An Iowa Mom

Wordless Wednesday: Geeky Halloween Fun

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Today on Mom's Turn:  Cleaning Lady Complaint

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Lots Of Thanks To You ...

Over the past month or so I've been rewarded with some fun stuff and I save it in my inbox with full intention of posting about it and then time is stolen from me ... and I never do. 

I know it's lame.  But, that's my excuse.  I am really VERY VERY appreciative for all the kindness you send my way.  I understand that most of it is because you feel sorry for me because it appears as though I've fallen off my rocker ... but I'll take it any way I can get it.

Now, it is my turn to say THANK YOU!!

Stacey, The Truest Thing, gave me a warm Friday Fuzzie like two Friday's ago.  I told you I've had this stuff in my inbox for awhile.  I am such a sorry excuse!!  Stacey, I felt so fuzzy inside when I got a little love from ya.  Thank you so much!

Nicki, My Boys And Me, sent a smile award to me decades ago.  I've kept it.  Smiled when I saw it, and it ends there.  Not only did Nicki bestow upon me the Smile Award, she also snuck this Treat Award too.  Now, I'm finally placing these in my sidebar for all to see and admire.  As I do this, I want you all to know that Nicki is actually the person who makes me smile ... a lot!  She is kind and warm and quite a treat ... if you haven't been over to visit her yet ... GET TO IT!   

 

 

This Is So Up My Alley

If you've been reading me for a while, you know that I vacuum every.single.day. 

No .... not because I WANT to ... it's because I have to.

No ... not because Big Daddy beats me if I don't ... it's because we have her:

So, I think I just have to have this:

Don't you agree?

You know you do, you're just saying that because you want to win it.

Shoot, I'm not going to tell you how and decrease my chances of winning, you're crazy.  You'll have to go over to The Domestic Diva and let her tell you.

You better hurry though ... she's choosing me a winner on Thursday.  Hey it's not my fault, blame Green3, she just told me about this yesterday.

Going In Circles

Last night we were sitting at the table, enjoying another gourmet meal, of course and Emily was squirming in her chair uncontrollably ... sporting a 'I know something you don't know' kind of look.

Drew is one that just can't resist an obvious 'I know something you don't know' expression so he took the bait.

Drew:  Emily, why are you smiling?

Emily:  Tomorrow Mommy, Molly and me are having Picnic in the backyard on a blanket.

Drew:  Yeah.  What are we having to eat?

Emily:  You can't come because you are going to be in school.

Drew:  No fair.  How come you get a picnic?

Emily:  Because it's my special day.

Drew:  Why is it your special day?

Emily:  Because I'm having a picnic outside with Mommy and Molly and you can't come because you'll be in school.

And We Didn't Think They Listened

When scrolling through photos taken on Purdue trip ... we got to this photo:

And once it popped up on the screen, Drew blurts, "That's at Starbucks.  Where we got the coffee that was NOT in the budget!"

Guess all this talk of budgeting and finances is rubbing off ... ON THE KIDS!

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Today Over At Mom's Turn:  Pompous Preschooler

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It's A Carnival Of Giveaways!!

CONTEST CLOSED! 

WINNERS HAVE BEEN SELECTED!

If you are a regular surfer around Bloggyville, then you know about the giveaway carnival that is being hosted over at BloggyGiveaways.com, right?  If you are all about winning free stuff ... or at least TRYING to win ... as it would be in my case then head on over for a list of all the blogs that are holding giveaways this week. 

I'm never one to pass on participating in something big, so I will have my own little giveaway here at An Iowa Mom.

What could I be giving away, you ask?? 

What else, but SOCKS!  Cute, adorable, irresistible beaded socks for your little princess.  Your little one will not want to take these off once they are snuggled on those sweet little tootsies of hers.  With the cooler weather setting in and the holidays around the corner, I think these socks would be a perfect prize.

Leave me a comment on this post and I will randomly choose a winner to receive a set of four pair of beaded socks in the size and colors of their choice (value = $20).  To make it fun, I'll give a set away for every 50 comments received.  (50 comments = 1 winner; 100 comments = 2 winners; 150 comments = 3 winners ... you get the point, right?)

So, if you're here for the giveaway, start leaving me those comments ... and if you want to butter me up by telling me how great I am, how you just can't live without my, how much you love visiting my blog ... you may score some brownie points ... but I'll never tell for sure.  I'll choose the winner (or winners) on Friday, November 2.

I'd love it if you'd stick around for awhile, but know that you must be on your way to visit all those other wonderful giveaways ... so bookmark me or subscribe to my feed and come back when you're not so rushed.  I'd love to have ya!

See ya 'round the carnival!  Have fun!

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***  Find Out How To Make Some Extra Cash By Displaying My Banner On Your Blog! ***

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Just In Time For Your Holiday Shopping

It's that time of year again ... time to start thinking about your holiday shopping.  Unless you are like me and have it done already.  I know.  Don't hate me.  Please.

This time of year is the busiest for my online store called, Craft Show Connection, and I want to share some good fortune with you all.  It's the whole "holiday vibe", I just want to give, give, give.

Anyway, if you are interested in placing one of my Craft Show Connection banners on your blog or website, this is what I can do.  I will reward you with $7.50 for every new exhibitor that signs up, coming from your blog/website, to sell their handmade items in our online craft show.  Additionally, I will also share 5% of every sale made that originates from your blog.

