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.

CRAP: My Go-To Word

So I say CRAP a lot. Like it is my go-to word for all the other words I really want to say but refrain from because I have an almost 6 year old who asks me things like:

"Mommy is Shit a bad word?"

RIGHT after I say it. Then of course there is Bardolf who is two and a half and just over the last 4-6 months really found his voice which of course makes him a human tape recorder that replays at the most inappropriate times.

Case in point:

While visiting with my 81 (really 82 but that is a whole 'nother story) year old grandma, who has not smoke, drank or cursed a day in her life, Bardolf proceeds to spout off the latest thing he learned from me--err Caspian, yeah from Caspian we'll go with that story--and after dropping a toy says, "God Damn it!!" He says this in front of her and Muirne doesn't skip a beat following it up with, "Brother that is a bad word, say CRAP".

Wow...Mother of the year award right here.

Now I know that crap may not be a horrible word, but really a swear is a swear, a curse is a curse right? In my defense my mom (Grammie) does not cuss. At all. But she does say Crap, like a lot, so that is where I get it from. Does that make it right or okay, no, but at least I can blame her for some of it.

I am just glad I cleaned up the sailor mouth before I had kids....kinda...at least I say shut the DUCK up instead of the alternative. Hey baby steps, ya know?

Please tell me I am not alone in my CRAPTASTIC linguistics and you all turn to some sort of go-to word. I am feeling a bit CRAPPY about not using more creative vocabulary.

Proof that there needs to be a "Big Head" section

So for his size Bardolf kinda has a big head. This is something I have mentioned before, but seriously this kid's noggin is just a bit ahead of the rest of his body. For instance he is barely in a size 2T at nearly 3 years old, but can wear a size 4T hat. Catch my drift?

Yesterday we went to good ole Target to get some new jammies for the cooler weather and also to look at costumes. Muirne is going to be Dorothy (I know SO CUTE), Lizzard is going to be a pumpkin (Hello $9.99 for a pet costume, I totally had to) and Bardolf saw this dino and fell in love:

See how cute and smiley the little boy is in that little outfit? I know, right? How could I resist. So we bought it in size 2-3T, brought it home and he BEGGED to try it on. So we did:

Yeah...forget about "Husky" sizes for toddlers. They need to make "Brainy" sizes. Just sayin'.

***UPDATE*** So we went back to Target and tried on the bigger size and OMG it didn't fit! So Bardolf is going to be a Mouse. He picked it out yo. IDK why. It IS like the cutest thing EVER though. Will post pictures when it is closer to Halloween of all three. Stay tuned!

Then I Was All Like 'TIME OUT FOR YOU SISTER!'

Disclaimer: This blog post may offend, disturb, and concern all of you that are good, loving, nurturing parents who actually know how to raise children with firm and loving or gentle and guiding parenting philosophies. I apparently have NO F-ING IDEA WHAT THE HELL I AM DOING and it will be painfully apparent. Just know that I never beat my children, I just drink after they go to bed and start over the next day. Oh, and no worries about having a responsible, sober adult. Caspian is sober (because he wants to take advantage of my drunk ass later) so the juveniles are always in at least one set of capable hands.

Muirne is just really pissing me off right now. I know a lot of it is her age. A lot of it is her hair (damn redheads) and a lot of it is her brother (little deviant is an instigator). Recently though she is becoming the kind of child that no one wants to be around because SHE LOST HER DAMN HEARING AND FORGOT HOW TO LISTEN TO ADULTS IN CHARGE OF HER!

She didn't really lose her hearing, but for shits sake if she doesn't start turning up her hearing aids (as I call it when she doesn't listen--figure of speech people) I am going to f-ing lose it. I can't go anywhere or do anything without CONSTANTLY repeating every single thing I have said to her at least five times.

Muirne, please get your hairbrush (TIMES FIVE)

Muirne, please feed Lizzard, she is hungry (TIMES FIVE THEN I DO IT)

Muirne, please pick up your toys (TIMES FIVE THEN I START PICKING UP MYSELF)

Muirne, please....(TIMES FIVE THOUSAND)!!!

