM: With all these sick kids, even five minutes of fun can turn your day around. My friend Stacy (who if you remember from THIS post, I always seem to call Jamie) came over to drop off some unused baby food - and lifted my spirits. She even listened and watched intently as my kids showed her break dancing, Toy Story toys and injuries. Thanks for popping by, Stacy! Loved seeing you this afternoon!

-3-

2011-11-14T22:09:00.002-07:00

Happy THIRD Birthday to my first little redhead. You went from being the sweetest, most calm little baby I have ever seen:

To being the sneakiest, silliest, bully-est, giggly-ist, spit-firey-ist, cuddliest little kid in a matter of no time! Raising you has been a learning experience, to say the least, but I wouldn't have you any other way!

The day you were born, I called my 94 year old grandma and told her that you had read hair. I will never forget her reply..."Oh dear, honey! You'd better be careful with that one!"

I think I am now understanding what she said - and loving every minute of having you as my "passionate" daughter.

Happy third Birthday to you, my little Stinkerbell!

BDEM: I made a cake for Ella on Saturday, but since nobody was feeling well, we never ate it. So today I decided to pick up a tiny little cake from the local bakery so we could finally sing happy birthday to her. When I pulled the cake out of the box, Ella made the BEST face! It was a Tinkerbell cake, and she couldn't have been more excited. It looked a little something like this:

"A chair fell on Jude and there's blood pouring out of his head."

2011-11-13T22:17:00.001-07:00

That was the line that my totally composed 11(ish) year old niece calmly stated as she carried Jude up a flight of stairs. I looked over and his head was covered in blood along with his face and shirt. I took one look, and freaked! Upon seeing the amount of blood, I panicked and immediately said, "We've got to get this kid to the hospital!"

Luckily there were people around me to better assess the situation and look at the damage before I called 911 in complete hysterics. It was a good sized gash, but we were able to stop the bleeding and get the cute kid cleaned up.I am so glad that I wasn't alone - my stomach was shaking in panic! Thanks to everyone that was there to calm me down.

I still cannot get over how unbelievably mature my niece Lexi was. She was in the basement when it happened, and instead of running upstairs screaming to everyone that Jude was going to bleed to death (like I probably would have) she scooped him up with her arms under his legs and behind his back, and carried him to his parents. UP A FLIGHT OF STAIRS! Jude's no itty-bitty four year old, either - Lex was carrying someone more than half her size. How amazing is that little hero of the day?! Get that kid into medical school, asap - she could be an amazing doctor or nurse.

Thanks again, Lexi! Love you!!

Jude after getting cleaned up. He was looking up at Lexi who was also trying to distract him from the pain by asking what he wanted Santa to bring him for Christmas. I on the other hand spent my time whimpering and telling him that it looked so painful. I'm so good at this kind of stuff!

BDEM: It's been a long, great day - but I have to say that taking off my 3 inch-heel boots after walking in them for fourteen hours just felt like HEAVEN! I'm surprised I could even pull my swollen feet out of those puppies.

BLAH!

2011-11-12T21:33:00.000-07:00

Even though it's the last thing I WANT to be doing right now, I figured I'd blog really quickly before passing out on the couch. Sickness has taken over our home in the last twenty four hours, and we all just seem to feel like junk. Maddie has been home from school for several days - and was finally put on an antibiotic - but still sounds like she has whooping cough. Jude is worn out and coughing a lot now, too. Rob and I have been feeling something coming all week, but it seems to be settling in. We are adults - we can handle it. But the SADDEST thing is that it hit Ella really, really hard this afternoon. Just in time for the last minute birthday party I was trying to force into this busy day. She cried, slept, whined, and pouted through the entire thing. We didn't even sing happy birthday or cut the cake.

The story is long, but I don't feel like getting into it right now. I'll share some really pathetic pictures tomorrow...hopefully we all feel much better then!

BDEM: Rob and I went to Stephanie's Mom's funeral today. It was one of those amazing funerals where you feel proud to have been a part of the life of such a wonderful and kind woman. Stephanie sang a beautiful song, and brought tears to the eyes of every person in that room. I know it seems odd to have a funeral as the BDEM, but the amazing talks that were given, and the strong spirit that was felt uplifted everyone that was there.

