Bins, Boxes and Packing Tape, Oh My!!

Okay so I opened my reader and was met with over 200 new posts. You have all been busy my bloggy friends! I will do my best to get caught up on posts when I take packing breaks. I considered dismantling my computer, but Caspian wisely suggested I leave it in case I need a sanity break. He knows me so well.

So, I am in the midst of trying to pack our house after being with Caspian for the last four days at my in-laws where we he has been staying. I pretty much have a place tacked down and are planning on moving in on Sunday. Yes, this weekend my dear nutty readers. That means counting yesterday from 3pm on, I have about 6 days to pack. My mother in law is taking the kids Friday until their rooms are set up on Sunday, so that will help some. Also we are picking up the moving truck and car trailer on Friday so we will have some extra time to load it before we have to actually move.

I am completely scatterbrained if you haven't gathered from the absolute lack of cohesive-ness of this post so I leave you now before you all wonder why in the hell you read my nonsense anyway.

Much love to you! I will do my best to check in on you all as soon as time allows!

xoxo,

But You Can Lick My Floors DAMMIT!

I like to clean. I like a clean environment, orderly, hygienic, borderline sanitary. I am what some would call OCD about certain aspects of my cleaning, not OCD like Monk or Melvin, but in the sense that I HAVE to vacuum all floors at least twice a day--sometimes 3 (or lets be honest there was an incident of 6 times of vacuuming in one day, in my defense I was caring for Loaner Baby and I had been sewing so I wanted to make sure there was nothing that could be eaten by the crawler she was). I also LOVE watching shows like Clean House and my all time fav How Clean Is Your House on the BBC (if you have not seen it OH. MY. GOD. Those Kim and Aggie are hilarious and the transformations--WHOA).

My need for cleanliness is surpassed and put to shame by my good friend Marie. Now before I go on, I have to state that I am totally jealous of the fact that not only is she a better housekeeper, but she lives in a fabulous neighborhood in a perfect house AND she is a single mom, oh and she cooks, REAL MEALS and her four year old eats them, I know, AMAZING. All of this contributes to my inferiority complex. Especially since I am very spoiled in the fact that I get to stay home all the time and therefore feel like I need to rise to the occasion and be Aud's BFF Martha Stewart (even though I don't like her hair).

Before I met her I was always the neatest, cleanest, OCD-est person (other then my mom) that I knew. I prided myself in the fact that my house was 10-30 minutes away from company ready at all times. That my laundry was always only a load away from complete and that my floors could be Swiffered and Hoovered to perfection in minutes. Since befriending her my efforts seem to be in vain.

The last time she came over I was vacuuming when she arrived. She asked when we got there if I was just vacuuming for them. I of couse said no, that I was just keeping up on the house and wanted to make sure that her little crawler didn't find anything and eat it. Truth be told, my house was still in recovery from the SGRT and I could not stand that she would be over and see my mess. She is not the judgemental type, and would never say anything about the state of my house, but I just can't stand the thought of her even thinking it.

Yesterday I spent much of the day cleaning out cabinets and re-organizing the bathrooms. A $250 grocery shopping trip sprung me into cleaning mode and I felt as if I could continue for days. My first thought when I was finished was how I hoped Marie would come visit today so she could see my house. WTH is wrong with me? That is just insane. First off, I should want her to visit so we can VISIT, not so I can show her my clean house. Secondly WHAT THE HELL is wrong with me that I need to show my unassuming, non-judgemental FRIEND that I can clean and reorganize???

I need help people. I mean I already have a Cleaning Chart for crying out loud. Comparing my cleanliness to my dear friend's is just sick and wrong. It's intervention time.

Nothing says comfort like Mattress Ranch

Still recovering from the sickness here in Squirrelly-ville, but had to share. After seeing these commercials I know exactly where we are buying the mattresses for our new guest room.

I Was Channelling Mozart (SFMTY)

Two summers in a row my old roommate and I took trips up to Canada for a week of learning about and soaking in another culture (okay so really we went up there to go to clubs and drink and party since we couldn't do that legally in the states yet). On the trip we would always stop in Seattle to blow off steam and see the sights. In Seattle was the huge famous toy store FAO Schwarz. You know the one where Tom Hanks jumps around playing the piano in the movie BIG (the link is a you tube clip of that scene)?

So me, thinking I am oh so cute and funny decides to reenact that and put my 8 years of piano lessons to use (my piano teacher would have been so proud). This resulted in this:

Not much else to say about that picture...it speaks for itself.

