Wordless Wednesday

Do You Know Where Your Peeps are at?

I know exactly where my Peeps are at!!!!

If you have any questions on how to locate your Peeps read the following and you should be able to find them too.....

I'll share with you some little known facts:



1 Peep contains 32 calories and 0 grams of fat
Yellow Peeps are the most popular (Must be so that we can convince ourselves that they are closely related to fruits and vegetable,-summer squash, corn, pineapples, bananas, apples{you get the idea- at least that's what I tell myself} unlike the pink, lavender, blue and white- the next most popular ones.)
Peeps went wing free in 1991 (that's so they couldn't fly away and had to dutifully wait in each Easter basket.)
Peeps eyes are actually made of wax and are sprayed on by a machine (is that why they have that glazed over look in their eyes as they stare at me from the kitchen counter?)
The first Peeps were created in 1953 and it took 27 hours to create just one Peep
Today peeps are create at 4.2 million per day (& I probably have half of that amount in my home right now!)
Peeps shelf life.....24 months (that's two years on my HIPS people... two whole years!!!!!!!)

Enjoy some Peep entertainment on me, or a Peep game, or just get a good chuckle... after all, we do need to find something to do with all those Peeps.

Her Future is so Bright She's Gotta' Wear Shades

Just want to give a little shout out to my girl Jamie!!

Many of you don't know Jamie, so let me give a little background:

Back in junior high we were a group of four bad asses (not really but everyone once in a while I like to have delusions of grandeur) Myself, Jenny, Julie and Scarleth... we were like the female version of the brat pack (not really, but once again another delusion) we were all pretty tight and actually remained very close until our twenties when we all, one by one, got married and had kids... (I was the first, Julie soon followed, Jenny and Scarleth took their time- but I digress) Just recently, we've all fallen into each other's laps again (with kids in tow this time- some of us with many, some of us with few - hint, hint Tommy, Jenny needs another baby!)

Now this is where Jamie's biography begins:

When I finally found Julie again after many years (7 or 8, I believe) we did some major catching up... over the past few months we've stayed in contact (albeit not the kinda' contact we once had, but the kind that let's you know this person is a true friend and when you're old and grey you can still call upon them and it always feels like you never missed a beat.)

So, during our rediscovery period we shared many photos back and forth, probably just for the shock factor of how everyone has so drastically changed.(And to catch up on once infants and now preteens and of course our hubby's.) As I looked at the pictures of her last baby shower I saw all of her sisters (they are 4 girls all together) except for the youngest one, 3 year old Jamie! Where had she gone? I wondered what had happened to her and this is what I found out... strange as it may sound... she had actually grown up. I was shocked!! What happened to that cute and innocent little girl? The one who was three years old? (another one of my delusions of still being a teenager), the one whom I thought was "getting old" when she started elementary school? The one who was the "entertainment" at all of our get togethers? Where did she go?????? She went to the arena... and then made way her way to the television set! To be everyone else's "entertainment". This sweet, innocent, "little girl" tried out for a new group in the making "Girlicious". She not only had the gumption to audition but made it all the way into the finals.

As Frank, Axel and I sat around every Monday night to cheer her on, I was shocked...when in the world did she learn how to sing? Last I saw her she was still using baby words (okay, not really but being 12 years her elder it sure seems like it.) She has not only grown up and "busted" out but she has become a quite talented young lady.

We dutifully watched her each week and towards the end of the show, when the eliminations would come around I held my breath and wished that all her dreams would come true and that she would go on for another week. And, week after week she did, until this past Monday. She had made it into the final 9 of Girlicious. With each passing episode I was floored that this little girl (obviously, only "little" in my mind- Frank and Axel have reminded me of that many times over) had such talent! Unfortunately, the judges didn't see it my way and she was cut this past Monday night. But, the fact still remains... She Hawt!! And, I see a very promising career ahead for her! So Julie and Jamie, when you read this just know that I won't think you're strange if the next time I get a bundle of pictures and Jamie is wearing sunglasses indoors... I know it's a necessity when your future is so bright that you gotta' wear shades. Good luck Jamie, you're going to go far!

Wordless Wesnesday

Even a princess can have a hard day....

Come Back, Don't Leave Me

So as some of you may have discovered by now, I have been cheating. Cheating on my Sleep Deprived Ramblings, cheating on YOU!!!
Ohhhh, how I grovel for your forgiveness.... how could I ever make it up to you? I'll do whatever it takes, to prove my continued devotion to you... anything, your wish is my command!

Wha'?!?

You wha'??

You wanna know wha'?

You wanna' know all about my other love?

Will that actually make you feel better? You want to know all of the torrid details???

Well, if you insist, and I remind you, that I am only doing this because you begged! I've.... ummmmmmmm, been cheating with........ ummmmmmmmmmm, another BLOG! There I said it.... ANOTHER BLOG!!!

Are you happy now?

Any more questions???

Wha'?!?

Now, you wanna' know wha'?!?

Now you want to know all about this other blog?

Are you sure this will help mend things between us?

Fine.... the blog is An Apple For Mom !

Are you proud of yourself now.... I hope this is enough to satisfy your curiosity!

Wha', you still aren't satisfied?

Now you want to know what it looks like?!?

You sure aren't easy to please...

Okay, if I introduce you will you forgive me and forget the whole cheating thing???

You will?!?!

GREAT... okay, stroll on over but don't leave me for it... as tempting as it may be. Please come back to me... I promise you can go back and visit often, just don't abandon me!!!!! Go ahead now, go.... as they say:

"I'll set you free, if you come back it was meant to be!"

