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!!!!