THREE CHEERS FOR DAN AND MARISSA!!!

One of my handsome brothers (Dan to be exact) wanted to brighten our week, so he had our favorite hotdogs shipped from Chicago.  HEAVEN!  Thanks Dan and Marissa for the delicious dinner - they were amazing!

BDEM:  Rob and I watched the movie October Sky.  Very few people will understand WHY I loved this movie, but I did.  Dad, Greg....(sigh)  I have so many great memories of letting the two of you make rockets that I then signed my name on.  

Hanging in There

That seems to be the answer I keep giving. I get asked about twenty times per day how we are doing, and I've pretty much exhausted all other answers. So for anyone out there wondering how and what we are doing....we are putting in a lot of resumes, talking to a lot of people, and just hanging in there. It's really all we can do. I still have days (like today) where I swallow back the tears at the mere mention, but in general, I'm feeling much better. I have my husband, I have my children, and no matter where we end up...we will be together.

I really don't want to post much more about it, because it's kind of a downer on a blog that I really try to keep positive, but I know a lot of you are wondering. I appreciate your thoughts, your prayers and all the sweet messages you send me. I am so blessed to know each and every one of you.

BDEM: There has been this cake on my "to bake" list for a couple of years now, and today I finally made it. It looked great, and in my humble opinion, tasted pretty darn good too! Totally worth all of the build up it received over the years. Oh man....how I love cake. One of my all time weaknesses, right behind donuts and cookies. I kind of love those too. I'm giving all of those up again tomorrow, though....really. No, really I am. It's the healthier choice...and it's good for me. Yes, indeed. Totally giving them up. Really, really, really.

Hmmm

Have you ever been a part of a produce club?  The kind where you pay like $15, and then get ridiculous amounts of fresh fruit and veggies?  We've been on board with the concept for a while now, and really are pretty happy with the bounty we have received.  Saves us a lot on produce, and we get to associate with those greener (and obviously better) than us.  They are a fun little hippie community...lots of canvas bags and Birkenstocks.  I digress.  Anyway, the only down side to it is the fact that you don't choose your produce.  You just try to use whatever the good earth gives you.

This is all fine and dandy, and helps me to be more creative in my cooking and preparing - until you get these:

Anyone?  Anyone?  Bueller?  

What are these, and what do I do with them?!  I'll give you two clues:  Rob says it's more like a fruit, and apparently has lots of seeds.  

You get extra karma points if you have a recipe to put them in.  And can't we all use a few karma points?  

BDEM:  This BDEM is only a retrospect BDEM.  At the time I was suicidal, but I think that starting Insanity again was a good choice - it made the rest of the day better.  Exercise is definitely a mood enhancer.  

Ridiculously Cute

....as in, I think she is...

BDEM:  Today was day two of the ultimate clean-out.  I attacked the front closet, the medicine/linen closet and all of the bathroom cabinets.  Thus far I have removed seven large trash bags full of junk from my house.  Left on the list is the laundry room and Claire's closet.  Slowly but surely this house will be clean!  

Added question.  Have you ever seen the movie Spy Kids?  It's playing in the background right now.  I'm sorry, but is this the worst movie EVER?  Sadly I think my husband may be more into it than the kids.  I take the worst movie ever comment back.  I forgot about Shark boy and Lava (llama as my niece calls it) Girl.

Oldies - but Goodies

PLEASE tell me you've seen this.....I couldn't love this video more.  Literally, can't pick the best part.

BDEM:  I had a spontaneous lunch with my brothers Derek and Johnny today.  We ate Chinese buffet, while laughing louder than is acceptable in any Chinese restaurant.  Double win!  My brother, Johnny even paid for my lunch.  As I went to object, he just looked at me and said, "Don't even try.  Just face it - this is happening."  


It's the unemployment card....works on so many levels!  

Bad Wax Job

I had a good laugh this morning at the expense of others.  The good news is that those others were made of wax - so really, I'm not TOO guilty, right?  There was a link to the worst wax celebrities of all time - and my goodness, some of these are downright hilarious. Here's a little teaser before I give you the link:

Really, J-Lo? 