My Ribs Hurt from Laughing Not from Fighting

21

Homeschooling Anonymous

Hi my name is Maddie, and I am a homeschooler.

Many people believe we homeschoolers should be in hiding or need social rehab. They believe they are freaks, social misfits, extremist, religious fundamentalist, hippies, granola crunchers, Birkenstock wearers, hallelujah-ist, ill informed, uneducated tramps, indoctrinating tyrants the list goes on and on....

And yes, the truth is there is every degree of belief, every degree of seriousness, every degree of everything. There are the ones who homeschool strictly for religious reasons and those who homeschool for simply being able to teach their own unpopular beliefs. There are those who homeschool because it's what they know and those who homeschool because of the novelty or even because they accidentally fell into it. There are those that homeschool because they refuse to adhere to governmental standards, and those who homeschool because they believe the government is failing our children.

The reality is that homeschoolers are not freaks. Simply parents that are exercising their personal right to educate their children in the way they see best. These are people who take personal interest in their children's everyday lives. Not to say that parents of mainstreamed children do not share the same interest in their children's lives, but homeschoolers feel personally responsible for their children's upbringing. They feel the buck stops with them. Homeschooling is a very personal choice and often time a difficult choice. Difficult because the buck does stop with them. There is no school system to blame for their children's shortcomings. There is no one to blame for their children's lack of knowledge. They are solely responsible for not only their children's education but for their "socialization", their willingness to adapt, their willingness to be assertive. Their willingness to be adventurous. These are just a few of the issues that homeschooling families deal with. They can always opt out and say, "This is too much work for me. This is too intense for me. I need a day off." But there is something about being able to have such a direct role in your child's upbringing... something that speaks to the core of you, something that makes it just as important as teaching them to walk for the first time. As you witness your child learn and take interest in the fundamentals of something, you then realize that, so many parents miss out on these special moments. The truth is, children in today's typical classroom environment may never really even have an opportunity to seriously delve into something, out of pure interest. They miss too many opportunities, all while waiting for Billy to return from the bathroom before continuing the lesson. Or, being pushed through a lesson simply because they need an extra moment or two to work out a problem but, of course the big test is on Friday and "we need to learn this one last thing, before the end of class." What happened to the joy of learning? I'll share with you the elusive answer... Standardized tests, overcrowded classrooms, budget cuts and no child left behind acts, in general: plain apathy for our children.

My answer to our country's choice to put our children last? To overlook the importance of knowing where Africa is on a map; instead of who a senator is sleeping with? MY ANSWER: HOMESCHOOL!!! So here I stand on my soapbox and proudly announce:

My Name is Maddie, and I am a Homeschooler.

Wordless Wednesday

Did you know???

Homeschooling in the Garden State just tagged me, and it being my first official tag. I am kinda':

Choose one:

A.) Nervous
B.) Excited
C.) Nausea
D.) Annoyed
E.) Confused
F.) None of the above

Okay for all of you that chose "F", let me know and I'll tag you next time. I actually think its kinda' cool and flattering that someone may want to know 5 facts about me, not saying that anyone else out there wants to know but since Kate decided for everyone (you can all drop by her blog and thank her later), you will all be subjected to it as well. It's all because {she} "likes me, {she} really, really likes me..." ***Quick name the source of the quote...***

Alright here goes:

Rules: Link to your tagger and post these rules. Share 5 facts about yourself. Tag 5 people at the end of your post and list their names (linking to them). Let them know they've been tagged by leaving a comment at their blogs.

1. My hubby and I played doctor tonight, he was the doctor I was the patient and he gave me a rare diagnosis, he informed me that I suffer from a newly diagnosed chronic affliction: Laptoposis - the condition which afflicts those with laptops, these (us) poor souls feeling the need to constantly multitask by doing everything while lugging the laptop, as if it were an appendage, all around the house (e.g.the couch, the kitchen, the bed, the bathroom... yes everywhere- that we can carve out a spare moment or two.)

2. I suppose the diagnosis was long incoming, since finding a new homeschool group and Gabby finally being old enough to attend story time at the library, I have overcome my self imposed Agoraphobia. I now suffer from Oikophobia. Fortunately, he hasn't realized the latter and therefore I dodged a double diagnosis. (He'll surely figure it out by next week.)

3. I swear I have the body of Kate Moss (no I didn't eat her)... of course hiding under the 50+ pounds of post pregnancy baby weight (dating back to the child born in the nineties- but why be specific? She in there I swear!)

4. My head is just swimming with useless knowledge. I know a little about everything and very little about anything. I attribute this to my photographic memory. I can recall things 15-25 years later with scary accuracy. My poor Frank can't get away with anything, but then again I am his virtual date book planner/ address book/ and record keeper. He has to give a little to get so much. Right? (That's at least the Bill of Rights, I've sold him!)

5. I live with the regret that I haven't been able to give my son some of the same opportunities I had as a child. My parents were wise enough to make my brother and I "world travelers". It taught us how to be accepting over others in all their own different lights. How to respect people not in spite of their differences but because of their differences. People are different but deep inside all the same no matter where you are in the world. MY son, regrettably has not had these same opportunities (due to circumstance not desire) but I hope that he learns through my example to be just as accepting of others.

So now I must tag: Ummmmmmm, who do I want to know more about? It's hard I want to tag everyone (even the ones on the wait list- waiting to be added to my blogroll)

Life in Full Swing While Running Though Hoops (Newbie- that can use a litle push or really by this point a HUGE shove!)