If you are willing to share a little linky love and place a banner and/or post about Craft Show Connection on your blog ... I can make your holiday shopping a bit easier this year.

Come on ... it's costs you nothing ... let's be partners.  You can either get started right away or feel free to email me if you have any questions.

Thanks guys!!

Straight From Joe's Mouth ...

Last night, as we were horning in for the Ohio State vs. Penn State football game, a quote from Joe Paterno faded onto the screen and for some reason I really liked it.  So I'm sharing it. 

Believe deep down in your heart that you're destined to do great things.

Enjoy your Sunday. 

Go do something fun!

No Dessert Unless You Eat All Your Dinner

This morning was special for Drew.  He met a reading goal we set for him here at home and earned a donut.  I know, a Casey's donut ... a prize anyone would go to great lengths to earn.  Drew could barely contain himself as Big Daddy loaded him into the car to retrieve the almighty donut.

With our newly found frugality, Big Daddy purchased an entire box of day old treats, rather than just two fresh ones, as it would be a much better deal.  It worked out well too, because at dinner as the four children scarfed down their gourmet feast consisting of corn dogs, mixed fruit, broccoli and potato chips, Drew spotted the box that once held a dozen slightly stale goodies.

Drew:  Mom, can we have a donut for dessert?
Me:  Sure.
Drew:  Oh man, we can't.  There is only three donuts left.
Me:  (looking at four children doused in ketchup) Yeah you can.  Someone just can't eat all their dinner.
Drew:  Good idea.

I've Been Replaced For A Newer Model ...

NO ... I don't mean that Big Daddy is leaving me for a nice, young, chipper, perky ... whipper snapper.  Though he's been known to say that he wants to die jumping out of the bedroom window of a 25 year old, with her husband chasing him.  I know, such goals in life ... and he's all mine.

What I meant was ... several years ago, when our family talked about traveling to Indiana to a Purdue football game (Big Daddy is a complete fanatic of Purdue), it would look something like this:

Last weekend Purdue played Iowa ... at Purdue ... so another fun filled football weekend at Purdue was planned and it looked like this:

I would love to tell you about it ...

BUT I WASN'T THERE.

I wasn't even asked to be there.  The least they could have done was ask me so I could decline.  Nope, not even close.  I was left alone here to act as referee to the sister slapping, girly squealing, hair pulling, sibling squawking cat fights that took place every 10.54 seconds.

And all I got when they returned was a memory card full of photos, showing me what a great time they had.  Stories of caffeinated pop, cookies, milkshakes, hot dogs, and how they've bonded.  How they are the manhood of our household now and nothing can come between them.

NO FAIR!

The girls and I discovered something about our relationship too.  That we are not compatible, we irritate the living snot out of one another, two of us love bagel bites and the third can not stand them ... and two of us can watch Cinderella 5 times in a 24 hour period in surround sound and the third can only tolerate it while pulling clumps of hair out of her head while rocking back and forth singing to herself.

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Today on Mom's Turn:  GIMME A BREAK!!

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You Know Your Day Hasn't Been Good When ...

you hear the cat bellow as he jumps from his litter box and then blazes by you through the living room at lightening speed ... as he's having difficulty "passing" a bread tie, that it obviously shouldn't have ingested, and it barely phases you. 

To be honest, the only thing I thought of at the moment was, "that will teach him to eat bread ties!". 

That and, of course, "I have to blog this."

Now ... I'm thinking ... I better go find him and clean up any potential mess ... before one of the kids find it.  That is never pretty.  Not that I'd know or anything.

Butt ... It's Making Me Crazy!

The other day was one of the first really "chilly" days we've had this fall.  Emily had preschool and I thought I'd set out a new Fall outfit that she hasn't worn yet.

Needless to say, she wasn't very happy with my selection.  Why?  Because she is never pleased with what I lay out for her to wear.  If she were to open her drawer, pull out the exact thing ... she would love it so much she'd ask to sleep in it that night.  I set it out and it's like Cinderella's rags.

I was in a particularly good mood that morning and was up for the challenge.  And I won.  She wore it to school, even though she managed to cry and whine the whole way there ... and back.

Once we were home, she tugged and pulled on it.  Grunted and sighed.  "Mom!" she screamed, "Can I take this off?  Please!"

"Yes, I don't care!" I replied, happy that I got her in it in the first place.

"Good, because it's making my butt all crazy!"

Okay people ... how does a skirt make one's 'butt all crazy'? 

Seriously ... what the heck is wrong with my children?

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Today on Mom's Turn:  Unbelievable Even For A Mother in Law

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Would You Like A Little Ice Cream?

Last night, after we tucked in the girls, read them a story, kissed their sweet little cheeks and threatened them with their life if they got out of their beds ... Big Daddy and I were getting ready to settle in for a movie.  I strolled to the kitchen and pulled out the ice cream and offered to dish some out for the birthday boy since I was getting myself a bowl.

Big Daddy declined and I proceeded to get my dinner, I mean, little treat.  Snuggled into my chair, computer on my lap, ice cream on the side table next to me ... hubby sits down on the couch ... with ice cream.

Me:  I asked if you wanted me to get you some ice cream.
Him:  I didn't want a whole bowl.

Oh ... okay!

