Monday, July 30, 2007

Have No Fear, Underdog is Here!

We got a care package in the mail yesterday. My fabulous sister sent a box full of goodies. First and foremost she took care of her little sis by picking up sheer curtains at IKEA for $4.99 A PAIR! Can you believe it??!! We don't have an IKEA here, so she graciously offered to buy them in beautiful (but waaaay too cold for me) St. Paul and ship them to me. I'm going to hang them in our screened-in porch. Slowly my vision of an all white, shabby chic porch is becoming a reality.

Anyway, along with the curtains there was a DVD collection of the old Underdog cartoons. I don't think I've seen this cartoon since I was a kid. I know a movie version is coming out in August, which my 5 year old is dying to see. We'll have to wait to see the reviews because we usually only go to G movies.

We're going to the mountains this weekend and we're going to save the Underdog cartoons for the ride. I'm so excited to see the kids reactions! I know they're going to be thrilled.

Although, I liked Underdog, I think my favorite cartoon growing up was Josie and the Pussycats. I could, however, spend hours talking about my favorite Saturday morning shows from when I was a kid (I was a little bit addicted - it's ok, I've been through Schoolhouse Rock Rehab). I had soooo many favorites.

What cartoons/Saturday morning shows did you love to watch?

Sunday, July 29, 2007

Some Family Photos

I need a drumroll please.....

No I haven't mastered the digital camera yet but I did manage to find some pictures that my sister-in-law emailed to us from a dinner we had at her apartment, so here goes....
Mr. J:


Mr. C:


All 3 of my boys:


And finally, me and the little guy. By the way, I think this picture does not represent my true, um, fabulousness and model-like qualities (snort). Do you notice that the wine bottle is strategically placed in front of me? Hmmm....I wonder how that happened?! One thing all people in my family know - wine and chocolate always is presented in front of me.


Friday, July 27, 2007

Camera Shy

I've been reading several blogs lately that talk about how much they prefer reading other blogs that include personal pictures. I also love to read blogs that show other bloggers kids, homes, hobbies, etc. Here is my dilemma. I am completely technologically illiterate. I can cook, I can throw a pretty fabulous party, I can decorate, and I can do a pretty fierce tango (well, not really), but I have no idea how to use a digital camera. It feels so good to confess! My in-laws got us a digital camera 3 years ago and it's still sitting in it's box. The hubby and I will look at it once in a while and say, "Yeah we should figure that thing out," but alas, we're still using an antiquated camera that probably could have been seen in "The Breakfast Club." The last time I bought film for this thing (and I'm not kidding), all of the film cartridges in the store were covered with dust. Clearly no one buys this kind of film anymore except those of us who still live in the dark ages.

So, that being said I'm going to make a very late new years resolution and try to figure this thing out, as long as we still have all the parts. If successful, I want accolades and a lot of fanfare (just being my humble self). But I'll be excited to start posting some "real" things!

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

To Toile or Not to Toile, That is the Question

I love toile. I love french country design. Not the provencial kind that's yellow and blue but more the old world, old rustic pine farm table surrounded by mismatched chairs in shades of creams and greens. I love chandeliers, candlesticks, old pitchers, baskets...whoops, I'm digressing. Anyway, I really like my living room and dining room, but I'm still working on my kitchen and this multifunctional, all-purpose, we don't know what to call it, room.

Anyway. I found a great sale on these chair pads (pictured above), and the matching curtains and valances. I think I'm definitely going to get the chair pad for one chair that really is old but I'll distress it further and use it at my computer.

The office area, which is part of the multipurpose room, is right off of the kitchen. Here's my question - do you think it would be too much to also get the toile curtains for the multipurpose room and then a matching valance for the kitchen?

Monday, July 23, 2007

Prayers Needed


I just learned of this by way of Slacker Mom's blog. This sweet little girl drowned on July 19th. Her Mom is so strong but she's just hurting so badly. If you pray, will you take a moment to pray for their family and possibly take a moment to leave a word of encouragement on her blog:

Oh Yes It's Ladies Night

I'm on a roll...two posts in one day! My hubbie has the day off and he took the kids out for a while. Yippee! Tonight I'm going out to dinner with some girlfriends. Now for those of you who read my blog frequently, you know I also went out last week. What I failed to mention was how I felt the next day. Thinking that I'm oh so hip and trendy and can keep up with the youngun's, I ordered myself a chocolate martini and then split a bottle of wine with 2 of the other girls at the table. I felt mildly "happy," but in complete control.

Well, let's just say the next morning this girlie was not feeling so good. Wooeeey. Talk about a headache and sour stomach. Thankfully, my wonderful, fabulous, kind-hearted friend took pity on me and took the boys for several hours so I could take a nap. How embarrassing! Clearly at twenty nineteen I can't hold my liquor anymore.