If you're in the mood to see a few more, click HERE. I don't think I can pick a favorite....maybe a top 5!

BDEM:  After spending five hours (yes, it was THAT unorganized) my kitchen is in tip-top shape from top to bottom.  My junk drawer is de-junked, my cabinets are rid of all excess (read: expired in 2007) food, and all of my cabinets have been wiped clean.  It's like having an all new kitchen.  WOOT!  

Opinions Appreciated

Let me start out this post with a disclaimer. Our family is not getting a dog...anytime soon.

However, I've been torn on the idea for quite some time now. I am not a dog person, I am not a cat person, I just don't really have that desire to have animals in my home. My kids, on the other hand, are obsessed. If I thought it was the obligatory, "I want a dog" phase, I wouldn't think twice about ignoring it, but I think Ella is actually more calm around animals than at any other time. She is gentle, loving, and so playful with them.

To this day I think I still have a small fear of dogs because I have spent so little time around them, but love that my kids aren't scared at all. And after the few times we have dog-sat Rob's parents' dog, I'm realizing it's not as big of a hassle as I always assumed it was. So I'm looking for dog experiences. Can a non-dog person become a dog lover? Or vice versa? I'm curious....so persuade me - either way.

BDEM: I spent the evening playing Minute to Win it with the youth from my church, and I laughed until my belly hurt. After my failed attempt at blowing cards off the top of a water bottle, my good friend, Sara, won the whole game for our team. It's amazing how quickly you can forget about your problems when you shift your focus.

Here's a good indicator that archery might not be your sport of choice:

Which is really unfortunate, because I was sure it was just one more thing I'd be awesome at.  Other things I'm awesome at include....


......




......




......


huh, I just got really sad all of the sudden!!


I kid.  But seriously - not archery!


BDEM:  Telling Ella that I loved her in a really crazy, high voice.  Usually, she plays along by saying, "I love you!" in a really low, growling voice.   Instead, she looked at me - and very seriously said, "It's not night time, Mom," and walked away.

Self Portrait

Madelyn stole the camera a few days ago - and apparently had some sort of photo shoot.  When she handed it back to me this is exactly what she said, "I took some really great pictures of myself.  You're welcome."

There are about twenty more.  Good grief.

BDEM:  We spent most of the day traveling home, and only every once in a while would I remember that today was the 9/11 anniversary.  But as I sit here right now, Forrest Gump is on TBS - and as dumb as it may sound, it is one of those movies that always makes me proud of my country and my freedom. Today's BDEM is the reminder that we are still strong, and that we can survive.  God bless the U.S.A.  

Crankiness Explained

Claire, my uber chubby, super squishy, smiley little lovey-dovey, has not been herself lately. She won't sleep through the night and she spends a lot of time yelling at me from cross the room. It would help if her yells meant something...but they are usually just the sounds of a rabid dog. (Picture the thing that jumps out of Louis Tully's closet in ghostbusters - yeah, that's Claire). As of this morning there are six little white bumps poking through her bottom gums. That means that not one, but two teeth are shooting their way out - buddy system style. Poor, cute kid. I think I can forgive the growls now, but I have to say that if she keeps breathing fire after they are all the way through, I may have to get her to a pediatrician...or maybe a vet to get checked out.

When I get home, I'll post some pictures of her teeth. I hope they are chubby.

BDEM: Watching Maddie try to jump off of the diving board. Jude gets up there, walks right to the edge and jumps. Madelyn walks up and panics...every time. She tries to bounce, and ends up jumping backwards in a half skip. I can't help but laugh. Then she starts yelling and doing small screams, so she gets the attention of everyone around her as she continues to throw her arms forward, while jumping further back on the diving board. It's like nothing I have ever seen, but I could watch it all day long. Poor kid.....you have a terrible mom!!