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Today On Mom's Turn:  Their Freedom Is A Farce

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Wordless Wednesday: Yes, He Consumed Them All

My Big Daddy!!

Today is another special day here at our house.  It's hubby's birthday today and man, he's old.  Well, not really OLD, but older than me ... so I have the right to say he's ancient.  Right?  It's not like I risk him getting me back or anything ... I'll never catch up to him.  Ever.  Not possible.  Sorry babe, just a fact.

Anyway, I have a question?  Why do all men ask for the same thing on their birthday?    And ... it's not a cake!!

Happy Birthday Love Chop!

Simple Priorities

The other night after getting my PJ's on, I was heading back downstairs to catch a new episode of Dog The Bounty Hunter that I had recorded.  (If you tell anyone I am absolutely in love with the Chapman family, I will disown you as a Bloggity friend.  I mean it.  Don't test me.) 

Anyway, as I passed the bedroom where the boys lay their sweet, little, corrupted heads ... I could hear whispers.  Being the eves dropper that I am, I hoped to catch a great scoop on who got in trouble that day at school or who held who's hand.  I got nothing.  Nothing!  Well, unless you consider knowing that your oldest son sneezed at recess and snot flew out of his nose and broke the record of how far it went and it being the coolest thing that happened since school started, a great scoop.  Oh yea, I'm very proud indeed.

Shaking my head, I begin to walk past the door and down the stairs ... and then I hear ...

"Drew, I love you!" coming from Jake.  My heart melted and I have to admit the tiniest of tiny tears came to my eyes as my mouth uncontrollably turned into a smile.

"I love cookies!" was Drew's response.

That's my Drewy.

Hey, you love what you love.  Right?

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Today at Mom's Turn:  Thanks For Nothing

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The Vomit Walk

Last night, as I was forcing myself to jump off my To Do Boulder and get some sleep I turned up the volume on the television in our bedroom so I could hear the top stories as I brushed all the sugar from my Pepsi off my pearly whites.

I half heartedly listened as I brushed and examined the several wrinkles forming around my eyes in the mirror.  It sucks getting old.  Then I hear a reporter talking about how he joined a clean up team on a "Vomit Walk" around the streets of a nearby downtown city.

Yes, you read that correctly ... A Vomit Walk.

Don't believe me?  Good Lord people, I am not kidding ... you can read it here!  Someday you are going to have to learn to trust me.  Geez, you are as bad as my husband.

Anyway, I don't know which is scarier ... the fact that this town has a vomit walk or that it's a lead story on the local news.  That in and of itself is mind boggling to me.  The reporter, Justin Foss, was hilarious though and kept me interested in the story with his comical stance on the situation.  The situation being vomit.  Little presents for Sunday strollers.  Now people ... that's news!

Despite drinking a caffeinated pop 30 minutes earlier, this lead me to try and find the humor in puke, as I attempted to drift away into dreamland.  Before this I didn't think there was anything funny about it.  I don't like doing.  I don't like seeing it.  I don't smelling it.  And more than anything else, I don't like cleaning it up.  Knowing this, it will come as no surprise to you that I "vomit train" my children very early in life ... like by age 1.  NO KIDDING!  You feel it coming ... get your little Honey to the toilet or a bucket, which ever is closest.  If you miss ... well, let's just say ... Don't miss, or there will be an ever bigger mess to clean up.  TRUST ME!

A couple of weeks ago started like any other morning.  Kids are lined up in the kitchen to retrieve their sugar filled breakfast and glass of milk before going to school.  Everyone ate and as I was vacuuming the living room (yes, I vacuum every morning ... have you SEEN my dog?) I found Drew laying on the sofa staring at the TV.  He wasn't dressed for school, which was unusual as Drew is always dressed and ready to go before anyone else even begins cracking open their eyelids.

Of course, I ignored any chance there could be a problem and I yelled over the hum of the vacuum for him to get ready for school.  He said he didn't feel well and as any good mother would do, I marked that up to mean "this show is really good and I don't want to miss a single second of it".  So I turned the TV off, smiled at my sweet boy, and continued vacuuming as I screamed, "NOW!!!"

After getting dressed, Drew still complained that his belly hurt.  I sat him down and told him that he could stay home from school, but here are the rules. 

1. No TV
2. No Video Games
3. No Treats
4. No Playing Outside Later When He Feels Better

With that said, my little trooper put on his shoes and insisted he was well enough to carry on to school. 

Whew!  Close call!

As he moped down the sidewalk to the bus stop, I called out that I would email his teacher just in case he felt worse later that he should go to the nurse and I would come and pick him up.

Because I am an awesome mom, I did just that.  I opened my computer and immediately let the teacher know what was going on.

Then I opened Blog lines.

Then my garage door opened.  And my oldest son appeared.

"Drew just puked on the bus and the bus driver needs a ziploc bag or something."

OH.MY.GOD!

I run out to find the school bus parked in front of my house, Drew walking up the driveway looking pale as a ghost.  As I climbed the stairs to the bus, what felt like a million kids stared at me, some turning as they were struggling to open the windows for some fresh air.

The bus driver peeked up from a seat about 4 rows from the back and said, "Let me guess, Cocoa Puffs for breakfast?"

