TUESDAY'S TIP KATE GOSSELIN STYLE

Okay, so I'm not sure how many of you are aware of the loveliness that is TLC, otherwise known as The Learning Channel, but it is one of my very favorite cable channels. Yep, it's right up there with The Food Network, and HGTV. On a side note, last night as I was flipping through the channels, on The History Channel, another goodie, honestly, I kid you not, was a TV show titled The History of Dung. Needless to say I passed it up. But is that awesome or what? Okay, back to my post.


Okay, so TLC. Don't you just love this channel? It has such wonderful shows as L.A. Ink, Miami Ink, and What Not To Wear. But in my opinion, the best show on TLC, that for some reason I seem to be obsessed with lately, is the awesome show Jon & Kate Plus Eight. Have you seen it? It's all about this cute couple Jon & Kate Gosselin, who after they got married and tried to get pregnant, found out they were having some difficulty achieving that goal. So they went to a fertility specialist and ended up with twins. Those girls are Maddy & Cara (age 8). Then they decided to go back one more time, and ended up with sextuplets. Alexis, Aaden, Collin, Leah, Hannah, & Joel. (age 4). The show Chronicles their lives. How they deal with two sets of multiples on a daily basis. And I know it sounds kinda boring, but there is just something about it that is so wonderful. I'm not sure if it is the relatable relationship between Jon & Kate, or the chaos of all those kids, but something about it is just, well, addicting. Maybe it is because it makes my life seem really manageable or something.




One reason for the show's success is Kate. That is her with Hannah one of the sextuplets. And she is just hilarious. She is completely Obsessive Compulsive. She seriously mops her floor 4 times a day. And hates mess, and believes that paint is the devil. And frankly, she just cracks me up. The things she does just seem ridiculous, but then again, I'd probably do some weird stuff two if I had twins and sextuplets.


So, because it is Tuesday, and therefore tip day, I decided to give a little tip courtesy of Kate for all my mommy bloggers out there. And you can bet that raising twins and sextuplets has given her a great viewpoint on motherhood. So here are Kate's 8 tips on parenting. Enjoy!


Tips For a Smooth Household


by Kate Gosselin


Tip #1 Organize As a mother of sextuplets and twins, one of the best methods for keeping a family organized is lists! No one has the memory of an elephant! Keep a constant running list of "To Dos" and then cross things off as they are completed! My to-do lists consists of meals for the week, which loads of laundry need to be done, and which parts of the house needs attention. Lists will keep you and your family organized.


Tip #2 Shop on a BudgetShopping for a family of 10 means planning ahead and staying on a budget. The good news is that you can have healthy, home cooked delicious (even organic!) meals for a large family. Look for sales! Watch the sale papers and take advantage of store promotions, coupons and rainchecks. Keep a constant running list of things that are on sale and that you need at the store from week to week. This will avoid buying things that you don't need. It's also good to stock up on items that you use a lot of and that are on sale!


Tip #3 Prepare for Outings Plan ahead! If outings are well thought out in advance, it will allow for a better time for all! Always take plenty of drinks, snacks, clothing and supplies. Make a mental plan of how the day will unfold and then adjust it as necessary!


Tip #4 Count Your Blessings On days that your role as mom seems mundane and pointless and repetitive(we all have those), remember to count your blessings! Take a moment, see all that is positive in your life and the life of your children and it will give you that boost that you need!


Tip #5 Promote Safety Talk about different scenarios and what is safe and acceptable and what is not safe and what they should not do in different situations! Remind them to come to YOU as a parent if they hear something that they don't understand, think that is bad or don't know what it means. You want to position yourself as their resource person to keep conversation lines open. This needs to start at a very young age.


Tip #6 Provide Order A schedule will help everyone in the family. It removes the guesswork and a lot of frustration. It allows the things that need to get done to get done because life becomes somewhat predictable.


Tip #7 Reward Your Children Reward them for their helpfulness and kindness—if only with your words, this will mean a lot to them. They want your approval!


Tip #8 Make Housework a Family Affair Especially in a large family, involving all of the kids in the housework, chores, cooking, cleaning etc. This helps to provide family unity, and a sense of belonging. It also teaches kids to develop a strong work ethic. And encourage Dad to get involved—n our situation,much of what a successful mom is able to accomplish, is due to a very present and helpful dad!



Oh, and this is for my friend Brianne, who is currently prego with twins. Here is a link with an article all about raising multiples. I found it super informative and really helpful. You probably know all this stuff already, but check it out if you want.


Hope you are all having a fabuloso Tuesday!

MY MEMORY IS WHACK

So I was rollin' with my homies (Thing 1 & Thing2) when this song came on the radio.

I found it very sad and disturbing that I could sing the entire song, without missing a beat. And I'm pretty sure it's been 15 years since the last time I'd heard it.

It's funny how the really important things seem to stay with you.

Somehow I can't ever remember to close the garage door, or remember to take my vitamins daily, but you better believe that I can bust out Coolio at the drop of a hat.

It's the important things people.

"I'm an educated fool with money on my mind. . . " Enjoy a little Coolio on this fine Tuesday.

THE REUNION

Well, it came and went. Finally.


And boy am I glad. As soon as it was over, it was like a big weight had been lifted off my shoulders. Seems as though I was harboring around an unhealthy amount of anxiety over the whole thing. Ten years. Seems kind of silly now. Okay, so here are my thoughts about the whole thing. Keeping in mind people, I am an out and proud pessimist. And I really, really, really, wish I could be positive. Read at your own risk.


Well, the reunion itself was completely lame. And I say that full well knowing that one of my best friends in the world was on the committee. Bless. Her. Heart. On the positive side, it only cost $30 per couple which, now that I've talked to some other friends, is apparently pretty cheap. But then again, our "entertainment" for the night was Mr. Moyle. I kid you not. Mr. Moyle. The science teacher. From Skyline. Yep. Poor guy got up there and gave updates of where all the old teachers are. Seriously. And then he blew fire out of his mouth. Which was impressive, but not worth $30. The location? Skyline Courtyard. Only about nine thousand degrees. The food? Ehh. Pasta. I think if I'm not mistaken, from Fazoli's. The table decorations? Glitter. Oh, and the madrigals sang. I felt really sorry for them. They were nice to do it, but they sounded, well, um, let's just say it wasn't their best performance ever. Although Eddy said he almost felt the spirit. So that is something.


Okay, so I know the only thing you all care about is the people. So, the people? Strange. So, so, so, so, strange. It was weird, and awkward, and strange. So weird seeing all those people again. It was funny cause all the, now I don't want to say popular, but well, the too-cool crowd were still just that. Too cool. Too cool to eat, to sit down, to really be bothered to be there. It was funny. I thought for sure they would have grown out of that by now. But apparently, they all think they are still very cool. But mostly people just kinda gravitated towards their same friends from high school, which they probably still get together with on a fairly regular basis. It was fun to see some old friends I haven't seen in ten years, but really I mostly just hung around my friends I see all the time. I really was hoping to see a few of my old softball friends, but no such luck.


But on the positive side, I did fall down flat on my face. That was fun. Before I left for the reunion I had a very serious conversation with my mom and Hubs about what shoes to wear. Hubs voted for high heels, so I wore them. And well, I shouldn't have. The only time I ever wear heals is at church. Where the carpet is short, and the floors are smooth. But yeah, I totally biffed it at my reunion. Awesome.


But the best moment of the whole night, is when our lame-ass class president bowed out of planning or being involved in any future reunions. What a horse face. Seriously. Is that not the only thing the class president even does? I mean, he knew what he was signing up for when he ran. And yes, we all do stupid things as teenagers--just see my previous post. And we continue to pay the price. So suck it up Spencer.