Adventures of Plenty

School N Such

Gottfredsen Academy

Yasmina Green


Trivia Answer:
***"You like me, you really like me," a thrilled Sally Field in 1985, gushed while accepting her second Oscar in five years.***

Hollerin' at all my Sunshine Peeps

For those who live in Florida y'all know ya' special, me oyes? Y'all are special, and not just in the short bus way, but in the way that Florida is a small country in and of itself!

The Northern portion might as well be renamed from "The Panhandle" to "L.A." (lower Alabama).

The Central Statians/ Stators(This one will be up for debate and discussion in a later post) are all over the map; you have people coming off a family tree that looks like a telephone pole, "city slickers"- of course in the regimented flip flops, beach bums or babes (with corresponding body parts hanging out), and an open tailgate pick-up truck load of people that yell "Oye, ese!, Andale!"

And then last but not least, you have The Jewel of the state or the sh*thole of the state, depending what part of the state you are currently standing in. The Southern (which is south only by definition) ques es un arroz con mango of Hispanos, not Latinos but Hispanos (this too will be up for debate and discussion in a later post.)

Tha's right y'all son especial!!!Be proud of living in a state where the world depends on our ability to count hanging CHADS to determine who will be leader of the free world, be proud to be part of a state that that has mandatory legislation demanding that all official papers be distributed in English as well as Spanish (the state's official native tongue, apparently) be proud to be from a state where one can find a sign in a store front which ironically reads "Si, hablamos Ingles" and when a English mono linguist enters a store and addresses the clerk in English is ushered out for not speaking this state's native language- Sheeesh! Don't all youz know how lucky you are to be a Floridian!!! And if by chance you answered "no", then read below and realize that you have long been brain-washed into thinking that Florida Peeps are normal. Just know that you're not!


You know you're a Floridian if-

..Socks are only for bowling.

..You never use an umbrella because you know the rain will be over
in five minutes.

.A good parking place has nothing to do with distance from the
store, but everything to do with shade. Uh Hum, AMEN!!!Especially during the ***Summer***

..Your winter coat is made of denim.

..You can tell the difference between fire ant bites and mosquito
bites.

..You're younger than thirty but some of your friends are over 65.

..Anything under 70 is chilly.

..You pass on the right and honk at the elderly, but pull over for a
funeral.

..You've driven through Yeehaw Junction.

..You could swim before you could read.

..You have to drive north to get to The South.

..You know that no other grocery store can compare to Publix (*Sigh*... ahhhhhhhh,Publix!)

..Every other house in your neighborhood had blue roofs in 2004-
2005.

..You've gotten out of school early on Halloween to trick or treat
before it got dark

..You know that anything under a Category 3 just isn't worth waking
up for.

..You dread lovebug season (to the point that you don't even get the mail during those weeks.)

..You are on a first name basis with the Hurricane list. They aren't
Hurricane Charley, Hurricane Frances...but Charley, Frances, Ivan
Jeanne and ANDREW!!!

..You know what a snowbird is and you hate them.

..You think a six-foot alligator is actually pretty average.

..You were twelve before you ever saw snow, or you still haven't.

..'Down South' means "the Keys" (for those of you from the actual United States that's "Key West")

..'Panhandling' means going to Pensacola

..You think no-one over 70 should be allowed to drive "Hear Ye, Hear Ye!!!"

..Flip-flops are everyday wear.

..Shoes are for business meetings and church.

.No, wait, flip flops are good for church too, unless it's Easter or
Christmas.

..Sweet tea can be served at any meal.

..An alligator once walked through your neighborhood.

..You smirk when a game show's 'Grand Prize' is a trip or cruise to
Florida (We all feel sorry for you poor saps that actually get excited, and then even more so should it be during the ***summer***!!)

..You measure distance in minutes.

..You have a drawer full of bathing suits, and one sweatshirt.

..You get annoyed at the tourists who feed seagulls (but secretly laugh when they end up getting pooped on)

..All the local festivals are named after a fruit.

..A mountain is any hill 100 feet above sea level.

..You think everyone from a bigger city has a northern accent.

***..You know the four seasons really are: almost summer, summer, not
summer but really hot, and February.****

..It's not soda, cola, or pop. It's coke, regardless of brand or
flavor, 'What kinda coke you want?'

..Anything under 95 is just warm.

..You've hosted a hurricane party (and were past out during Frances- *wink, wink*, Frank)

..You go to a theme park for an afternoon, and know when to get on
the best rides. (Space Mountain during the Electric Light Parade!)

..You understand the futility of exterminating cockroaches and burning candles to get rid of mosquitoes.

..You can pronounce Okeechobee, Kissimmee, Ichnatucknee,
Withlacoochee, and Wauchula.

..You understand why it's better to have a friend with a boat, than
have a boat yourself. (especially at $3.30 gallon!)

..Bumper stickers on the pickup in front of you include: various
fish, NRA, Nascar, Go Gators, and a confederate flag (if anywhere North of Miami, if in Miami or down South, they must all be in Spanish and spew some condemnation of Communism!)

..You were 5 before you realized they made houses without pools.

..You were 25 when you first met someone who couldn't swim.

..You get angry when people say ' Florida isn't really part of the
SOUTH.'

..You've worn shorts and a tank top and ran the A/C all day on Christmas.

..You know what the 'stingray shuffle' is, and why it's important!

..You recognize Miami-Dade as ' Northern Cuba '.

..You've chuckled or peed after reading any one of these.

