You May See "L" for Loser

But I see #1!

Hope you have a weekend full of #1's and no Losers!

xoxo,

Thankful Thursday: Week One

So not to get all mushy here, but I think that I would like to start taking time on Thursdays to write out what I am thankful for that has happened in the past week, or people I am thankful for, or projections of gratitude for the future. Feel free to join me and if you post something you are thankful for leave your link in the comments! Happy Thursday everyone!

For some time now I have kept a Gratitude Journal that I write in before bed each night. I have found that making a list right before bed sets me up for peaceful thoughts and I drift to sleep easily and contentedly. For this first Thankful Thursday I wanted to tell you the first three things I write in my journal every night.

I am Thankful and Grateful for:

• My children, their life, love and health


• My husband, his life, love and health


• MY life, love and health

Seems simple, right? That is the beauty of writing things that you may take for granted but really should be aware and thankful for daily! I surprise myself when I get butterflies EVERY TIME I write those three phrases at night. No matter what happens throughout my day those three things don't ever seem to change and I can always be thankful for my family.

So nutty readers! What are you thankful for today!?

Bowling is a Sport, Right?

I am so sore. I mean hurts to walk, sit stand, move period sore. I had an impromptu workout session Saturday evening. I wish I could say it was one of Mark's spectacular routines that has me downing the Ibuprofen and reaching for ice packs, but it is much more embarrassing then soreness from not working out in a while.

I went Bowling.

My hips, thighs, butt and forearm (right only) are so sore TWO DAYS after bowling three games Saturday. Caspian thinks it's the funniest thing ever and with each mumble and groan takes jabs at my all too apparent state of physical impairment.

I know that I need to work out. I know that I am a better place not just physically, but mentally when I do. I know that the two 24 oz beers I downed while at the bowling alley is not helping my cause. I know that the drive thru meal on the way also is to my detriment, yet I do it anyway.

What the Hell is wrong with me?

The sore, burning and annoying pain is a huge wake-up call. There are no more excuses. I need to make some changes and I need to do it now. I am diving in head first and not coming up for air.

• No longer will I be out of breath when I play tag with my kids.
  
• No longer will I groan when picking up my bulk food items to heave them into the cart.
  
• No longer will I ignore yard work because I just don't feel like putting forth the exertion.
• No longer will I order take out because I don't feel like throwing together a salad.
• No longer will I be sore for days after Bowling.

Hold me accountable Nutty Readers. The dawn of Squirrelly Buffness has come. Be afraid. Be very afraid.

Photo stolen from here

Friends, Freebies and Freedom! (WFMW)

With my Hair-do appointment coming up Friday, I was scrambling to get someone to watch the Juveniles for me. My Hair Goddess is very hard to get in to and doesn't have a lot of late afternoon appointments, nor does she work weekends. This of course makes it almost impossible to get a sitter for the kids unless it is planned out weeks in advance, usually ending up with one of my parents taking a half day off work. Granted I am super fortunate that I have such fantastic parents that would even consider doing it for me, but I feel guilty.

I could do this:

But I only do that for time-outs. Three hours would be a bit much I think. (Just so you all know this is not my child. I stole the pic from Photobucket.)

The other option is hiring a sitter. Well at $100 or more a pop to get my hair done (I know, I know, ridiculous-ness but it makes me happy and Caspian likes me Blonde) I just have a hard time spending the extra money on a sitter.

Lucky for me I have fabulous friends. Friends whose children I have watched when they were in a pinch or needed to get some things done sans juveniles. Friends who I TRUST. These friends and I swap childcare. Perfect option to get away guilt-free and not having to incur the cost of child-care.

This Friendly Freebie Works for me!

Slowly Back Away From the Crumbs

My mom has this annoying habit of wiping up any and all crumbs when she comes over. Its like she finds the ONLY crumbs I missed and starts obsessively wiping the entire counter space until all the crumb micro particles are gone. She also does this with the floor. She will even go so far as to get out my broom while we are visiting and start sweeping. What the Hell, Mom?

Now I am a pretty good housekeeper. This crumb catching that my mom is doing is seriously messing with my OCD and making me feel all sorts of inadequate. It is making me insane. It's to the point that if I don't sweep and wipe down the counters and vacuum before she comes over I start getting all twitchy and spazzy. It's like I need a Valium if the Dyson hasn't had a spin around the living room before her visits.