Except for the glitter fight with Eddy, good laughs with Jen, Abby, Matt, Trish, and Jill, I'm pretty sure the night was mediocre at best. But I do have to thank the committee for even being willing to work with Spencer. And for probably planning the entire thing. Thanks for the effort guys.


And thanks to the girls for a fun night out at Porcupine after. It was too much fun giggling like school girls about all our sweet high school memories.

CONFESSIONS OF A TEENAGE DRAMA QUEEN

Okay, so here it is. The post you've all been waiting for.





I seriously can't believe it has been 10 years since I graduated high school. It's actually really freaky. And tonight is the big night. And after thinking really hard about all the positives and negatives about reunions, I decided I better just go. After all, I did talk a little bit of trash about Spencer being to lazy to have a five year-er, so I figured since he got up off his lazy ace and planned a 10 year, I better go.



And yes, you can tell him I said that. Cause it's true. His only job as class president is to be in charge of reunions. Hey, he's the one who ran for the position. Anyways, that is old hat. Let's move on.





Okay, so my fear about tonight is a) I might actually run into Spencer and be face to face with the guy I've been talking trash about for 4 years now. Yeah. That should be fun. b) that I will run into someone and I won't remember their name. And yes, I realize they will have a name tag on. And that is what will be embarrassing. Cause I'll have to look down at their chest, and then say hi. Awkward much? c) then after then embarrassing myself the other alumni (the one I didn't know their name) will be standing there waiting for my apology for whatever horrible thing I did to them as a teenager. And I will just stand there, cause I won't remember what I did. And then that will just be weird. and d) now this is a slim chance, but I might run into Peter H.





Now, why would that be weird you ask? Well, let me tell you.





In honor of my 10 year, I decided to tell all of my delicious bloggers about my most embarrassing high school moment. Just for kicks. Plus, if you are a fellow eagle, you can read this today, see me tonight and then you might feel sorry for me and come say hi. And tell me that you are glad you are not me.





Okay, well it all started out the fall of 2005. Like a gift from the gods above I was put into Mrs. Friel's english class, and the fabulous seating chart seated me right behind my future teenage crush. His name? Let's just call him, for anonymity's sake, Peter H. His cologne? CK one. And I'm not sure if I was just drunk off his cologne, but I proceeded to fall hard. Really hard.


And like a sign from above that it was meant to be, as luck would have it the locker Gods placed us just three lockers away from each other. He probably didn't notice. I however, did. And found myself at my locker much more than necessary, you know, just in case Peter needed to happen upon his. You know, for like a book or something.


Well--okay--I must give a little back info here now. One of my best friends of my whole life Toni Smith--holla--moved away after ninth grade to a boarding school in Wisconsin. And I thought it was just about the end of my life. And so because of this I wrote her ridiculously long, and totally unimportant letters everyday during school. Mostly about my drama of not being noticed by Peter. Oh, and my un-dying love for him. Or so I thought. Okay, back to the story.


So, a few months into my first semester, I was lingering around my locker for no apparent reason other than to just maybe say "Hi" to Peter, when I saw his date from homecoming give him his pictures from the dance. He threw them into his locker and went on his way. Well, me being the over-obsessive, borderline-stalker, I had already memorized his locker combination months before. (Does this scare you?) And at this point, I was really excited I had. Because at that moment, for some reason, it seemed like a brilliant idea to open his locker and steal one of his pictures from the homecoming dance to send to Toni so she could finally have a face to put with a name. In my dramatic teenage mind I totally rationalized this by saying that the forced entry was for my friend. Not me. Apparently burglary is fine, if it has a good purpose.


So, I broke in, and while I was in the middle of my crime, right there next to his homecoming pictures (which I did in fact steal one sheet of) were like another gift from the gods, a few childhood pictures of Peter. From when he was like 6 or 7. So what was a loved-crazed teenager to do? Steal those pictures too.


Now, you are probably wondering to yourselves where the embarrassing part comes in. Well, right now, so hold onto your hats amigos.


Okay, so I now had the stolen pictures in my possession. Only one thing to do. Put them on my desk at home and stare at them. In the mean time, the next girls choice dance was coming up quickly, and since I have no sense of what is right and wrong as proven previously, I decided to actually ask Peter to the dance. No sense in having a crush if you can't do anything about it right? So, I ended up asking Peter to the dance by lame-ly putting a bag of chips and salsa on his doorstep with a picture that said, "You're all that and a bag of chips. Will you go to (whatever dance it was) with me?


And honestly, looking back. What was I thinking? Peter should have just remained a crush. Someone to admire from afar. He was, and I say this truthfully, way out of my league. At least in a looks sort of way. Ya know?


Okay, well, as luck would have it, for some odd reason I decided to pull those Peter photos out and write Toni a letter and send the pictures so she could validate my crush for me. So there on my desk I had the letter which professed my undying crush for Peter with one of his dance photos (with another girl) and his two childhood photos. Which I decided to write on the back of. Something to the effect of: Toni--This is Peter. Isn't he hot? With lots of hearts. And then, instead of putting the letter and photos in a envelope like a normal person and mailing it, I forgot about it and it sat on my desk for a week or two.


And in the mean time, don't forget that I had asked Peter to a dance. Okay, well, one weekend night Peter and all of his friends decide to answer me about the dance. So, they come to my house, and my brother, who at the time I didn't exactly get along with, sees them leaving the stuff on the doorstep, and asks them if they want to come in and put the stuff in my room. My messy, disgusting, teenage room. And I'm talking dirty laundry and clothes and underwear all over the place. AND THE PICTURES AND LETTER ON MY DESK. So the 5 or 6 guys that go to my high school, that I have to see soon, come into my mess of a room, and put the poster and candy down somewhere, and do they just leave? Nope. I guess Peter or one of his friends sees his picture on my desk. And they precede to read the letter, and wait for it, wait for it--they see the sheet of dance pictures and they don't just take them (cause that would be fine, cause you know, they are HIS.), nope. They cut one out and took it. Can you believe it? Yes, they actually took one, and left the rest for me. Ahhh.


And then I came home later. And Dave, my brother who I love so dearly, just starts laughing and tells me to go check out my room. My disgusting mess of a room. And I realize at that moment what has happened, and just how EVIL my brother is. I go to my room, and am MORTIFIED. He has seen my room. My dirty laundry. And my letter. And his pictures. And. he. took. one.


Oh man. The mortification. I was so embarrassed I was physically sick for two days. I seriously stayed home from school for two entire days and threw up non-stop. Finally, I guess I realized I couldn't drop out of school, so I went back. And my friends were super sweet, and just quietly laughed, and told me, "hey, at least he didn't change his mind and say no." And then it hit me. I'd actually have to not just go to school and try to avoid him, but go to a dance with him. And be his DATE. (On a side note, just cause I think it's funny, he told me he had this CD he wanted to listen to in the car--and guess what it was? Shaggy. It wasn't me.)


Yeah. I was a pretty awesome teenager. Anyways, I survived the experience, and for many years, well at least days, I learned my lesson about the importance of cleanliness. And kept it fairly clean for a week or so. And I went to the dance. And I survived. But it was amazing to me how quickly my crush for Peter evaporated once I had humiliated myself. Pretty soon I couldn't even stand to see him. And just the smell of CKOne was enough to make me puke.


My apologies to my friends who have heard this before. And ya know what? I even saw Peter H. at a bar a year or so ago, and my brother Dave was even there. And I said in the sternest voice that I could muster to him, "If you even for a minute think that it would be funny to embarrass me at this point in my life, I will never talk to you again." And he laughed and laughed, but didn't embarrass me. Wow. We really have made progress. And can you believe after what he did to me that I even talk to him still?