11.11.11

2011-11-11T22:25:00.000-07:00

My friend Mary and I were notorious for making 11:11 wishes on digital clocks in high school, so when I passed by the microwave, and noticed it was 11:11 on 11.11, I just had to kiss my fingers, touch the clock and wish for the following small things to happen in the year 2011.

- win a million dollars (or just the HGTV dream home - no need to be greedy)
- lots of dates with my husband
- go to Disney with my family
- buy a new car
- lose 15 more lbs

Then I realized that the year 2011 ended in eight weeks. Sheesh. So I forfeited all of my earlier wishes and made the more realistic choice of world peace.

I just want you all to know that when everyone grabs hands on December 31, 2011, and breaks into some cheesy song (hopefully written by Michael Bolton, with a lovely interlude by Kenny G) that is my wish coming true. I made that happen.

Happy 11-11-11 to all my friends out there. I hope all of your wishes come true - as long as they don't interfere with my wishes.

Dang. I should have wished that my wish would trump all other wishes. Stupid!

BDEM: Someone (meaning my lovely sister in law, Sierra ) CALLED ME, to see if she could take my kids to a movie. Um, yes please! Rob and I had our first date in what seemed like a million years. We ate wings, and bought a birthday present for Ella Bella. Sigh. It was heaven.

2011-11-10T20:45:00.001-07:00

The red envelope arrived in the mail today carrying Captain America. Neither one of us have seen it - so I'm looking forward to sitting down now, and doing a bit of this....glasses and everything. I hope it's good. Any reviews you're willing to share?

BDEM: I ran over and used this coupon -

and bought the skinny jeans I've been wanting to buy. Although, now that I'm at home I'm wondering if I bought the wrong size. Does an A at the end of your size mean that I bought the short kind? At gap isn't R regular and A ankle (short) - or something along those lines? Because now I'm questioning the length...hey - how was I supposed to know? I've never owned skinny jeans - what a WEIRD adjustment.

Oh, and if you're interested, save the pic to your desktop, print it up and use it for yourself! Happy shopping!

Double Take

2011-11-09T22:07:00.000-07:00

Even though I'm their mother, and know better - I would probably still put money on this being the same kid:

Claire 9 mos

Madelyn 9 mos

Creepy, huh?

BDEM: Dinner at the Cheesecake Factory with some lady friends. What a hoot and a holler you gals are! Thanks for letting me come - even after I said I wasn't really up for it, it really was the pick me up I needed on a day like today.

I have this friend....

2011-11-08T22:00:00.000-07:00

and she has meant the world to me. We've been "together" since 1999 and have been through a lot together. She was my roommate, my late-night drive-thru buddy, she set Rob and me up, we were bridesmaids at each other's weddings, we've vacationed together, she's the first person who comes to see me in the hospital after I've had a baby, and she always knows exactly where to take me for my birthday.

You get the picture...she's awesome, and I'm a better person for knowing her.

This past year, she has been through so much that I can't even begin to explain. And today, especially, I am thinking of her, praying for her, and loving her very, very much.

Hang in there, my friend. Love you always!

BDEM: Today Jude came up to me and very randomly said, "Mom....I know why Jesus gives people hair."

"Oh, really buddy? Why is that?"

"So they won't look weird."

I said, "Well, what about Gordon, from Sesame Street? He doesn't have any hair!"

"Well, he doesn't look too weird. But that's because he has hair and just shaves it off."

"Isn't that the same as not having hair?"

"Well, kind of...I guess it's not too weird looking. Hey Mom - I know why Jesus gave people stomachs.."

"Oh yeah?"

"Because people would look REALLY weird if they were just a head and feet."

Again, With the Redheads...

2011-11-07T20:33:00.001-07:00

Everywhere. People who want to talk about your redheaded children are EVERYWHERE. It's just an open invitation for strangers to tell you their life story, where the redheads fall in their family, how desperately they "tried" to have a redhead {I don't get that one - is there a magical concoction I don't know of?} And today was another gem of a moment.

Maddie was home sick today, and when she started feeling better, she asked if we could meet Dad for lunch. As we were walking out of the restaurant, this little old man and his 40-something son were walking out as well. They kind of passed us - and the son was holding his father by the arm guiding him away, but the old man stopped, turned to us and said, "You wanna hear a story about redheads?"