My face had to have turned 5 shades of red.  And then 10 shades of green as I realized it would be really really inconsiderate of me to just hand her some cleaning supplies and watch her clean up my child's vomit.  So I did it.  As ten hundred gazillion eyes watched.  With every wipe I envisioned the horror that would erupt if I hurled right there ... in the same seat that my son just did. 

Sparing you all the details, including the one where I stepped in chunks wearing only my socks and some pimple faced adolescent pointed it out to me, I will assure you that I sucked it up in the name of Motherhood.  Making mothers proud all over the world ...

Okay, all over Bloggerville ...

Fine, alright ... I'll just get over myself and go find out when the next Vomit Walk is taking place.

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Today at Mom's Turn ... Fling Over Thanksgiving!  Come on over and check it out!

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The Same Name

Two and a half years after giving birth to my youngest child and calling (or more like screaming) her name at least 756 times per day, I realized something this morning as I was struggling to open my eyes and drag my sorry butt out of bed to whip something up for breakfast.

I kinda named my two daughters the same thing and didn't even know it.  Well, I know it NOW, but it's pretty much too late.  Plus, it took me to and a half years to even get a clue, so I don't think anyone else would catch on either.  I'm just going to assume that they're all not the sharpest crayons in the box either ... so, ssshhhhh, don't tell anyone, okay?  Promise?  And don't be crossing your fingers behind your back ... that's just so wrong!!

So anyway ...

 

My oldest daughter is Emily ... pronounced like it's spelled.  Emily.

My youngest daughter is Molly ... M - O - lly (if you say the first two letters and then the end, Lee) ... it sounds like Emily.  M.  O.  Lee.  Emily.

Oh dear God, leave it to me. 

Just in case you didn't know, I am nominated for Mom Of The Year ...

Every Year. 

Coming Up For Air ...

I am still working hard ... making this snowball into a flippin' boulder!!  However, I had to take a small, and I mean extremely tiny, break to share a little bit of "Molly humor" with you that took place over lunch today.

During the time it took Molly to eat her bowl of Macaroni and Cheese, she managed to spill her milk, throw her spoon, which stuck to the dog and remove her shirt (why do toddlers do this constantly????  Or is it just my children?).  I glanced at her briefly as I was emptying the dishwasher and sighed to myself in disgust as I caught a glimpse of the quickly crusting mac and cheese drying on her belly. 

Somehow in this little girls mind, she knew I could use a little laugh.  How she knew ... I do not know ... but it was delivered RIGHT.ON.TIME!

"Mommy?" she called out, "I think I look goofy!"

Molly, I would have to agree ... but goofy in a funny, cute and very needed kind of way.

Enjoy your weekend.

Snowballs In The Fall

My Dave Ramsey stuff came the other day.  Hubby and I have both almost made it through the book already and I've been listening to the radio shows.  We also catch the TV show on Fox Business Network every evening.  (Sorry Green3). 

One of many things we've learned thus far is the whole Debt Snowball concept.  This is where you take all your outstanding debts, except your house, and list them.  Then, while making minimum payments on all of them, you "attack" your smallest one  with everything you have until it is gone.  Then you go to the next smallest and so on.  This is so exciting for us because we only have two outstanding debts other than the house and we should have the car paid off in a couple of months, leaving us with just one.  Whoo Hoo.

Anyway, this post is not about Dave Ramsey and the Debt Snowball (so you can keep reading Mom!) ... but I am using the concept for another aspect of my life.

My To Do List

I mean, geez louise, it seems that my list of things to do has more "projects" on it than minimal tasks.  So today I am listing them all and will put them in order by the time I expect it will take to complete them.  Then I will just start checking them off one by one and before you know it, I'll have everything done. 

There are a lot of things hanging over my head that I just don't seem to get to because there is not enough time in my day.  That will be the case no longer, as I anticipate once everything is caught up, I will not put myself in the situation I'm in now again.

Well, I'm going in.  And if I trip, fall and get stuck in one of my snowballs ... I'm thankful it's only Fall so surely it will melt and I will be saved.  Right?

If not and you don't hear from me by Monday ... call 9-1-1.

WFMW: Photo Books For Little Ones

When I discovered Shutterfly, I was like an addict.  I'm serious!  If they SA meetings I could of attended, my husband just might have had an intervention and sent me on my way.

While I still love Shutterfly and use it every time I can, (Hello?  Who wouldn't with all their special offers they send their customers?) I have come up with a way to create special photo books for the kids that they wouldn't rip up or destroy after 10 times of looking at them.

Let me tell you, not only are these great for bedtime and quiet time, they are AWESOME for the car.  All four of my kids will grab one of these when they get in the car and will flip through it the entire time we are driving.  I'M NOT KIDDING!

You should really make one ... and then email me and let me know how it turned out. 

1. I print photos that will co-inside with the theme I'm going for.  
2. Then using some scrapbook paper in the prints that, again, go with the theme I create the pages.  You can make the book any size you'd like.  Mine usually are about 5 x 8 inches. 
3. After creating the pages, I glue two pages together, creating a front and back. 
4. Repeat until all your pages have a mate (don't forget a cover and back).
5. I then put a protective covering over them.  While I used to laminate, that got expensive (yeah, I made way too many books), so I now use the clear contact/shelf paper found in your kitchen section of your favorite supermart.  It's cheap and I just lay a page down on the paper.  Then lay another piece of contact paper over the top and cut around it.
6. Punch holes in the sides and "bind" the book with notebook rings found in the office department at the supermart.
7. Be amazed that your children want to look at their book over and over and over again. 