Sicky

Remember that little bug I mentioned last night? It beat me up as I tried to sleep; fever, chills, body aches, all the fun stuff. So I ended up heading to the doctor this morning, and it's strep. Both the nurse and doctor asked if I was a teacher... because apparently normal adults don't get strep. Only those that spend a lot of time with sick kids. So I'm going to once again excuse myself from a legit blog post. I'm playing the contagious card. As in - don't lick this post.

BDEM: Talking with Rob today about the uncertainty of our future. It is open wide, and truthfully, I like all of the possibilities. I think that the best is yet to come.

Almost Missed

In the past few hours I have managed to get some sort of bug - my head hurts, my body aches, you know the drill.....just miserable. So instead of bringing you down with all my blech, I wanted to send you all over to my friend's blog. She is an amazing woman who is dealing with more hardship than us. I know her family can use all the support (financially, spiritually, and emotionally) they can get. So please go visit by clicking HERE and send some love to handsome little Cole and his wonderful parents.

BDEM: Just now, when I awoke from a dead sleep to a screaming Claire. I groggily made my way to her crib and rocked her, assuming it was about 5:30 am. Oh the joy that followed when I realized that it was only 11:30, and I still had all night to sleep. So, then, why on earth am I blogging when I should be resting? Where are my priorities?? Off to bed. Again.

A Year

All kids - first day of Kindergarten

Solo Shot

Ready for first grade

All three 2011

In the midst of all our traveling and family excitement/drama I forgot to post Maddie's first day of first grade pictures.  It's amazing what a year can do - especially for Ella!

I couldn't stop laughing on her first day - because of ALL things, Madelyn woke up with a huge zit on her forehead.  I was glad she wasn't old enough to realize how unbelievably stereotypical it was, but I sure enjoyed the irony.

She's not quite sure how she feels about school yet, and is having a difficult time adjusting to the full day schedule.  She told me the other day that her head keeps falling over because she is so tired.  She even begged to stay home today because she just didn't want to go.  I get the feeling that I'm going to get my hatred for school back in spades.

BDEM:  Jude was once again in trouble for tormenting Ella.  (I'm fairly sure it was mutual, but he being the big brother seems to get the "it's your responsibility to..." talk more often) Anyway - he was in his room and wasn't allowed to come out until he figured out a way he could stop being so mean to Ella.  Rob went in to check on him several times and each time he said he wasn't ready yet.  Then, after a good twenty minutes, he came out with this idea.  "Dad - every time that Ella is mean to me, I am going to go into my pillowcase and pretend to be a turtle.  Then we won't fight."  We are pretty sure this is the solution we've been waiting for.  I'll keep you posted.  

A Princess Story

I hear it's on the New York Bestsellers list - but honestly, I just can't help but judge the book by its cover.  I know, so cliché.  Note to self - continue to work on spelling words with Madelyn.

BDEM:  Ella's hysterical laughter as she somehow managed to (while sitting) shoot pee over the toilet seat - soaking the toilet, the ground and her underwear.  As she giggled she said, "That's a crazy pee, mom!"  It's much funnier in retrospect than it was while dodging the flying urine.  

Jude Rides

I mentioned in an earlier post that Jude decided he wanted to ride a two wheeler since Maddie finally figured it out.  And after about three minutes, he had it down.  I finally uploaded the pictures, and had to post them.

When I asked him how he felt about riding a two wheeler, he busted out this crazy dance.  I'm so sad that I only have pictures instead of videos.  The moves were unbelievable!

The kid is seriously awesome.

BDEM:  On the same learning-to-ride-a-bike note...we took a family walk after dinner tonight, and Maddie and Jude were able to ride their bikes.  For the first time in a long time, everyone enjoyed the walk.  But the best part....by far, was watching Jude suddenly make a hard left, for absolutely NO reason - sending himself straight into the neighbors flower bed.  He was absolutely fine - but his reaction afterwards was amazing.  He stood up, stared at us, and just shrugged his shoulders.  As if to say, "Leave me alone - it's my first day."