the Testosterone Three and Me

Birthday Weekend

2012-01-30T08:32:00.000-07:00

We had a fun and busy weekend. There was swimming, friends, family and a little boy celebrated bring 6 3.
To start Turbo had a friend over for a play date after school on Friday. This was the first time we had had this particular friend over. The afternoon was a smashing success.
Saturday morning, after getting all the grocery shopping done, we packed the boys up and went to the rec center for some swimming. A good time was had by all of us, even if Turbo got a small case of "I can't hear you" when it was time to go.
Saturday evening the guys had a pajama party in front of the TV and watched movies. They had a blast, mostly. Nick didn't sleep all that well as Bruiser kept landing on him when he fell off the couch. Getting a toddler butt on the head does not a restful night's sleep make.
Sunday morning when Bruiser got up we asked him how old he was. He promptly told us he was 6. We had to correct him and we think he has it. He's three. We took Bruiser to Burger King--they have an indoor play place--to meet up with the grandparents for lunch and do a bit of birthday stuff.

Some of the loot Bruiser got.

His first successful run down the slide.

He had a blast. So did Turbo.
For the afternoon, Bruiser napped and then we headed over to our cousins' house and let the kids have fun.

Bruiser got to blow out candles--on a cupcake. He got some monster trucks and a couple hot wheels cars.

Bruiser really liked the frosting.
It was an eventful weekend for the little guy. For all of us really. I know I'm not ready to face the week.
So how was your weekend?

I Confess

2012-01-27T08:03:00.000-07:00

Time to confess:

Mount laundry is growing again.
It's all I can go to keep the dish monster tamed.
The love affair is over.
There is nothing they can do to regain the magic.
I'd totally break up with them, but I know I don't want to see what they could do if left alone.
I need a nap.
I think that naptime should be a part of the day.
For that alone I'd head back to kindergarten.
It's Friday!
It's Bruiser's Birthday on Sunday.
We are not doing much this year.
Lunch with the Grands at the play place at Burger King.
Then over to visit the cousins.
We really don't know anyone who has kids Bruiser's age.
He will get his first big birthday once he is in school.
For now, he will just be happy to see his cousins.
We have never really done the party thing all that well.
Organizing a big party just never really works out.
I'm good to get a cake, presents and people in the same place.
No big blow out extravaganzas here.

So what do you have to confess? Go join Mamarazzi and confess away. I've heard it makes the weekend better. It always works for me. Confess it up, go on it's easy.

Spin Cycle--Working Perfect

2012-01-26T06:12:00.000-07:00

This weeks's spin cycle is the perfect job--the one you want, the one you have, or how ever you want to go with it. Sigh, I had the perfect job for me and my family. Then the economy crashed and I lost it.
But let me tell you about it.
It all started when Nick decided to go back to school so he could work smarter, not harder. He had been in construction for about 7 years, 3 years full time. It was a lot of out of town work and too much wear and tear on his body. So in 1999 he decided that he would go back to college, this time for a degree that he could actually get a job in. He chose Geology. He graduated with his degree in 2002.
Shortly after that I got pregnant with Turbo. I quit working at a chiropractor's office about 10 days before I had Turbo. Then after I had been home with him for a while the question came up about what I would do now. Going back to work at a retail job held no appeal, and working in another doctor's office held even less appeal. So what was I to do? Well I liked the geology that Nick was telling me about from what he had learned. Maybe I could do that. So I looked into the student loans and headed back to school.
When I graduated, one of my professors came up to me at the reception and asked if I was interested in part time work from home as a consultant for a uranium exploration company. I jumped at the chance and was able to work for them, from home for about a year and a half. The work was interesting and allowed me to do research and field work. And I was able to be available for Turbo. Sadly the position did not last.
Now I work for the university in our town. It is work as a geologist. It might not be my ideal, but it is flexible and I enjoy the fact that it is not the same day and day out.
So what is your ideal job? Do you have it, or do you know what it is? Or does it even exist? Spin it up and join in on the fun with Gretchen at Second Blooming.

WWTK--Favorite stuff

2012-01-25T08:01:00.000-07:00

We Want To Know time again. Mamarazzi is asking this week:
1) What is your favorite room in your house and why? (bonus points for pictures) I have to say our master bedroom. It is calm, cool, quiet (it's in the basement) and with the attached bathroom, just about the perfect master suite. (Sorry no pictures, it's not exactly showcase ready, the laundry mountain is growing.)
2) What is your favorite time of day and why? It's a toss up. I like the going home form work time--especially on Friday, but the time after both boys are in bed is pretty good too. I like the going home from work time because I get to see my little boys again. I like the after bed time because I don't have to be on duty to police squabbles and such.
3) What is your favorite genre of music (or band/singer) and why? Right now I like country music, but I still like the 80s rock and roll I grew up with. The country I like today reminds me of the rock I listened to in high school. It's fun and I really identify with it.
4)What is your favorite go to snack? Is it something you keep on hand? I have sunflower seeds to nibble on. Yes they are salty, but they are better for me than munching chips and such while I read. I try to keep them on hand, especially if I'm reading a lot.
5)What is your favorite form of exercise or way to keep moving? I like dancing and swimming. I also like to walk. Finding time, motivation and opportunity all at the same time is somewhat more challenging.

So answer the questions and join up with Mamarazzi, Crazymama and Queso.

Random musings

2012-01-24T07:29:00.001-07:00

Random time again. Comes around every week, but somehow it always surprises me. So here goes the random.

I like to cook, most days. The guys like to eat. Most days. Except Bruiser, the original picky child. Honestly the boy has been picky since he first tasted solid food and decided that nope, he didn't really want to eat that. As far as food is concerned he eats what a typical toddler eats: Chicken sticks, fish sticks, corn dogs, cheese, goldfish, chips, cookies, the occasional biscuit or roll, and bits of meat from my plate. On occasion he will eat peeled and sliced apples and raisins. He won't touch milk (except on cereal), doesn't really like apple juice. And he won't even taste most foods I cook. I spend a lot of time coaxing him to eat dinner and telling him that there are no other options. It usually doesn't work. Amazingly the boy continues to grow. It's a wonder that he does.
The Allstate commercials with the Mayhem Guy are just a bit creepy. OK, a lot creepy.
Nick's adventures in beer making are going well. We should be bottling his third batch tomorrow. It kind of fun and as soon as he gets the method down we can start experimenting a bit.
Jackie Chan movies are getting a lot of air time around here. Turbo just discovered them.
What is it with all the 80s remakes? Is it just that there are no new ideas out there?
Bruiser is sick today, so I get an unexpected day home. Poor kid has thrown out (Yeah, Jen that caught on here too) three times. He is doing a fabulous imitation of a lump on the couch. A prime indicator that he does not feel good.
Next weekend is Bruiser's birthday. He turns three. Where has the time gone?

Well that covers my Random ramblings for today. Go see Stacy of Stacy Uncorked for more Random.

And don't forget the link up with no rules Talk To Us Tuesday over with Shawn and Impulsive Addict.

Happy List--Thinking Happy thoughts

2012-01-24T06:34:00.000-07:00

So what's making me happy this week? Well let's see:

Trips out of ton and having fun with my family.
Snow, which we have been getting a bit if.
Turbo wanting to spend time with us--he suggested a movie night on Friday nights.
Bruiser wanting to hear a story before he goes to bed.
Nick getting to go archery shooting again.
Girls Night Out, tomorrow night.
Having the main part of dinner in the crock pot and knowing the rest is easy.
Turbo enjoying his swimming lessons makes me happy.
When Bruiser uses the potty on his own (this does not happen with any regularity but it does happen).
A warm cup of tea in the morning makes me happy.

So there you have it. What's making you happy?

Go see Mamarazzi for more Happy!

Fun and Interesting...

2012-01-23T07:53:00.000-07:00

...at least to us. The weekend I mean. We had some great family moments. Some lazy moments. Some frustrating moments. Some relaxing moments.
We started out with a quiet Friday night. We watched movies at home and Turbo played some video games. We were worn out after what was a surprisingly long week.
Saturday morning we loaded everyone up and headed down to Ft. Collins (about an hour away) to do a bit of shopping. We started out with a surprise trip to the ultimate kid store, Toys R Us. Both boys got to choose an item to take home and then we went to a brewing store for Nick. He got a brewing set up (I think I may have created a monster with that first brewing kit I got him, but he loves making beer). While he was shopping I took the boys for a walk in Old Town and let them play.

We went to lunch and then headed home.
The evening was fun, as Nick had to start up another batch of beer in the new kit he got
(like any kid with a new toy). He had a friend over and they had fun getting everything set up.
I did something a bit out of character for me Saturday night. I colored my hair. It is currently a dark red. See:

Yeah, a bit of a change up. It's not permanent, it will wash out, but I'm still tossed as to whether I like it. Nick likes it, though.
And then Sunday happened. I didn't really do much of anything. Oh, I did dishes, more than once. For a day of not doing much, I did a lot of dishes. I did make an awesome glazed ham though. It's one I could do again. An orange glaze. It was oh so very good.
The frustrating part of the weekend was the potty front with Bruiser. It's a slow frustrating project with him. Still keeping my eye on the prize, but it's not easy.
So not an overly exciting weekend, but a comfortable one. Getting out of town was good for all of us. Like I've said before hitting the city limits sign really does a lot for our stress levels.
How was your weekend? Good, bad, boring, too exciting? Let me know if it was better than our weekend, then I can be jealous and have something to strive for next weekend.

Let's Confess

2012-01-20T08:03:00.001-07:00

Wow, Friday finally. Time to confess so we feel all pure going into the weekend. Or something like that.
I confess:

This week has been so long.
Oh, I know I didn't have to work Monday.
But it still seems that the week went on a day or two too long.
I am really looking forward to heading to Ft. Collins tomorrow.
A little bit of shopping (for beer stuff for Nick, maybe hit the toy store for the boys, and for me--just getting the heck out of Dodge) is in order.
I have been reading a whole lot more since I got my Kindle.
The free selections are fun to peruse.
The wake up call I got from Nick yesterday set the tone for the whole day.
Thanks Nick.
I am still the finder around our house.
Guys can lose anything--at any age.
Who always seems to know where things are, or can find them by actually looking?
You guessed it, me.
Oh, hey check out my side bar.
Over to the right.
Down a bit.
There.
See that nomination for Fascinating Blogger?
I was totally shocked to get nominated.
Please go vote for me.
I would like to get a vote or two at least.
Now that the shameless plug is over...
Thank God it's Friday!!!!

GO see Mamarazzi, she has other confessions to check out--make yourself feel good for the weekend and confess along with us.

Spin Cycle--Take a stand

2012-01-19T06:41:00.001-07:00

This weeks Spin Cycle is taking a stand. This one is hard for me because while I feel strongly aobut certain issues, I'm not one for really advocating for my position. I'd have never been able to get involved in the protests of the 60s, at least not as a leader.
But there is one issue that I think I could really get behind. I'm sure every one has heard about the Mommy Wars. You know, the moms who get all self righteous about their way of parenting, the ones who get judgmental about how another mom is parenting? Yeah, those moms. I really think we should all agree to disagree about the "right " way to parent and realize there are just as many ways to parent as there are different kids out there.
I know just in my house, we have different strategies in dealing with the boys. Overall the style is the same but we have to refine the approach for each boy due to age and temperament. I've encountered other parents who I truly believe are doing a disservice to their children due to their parenting style, but that's their style and who am I to criticize?
But there are highly pushy people out there who believe that their way is the only way and if everyone would follow what they do everything would be just dandy. And if you aren't doing things their way then you are a terrible person and they don't hesitate to say so.
Thing would be a whole lot easier if it were a one size fits all world, but it's not. Why can't more people realize this? It would stop a lot of the fights and arguments about who's a better parent. It could stop the mommy wars all together.
So, I have my style and you have yours. Let agree that the style we are using works for us and just not worry about the other person, OK?

This spin brought to you by the always stimulating Gretchen at Second Blooming.

Tagged by Jill--11 things

2012-01-18T14:15:00.000-07:00

So Jill at Jill's World tagged me. There are some rules. Let's see how well I do with the rules.

Post these rules.
You must post 11 random things about yourself.
Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post.
Create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer.
Go to their blog and tell them that you've tagged them.
No stuff in the tagging section about "you are tagged if you are reading this." Legitimately tag 11 people!!

OK so #1, done.

#2 eleven random things about myself:

I have dexterous toes, I can pick up just about anything with them. I haven't tried but I could probably write with them.
I really like to play some of the silly games on Facebook.
I like the color green.
I like cats.
I'm less than vigilant about antibacterial stuff. I figure my immune system needs something to do.
I don't do well with caffeine. It seems to want my company in the middle of the night.
I am an avid reader, but looking at the bookshelves in my home would confuse most people, I have eclectic interests.
I hate potty training. The end result is desirable but getting there, not so much.
I love living near the mountains, but love to visit the ocean.
I am a small town girl at heart. Just not too small.
I like Scooby Doo almost as much as my boys do.