So there you have it. My most embarrassing teenage high school moment ever. I hope you enjoyed it. It truly was the worst day of my life, but has turned out to be pretty darn funny. I was just such a dramatic crazy teenager. And one thing is for certain, I definitely learned my lesson about stealing stuff out of lockers. You can bet your bottom dollar I never did that again.




See all you eagles tonight! Go class of 98!

STAY TUNED

I realize that I have become crappy at blogging.

But that's not for lack of things to blog about. In fact, here is my list of things I would like to post about in the near future.

• my upcoming ten-year high school reunion. Upcoming as in tonight. I hope to be able to share with you my thoughts about this today during naptime. Should be riveting.
• holy cow. It's about time for a Ragnar update. One word. Fan-freaking-tastic!
• this awesome article I read in the local Catalyst magazine all about families. Sounds boring, and my post might be boring too, but I think it's worth a boring post.
• SYTYCD. Now that a few weeks have passed, a few favorites have emerged. And I'd like to give them credit and call out the winner now, before it is too late.
• upcoming Master bath remodel. My ideas and thoughts, and then your ideas and thoughts about my ideas and thoughts. Upcoming up means sometime in the next 3 years. Hopefully.
• I took both my kid to Lagoon Wednesday. Too many funny things to not post about.

So yeah. Are you just on the edge of your seat? These are just a few of the blog posts a- whirlin' around in my head. For some reason Summer just seems to be crazy busy and exhausting. I swear, something every night, and the heat? Ri-donk-u-lus. So stay tuned peeps. The posts will be a commin'.

TUESDAY'S TIP REDBOX LOVE

Okay, so I know many of you already know of, and regularly enjoy your local Redbox, but I must say it again. What would I do without Redbox?


Pay more than $1 for a movie? That is just insane.


Well, today's tip (sorry for the belated-ness) comes courtesy of the Redbox. Okay, first off: The Bucket List Well, I have to say, this was an okay flick. Not my favorite, but definitely not the worst movie I've rented before either. I'd have to give it a B rating. I really liked Jack and Morgan, but I'm pretty sure without these two guys this movie would have been a bust for me. But these two guys are awesome, so I did enjoy it. Made me think about all the places and things I'd love to do before I kick the bucket myself. And so, if you find yourself standing at the Redbox looking for something good to watch, go ahead and get it. It's definitely worth a buck.


Okay, next flick: P.S. I Love You. So, I've seen this movie multiple times at Redbox, and each time I seem to skip right over it, cause well, pretty much I can't stand Hilary Swank. Just something about her that bugs me. Maybe it's her jaw, or her big teeth, I don't know what. Just something. This is going to sound way rude, but she kinda reminds be of a 13 year old boy. So, the idea of her playing the girl in a romantical comedy just didn't sit well with me. But I went ahead and got it anyway. And the verdict?

Bawled my eyes out. This is the saddest, sweetest movie I've seen in a long time. I don't remember crying this much since I Am Sam came out on video. Now, don't get me wrong, Hilary still bugged me the whole movie, but I have to hand it to her. The girl can act. In a awkward-she-looks-like-she-is-acting sort of way. But the story, and plot, was well, sweet. And sometimes it's just good to experience someone else's grief, if but for a short time, and in a fictitious way. Brings out the empathy in ya. And Ireland? I soooo need to go there. That accent is just delicious.

So there ya have it. Two easy ways to blow two bucks.

MY DUMBEST MOVE EVER

Um, yeah. So I'm not really sure what I was smoking when I signed up to coach Thing 1's soccer team.


Honestly, not my brightest move ever.


Trying to explain soccer to 12 three-year-olds in 90 degree weather? Yeah. Not-so-much.


But at least we have one kid on our team who knows whats up. He scores at least 12 goals a game. During our last game at one point he came up to me and said, "Hey coach, I've scored nine goals. (Then without skipping a beat) What kind of treats do you think we will get at the end of the game?" Three year olds rock. It's all about the treats at the end. That is so my kind of kid. Forget the goals. What's to eat?




But, don't worry, this post does have a point. And here it is. Here is a friendly tip for ya: if someone ever asks you to coach any sport ever for any reason for three year olds, JUST SAY NO! Trust me, you will thank me later.

Photo credit: Thanks Suzanne! I am such a picture stealer.

ONLY 2 DAYS LEFT

I can't believe I am going to run this crazy thing in just two. short. days. And the only good I can possibly see about the whole thing, is the post race meal I am already planning in my head. Cheese fries from training table? Some oh-so-fabulous nachos at Porcupine? Something big and grand and preferably covered in cheese.

I am running at like 5pm (expected temperature only about 95 degrees), 2am (yes, it will be cooler, but dark and I don't think I've been up at this hour since I was still nursing Thing 2. Which really doesn't count. And that has been over a year anyway.) and then again at like noon the next day (another 95 degrees). Can you just feel my excitement? Now I am thinking I should have ran a few times in the heat. This is really going to be fun.

On the bright side, I only have one more training run till this ridiculous thing. I am really looking forward to Sunday. And not because it's the sabbath.

Go team Commerce. Woohoo.

TUESDAY'S TIP SNOW DIZZLE

It's time for the Tuesday's tizzle, wizzle nizzle. I'm talking about the snow dizzle.

Okay, so I am pretty sure there is nothing better than a little shaved ice on a hot summers evening. And luckily here on the east-side we've got plenty of options, and honestly I've tried them all. But the one that's stuck out and is the regular around our house is Bob's Brain Freeze on 33rd (used to be at Milo's. Now it's at Sargent Steam). Well, apparently it is everyone else's favorite snow shack too, cause the lines there can just be absolutely ridonculous.

So, a few nights ago when I was out doing a little grocery shopping sans kids I saw a new (at least to me) snow shack called Snow Dizzle. It is in the parking lot at Smiths on 33rd. So, just a few blocks east. And the shaved ice? Simply lovely. Might even, dare I say, be a bit (gasp!) better than Bob's. And the clincher for me? NO LINE. Now, don't get me wrong. I'm all for standing in line for a great shaved ice, but if you can have a great shaved ice without the line? Heaven in a cup.

Oh, and the flavor du jour? Tigers Blood of course.

And the name? Snow Dizzle? Maybe that's what makes it taste better. It's the dizzle fizzle Yo!

PIZZA AND A POOPFACE

So, today after swimming lessons I had an hour to kill with my kiddos before we could head home, so I decided to take them to our local beloved pizza joint. The great thing about this place is not only the pizza, but the fact that they are super kid friendly. Especially at 11:15 when the only people eating lunch are the elderly and people with kids. Well, we went in, and as expected were the only ones in the joint. Perfect. No one to bother. We found our seats, placed our orders and waited for the loveliness that is Big Apple pizza. Not too shortly later our pizza came out and we began eating.

I wish this were the end of this little story. A quick plug for a neighborhood favorite. But it's not.

In walks a childless couple. And out of the 10 or so booths, and five tables in the place, they decide to plant themselves rightnexttous. So strange. Well, Thing 1 finishes his pizza, and being three, his 10-minute-long attention span having already expired, he begins looking over the booth we are in, to the one behind us at the couple that just came in. He wasn't saying anything, or yelling, or really doing anything but examining this new couple that had just came in. Now, I realize that staring isn't exactly polite, but he is THREE people. He was just checking them out.

Well, apparently the couple didn't think so. Cause they stand up in a guff, and walk away from their booth to go sit in another one on the other side of the store. Away from us. Oh, and the entire time, the male counterpart of this couple gave me the yourkidsaresoannoyingcouldyoupleasegetthemundercontrol death stare. This was a serious crusty.