The worst part is that she is totally oblivious to the fact that a) she is doing it at b) that it makes me want to be all Heloise or I will totally lose my shit before the visit is over. You know what? I totally can't say ANYTHING about it either. Because she is my MOM, yo, and it will hurt her feelings.

So I will just have my beverage of choice at the ready and watch her clean the crumbs. I either have to drink or I will end up rocking in the corner, stroking my lover Dyson all the while chanting that the dust bunnies need the micro particle crumbs for dinner. See, I really have no choice, besides those little fluffy freeloaders never leave me a tip.

Distracted (Thankful Thursdays)

I am thankful today. Really. I am just completely distracted. Muirne has been out of school all week because of one of the biggest snow storms to hit the NW since I was a child. I have an extra almost three year old today because his daycare was closed but his mom had to work. Yeah, can you believe that? He is a doll though and it's good for the juveniles to have another friend. Plus I have had my mom here on and off as she waits for rides to and from work, because she can't get out of her drive/street in her car. Also we are once again waiting on news about a promotion for Caspian. That is the last time I am mentioning that until it actually happens. You're welcome.

So today with my distracted mind I want to still take the time to be grateful.

Today, I am grateful that we have a warm, dry, safe and happy home to keep not only us safe, but any who need to be here with us as well.

Lizzard Grins--She is So Mental. (MMLM)

Lizzard smiles.

I mean she will be doing normal dog stuff: Sleeping, playing, scratching. Then all of a sudden she will be still and quiet. Of course that makes you look at her and she is doing this:

So I walk around and look at her from another angle--all the while she stays eerily still:

So I get in a little closer and try and figure out what in the world she is doing:

As I come around one more time to get a good look at her she remains completely still, other then to bare her teeth in a larger nuttier grin:

Is there any doubt now that this Dog is not right and that the Prozac is completely warranted? No, I didn't think so.

For more Grins visit:

Thankful Thursday: Thanksgiving Edition

Another year has passed and looking back I am blown away by the way my life and my families has changed. We have so much to be grateful for. When I reflect on all that has happened, the good outweighs the bad tenfold and I know that life will constantly get better. These are the top five reasons I am thankful and grateful for my life the past year:

1. My family is healthy, strong and unified.
   
2. The promotion we have been waiting for is just around the corner and will be better then we first imagined.
   
3. We are blessed with loving extended families who constantly rejoice with us and offer support when needed.
4. We celebrated seven years of marriage and are excited to share many more.
5. The knowledge that by keeping our hearts focused on love, joy, life and heath we can accomplish all our goals and dreams.

Enjoy your Thanksgiving Holiday. Remember to laugh, love and live in a way that brings you joy. Most of all, be Thankful.

xoxo,
KD

*I posted early because of Thanksgiving. Have a wonderful Holiday with your family and friends!

Remember to link directly to your Thankful Thursday post and to link back here. Feel free to take the Thankful Thursday picture to use! Thanks for joining in!!

Because I am tired but promised to post something

Here are some pictures that I took last Friday of the juveniles. Seriously I can not believe how fantastic they turned out. I have plans to print and frame several! Oh and a reunion update is coming once I get my hands on some pictures! That story will be interesting. Stay tuned!

Now without further ado, my photogenic angels!

How to torture your two and a half year old.

So we decided it was time to take Bardolf in for his first real haircut. Caspian was due for a cut as well so we headed out this morning to a local barber's shop geared for men. It was a neat place with several big TVs and sports plaques all over the walls. Of course the fact that there are adorable women doting on all the men probably doesn't hurt their bottom line.

Anyhoo, we had Bardolf all excited to be getting his hair cut like a big boy and that he also got to do it with Daddy. He was all smiles and giggles until it was actually his turn. Then our sweet little boy turned into this:

"This is NOT what I signed up for"

"Do you see what she is doing mommy?"

"How could you let her do this to me?"

"Wait, that's it?"

"Hey that lady is pretty! And I look handsome!"

As you can see we just did a trim. We just can't bring ourselves to actually really cut all his hair off (and the hairdresser didn't want to either). As we left we asked him if he thought he might want to do that again in a little while. He said "No, no tank-qoo".

"We can't go there! That place is for MEN."

Actual conversation in the car tonight on the way to dinner. We picked up Caspian from work because he wants to drive the Nova in tomorrow (he usually drives a service truck) and we decided to get some Mexican food at our *fav* hole-in-the-wall on the way home. This conversation insued I *crap* you not:

KD: "Let's go to Mexican food."

Caspian: "Do you want to go to Los volcanes or the other place on the way?"