#3:

What is your one promise to yourself, or resolution for 2012? I just posted these but the main one would be to do something for myself--healthwise, but also for my mind and soul.
If you could be anybody in the world – celebrity, rock star, author, ANYONE – who would you be? This one is tough, since I don't do the limelight very well, I think I'd have to go with an author, maybe Nora Roberts?
What is your favorite recipe to make? (Please share how to make it, or link it up if it’s somewhere on the Internet!) My favorite recipe to make is Sausage and Peppers with noodles. Boil water and cook spaghetti noodles(enough for the number you are serving). Meanwhile, take one package of Italian Sausage and remove the casings and break up and brown in a sauce pan. Chop green, red, orange or yellow peppers (we use mostly green, they're cheaper) into bite sized pieces. When sausage is evenly cooked, drain excess fat and add the peppers. Cook until peppers reach desired doneness (we like them crisp tender, but you can cook them more if that's what you like). Drain noodles and add to sauce pan and serve mixture of noodles, sausage and peppers. An easy tasty dinner, and it reheats well too.
Do you have a sport that you love to watch? If so, what is it and what’s your favorite team? We are not much for sports in our house. We watch the Superbowl and root for who ever we like better. We do like to watch the Olympics, but really not big sports fans here.
If you could have the ability to expertly play any instrument in the world, what would you choose to play? The saxophone.
Why did you start blogging? To meet other people. I like to write and finding other people with interests that are similar to mine is difficult in my home town. I started blogging as an outlet and have met some fabulous people.
If you knew you could only have one last meal, what would you choose to eat? Your last supper, so to speak? Surf and turf--Lobster and rib eye steak. With an artichoke and a fluffy baked potato. And cheesecake for dessert.
Who is your hero, and why? I'm not sure I have a specific hero. In general I feel anyone who has served our country in the armed forces is a hero.
If you could bring back any old TV show that no longer airs, which one would you bring back? I'd have to say M*A*S*H. I love the show growing up and love the DVDs I have now.
You’re a superhero. What’s your power? To be in two places at once.
Team Edward, Team Jacob, or screw that silly vampire crap? I have to go with option three, sort of. I like reading about vampires, but I like my vampires all grown up.

Now for #4:

Do you have a nickname?
What is something you've always wanted to do, but never mustered up the courage to try?
What did you want to be when you grew up? Did you go through with it?
Would you rather have a housekeeper or unlimited spa services?
Do you collect anything?
How did you name your blog?
What is the best compliment you have ever received?
What was your "Oh no, I'm turning into my mom/dad" moment?
What is your quirkiest habit?
Favorite 80s movie?
Name one thing you are proud you have accomplished.

Now for #5 and #6:

Mamarazzi at *Dandelion Wishes*

Gretchen at Second Blooming

Impulsive Addict at Confessions of and Impulsive Addict

Shawn at Seriously Shawn

Becca at Everyday Life

Allstarme at Incognitus Scriptor

Beth at Living a Goddess Life

Myya at Myya says...

Brandy at You Don't Know...

Date Girl at Date Girl Diaries

Mimi at Living in France.

WWTK--Feeling Good!

2012-01-18T06:46:00.000-07:00

Questions this week come from Queso:

Which of the following phrases characterizes how you live your life?

You only live once
Test the water before jumping in
Stability is the key to life

I think I’d have to go with b. I have no problem jumping in, but I want to know something about the landing pad.

What were you doing the last time you had a really good laugh? Watching Bruiser watch the silly zip line pig and go Wheee with it.
Who is the last person you hugged? Bruiser. Being two and potty training is tough. He needs mommy fixes every so often. He cuddles well too.
What song always makes you happy when you hear it? I have so many songs that make me happy. But for pure fun and silliness, I love They Might be Giants album Flood. The songs all just sort of run together and it reminds me of when I first met Nick. Good silly fun.
What's the first thing you thought about this morning? The fact that Turbo needs to fill out a food diary for school and we have yet to start it and it's due tomorrow. Ack, now I have anxiety about my son's homework. Fantastic!

Go see Mamarazzi, Crazymama and Queso for more We Want To Know.

Happy, Happy!

2012-01-17T10:54:00.000-07:00

Happy list time with Mamarazzi. I think it really helps to remind myself of the things that make me happy, especially when the week starts to get me down.

It makes me happy when Bruiser comes up to me for a hug.
Snuggling with Turbo makes me happy--it doesn't happen very often any more.
Having a warm fire on a cold evening makes me happy.
New bedding makes me happy. (Even if the reason for the new bedding is a puking cat).
The new laptop we have makes me happy.
The new router we have makes me happy in that it works!
Getting out of town makes me happy--weather permitting.
A snuggly blanket and a good book make me happy

So there you have it. What's making me happy this week. Go see Mamarazzi for more happy lists.

Tuesday Can Be So Random

2012-01-17T08:14:00.000-07:00

Hi! Did everyone enjoy their weekend? We got a three day weekend here. And we did next to nothing with it. Well, I did laundry. Nick helped a friend with a project and then thought about various projects he could do here at home. He brewed more beer. However, Sunday, not a thing constructive was done. It was kind of wonderful. Yesterday I finished (mostly) the laundry and didn't do a whole lot else. Oh, I had a minor fling with the vacuum, and did dishes, but nothing exciting.
And now on to the Random:

Potty training continues here. Bruiser is sort of getting it, but still doesn't quite understand that he needs to go in the potty and not his pants. The kids does great if he's bare bottomed, but pants mess the whole thing up. We are plodding forward but it's slow going.
Turbo got to spend some time with a friend this weekend. It's so cool to see him have a good friend to hang out with. School is moving forward and he seems to be doing all right.
It's hard to believe that January is half over. After the blur of the holidays, you'd think things would slow down some.
Bruiser likes the Geico commercial with the pig on the zip line. He says "Weeeeeeeee" along with the pig. It's cute.
We finally have a family picture up on the wall. It's one that was taken when we were at Rocky Mountain National Park this summer. Since we have yet to get all four of us to a photo studio, this picture at least has all of us together and smiling. Some day we will all get to a professional studio and get a picture taken, but since that requires planning and a trip out of town (for a wallet friendly option) it will be a while.
We have snow here. Not a lot but, hey, it's white outside. I'll take it.

So that covers us for this week. Go random it up with Stacy.

And go see the lovely ladies of Talk To Us Tuesday--Shawn and Impulsive. They like to talk about anything.

Confess is Good For You

2012-01-13T07:56:00.002-07:00

Time to confess everything (or almost everything).

Sleep this last week has been a fleeting thing.
I keep waking up in the middle of the night and not really getting back to sleep.
I'm hoping for a nap this weekend.
Hurrah for a three day weekend.
The laundry is getting all flirty again.
I can see through it's game.
It's just a tease.
Sigh, I think I am going to have to pay it some attention.
If I don't it pouts and starts to multiply in the dark.
I don't need the laundry attacking in the night.
I hate potty training.
I really want it to snow.
Lots and lots of snow.
I exercised four times this week.
It is getting easier to do.
Not more fun, just easier to do.

Well what do you have to confess?

Go see Mamarazzi and confess away.

Spin Cycle--Dreams

2012-01-12T07:55:00.000-07:00

The spin cycle has changed addresses. It's gone Hollywood and is now hosted by Gretchen of Second Blooming. The first topic she chose was dreams. Now, with the Spin Cycle, you take the topic given and give it your own spin. I did a Spin Cycle post on a dream date, but not one about dreams.
Dreams. This can go lots of directions. I could tell you about my dreams--the ones I have at night or the ones I have for my life or the ones I have for my boys--or I could go with daydreams or how dreams shape your life. That's the fun of the spin cycle. I think I just free formed myself into a post. I like the idea of dreams shaping who you are.
When you're little you have lots of dreams and ambitions for when you grow up. The question of who or what do you want to be when you grow up is asked over and over. Doctor, fireman, astronaut, actor, singer, teacher, scientist. You can be who or what you want. Then you get to college and you're asked the question again, only in the form of what is your major? Of course, this is asked with the expectation that what you major in will be the job you get when you are done with school. This works well for the kids who have a clear idea or a strong dream they are following. Not so well for those of us who really don't know which direction we want to go.
I was part of the latter group. My dreams changed constantly and none of them ever sank it's hooks into me deep enough to stick. I really didn't know what I wanted to be when I grew up. Maybe that's why I had to go to school twice to find something I could make into a career. And even now I really don't have big dreams.
I would have the hardest time making a bucket list. To make a really good bucket list you have to have at least interesting dreams. The biggest dream I have is the ambition to visit every national park west of the Mississippi before Nick and I can no longer travel. I think I would also like to visit every State at least once. Small dreams but dreams none the less. I'd also like to meet some of the great friends I've made blogging. Now that would be an interesting trip. I could hit a lot of the US in the process.
So what are your dreams? Were they small dreams or big dreams? Did they take you interesting places, or not far at all?

Pimp Your Cube

2012-01-11T19:01:00.002-07:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Contest Factory for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.
Who has to work in an office day in and day out? I know I do. At least I have an office. Some are consigned to cubes. And you know what? Cubes are not known for their wonderful aesthetics. I've even seen some pretty lousy offices too.
So what could be better than a way to pimp out your cube/office/workspace? Pimp My cube is holding a Pimp My Cube Contest to help make that office/cube/workspace the best thing ever, you know, for work.
All you have to do is make a ]video of your lousy office, cube, or workspace and upload it to the Pimp My Cube Contest and then have all your family and friends go vote for your video to win. Easy right?
Now what can you win? Glad you asked. There are three prizes to choose from worth about $1200:

A new high end computer system
New desk, chair and decorations
New entertainment package with high end stereo, espresso machine etc.

So far there are very few uploads for this contest so chances of winning are pretty good. Oh and there is a second prize of a $200 gift card chosen at random.
So go make a fun, witty, or goofy video showing why you need a pimped cube, office, or work space and maybe you'll win. Good luck!
And as an example of the kind of video they are looking for here you go:

Now go forth and record how bad your workspace is and see if you can win!

WWTK--Random stuff

2012-01-11T07:56:00.000-07:00

Time to answer the questions. Crazymama is asking this week:

What is your most commonly used word or phrase when you are frustrated? I use several, it depends on who's listening. Around the boys I censor myself but I have been know to use Fewmets (dragon dropping). I can also curse with the best of them. Nothing feels as good as a good curse when you stub your toe or bang an elbow.
What random question do you usually get from strangers or casual acquaintances? Are you done having kids? Are you going to try for a girl? Nope, nope, and nope. Two and through for us.
Did you ever correspond by mail with anyone? Do you still have the letters? When I was in the third grade my teacher went to Hawaii for Christmas or spring break and sat next to a third grade teacher from Australia. They arranged for their classes to do a pen pal project. I corresponded with my pen pal until I was about 20. And yes, I still have some of the letters.
Do you dance in public? Why or why not? When I get the chance. I like dancing. However I rarely get the chance anymore.
What is your favorite kind of lip balm? Carmex.

And that covers the questions for this week. Quite the random bunch. Go answer for yourself and link up.
Mamarazzi, Crazymama and Queso host this little party. Check them out.

Happy List--Boys, Boys, Boys

2012-01-10T09:45:00.000-07:00

Time to remind myself that I do have things to be happy about.

Seeing Nick so thrilled about his first batch of beer.
Seeing Bruiser actually use the potty.
Having Turbo have a good friend to hang out with.
Playing video games makes me happy.
Dancing with my boys makes me happy.
Snow makes me happy--especially when we have it on the ground when we are supposed to.
A clean house makes me happy. I'm even finding a certain satisfaction in doing the dishes at night.
Comfy and stylish boots make me happy.
Going to a concert makes me happy--the university I work at is having a concert tomorrow and I'm going. It's girls night out.
Reading makes me happy.

Go see Mamarazzi for more Happy Lists.

Random Tuesday--Adventures in Potty Training and Other Fun Stuff

2012-01-10T06:50:00.000-07:00

So it's Tuesday. You'd think it was on a schedule the way it shows up after Monday every week. But Tuesday means it's time to be random and call it a post. Since my mind is mostly thinking in random right now, this works for me.

We tried Nick first batch of beer last night. It's not bad. Gave me a bit of a buzz (I'm such a light weight--hey, cheap date!)
Potty training is slow going. Bare butted, the kid does OK, but he can wear no pants. I'm not even considering night training. Eye on the prize, eye on the prize. It has become my mantra.
Bruiser has discovered his special purpose and never lets it go now that he has easy access to it.
We have learned he has signals. "Leave me alone!" means he really needs to go sit on the potty, no matter how much he protests.

To make things easier on all of us his potty is sitting in the living room.
I tell you, potty training is a rocking good time. You want to be us right now don't you? Don't answer that.
Nick needs to put away his clothes. See we got new bedroom furniture last summer. He organized his clothes the way he wanted them, but I was not sure how he had his t shirts organized, so he said he would put away his clothes when I did laundry. I was skeptical, but went with it. He did good at putting them away for a few months, but has slacked in the last few weeks. Currently, he has t shirts from before Christmas waiting to be put away. Oh and shirts from the laundry I did at New Years. Yeah, he's on top of it.
I have been exercising. It's just an ab workout that was in Redbook and some basic exercises for the exercise ball, but it's something.

Captain Goofy

Turbo is trucking along. Kind of like a normal kid. A goofy kid, but mostly normal.
Man, I am boring this week. Potty training and household chores. Doesn't get much more exciting than that.

So go link your random up with Stacy--she's got the random Tuesday thing happening.

And link up with Shawn and Impulsive, the lovely hosts of Talk To Us Tuesday. There's no rules so link away.

Blah, Just Blah

2012-01-09T08:18:00.000-07:00

This last weekend we really did a lot of nothing. I couldn't motivate myself to do much more than the bare minimum. Nick was productive, but I really wasn't.
Nick finished building doors for the gun cabinet he is building. He finished out an area in the kitchen so it looks much nicer. He also did some finish work in the basement family room so it looks much better now. He also started thinking about painting. He really is home improvement minded, since he loathes painting. He also got some game time in and is anxiously awaiting Tuesday when he can try his first batch of homemade beer.
I, on the other hand, did far less. I got the grocery shopping done, and won the grocery game this week, in that I stayed well within the budget. I spent the rest of the weekend coaxing Bruiser to use the potty. Fun times people, fun times.
Turbo had a fun weekend. He got to have a sleep over with a good friend on Saturday night. He had a blast. Sunday the friend came over for a bit and they rode their bikes some and then played some video games. All around a good weekend.
Bruiser had a fairly quiet weekend. As long as he's bare from the waist down he is having more successes in the potty then misses. Put pants on the kid and all bets are off. He does not seem to care if he wears wet pants or not. And we have him in regular training pants, so he can feel when he wets. He will eventually get it right? The process is agonizing for all involved though.
Oh and to top it all off, there is no snow outside, it's just cold. Grey, brown and cold. Definitely blah weather.
So how was your weekend? Better than ours (although that not hard to do)? I sure hope so.