Now, wait a minute. I don't want to sit here and say that my kids are perfect all the time. Or even insinuate that they aren't loud on occasion at a restaurant. But this, my friends, I think was maybe the ONLY time that my kids were actually sitting, well Thing 1 was standing--but anyways, quietly at a restaurant. Right before that had happened I was honestly thinking to myself, well, at least he isn't throwing food at them, or saying Hi or anything. Just looking quietly. I thought I'd give him a minute to check them out, then tell him to sit down, and finish his pizza. But I didn't get a chance.

Okay, so back to the death stare. Which doesn't phase me. I mean really, they are the ones that picked the booth next to a mom and her two kids. So I say (Maybe a bit too bluntly) "Are you kidding me?" He just shakes his head, and grumbles something to his really lucky friend/girlfriend as they pick their new booth. Then, (definitely too bluntly) I told him to "take the stick out of his ass before he sat down again." Then we got up, and I paid, and gave him the givemeabreakwithyourtoogoodforchildrenyourlifemustreallysucksinceyouhavesuchabadattitude death stare as we walked out the door.

I know. Straight to hell in a hand basket. a) for swearing in front of my children, and b) for not turning the other cheek. I need to repent and then go to the dentist. I guess that is what I get for being so evil. Cavities. But he was evil first. So there.

Stay tuned for Tuesday's Tip. It will be worth it. Trust me.

TUESDAY'S TIP MONDAY STYLE--canyon rim love

Okay, so I should tell you all that I really love my hood. It is the best. And I was reading in the local (really local) paper all about millcreektownship and all the awesome things that are going on this summer, thanks to a way-cool community. They are starting something fun this year called Millcreek Movie Nights. Free, open-air movies shown at the local parks at dusk. Sounds fun if you ask me. And just check out the sweet line up:

MILLCREEK MOVIE NIGHTS

JUNE 20 - SHRECK THE THIRD - EASTWOOD ELEMENTARY

JUNE 27 - ET - CANYON RIM PARK

JULY 11 - CITY SLICKERS - BIG COTTONWOOD PARKWAY

JULY18 - THE MUSIC MAN - EVERGREEN PARK

JULY25 - FIELD OF DREAMS - EASTWOOD ELEMENTARY

AUG01 - GOONIES - CANYON RIM PARK

AUG08 - THE WATER HORSE - EVERGREEN PARK

AUG15 - GREASE - BIG COTTONWOOD PARKWAY

AUG22 - NACHO LIBRE - CANYON RIM PARK

AUG29 - HAIRSPRAY - EVERGREEN PARK

There are a few in there that I will be hitting up for sure. Any other canyon rim-east millcreek dwellers that wanna come with?

There is also a Library Summer Concert Series that I might have to check out too. Gotta love free entertainment. To check out Millcreek Movie Nights, Libray Sumer Concert Series and any other events going on, check out the the millcreektownship website here.

WHO'S THE BOSS?

So today for swimming lessons Thing 1 decided to bring his plastic shark so he could play with it in the water at the end of class.

Thing 1: Mom! Oh no! I left my shark at home!

Me: Oh man. What a bummer.

Thing 1: Mom, we don't use potty words. Potty talk isn't nice.



Well, okay then.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY DAVE & SALLY!

We hope you guys are having a great day!

CHANNELING MY INNER CELIA MAE

So, yesterday, like any good mom, I sat my children down in front of the tube and watched a movie with them.


And I'm not certain if it was because we watched Monsters, Inc. or not, but I'm pretty sure it was. Last night I dreamt that I had snakes for hair, and couldn't get them out. Mine didn't have smiling faces, were not nearly as personable, nor were they purple, but I do remember them being very itchy and difficult to remove. I wasn't really scared of them per say, more just annoyed.


Once I did remove one, my friend Sara (Rogers. Holla!) tried to catch it for me, so I could keep it--how very thoughtful of her-- but I just ran around screaming. Finally, she caught it in a blue triangle box and let it go outside.


I have no earthly idea what this dream means, (and any of you dream interpreters are more than welcome to give me your best shot) but for now, I am gonna remember that if I have any run-ins with any snakes in the near future, I will be sure to call my friend Sara. Apparently she is very handy with triangular blue boxes.

TUESAY'S TIP budget fun!

Okay, so I know you are all just dying to know this, but my tip today is something I've actually tried, and it works fabulously for me.

See this little envelope-sized expandable file? Well, I have one of these, carry it everywhere, and it has made my budgeting life much, much easier. I got mine at Smiths Marketplace in January, but I'm sure you could also get one at Target or any office supply store. Why is this little gadget so wonderful you ask? Well, let me tell you.



Pre-budget I was not a happy women. Sure, I was a well-dressed woman with lots of crap, but there was so much spending, and shopping remorse about my purchases, that I decided it was time to go on the ever-dreaded budget. But you know what? It has been really, really fantastic.


So, since I have such a small little mind and can't really see beyond a few days, my budget is planned out weekly, rather than monthly. If I were to see all that money at the beginning of the month, I would never be able to ration it well. I'd purchase some fabulous things at the beginning of the month, then we'd be eating Top Ramen for the entire last week. So, instead I just hit up Wells Fargo every Monday, withdraw my allotted cash, divy it amongst my files and walla, organization and saving all at once.

So here is the way I break down my budget, in case any of you out there care.

• So, my first file of my little folder is for gift cards, punch cards (Hello Rio) and any coupons I might have randomly clipped for some odd reason. They are there any time I need them and super accessible. This has been awesome for me, cause I used to just keep these at home, and then randomly look through them like every six months and be like, "Dang, I just bought X at Y, when I had $25 free buckaroos at Y." (Does this remind you of geometry? I am ashamed to admit that I watched 20 whole minutes of "Geometry Today" today on channel 9. My life is sad.)

• The second tab, or file, is for the grocery store. Mine says Smiths, but really it is just for any purchases or food/stuff you would buy at the supermarket. I usually always have money left over in this tab, since I now winder dairy (LOVE IT! and go to Costco every other week.) But it's good to know if I want to have friends over for a little barby, I can. Oh, I also take my Emma money out of this tab/file. Emma is my favorite lady. She comes every week and, confession time, cleans my house (said in a muffled voice). I know, I know. You may roll your eyes all you want, but this is the BEST $36 dollars I spend all week. I hate, hate, hate to clean, and really, so does Hubs. Plus, even though Emma comes, trust me when I say, I still clean. A lot. I have two kids after all. Plus, I realized if I just worked it into the budget, there was no reason to feel guilty. Some people spend money on cigarettes. Some on booze, some on gambling, some on manicures/pedicures. Not me. For $36 bucks once a week, for a few minutes my house sparkles like a Spic & Span commercial. And I can't tell you how much joy this brings me. And, Hubs and I no longer fight about who's turn it is to clean the toilet. Yay.

• The next tab says Fun. I know, fun already? But yes. This money is spent for dinners out, the occasional movie or a fun family night spent mini-golfing. (By the way, is there such a thing? Last time we went, Thing 1 kept golfing into the players in front of us. Fun times. For us, not them. And Thing 2 thought her golf club was a weapon. Turns out, it was.)

• Next is our Gift tab. Each week I put a certain amount in here for gifts. Baby showers, weddings, birthdays, Father's Day (here is your reminder), and anything left over at the end of the week stays put and goes toward Christmas. And I can already tell you that Christmas this year is almost completely paid for (based on what we spent last year). And I can't tell you the amount of stress this has lifted from my shoulders, not to mention Hubs'. Plus, it is only June, so really, if you are a relative and we draw you this year, your gift could be pretty sweet. You can thank my budgeting ways for your good fortune.