For more Sincerely 'Fro Me to You visit We Are That Family.

Blah Blah, COLD, blah, PROMOTION, Blah, ELECTION, Blah

You know when you have a cold and all you can hear is blah blah blah blah? Yeah that is where I am right now. Muirne brought home a WHOPPER of a head cold and of course me being like 22 years older then her I tend to get more extreme versions and stay sicker longer. Go me. So here I go passing on my blah blah blah to you.

The snot has almost completely taken over my head and sinuses and is starting it's way into my throat and chest. Should be a fun next few weeks. I plan on getting a Neti Pot. Don't know what a Neti Pot is? It was on OPRAH yo!

If the Neti pot doesn't work I figure going into a cold medicine coma is the next best thing. Of course I have to wait for Caspian to get home, get the kids in bed, then talk with him about the latest let-down. You heard it right, we will not be moving the Squirrelly-Gang as of yet, but he seems to think there we other opportunities knocking soon. He is the ultimate persuasion in my promotion positivity. I loves that man.

Of course since he isn't promoting right this minute that means I need to make sure Muirne is signed up for the next month of ballet, that I need to try and get squeezed into my Hair Goddess' books, and that I can at least for this week live life like a normal, settled suburban homemaker. This of course means a trip to Costco, which if you read McMommy you know is a freaking mortgage payment in itself. Yeah me again.

Since I will be at Costco signing away my retirement to pay for my super-sized box of Dino Chicken Nuggets, I should also buy some toilet paper. We are out. Again. Someone around here needs to make sure that quits happening. Isn't there someone in charge here that takes care of things like toiletries and bananas??? Oh wait....

Speaking of toilet paper, we also need some of those flush able toilet wipes and disinfecting surface wipes. I have an almost three year old BOY who LOVES his penie and with it getting bigger and all is missing aim. Even with this cold I can smell the pee in there. Yum.

If you really want something yummy--some food for a political brain--head over and visit Auds at Barking Mad and convince her (an me too) why your favorite candidate should get her vote!!

Now that my cold has totally taken over my brain and I actually typed the word POLITICAL on my nutty blog I must retire. Wish me a speedy recovery. The juveniles can only eat Mc Deaths so many times before they start asking for broccoli.

Gross. Is It Summer Yet?

Yeah, so fall in Squirrelly-Ville means the start of rainy season and frosty mornings. This leads to our back yard becoming a mud-pit, which means Lizzard goes from being fluffy and white to this on a daily basis:

This means I get to give her a bath at least once a day, usually twice. Is it Summer yet?

Any suggestions on how to keep her from getting like this? Anyone? Anyone?

Lizzard Has Been Banished To The Garage

at least until Loaner Baby goes home.

It is Tuesday again....**sigh**, on top of it all Loaner Baby has a cold, though I must say she is being a trooper. I pulled out the little people stuff for the Juveniles in the toy room and that seems to have them all happily occupied for a moment, which gives me the change to complain. I know, I know, Auds Attitude of Gratitude and all that. I am just NOT feeling it today.

Garbage day started off as every other garbage day but today seemed particularly bad. She has started showing more and more nervousness other days of the week too. Anyhoo she was freaking out as I was getting Smoothies ready and Muirne runs in to tell me she has pooed. IN THE HOUSE PEOPLE! Not only that but peed yet again. I cleaned up the mess put her in the garage with her bed and food and water dishes (all our chemicals are in cabinets so she is safe).

I call Caspian and whine to him (like he has nothing better to do then listen to me complain) we agree that we need to reconsider a visit to the vet for some sort of Prozac or sedative or both. Gramma L's bro in law is a vet and he suggested we consult with our vet for medication for her. We have an appointment Friday at 8:30am. Man...

At this point if she doesn't get better we don't know what we are going to do. We have not heard back from Cesar and we cannot return her to the rescue. The kids love her too much. I love her too, just not right now.

Any advice my five faithful readers?? I really need it. My family needs it. Most of all Lizzard needs it.

Booze, Barf, Banquets, Bubbles, Belching, Ballet and Boogie

Umm...So I still have not caught up on my reader. I am not ignoring you my dear bloggy friends I promise. I am reading TODAY! I promised myself. Oh and if there is like a SUPER IMPORTANT POST that I need to read from you please link it in the comments. I don't want to miss it.

Okay now that is all out of the way. Here is the Bullet Random Recap of the last week or so.