Okay so I know I need to follow through and punish, but seriously she doesn't give a shit and honestly I am not sure what pisses me off more. The fact she doesn't listen in the first place or that she obviously has lost or never gained respect for my authority. The worst part is now it is all her relationships that are being affected. Anyone who tells her to do anything has to constantly repeat themselves. Grammie, Caspian, Ballet instructor, Bardolf, ANYONE!

Seriously I am at a loss. I really don't know what to do, but if things don't change I am afraid that she and I are going to have a REALLY CRAPTASTIC next 12+ years.

Thankful Thursday: Fortunate with Family

This past week I have been reminded over and over how fortunate I am to have such wonderful family. Sometimes I need to remember to not take the love I am surrounded by for granted, so I wanted to focus on my family for today's Thankful Thursday.

I am so Grateful and Thankful for:

• My Grandma "GG" who though in her 80's still manages to make time to watch my kids for me anytime I need her to. Who never forgets to tell me she loves me and means every word she says.


• My In-laws, who truly are some of the best people on Earth. Their compassion, love, humor and devotion to those around them is contagious. I am so lucky to have married into their beautiful family.


• My Dad who always takes my phone calls, even if it isn't the best time to talk. Who has always been not only a loving and supportive father, but a loving and supportive friend.


• My parent's spouses. Both my parents are celebrating their first anniversaries this year to new spouses. I am not sure how it happened, but I absolutely love and adore the people that they have chosen to spend the rest of their lives with.


• My Mom, who is my best friend. We were not always close , especially through my teenage years, but she always loved me and showed it. I am so fortunate to have such a wonderful example of a mother to follow.


• My Brother, who will drop everything if I need him. Our relationship is taking on new phases in our adult life and I can't wait to see how we grow as friends.


• My Husband, Caspian. I could go on and on, but after nearly 7 years of marriage, two kids, a mental dog, job changes, and life challenges, there is no other person I would want by my side.


• And last but of course not least, my gorgeous, precious, rambunctious, full of life children, who have taught me how to really love. Quick to hug, laugh, love, kiss, and LIVE in every moment of every day, just because they can.

So Nutty Readers, who are you thankful for and why?

Garage sales, Prozac, Parks, Comcast,Rodents and Black Lights.

So I had this whole other post in the works, but then I got a phone call this morning that changed everything. FOR THE BETTER. I am so glad now that I didn't complain and publish my last post.

Anyhoo here are some bullets of random-ness for you from squirrelly-ville:

• Having a garage sale tomorrow and Saturday because I have lost my mind. Should be loads of fun!
• The Prozac and tranquilizers are working quite well for Lizzard, but I feel a little guilty that her walking into the wall on garbage day amused me.
• Haven't been back to walk at the park since the last incident with Muirne. Not sure how I am going to approach it next week when we try again.
• Comcast had to run a new line from the box to our house because some sort of rodent chewed through the old line and killed our box. Yummy.
• When at the park I had to use the bathroom and on my way in a mouse tried to get out. I think we scared each other enough though because as I cowered in the stall, he cowered behind the garbage can.
• I bought a black light to find the hidden pee-pee spots from Lizzard on Garbage Days and thought it would be interesting to see what else would show up. BAD IDEA by the way. I will be scrubbing the walls once I have finished with the garage sale:

(That is the "Handiwork" of Bardolf)

Miss My Stretch-Marks??

So the Stretch-Marked Six-Pack trek is going slow. I started it a couple weeks ago and then we went out of town, and started swimming and Muirne had her ballet recital, and I got totally lazy (that enough excuses for you, yes?) and I just have been SLACKING. So Even though this is week four we are calling a do-over and starting at week one again. Because I am SUCKTASTIC I am even going to give you pictures, again, of the front AND side views. I know, you are so excited you can't hardly wait. I also am going to measure my waist, pooch and love handles. I am not posting the measurements (I do have SOME pride people) but I will post whether I have gained or lost inches (or millimeters, whatever it takes). So without further ado here are the soon to be slim and sexy stretch-mark six-pack abs:

For more 5K Ass Challenge participants click the button on my sidebar or visit Mrs. G at Derfwad Manor!

Baby it's Cold Outside!!