• Then, the next four tabs are labeled Amy, Hubs, Thing 1 & Thing 2. This is our own personal spending money. For clothes, shoes, whatever. And it is completely our own. No questions asked. It really doesn't matter if Hubs thinks I have enough jeans. This little tab has been a life saver. No more fighting about random purchases. And honestly, it's been good for me to see just how many "random purchases" there were. Now there are not nearly so many. Hubs--you are welcome. Plus, it's good for me to have a mini-budget for Thing 2. Otherwise I would spend ridonculous amounts on cute little crap for girls.

• The next tab is for extra cash. I keep 50 dollars in ones, so I can break money in other tabs if I need too. Any cash taken out of this tab is replaced from another. This is just cause I've found working life with only cash, sometimes it's nice to have something smaller than a twenty.
• And the last tab is for receipts.

And that is pretty much how it works. Everything I spend weekly is spent in cash. That way, if I don't have any, I can't get it. And anything left over in any tabs except the gift tab, goes into a savings account for our "big purchases" (remodelling our house, vacations, new couches, etc.)I do carry around my Amex--so I can pay at Costco when I go there every other week, but even there I have a budget. I can't spend over $200. Which really, seems like a lot of money, but isn't--trust me. I could spend millions at Costco. I just love that place. Which is why I am only allowed in there every other week.

All of our other larger expenses, like our mortgage payment, car insurance, health insurance, and utilities all come directly out of our online billpay so I don't really even deal with that.

And this my friends, really is the best tip I could give you. It is funny how much I resisted a budget. Thought it would be very restrictive, and boring, and no fun. But it has been really fun and rewarding to see our savings grow. It also is really nice to not worry so much about spending and our finances any more. I thought it would be restrictive, but it really has brought about a lot of freedom.

TAGGED Threes

3 JOYS:

1. Warm summer nights spent bar-b-queing with good friends.
2. The perfect dinner: Porcupine Nachos with black beans & a McDonald's $1 hot fudge sundae with my hubby and 2 kids.
3. Getting together with my girlfriends for no good reason, and talking until the wee hours of the morning.

3 FEARS:

1. That a republican will take office come November.
2. Getting cancer.
3. That 9/11 was an inside job (building 7).

3 GOALS:

1. Potty train Thing 2, and finally say goodbye to diapers FOREVER!
2. Be more thoughtful of others, and a little less all about me.
3. Finish all of my FHE file folder packets and then finish my quiet book I started making when I was 14. (It's about time don't ya think?)

3 CURRENT OBSESSIONS:

1. Cafe Rio Pork Salads (this is and always will be a permanent obsession)
2. Staying on my budget. I love saving money now.
3. SYTYCD

RANDOM FACT ABOUT MYSELF:

I've never seen Star Wars. Can't seem to make it past the sand planet. I always fall asleep.

I TAG:

1. Heather W.
2. Suzanne S.
3. Jenny O.

Thanks for the Tag Jen!

So, today in Washington D.C. Talk About Curing Autism had a rally at the Washington Monument to gather support and raise awareness about vaccines. Their campaign rally was entitled "Green Our Vaccines". And I would've given just about anything to have been there.

As many of you know Jenny McCarthy is TACA's spokesperson. I am just in awe of her and all the work she has done in behalf of this organization, and for Mom's and Dad's of children with Autism all over the world.

I know this is a really sensitive subject and people feel very strongly one way or another usually, but I wanted to get the information out to all my mom and mom-to-be readers so they could make an informed decision about vaccinations for themselves.

Green Our Vaccines are not anti-vaccines, they just think we need to take the toxins out, and reconfigure the schedule in which we give these to our children. Too Many, Too Soon is their slogan. Here is what their website says,

"Please join Jenny McCarthy and Jim Carrey for the most historical event of 2008, the Green Our Vaccines Rally. Jenny and Jim are working hard to eliminate all toxins from our children's vaccines and have our national health agencies reassess the mandatory vaccine schedule, as our children are receiving TOO MANY, TOO SOON. While Jenny and Jim support the vaccine program, like many, they feel vaccines are too toxic. This country has the ability to provide a safer vaccine supply and schedule to our children and they ask you to join them to demand this for our country's greatest asset, our children.

Demand Congress take action to Green Our Vaccine Supply while reassessing our current vaccine schedule. Ask Congress to reenact legislation that would eliminate mercury and other toxins from our children's vaccines, study the instance of Autism and other neurological disorders in vaccinated versus unvaccinated children, and to extend the statute of limitations to allow all children affected by vaccine induced Autism to file in the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (NVICP)."

For more info, and to read up on the subject and make an informed decision please visit these reputable websites:

http://www.talkaboutcuringautism.org/

http://www.momsagainstmercury.org/

http://www.healautismnow.org/

http://www.generationrescue.com/

For those of you who don't think this is a big deal, it's bigger than anything else out there. One in 150 kids get diagnosed with Autism.

A new case of autism is diagnosed nearly every 20 minutes
There are 24,000 new cases diagnosed in the U.S. per year
The economic impact of autism is more than $90 billion and expected to more than double in the next decade.
Autism receives less than 5% of the research funding of many less prevalent childhood diseases.
There is no medical detection treatment, or cure for autism.

BETTER DIAGNOSIS? Some of suggested that autism is just being better diagnosed today versus ten years ago and that many cases of mental retardation are now being coded as autism. This would also assume that the experts diagnosing autism before did not know what they were doing.This is NOT TRUE. Autism is the only rising dramatically disorder while mental retardation, Down syndrome, and cystic fibrosis remain relatively the same. Autism is now more prevalent among California children than cerebral palsy.
GIRLS VS. BOYS: Autism often strikes boys more often than girls – roughly four times more common in boys. With statistics being 1 in every 150 children that makes it 1 in every 94 males.

This is an epidemic! Read up and educate yourself!

MY FATHER'S DAY PLAN

So, father's day is just around the corner, and I am trying in my mind to justify this as best possible.

Our camera sucks. Bad. Super bad. And we need a new one. Seriously, we got it cause it was waterproof, but it only sorta is, cause now it has like permanent water marks on the lense, so it takes semi-crappy pictures.

But don't worry. I have a plan.

And it revolves around this badboy pictured above. It is the Cannon 5D digital. It is one of those super awesome digital cameras with like 5 million mega pixels, and you can get an extra-awesome zoom lense, so you can capture raindrops on roses, or boogers in kids noses. You know, the good stuff.

I really, really, really, really, really, want one of these. So, I'm thinking that since Father's Day is right around the corner, I could get one for Hubs (but really for me. Hey, at least I'm being honest.). And he could benefit by having me take lots of fantastic photos of his beautiful children.

I could even do like a whole sitting with my kids and then give them to him for Father's Day. You know, so he doesn't open the package, and go, wow. A digital camera. That I will never use. Nope, instead he will just see these amazing photos of his children. And he will say, "Who took those amazing photos of our children?" And I will say, "oh, those old things. Uh, me. (This part said quickly, so that he almost forgets it after I've said it) With our fantastic new camera that I got for us for Father's day."

And then he will roll his eyes at me. And we will not return the camera.

LOOKING BACK vol. 1

Okay, so I decided to start a new little monthly series for myself entitled, Looking Back.

It will be open letters to my children, about the past month. Things they did, things I learned, things we will never do again. I hope these to be a little bit entertaining to you readers, but mostly, I hope they make my kids grin when they grow up. Okay, here goes nothin':



Dear Children,

Hi kids, it's me your crazy, hair-brained mother. And I thought I'd start a little monthly volume all about your lives, our highlights together and things that just plain made me giggle. I like you that much. So much so, that I hope I never forget all the fun times we have together. Cause frankly, you both rock.