• Booze: If you are drinking margaritas made by Caspian then gin and tonics made by the bartender that Caspian is tipping well, TWO is plenty. Oh and don't drink wine when you have finished the aforementioned drinks. Wine+Strong Booze=Puking in a public restroom. Yes I did. I don't have anything else to say about that.


• Barf: Really really don't mix alcohol in case you didn't catch my drift before. It. Is. Bad.


• Banquets: What is it about buffet-style banquets that make me eat like a freaking cow? I am basically at week one of my stretch marks to six pack after everything I ate. UGGG!


• Bubbles: Muirne is taking two weeks of swim classes. We started Monday and have the weekend off then go back through Thursday of next week. She told me the class was too easy and she is bored, after the first day. Awesome. Bardolf however is thoroughly enjoying splashing the shit out of me during the pre-school open swim, so I guess 1 of of 3 enjoying themselves isn't too bad.


• Belching: Lizzard burps. A lot. I have never heard a dog burp. Fart yes. Burp no, until Lizzard. WTF?
  
• Ballet: Muirne had her very first ballet recital. She did AWESOME and because I want to show you the sickeningly pink perfection that she was here are pictures and video (the video is only a minute and a half long so you better watch it dammit):

• Boogie: Bardolf was totally into the recital. There was Jazz, Tap, Lyrical and Ballet. The music moved him and I just couldn't resist sharing him getting his grove on:
  

So there's the recap. Regular posting will resume as soon as my reader is in the single digits again. If the cuteness was too much for you I promise to bitch and moan the next post for you M'kay?

XOXO
-KD

I am Now Publishing on AddsYou.com

http://www.addsyou.com
username=MjAwOC0xMi0wMiAxMToyMToyMQ==

Oh Tom! You smooth talker, You!

Caspian suggested I try and make some new friends. Get out and explore. Navigate my surroundings and familiarize myself with the new people and places. While excited for that journey, I was not ready to take on that task alone.

I met Tom in Sears, the electronics section to be exact. Though a typical place to run into men, Tom lured me in when normally I could not be distracted. The saleslady stood by as we familiarized ourselves with each other. I told him where I lived, where we shopped, where we wanted to go. He knew right where I was and where I needed to go in life.

I left and took Tom with me. What would Caspian say? How could I explain what I had done? None of that mattered. No longer would I feel lost in this new place. I had the perfect companion. How does that phrase go? It's easier to ask forgiveness then permission? Yes, I had to have Tom. Caspian would just have to understand that I could not resist and in a moment of weakness I succumbed to the smooth taking stranger.

Nutty Readers, I would like to introduce you to my new lover, Tom:

I just can't see the bigger picture right now

So don't tell me it is all a part of a bigger plan. Whatever the "plan" is, it better start showing itself because as of right now I am really struggling to see where all this is going. Most of all my heart breaks for the hardest working, most honest, and loyal employee I know. Someone who rarely complains, even for a moment. HE deserves the BEST plan and if it doesn't fall into place soon, I am not sure he can take it and I know I can't bear to see his face like this again.

Hi Headache? We need to talk.

Me: Yo, I know you have made yourself comfortable and all, but it's time for you to go.

KD's Headache: Duuudde! It's only been three weeks. I still have lots of time!

Me: No see that is the issue. I totally understand that you have a purpose to serve, that you are one of my body's warning systems that something is not right, but I KNOW what the problem is now. You can go.

KD's Headache: Oh you THINK you know. Just because you had a cold and then some neckaches, followed by a trip to your in-laws in the land of cats doesn't mean you know why I am here.

Me: No see you are wrong. When I took the Ibuprofen and allergy/cold stuff you went away.

KD's Headache: No I was just sleeping. Even headaches need naps Dude.

Me: That is the stupidest crap I have ever heard. You aren't even alive!

KD's Headache: But I am alive to YOU.

Me: Only because I gave you life sucka. As soon as I have some coffee and drugs you are outta here!

KD's Headache: Nope I just will be napping. I like to mess with you that way. I will be back full force as soon as your self-medication wears off!

Me: You are an evil evil troll. Just GO AWAY! I am tired of talking to you.

KD's Headache: You can never defeat me!

Yeah so obviously my brain is totally messed up right now. Seriously I cannot take this anymore. Any suggestions???

Dear John Letters to my Household Supplies

Dear Febreeze,

You have been replaced by Glade Fabric and Air. Glade smells better and the scent lasts longer. Plus it is cheaper. Those things make me happy. I am sorry that our relationship has ended so abruptly, but Yo, I gotsta have my house smellin' FRESH!