Where I wish we could have spent the weekend.

Confessions

2012-01-06T07:45:00.000-07:00

Time to confess with Mamarazzi. She's back and ready to listen.
Here's mine:

I'm kind of really glad that the holidays are over.
I love the holidays, but they are a lot of work.
I hate potty training.
Bruiser is starting to get it, but he's so conditioned to going in a diaper that the minute he has unders on he pees.
The kid is spending a lot of time bare.
Sigh, we keep working on it.
I really want it to snow.
Since Nick decided to go meatless this week, we all went meatless--for dinner at least.
I have had visions and craving for a thick, juicy, perfectly grilled steak since Tuesday.
Really any read meat is sounding good right now.
I have exercised twice this week and intend to dance with Just Dance 3 this weekend.
Look at me trying to get all healthy.
Just trying to keep a promise.

Well that's got my confessions for the week. Nothing really exciting, but then life is on the boring side right now.

Go see Mamarazzi, she should have more interesting confessions linked up.

Promises, Promises

2012-01-05T06:44:00.000-07:00

Last year I decided to change things up a bit. I did not make resolutions. I never kept them anyway, so why continue to do something that wasn't working anyway? I thought about it and making promises seemed a better way to go.
When I looked back at the promises I made to myself last year, I managed to keep most of them. So, since this seems to be working, I'm going to make some new promises to myself.

I need to continue to work on meal planning for my family. When we have a meal plan in place things just run more smoothly.
I want to scrapbook. This is one promise that I did not keep last year. This year I am determined to find the time and motivation (at the same time) to tackle the scrapbooks.
I want to get to Denver with the boys to see the aquarium and zoo.
I will continue to read, new books, old books, Kindle books, anything that gives me that escape, if only for a few minutes.
I will make time to do something for my body--ball exercises, ab work, walking--something physical that is good for me.

There, I think those are generally specific enough that I will keep them.

Did you make resolutions? Have you kept them or have you already broken them? If not, good luck, if you have give promises a shot. They are way easier to keep.

WWTK--Dream Homes and Blogging

2012-01-04T06:23:00.001-07:00

Here are my answers for this week:

What do you love about blogging? The lovely people that I have met. I hope to be able to meet some in the real world but I feel I know so many more people now. Since I have troubles with friend making in my college town--people change over about every four to five years--blogging has helped me make friends, have an outlet that's not just my husband, and side step all the awkward face to face stuff.
What is your favorite scent of candle/air freshener? It changes with the seasons. In the winter I love the scent of cinnamon or apples. In the summer I love the smell of fresh fruit or flowers. Because most air fresheners are too strong to begin with and then to weak to end with, we stick to candles. Yankee candles mostly. They smell good, the scent carries, and we can use them when we need them.
How would you describe your style? Casual mom. Both in my wardrobe and in my home.
What are 3 things your dream home would have that your current home doesn't have? A larger back yard. A better set up kitchen and dining room. An attached two car garage.
Do you look at your keyboard when you type? Most definitely. Not even spell check can help if I don't.

Go join the lovely ladies hosting this shindig and join in. Mamarazzi, who asked the questions this week, Queso and Crazymama.

Happy List

2012-01-03T15:31:00.000-07:00

Time for a happy list, not that I really need reminding about why I am happy right now.

My kindle. I love the ease of reading on it.
My hubby, who takes such good care of me and puts lights up in my laundry room.
Knowing that eventually Bruiser will be potty trained. The getting there will not be fun, but the results are what I'm keeping in mind.
Seeing my guys all having fun goofing off together.
Going home time. I love the end of a work day when I can go home.

Go see Mamarazzi for more happy lists.

Tuesday? Really?

2012-01-03T07:55:00.000-07:00

Time to get all random. That is what we normally do for Tuesdays. So here we go:

We are starting to potty train. It's slow going. Bruiser really has no interest in the whole process. He would be content to wear diapers forever. I, however, would like to way less involved in his bathroom habits. Wish us luck.
Rube Goldberg machines are fun, but frustrating to create. How do I know? Because the guys spent all day yesterday working on one. The individual elements will work but trying to put it all together complicates things. When or if they get it to work, I will post a video.
I love my new Kindle. Santa was very good and worked hard to surprise me.
Turbo has let us know that he knows who Santa is, but he was very quiet about it, and I told him as long as he believes in Santa, Santa will continue to bring him presents. We want to keep the magic alive for Bruiser as long as we can.
I'm sort of ready to go back to real life. The break was wonderful. Real life is somewhat more dull. But I think the routine will do me good.
Nick is trying to work on his diet. He has given up meat for a week. So we are eating meatless meals for the next week. Well dinners are meatless, lunches for the rest of us aren't.

That sort of covers my random for this week. Joining up with Stacy for Random Tuesday Thoughts.

And with Shawn and Impulsive for Talk to Us Tuesday.

Coming out of the Holiday funk

2012-01-02T16:53:00.000-07:00

OK, so the holidays happened. And happened, and happened. We did lots of stuff, but never really left the house. It all seems strangely dream like looking back on it.
It all started with the flu--the 24 hour kind that I had twice. And then generously gave to Nick for Christmas. Thankfully the boys avoided catching it. Sniffly noses abounded, but nothing worse for the boys. Santa was good to everyone. It was a very technological Christmas all the way around. Xboxes, Kindles, and games all around. Bruiser got some sports stuff and a driving need to go play. Unfortunately it has been way to windy and cold to go outside most of break.
Nick and I got some great breaks from the boys over this break. They spent two nights with my mom, which gave Nick and I a whole day alone. We sort of didn't know what to do with ourselves. We did figure it out after a while ;)
We got a nice offer from the grandparents for New Year's Eve. They had both boys over for a sleepover. We pushed our seafood feast back to New Year's day and enjoyed a kid free New Year's Eve. We didn't go out, but had a fun time in and we stayed up until midnight, our time. That is something we don't usually do. I have to admit I missed the boys.
Nick has his first batch of beer almost ready to bottle. I got him a brewing kit for Christmas. He is saving bottles he can cap and looking forward to experimenting.
Nick also spent today doing science stuff with Turbo. They made a batch of crystals, have worked on a Rube Goldberg contraption, and are making glow in the dark Mountain Dew. Yes we are geeky like that.
We have had really strong winds, little snow and cold temps here. I really want more snow. Somehow winter is easier to deal with when it's white outside. Gray and brown just depress me. We have way to much gray and brown right now.
So I am almost ready to go back to the normal grind. Almost.

Year End Recap--October to December

2011-12-30T07:35:00.000-07:00

So Emmy Mom, CA Girl, Emilisq, Grumpy Grateful Mom, Impulsive Addict, Janette of Johanson Journey, MiMi Living in France, and Runner mom are doing a year end recap extravaganza and I thought it would be a great way to remember the last year. It time to end the year. Yep, October, November and December are up for this week.
October:

The month started out on a good note.
Then we got snow. Yes, snow.
I talked about my dream date.
We had drama with our neighbors.
I did a Halloween swap--Swapoween with Kathy from A Tiny Cottage on Grand.
And of course, Halloween happened.

November:

I asked why?
We discovered Big Bang Theory and Bruiser locked himself in.
I did the Autumn Swap with Jennifer from Living Our Green Life.
I gave thanks for the good things in my life.
I went a bit random and gave some timely tips.
We had a great thanksgiving, grilled bird and all.

December:

We went Christmas tree hunting and decorated.
Turbo ~~wrote~~ typed a letter to Santa.
We had fun with family, and a nice program at Turbo's school.
I posted about Christmas fun.
And Christmas happened.

So that is the last recap for the year. My others are January to March, April to June, and July to September.
Go see some of the other recaps, just click the button below.

WWTK--New Years Resolutions

2011-12-28T08:06:00.000-07:00

So We Want to Know this week is all about the new year--2012 is up on deck.

What was the best part of 2011? There were so many good things about 2011, they mostly over shadow the not so good things. We had an awesome summer and a pretty great fall. Nick getting a new job was probably a highlight.
What do you look forward to in 2012? Everything. Camping, getting together with friends, traveling, home improvement, everything.
Do you actually keep your new year's resolutions? I have decided that making resolutions doesn't really work for me. Instead I make promises to myself. I did this last year and it worked out pretty well. I kept most of them.
What are your top three ~~resolutions~~ promises for the new year? I really want to do more scrapbooking. This is one I didn't keep last year. I still need to continue to see the kitchen as a place of possibility. I want to take the boys someplace fun this year, Denver for an overnight or two to go to Elitches (an amusement park) the aquarium, be tourists. It would be good for all of us.
Do you have any fun New Years Traditions or plans? We have had a seafood feast that we spread out over the course of the afternoon, but this year the grandparents have offered to take the boys New Year's Eve and you just don't turn down an offer like that so the feast has been moved to New Year's day. New Year's Eve this year we just might go out Nick and I. Maybe. it would be fun not to be fuddy duddies like we usually are.

So there you have it. What are you thinking of for the new year?

Go join up with Mamarazzi, Crazymama, and Queso for more resolutions.

Talking Tuesday

2011-12-27T18:18:00.001-07:00

So Christmas happened. Everyone got exactly what they wanted, and even some they didn't now they wanted. I was awful and didn't get lots of pictures. Or really any pictures. OK maybe one or two but they are still living on the camera.
So you get Christmas in bullet points:

Santa was good to me and I got a Kindle Touch. I love it.
Santa brought Turbo an Xbox 360. Everyone is having a grand time playing games on it, even Nick.
I got Nick a home beer brewing kit. He has already started a batch of beer in it.
Bruiser has had a wonderful time playing with any toy that crosses his path, be it his or Turbo's.
We have all had varying stages of sick at our house, Nick got it for Christmas day, I had it Saturday and now I'm trying to fight off what seems to be another cold, more chest this time than the one I had last week. What a way to spend time off from work.
My mom had that boys last night and tonight, so we are kidless. Unfortunately, neither one of feels like going out to take advantage of our freedom. But Nick's folks have offered to take the boys for New Year's Eve for us. We are moving our seafood feast to New Years day so Turbo and Bruiser don't miss out on the food. But for the first time in years, Nick and I may get to go out on New Year's Eve.
Turbo has let us know that he knows who Santa is. We told him to keep professing belief for Bruiser's sake (and to get more presents). He has agreed.

I hope everyone had a fabulous holiday. Have a great New year too.
Go see Impulsive Addict and Shawn for more Talking To Us Tuesday, the link up with no rules.

Confession! Merry Christmas!!

2011-12-23T08:25:00.001-07:00

I confess:

I am just about ready for Christmas.
Packages are wrapped.
We actually sent Christmas cards.
We are on break for the next week.
All that's left to go is some baking.
And I wanted to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!

Year End Recap--July to September

2011-12-22T08:12:00.001-07:00

We went camping and fourwheeling over the Fourth of July weekend.
Nick built a new back porch and we enjoyed the local celebration, Jubilee Days.
I showed of my boys as babies.
We had a typical day in the summer sun.
I started dating the household chores--not the best dates, but alas oh so necessary.

August:

My boys showed off their Popsicle eating skills.
We did one of the promises I made to myself. We went to Rocky Mountain National Park for our anniversary.
I debated Nature vs. Nurture in my boys.
We had a couple of fun weekends, one for my birthday and one with Nick's family.
School started for Turbo--a handsome third grader!

September:

Nick got a new job--now we work just a bit closer together.
I did a post on my boys as brothers.
I posted about those accidental magic moments you have with kids.
the rest of September was consumed by routine--clean house, make dinner, hang out with the boys.
I did go hunting for the first time ever and I got my antelope. It's very good eating.

So that covers the next quarter of the year. Some of those months sped by, other's drug on and on. Go see the other recaps and enjoy seeing the year go by.

Secret Santa Spin Cycle--Second Blooming

2011-12-21T09:17:00.001-07:00

So Jen decided to have the Spin Cycle do the Secret Santa favorite blogger this year. We were supposed to choose five of our favorite bloggers and send them to her and she would choose one for us to spotlight.
The blogger she picked out of my choices was Gretchen from Second Blooming.
I first found Gretchen through Sprite's Keeper's Spin Cycle. She always had an interesting take on the spin topics and she has a little boy the same age as Turbo--instant connection in a totally not weird way. I became a regular stalker of her blog and really enjoyed reading her posts. She has a great take on just about everything.
I also saw her on Keely's Random Tuesday link up (which Stacy of Stacy Uncorked is leading for now). Reading her Random Tuesday posts is alway interesting, she has fun links and great videos she posts. Very random but always fun.
Gretchen lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Jimmy and son Jude. She is an actress, mom and sometime cub scout chaperon, school volunteer, choir member, friend and weight watchers success.
Now I follow and read her posts with great enjoyment, whether it's a post about Mommy (her mother-in-law), adventures in boy scouts with Jude (and a refusal to wear a mom scout uniform), her efforts to entertain Jude at Camp Mama or just the trail and tribulations of being an actress mom in LA, she is always good for an entertaining read.
She gives me just a glimpse of a slightly more glamorous life than I lead here in the wilds of Wyoming. And she always has yummy cocktails and recipes to share.
Really, you should go check her out. Gretchen is a wonderful person, who I hope to meet in person one day. But in California, not Wyoming, because sunny California would be so much fun and all that much more fun to meet a blogger I consider a friend.
(I'm skidding this in under the wire, because the sicks have been running around our house.)

WWTK--5 things about Christmas

2011-12-21T08:16:00.001-07:00

So this week's We Want To Know is more of a list than questions (Crazymama got a bit caught up in the season and didn't get questions asked, so therefore no answers can be made). So here are the choices for lists of 5 things:
A. What do you want for Christmas.
B. What do you have to get done before the holiday?
C. Your Christmas Traditions.
D. 5 favorite Christmas songs.

I think I'm going to go with C. Christmas traditions.