May ot-eight was an especially interesting month. And the weather sure kept us on our toes. One day the sun was out shining like it was summer, and so we took full advantage. Blew up the HUGE pirate ship pool that we picked out together at Tarjay and we had an enjoyable time spraying each other with water, running through the Elmo sprinkler, sliding down the slide, and eating our home-made Popsicles (made out of vegie juice--ha ha. My little joke on you.).

The next day however we found ourselves holed up inside watching the rain and mother nature's downpour. You both sang "Rain, rain go away, come again another day." and "It's raining it's pouring the old man is snoring. . . " till I secretly wanted you both to loose your voices. Instead we just made Rice Krispie treats, so I could get some quiet. And that gooey marshellowy goodness did just the trick. Makes for lots of chewing and therefore full/quiet mouths.

May was a big month for you Thing 1. Unfortunately (mommy is still crying on the inside about this) preschool came to a big too-abrupt halt this month. Not sure why really, since the rest of the school in still in session until June, but oh well. You have missed your friends and ask me almost daily if you can go back. Unfortunately for everyone the answer is no. Mommy is waiting very patiently for the weather to decide it's summer so we can head to the neighborhood pool soon.

You also kicked some major heiny in your weekly tee ball games. We have been so impressed with your maturity. The league is for 4 and 5 year-olds, but you are doing so well, being the youngest, yet tallest child on the team. You can really smack that ball far, and I really think it makes your father secretly so relieved that you aren't into dance or something. Plus, you are good at and like something that he loves. It has been a joy of mine this month to watch you and your father play hours upon hours of catch and "baseball." And it has been so fun to have Auntie Jen, Uncle Scott, Kinnley, Grandma Rossi & Grandma & Grandpa Plant come and watch your games. Your family really loves you.

Your enthusiasm for terrifying your sister has taken an all-time high. You enjoy pretending to be a different animal everyday and sneaking up on her. And in your best, most loudest voice, scare the living daylights out of her. Which you love. Because of this, you have been spending more time in your room lately than I'd like. When you are being nice though, you let your sister be a mountain lion/ cougar / tiger with you and you roam around the house, climbing over the backs of the couches and pouncing all over everything. It makes me smile when you play nicely with your sister. Oh, how she adores you.

Speaking of sister. Thing 2 you are a joy to me daily. You have the sweetest voice, and it sparks such happiness inside of me, when I hear your little girl voice say "Mommy, I love you." It really melts my heart. I am not sure why, but you would much rather wear boy clothes than girl ones. Any Lightening McQueen t-shirt, Spider man, or Batman, really any of Camden's t-shirts are much preferred over your own. Except, under one condition. If the shirt I offer you is pink. Then you will wear it. Because apparently to you, pink is the most fabulous color around. And really, although I haven't been much of a fan in the past, your enthusiasm is beginning to rub off.

You love to read, and can often times be found in your room amidst a pile of books. I hope this continues to be something you love to do for the rest of your life. I have been to some amazing places and feel like I've experienced some amazing things thanks to the magic of reading. I hope you find this to be true as well. One of my favorite things this month was seeing how much you have your father tied around your little finger. He would do anything for you, and really does. I can see a special daddy/daughter relationship beginning to form, and it is all I have ever wanted for you.

Both of you were able to have a weekend with just Daddy while I went away to recharge my batteries with the girls. And apparently I wasn't missed too much. I fear you ate too much sugar, and didn't exactly get to bed on time, but you had a great time with your Dad and that is what counts. Then at the end of the month you were both scheduled to go on an overnight camping trip with Daddy and some friends from the neighborhood, but Thing 2, you came down with a 24 hour flu bug, so it was just Thing 1 and Daddy. They had a great time sleeping in the tent, eating hot dogs, and waking up at 5 a.m. (you sure are an early riser!).

All in all, this month has really been full of lots of fun adventures. Thing 1 you told me just today that you would like to be The King (from Cars) when you grow up. Then Thing 2 you spoke up quickly and said you would like to be Lightening McQueen when you grow up. And this is a perfect example of how life is now. Monkey see monkey do a bit different. And it is making my job quite delightful and very entertaining.


Thing 1, be nice to your sister. And remember it really is more fun to play together, than to sit in time out. Thing 2, please remember that whining is no fun for anyone.

I love you both, and enjoy watching the people you are turning in to.

Until next month. . . .


Mom

TUESDAY'S TIP ticks-b-gone

Okay, so first off, sorry my tip is a day late. I've been super busy lately it seems. So my tip for today has to do with ticks. I've never had one myself, but I just got this e-mail from Mary Jo and it seemed like good information. And it is the summer and all. Hope this helps!

This information comes from a nurse:

"I had a pediatrician tell me what she believes is the best way to remove a tick. This is great, because it works in those places where it's some times difficult to get to with tweezers: between toes, in the middle of a head full of dark hair, etc.

Apply a glob of liquid soap to a cotton ball. Cover the tick with the soap-soaked cotton ball and swab it for a few seconds (15-20), the tick will come out on its own and be stuck to the cotton ball when you lift it away. This technique has worked every time I've used it (and that was frequently), and it's much less traumatic for the patient and easier for me. Unless someone is allergic to soap, I can't see that this would be damaging in any way.

I even had my doctor's wife call me for advice because she had one stuck to her back and she couldn't reach it with tweezers. She used this method and immediately called me back to say, 'It worked!' "

So there ya have it. Ticks-b-gone. Not sure why my tips have had to do with bugs lately. Maybe it's cause they are gross, and no one likes em.

YOUR DAILY GIGGLE

Too bad I didn't have this a few weeks ago for Mother's Day. I thought this was hilarious.

All you mothers and mothers-to-be, enjoy!

ONLY 5.5 HOURS UNTIL. . . . .

The Season Finale of Lost!!!!!


But who's counting?

TUESDAY'S TIP Publish in the future

Hey all you awesome bloggers out there blogging with blogger:

Whoa. That was a lot of blog in one sentence.

Did you know that you can now write posts and schedule them to post/publish at a later date? It's one of bloggers newest features, and I have been enjoying it for quite some time now. And I wanted to share it with all of my favorite bloggers in case you didn't know. It really is the greatest thing ever. Gonna be out of town for a few days? Wanna take a few days off from blogging without your readers ever knowing? Well now you can.

Okay, so here is how it works: Just go to your create a post page, and create a post like you would normally do. When you are finished instead of clicking the orange publish post button, click the "post option" link in blue right above the publish post. Then, just set the date and time you would like your newly created post to publish. For a more detailed explanation from Blogger, just click here.

So I know it doesn't sound all that exciting, but for someone like me, who tends to cluster post, has kids (in other words, not a lot of time), and likes to post on a somewhat fairly frequent basis, it really has been quite handy. Check it out if you'd like. And post away!

THURSDAY AT THE GYM

So I just got back from the gym, since I am too big a wuss to run in the rain, or snow or really anything except perfect weather. Yes, the conditions have to be perfect. Sorry Kelly, Kristine, Jenny, Suzanne, and Marianne for bailing out this morning. I'd just rather pretty much do anything than run in the rain. Well, to be honest, I'd rather do pretty much anything else besides run period. But thanks to Hubs I have to get in shape for that awesoem race he so kindly signed me up for without my knowledge.


So anyways, there I was busting my butt through my fiver today on the treadmill when I look at the treadmill in front of me, and this lady has, I kid you not, flip flops on. Seriously. And that wouldn't have been the worst thing ever, but then I look down again, and not only is she wearing flip flops, but they are those flip flops from a few years ago that have like little teeny two-inch heels on them. But did you forget, that we weren't at the beach or the mall? No, we were on treadmills at the gym. And that's not all folks, no, she has high-heeled flip flops on with. . . . . . SOCKS! Ya know, in case her feet get sweaty I guess. On. The. Treadmill. Oh, man. Made me giggle.