Sincerely,

Fresh in the NW, KD


Dear Proactiv,

You promised clarity, perfect skin, NO MORE BREAKOUTS! However this letter is to inform you that you have been replaced. After continuously using your products and spending ridiculous amounts of money for six months I have found new hope. Get ready because you may be surprised, but GO FIGURE Ivory soap. Yep plain old Soap and water and my skin has never looked better. Don't worry, I have given my leftovers to a friend for whose skin you ACTUALLY work for. I know. Parting is such sweet sorrow, but I like how Ivory smells better anyway.

Sincerely,

Acne-Free it's Soap for Me, KD


Dear Downy Liquid Fabric Softener,

I used you religiously, loved the scent and softness you provided, but was discouraged by the invisible barrier you put on my towels so they no longer were absorbent. Frustrated I looked for alternatives. Much to my surprise, some plain old white vinegar int he rinse cycle with store brand dryer sheets gave me the same results without the side-effects. Thus ends our torrid affair.

Sincerely,

Soft, fresh AND Absorbent towel owner, KD

Things are changing, hopefully for the good

***Update*** Caspian called. Things are perfect!!! Thanks for the good thoughts. They were not wasted!

So I am writing this post to basically say that I am hoping to replace it with one that is super excited and optimistic later on. To make a long story short, we are doing our best to stay focused on the future and know that things with Caspian's promotion will all work out, but yesterday evening's events may have put a kink in things. Sorry for being so cryptic, but I try and keep things as anonymous as possible when it comes to Caspian's career. Nothing is for certain, so any good thoughts you could send our way would be appreciated. I promise to update as soon as I know anything more.

xoxo

Seriously the SMOKIN'-EST Hiker EVAH (SFMTY)

When I was young we were definitely outdoors people. Summer vacations were spent fishing, camping, swimming in lakes and hiking. Growing up in the Northwest does that to you, it's a prerequisite in order to be allowed to call yourself a North-Westerner.

I still enjoy those things but in smaller more manageable doses. I would love to say that I hike/camp/fish/survive with flint and a lean-to made of brush and a tree with only my keen survival skills to keep my alive, but Bear Grylls I am not. No dear readers I had really only one brush of true survival the summer before I started High school. This was the summer that my youth group would go on a 5 day long trek on a trail circling Mt. Hood.

The Pacific Crest Loop (part of the Pacific Crest Trail)is a 40 mile (yes FORTY) mile trail of winding, mountainous, rocky rugged trails that should not be attempted by a skinny pre-pubescent girl carrying a pack that nearly outweighs her. This trail though beautiful had stops along the way that left much to be desired for camping. These included those nicknamed "Mosquito-ville" (the place where all mosquitoes in the NW come from) and "Rocky-Road" where even with your whole 1/4" thick pad could not protect you from the rocks digging into your back as you tried to sleep.

The trip was not without fun. We did what we liked to call "Glacier Sliding" which was a game in which we folded our sleeping pads in half, held on and slid down glaciers that ran through our trail. The downside was the volcanic rock that also was in the ice. Stopping with anything but the bottoms of your feet resulted in horrid scrapes to any exposed skin. We also learned how to pluck and kill Quail (throwing a stick at the right angle at a quail will decapitate it, resulting in death, resulting in eating the evidence so we are not fined for hunting in a restricted area).

Food was also fun! Nothing better then Spaghetti logs with tomato paste and watered down Gatorade made with water pumped from a creek that a deer probably peed in somewhere up-stream from you. We immediately headed to the nearest burger place and wolfed down a double cheeseburger, fry and coke after being on the trail for nearly a week. This of course resulted in barfing our guts out since our stomachs had shrunk.

All in all the hike was at the very least beautiful, breathtaking and a learning experience. Plus I got to hang with my dad and bro. That for a 13 year old girl is huge.

No need to adjust your computer monitors Ladies and Gentlemen. I really was that geeky, awkward, flat chested and pale. I know it is hared to believe, but it is true.

For more blasts from the past visit We are THAT Family:

It's Official!!

Our offer was ACCEPTED!!

Yes Nutty Readers we will soon be homeowners in our new city! We will have the inspection later this week and hopefully close by the end of next month. Muirne has already decided on a two-tone pink bedroom with a canopy over the head of her bed, and Bardolf wants blue stripes and cars. For the toy/bonus room I am leaning towards a light green. The rest of the rooms will most likely stay as they are, with the exception of one wall in the dining area and the master suite. Also we plan on painting the brass on the fireplace. I PROMISE to post pictures of the finished rooms, but until then, here are a few from the listing (sorry they are so small...I am not sure why!):

BackYard (the lot is 1/2 acre!)