We have learned that this is a very important common thread amongst people, so we smiled and said, "sure!"

With a huge grin he said, "My wife said that she'd die for a redheaded grandchild. She finally got one, then she died. So be careful what you wish for."

What on earth are you supposed to say to THAT? Rob and I stood there, staring blankly at the old man. The 40-something son shot us a look that said, "I'm so sorry - crazy old Dad," and they walked away.

After a silent walk to the car Rob asked, "He said his wife died, right?"

"Yeah."

"Well, THAT was weird!"

BDEM: I have this friend at church who has been a huge inspiration for my weight loss. Over the past few years he has lost a ridiculous amount of weight, along with becoming a devout runner. I love reading about his ups and downs - and remembering the truth in weight loss and exercise.

I had one of those days where I didn't eat terribly, but I didn't eat great. I'll most likely hit the scale tomorrow morning and see the exact same number staring up at me as I saw this morning. Because I was feeling just "meh" about my daily diet, I was contemplating sitting down with a treat when I was done blogging. One of those, "I already.....so I might as well..." attitudes. I stopped by his blog, read his post, and remembered one of the things I told myself early on in the diet days. "A bad food day can EASILY turn into a worse food day, if I just give up on the calorie count."

Thanks, Bruce for the post...a day that I don't gain is a win!

(Visit Bruce HERE)

Introductions

2011-11-06T18:30:00.005-07:00

I want to tell you all about a friend of mine. She's witty, clever, and always there for me when I'm in a pinch. Sadly, I haven't been a very good friend to her - seeing as how I always take and never give.

Maybe I should drive over to her house and offer to watch her kids while she goes on vacation. Then again, she might find that a bit odd....

...since we've never actually met.

But her name is Jamie, and I stalk her. I mean, I love her. Actually - it's both. I stalk and love her, on a totally legal level.

Over the past few days this lovely lady has given me all of my dinner ideas. And who doesn't need dinner ideas? Check out the quick, delicious breadsticks I made the other night to compliment my lasagna casserole:

forgive the horrid cell-phone photos!

I know, right?! (I said that specifically for my husband who hates that phrase.)

And as if that weren't enough, I also stole her cheesy broccoli soup in homemade bread-bowls for our Sunday family dinner. Good grief, Jamie! I was immediately taken back to my midwest days where my mom and I frequented Panera for the same delicious meal. Never in a million years did I think I could make something similar in the comfort of my own home (that's not saying Panera isn't comfy - it is.)

The kids thought this was the best meal ever. They loved the soup, and were hysterical over the fact that they could eat the bowl. Just like Willy Wonka eats the daffodil cup that he drinks out of. {Did you know that part wasn't scripted? That cup wasn't even edible. Silly, Gene Wilder!}

Anyway, back to my dear friend, Jamie. She is a wonder in the kitchen, and I am grateful to her for giving me endless cooking inspiration. Go on over to her blog and bring some of her deliciousness into your home. Better yet, leave her a comment that Melissa sent you. Get a few of those on there and a restraining order might be put in place.

A restraining order from Jamie...I feel famous already. Scandalous!

Click HERE for Jamie.

BDEM: I made the broccoli cheese soup before church, and then made the bread bowls after, so it was one of those meals that takes up a good chunk of your day to prepare. Within one bite, I knew it was all worth it. Then Jude said, "Mom! Did you make this food? It's really good!" I answered, "I did make it - and Dad helped." Jude smiled and said, "Thanks Dad." After a nice long awkward pause he said, "Oh, and thanks, Mom."

Kids THANKING me for dinner? Oh, Jamie - you crazy, crafty, tricky chef, you....

Oops

2011-11-05T22:29:00.001-06:00

I just got a call from my brother, Dan...laughing about the fact that I posted about my grandpa, then used an after-death reference in my Far-Side Comic.

No, it was not intentional.

No, I don't think my grandpa "somehow answered incorrectly at the Pearly Gates" (Dan).

No, I didn't even see the connection.

Yes, I am that thick.

Oops!

Sorry, Grandpa - just one more blog blooper for you to enjoy!