Some theme ideas I've used are:

• Family members (I put in photos of all siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.)
• Vacations
• All About Me (and have the whole book be photos of that child)
• Holidays/Birthday
• ABC Book

These books work for us and I hope they work for you and yours too!  For more great tips, head over to Rocks In My Dryer!

Wordless Wednesday: Rain or Shine, Any Time

It Couldn't Have Been Four Years Already?

WOW!  It really has been! Happy Birthday Emily!
We Love You!

A Little Bit of The Big Time

It was a first.  And if I could have planned it, it would have gone NOTHING like it did.

Picture me, 8:00 in the morning walking casually into Super Target.  The rain falling from the sky is pelting my face and drenching my hair, but I don't care because I haven't had my shower yet anyway.  Plus, I'm without children.  There are no cares in the world ... and I have to make every second count so I walk as slowly as I can ... without looking like a total freak since we are, in fact, in the middle of a downpour. 

I browse through the greatest store on earth and about an hour later, enter the check out line.  As the clerk is scanning my items, I have this overwhelming feeling that I am forgetting something that I wanted.  There were only a few items that were the reason for my early morning spree, so I didn't bring a list. 

Donuts - check
Socks - check (yes, I'm getting pressure to start offering my beaded socks again)
Packing tape - check (yes ladies, your Moms Turn prizes are being shipped - finally)
Pepsi - check (can't survive a morning without it) - I know Green3, I could've skipped it and grabbed a can from home.

There was something not there that I had intended to be, but I couldn't put my finger on it.  Oh well, if it was something I couldn't live without, it would be a great excuse to escape from the house again later in the afternoon.

I venture towards the door, my mouth watering for one of the freshly made donuts, and it hits me. 

Mailing labels. 

I debated going back in.  I didn't really NEED them, I had enough at home ... but it would save me a trip.  But it would set me back 5 minutes and I did want that donut. 

Gas prices are high ... we live 10 miles from Target ... I should just go pick up my silly labels and be done with it.  I run back to the aisle I need, scan the choices and grab one and take a peek at the back of the packaging to make sure it was what I wanted.

"Excuse me?" a voice came from beside me.  "Are you An Iowa Mom?"

I almost busted out laughing.  "Yes."

"I read your blog every single day.  I love it."

"Thank you!" I was a bit giddy and embarrassed.  Here I stood, not having took a shower ... my hair curling up from the rain ... and I was completely caught off guard.  I visited with "Michelle" for several minutes.  I would love to share a blog address for her, but she doesn't have one.  She should.  She is hilarious in real life and her little girl is A-D-O-R-A-B-L-E.  I told her that I wanted one started by the end of the year.  Convincing aren't I?  She said she'd think about it.  Come on, Michelle!!

It was fun though. 

And I felt pretty special. 

Like a rock star.

Fall Festival at Jill's

Jill over at Who Could Ask For Anything More is hosting a Fall Festival Week.  She is sharing her decorations, stories and some favorite fall recipes.  She asked for everyone to join in and here I am ... on Friday ... the LAST DAY OF THE WEEK (the work week anyway) and I'm finally participating. 

Can you say, "Loser"?

Well, you'll have to say it louder than that because I'm going to show you my fall decorations ... that I posted last year.  Believe me it looks exactly the same this year, because I haven't gotten anything new and I put everything is the same place.

All together now ... "LOSER"!

I would love it if you shared your home as well.  And don't forget to head over to Jill's for some awesome Fall inspiration.

 

Welcome To An Iowa Home!  It's been cool here for a while now, so the mums are fiddling out ... wish I would have taken a photo before now!  Bummer!

Welcomed by our "Watch Crows".  They almost feel like part of the family!

Our sidewalk is lined with cat lights.  They are really cool, except for Halloween night when I watch at least 20 kids trip and fall when bolting away from our house anxious to get to the next failing to use the sidewalk.

I didn't realize how "misformed" this poor wreath is until I took the picture.  The neighbors probably wonder if I'm freakin' blind.  Maybe I am!

The stair leading to the second floor from our foyer.  Again, greeted by some temporary members of our family.  Smilee "talks" to the ghost on a daily basis. Scary!

The formal dining room.  I'm embarrassed to say that I have an absolutely beautiful table runner "top"completed down in my sewing room to replace the tiny place mat used to display my fall arrangement ... It just needs a back!  Lately, I'm just unable to complete a project.  Maybe next year.  Yeah, right!

The buffet in the dining room.

The desk in the living room.  I used to hate the pumpkin candle ... but he's growing on me now that it's time to put him away.

The living room.  The skeleton and dog are for some reason a favorite of mine.  When they are back lit by tea lights, I sit and stare.  Don't know why ... and don't want to know.  I'm a nut.

Again, like the dining table, I have 6 adorable pumpkin place mat TOPS made.  Maybe sometime after Christmas I'll get them finished.  I got the ugly Fall Arrangement on clearance for $3.35.  One that can't pass up a good deal ... I showcase my treasure on the kitchen table for all to see.