Living Room

Dining Room and Kitchen

Front Entry

Thank you all again SO MUCH for the good thoughts and comments!

xoxo,

CRAP! So there was this like big important thing!

Where have you BEEEN? What have you been DOOOING?

I know you have asked those questions, at least in my mind you all care and love me and miss my stretch-marked-soon-to-be-six-pack. I actually kinda forgot all about the big IMPORTANT meeting Caspian's company has every year and guess what? It was this past week. So I am back, kinda. My reader is busting at the seams with new posts to catch up on, so I will be spending the next couple days catching up on my reading, which means not too much posting. That and Caspian is off of work until Monday. Oh and the temps are in the 100's so we will be spending our time at the pool. So dearest readers, I will have squirrelly stories and nutty pictures to share starting back on Monday. Until then I will be stalking my reader and soaking up sun and chlorine.

Things Bardolf Knows For Sure

With Muirne starting kindergarten, Bardolf and I have been having more conversations during our alone time in the morning. Most of these revolve around questions and answers. The other day, however, Bardolf was in the statement making mood and was telling me things he knew for sure. For instance:

"Dat right dare is my Blanket. I like my Blanket."

"Wizzie don't wike dose quirrels. She bark at dem."

"Dat is your coffee momma, you wike dat."

"Dat sissy skool bus. She come home now."

"I do draw dat picture. I wike dat color on dare."

You catch my drift. Things that an almost three year old says because they think out loud, and want reassurance that their truths are right. Shortly after rattling off this list of things he holds as truths, he sits quietly contemplative. Suddenly he smirks, reaches his hand down his pants, and proudly proclaims:

"My Penie! It getting Bigger!!"

Bardolf. What can I say....




PS: Because I have been trying to keep limits on what I share and don't share I have considered not sharing this story about Bardolf, but SERIOUSLY! I totally had to tell you all because it cracked me UP!

Then I broke

What a week.

I broke yesterday. I made a quick stop at the grocery store and had Lizzard with me. I left her in the car with Bardolf and I ran in. In that time she managed to poop all over the inside of the car. I had to spend nearly four hours cleaning, shampooing and disinfecting every surface of the interior. It was awful.

That was my breaking point. I just sobbed. I cried for my cousin. I cried for my families loss. I cried because I was frustrated, tired and angry. I cried because I failed my children this week. I cried because of the unknown of Caspian's job. I just cried. Hard.

When I finished crying I felt cold, and drained. The rest of the day I just went through the motions. It was a busy day with swimming lessons for both kids plus conferences for Muirne. We got home late, then it was time to eat and get the kids ready for bed.

Caspian and I sat quietly, watching TV and talking about this and that on commercials. I let Lizzard out one more time, then we went to bed. Then, I slept. The first night in weeks that I have slept all night without dreams waking me.

Today we are taking our time. Muirne doesn't have school and we really don't have anywhere to be, other then visiting my grandma, and a quick trip to the store for some bread. This weekend I am taking my time to reset my family and focus on life in the moment. To remember those I love and know that those that have passed are not gone, but with us every day. To strengthen the bonds of family and never to forget to say I love you. That is what I plan to do this weekend, there is nothing I would rather do.

Lost In Translation

The Juveniles and I spent Friday afternoon at one of our local parks. This park had all of the regular play equipment plus a bonus item that we had not discovered on prior trips there. There were two speakers connected by an underground pipe that one could talk through and be heard by another at the other end of the playground. This was quite similar to the old two cans and string--which after Friday's fun I may have to make a set for them.

We spent much of our time talking to each other, trying to figure out what was being said and then responding accordingly. Most of the conversations were simple, asking what the other was doing, and giggling at the responses. However jumbled the messages sounded they didn't tire of each other's voices and continued to live in the now of the fun at that moment. The simple joys of the game overtook any possible frustration at not being able to understand what was being said. The fact that most of the time they had no idea what the other was saying was a non-issue compared to the jovial tone of the play.

Stunned by their complete disregard for anything but the present was like a slap in the face. I have shared with others, that this past week the Universal nudges are leaving me bruised by their persistence, yet I still find myself looking for the exact meaning, paths, answers, that in reality will show themselves to me if I just learn to let go of the literal translation. Instead of wondering if I am getting the message the way it is meant to be heard I need to just enjoy the message however it comes to me at that moment.