We make cookies on Christmas Eve day so we have fresh cookies to leave out for Santa. Usually we make chocolate chip cookies, those go best with the Christmas milk (egg nog) that are left for Santa.
We go cut our tree down in the forest as a family. When Bruiser was a baby we didn't get this one done, but we did this year and it's nice to have a real tree again.
We spend Christmas Eve at Nick's folk's house. They make a good dinner and the kids get to open their presents and it takes the edge off the anticipation of Christmas.
We check Santa's progress on Santa Tracker through the day Christmas Eve.
We have all the grandparents over for Christmas breakfast together. That way they get to see the kids open presents and spend time with out us having to make a big meal later. This year we are going to go see a cousin of Nick's in the afternoon. The kids will have fun playing and we always have a good time when we get together.

So those are some of the Christmas traditions we have, what are yours?

Go join up with the Lovely Mamarazzi (currently on bloggy break), Crazymama, and Queso.

Random Tuesday Before Christmas

2011-12-20T06:24:00.000-07:00

So, everyone is all ready for Christmas right? No? Well that makes a bunch of us.

This head cold is kicking me in the head. My sinuses hate me. I just hope it moves on quickly.
Turbo had a stomach bug over the weekend. Guess who he shared it with?
I still have presents to wrap.
I'm hoping for snow.
Turbo got Pirate Farkle for Christmas from a friend of ours. It's a really fun game to play.
My brain is just not with it.
Santa should be pretty good to everyone this year. I know the boys are going to have a very good Christmas.
Turbo tried to tell me yesterday that he thought that Santa sometimes told parents that he could not make it and for them to give the presents. I told him that nope, Santa exists. I still believe in Santa. If you don't believe in Santa, you don't get presents. We are hoping he will continue to profess belief even if he doesn't, for the sake of Bruiser if nothing else. We are appealing to his greed mostly.

Well that about covers what I have today. It's not much, so go see Stacy for more random.

And go see Shawn and Impulsive Addict for Talking to you Tuesday.

Christmas Fun!

2011-12-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

A christmas Meme ~~stolen~~ borrowed from Beth at Living a Goddess Life. I have seen it pop up on several other blog, all admitting they ~~stole~~ borrowed it from somewhere else. Anystealing, here goes:

Egg nog or Hot Chocolate? Hot chocolate. Egg nog gets too thick.
Does Santa wrap presents or just set them under the tree? Wraps--in paper that the boys haven't seen.
Colored lights or tree/house or white? Colored lights are more fun on the tree. But I appreciate white lights outside.
Do you hang mistletoe? Nope.
When do you put your decorations up? Usually by the first weekend in December. We usually do it when we get the tree.
What is your favorite holiday dish? I like the cookies...oh you mean dish, like for a meal? Then it would have to be prime rib.
Favorite holiday memory as a child? Hanging out at home with my family for Christmas.
When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? Santa still comes to visit us. If you don't believe, you don't get presents.
Do you open a gift on Christmas eve? It depends. If we open presents at the grandparents house no. But if not, then maybe one. That mom chooses. I think this year, pajamas.
How do you decorate your Christmas tree? We get it set in the stand, put the lights on then the ornaments, then the strings of silver beads.
Snow! Love it or dread it? Love it. Christmas is meant to be white, not brown and gray.
Can you ice skate? Nope.
Do you remember your favorite gift? Well the gift I am still using are the cross country skis I got when I was 13. May not have been my absolute favorite, but they have been the longest lasting.
What's the most important thing about the holidays for you? Family and spending time with them.
What is your favorite Holiday dessert? Cookies!
What is your favorite holiday tradition? Checking out the Santa Tracker on Christmas Eve day.
What tops your tree? A home made star. Nick and Turbo made it a few years ago.
Do you prefer giving or receiving? I like giving. Getting isn't bad, but it's fun to see someone be happy with the perfect thing I got them.
Candy canes: Yuck or yum? Some candy canes are good, some not so much.
Favorite Christmas show? I like White Christmas, but A Christmas Story runs a close second.
Saddest Christmas song? Blue Christmas.
What is your favorite Christmas song? I like so many of them. I'd have an easier time finding one I didn't like.

Merry Christmas!

And the Countdown is On...

2011-12-19T06:33:00.000-07:00

So who's ready for Christmas?
Just wanted to throw that out there. Seems to be speeding up on us rather quickly, doesn't it?
Nick and I got our shopping done this weekend. Well, the shopping we could do together. I have no idea if Nick has gotten any shopping done. You know, for me. He'll pull it off, but it always amazes me that he does.
Now we have wrapping to do. Both for stuff we are giving the boys and for Santa. To bad that by the end of the evening, I feel too wiped out to do anything.
Turbo is counting down the days. I have lots planned to get through Friday and Saturday. Friday we are going to have to go to the Chocolate Cellar, Wrap the present he got for Bruiser, play some video games and watch a couple of Christmas movies. On Saturday, we are making chocolate chip cookies, brownies, checking on the location of Santa on Santa Tracker, going over to Papa and Nana's for dinner, then going to look at lights before coming home and shuffling boys off to bed so Santa can make his deliveries. With any luck this will keep us busy enough to help the time move along relatively quickly. Anything to avoid the cries of How much longer? and Can we open a present now?
Having to work this next week is going to be difficult. It seems so mundane to go to work. And since it's so close to the holidays, no one is there. I really hope this is a shorter week than expected.
To top it off, Nick and I are flirting around with a head cold. My nose is runny and Nick just sounds really stuffed up. Turbo had a minor stomach bug over the weekend. I guess if we have to get sick, it's better to be sick now than this coming weekend.
So, I hope everyone is close to being ready for Christmas. I know we are--almost!

Confessions

2011-12-16T07:42:00.000-07:00

Time to confess, if I do Santa just might be nice and leave me some good stuff.

I had to laugh when Turbo told Nick to keep his nerd on the inside and not let it out when Nick was telling him about something kinda nerdy but silly too. It was the perfect come back to his dad's smart alecness.
I need to get Turbo a haircut.
Laundry weekend, enough said.
I am so looking forward to the time off for winter break.
I really hope Santa is generous with all of us this year.
Turbo is going to have a fabulous Christmas.
Bruiser will be happy with what ever he gets.
Christmas speeding up way to quickly though.
I really want it to snow again.
I want a nap today.

OK so nothing too exciting with my Confessions this week. But I am trying to be good so, you know, the big guy in the red suit is nice to me.

Go join Debra at Housewife Eclectic for more confessions, she hosting while Mamarazzi is on a bloggy break.

Year End Recap--April to June

2011-12-15T07:50:00.000-07:00

So Emmy Mom, CA Girl, Emilisq, Grumpy Grateful Mom, Impulsive Addict, Janette of Johanson Journey, MiMi Living in France, and Runner Mom are doing a year end recap extravaganza and I thought it would be a great way to remember the last year. I did January to March last week. This week is April to June.
April:

We had some peculiar weather from Mom Nature. Snow... no, warm weather...no, snow.
I did a favorite things swap with Mamarazzi--got to meet Brandi at You Don't Know.
Bruiser had fun with "washable" markers
I did my first Vlog
We got to have the Talk with Turbo--you know, the *sex* talk.

May:

Turbo started having nightmares--about Zombies. We were able to get him past it, barely. He still has issues with zombie images.
The weather cooperated for us to go camping for Mother's day.
We did lots of mundane things, nothing terribly exciting, but the weather was acting more springish.
Turbo turned 8!
We got to go camping for Memorial day--with snow thrown in for fun. I got sick, so pictures of the weekend ever got posted.

The only photos of our trip to the lake that are easy to find. I can still have fun with the ladies.

June:

I got sick, like sinus infection, sore throat, knocked on my butt sick. It was so fun.
Nick went to work in the field--meaning he was doing geological mapping and was out where his field area was.
I started to feel better and spring really came to stay, just in time for summer.
We went to the mountains to see just how much snow was still up there--mind you, this trip was the middle of June.
We ended the month with much anticipation for the Fourth of July weekend. And random early summer stuff.

So there you have it. With last week and this week we have covered half the year. It seemed to go by a bit slower than that, but not much.

WWTK--Party Time!

2011-12-14T06:32:00.000-07:00

Queso is in a party mood so the questions this week are about Christmas parties:

Are you a party person? Or do you prefer an intimate gathering with just a few friends? I'm more a small gathering type of person. Most of that comes form my dislike of large crowds of people I don't know. I'm not the most outgoing and in a large group I tend to fade into the background and observe until someone talks to me.
Would you rather be a guest at a party or the hostess with the mostess? Depends on the gathering. I like to be a guest, but I do throw a decent get together if the occasion arises to do so.
What is your favorite party food or drink? I like the munching snacks--the veggie tray with good dip, the meat and cheese snack tray. Appetizer munchie food. As for drinks, I'm easy, beer works, so does wine. The less mixing, the better.
What is the best party you've ever been to? Ummm, that would have to have been the bad prom we attended when Nick was working on his masters and I was back in school for my second bachelor's. The grad students in the geology department threw a bad prom party. Dress up like prom in the 80s and they even crowned a "prom king and queen" (the department head). It was a fun night--what I remember of it after the jungle juice started flowing.
What is your favorite party game? The game of keeping track of the conversation and my kids at the same time. It can be challenging when both demand attention at the same time.

So go join up with Queso, Crazymama and Mamarazzi (although she's on a bit of a bloggy break) and let us know how you get your party on.

Random Tuesday Thoughts--Talking About Anything

2011-12-13T07:48:00.003-07:00

So it's Tuesday. Time to be all random and talk about stuff. And maybe show off a picture or two.

My goof ball.

Guinness. The dog, not the beer.

Captain Cool.

The countdown is seriously on at our house. Turbo is also totally lobbying for a gift to open Christmas Eve (or before if he can talk us into it). Bruiser wants to open one too, but he knows he has to wrap some and put them under the tree. I foresee a separate shopping trip with each boy coming soon. If we do decide to let them open a present I"m not sure if they're gonna like the conditions--mom gets to pick the gift they get to open. I'm thinking pajamas.
I showed a map of the US with the things that were going to come and get us a couple of months ago. Wyoming was cursed with Truckers. I have now found a map of the scariest things in each state. Some of them aren't that scary.
I'm just about ready to watch Christmas movies. Since my boys will want to watch them over and over again, I have to be careful when I introduce them. It's really easy to OD on Christmas movies.
Our work Christmas party is on Thursday. At a local guest ranch/bed and breakfast. The food should be fabulous. A chance to dress up a bit and eat a meal someone else prepares, can't argue with that.
One more full weekend before Christmas.
Nick went to see our chiropractor yesterday. He had dislocated a bone in his ankle. He will need a couple of more visits, but he is getting better after an adjustment. There is much relief here that it is nothing more serious.

Now go join Stacy for all the random you can stand, and maybe some more.

And go see Shawn and Impulsive Addict for Talk To Us Tuesday.

It's Only How Long Til Christmas?!

2011-12-12T06:39:00.000-07:00

This weekend was fun. No, I really mean fun. We did lots and it went by too quickly and wait, how many days til Christmas?
We had cousins over so their mom and dad could go do the necessary Christmas shopping. We had dinner with them afterward, tacos. Cause tacos work for everyone, except small boys and possibly a small girl. They did end up eating--after promises of no sleepover if no dinner was eaten. Dinner was eaten. Then Turbo headed home with them for a sleep over. I got to head over and get him Sunday morning, got a good breakfast out of it though.
Nick headed out ice fishing Sunday morning. He did catch a fish which his friend then smoked for us. It was really good. Unfortunately, early last week Nick hurt his ankle again. As it is not improving by staying off it and keeping it elevated, he is probably going to have to have more doctor help for his ankle. I really hope he can get something done about it. It's tough to watch him be in pain.
I had a friend over Sunday night and we made cookies, lots and lots of cookies. A batch of candy cane cookies and a batch of spritz cookies. They both turned out better than I thought they would. I got approval for them from the guys. Now all I have to make are chocolate chip cookies for Santa. They go better with milk.
Then it hit me. Christmas is only 13 days away. It is speeding toard us like a train. I only hope I can get out of the way. No one wants to get run over by the train of Christmas. Riding it is much more fun.

One of Turbo's ornaments.

A proud Bruiser and his Monster Trucks.

My handsome Turbo all dudded up for the program.

Hope everyone had a productive weekend and are getting ready for Christmas. It's a coimin', ready or not!

Confession Time

2011-12-09T07:52:00.000-07:00

Time to confess it all again. It's Friday!

Bruiser is trying to kill us slowly, or not make it to his third birthday.
Tuesday he skidded down the stairs while my mom was taking him to bed. About gave her a heart attack.
He also learned what a time out is, although I think it sort of went over his head as he ended up playing with the door to our bedroom.
What did he do to earn said time out?
He told me to shut up.
Not trying too hard for that third birthday there kid.
Nick has hurt his ankle again--hopefully just a tendon that got stretched and not another evulsion fracture.
I have been hating the extreme cold we have had recently.
Turbo had his Christmas program last night.
He was so cute!
Have any of you blogger people out there tried the new blogger interface?
I've tried it twice and there are things I like and things I don't.
Currently the things I don't like out weigh the things I do.
I am really getting tired of hearing about the Kardashians and every little thing they do.
I really wish the housecleaning elves would find their way to my house.
However I'm pretty sure they froze on the way there.
Stupid elves and stupid weather.

Go join in the confessing fun. Mamarazzi is on bloggy break so the fun is being kept alive by Debra at Housewife Eclectic.

Year End Recap--January to March

2011-12-08T08:02:00.000-07:00

So Emmy Mom, CA Girl, Emilisq, Grumpy Grateful Mom, Impulsive Addict, Janette of Johanson Journey, MiMi Living in France, and Runner mom are doing a year end recap extravaganza and I thought it would be a great way to remember the last year. I did the same thing last year and it was a great way to look back and see what we had done and what had happened.
So hear goes.
January:

This month started out with Nana in the hospital for Gall Bladder surgery. She recovered well and is doing fine now.
The recap from Christmas happened here.
I made promises to myself, not resolutions and I kept most of them.
We had a pretty quiet month overall, Nick got therapy for his Plantar Fasciitis, Turbo got sick and then better in time for his program at school, I took care of every one like mom does.
Bruiser turned two!