You are my -----

I really don't know what made me think of it, maybe the sadness of not living near my loved ones or the thought that life is so fragile and fleeting. I have yet to keep my own personal vow of sitting down write letters to my oldest, middle, or youngest child. Though I have written them many times over in my head. I haven't written a letter to my mother in many years and nor have I written my brother. My husband receives the obligatory holiday cards and the "just thinking of you" cards, but a love letter is long in coming. I always fear that I may die and my young children would never "know" their mother. They wouldn't know me as their friend nor as their esteemed advisor. At this point my oldest would know me as a nagger, a chore lister, a the person whose constant is "you'll understand my reasoning when you get older." While I know he has no doubt about my unwavering love, my unconditional devotion, and his greatest champion, he does not, however know me as a "person" and "chosen" friend, a role model. At this moment I am fulfilling my role as a MOTHER. My younger two solely know me as the nourisher, the "teacher", the silly song singer, and of course the kiss stealer. But, they have yet known me as a person and I fully know those days are far off in the distance. I do relish every role I play in their lives and only hope that I will be fortunate enough to play these roles until the day comes when they favor me as a friend. My mother hasn't heard my words of her importance in mine and my children's lives in quite a while and my brother has never known my admiration for accomplishments and his convictions of always being true to himself first, nor of my deep love for him for being the only other soul roaming this planet that can understand where I have been and why I am going. And my wonderful husband, hasn't been gifted in quite some time in knowing how truly special he is, what an admirable man, father and husband. He has heard plenty of complaints, but not nearly enough compliments. Plenty of "honey dos", but not enough accolades. Plenty of.... everything he shouldn't have to continuously hear and not enough of everything he should continually hear.

I only mentioned writing these particular letters to some of the most important people in my life and yes, there are many other people that are deserving of a letter from me- my other loved ones- friends as well as family, I don't quite think they each know what they mean to me individually and collectively. I would write my children many things in their letters; my hopes and dreams for them, advice I hope they would treasure, stories of my childhood told in my own voice, the things I found important in life and the dreams I have always had. My letter to family and friends would be filled with the gratitude of being a part of my life, filled with "our" stories, with the hopes and dreams I have for them. Every letter would be filled with love and all those other things I never find the time for. All those things I put on the back burner. All those things that are assumed the other person knows. Until the time my legacy letters are penned, I share my favorite poem of all time... and for all of you that read it please know that I am thankful you are not only in my dash, you all have made my dash worth writing about.


The Dash Poem



I read of a man who stood to speak, at the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on this tombstone from beginning ….to the end.

He noted that first came his date of birth and spoke the following with tears.
But he said what mattered most of all, was the dash in between those years.

For the dash represents, all the time he spent alive on earth.
And how only those who loved him know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own; the cars, the house, the cash, what matters most is how we live and love and how we spend our dash…
So think about this long and hard. Are there things you’d like to change?

For you never know how much time is left, that can still be rearranged.
If we could just slow down enough, to consider what is true and real.
And always try to understand, the way other people feel.
And be less quick to anger, and show appreciation more,
and love the people in our lives like we’ve never loved before.
If we treat each other with respect, and more often wear a smile…
Remembering that this special dash might only last a little while.


So, when your eulogy is being read, with your life’s actions to rehash
would you be proud of the things they say and how your spent your dash?

by Linda Ellis

Wordless Wednesday

Make a slideshow - it's easy!

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This still classifies as wordless right? (afterall he isn't speaking right?) It was just too cute to pass up...

Happy Birthday, Birthday Girl

*** Disclaimer - Sappy post about to ensue- you have been warned***


Just recently my precious little princess turned a whooping 2!!! Frank and I spent the better part of the week looking at each other in awe, not being able to grasp that we now have a two year old, all we could do was repeat over and over "Can you believe she's 2 already, where did the time go? It seems like just yesterday we were rushing to the hospital and soon thereafter counting her fingers and toes for the first time." Now we are counting with her (or at least her form of counting) "Whan..., duuu...., feee...., foe...., fi....., sick, NINE!" I can't get enough of her annunciation of each word - or better yet what she believes is the proper pronunciation. She surprises us everyday with her newly mastered skills or puppy tricks. Yesterday's trick was her explaining what her baby brother is "EE, Puppy, No!" ~ "EE, baaaaaaby" ***kiss, kiss, EE on the forehead*** She was thrilled when we would repeat "That's right EE is not a puppy, he's a baby!" You would have thought she had just discovered and successfully taught the theory of relativity with all the cheering and clapping she had going on. Today, she proudly announced "Poo-poo" and grabbed her droopy diaper. Daddy took off her diaper and off she ran to the potty! She patiently sat reading a book and voila she pooped in the potty!!!! (Okay, now only a mother of a toddler or my mom would appreciate that story, but I had the uncontrollable need to share~ Yes, I am one of those moms! So sue me!)

We celebrated her birthday in a very low key manner... we had cupcakes and pizza for dinner.. we sang Happy Birthday and she blew out her candle (or at least attempted to)She cheered and clapped after each verse of the song and we smiled and cheered her on as well. Just because her birthday was low key didn't mean she was in any way cheated her on presents though (because heaven knows she and the playroom are deprived of toys.) She got a new play kitchen with more play food than she knows what to do with. But, her real big gift (as if a whole new kitchen and other miscellaneous toys are not enough) was going to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventures alone with Mommy and Daddy. This was by far her favorite present (I am interpreting this from how she relished every second and the fits of laughter and giggles that I was so fortunate to bare witness to) She had our complete undivided attention all day long. She's never really had the chance to have Mommy and Daddy all to herself, because Daddy works so hard and the house is always full of siblings. She ate up every minute of it. She had Daddy wrapped around her little finger- and not to mention Mommy too (evidenced by Mommy having to go down EVERY slide in the toddler play areas not just once or twice but infinite times). The day was all about her, no big people rides, no baby swap waiting rooms, NOPE!!! All three of us rode every single baby ride together, played in all the toddler play areas together. We've never smiled so much nor enjoyed acting so silly all day long and it was all because of our little Gabby! In all honesty it was a more of a gift for us than for our little princess. Us being able to spend time with just her is what made the whole day so special.