As the hour grew late and little tummy's began to rumble it was time to leave our games for another day. Muirne pleaded to whisper one last message to Bardolf at the other end of the speaker. Her message was simple.

"I love you, Brother!"

Those words translated loud and clear.

Seven Years Ago

Seven years ago today, we checked into Edgefield for the night.
Seven years ago today, we lit candles and tied ribbons on champagne flutes.
Seven years ago today, we gathered in front of three friends in the room.
Seven years ago today, we made promises to each other in front of a judge.
Seven years ago today, we kissed to seal the vows.
Seven years ago today, we were pronounces husband and wife.
Seven years ago today, we became us.

I love you. Happy Anniversary.

For those of you who don't know, we actually have two anniversaries. The first is November 17, 2001 when we quietly eloped with just three friends as witnesses. A little over six months later, May 25th 2002, we had a traditional formal wedding. To make a long story short we did so to make things easier in relation to Caspian's job. To this day, most of our famly does not know. My parents and brother know, but noone else in my family. My husbands family does not kow at all. Maybe someday we will tell everyone...or not ;-)

Breastmilk Sniper: the Next Phase in Stealth Weaponry

My cousin and his wife are coming into town for Thanksgiving. They come every other year for a week to spend time with the family, and this year is their year to visit, I am really excited. I lovingly call them "Ken and Barbie", because they are that beautiful. They have two preteen boys and live in a million dollar home outside of the Bay Area in California. He is an electrician and she is a housewife and bookkeeper for his business. They definitely fit the mold for the perfect example of Californian suburban family. This in exchange makes them more fun then you can stand.

Last time my cousin came in town, was last year for my dad's wedding. His wife, "Barbie" had to stay behind to play soccer/football mom for the boys. To make a long story short, my cousin "Ken" charmed a group of ladies in the bar as well as a group of gruff looking guys and the bartender, which in turn meant free drinks for us. I felt like total shit the next day for my dad's wedding, but the good time was worth it.

The trip two years ago, included both Ken, Barbie and the boys. We decided to have a cousin's night out Thanksgiving Eve. This group consisted of Ken and Barbie, Caspian and I, and my Brother "Juppie". On Juppie's suggestion we headed to a nice bar downtown that had a great atmosphere, good food and fantastic cocktails. I was still breastfeeding Bardolf at the time, but had pumped enough ahead of time that if needed, I could pump and dump the alcohol out.

We got to the bar and luckily it was not too busy yet. Juppie claimed a pool table while Caspian and Ken went to the bar. The pool table next to us was occupied by some attractive and curious bachelors. Of course they instantly headed in Barbie's direction, seemingly unaware that she was Ken's wife. She flirted while Ken stood by and laughed. This was a common theme for them I figured--and once again free drinks flowed.

After a few hours and too many drinks we headed out to a dance club. Caspian was driving (at the time we had a crew cab GMC) and therefore the only sober one in the bunch. Juppie was riding shotgun, I was in the driver side rear seat, Barbie in the rear center, and Ken in the passenger side rear seat. I complained that my boobs hurt because I hadn't nursed in a while, and I could probably shoot something with the milk, which sparked Ken to say:

"I'll give you $100 if you can hit someone walking down the sidewalk."

I started laughing, then I realized he was serious.

"Really? You'll give me a Benjamin?" I asked.

"Totally, but you have to be stealth and we have to see it," he said.

"I'm in," I said as I started to roll down the window.

Caspian figuring out what I was doing, started rolling up the window and hit the window lock on his door panel.

"NO!! I can totally do it! Unlock the window!!" I yelled as I took aim and then fired.

"Oh my GOD!!" Barbie screamed, laughing.

Then we all saw it, the big streak of milk across the window. Caspian had thwarted my attempt and wouldn't roll the window back down. The entire group erupted in laughter and Ken took a picture of the streak with his camera phone. I put the weapons away and mumbled that I totally could have pulled it off.

The next day was Thanksgiving and we went to dinner at my Aunt's house (Ken's Mom). When we got there they yelled for us to come around to the back slider instead of using the front door. When we got to the door there was a sign posted:

"Got Milk?"

Public Broadcasting, WALL-E, Thunder and Lightning, Mudbugs, SO RANDOM! (Monday Madness)

This weekend started off with a bang tourturing Bardolf and ended with a bang! Because it is Monday and I can't ever seem to have cohesive thoughts after the weekend, especially when Caspian has the whole weekend off (not just Sunday) so I have some Bullets of Random-ness for you.