February:

We got really, really, cold.
Bruiser tumbled down the stairs--something every kid does at least once.
Turbo had a few bumps at school.
We got new fish for the aquarium.
We had a rampant case of cabin fever set in--a real longing for Spring. But that was a long way off.

March:

We got pictures of the boys.
March marched along and wasn't all that exciting.
There was the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.
I did the ABCs of Me.
We had friends and family visits and trips and head colds.
March seemed kind of mundane. Nothing really exciting happened, we just muddled through it. Lots more cabin fever, and the weather teased us about the whole spring thing.

Well, that covers the first part of the year. If you clicked on at least one of the links, I'm so happy but really, there's lots of links so I totally get it if you don't. Go see some of the other year end recaps by clicking on the button below. (I am posting this one a bit early as the whole thing doesn't really kick off until tomorrow. I am not an over achiever. I just got this one done early so...)

WWTK--Cookies, Cookies, Cookies

2011-12-07T08:21:00.000-07:00

Let's ditch the chores and answer the questions. Here I go:

What is your favorite cookie to eat? I like snickerdoodles. Chocolate chip are good, so are candy cane cookies and you can't go wrong with sugar cookies (even if I like em better without frosting) but really I have yet to meet a cookie that I didn't like.
Have you ever done a cookie exchange? Not really. I have spent time making cookies with friends though. Organizing a cookie exchange would be difficult. I don't do the organization of parties well.
How are you doing on your holiday shopping? I'm pretty much done. There are a few things still to get for the boys, but that's shopping I need to do with Nick. My shopping for Nick is done.
What is your holiday shopping style? (A little at a time, or a power shopper? Early in the season or last minute? Online or part of the crowd?) I'm a little at a time, early in the season kind of shopper. And I really like to get what I can in a real store, but for the things I can't get here I will go online.
Light displays...Do you put them on your house? What is your style and your fav kind to see? We are not put up outdoor light people, Nick's dad usually does enough at his house for all of us. This year he's had surgery and won't be putting up lights but I do have some pictures of what he has done in years past. My favorite kind to see are the ones that look nice, not half heartedly thrown up. Of course a little snow and just about any lights look good.

The year Turbo was 5.

Decorating done big.

The whole thing.

The boys next to this years effort.

This years tree.

The star that Nick and Turbo made when Turbo was four.

Now go see the lovely hosts Mamarazzi, Crazymama, and Queso. Grab the questions and link up if you want.

Random Tuesday--Talking to Santa

2011-12-06T08:01:00.000-07:00

Well it's time to random it up agian. Seems to come around every Tuesday like clockwork.
So here goes:

Turbo ~~wrote~~ typed a letter to Santa:
Dear Santa, How are you in the northpole? I'm looking forward to your visit. I want Lego Harry Potter years 5-7 video game. I'd love the mother alein ship lego set. I'd love it if you give me an Xbox 360 with Kinect then I could play portal 2 the video game. Oh I almost forgot, I want portal 2 the video game. I would also like the movies Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part 1 and 2. I would like a Nintendo DSi XL like my mom has. For my stocking could you find some Lego mini figures--any kind will do. Also i would like a Lego Ninjago battle set. And can you get me a Bare Naked Ladies CD? Woolie socks would be nice too. I really hope you can come visit me this year. I have been pretty good this year. I;m trying. Look forward to Christmas day, and I will leave you cookies and egg nog and a carrot for the reindeer. Merry Christmas, TURBO

I love that he just goes right to the asking, no beating around the bush for Turbo.
It is about time to find NORAD and the Santa tracker. Turbo will check in repeatedly on Dec. 24. He loves to see where Santa is and how close he's getting to us.
I also did the Portable North Pole video for both boys. They loved it. Bruiser has asked to see his again.
In other news, I am rocking the laundry this week--even the sheets got done, folded and put away. Go me!
I won't mention the state of the bathroom upstairs. Or the fact that the carpet in the living room could produce another animal if it tried--hair wise anyway.
While we were getting the Christmas tree I had my own show of Christmas spirit. We had a long downhill and then an uphill to where the tree was, so going back with the tree was a downhill and then an uphill. We went up with our cross country skis. Turbo had his, I had mine and Nick was on his with Bruiser in the Kelty backpack carrier. Since Nick had to stay upright with Bruiser, I got to drag the tree back. The downhill was not to bad, but the uphill was enough to just about kill me. I made it up about half way when a nice man on a snow mobile came up behind me and offered to pull the tree the rest of the way back to the parking lot. I jumped on the offer and let him do the hauling the easy way. Christmas spirit in action.
We have been trying to get Bruiser to ask nicely or say please when he wants something, instead of just demanding it. However the concept of nicely has not really sunk in to him. If we say can you ask nicely, he says "Nicely?" instead of please. We have to ask him to say please specifically. Which is difficult to do with a straight face. It always makes me giggle to hear him saying "nicely?" like you should say please?
Turbo has been having difficulty with the word specific. It always comes out pacific. This makes me giggle too.

Now go see Stacy for more random this week.

And go see Shawn and Impulsive, the lovely hosts of Talking To Us Tuesday.

Christmas Hits the House

2011-12-05T08:30:00.000-07:00

Well, it's Monday. I can't say I'm happy to see it. It's way more fun to be home. OK, maybe not all fun, there is laundry, bathrooms, dishes, vacuuming and those kind of chores that scream to be done if I'm home. But it was fun to spend some time with just Bruiser and I got to have a nap. That's fun.
But this weekend was not all about getting chores done. Turbo had a birthday party on Saturday with one of his best friends. He had a great time.
Nick went snowshoeing Saturday morning and spent the rest of Saturday cursing the snowshoes. He got very sore and doesn't really like the whole snowshoeing thing. He would rather take his skis. He also went to a friend's house to watch the last Wyoming Cowboy game of the season. Wyoming won, but it wasn't pretty.
Sunday we all got up earlyish and bundled up and headed to the mountains and went Christmas tree hunting. On our way up we saw deer, antelope, and moose. We were successful in finding a tree, but I was awful and left the camera in the truck. I got pictures of the putting up of the tree, but none of the getting of the tree.
By the time we had the tree up it really looked like Christmas had hit our house. It's not too bad and feels festive.
Then last night Turbo decided it was time to type his letter to Santa. Since he had gotten a video email from Santa last week he decided to send Santa his letter. I went to the Portable North Pole and set up letters for both boys. You should check it out, it fun, free, and you can totally personalize it for anyone--child or someone a little more grown up.
And since the camera sits on the counter, completely undownloaded, I'll try to get pictures up of Christmas decor at our house later this week.
Have a good week everyone!

Confession Friday

2011-12-02T12:25:00.000-07:00

I confess:

I was called a chicken butt by Bruiser.
I am home today.
Hanging with Bruiser.
Doing domestic things-laundry, dishes, grocery shopping.
Sounds like fun, no?
You really want to be me today, don't you.
I'm living the life.
I'm looking forward to tree hunting this weekend.
I got the advent calendar down from the attic Wednesday night.
It's reusable and works quite well for the boys.
We got snow and very cold temps this week.
more snow should come this weekend
I really like it when it snows.
White is so much prettier to look at than brown.

OK so that's my confessions for this week. Go see Mamarazzi I mean Debra at Housewife Eclectic.

2011-12-01T08:09:00.000-07:00

Joining in with Mama Kat for her writer's workshop today.
Prompt #2:
Five Things. List 5 things we don't know about you, 5 things you're knowledgeable about, 5 things you know nothing about, 5 things you believe. (Inspired by LouLou's Views)

So, 5 things you don't know about me:

I can get cold any where--even on the beach in Florida in August.
I swam competitively in High School.
I don't like scary movies, but like scary books.
I love cooking but hate the smell of dinner after I have eaten.
I love sleeping under a down comforter.

5 things I'm knowledgeable about:

World War II history, particularly the Holocaust.
Early American history.
Wyoming Geology
Random trivia. I'm pretty good at trivial pursuit.
Monster trucks, courtesy of my sons.

5 things I know nothing about:

Sports--like basketball, football, hockey, baseball. I know the rudimentary stuff, but nothing else.
Welding
Engineering
Driving a motorcycle.
Scuba diving.

5 things I believe:

Watching a little kid get presents from Santa on Christmas morning brings back the magic of Santa.
That children are sent to us to make us slow down and appreciate the simple magic of the world around us.
That magic exists. I see it every day in my boys eyes.
Time on a beach really helps recharge batteries--especially with cabana boys and fun fruity drinks.
That reading is a wonderful escape.

So there are several different 5 things about me.

Go see Mama Kat for other prompts and people who linked up.

WWTK--Working on the Railroad

2011-11-30T08:25:00.001-07:00

Not really, but it sounded good. Time to do the We Want To Know thing again. It's all about work, and the questions come from Queso this week.

What is the worst job you have ever had? The worst job I ever had was cold calling to try to sell insurance. I failed miserably.
Have you ever been fired? Why yes, yes I was. I got fired by the furniture store I worked at shortly after Nick and I got married. I was awful at selling furniture. I was so not pushy enough.
What would your dream job be? I had my dream job. I worked from home as a consulting geologist. I got fired from that job too, well maybe more laid off as the company downsized when the recession hit. To top things off the day I got the news I was being officially laid off, I went into labor with Bruiser. Doesn't sound all that fun does it? The job I have now comes as close as I could probably come to having a dream job. My hours are flexible, I get benefits, and I like what I do. All good things.
What did you want to be when you "grew up"? I really would have loved to work in a library or museum.
How old were you when you got your first job? The first job I got paid for that I had to pay taxes for was life guarding at the outdoor pool when I was 16.

So go join in and answer the questions and let us know about your work history. Mamarazzi (taking a break), Crazymama, and Queso would love to see you join in.

Talking Random

2011-11-29T07:41:00.000-07:00

Tuesday. It's here again. Time to random and talk to ya.

I'm not sure where the boys have gotten it but they both have had come backs for us that have bordered on smart mouthed. They are both still young enough for it to be kind of funny, but I am in serious trouble when they get older. Bruiser has told both Nick and I to 'Just deal with it'. Turbo told me the other day 'that is just the way it is'. The teen years are going to be interesting.
The neighbors that we were having troubles with are moving. They are planning on renting out their old house. Oh goody! Renters. I think this will be good for Turbo. Those girls are starting with the exclusion and teasing that you see in middle school already. It's not just innocent little kid stuff either. It really makes me mad because we can't really say anything to their parents. Nothing would come of it because "Our preshuous angels wouldn't do that!" At least Turbo has a good friend that lives only a few blocks away.
The last few mornings I have been waking up at about 3-3:30am. And not really going back to sleep, just sort of dozing until 5:45am when I usually get up. I hate insomnia.
Turbo gets to go to the dentist today. And we get to get can lights for the basement laundry room. Since both of these things must happen outside of town they get lumped together.
I really got my bake on this weekend. I made cinnamon rolls (they weren't that good, will have to try another recipe), Papa's Brownies (that work perfectly at our altitude), and I made buttery rolls for Thanksgiving. It was nice to get back in the kitchen and create yummy stuff.
This next weekend Christmas will hit our house. We are going Christmas Tree hunting in the mountains. We plan on bundling up the boys and taking the skis and sleds and going to find the best, least Charlie Brownish tree we can. The last two years we cheated and used a fake pre-lit tree. i missed the twinkling multicolored lights and the smell of a real tree. But with a baby and a barely toddling little one a fake tree was way easier. This year we are doing the real thing.

Well I'm off the find a piece of paper to write a note for Turbo to get him out of school so he can go to the dentist today. Sounds like fun, don't you wish you were us? Don't answer that.

Go see Stacy for more random.

And go see Shawn and Impulsive for more Talking To Us Tuesday.

And Back to It

2011-11-28T06:33:00.000-07:00

So, how was everyone's holiday? Ours was great. A very relaxing and much needed break from work and normal daily life.
It's kind of unpleasant to head back to work today. Just being home with the boys has been wonderful. I feel kind of like we are in a sort of limbo--we haven't decorated for Christmas yet, so it's like it is out there looming, but hasn't crashed on us.
We did enjoy Thanksgiving. We decided Wednesday night that we needed to brine the bird because we were going to grill it the next morning. I know most sources say to brine for 24 hours, but we got almost 12 hours for this bird. Then we set up the bird and got the grill going and Nick watched the temp and how the bird was cooking like a nervous father. We threw a foil packet of soaked hickory chips on the grill for more flavor and that worked out great. The turkey we brought in to eat was a lovely golden brown and was flavored with the perfect amount of smoked hickory flavor. The bird still tastes delicious. The best turkey I've ever had.
As for the rest of Thanksgiving, well, I was very ready for everyone to go home. I love my family and Nick's, but they can drive me straight up the wall without even trying. My tongue was a bit raw from all the biting I had to do and my jaw was sore from gritting it and smiling. Sigh, family, the reason you move out, right?
nick and I did a small amount of Black Friday shopping. We did invest in a BlueRay player. We are slowly moving into the current century.
For the rest of the weekend we really didn't do much. Nick listened to our college team get sort of stomped on, I baked on Saturday. Bruiser didn't nap until late, through no lack of trying on my part. We watched a movie as a family Saturday night. On the new BlueRay player--not a blueray but a normal disc to see what it looked like.
We went for a drive on Sunday to check out the snow at our favorite, close by, cross country skiing area, there isn't quite enough snow to make for good skiing. we then came home and were complete bums for the rest of the day. It was nice.
Now back to the grind. And I'm looking forward to Christmas, when we get a long break form work. The university where Nick and I work shuts down for the week between Christmas and New Year's. Turbo gets the same time off from school so we all get a break together. Kind of really looking forward to that one.
So how was your Thanksgiving, or weekend?

I confess...

