Celebrity Style Match Up

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-

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."

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!

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

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.  

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

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....

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...

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

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

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!

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

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

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.

I'm a family-friendly blogger...

BUT.....


I have been laughing about this all week:

BDEM:  There were two.  I was feeling a bit blah this morning with just a touch of a cold - and I had to throw something in the recycling bin.  I opened the door, and the weather was cold and wet, and someone nearby had a fire burning.  It was like every single one of my senses was suddenly flooded with fall memories.  It was a much needed pick me up.  The second was when Ella walked up to me and said, "Here's your blue brush, Mommy."  My favorite hairstyling tool that Ella lost four days ago.  Apparently she shoved it behind the TV in the entertainment center, and just remembered. I have no idea why she kept insisting it was in the front yard.  Glad that wasn't true!