More "family members" (do you think I should have had MORE kids?)  I chit chat with these guys while I'm preparing meals ... which seems to be what I'm doing most of the time.  I love it ... I talk and talk and they never talk back.  A DREAM COME TRUE!  I think I'll keep 'em!

Amazing that a $4.88 electric pumpkin can make 4 kids so happy ... and scared!  *Sigh* Oh ... love the magnets ... in the Target Holiday aisle.  I actually went back and got 3 more sets to give to friends in their "BOO BAGS".  :)

Yeah ... Princess showing off the Autumn dishtowels ... like SHE made them.  Maybe we should have dressed her as a WITCH this year.  :) Yummy Spaghetti Sauce simmering in the crock-pot ... Recipe coming later this week.

The "Candy Corner". Throughout the season we keep this basket filled with little Halloween bags stuffed with homemade chocolate treats that we can surprise our visitors and friends with.

Some of the buddies from the candle on the desk.  They freaked me out at first ... but are growing on me now.  The sweet pumpkin in the middle was a gift from my friend that came at the perfect time to MAKE MY MONTH.  Funny how something so small can mean so much.  I look at it constantly as I do dishes and wonder how lucky I got to have such great and thoughtful friends.

An old country road runs behind our house, so I set our friendly ghost  in a window facing that street to wish all the "country folk" a Happy Halloween as they drive by.

The powder room shelf.  Maybe someday I'll put a towel on the towel rack.  Sad thing is, I have 3 different Halloween fingertip towels, but too lazy to hang them up.  Can you say ... LOSER!

Again, the powder room.  I love the little leaf candle holders, though they are hard to see in this photo ...

Basement!  I bought this stuffed pumpkin and then tried to recreate it in different sizes for other decorations around the house.  Don't ask how that worked out for me.  $40 worth of fabric, $20 in other supplies, and about 6 hours in time ... and you couldn't even tell what I had done were supposed to be pumpkins.  That makes this pumpkin that much more special to me.

More Target Halloween finds.  They had lots of fun stuff this year.  I'm a sucker for Target, it's really sad!

My laptop screen saver is even wishing everyone out there in bloggerland, a HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

 

I'm a Hero To Some and The Antomyn of Hero To The One Leftover

Today was Thursday ... well, it still is actually, but I'm going with the past tense because I am tired enough at 7pm that I could envision falling into bed for the evening and not thinking twice about it.

Hubby is not happy with me this afternoon.  Actually saying that he's not happy is an understatement.  He had a busy day of sales calls, most of which were out of the area.  He was informed this morning that the boys had a dentist appointment scheduled for the afternoon and he let me know that he would really have to arrange his day perfectly in order to be back in town by 2:30 to pick them up from school.

Okay, do whatever you have to do.  You know the drill ... I do not "do" the dentist and it's his job every 6 months to get the children to and from the dreaded, oops I mean, dentist office.  Today would be no exception.

A few calls during the day making me feel guilty keeping me updated on his jaunt through the state and the inadequate sales calls he was making because he was rushing a bit and all was well.  He was back in town with 30 minutes to spare.  That's my big daddy.

Happily sewing down in my craft room, a sense of panic suddenly washed over me.  Why didn't the happy people at the dentist office call me last night to remind me of the appointment ... like they always do?

"Oh shit!" I couldn't help let slip from my mouth as I ran up the stairs taking two at a time ... and tripping ... but hey, that's a given.  I just don't move like I used to. 

I scramble over to the refridgerater and peek under the cute little pumpkin magnet ... and cringe as I see the number 18 zooming in and out at me.  Yeah, 18 as in ... OCTOBER 18.  That would be NEXT WEEK.

Grabbing the phone I dialed hubby and there was no answer.  I knew he was in the school retrieving the boys.  I waited 2 minutes 15 seconds and dialed again.  This time he answered.

I told him not to ask any questions, just bring the boys home ... forget that old dentist.

Needless to say, he wasn't thrilled to see me as they all walked through the door.  Trying to look at the bright side of things, he decided to wash my Suburban, since it's rare that he has the time to do the job he deems necessary.  And shoot, wax it too ... after all it has to be ready for winter.  But there wasn't enough wax. 

So, I grabbed my purse and the car keys and ventured out the door.

"Where are you going?" he called.

"To the store.  To get wax!" I smiled.

"You're not leaving all the kids here ... with me ... are you?" he snarled.

"Hey, look buddy ... I'm trying to do YOU a favor here!  Work with me!"  (I know ... I'm such a bitch.  You DO NOT need to send me emails telling me so.  And just for your info ... I'm only a "B" to him ... because he likes it.  Or at least that's what I tell myself.)

And he did.

I have the best hubby EVER!!

And my kids think I'm the best Mom ever ... allowing them to get out of school AND their dentist appointment.

I'll sleep well tonight, I bet 'cha there is snoring involved and everything.  The whole darn ball of wax.

Good night!

Be Careful What You Lick ...

Jessie has never really been talked about on this blog.  I don't know why, she just hasn't.  She was the first.  Jessie was here before any of the others.  I could explain the whole story of Jessie, but who really wants all the boring details.  So, I'll make it quick.

• Boy Meets Girl
• Girl Sees Puppy
• Boy Wants To Impress Girl
• Boy Buys Puppy

Let me introduce you to Jessie:

She is a Siberian Husky.  With the prettiest blue eyes.  More hair falls off this dog than one would ever think possible.  (This quick fact causes us to vacuum daily and purchase a new vacuum every other year.) She is dumber than a box of rocks.  Okay, so she's not dumb, Jessie is strange, or should I say has some "not so normal" tendencies. 