XOXO

BDEM: Why do kids look even cuter when they are bundled up in hats and scarves? We pulled out the knitted hats that my sister-in-law, Marissa, knitted for the kids last year, and I just smiled as I sent their cute little hineys outside to help Rob take down the trampoline. (Phew, that was a long sentence - probably falls into the run-on category. So is my life.)

You may remember said hats from this picture taken last fall. I should also add that this has been one of the top five downloaded pictures from my blog. People love your hats, Marissa!

2011-11-04T20:43:00.001-06:00

I've been thinking about my Grandpa a lot today. Actually, it's been more like my Grandpa wants me to remember him today! Seems like there have been a million little Grandpa moments...songs on the radio, stories on the news, things I've seen in blogs...it's just been a funny string of coincidences. While typing this, the song Mele Kalikimaka even came on, and I'm not even listening to Christmas music! (He used to always say that instead of Merry Christmas)

He died a little over two years ago, but I think I'm supposed to send him a shout out on my blog today. He followed my blog on a daily basis, and always had the nicest things to say about it. So, here we go:

Grandpa - I love and miss you! Thanks for watching over my family - I've enjoyed thinking about you today! XOXO

Oh, and here's a little Far Side Comic - just for you!

BDEM: Okay, this is kind of morbid - but it definitely sticks out as a "doesn't happen every day" moment. There was a chicken crossing the road today, which in itself is pretty comical....unfortunately, the car in front of me JUST didn't see it!

How ironic is THAT?!

I also got a quick preview of the family pictures we took last week.....I'm SUPER stoked!

Milk

2011-11-03T23:18:00.003-06:00

This is a sad...but true story. It's not sad because it's true, it's sad because it's pathetic. It's sad because it in turn means that I was pathetic.

Was being the operative word here. I now struggle with being too awesome. But it's a humble awesome.

When I was a little girl, I saw this video on Sesame Street. I think I watched a LOT of Sesame as a kid.

(I wish my UPS man was in as big of a hurry as that milk truck driver)

Now that I have kids of my own, I'm realizing this is kind of a weird video. And a bit long for the attention span of most kids.

However, when I was little, and I watched this video, I would feel very sad. Why? Because I was 100% positive that I was the screaming little girl in that video. I thought that when I was a baby, my parents had forgotten to buy milk, and they caught it all on tape. So whenever I saw it, I would get lost in a memory that wasn't even real. Yeah, I was kind of a odd kid. If that's not strange enough, I also thought this was me:

(This is a really long video - I come in around the 9:15 mark)

...I sure was cute in that last one!

(Just a last minute thought....wouldn't it be interesting if that was the crying milk baby five years later?)

BDEM: Oh, I had a lovely baking day today. I made some really yummy blondies and also some delicious Italian breadsticks to go with the lasagna bake. I'll share some recipes later. YUM! Now I just have to avoid the kitchen until I send them to work with Rob tomorrow. Easier blogged than done.

The Soundtrack of my Life

2011-11-02T20:36:00.000-06:00

I love music. L.O.V.E.

I do my best as a stay home mom, to stay caught up on new artists, and still live through the classics, etc.

So, then why is it that the soundtrack of my life always seems to revolve around childrens' TV shows?

Whenever I need to fix something - I am automatically singing, "Let's get going and fix it right...twist and turn, make it tight..."

Thanks to this guy:

Sadly, half of the words are in Spanish, so I have to make that whole part up. According to Rob, I'm not even close.

It rained yesterday - so I spent the entire day singing this song:

I can't seem to tell my kids to brush their teeth without going here:

Today, I was on a mission to find some really cute brown boots. And for the rest of the day I was stuck with this one:

ALL because I was on a "mission." I couldn't stop the count-down.

This is just the tip of the iceberg. I can't even look at my brother Derek when someone says, "milk." It brings on some major traumas. I'll blog about that tomorrow, I think. That is another weird story. The good news is that I have four kids and can pretend this is all because of them. The bad news is this has been an issue ever since I was a child, so that makes the good news nothing but a lie!

BDEM: There have been five loads of washed/not folded laundry just laughing at me every time I walked in the laundry room. It was like a scene from Pee-Wee's playhouse. (WOW...did I really just say that after posting about my life as a children's TV show weirdo?) But yes, I'm pretty sure the laundry laughed at me. Today I folded it, and put it away. Look who's laughing now, chumps.