So let's hope this fun loving girl has enough sense not to get carried away tonight. If there's any dancing on tables or girls gone wild videos, I'll let you know (after I recover of course)!

Saturday, July 21, 2007

Jumping for Joy

We are now the er, proud, if not somewhat paranoid owners of what seems like a gi-normous trampoline. One of my best friends had the 14 foot trampoline in her backyard for her 4 (yes 4 - I would have ripped my hair out by now) kids. They got bored with it so she offered it to us. The kids have been soooooo excited waiting to get the trampoline. Unfortunately, the night before we got the trampoline I discovered some of the dangers. I thought the only danger was falling off and hey, Julie was giving us the netted sides to go with the trampoline so there's no danger of falling off.

When I told my Dad we were getting the trampoline, he made me aware of some of the other concerns. Well, yikes! Anyway, after much research and stringent rules in place, we decided to get it and the kids absolutely love it. But as my friend Jenny said when she saw me with the kids while they were jumping on it, "You're gonna bite your nails every time they go on there aren't you?!" Yeah, pretty much but you should see their joy filled little faces as Mommy quietly has panic attacks, white knuckles gripping the sides of the trampoline. (Yes, my husband thinks I'm crazy, by the way.)

*Addendum: With a lot of coercion, I actually tried the trampoline this afternoon. It actually is really fun and wow, it's a really good cardio workout!

Friday, July 20, 2007

Fantasy Friday

Today is the first day I'm building my dream house. Not in reality, but in my head. I thought I'd share it with all of you. This is what the outside of the house would look like:


I would want an arch with flowers outside the front door. Yes it would attract bees, but it's soooo pretty!


Flower boxes are a must (as well as a gardener since I love looking at the flowers but hate caring for them)

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Here's the story...

Does anyone else LOVE The Brady Bunch? I have the fondest memories of it from childhood. My mom used to work part time when I was in school, so somedays I would go to my friend's house after kindergarten. I remember vividly that when we got to her house, her Mom would set out TV trays with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and Campbell's vegetable beef soup. Then we got to watch an episode of The Brady Bunch. I remember the day when we had our trays all set up and we were ready to go. Her Mom turned on the TV and to our dismay and horror, our favorite show wasn't on. They must have moved the time slot or something but we cried and cried. It was sooooo traumatic (and dramatic)!

So fast forward 30 years and my sister bought me a 4 disc set of the original Brady Bunch series. How fabulous! My kids came across it yesterday and asked if they could watch. Of course! I put in the first disc...the very first episode shows how Mr. Brady and Mrs. Martin get married and form the Brady Bunch. As soon as I heard the song, all of my 5 year old memories came flooding back. I'm so excited that I can share this with my kids. My 5 year old loves the show. Even my 3 year old likes it! 30 years later, the Brady Bunch still rocks!

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Blessed and Lucky

I went out to dinner tonight with 5 friends who are just the most fabulous group of women in the world. Every time we get together we're either laughing or crying. Don't you just love your friends?! Take a minute today to call, send an email or jot down a note to someone who maybe you haven't touched base with lately. We all need support, love and encouragement from other women and I am so grateful and feel so privileged to have such wonderful and fun group of (and I use this term lightly) ladies. Happy Birthday Misty!!!!

Monday, July 16, 2007

You Dropped the Bomb on Me, Baby

I have to admit, I've gotten a little nutty about what my kids eat. They of course get special treats if we go to other people's houses or out to a restaurant, but when I'm feeding them at home, it's primarily whole foods and organic when possible. Well today I was lazy so for breakfast they each had a cliff bar (http://www.clifbar.com/) and some blueberries. Later I made the kids roll-up sandwiches made out of "Flatout" bread (http://www.flatoutbread.com/movie.html), which is fabulous. They also had cheese and fruit. I also tried a new snack for them. They're kind of like chips or crackers and they're from a manufacturer called Flat Earth (http://www.flatearth.com/). The kids LOVED them.

I'm not exactly sure what happened, but the combination of all the foods together was toxic. About 4:00 the bombs started to drop. Toot! Toot toot! Toot! Their little intestines were protesting the tremendous amount of fiber these children consumed today. And then my 5 year old, who thinks he's just the funniest thing ever ran over to me to give me a big hug and sit on my lap. And then...he tooted on me on purpose. He burst out laughing and then ran away as fast as he could. Now that's what I call a stealth bomber.

Sunday, July 15, 2007

Beach on the Brain

Ahhhhhhh......