How do I put this?

We have the cleanest sliding glass door track in the neighborhood.  Probably the state of Iowa.  Maybe even the world. 

That's right, she licks the sliding glass door track.  She licks and licks and licks and licks.  I yell at her to stop and she'll listen.  For about a minute and then she's right back at it.  This little habit grosses me out a bit ... but then I think of having to clean the track by hand and then I let her be.  I just leave the room so I don't see it ...

Anyway, Jessie must think the track to our always fingerprinted and smudged sliding glass door was clean enough because she recently moved over 2 inches to the heat register.  Now I have the cleanest one of those. 

-- Sidenote:  For those of you who don't think I'm very smart ... get this ...  I actually started rotating the register vents so that she cleans them all.  GROSS, isn't it?  Oh hush, her mouth is cleaner than mine.  And I don't want to have to lick them clean.  Besides, I couldn't stop her if I tried.  --

So ... today, I'm in the kitchen preparing dinner and I keep hearing this thud.  Over and over.  I call out to the girls, assuming they are doing something to add to their daily destruction of our house.  They don't answer so I go looking for them.  As I rounded the corner, I see Jessie dragging the register vent from her mouth.

THE DAMN DOG GOT HER TONGUE STUCK IN THE REGISTER VENT.

NO, I'M NOT KIDDING!

I don't think I've ever laughed so hard in my life.  Now, of course, as any dedicated blogger would ... my first thought was to grab the camera.  But, I really didn't want to post a photo of this pathetic scene.  PETA would be knocking on my door within hours and you know it. 

So, I'll leave you with everything involved and you can use your imagination to draw your own picture.

   
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Utter Disappointment

There is nothing ... and I repeat NOTHING more disappointing than getting your youngest child down for a nap for the first time in 2 weeks, settling the other little one in after bribing her with candy and kool-aid, fixing a special lunch for yourself and then snuggling into a warm chair, with a freshly washed quilt on a crisp Fall afternoon, to press play on the new Blockbuster DVD that arrived in your mailbox just a short hour before ....

just to find that you've already seen the movie.  And didn't like it the first time.

Nothing worse that that. 

Well except for that sorry excuse of a run on sentence I just made you read, leading you to believe something exciting was going to happen.

And it didn't.

Are you disappointed?

Yeah, me too!

Hump Day = Catch Up Day Today

As you can see I have no Wordless Wednesday today.  And no Works For Me Wednesday either. 

There is no time, ya see.

I am officially naming today ... Catch Up Day!  I have a million things to accomplish and I always get sidetracked by blogging and reading blogs.  Gee, I wonder how that could happen. 

So ... today I'm off to accomplish things like ...

... Creating contest prizes for those sweet people who helped spread the word about Moms Turn.

... Signing up for the Dave Ramsey Total Money Makeover Program.  Yes, The Green 3 and my brother finally got to me enough to make me want to participate.  It was either them or these bills that just arrived in the mailbox that instantly pissed me off.

... Make the 400 billion phone calls that I've been putting off.

... Getting "birthday cookies" made for Emily to take to school tomorrow.

... Send my brother the info he needs to start on the next phase of IowaMoms.com.

... Participate in the "Parents vs. Kids" soccer game that will be taking place this afternoon for Drew's soccer team.

... Possibly get a shower in before noon.  (Yeah, that won't happen.  It never does.)

Okay ... I jumping in.  If you don't hear from me by tomorrow afternoon ... call 9-1-1.

Do I Smell Like A Cucumber or A Melon?

I ran to the mall the other day for a specific reason.  Bath and Body Works.  This is usually the reason for my trips to the mall.  That and getting Emily's glasses adjusted, but this was one of those rare occasions that I was all by myself (yeah, I know, I still can't believe it either).  Otherwise you can find me at Super Target.  I can pretty much find everything I could possibly need there.  I really don't see a reason one should have to go anywhere else.

Except for Super Size Bags of Malt-O-Meal Cereal.  My kids are crazy over the Chocolate Marshmallow Matey's.  (CoCo Puffs and Lucky Charm Marshmallows mixed).  They don't sell those at Target.  Though they should, so that I wouldn't have to drive down the street to WalMart, which I despise.  I can not stand WalMart.  I get pissed off just thinking about having to go there, let alone when I'm actually there.

Anyway, how did I get so off track? 

I was at the mall getting some of these:

Because what is Halloween without Halloween Soap?  Hello!  And of course, even though all I needed was soap, I still found myself wandering around aimlessly, smelling each and every one of the lotions available.  Again.  Just like every single time I'm there. Thinking I deserve something new, I have already decided that I was going home with new shower gel and lotion.  Too bad I couldn't decide on which one.

I think I was freaking the salesgirl out a bit.  She kept a good eye on me as I picked up every tester.  I wanted to assure her I wasn't going to slip one in my purse.  I'm not about stealing lotions ... just straws!

I left with 4 different "travel size" lotions.  This set me back more than if I would have just picked one of the regular sizes to purchase ... but I couldn't. 

I like the Sensual Amber. 