Princess,

We are blessed to have you in our lives. You make us so proud. Your sweet smile and loving kisses is what makes our world go around. I always dreamt of having a little girl and when I had you, I got so much more than just a little girl, I had a perfect daughter. A young lady in the making, so dainty, so loving, so thoughtful, so helpful, with cute little pigtails to match. We are truly lucky to have you as our daughter... Thank you.

We love you,
Daddeeeeeee and Mama
(Axel and EE too!)

Make a slideshow - it's easy!

No Really, I Don't Want to Explain it ALL

Okay so my last 2 weeks are a wash... no really I don't want to explain it all, but in short my laptop crapped out on me AGAIN! Even after I sent back out once again to be repaired, it was sent back still in non functioning order.... needless to say the phone call I placed wasn't pretty... I all but chewed off the poor customer reps head and spat it out. Don't they know this is my lifeline... it's how I stay in touch with all my peeps... how I earn my money and educate my children~ isn't a child's education supposed to be at the fore front of society? isn't the economy what helps the world spin on its axis?.... (okay seriously that's what the desktop is for but they didn't know all that right!?!) So back to my tirade... I fell out of the loop... how dare they, the audacity? This time they promised the problem has been repaired~ WE'LL SEE (pronounced~ Yeah Right!) And for anybody that is proclaiming "How dare she!!! She has a desktop doesn't she!" But the truth of the matter is- it's a dinosaur and moves slower with each passing day, I have it bogged down with work crap - who needs that anyways right? (well maybe the company I work for, but who asked them?) And, lest we not forget I have youngin's that run around and need my CONSTANT supervision (as I glance up from the laptop while sitting on the couch- of course!) If I am on the desktop then who would watch the little tykes as they play, climb the built ins and chew on small Lego pieces? While, yes I am a mother -and as we all know we mothers have eyes in the back of their heads- but that would mean that I also can't have my feet kicked up on the ottoman... Sheesh, I can't revert back to the stone age, you know! Therefore, the laptop must be up and running at all times!

So that now said, aren't you glad I didn't recap the whole story in detail?

I have spent the past couple of days catching up on my bloggy friends. While catching up with my blog world I made my way over to Kate's blog and found a post that truly spoke to me. It reminded me to live for each day. Cherish each moment and treasure what you have. Not to sweat the small stuff and to appreciate what we have before we lose what really matters. It was one of those days that I needed reminding... why don't you stroll on over to her little corner of the web and be reminded as well.... the last few lines are all so true! Read it and appreciate your husband's dirty socks on the floor and the kids unmade beds and overlooked chores... Love your family more today and be grateful for the small stuff!

Hello my name is....

What Maddie Means

M is for Mesmerizing A is for Articulate D is for Dignified D is for Dedicated I is for Impressive E is for Enthusiastic

What Does Your Name Mean?

Wordless Wednesday

There are days that I am barely hanging on.

I'm Blue, Pleased to Meet You. And, You are?

You are most like: You are Blue
You are cool and soothing, with a hidden spontanious side. You are deeper than most people percieve, and you care a lot for those whom you surround yourself with.
Take this quiz: Which Crayola Box of 8 Color Are You?
Visit Toys For Your Blog.com for more blog quizzes

A Lesson on how to Achieve the Impossible

Whooo Hooooo!!! The under dogs snatched it in the last 2 minutes.... That's gotta' be heart!!!

Just about everybody and their grandmother were rooting for the Patriots- of course they were the "sure thing"... But I as always had to go against the grain and root for the underdogs...G-I-A-N-T-S !!!!! What a way to pull it off.... It went from a mind numbing boring game to a hooting and hollering game in the final two.... You got to love a sport where anything can change during a bathroom run.... Says something about how unpredictable life is and how each moment counts for something, never taking anything for granted... and as I told my oldest tonight positive wishing, hope and determination can help you achive the "impossible"!

Now is that a true homeschooling mom? A mom that can take a football game and turn it into a charater lesson? Haa! Got to love it.....

Human's for Sale - $7.50

Since this is my own little soap box I will spout my opinions loudly on my own forum (so bare with me)....

What is up with society??? What is it that we are teaching our children??? Does anyone else see the errors of raising children in this fake celebrity obsessed world???

Every news channel today play that poor child (Brittany Spears) carted off by an abulance and a gaggle of police and papparazzi in tow. Why I ask, is this headline news? Does it make for entertainment? Only if you enjoy watching trainwrecks in slow motion and watching burning bodies in the caboose windows.... I will admit there is something compelling about the way her life is a circus act... whether she is a willing participant or not... but when someone is so obviously in distress should it be "entertainment" news? And even less "breaking" news?