Saturday, July 14, 2007

Pier 1 Kids - HUGE SALE

For those of you who are lucky enough to have a Pier 1 Kids store (http://www.pier1.com/kidshome.aspx) in your area, they are going out of business so everything in their store is on super sale. All of their furniture, which seems really well made, is 40% off. We're going today to buy bunk beds, and maybe a desk, for our boys. Take a look at the bunk beds below. They're on sale for $359.41.

Friday, July 13, 2007

The Big Sleepover

My 5 year old son (if he read this he would quickly correct me and say, "Mommy, I'm 5 and 1/2!") had his first big sleepover last night. We went to a friend's house for a play date and my girlfriend asked if he would like to sleepover. Thinking he would probably be scared and say no, I asked him if he would like to spend the night with his buddy. Before I could even finish the sentence he immediately started jumping up and down, with a HUGE smile on his face and said, "yes, yes, YES!" He then asked how long he would be staying. I said, "one night," to which he quickly replied, "Can I stay longer?!" I have to admit, my ego was a little bruised. Humph! First sleepover, not a bit scared, not going to miss Mommy, and already wanting to stay longer.

I got home and received a call from my girlfriend. She said as a special treat they ordered pizza and could my son have a soda...and by the way she was also making brownies for dessert to celebrate the first official sleepover. She is such a great friend and such a thoughtful mommy. Oh the horrors....pizza, soda AND brownies?!! This kid is NEVER going to want to come home. EVER! And then I was informed that after I left he asked if I was gone yet, to which Peggy responded, "Yes, honey your mommy left. Do you need something?" And he got a big smile on his face and said, "Nope. I was just wondering." Oh, the first taste of freedom.

And then it came. 9:45 pm...the first phone call. He's a little scared and wants to talk to mommy. Ok, we talk through why he's scared, decide he's going to stay, say our I Love You's and hang up. 10:14 pm...call number 2. He wants to come home. So my sweet husband went and picked him up.

Now, I wasn't happy that he was scared and I wasn't happy that he didn't make it through his first sleepover, but I do have to say, it is a wonderful feeling to know that at least for now, I'm still loved and needed. Of course I wish it lasts until the boys are 50 and I'm gumming my food, but I'll cherish it for now....for as long as it lasts.

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Embarrassing Moment of the Week

Frankly, I can't even believe I'm going to share this, but I've often been accused of giving TMI, so here goes...

My son and I were snuggling together. Ohhhh, what a sweet moment. His head was on my shoulder, he was looking up at me sweetly. I just love those moments don't you? And then he got a look on his face, quizzical at first and then a little disgusted. I kissed him lovingly on the head not knowing what was coming.

"Mommy?"

"Yes?"

"Your Nose!"

"What about it?"

"When you look up there it looks like a big bunch of black spiderwebs in there. Pretty gross!"

Hmmm, so much for my sweet moment and so much for my personal grooming habits. Clearly now we need aestheticians to wax the deep reaches of the interiors of our noses. What's next? Inner ear waxing (pun intended!)

Monday, July 9, 2007

Before and After

Ok, so my husband and I have started a new exercise and eating plan today (Suburban Momma -I'm right there with ya!). I bought 2 books: 5-Factor Fitness (which hapens to be on clearance at Barnes and Noble for $4.98) and The 5-Factor Diet. Both books are by Harley Pasternak, who helped Jessica Simpson lose 20 pounds in 6 weeks. He also works with...Alicia Keys, Halle Berry, Eva Mendes, Kanye West, Orlando Bloom, Mandy Moore, Jane Fonda, John Mayer, Vanessa Williams, Eve, Michael Chiklis, Rachel Weisz, Sophia Bush, Zach Braff, Val Kilmer, Robert Downey Jr., Ben Foster, Jim Caviezel, Benjamin Bratt, Stephen Dorff, Common, Eliza Dushku, Rick Fox, Sanaa Lathan, Nia Long, Donald Faison, Tracee Ellis Ross, Minka Kelly, Jeff Goldblum, Enrique Murciano, Brendan Fraser, Claire Forlani, LL Cool J, Juliette Lewis, Milla Jovovich, Ray Liotta, and Kenna. Ok, pretty impressive.

After reading the Fitness book, both the hubby and I are totally bought in. Day 1 has gone well so far. The workout was great. I'll keep you updated as to our progress. If anyone else is doing this plan, let me now. I'm really interested to hear if it worked for you.

Sunday, July 8, 2007


I got this great email from a friend and thought I would share it with you.