• Bardolf really truly is traumatized and if we even mention the words "hair" and "cut" in the same sentence he starts to cry. Awesome.
  

• Alandra and her hubby had us over for dinner. And Mud-Bugs. Mud-bugs that were trying to escape the bag in the fridge. They thought they had 6 but we could only find 4. That will be a fun surprise later on.

• Caspian's Nova was not braking properly, so he worked on it for about 5 hours Sunday. My 'burb's brakes have been squeaking for about a month and he still hasn't fixed it. Priorities??

• Murine was watching TV while Bardolf napped and I cleaned up lunch. I suddenly heard singing. Like opera/musical singing. I asked her what she was watching. She said "PBS Kids" So I look at the screen and it is some sort of military musical. Weird. I tell her that yes it is PBS but not PBS Kids. She insisted it was and continued to watch it for half an hour until her My Little Ponies missed her. M'kay....

• Lizzard once again proved she is Mental and needs her Prozac. I foolishly trusted her to jump into the 'Burb when I opened the door. Nope she ran right past us then wedge herself through a fence into a neighbor's backyard down the street where she proceeded to take a large poo... MEN-TAL.

• I have decided that I want to live in Lizzard's brain for the day on a Sunday. Must be interesting.

• I also have decided I want to live in Bardolf's brain everyday. I think it must be fun.

• Bardolf is still too young to go to a movie in a theatre. Not even WALL-E could keep him entertained for more then 30 minutes, though the rest of the Sqirrelly-Gang thought it was pretty darned cute (and had a pretty neat message)!

• Spaghetti is my fall-back plan. Everyone will eat it and it is easy. I need to make it more often.

• I LOVE Jello No-Bake Cheesecake with cherries. Too much maybe.

• Thunder and Lightning storms cut out our original swimming plans for Sunday, but on the flip side watching them with the kids was fantastic! I forgot how much I enjoy them, especially when you can listen to them without a five year old jabbering your ear off....

(I got lucky and snapped this picture of the lightning above the trees across the street)

That's all Folks! Enjoy your Monday!

-KD

For more Monday Madness visit Barking Mad

Rekindling Romance (Thankful Thursdays)

I hadn't bought a novel for myself in nearly three years, even though I have always loved to read. I just didn't make time to read anymore. I started reading early, I was only four when books first started capturing my imagination. I was consumed with a thirst for whatever story or knowledge they could bring. Up until the birth of Muirne I read myself to sleep most nights and completed at least one novel a week. Books. With Chapters. It was amazing and I missed that time immensely.

Recently I had heard so much talk about The Twilight Saga that while out and about Monday I picked up a copy. I finished it Wednesday. I was so excited to rekindle this romance that I had with reading, I picked up the next in the series and finished it in a little over a day. Any chance I had to steal a chapter I took. I was smitten.

I immediately remembered what it was like to be lost in a story while living your own. It brought me such peace and joy to reconnect with this side of myself. A part of me that was unconsciously and unwillingly forgotten until now. A piece of the person I am besides a wife and mother.

I feel refreshed and renewed. I can't wait to read the next two in the series and am looking for what to start next (any suggestion on a new series would be welcomed!!). The simple words and fast pace of the Saga were the perfect start to opening myself back up to the love I had forgotten.

Today I am thankful for rekindling a romance, not only with books, but with me.


Remember to link directly to your Thankful Thursday post and back here! Thank you again for taking time to be a part of Thankful Thursdays!!

MISTER LINKY IS FIXED!!! YEAH!!