2011-11-25T06:25:00.000-07:00

...that I got up way to early this morning. But we got some of our shopping done already.
I also confess:

I had my doubts about grilling our turkey.
But it came out fabulous.
I really needed a drink by the time we sat don to eat yesterday.
I love my family but my mom can drive me up the wall.
Love Nick's parents, but again the biting of the tongue gets old.
I was told to deal with it by Bruiser.
he wanted me to hold a toy monster truck and I didn't really want to do it.
He told me to just deal with it.
Great.
He's two.
I'm doomed.
I need a nap.

And that about covers my confessions for this week. Confess with Mamarazzi, Oh wait, she's taking a break so confess with Debra at Housewife Eclectic.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T10:36:00.000-07:00

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Hope you and yours have the best day.

WWTK--Thanksgiving, of course

2011-11-23T07:02:00.003-07:00

So let's answer the questions from the lovely Crazymama:

What is your favorite food item at Thanksgiving dinner? I like the turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy. I like the stuffing I make. Really I like the way these things go together.
What is your least favorite? The cranberry sauce. I just don't get why it's part of the meal, other than it's only served then.
Do you have a favorite pie? Pumpkin.
Do you have any Thanksgiving traditions? I make ham and swiss crescent rolls and we watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in the morning.
Black Friday shopping? Do you participate in the delightful running through the stores in the wee hours of the morning madness or hibernate at home and shop online? I participate every other year. My friend (who's also family in a sort of distant way) goes every other year to spend thanksgiving with family out of town. When she is in town we go together to the bigger town about an hour away and shop, but not at the ridiculously early hours. Leaving town at 5am is about our limit. This year she is out of town, but Nick and I might go hit Kmart or Walmart Friday morning to try and score a Blueray player. Or a toy or two for the boys. But only if we can find someone to watch the boys.

Now go see Crazymama and Queso for more answers to these pressing questions.

Random Tuesday

2011-11-22T07:43:00.000-07:00

So it's time to be random again.

Migraines suck!
Being a mom with a migraine sucks worse.
Turbo about has the theme for The Big Bang Theory memorized. I think it is his most favorite part of the show.
Is anyone doing the ridiculous black Friday shopping? Like the midnight stuff? We might go to Kmart, but Kmart's hours are sort of normal. Only 5am to 11am. How completely mundane. I'm so not getting up at midnight to go to Walmart. I haven't seen a good sale there that makes it worth it.
The transition to a big boy bed has gone without a hitch for Bruiser. Now to think about potty training. Which he has expressed absolutely no interest in. This is going to be interesting. Think of all the fun I'm going to have.
Still not sure what we are going to get Bruiser for Christmas. We might be able to get away with some Matchbox Cars and some Cars toys. Maybe a monster truck or two. He won't really know the difference. But I think I will feel just a bit guilty. What do you do for an almost three year old? And we have to think about the fact that his birthday is a month after Christmas. So, any suggestions would be welcome.
Turbo is easy. A model or two form Hobby Lobby, a couple of Lego kits, a video game or two and he's set.
Now for a few tips:
Don't eat yellow snow.
Don't play leap frog with a unicorn.
And remember, it wasn't the apple in the tree but the pair on the ground that caused the trouble in the garden of Eden.

And there you have it. Random Tuesday with Stacy--go link up and see the other random posts for the week.

Also go see Shawn and Impulsive Addict for Talk To Us Tuesday.

Happy List

2011-11-22T06:51:00.000-07:00

So what am I happy about this week?

I got to go shopping last weekend, despite the efforts of the weather to keep me home.
I'm exercising and maybe starting to see some differences.
Melatonin. It helps me sleep.
Nick is happy to be running again. This makes me happy because he's so pleased.
I have only one more day to work this week, then time at home with my boys.
Thanksgiving and all the trimmings.
A family weekend will make me happy
Clean dishes, clean laundry, clean kitchen. Happy!
Cooking for Thanksgiving makes me happy.
Cooking with Turbo, we are trying this one and I hoping it will be a good time.

That's what's making me happy this week. Go see Mamarazzi for more happy lists.

November Thanks

2011-11-21T08:31:00.000-07:00

Today I think a list of things I am thankful for is in order. After all it is November--the month of Thanksgiving and the time of year when almost everyone at least tries to be thankful.

My family--they top the list. Turbo and Bruiser exasperate me and thrill me daily. They can have me laughing and turn around and make me think seriously about selling them to the first bidder--toys included. But I love them dearly. Nick is my rock, my supporter, my biggest cheerleader. He gives me love, understands me and takes good care of me. I love him and have for the last 18+ years.

Love this man!

Love this little guy!

Love this goofy kid!

My home--it's not much but it's ours (and the bank's). Nick talks about getting something bigger, but I really like our location and our small mortgage.
My job--I get to do something I like doing. It's fun and challenging and the thing I went back to school for. I'm also lucky that the hours are flexible and the benefits are pretty good. I like the people I work with, which is a bonus.
My friends--both online and off. I have a hard time making friends with people. I have a defensive shell that I have a hard time letting down. Finding the blogging community was one of the best things I ever did. I have "met" some fabulous ladies and I consider them my friends. Blogging has also helped me to reconnect with an old friend. I also have a couple of friends that I have developed over the last year that really help do the in real life stuff, like shopping, going out for a drink...
The grandparents--without them we would never be where we are. They watch our kids while we work. This is such a huge help. I love them, even when they drive us nuts and they are masters at that trick.
My health. I've been pretty healthy, barring the kidney stone issues I had. I'm lucky that I am as healthy as I am.

So that is the major things I'm thankful for as this holiday season kicks off. I know I've seen lots of other people putting what they are thankful for out there. Here is my humble list. What are you thankful for as Thanksgiving approaches?

Confession is Good for You

2011-11-18T07:45:00.000-07:00

It's time to confess again:

I am stupid excited to be going shopping tomorrow.
As long as the weather permits.
Please let the weather permit.
Turbo has been growing.
He needs new shoes.
I'm not necessarily happy about him growing.
Well, I am, but does he have to do it so fast?
I have started to try to "exercise" in the morning.
I have an exercise ball and I found a few core exercises I can do in the morning.
I have to do quiet things because the rest of the people in the house are asleep.
And I don't want little boy company while I'm rolling around on the ball.
That's why I'm thinking that the yoga on the Wii might not be a bad thing to try.
I'm going to try to start dancing more too.
Schedules just have not cooperated recently.
I really hate migraines.

So that's my confessions for this week. Go see Mamarazzi and confess for yourself--you'll feel better, I promise.

Autumn Swap package!

2011-11-17T08:22:00.000-07:00

It's time to show off the goodies I got from Jennifer at Living Our Green Life. She was my partner for this swap and she did awesome!

All the lovely goodies.

Everything she sent was wonderful.

A very cute scarecrow and mums, with my very own fall leaves so I can have color. Some adorable candles too.

Some of the goodies before unwrapping.

She made me a bookmark and a necklace and earring set. Very fall and jut great.

Some books to curl up with when it's too cold to go outside.

All the goodies unwrapped.

She sent some wonderful stuff:

a Paula Dean magazine for good southern recipes.
A very cute fuzzy scarf and glove set in fall colors, a compact with eye shadow--I can use all the help I can get in the makeup department.
My own fall leaves--since all our leaves are already brown and dead and off the trees.
Some yummy Yankee votive candles.

Over all she did an awesome job.

Thank you Jennifer for the fabulous package. Fall is just a bit better now.

WWTK--Music of your life

2011-11-16T07:29:00.000-07:00

Let's join Mamarazzi, Queso and Crazymama for We Want To Know Wednesday. Queso wants to know about music this week:

Do you have any musical talents? No not really. I played the trumpet in 5th grade band, and had a year of piano lessons but nothing really stuck with me enough to keep with it.
What role, if any, does music play in your life? Music makes tasks more interesting and drives more fun, and get togethers more entertaining. I love to have CMT on and listening/looking at music videos while I'm doing chores.
What is your all time favorite song? Oh there are so many it's hard to choose just one. There are the songs that take me back to moments in my life the instant I hear them, the songs that remind me of a feeling, the songs that describe my life. Picking just one would be impossible. The song that describes this so very well is the song by Kenny Chesney called I Go Back. It's below.
Do you sing in the shower? No, not unless the radio is playing in the bathroom. I am guilty of singing in the car with the radio though. Sometime I get protests from the peanut gallery, ie. the boys, but I love to sing along with my favorites.
Has a song ever made you cry? All the time, especially since having been pregnant. I tear up at even remotely sad songs, or songs that touch me. There are times when I can be a regular water works.

So that covers music and me. We do listen to our fair share at home--Bruiser loves music and Turbo likes it, but he likes pop music better than the country and rock that we like.

Now go see the lovely ladies and join in the fun.

Random Tuesday

2011-11-15T07:45:00.000-07:00

So, what do you know, it's Tuesday. Time for random. Here goes:

Does November seem to be flying by?
It is looking decidedly winter here, except the blah brown and gray winter, not the lovely white winter. I hope we get some more snow between now and Thanksgiving.
Turbo has rediscovered his hot wheel race track. The kid had more than we thought he did. The current track stretches the length of the attic and back. He's having fun and I don't have to step around it, so he's good to go.
I'm going shopping this weekend, pre-Thanksgiving so I don't have to brave the insane crowds by myself. I'm looking forward to going.
It has been very windy here--60mph+ gusts over the weekend. Sounds like a lot of wind but we get these winds once every two or so months. I'm getting tired of the sound of crackly leaves blowing around though.
I mentioned yesterday that we put Bruiser in a big boy bed. He loves it. It is all Lightening McQueen decked out and he is a big fan. Now we just need to repaint or replace the closet doors in his room. Yet another project that needs doing. Projects never end when you own a home.
I got my swap package and it was awesome! Thanks so much Jennifer! I'll be posting on it tomorrow.

Now go see Stacy for more random, she's still leading the rebellion for Keely.

And go see Shawn and Impulsive for Talking To Us Tuesday. No rules, just link up!

Happy List

2011-11-15T07:39:00.000-07:00

Time for a happy list:

Happy to see friends from out of town--especially when it means Chinese food and good company.
Happy to see Bruiser thrilled with his big boy bed.
Happy to get random hugs from my little boys.
Happy to spend adult time with my sweetie.
Happy to have plans for Thanksgiving figured out.
Happy to hopefully have our internet back at home today.
Happy to have a hubby that thinks of me--he brought me some good beer this weekend.
Happy my hubby lets me go hang out with the girls when Bruiser needs a nap.
Happy my hubby loves to hang out with his boys.
Happy that next week is a short week.

Now go see Mamarazzi for more happy lists. It makes me happy to think about.

Out of Touch...

2011-11-14T07:59:00.000-07:00

... with the internets. It sucks. Our modem decided to stop talking to the internet on Saturday. Thank goodness it happened after I sent out the email with my tracking info for my swap package. I really don't want to break the rules on a swap.

SO we have been without internet since Saturday afternoon. We won't have a new modem until tomorrow. I'm stealing just a bit of time at work to post this quick.

In other news, we moved Bruiser to his big boy bed this weekend. No pictures because there is no real style to his room, just a Cars bedspread and sheets. He does need some pictures up on the wall and we still have the tubs of clothes for him to grow into in there, but he has room to play and I'm sure he will want it changes when he's older and I think I will just wait until then to redecorate.

We got to see friends and tried to go to a concert this weekend, but the concert was cancelled. WE still went and had a drink, but it was a bummer about the concert.

Nothing else exciting about the weekend really. How was your weekend?

Stand up for Family

2011-11-12T04:01:00.001-07:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of American Family Insurance for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

It's that time of year when you start thinking about getting together with family. You know, those people you love but sometimes don't quite understand? Sometimes the only way to get through a family get together is to laugh at the silly, stupid, amusing things that your family does.

Well in thinking about family I was alerted by AmFam that they have put together a group of comic that are exploring the things about family and growing up that make us all laugh.

I went and checked out a few of the videos they have up at Stand Up For Family and I have to tell you several of them made me giggle and a few made me laugh. What is the coolest thing about the videos is that I can let Turbo watch them with me.

One of my favorites was by Mark Viera about going to the store with his grandmother. I didn't go to the store with my grandmother, but I had a step-dad that would give us almost the same speech if we went in the store with him.

This whole thing has been put together by American Family Insurance in an effort to highlight the importance of family, but also the fun of family. I think it is cool that an insurance company is making the effort to showcase family friendly entertainment.

Confession Friday

2011-11-11T07:47:00.000-07:00

Time to confess it all:

Bruiser locked himself in his room Tuesday night.
Not on purpose--I think.
He was trying to open his door so he could tell me he lost one of his cars he sleep with and I needed to find it.
We didn't realize that he had locked the door until he was making a lot of noise in his room.
The kid sounded like Beaker from the Muppets.
When we realized that he was making an unusual amount of noise we went and checked.
After we got the door open I found his car while Nick taped the lock so Bruiser couldn't lock it again.
We have found something new (to us) to watch on TV.
The Big Bang Theory.
I laughed out loud--literally--when watching this show.
One of the benefits to coming late to a show is we get to watch lots of reruns.
Yes, we are hopelessly behind the times.
We get to go to a concert Saturday night.
Without kids.
Another evening of being adults.
What will we do with ourselves.
I think we will come up with something.

So what do you have to confess? Go see Mamarazzi for more confessions.

Why?

2011-11-10T08:40:00.000-07:00

Some things to ponder:

Why does a two year old know exactly the noise that will slam into your head and then do it over and over?
Why is spinach such a hated vegetable?
Why do spiders like bathrooms so much?
Why does the Halloween candy seem to be multiplying at night?
Why are there always more dishes to do?
Why can't school work be as exciting as video games?
Why does an afternoon nap sound so good now and when I was 8 I hated the thought of a nap?
Why does it feel so good to express the whys?
Why is why the favorite question of small boys?