Ya really just never know what you're gonna get at the gym. I love the gym for people watching opportunities. Remember when I thought I saw John Corbett and almost asked him for his autograph, but then realized it wasn't him? Man, my gym is awesome.

SET YOUR TIVOS CAUSE SYTYCD STARTS TONIGHT!

You guys, I am totally not in the least bit embarrassed to admit this, although for some reason I'm thinking I should be, but I am so completely stoked that SYTYCD is back! Starting tonight! And a two-hour premiere! Yay!

I really hope Cat is back again cause I can't get enough of her lovely accent. And I hope Wade Robson will make a few cameos this season as well, because his choreography is just sick. And I even heard Nigel say that they came to SLC twice for auditions cause lets face it, SLC rocks! I mean come on, they even film HSM here cause of all the sweet dancers. So I will be keeping my eyes peeled for a few SLC hot spots.

I have been enjoying this fabulous show since the very first season. Holla to Benji! It is so fun to watch those dancers. They are insane, and can really move. And to be honest I'm just so jealous. I covet their sweet dance moves. My only moves are the sprinkler and the running man. Wow I'm old.

Okay, so if you are interested SYTYCD starts tonight. And I will for sure be doing weekly re-caps. And rooting for whoever it is has the SLC connection. Yay!

And because I know you were wondering, that is totally me in the above picture. I wish.

SPIDEY GOES TO COSTCO

Okay, so, where to begin? Well, I guess I will start out by saying that one of my best moves I've made as a mother in my children's eyes, would be having our huge trunk full of costumes/dress ups I've accumulated over the years. I bought most of them online at www.buycostumes.com a few Summers ago from the clearance bin. And my kids love them. And consequently play with them almost daily. And all of their little friends enjoy dressing up as well. And it's been a great way for them to be imaginative and crazy. . . . when they dress up AT HOME.

And the hit of the bunch lately has been this Spider man Costume I actually bought from Costco last fall. But honestly, if I have to put this darn spider man costume on Thing 1 one more time I think I'm gonna scream.

So last Thursday I needed to run to Costco to pick up a few things for my girls-only weekend getaway. And if any of you remember last Thursday in particular you might remember that it was a bit hot. Not dreadfully hot or anything, but hello, it is May. Well, this particular day, like most days, included Thing 1 insisting upon wearing said spiderman costume around as his clothing. Usually in the winter it goes over his clothes, and sooner or later he gets hot and sweaty and off it goes. But lately? He wants to wear it EVERYWHERE. And Costco was no exception. Except now, that it is getting warm, he likes to only wear his undies (spiderman of course) underneath so the padded (fake muscles are important) costume doesn't get too hot. And I told him, "You are going to be too hot. Let's wear "normal" clothes to the store, then as soon as you get home we can put spidey back on." Well, he didn't like that, and started telling me all of the reasons he needed to be spiderman. Which included being able to save Costco in case of an intruder. Seriously. And I wasn't in the mood for an argument, so I chose not to fight this battle. Well, at last not right at that moment. We put the costume on, and got in the car. Well, I did at least talk him into keeping the mask at home, which was a good thing. Cause really, that mask is ridiculous with it's two mini Velcro spots. Keeps falling off, all day. Which just means I spend my day velcroing the mask back on every 20 seconds. My life is riveting, I know.

So anyways, there we are walking around Costco when Thing 1 announces that he is hot. Really? In a fully padded suit from your neck to your ankles? I can't imagine why? Well, remember his logic about no clothes underneath? Well, that didn't really pan out so well, given we were in public and I look over and my three-year old is stripping down to his drawers right smack dab in the fruit section. Yes, lovely. And just so you know, apparently my three-year old has no qualms about being seen in his underwear in public. Might be my re-occurring nightmare, but apparently he finds it freeing, and not in the least bit embarrassing. Well, remember back when I said letting my three-year-old wear his costume to the grocery store wasn't a battle I was willing to fight? Well, allowing my three-year-old to walk, er rather run around Costco in his skivvies is one I am willing to fight.. . and win. Most importantly so my face would fade back to it's normal color. Somehow (thank heaven) I talk the kid into putting the costume back on (in case of an intruder, he'd be ready. Or something--but just the legs) and tying the arms around his waist so he was just nekkid on top. Shirtless rather. And it did take some serious coaxing, well, to be honest I did some serious bribery right there by those grapes. But it was worth it. A bag of Costco-sized dum dums later, we made it home, mostly dressed.

And what did I learn? Well, first off, my three-year old is getting too darn smart and sneaky. I'm gonna have to start switching up my parenting tactics with this one. Secondly, I'm really looking forward to an entire Summer with Thing 1 (note the sarcasm). And Thirdly, you can bet your bottom dollar the minute Thing 1 went to bed that night I hid that costume. Am I mean? Yes. Will spidey return? Yes. Probably. Yes. I just need a few days break. Really. At least that is what I keep telling myself. And for now, I am thoroughly enjoying my spidey-free days.

TUESDAY'S TIP ants-b-gone

It's Tuesday again, so. . .

Do ya have ants? I really hope not. But if you did, all you would have to do is:

Put small piles of cornmeal where you see ants. They eat it; take it "home”, can't digest it so it kills them. It may take a week or so, especially if it rains, but it works & you don't have the worry about pets or small children being harmed!



I really have no idea if this works, but it is again one of those random e-mails I get from Mary Jo. Have I mentioned she rocks? Full of large amounts of random information. If I ever get ants, I'll let you know how it goes. Although, a week does seem like an especially long time when you are dealing with pesky bugs.

GPG GETAWAY 2008

Harley & Bucks. Jill, Abby, Stace, Ash, me, Sara, Katy & Trish. I know this isn't the best picture we got, but it's the only one on my camera with most of us in it at the same time.


Okay, so this weekend was an absolute blast. 9 of my best girlfriends went up to Eden for some much needed girl-time before Ash heads of to NC for the next 6 years. It was so much fun. We left Thursday night and didn't get home until late last night. Three whole days with the girls. It really was so nice and relaxing.


Thursday night we arrived late, talked until the wee hours of the night ( or was it morning?) and then went to bed thinking I'd get to sleep in for the first time in ages. Well, that was a good plan, but as soon as 6 am came I was up. I guess my body is so used to waking up for my 6 am run that it just assumed I'd want to do it while I was on vacation. This wasn't the case. But luckily, I was able to go back to sleep. But don't you even for a second think I really slept in. By 8 I was up for good. It really is sad what happens to your sleeping habits when you have children. Before kids I used to relish sleeping in. Now, 8 a.m. is as late as it gets. Lame.


Friday morning we went for a long walk, ate breakfast, showered and pretty soon the rest of the girls were there. It is so funny that we need absolutely NO entertainment cause we could all just sit around and talk for hours and be happy as could be. And that is just what we did. Around five we headed into town (if you could call it that) for a little boutique shopping and dinner at Harley & Bucks. Which was way yummy. If you are ever in that area, I definitely recommend it. BBQ, burgers, tacos, sandwiches, ribs, steaks. The good stuff. After dinner we headed back to the gorgeous mansion we were staying at for a little more of the usual (gabbing), but we did have the Jazz game on in the background.


The place we stayed was Abby (Rogers) Pohlman's, and it was simply lovely. 7 Beds, 5 baths, game room, play room, hot tub, gourmet kitchen and the best comfy, mushy sectional couch EVER. Hey, it fit nine girls comfortably every night. And that is saying something. It is a seriously sweet couch if you ask me.