KD: "Yeah lets go there. I like that place the best"

Caspian: "Me too."

Muirne: "Me too!"

Bardolf: "Mettttoooo!!!"

Caspian pointing to one of *many* strip clubs around Squirrelly-Ville (which is the strip club/porn capital of the US I *crap* you not): "Hey we could go there."

KD: "Oh sure that would be FAB, heard they have good chicken BREASTS."

Caspian: "Well it's not true Mexican, but the atmosphere is entertaining."

Muirne: "We can't go there! That place is for MEN."

Bardolf: "Dat for Meeennnsss!!"

Caspian and KD speechless...then bursting into laughter.

KD: "Where does she get this stuff? What are you teaching her when I am not around?"

Caspian: "That is all her. I swear."

KD: "Yeah RIIIIGHT."

Works For Me Wednesday-Free Water Fun!

"Mom, I'm Bored" Edition of WFMW

Fun, Free, and refreshing! What could be better then a visit to the local fountain or spray park with friends? We pack a picnic lunch, grab the towels, sunscreen and our lawn chairs and we are guaranteed to have a blast splashing around to cool off! Best part is that they are all free! We have several fountains and water parks in Squirrelly-ville so there is not boredom of venue. I have to say that we have not gotten bored yet and plan on spending many hot days there this summer!

The Obligatory Trick-or-Treat Pictures

What am I going to do with myself?

My MIL (Mom-in-law aka Gramma L) picked up Muirne today and will have her FOR THE WHOLE WEEKEND! Maybe even through Monday. Bardolf is unaware that she has gone to Gramma and Papa's (Papa J) house so when he wakes up he will be pretty po-ed, but Muirne needed the time alone with G & P.



Anyhoo, we have a pretty busy weekend planned. This afternoon we are having an early dinner with my Aunt and my Cousin who is in from Cali. After that we are going to a baseball game for my nephew's B-day (cross your fingers Bardolf makes it through the first inning). Tomorrow my mom (grammy) and her husband (T) are taking little Bardolf to visit with T's parents and then HE IS STAYING THE NIGHT WITH THEM!!



Caspian and I are having an afternoon/evening with friends and then back home. All alone! What are we going to do with ourselves???? I do know that I will be sleeping in. Caspian better not start that lawnmower before 9am. I'm just sayin'



Have a fabulous weekend my dear readers (all five of you)!



xoxo



-KD

If you are the praying, visualizing, hoping, positive kind....

ore any kind who is able to send positive thoughts in any way our direction we would be appreciative!

I posted earlier this week that I needed it to be Friday. I got my hair done (and it looks FABULOUS btw) but that is not important. What is important is that things went really well in Caspian's job world and the dominoes are starting to fall in the proper sequence. Please, please think of us in Squirrelly-Ville over the next few weeks. This would be a great next move for us and we could finally start settling and feeling at home.

So any thoughts, inspirations, prayers, whatever you can offer would be greatly felt, loved and appreciated.

xoxo

-KD

I got nothin'

This is the week we wait to hear on some possible promotion opportunities for Caspian, so my Adult ADD has fully kicked in and I just can't concentrate long enough to put together cohesive thoughts, let alone string them together to compose a post that is actually worth reading (umm run-on sentence KD?). I apologize my five faithful readers. Truly. I promise to at least post pictures of Muirne from Ballet Camp that she started today. Look for those tomorrow. At least then you can enjoy cuteness in the absence of words.

Because Channelling My Grandma in the Bedroom is HOT

Since I have been taking my domestic duties more seriously and keeping up on my laundry I noticed something. I have the sleepwear collection of my 82 year old grandma. I am 28 people, NOT 88. It's not like I think I need to look like a lingerie model every night, (not that I would ever look like one without some help from a plastic surgeon) but it is truly embarrassing.

In the days before children we mostly slept in the buff (sorry dad, stop reading) then progressed into more and more clothing as the years progressed. Mostly for the simple fact that I didn't want to have to get dressed five thousand times a night when I got up to feed, change and/or soothe a child. Plus now that they are getting older I don't think them coming in the middle of the night to hop into bed with mom and dad after a bad dream or fever that they should find their parents all nekkid (seriously I need at least 5 more years before " The Talk").