WWTK--I Feel Pretty

2011-11-09T06:41:00.001-07:00

Time to answer nosy questions, this week from Mamarazzi:

What is your "can't do without it" beauty product/cosmetic? I would have to go with a scrunching gel for my hair.
Do you apply makeup before or after doing your hair? I don't really apply makeup. I tend to look either like I've been dead for days, or like a hooker who did her makeup in the dark. Neither is a good look. I have the hardest time with foundation.
How would you describe your personal style? Fresh faced mom casual.
How long does it take you to get ready each day? With shower and everything? About 20-25 minutes. I'm low maintenance and fairly streamlined in my routine.
What is your one pamper, just for you, beauty splurge? Umm, this is one area I just don't tend to splurge on. Does chocolate count as a beauty product--it does relieve stress and that helps prevent frowning and therefore prevents wrinkles--right?

So go see what everyone else does to look good and feel pretty. Mamarazzi, Queso and Crazymama host this party, so go link up.

Random Tuesday thought--Oh yeah, the holidays...

2011-11-08T07:41:00.002-07:00

So time to random it up and call it a post. Makes Tuesday easy.

I just realized we are going to have to figure out where we are putting the tree this year. We want to get a real tree, from the mountains. It's fun. However, I'm not sure I want to vacuum up needles from the carpet in the living room. Maybe the front room...
I think we may need to move Bruiser to a big boy bed soon--just so he will have more room to sleep. He still insists on sleeping ~~on top of~~ with every match box car, Lightening McQueen(2), and monster truck he can get his hands on. I swear it can't be comfortable.
We may luck out this year. Turbo has yet to ask for all the expensive gadgets that are out there. He mostly wants Lego stuff. And while that can be a bit spendy, it's better than some of the stuff out there.
I still cannot believe that I was bombarded with Christmas carols at Walmart. So not ready for that yet. However I have to admit, I did catch myself singing along--those tunes are catchy.
We are still riding our bikes to work, even in the cold. Parking is so much easier on a bike, but I have to admit, I get really cold. Thank goodness the steam is on at work and my office is nice and toasty--almost sauna like.
Not sure what the plans are for Thanksgiving. We just might protest and stay home--things are getting weird with Nick's folks (a long, long, long story). A quiet Thanksgiving might be the way to go. We shall see what comes.
I hate the time change.

Has anyone seen this floating around Facebook?

The above image has been floating around Facebook. I am confused. Why is it that Wyoming is only menaced by Truckers? Truckers?! Seriously, Truckers?!

So go join up with Stacy's random Tuesday rebellion.

Also I'm linking with Shawn and Impulsive for Talking to Us Tuesday, cause they have no rules.

Happy List

2011-11-08T06:30:00.001-07:00

Making me happy this week:

Mini candy bars. Butterfingers and Baby Ruth especially.
A new blender. Gotta make smoothies or slushies soon.
Playing video games with Turbo.
Seeing how happy getting home projects done--or closer to done--makes Nick.
Getting my swap package pulled together.
Cooking and having it appreciated by at least 3/4 of the people in the house.
Getting together with friends--as we might get to this weekend.
Having Turbo in swimming lessons where he just might learn to swim.
Getting huge hugs just because from either boy. And the big boy too.
Drinks out with the girls.

Go see Mamarazzi for more happy. It really does perk up the week.

Quiet Weekend

2011-11-07T08:19:00.000-07:00

Can I go on record at saying I hate the time change--even though this one is easier to adjust to, I still hate changing.
Saturday night at about 11:00/10:00 (depending on whether you changed the time before going to bed) we lost power. It was out for about two to three hours. No catastrophe, just a transformer that went wonky. Not nearly as exciting as what Oklahoma got.
Nick got some drywalling projects done around the house. He's quite sore and tired now. But the attic is that much closer to being done-ish. I'm looking forward to having him build me a shelf/bench/workspace for scrapbooking up there. He also got some drywall up in the laundry/utility room. Things are moving ahead for me to get better light in there. So wonderful to have a handy hubby.
Walmart is playing Christmas songs. I caught myself singing as I drove out of the parking lot. It's an infection. Can't they wait until closer to Thanksgiving? The Thanksgiving area is pitifully small in both Walmart and Kmart. Yeah, we have classy options for shopping in our town.
Turbo has rediscovered the fun of playing Lego Harry Potter years 1-4. Since he is hoping for Years 5-7 for Christmas, I told him he should play through the first game again. He had a ball playing Sunday afternoon. Otherwise he spent the weekend in front of the TV downstairs. Or reading as I demanded he do. It was too cold to go outside for any length of time.
I got to sleep in on Saturday. Nick got up with the boys and let me sleep until 8:30am. It was awesome. I did laundry, and on Sunday cooked ham bean soup. Didn't really accomplish anything else. But I feel relaxed, ready for this week to get going.
Really it was a quiet weekend. Those are really good to have sometimes. So how was your weekend? Quiet and laid back, or something more exciting?

Puppies vs. Babies!

2011-11-05T16:01:00.001-06:00

This post brought to you by Puppies vs. Babies. All opinions are 100% mine.

Babies are cute. Puppies are cute. But really, which is cuter? If you ever had an opinion or were just curious as to how people would vote, your question will be answered. Heck, even if you never asked the question before the answer is coming.

I know where I fall on the spectrum. I think my babies were freaking adorable. I may be the slightest bit biased. And it's been a long time since we had a puppy around the house. The puppies we had were cute, but my babies were cuter hands down.

See?

However, what I think is not important. What you think is. There is a contest going on right now to determine which is cuter--Puppies or Babies at the Puppies vs. Babies online contest. All you have to do is vote. The winning baby or puppy gets $5000. That's a lot of cute right there.

So go vote now and make sure your opinion is expressed. An opinion is a terrible thing to waste.

I know who I'm voting for--babies all the way, even if there are some really cute puppies out there. I'd have a harder time deciding between kittens and babies but Puppies vs. Babies is an easy choice for me.

So tell me, who are you voting for?

I Confess...

2011-11-04T06:34:00.002-06:00

...that it is time to confess with Mamarazzi. It Friday---yay!
And here we go:

We are not night people.
We had a night away from the boys.
In downtown Denver.
We were tucked into our hotel room by 9:00pm.
Red wine doesn't like me.
It's OK, because I'm not a big fan of it.
I like blushes and rose'.
We still have an obscene amount of candy here.
I miss my boys.
I've been away from them for two nights now.
We got back late enough that they stayed at my mom's last night too.
Miss them!
I got a hot date this weekend.
It's laundry and vacuuming time again.
I bet you're jealous of the fun I'm going to have.
Don't be.
The laundry is the dullest date in the world and all the vacuum does is go over and over what it went over last week.
Dull, dull, dull.
I'm sleeping in at least once this weekend.
Sad that sleeping in until 7:30 counts for me.
I just realized that today is my two year anniversary of blogging.
I can hardly believe that I have been doing this for two years.
I have met some wonderful women, and consider all of you my friends.
Thank you for going on this adventure with me.
And I hit 200 followers today.
Nick owes me a dinner or two.

Go see Mamarazzi for more confessions.

Spin Cycle--Trick or Treat!

2011-11-02T10:09:00.003-06:00

More Halloween this week on the spin cycle. Mostly pictures, here goes:

Cutest dragon/dinosaur ever.

Darth Vader aka Turbo

Getting loot at Scaramie Downtown.

Pumpkin carving.

The results.

Bruiser's pumpkin, courtesy of mom.

Turbo's pumpkin--a flaming skull, I think.

Dragon with light saber--watch out!

Trick or treat!

An attempt at a nerdy mad scientist.

Really just a geeky/nerdy scientist.

And that was our Halloween. Go see Jen for more Halloween spins.

WWTK--Halloween

2011-11-02T07:59:00.000-06:00

So Halloween is up for We Want To Know this week.
Crazymama wants to know:

How did you celebrate Halloween? Trick or treating? Adult party? Trunk or treat? We did the Scaramie downtown trick or treat with the boys Saturday and Monday night we went over to our cousins' house and went trick or treating with them. It was a good night--out just long enough to fill the pumpkins and head home.
What candy is your favorite/the first thing you steal from the kids? I like the mini candy bars--jut enough to get the taste, but not so much I get overloaded on the sweetness.
What kind of candy do you give out, is it your favorite? Or something you know you won't be tempted to eat? We give out the good mini candy bars because that's what we will eat. No sense in wasting candy.
How soon after Halloween do you take the decorations down and put away the costumes? I'm going to be taking down Halloween decorations this weekend due to time issues. Turbo's costume is already hanging up in the closet and Bruiser's needs to be washed and then it will be passed on to another little kid that it will fit next year.
When do you decorate for the next holiday? We don't really decorate for Thanksgiving. But the weekend after Thanksgiving we will be headed to the mountains for a tree and start the Christmas decorating then.

And just a taste of the cuteness that happened for Halloween here:

OK, now go see Mamarazzi, Queso and Crazymama for more We Want to Know!

Random Thoughts and Musings

2011-11-01T08:23:00.001-06:00

Time to random it up with the stand in queen of Random Tuesday, Stacy. So here goes:

We have so much candy in our house right now we could start our own candy shop. We wouldn't be in business long, but holy heck those plastic pumpkins hold a lot of candy. And when you have two little minions out begging for treats you end up with quite the hoard. Or, you know, a honking huge bowl of candy on the counter.
I was so proud of Bruiser last night. After playing mute downtown, I was unsure if he would even say anything while trick or treating last night. Not only did he talk, he said trick or treat without prompting, thank you when prompted, and happy Halloween to most of the generous people the kids hit up last night.
We are expecting more snow today and tonight. Like 5-9 inches. The last snow storm has not melted away yet. Winter is here. Oh well, it just means we can get out skiing sooner--cross country anyway.
I'm really hoping to sleep in this weekend. Nick is hoping to do home improvement. Otherwise we have no plans. Right now anyway.
I may be missing on Thursday. Both Nick and I have a training class to attend for work. Shhh, but this gives us a trip out of town without the kids. Bliss. Even if we really have a long day in a class and then along drive home.
Tootsie rolls are good and addicting--no really, try eating just one. I have to have at least two. After that I need to wait a bit before I have another two, but I really can't eat just one at a time.

So that is my random for the week. Go see Stacy for more.

And double dipping for Talk to Us Tuesday with Seriously Shawn and Impulsive Addict.

Happy List

2011-11-01T06:25:00.000-06:00

Things making me happy this week:

Hearing Trick or Treat coming from Bruiser, also thank you and happy Halloween as he trick or treated last night.
Seeing Turbo make sure his brother got candy too.
Getting away for an over night with just my hubby, at a nice hotel, even if it is for work.
Having a clean bathroom, all of it.
Wine.
Seeing Nick be satisfied doing little things around the house.
Melatonin, for a better night's sleep.
Getting new stuff, or new to me stuff.
Dinner out--that I don't have to cook or clean up after.
Being able to cook all those winter time favorites, cause it cold outside now.

Now go see Mamarazzi for more happy.

What a fun weekend!

2011-10-31T12:38:00.000-06:00

We had a great weekend here--even if it was a bit chilly.
We headed down to the Scaramie--the downtown trick or treat Saturday morning and the boys had a blast and came home with quite a haul. Bruiser would not talk to anyone, but then he is our shy kid. He would hold his bucket up to get candy, but that was it. It was chilly, windy and cloudy but it was fun.

An unsure dragon/dinosaur.

The force is strong with this one...

Getting the loot.

Ring the fire bell! Bruiser would have nothing to do with it.

Then our cousins called and asked if Turbo could come over and spend the night, so we headed over and had dinner with them and left Turbo to have a fun evening.

I cleaned like a mad woman on Sunday--the upstairs bathroom got cleaned from top to bottom--mostly. It hasn't had all the parts clean at the same time for quite a while--I clean what needs to be cleaned as it needs it. But now it's all clean. I like it, but getting it that way, not so fun. I also had my date with the vacuum--demanding bit of machinery.

Around 3:00 Sunday afternoon, Turbo came home and we all--cousins too--carved pumpkins. The results:

Carving away!

The four results this year.

Cousin T's.

Cousin H's

Bruiser's(that mom carved).

Turbo's!

We will be putting them out tonight and letting the light shine in them. But we won't be handing out candy at home--early anyway as we are taking the boys over to trick or treat with their cousins. It should be a good time.
So a busy weekend but a good one too. More Halloween goodness tomorrow. If I remember to take the camera.

GlassesUSA

2011-10-31T11:50:00.001-06:00

Do you remember when they would do the eye test at school and then send a note home with the kids who needed glasses? When I was eleven I was one of those kids. I took my note home to Mom and off we went to the eye doctor.

Turns out I needed glasses, but my eyes were not equally bad—one was near sighted and the other was far sighted with a slight astigmatism. So I saw lights as a fairly clear center but they had a halo around them. I put on my glasses for the first time and what do you know, lights didn’t have halos.

My first eyeglasses were frames that were wire rimmed and square. They were on clearance and by the time I had worn them once to school and had them called granny glasses, I knew why. Too bad getting another pair of glasses had to wait until the next year’s visit to the doctor.

Now days it’s far easier to get eyeglasses, and without breaking the bank. You can even get eyeglasses online easy peasy. GlassesUSA has them on line. Or you can get a pair of sunglasses or reading glasses that look stylish and are less expensinve than the eye doctor charges. Up to 110% less. They have a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

What’s even better? A sale! You just need your eyeglasses prescription and you’re good to go.

Their fall sale is in full swing:

Fall Sale:

Buy any 2 pairs of glasses and get all 3 protective lens coatings AND U.S. shipping for FREE. Code: PERFECTPAIR

Buy one pair of glasses and get any other pair for FREE! Use code: BOGOUSA

Take 10% off any order. Code: Blog10

So go visit GlassesUSA.com.
Or see their Facebook page to keep up with all the things happening at GlassesUSA.

This is a sponsored post written by me and all opinions are completely my own.

Friday Confessions--Hate/Love edition.