Am I the only one that lives in the United States of America? Are there not policitcal canidates running for public office? Aren't these the people who will actually decide where our country is headed? Is there not a war going on? Is there not a "cleansing" going on in Dafur? Or should Heath Ledger's death take presedance over world news? I found it to be an insult to my sensablity the other day when I actually heard one of those "entertainment news" shows announce "Heath Ledger's death day 8"... Are you kidding me? Why can't the man finally rest in peace? Why can't his family mourn their loss without a camera and a microphone being shoved in their face? What ever happen to personal ethics? Who wants to see their son, father, lover, grandson, brother, nephew, uncle, friend, wheeled out in a zipped up cororners bag. And not just be assaulted by this image once but day after day after day... What person that loved him and cared for him wants to hear the constant speculation about his death and what part Mary-Kate had in it?

What happen to common deceancy? What happen to human kindness and compassion? Does this society have such a feeling of entitlement that the masses actually believe that these people have become public domain just because we spent $7.50 on a movie ticket? Or even $17 bucks on a CD? When has it been acceptable to buy a human being at any price? Yes they make an obscene amount of money for what they do, but keep in mind that it is a job, they haven't sold their souls to the populous just because they have been given a gift to entertain. They as the rest of us are entitiled to go to work and punch out at the end of the day and go home to their families and live a regular mundane life. Why should we subject them to stalking and much less their children. Do we stalk doctors, lawyers, trash collectors, postal carriers? Can you imagine going to your next door neighbor's house and waiting for them to come out just to accost them with questions and take pictures of them- and all this just because they are your child's teacher? They are allowed to be off the clock right? Would Joe Blow off the street be arrested for camping out in front of somebody's house and following them inscesantly?

I will agree there are some celebrities that look for it ala Paris Hilton... but she is not one that is followed and tortured for her craft. Her craft is to be in the public eye and that is the life she has chosen to live... so be it. But for those celebrities that try to lead normal lives and just want to share their talent with the world why should they be penalized? Can you imagine Leonardo Devinci or Wolfgang Amadeus being mobbed to the point that they need escorts just to enter a building??? Would we as a society be so blessed by their genius or would they have thrown in the towel and quit?

Just a thought....

What do you think? I will now step down from my soap box and invite you to step up...

Being Jinxed isn't Always a Bad Thing...

Yep, I did it I jinxed myself... My little alarm clock angel was up last night, from 2:30am until 4:00 am. And, so far tonight he has already screeched lovingly called for me...

I'll look on the bright side, he's still a baby and only his mama will do the middle of the night! Ahhhh, sleepless nights of bliss... I am off to smell him some more!

Yes, I am sappy too!

Warning: This is a sappy post you may throw up a little bit in your mouth from my pathetic ravings about my baby, but for those of you who have committed to reading my little blog may appreciate the vast range of emotions from one post to another...OHHHHH? My sad little observations sound more interesting now don't they?

Boy, do they grow up quick... My littlest one is eating cereal, (well I did warn you my ravings were a bit pathetic) in actuality he has been for the past two weeks now but we have moved up to two feedings a day.... and he is turning into a little piggy just like his big sister... The thicker the better and if the bowl is full he's happy... he actually opens his mouth and waits for the food... I know in the grand scheme of life this equates to a small drop of water in the ocean but being my last one every little coo, ohhhh, and awwww seems like he's a mensa alum. I relish every moment -sadly - most of the things that I was too rushed or preoccupied to notice with the first two. He's finally sleeping through the whole night- and what real people consider sleeping- not those full of crap chock full of great advice baby books. He's been sleeping from 9pm until about 8am, at least for the past 2 nights (great, I probably now jinxed the whole thing) that means by the time I finish all my motherly chores and houshold duties and actual paycheck work I may possibly be able to get a full 3 hours of sleep... Woooo Hooooo! I may now have to change the name of this blog.... To Mad Ramblings of a Mother who CAN Sleep but Doesn't! Would you all still come back and visit my blog even if my insanity is self induced? Hope so cause I really like having all of you around... listening to all my little stories- Lord knows Frank is bored of them and the only other person that willingly and eagerly listens is my mother (but truth be known she only listens to my stories and reads my blog hoping to pick up some trivial nugget of information about her precious grandchildren that may have eluded her in on of our 25 phone calls throughout the day- keep reading mom I am sure I'll write something about the other two tomorrow!) For the rest of you, hold out hope that I may write something that is appealing to the masses.

Congratulations!!!!

Have I ever said how great my hubby is? He's had a HUGE achievement that he wasn't even trying for.....

He is EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR for the state of Florida in his department!!!!!!

(***small disclaimer*** since our state is so large there is one from the southern half of the state and one from the northern half of the state)

Now not only is this an impressive feat of its own accord, but anyone that knows my honey knows that he doesn't do what he does for accolades or for plaques or even a pat on the back... he has chosen his career because it was his life long dream a lifestyle that is revered among his family and culture and he works as hard as he does because he loves waking up in the morning and going to work. I can understand this simply because he has afford me the opportunity to do my life long dream of being a stay-at-home-mom and raising my children. Many of the "stay-at-homes" that I know understand that feeling and fully realize that they may never receive a public kudos or even so much as a congratulatory certificate. Now you can only imagine his surprise when he went into the office today and they had a big "to do" for him. I have never heard or seen him so proud of himself, finally everyone else sees in him what I have always seen in him.

CONGRATULATIONS HONEY!!!!!!! YOU THE MAN!!

Some of the Darkest Days

THIS IS NOT AN ABANDONED BLOG!!!!! I repeat this is not an abandoned blog.... however I have been an abandoned woman.... let me explain....