Saturday morning Stacie and I got up and ran about 8 miles of the Ogden Marathon with my mom who runs it every year. And it was gorgeous. And she did great. We met her at the half-way point, and ran with her up and around the reservoir, and it was beautiful. Rolling green hills, glass-like water, snow-capped mountains in the distance, and a perfect sixty-eight degrees. After we ran we came home, layed out by the pool for an hour or so, had lunch and just mostly talked, watched 27 Dressses, and talked, and talked some more until dinner. We had the yummiest cheesy chicken enchiladas (thanks Jen) and faux fried ice cream that Jill made us that really was the yummiest desert I'd had in a long time. Then it was time to bust out some games. We played a board game for a bit then headed downstairs for some serious game time. We played indoor GPG four square, had a way fun round-the world ping pong tournament, and even played musical chairs (don't ask). Anything with these 9 girls is a blast. I was seriously laughing so hard the whole time. My side and cheeks were killing me by the end. Then we caught the end of SNL (Steve Carrol is hilarious), talked some more and then went to bed at another crazy hour.

Sunday again I tried to sleep in, but 6 seems to be my optimal wake-up time. We made breakfast, talked some more, cleaned up, had lunch, played Ticket To Ride (where I kicked everyone's aces) and then watched Becoming Jane. After that we got our stuff together and it was time to head home. We really had the best time ever. So many fun times. I'm grinning just thinking about them. I love to get together with these girls. We always have such a crazy time. No kids, no husbands, and just the girls. We decided that this would be the beginning of a yearly tradition for us. Although the location will change, the friendships and love we have for each other will always remain.


I love you girls.


My top ten 2008 Eden memories:

10. Eating dinner with the gals at Harley & Bucks.
9. The enormous, smushy, super-comfy sectional where most of our good chats went down. Including our autism/immunization debate. Love you Abbs.
8. Jen's enchilada's, Jill's faux-fried ice cream, and Sara's granola. Yum-0.
7. Diet Coke, and redbox runs with the girls.
6. Katy & Jill and their adorable baby bellies. I love prego chicks.
5. Running part of the Ogden marathon with my mom & Stacie.
4. The person who will remain nameless and the effects of their lingering raw broccoli.
3. Stacie's round-the-world ping pong victory dance. (I tried to get this on video, but my battery ran out seriously at that same moment.)
2. Musical chairs (Again don't ask)
1. Getting to know my best girlfriends even better.


Thankyou so much girls for all the new, fun, inside jokes, memories and belly laughs. It couldn't have been sweeter.


Dinner at Harley & Bucks. Sara, Katy & Trish. Sorry about the close-up Trish.
Jill, Abbs, & Stace.
Stacie & Ash.
Our super-serious round-the-world ping pong tourney.
Sorry about all the weird water marks. I need a new camera.
Jill & Stace the ping-pong champions do a serious final playoff with the hit & spin. Yes, Stace is sporting a Skyline sweatshirt. Holla.
The three ping-pong champs. (There were only two paddles.)

TUESDAY'S TIP Leftover Snickers?

Okay so this tip comes courtesy again, of the ever-fabulous Mary Jo. So when you are devouring your treat, you can thank her not me.

This tip starts out, "Take leftover snickers bars from Halloween. . ." Wait, what? Leftover Snickers? That so does not happen. Ever. I mean, lets be serious here. Leftover Halloween candy is like the smarties, toothbrushes, and tootsie rolls. But Snicker bars? Yeah right. That was like hitting the lottery. Leftover snickers bars is like an oxymoron in my world, but whatever. So, if you have leftover ones, use them. Otherwise, head out and get yourself some snicker bars (funnily whenever anyone ever talks about snicker bars, I always think of Ms. Weese, I mean Reese, at Wasatch who taught geometry and would always introduce herself at the beginning of each semester by saying that she likes Snickew baws and owanges.) So anyways, get the snickers, chop them up in a food chopper. Peel, core and slice a few apples. place them in a baking dish and sprinkle the chopped candy bars over the apples. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes. Serve alone or with vanilla bean ice cream.


I know, right? You. Are. Welcome.

GOOD LINKS

• if this is true I need to ask for a raise.
• I really liked this post all about the Miley Cyrus/Annie Leibowitz controversy.
• This made me cry.

SURVIVOR: TRIPLE THREAT

So, Sunday night when I was watching the season finale of Survivor: Micronesia (and loving every minute of it by the way), I couldn’t help thinking that Survivor really is good for more than just winning a million dollars. Although that really is great and all, we must discuss the other wonderful-ness that is Survivor is made of.



Okay, first off, why are you laughing? Is it because Survivor is so very 90’s? Well, whatever. Survivor is the greatest reality show out there in my opinion. The set-up of the game, the challenges, the whole “let’s throw you out on a deserted island with nothing to eat and a bunch of really annoying people and see how you fair” thing. Combine that with Probst’s dimples, and really, what more do you need? In my mind, it’s brilliant. It’s got to be good a good game/show, if you can have this many seasons and the show is new, different and exciting every time.



And now that we are discussing it, can I just say that this season of Survivor was my absolute favorite? It really was the best. If you haven’t been watching then, you should rent this season on DVD the minute it comes out. It really just was that good. It was fans vs. favorites this season. Meaning they brought people who’d already been on once before for a second shot at a million, and their biggest fans. It made for fantastic TV. And the chicks just killed it this season. Final 4 girls. And because the women were in charge there were lots of blindsides and manipulation. And it was awesome! And poor Eric. Oh man. So so so dumb.



But this is not what I want to discuss today.



I have something much more important. Do I have any single people out there? You wanna find love? How about reality TV love? Well, okay, now whatever you do, DO NOT sign up for The Bachelor. I mean really, are any of those couples still together? Really, if you want to find love, I am convinced Survivor is the reality show where you can find it. I mean, come on, every season there are at least a few love matches and this one was no exception. And there have even been a few to last outside of the season and even one that ended up married. Take Rob and Amber from the All Star season. Ethan & Jenna, Ozzie & Amanda. And really, let’s be honest, even Jeff Probst found love with Julie Berry from the Vanautu season. And if the host can even find love, then it must be the place to find love. And if I’m not retarded, that seems to be a better turn-out than all of the Bachelors combined. And I’m sure I’m leaving a few dozen other Survivor couples out. Seriously, that show should be renamed Jungle Love. It’s crazy. Must be something in all that coconut their eating.



Another great thing about Survivor? Need to loose a few pounds? Don’t sign up for The Biggest Loser. Just sign up for Survivor. I promise you will lose weight when your diet consists of coconuts, bats and rats. Plus, Survivor has a bigger payout.



So really, it’s simple my friends. If you want to loose weight, find love or pay off some bills, Survivor is the show to be on. And as much as I love to watch, I would be the crappiest Survivor ever. I would be the one crying in the cave when it’s been raining for 7 days straight. And I don’t like to eat bugs, or rodents really. But I would like to have a million dollars. So maybe. . . .



I could send Hubs! Perfect. He really would be a fantastic Survivor. He is as fit as a fiddle, probably could climb a coconut tree pretty fast, can play chess like a champ (strategy), tivos Survivorman, and lets face it, if he can live with me, then he could probably handle any other crazy people for 39 days. Plus, I think secretly being on Survivor would be his ultimate. All that testosterone you need to build a fire.



Okay, now I am straying from the point of this post. Yes, there was a point. Let me find it. Oh, yes,
1. Survivor rocks. All seasons but, like 2 seasons ago, have been awesome.
2. Survivor clearly has the best reality TV odds at finding love.
3. Survivor also has a nice built-in weight loss program, which is a nice perk.
4. I would love to play Survivor, but I would so be the first one out.
5. I should send Hubs to play Survivor instead. He would win. But I would hope he doesn’t find love or lose weight, cause in those two areas he is already set.
6. Survivor this season was 2 Legit 2 Quit.

Hope you are all having a good one!