The nuttiness is on hold until further notice because of inclement weather. The residents of Squirrelly-Ville are too busy sledding, making snow angels, throwing snowballs and having an all around BLAST! We will resume normal broadcast when the snow melts or we run out of hot chocolate, whichever comes first.

Thankful Thursday: Coming Together

If you have been following my blog (or have known me in real life for any amount of time) you probably know that we have had a long and frustrating journey waiting for Caspian's promotion. To make a long story short, Caspian should have promoted nearly three years ago, but because of issues that had nothing to do with Caspian, but instead those above him, he had to wait. In May he finally got the chance to promote, and was put on the list for promotion. His company chooses the best fit for each position that opens up off of the applicants on that list. We thought that he would have been chosen by now, but he has not. However, it seems now that there is a bigger and better plan for him and us.

Today, I am thankful not only that Caspian has a wonderful career that supports our family, but that he will very soon be rewarded for his patience and hard work. I am so grateful that despite our frustrations we did our best to keep our focus on our goals and to know that there is a perfect plan for us. We are surrounded by family and friends that support and encourage us during this time and for that we are able to enjoy the moments this journey brings. It's all coming together! We are truly fortunate!



Please link directly to your Thankful Thursday post and then back here. Feel free to grab the picture at the top to use on your blog! Thanks!

It's Garbage Day--Trauma Tuesdays

I really, really hate to complain, in fact I make a very conscious effort to look for ways to be grateful as much as possible, but I. Hate. Garbage. Day.

I took Lizzard on her walk this morning (at 5:30am thank you very much) and of course being that it is Tuesday our morning stroll was nothing like the relaxing exercise meant to start our morning. Oh no, we got the joy of actually watching the yard debris hauler lift the brown bins with the evil arm of the truck and bang the grass clippings into the back of the beast. Sheer terror fills every little fluffy bone in her body and as far as she is concerned her little terrorist life is over.

We continue our walk of hell for the next 30 minutes and I contemplate why it is that I wanted a dog to being with and then why Caspian decided we *had* to have a terrorist instead of a dog known for being at least somewhat sane like a Lab or heck even a cocker spaniel has more sanity then Lizzard. As I get lost in my thoughts one of the debris haulers buddies drives by letting out a loud hiss of the air breaks which sends Lizzard into a pulling frenzy snapping me out of my thoughts of golden retriever goodness and back to the realization that the pavement and I may soon become friends if I don't high-tail it back home before the refuse hauler comes.

Of course I have called the rescue group about her issues and they were "unaware" she had issues...unaware my arse.... I also called the Vet for advice and well they suggested one thing. Sedatives--like the kind they give dogs on Independence day--that and Doggie Prozac. Well ya know it does work for people!

I am still waiting for Cesar to come rescue us from the trauma of Tuesdays, but until then we will endure the fluffy fury of our furry friend, Lizzard the Terrorist.

I Don't Care If You Are Cold...

...I am NOT turning on the furnace! It is JUNE for crying out loud! Where did Spring go and is Summer coming????

Winter Wonderland (T.T.)

Caspian has been on vacation this week, but with Muirne in school until the 19th we have kept our vacation plans close to home. Luckily we have much to do in the Winter in Squirrelly-Ville!

Caspian hung lights.

Bardolf....

...and Muirne decorated the tree.

We let our hair blow in the breeze...


...And enjoyed the lights form the car at the race track.


We Ooohed and Awwed at the lights....



....and posed with the animals at the Zoo.

Mostly, we laughed.

**Just noticed that Caspian says something about "poop" in the background on that video...Bwahahaha!!**

Please link directly to your Thankful Thursday post and then back here. Feel free to grab the picture at the top to use on your blog! Thanks!

Shimmery Summer Skin in an Instant! (Hot Mommas Know)

I had the joy of having my make-up done at the Smashbox counter about a month back. I already had a crush on their cosmetics but their Body Lights Glowing Lotion is simply stunning--even on the palest complexion. I absolutely adore how it gives a tint of color and a little shine that really makes your skin glow beautifully. Plus the very light scent doesn't interfere with my perfume--but it smells nice enough you don't have to wear any scent other then it! Oh and don't be afraid to put this everywhere--a little goes a long way! It even is great for a little glow for your cheeks!