Our seven year anniversary is coming up on the 17th of November (well our legal anniversary, we eloped then had a formal wedding 6 months later, that's a whole 'nother story) and it would not hurt one bit to make a little more effort in the bedroom department to keep things lively and fresh (dad if you are still reading this, I am sorry). Because I basically have no shame here is the evidence of the sorry excuse for "nighties" I am tempting Caspian with:

Articles 1 and 2, the robes. Both were given to me by my Father-in-law for the births of the juveniles. The purple for Muirne and the Blue for Bardolf. They are matted, fuzzed and faded. Pretty hot, and did you catch that I said from my FATHER-IN -LAW?

Articles 3 and 4, the flannel lounge pants. Not only were they purchased from a bulk buy store, but they are about 4" too short. Repeat after me. High waters anyone?

Articles 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. The cotton night shirts. Comfortable? Yes. Oozing sex appeal? Not so much.

Article 10, Tinkerbell pajamas that my mom bought me....oh my the cute and comfort. However I am not five.

And last but not least article 11. Flying Pig Pajamas. I don't think any more needs to be said.

So help me out Nutty Readers. I need some new nighttime attire. Time to let the cotton, flannel and fleece go and move on to satin, silk and lace. Of course keep in mind that I am a mom, and as mentioned before I will be seen by my children in my bedroom attire. I just really don't know what to get that is functional and sexy. I am at a loss. Oh and if you can help me out with Caspian's nightwear it would be appreciated. He claims jammies are too constricting, but there has to be a better alternative then this:

How to get your child to hate their bike 101

I am a bit frustrated. Well that is an understatement. I am really irritated and trying not to be which makes me frustrated and I really want to be supportive and encouraging. I. Just. Can't.

Muirne is not the like the Fearless Boy Wonder Bardolf. She likes water, love to swim but is has a fear that is not even healthy, but a bit extreme--even though she can swim. She also is afraid of Spiders. That one I have to take total blame for because I scream like my leg is being ripped from my body if I see one. She is also very emotional so these fears turn into crying hyperventilating tantrums. I know that the red hair has a lot to do with it. She can't help it. I also know that she (supposedly like me--I am not sure why Caspian and Grammy say that) is just wired to be more sensitive. However, she being afraid of riding her bike is seriously getting on my last nerve.

I have started walking at this fantastic park with a friend in the mornings and the plan is to have the two young ones (Bardolf and her Iz) to be in strollers and the two older ones to ride their bikes. Well her Ans is great! He would live on his bike if he could. She has to constantly yell out "Red Light" so we can catch up. Muirne on the other hand has to be constantly pushed and prodded to at least attempt to keep up. Muirne is also a year and a half OLDER then Ans. So my lovely walk with my friend and calm morning at the park turns into me being frustrated and irritated and Muirne being totally emotionally bent.

Fun.

Being that today is Garbage Day we may not go this morning. Lizzard has had all her medication and I am not sure she could handle a walk, plus I am not sure I could get Muirne back on a bike. I traumatized her enough yesterday. Maybe we will just take her scooter....

Inside my mind driving down I-5

You know when you are driving down the road and your mind starts to wander as the miles pass? Yeah, well that was me tonight driving home from my in-laws...Caspian and Muirne watched a DVD while Bardolf napped. This left me to my own devices when it came to conversation and music. I put in an eclectic mix of Oasis, Dixie Chicks, Def Leopard, an Abraham-Hicks inspirational CD, and some Christmas Music then hit random. As the miles passed and the background noise left me singing and pondering life, what ifs, and fantasies I came to a few simple conclusions:

• I quite possibly may have missed my calling as a back-up singer for a rock band. Either that or I could be a lounge singer with a classic sound like Ella Fitzgerald.
• People who drive Dodge Neons and cut me off a half dozen times in 10 miles need to take their medication.
• I have my entire bedroom redecorated for the next time we move with Caspian's pending promotion. I also think that I can do it myself...
• Bardolf is the most angelic thing napping I have ever seen.
• I have road rage urges that I completely act out in my mind, which makes me giggle to myself which in turn snaps me out of my rage. Of course I look like a moron grinning goofily as I honk my horn while I get cut off.
• While checking myself out in the mirror (dude you totally do it, don't deny it) I realized that I almost don't recognize myself with my hair dark (dyed it dark for the winter) and it makes me feel all mysterious.
• My cousins are The. Funniest. Mo'Fo's. Evah. Hands down.
• I think I look nice in green, but in reality I really don't.
• Edward was my co-pilot for a while. Don't tell Caspian.
• Range Rovers can suck it.
• I really need to start sewing the Christmas gifts that I decided I needed to make....OMG.

So umm...yeah. See what happens when the car goes quiet in Squirrelly-ville?