Me and my beloved were separated.... It seems that my beloved was fed up with being taken for granted, the constant abuse and lack of gratitude. I was taught a lesson, not one that I thought I need but maybe one that was deserved. However, in my defense what ever happened to giving a warning shot? Letting me know that something was amiss? At least dropping a hint that there would be some level of desertion on the horizon? Nothing, zilch, zip, zero.... NADA. It came out of the blue and I was left alone in the dark... LITERALLY!!! But no need to worry, we are back together, we have reconciled, we are once again living in harmony and after a "tune up" the lesson was taught and learned. Life is falling back into a slow routine after some making up and surpassing resentments... and of course after reloading all my favorites and bookmarks...........

Ohhhhhh, please don't tell me you thought I was talking about Frank and I?

Silly, not us.... I am talking about my beloved laptop. It was a dark day in my life when all of the sudden while typing out my 1st playgroup post my ungrateful neglected beloved crashed on me. Leaving me in the dark and pissed beyond belief heartbroken. This hunk of plastic, metal and wires marvelous piece of technology was destined to be sent to laptop boot camp spa, for some gutting rejuvenation. Once again we have reunited and have a new determination to conquer the world!... or least keep up!!!!

Ps. I promised a post about my first play date 2 weeks ago. It is in the making and will be going out soon.....

Our bottomless pit Gaby, has decided that eating us out of house and home will no longer suffice, she has now taken to eating our hygiene products! - Bath soap!

Wordless Wednesday

Soft in the Center

This may shock everybody but I am not always spouting my cynicism or oozing of sarcasm. I really do have a soft spot, and no I am not talking about that baby induced pudge around my post pregnancy belly. And no Frank, I am not talking about that spot either. My soft center is my kids and even more so their love and adoration for each other.

I always knew Axel, my oldest was a kind hearted loving, caring boy but I never knew the extent of what he was capable of until his sister, Gaby was born. All the sudden this little was also born on that day. He is 10 years older than her and I thought there would be some jealousy or at minimum some indifference on his behalf, but I quickly learned the depths of his love when he would whisper to her... "you'll never have a boyfriend as long as I am around...", or when he would say "the first time a boy comes around to pick her up for a date, mom, promise you'll call me and I promise I'll leave my wife and kids at home, just to come over to your house and interrogate the guy and chaperon if I have too."....

The when my daughter was only a year and a half old my youngest was born, our little EE, or should I say HER little EE. Once again, I was nervous thinking she would have difficulty understanding that this new little person would be taking up some of "her" time. That she would have to, at the tender age of 18 months, learn to share and be giving and understanding.
But to our amazement she took to him right away. There are days that she seems more his mommy than I am. She is, should I say, obsessed with his needs. His need to be fed. His need to be changed. His need to be burped. His need to be played with. His need to be read to. His need to be loved. If the boy so much as coos she runs over to check on him. And of course, nothing seems to be important until she shares it with him.

And Axel, now has his "best buddy", his shadow to be. The one who will benefit from all his worldly knowledge. The one he will teach how to fool mom, how the do back flips on the trampoline and into the pool, how to play football, how to pitch a tent and build a fort, and of course all about girls...... the list goes on and on.... everyday Axel adds to it.

Now not only have I been lucky enough to see how much they love each other but, there is just something special about when the 12 year old runs around playing with the 1 year old and both of them pause to include the newborn.

Tonight was a perfect example.... While I was standing at the sink doing, my motherly duty of the bottomless pit of dirty, dishes Gaby thought it was cute to put a laundry basket over her head (and she was right it was adorable) but even cuter was when she would walk around bumping into walls and falling over in the midst of fits of laughter and cackles. Gaby decided that her older brother should join in the fun and then ran over and put the basket over his head. The roar of laughter broke out even among mom and dad. Axel took this in stride and decided to chase her down... The two began to play a game of "cops and robbers" as explained by the older one. They ran laps through the house and would wait around corners to "surprise" each other which usually entailed a kiss and a giggle. Of course the whole time, the newborn (who for some odd reason was not partaking in the chasing fun- no clue why maybe he's just lazy) would hear the giggles and giggle himself. Well when his older siblings heard him giggling they would do a lap past him and give him a kiss before the other one would catch up to tag them. It was the best sight in the world.

I have had very few moments in my life where complete happiness was so simple. Just some giggling and sweet kisses all of which neither involved me... just my babies. Life tonight was perfect!



**** DISCLAIMER for those who were looking forward to their daily dose of flippant observations, you were cheated and for that I apologize... but in my defense please refer back to my first post - the part about, part of this blog is partly for my children to have a diary of their daily lives and tribulations. Stayed tuned tomorrow to hear about my adventurous first playdate ramblings- it's a doozie****

90% Crack

Picture this:

The Newborn has a terrible night
The Toddler wakes up with her diaper in a bunch
The Tween decided he's a grown man and no longer needs a mother
The Grandmother is just dripping with love and kisses and hand holding (with me I may add!!) and just complete sappiness!!!!

and all this the day after Satan's inbox was cleaned out.....