This explains why we forward jokes:


A man and his dog were walking along a road. The man was enjoying the scenery, when it suddenly occurred to him that he was dead. He remembered dying and that the dog walking beside him had been dead for years. He wondered where the road was leading them. After a while, they came to a high, white stone wall along one side of the road. It looked like fine marble. At the top of a long hill, it was broken by a tall arch that glowed in the sunlight. When he was standing before it he saw a magnificent gate in the arch that looked like mother-of-pearl, and the street that led to the gate looked like pure gold. He and the dog walked toward the gate, and as he got closer, he saw a man at a desk to one side.
When he was close enough, he called out, “Excuse me, where are we?”
“This is Heaven, sir,” the man answered.” Wow! Would you happen to have some water?” the man asked.
“Of course, sir, Come right in, and I’ll have some ice water brought right up.”
The man gestured, and the gate began to open.
“Can my friend,” gesturing toward his dog, “come in, too?” the traveler asked.
“I’m sorry; sir, but we don’t accept pets.”
The man thought a moment and then turned back toward the road and continued the way he had been going with his dog.
After another long walk, and at the top of another long hill, he came to a dirt road leading through a farm gate that looked as if it had never been closed. There was no fence. As he approached the gate, he saw a man inside, leaning against a tree and reading a book.
“Excuse me?” he called to the man. “Do you have any water?”
“Yeah, sure, there’s a pump over there, come on in.”
“How about my friend here?” the traveler gestured to the dog.
“There should be a bowl by the pump.”
They went through the gate, and sure enough, there was an old-fashioned hand pump with a bowl beside it. The traveler filled the water bowl and took a long drink himself, and then he gave some to the dog. When they were full, he and the dog walked back toward the man who was standing by the tree.
“What do you call this place?” the traveler asked.
“This is Heaven,” he answered.
“Well, that’s confusing,” the traveler said. “The man down the road said that was Heaven too.”
“Oh, you mean the place with the Gold Street and pearly gates? Nope, that’s hell.”
“Doesn’t it make you mad for them to use your name like that?”
“No, we’re just happy that they screen out the folks who would leave their best friends behind.”
So….
Sometimes, we wonder why friends keep forwarding jokes to us without writing a word. Maybe this will explain. When you are very busy, but still want to keep in touch, guess what you do? You forward jokes. When you have nothing to say, but still want to keep contact, you forward jokes. When you have something to say, but don’t know what, and don’t know how, you forward jokes. Also to let you know that you are still remembered, you are still important, you are still loved, you are still cared for, guess what you get? A forwarded joke.
So, next time if you get a joke, don’t think that you’ve been sent just another forwarded joke, but that you’ve been thought of today and your friend on the other end of your computer wanted to send you a smile.

You are all welcome at my water bowl anytime.

Friday, July 6, 2007

Itchin' for a Kitchen

My friend Julie just got the most amazing new kitchen. It's white, it's stainless steel, it's cottage-y and it's got this great vintage feel even though it was just completed this past week. She had her wood floors stained the most amazing ebony color. It's just beautiful. Isn't it amazing how a room can make you feel warm and fuzzy?!

She has floor to ceiling white cabinetry with black honed granite countertops, a six burner gas stove, a MEGA refrigerator (I think she's secretly stashing an army in her attic) and a dishwasher that doesn't make a sound when you turn it on. Isn't it fabulous when you can watch a friend get giddy with excitement over a wish coming true!


The Great Scooter Race

What do you get when you take 10 kids, streamers, sparkly garland, red/white/blue tassels and a whole lot of sugar...madness, mayhem and a whole lotta fun! We had 3 other families come over for a 4th of July celebration and the highlight (besides the gynormous waterslide monstrosity that is called Bonzai Falls - see picture below) was the scooter/skateboard/bike decorating contest and parade. The kids had such a great time decorating their wheels - the grown ups were not allowed to peek as they toiled over their individual masterpeices.


After they played on the waterslide, (provided by my great friend Julie - this thing is a kid's dream!), loaded up on 4th of July cupcakes and cookies, they then proceeded to do a parade for all of the grown-ups. We were all waving sparklers at them, but since it is me planning this - all of their backs were turned and they were at the end of the street so the sparklers went out before any of them turned around. My friend was yelling down the street, "Hey guys...look we have sparklers!" but none of them heard...or cared, not sure which.

The parade then turned into a race. There were feet flying, wheels rolling and soon there was crying all the way around. The Norman Rockwell moment was, well, lost in a sea of scraped knees, battered elbows and frustration over who really won. Poor kids...the sugar high crashed all at once. Oh well...fun was had by all even the ones who were battered and bruised!

Tuesday, July 3, 2007

Have a Wonderful Holiday!




A Little Preview

Girls, we're getting a whole new catalog starting on Sept 1st which will include 150 new products. We just got a sneak preview of one of the products and I wanted to pass along to all of you. I think it's pretty cute! I'd love your feedback.