Things I Learned This Past Week

• Dogs on Prozac that suddenly have been taken off of it because their owner slacked and didn't get it refilled in time do really messed up stuff. Most noticeably they start humping everything. Even though they are female. Spayed Female.
• Little boys who wait too long to pee because they are way too busy playing cars and watching CARS cannot get their pants down fast enough and thus end up doing a strange spray effect as they are feverishly pulling down their pants on the way to the bathroom.
• The strange spray effect by little boys requires bleach for the walls and shampoo for the carpets.
• For some reason Blogger hates me and I cannot reply to comments via E-mail. Though I was extremely frustrated by this I learned that there are some super helpful people out there like Mental P Mama willing to shoot e-mails back and forth and leave silly comments just to test stuff out!
• My searches this week were weird, but my favorite was Auds Arse. I am assuming this is referring to my dear friend Auds at Barking Mad, but I have no Clue why they were searching about her ass. If that was you e-mail me. I really am curious now.
• A really good cut can help a dog that looks Gross like this to be able to get a quick wipe of the paws and not a complete hose down after a romp in the yard. However, this only lasts as long as the cut does so I am still on the hunt for a better solution.
• Really there are some things better left to professionals and I need to not be left to my own devices. Any help or advice on how to draw in my eyebrow would be appreciated.
• Focusing on being Thankful for a day on my blog helped to get my vibes in a better place. I hope that I can help others with that as well! I did have a request for a a day for Ungrateful and Whiny from Waltz In Exile via Twitter, but I think I will leave that up to her.
• Muirne and Bardolf's Bunny that sings "Do the Hop" taught us two new Yoga poses. Wake-Up and Lay-Down. I think they could really catch on, especially with the bunny and his frogs in the basket doing back-up. I know Yoga Girl has been thinking about teaching some of her classes to an All Metal play list. Maybe these Bunny-Frog-Hop moves could fit into that class.

So Nutty Readers, What did you learn this week?

Inspections and Infections

Two major happenings have transpired this past week in Squirrelly-Ville: Our Home Inspection and major sickness and infection. Here's a quick recap to get you up to date!

Inspections:

Yesterday was the home inspection on our new house. Overall it went well with some minor maintenance issues that we can easily address. There were a couple more serious problems that they will need to have fixed before we can close (or at least make arrangements for the sellers to have fixed), but overall we still feel really good about the house. Definitely not deal breakers! Our Realtor was going to just give their agent a heads-up on the main issues and then we will write up the paperwork to formally present the things that cannot be passed on to us. I will keep updates posted!

Infections:

Muirne brought home from school what we thought was a cold last week, and now after her running a fever, then Bardolf getting it and running a fever, and now me getting it and running a fever are suspecting we may actually have the flu. Cold symptoms + bad poo (tmi) + body aches + 101 and up fever = Squirrelly-Ville Sickness. Ugh. However we think we starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel so we can get off this terrible train ride!

That's the update! Thank you all again for your support and well-wishes during this exciting time in Squirrelly-Ville!

xoxo,

Kick Ass, But Don't Forget Your Tutu

Muirne doesn't want to take Ballet anymore. If you saw this post then you would know that she is the cutest ballerina ever. She instead just wants to swim. Now I am all for water safety. She and Bardolf are both taking swim classes two days a week. I offered for her to to both because really THE Cutest Ballerina EVER! Plus I took ballet as a child and I wish that I would have stuck with it to help a little with my girlie-ness, grace, and coordination (that was not sports related). Go figure that the dates weren't knocking down my door in High School when I spent my time in sweatshirts, golf shoes and soccer cleats. Oh yes I was SMOKIN'.

Now it's not that I don't think that women athletes aren't totally hot, but there is something about being a dancer that just encompasses "Girl" and Muirne even though being a gorgeous red-head who likes the occasional princess story and dress up party is more focused on animals then clothes. She won't wear a dress unless I pick it out for her and she could care less if her hair is fixed. She "Likes it Wild".

She is all girl when it comes to moodiness, meltdowns, and melodrama. Not a day goes by that omg-the-world-is-ending-and-it's-all-someones-fault-other-then-mine!! dramatic event occurs, but I expected my days with her to be filled with princesses and tea parties. As I type she is coloring pictures of vampires and Frankensteins. I asked her to make me some new Fall/Halloween pictures for the fridge and she colored those. The vampire even has blood on his mouth. Seriously? I expect this from Bardolf, especially in the coming years, but he is also the boy who is being a grey fluffy mouse with a pink stomach.

I really want to encourage my little girl to buck the current, be who she wants, explore and not be confined to "gender appropriate" activities, but dammit, I'm really disappointed that she chose to stop taking lessons. Yes I could make her do it, but then what am I teaching her? That she needs to do it because I said so even though she doesn't enjoy it? I could push her into another "Girlie" activity, but she hasn't shown interest in anything other then soccer (with the exception of swimming).

I guess mostly I see a lot of myself in her and I don't want her to have the same struggles I did. I just now as an adult and mother have really settled into being a "Girl" and had I found it sooner, I don't know, maybe things would have been easier, and I want things to be easy for her. At the same time I don't want to ever be the parent who pushes the stereotypes, and learning who you are comes from experiencing life yourself.

One thing I do know for sure though, I can totally kick Caspian's ass at golf, and someday Muirne will too--hopefully in pink golf shoes and a tutu.