I really like the Warm Vanilla Sugar but hubby doesn't like it because he says he gets hungry whenever he's near me.

Then, there is always the old standby Country Apple.  But, I don't know how I really feel about smelling like fruit.

Which Bath & Body Works fragrance(s) would I find at your house?  What are your favorites?

Tackle It Tuesday: Do As I Say, Not As I Do ...

It's pretty sad when your 7 year old is more on top of things than his mother.  After Drew's birthday (I know it was so long ago you barely remember), he promptly sat down and wrote out his thank you's on the little cards I supplied for him. 

A little more than a month later, I FINALLY made the cards his thank you's would actually fit in to.  Thank God I got organized so I could get this done for him. 

Quite honestly, he has asked if I made them at least 10 times since he wrote them out.

Maybe next month, I will send them.

I Was 36 Going On 6 ... But Only For A Brief Moment

Arby's was the lunch of choice for Emily a few days ago when we met some friends at the mall.  The choice was ALL HERS, because she knew whatever she suggested, Molly would happily repeat.  Over and over and over again.

Me, well, I didn't want Arby's.  It's not unlike me to be difficult.  It's quite normal actually.  So, I made the children follow me over to the longest line in the whole food court, just so we could watch the jerk in front of us take the last slice of pepperoni pizza.  This, of course, caused us to have to wait an additional 5 to 7 minutes for the next pizza pie to emerge from the oven.  Ohhh, my mouth is watering just thinking about it.

Oh shoot, sorry, back to the girls.  And Arby's.  I needed two sandwiches, fries and drinks.  You would think this would a simple task.  One that could be done with minimal difficulty. 

Yeah, you'd think!

Doorknob Behind The Counter:  What can I get you?

Me:  Two happy meals, please!

Doorknob Behind The Counter:  This is not McDonald's.

Me:  Excuse me? 

Doorknob Behind The Counter:  Happy Meals are sold at McDonalds.  You are at Arby's.

Me:  Oh, sorry, two KID meals.  The Jr. Roast Beef ones.  Please.

Doorknob Behind The Counter:  Jr. Roast Beef for both?

Me:  Yes.  Please.

Doorknob Behind The Counter:  Drink?

Me:  Apple Juice.  For Both.  Please.

Doorknob Behind The Counter:  We don't have apple juice.

Me:  (Looking into the little fridge and seeing some sort of juice) Fruit juice?

Doorknob Behind The Counter:  (Nothing)

Me:  Fruit juice is fine.  For both.

Doorknob Behind The Counter:  Is that what you want?

Me:  (No, you dweeb, I really want chocolate milk, but I thought I'd go round and round asking for juice just to screw with you.) Umm, yeah.

Doorknob Behind The Counter:  $9.54

Me:  (choking a bit over the total, I hand him my debit card)

Doorknob Behind The Counter:  (Refusing to take my card) Credit card machine is down.

Nice Lady Also Behind The Counter to Doorknob Behind The Counter:  You can run it through manually.

Doorknob Behind The Counter:  Do you have cash?

Me:  No, sorry.

Doorknob Behind The Counter: (HUGE SIGH as he reluctantly took my card).

As he walked to the side to run my card through "manually" ... I was fuming at his manners and the way he was treating ME, the customer.  Especially after charging me $9.54 for two freakin' kid meals.

I couldn't help myself.  I felt the years just wash away from me as I reached in and grabbed ...

Shut up.  I dont' know WHY I did it.  I'm not saying I'm PROUD of what I did. 

But I sure did feel better.

Time To Sport The Rally Cap

I haven't made it completely known here on the blog ... but over here at our house, we are huge Chicago Cubs fans.  Well, I should restate that.  I am a fan.  Hubby is a totally obnoxious, over the top, die hard FANATIC. 

Put it this way, 4 years ago when the Cubs were playing for the pennant against the Florida Marlins ... and lost ... I almost became a widow.  Thank God Emily was born a few hours later ... which saved me from that fate.  But to say the hubby is a "fan" ... is putting it lightly.

So here we are 2 games into the playoffs and we have lost both games.  Tomorrow night we are back at home to play Game 3.  If the Cubs blow it ... well, that would be typical, I admit.  BUT, if you care about me at all, you'll put on your rally cap and root for the Cubbies.  For my own safety ... because I don't know what hubby will do if the Cubs screw this up.  I really don't.  What I do know is that my life will be hell for the next few weeks.  Yeah, hubby has a hard time letting these things go.

Anyway, if you want to root for ME today you can too.  I have big plans.  After being sick for 3 weeks, I'm finally starting to feel a tad bit better.  Today will be used to accomplish all the things I have fallen behind on.  I know that I will never be able to accomplish it all today, but I'm hoping to have a good handle on things by the end of the weekend.  Fingers crossed!

What are your plans for the days ahead?

I Must Need A Housekeeper

This morning as the boys were getting their shoes on for school the following conversation took place just as Drew realized he forgot his library book upstairs in his bedroom.

Drew:  How come we can't wear our shoes on the home carpet, but we are allowed to wear our shoes on the school carpet?  Is the school carpet "shoe-proof"?

Jake:  DUH DREW!!!  We have janitors at school who clean the carpets.  At home, Mom doesn't clean anything.

Isn't that nice?  I'm so appreciated around here, aren't I? 

Maybe I really shouldn't clea