But I hear the Target from 60 miles away calling my name... luring me to those huge glass automated doors.... with those spacious little shopping carts and aisle after aisle of post holiday markdowns..... "I am waiting, you need to come...., I am waiting, you need to come...." the chant gets louder and louder in my head..... at first I deny the urge to pack everybody into the car and do the hour long trek to the nearest Target.... but soon the cold sweats begin and the involuntary shaking... It's official I am in Target withdrawal.... As soon as my eyes begin to roll back in my head and all that can seen are the whites of my eyes, it's time!!!!..... The bellow goes out "Everyone in the car!!!!!!!" immediately I began barking orders "Grab the diaper bag", "Grab some bottles", "Grab a sippy cup", "Grab my purse", "Everyone, grab a kid and get in the car!!! We are going to Target!" Despite it being naptime, everyone is loaded into the car... safely buckled in, just in case convulsions begin due to the withdrawals and shear anticipation of the shopping bonanza that is about to ensue!!!! During the hour long journey I snicker and sneer just fantasizing about the deals that will be had..... ohhhhhhhh, the visions of it all make me giddy and helps tune out the whining from the back seat! As we pull into the parking lot the palms of my hands become sweaty and barely able to maintain a grip on the steering wheel..... The orders begin again, "Everyone, grab a kid!", "Grab the diaper bag", "Grab the sippy cup", "Grab my purse", "Strap them into the cart", "Let's go, let's go, let's go!!!" At this point the anticipation is too much and I forge ahead..... as I stand in front of those magnificent glass doors.... I breathe my first full breath!!!! WE HAVE ARRIVED!!!!

Once inside we make our way through aisle after aisle of sales....... finally I begin to relax and enjoy each smooth box, each plastic hanger, each metal shelf filled with goodies....... but I had no idea what was in store for me..... TODAY WAS THE DAY every Target shopper dreams about.... as I turned the corner of one of the aisle I saw the holiday display sale sign... 90% OFF ... but I should have known that was why it had beckoning me all day!!!

The whole holiday display area was packed with other junkies getting their fix! Everyone milled around the stock room doors just waiting for them to open bestowing upon us an employee pushing a cart filled with 90% off goodies........ eyes would glaze over and the look of desperation would set in... a few minutes later the whispers would begin "They're coming, somebody's coming, look they have two carts this time, they have large boxes.... " they had other employees fruitlessly attempting to implement some sort of crowd control..... Then as the big red doors with the slender little window would begin to part.. it began to resemble the NYSE (New York Stock Exchange), "I'll take one!", "Give me three!!!", "I'll take the box!!!"....... then as the cart quickly emptied the area began to resemble some seedy back ally.... deals where being made around each corner in hushed voices... "If you give me that box of ornaments....", "I'll trade you this canister of caramel popcorn for......." and if anyone accidentally strayed too close to another's cart the driver would glare and give out the evil eye.......

AHHHHHHHHHH, that day there were many 90% off Target crack junkies born, many were hooked and the poor souls had no idea how bad the withdrawals would be, how empty life would feel if you ever went shopping again and never saw another 90% off sign... how dark and bleak the world would now be in comparison.......... they were addicts!!!! Shopping carts were overflowing, babies were being covered in the coveted booty, people were pulling two and even three carts at a time..... it was scary.... Thus my Target addiction was broken and I secretly pitied them for falling to the evils of the 90% signs... I had hit MY rock bottom!!

I am currently looking for a 12 step program to help my addiction, until then I will self medicate with the much closer Walmart..... (at least 4 days a week)

***This is a true story ask the now addicted grandmother***

Someone cleaned out the DANG in box!!!!!!!

WAHHHHHHHHHH!!!, by the time I made my way outside we must of had a sudden warm front apparently because alas, Hell did not officially freeze over.... meaning- NO MULAH in the box!

Out of all days that an "Administrative Assistant" decides to actually do the duties as outlined in their job description..... Satan's administrative assistant must have cleaned out the in box and stamped "Urgent, Immediate Attention Required" atop of the memo stating "Hell Must be Freezing Over because it's Freezing in Florida"- and to boot probably post dated it- HUMPFFF!!!! You can tell that Hell is not a government funded office, a state funded office, or even a county funded office... because there is no way that anyone on the tax dollar dole would ever clean out an in box- I can say this with 100% confidence, I used to work for the county and the state- nobody there ever gets off their butt or stops gossipping long enough to do any duty as outlined for them.

So once again I'll wait for the next apocalyptic sign to check for a check from my ex!!! Keep your fingers crossed and someone drop me a line if the rivers and sea turns to blood and / or locust begin to swarm!!!!

Ching Ching, the check is in the mail... I just know it!

Did I miss that sermon in church where they warn us that the Apocalypse is coming, or what?

It's downright freezing here.... Last night the high was in the teens.... crazy or what? This is supposed to be the Sunshine state (notice the word "SUN" in the moniker).... the home of hurricanes and lightening storms, rip tides and sun burns, flip flops and tank tops NOT hats, mittens and scarves, layering over overcoats, sweat shirts, undershirt, NOT heaters, foggy windows and frost, NOT "bring in the animals to save their lives", "cover the plants and bushes to save their lives", "run the water to keep the pipes from freezing and bursting".... is this some evil universal joke??? Did the greater powers that be not get the memo.... "THIS IS FLORIDA not FROSTIDA!!! cc: Hell and Satan..."

Since I now know this memo must still be in Satan's inbox, and Cow Town (also known as Hell) is freezing over, maybe I should run out quick and check my mailbox maybe my ex sent me a child support check!!!!!! Wooooo Hoooo... I am in the money!!!! Let me run and get it before it warms up and the universe realizes that the earth is still spinning on its axis............

Wordless Wednesday

Cheesy and Predictable

Alright so I am going to join the multitudes and be cheesy and predictable....

My 2008 New Year Resolution (one that I know I will be able to keep- it's a no brainer)

I resolve to not get pregnant this year!!!!
You see I have been pregnant every year since 2004.... I think, I should let my uterus and my ever expanding hips and thighs have a rest.... they need some time off- we aren't getting any younger you know.

So the challenge has been set.... so then come December we'll see how resolute I (and dear Frank) were throughout 2008!!!

Wishing you and all your loved ones (rugrats and all) a Fantastic 2008!!!!