2011-10-28T06:37:00.001-06:00

Time to confess and link up with Mamarazzi.
And go:

I hate migraines.
I hate onions--especially raw ones.
I hate crazy cold temperatures--yesterday morning it was a crazy -7F.
I hate cleaning bathrooms and both mine are due for more than a swipe and a promise.
I hate having to date the vacuum--but it expects attention weekly.
I love weekends.
I love Halloween.
I love beaches and cabana boys--although I see far too few of either.
I love grown-up getaways--even if they are for work.
I love my down comforter--so cozy and snuggly.
I love cuddling with Bruiser--and I have the bruises to show for it.
I love that Turbo has moved up a level in reading--less intensive help, more classroom time.

So now I can head into our weekend with a clear conscience. Pumpkin carving, downtown trick or treat here I come. I'm thinking mad scientist/nerd for me, Darth Vader for Turbo, green dragon/dinosaur for Bruiser and not sure if Nick will dress up this year.

Happy Halloween everyone and go see Mamarazzi for more confessions.

Spin Cycle--Halloween Then, Halloween Now

2011-10-27T08:30:00.001-06:00

This week it's all Halloween again at the Spin Cycle. But it's a look at then and now. I did something similar last year showing Halloween costumes past and present, both BC(before children) and AC(after children).
So I get to go a different direction for this spin. Jen asked how Halloween is different from when I was a kid. Looking at the variety of places we can take the boys to get candy, I'd say there has been an extension of the holiday. I could take both boys to the pediatricians office Friday, downtown on Saturday morning, to the university union, frat mall, and the campus cafeteria on Monday evening, and also take them normal trick or treating. That is a heck of a lot of free candy. I know most of those are so you don't have to take your kid trick or treating. And we took advantage of some of them when Turbo was little--too little to really go trick or treating. But to the older kid, most of those options are a bit lame and there is no getting out of trick or treating.
Trick or treating was the best part of Halloween. However I only did a bit of it as a kid. We lived outside of town and a half mile between houses did deter the whole walking around for trick or treat. Add in the fact that we usually had snow on the ground by Halloween and inside activities were far more appealing. We did do the church Halloween "carnival" for a few years, but by the time I was probably 13 I was done trick or treating and really done celebrating Halloween.
Until I got to college. That's when going to Halloween parties got to be a bit fun again. I went to a couple and then just kind of dressed up for work when I could and got the cheap candy that was in the store--for the possibility of trick or treaters, not so I could munch on mini candy bars or anything. Things really got more fun--from the other side of the bowl--when we got our first house. We would make sure to have the pumpkin out and the light on to see who and what would come to the door. True, there were years when the face was drawn on the pumpkin with a marker because that's all we had time for with work and school, but we always had one.
Actually, that was the one really consistent element to Halloween. We always carved a pumpkin--the only years I didn't were the two years I lived in the dorms. Lots of jack-o-lanterns. We got creative with them--Nick being artistic an all. Then they came out with those great carving kits that make making pumpkin masterpieces easy.
We are pumpkin carving with family this weekend and Turbo is excited--he's old enough to wield the pumpkin saws this year--mostly on his own--with lots of supervision of course.
Have a happy or spooky Halloween!

WWTK--Let's Go Shopping!

2011-10-26T06:40:00.000-06:00

We Want to Know Wednesday and it's shopping time. Queso wants to know how we shop. So answer the questions and link it up:

Do you shop 'til you drop, or are you in and out as quick as possible? I tend toward in and out. Small kids kind of make you more efficient in the store. But if I get to go shopping with friends, then I take more time and go to more stores.
Are you a price conscious shopper? I like to think I am. I like to get the best bargain--sales and clearance and I am a champion thrift store shopper.
What store could you spend hours in? Bookstores hands down.
What is the most frivolous purchase you have ever made? It's been a long time since I could go shopping for something frivolous. I don't see books as frivolous, maybe the last time I went to the chocolate shop.
What is the last thing you bought for yourself? Umm, it would have to be books at the used book sale at the library on Sunday.

Now go see the lovely hosts of this here party: Mamarazzi, Queso, and Crazymom. Go snoop and see how other people shop.

Randomizing Tuesday Talking

2011-10-25T06:32:00.000-06:00

So it's Tuesday. Better than Monday. Mondays suck. Tuesday isn't much better but still, it's not Monday so here we go with the random:

Would someone tell me how to get Bruiser to stop sleeping with his cars? He has matchbox cars and monster trucks and he sleeps on with them. It can't be comfortable. Why couldn't he decide to sleep with something soft like a stuffed animal or a blanket? No it's monster trucks or Lightening McQueen. He may not have a pacifier anymore, but I still end up hunting for small toys in the dark in the middle of the night.
Halloween is fast approaching. Looks like this one could be cold and snowy. We are supposed to get 6-10 inches tonight. Winter is here folks. At least for us.
I dislike raking leaves--sets off my allergies, but I dislike raking wet nasty leaves more.
I'm so happy to be in Mamarazzi's Autumn Swap. It's so fun to get mail that isn't bills, even if there is the stress of shopping for someone and hoping they like what I pick out.
Lego minifigures kind of suck. Stepping on them is no fun. Looking for them is no fun. I do way to much of both. They make a loud noise in the dryer. Yeah, I'm not the best at checking pockets. Sometimes it's scary in those pockets.
There is something satisfying about watching things get blown up and destroyed.
Turbo has settled on being a mad scientist unless the Darth Vader costume I won from Geek Mom shows up. He will make a great mad scientist. He will have fun with the Darth costume too. Bruiser will be a very cute green bug, unless it's very cold out then he will be a green dragon/dinosaur with red spots.
I have yet to see any of the new shows on the networks this year. I have seen every new Mythbusters and all the Top Gears though.
And as a nod to Impulsive, my Christmas list has a Kindle, a new set of wine glasses, a Wii fit board/game, time, naps, love and snuggles form my boys--big and little. I'm pretty sure I'm going to get some of the things on my list.

So go join Stacy for more Random Tuesday thought--she has become our fearless leader.

Talk to us Tuesday with Shawn and Impulsive is talking about everything and nothing. I'm good at that.

Happy List

2011-10-25T06:25:00.000-06:00

Time to think about what makes me happy.

New books, well new to me books.
My husband getting all happy because I called him dreamy.
My Wednesday night out with the girls for a drink.
Being all snuggled inside when it's storming outside.
Getting things organized for scrapping, even if I didn't get to the scrapping part.
Halloween makes me happy.
Having chores done makes me happy--the process not so much.
Putting the down comforter on the bed makes me happy.
Having a nice warm office makes me happy on cold mornings.
Hot tea makes me happy. Chai is the best, but there are Celestial Seasonings and Good Earth that are wonderful too.

So there you have it, things that are making me happy this week. Go see Mamarazzi for more happy lists.

Autumn Swap

2011-10-24T19:43:00.000-06:00

A swapping I will go. Yep I'm signing up for another swap hosted by Mamarazzi. She's doing an autumn swap. What better way to celebrate autumn, especially since autumn comes with a healthy dose of winter in my part of the country. so looking forward to seeing who I get matched up with and then heading out shopping for some great autumn goodies.

Another Monday?

2011-10-24T06:50:00.000-06:00

Well, it was a weekend. We did a lot. Some of it was fun. Some of it was less than fun. I'll give you a list and you can see what we accomplished this weekend.

Nick and Turbo went antelope hunting and got a doe. they left at 5:30 am on Saturday and were back in town by 9:00. And that's with an hour and a half drive both ways to get to the hunting area.
I got the laundry done on Saturday (I had towels left but they don't count).
Nick went through some of his art stuff and culled down the pile.
I went through my scrapbooking stuff and got quite a bit ready to send off on the paper swap I'm doing with Stacy from SLMPeterson.
Turbo had a friend over Saturday morning and then spent the afternoon with that friend.

And all that was just Saturday.

Sunday we:

Moved thigns around in the attic and got rid of some stuff that we really didn't need.
Reorganized and moved some stuff up to the attic that will be better stored up there.
Introduced Bruiser to the attic. He loves it. We have created a monster.
Saved a lost dog for it's owner, and then the owner found us and her dog.
I got to go to the used book sale at the library.
turbo spent the day hanging out with his friend again. They rode bikes and played with their Bakugons (which I learned more about than I ever wanted to).
I vacuumed the living room.
Nick vacuumed the family room.
We got some of the meat from the antelope ground into burger. It's wrapped and in the freezer.

All in all a very full weekend. For all of it Bruiser was a typical two year old. We had tantrums, obstinate moments, sweet moments, moments were I would have gladly sold him to any bidder. I love him dearly, but wow, he is definitely two.

So, what did you do this weekend?

Confession Friday

2011-10-21T09:02:00.000-06:00

Time to fess up to what I've been doing this last week. Ithe weekend will be better if I do--right? Mamarazzi says it will. So here goes:

I'm a sucker for the bonus material for movies and TV shows.
Turbo likes them too.
He also likes the simple games that come on DVDs too.
Bruiser has been an impossible two year old recently.
Then he goes and does something cute like this:

I've been snacking on sunflower seeds.
In and of itself this is not bad.
However my kidneys may not like it.
It's the salt.
But I'm drinking water so maybe that will help.
It's time to do the laundry tango again.
I am sad. And just a bit happy.
We moved Bruiser to the toddler version of his crib.
We will be moving him to a real bed by Thanksgiving.
He did not fall out of bed, but I had to put him back in bed three times the first night.
The kid sleep walks just like his older brother and his dad.
Lucky me.
I took the polish off my toes Tuesday night.
It's time to admit that sandal weather is over for the year.
As if two bouts of snow haven't shown me that one.

Well I think that covers my confessions for this week. If I think of anything else, I can always add it to next week.

Spinning Halloween

2011-10-20T08:06:00.001-06:00

So Jen has asked for Halloween themed spins this week. In looking back through my archives, I did one of these last year which you can see here--Halloween Hits. So that means I get to go a different direction for this Spin.
Halloween has always been a fun time--trick or treating, parties, get togethers. I have enjoyed the fun and just a bit creepy side of Halloween.
I'm not a great one for scary movies. Once, in the very tiny first apartment Nick and I shared, he had some friends over and they brought a scary movie--The Candyman I think--and I knew I would not, could not watch it. I didn't have a lot of choices so I sat and read a book in the bathroom. Nick didn't do any more scary movies after that--I think he felt just a bit bad about my ~~hiding~~ sitting in the bathroom.
So if we don't do scary movies, what do we watch for Halloween? Well, there are some great creepy movies out there that keep things light and funny but just a bit creepy/scary without the blood and gore. We enjoy watching:

Young Frankenstein,
Ghostbusters,
The Nightmare Before Christmas,
Hocus Pocus,
Abbot and Costello meet the Mummy,
the Mummy (with Brendan Fraser),
Jurassic Park
any Scooby Doo

We do have to be careful and not watch anything with Zombies. Turbo still doesn't do well with Zombies. This year we will be carving pumpkins and doing various activities around town for the boys. Turbo and Nick are thinking bout creating a haunted house in the garage for Halloween. It will be fun and interesting to see what they come up with--I foresee a trip to the dollar store for props.

So what are your plans this year for Halloween--what do you do for the season--what movies do you watch and can you stand the really scary ones?

Swapoween Stuff!

2011-10-19T10:35:00.001-06:00

I got my box of goodies from Kathy at A Tiny Cottage on Grand. Boy, did she ever come through for me! Check out the goodies:

The box of goodies!

Bruiser was thrilled with the Halloween stuff.

All the good stuff.

Rats and spiders and pumkins, OH MY!

A pair of adorable pumpkins!

Handy, batty kitchen stuff!

These guys are so cute, perfect for the table.

There were some spider and skull rings for the boys and creepy fabric for decorating and since Turbo has about talk Nick into a haunted house on the garage, the spider and rat will have a home there soon so we can give the creeps to the neighborhood kids.
This swap was brought to us by Beth and Angie--thanks guys!

WWTK--Anger, Movies, and a Splash of Danger

2011-10-19T07:49:00.003-06:00

Answer up the questions and join in the fun.
This week's questions are from Mamarazzi:

When was the last time you lost your temper? I have minor losses of my temper every few days, but for a big one? The last time I was truly angry was last weekend over the drama about Turbo and the neighbor girls. And it wasn't yelling swearing angry, more offended, appalled angry for Turbo.
What 3 words best describe you? Intelligent, introverted, Mom.
What movie could you watch over and over and never get tired of? Oh there's lots of these, The Princess Bride, The Goonies, any Indiana Jones movie, Star Wars, Hello Dolly. I watch movies over and over a lot. Drives Nick nuts.
If you could do something dangerous, just once, with no risk, what would you do? I like to say sky diving, but really, who wants to jump out of a perfectly good air plane? Maybe go set off explosions with the Mythbusters. It would be interesting and a bit of a rush to be close to one of the explosions they set off.
Which is more important: intelligence or common sense? I've said before intelligence is nothing without common sense. You have to have common sense or you can really do nothing practical with all the intelligence in the world. My vote would be common sense.

So go see Mamarazzi, Queso and Crazymama for more nosy fun.

Random Tuesday Thoughts--Talking About Nothing

2011-10-18T09:05:00.002-06:00

So time for random thoughts. Cause it's Tuesday and all.

Yesterday was one of those weird days where we got to see just about every type of weather Mother Nature could throw at us, snow, rain, wind and sunshine. I expect a lot of those in the next few weeks until winter hits, oh about the middle of November.
A good night's sleep can do wonders for you. I just need about 100 more of them, I might feel all rested up by then.
Nick finally got the hole in the laundry room fixed. I won't have to dodge that spot when I'm putting clothes in the washing machine now. This is awesome!
Do you ever have a really good idea for a random post and then when you sit down to type--poof it's gone?
I swear my butt grows roots at night. I just have no energy after I get dinner done. Moving around becomes something that hold no appeal. Unfortunately Bruiser is on a campaign to make sure I don't sit for long. He wants this or that or he needs something else, all designed to make sure those roots don't get to deep. I should thank him, but really I'd be happy growing those roots.

Well that covers my random, go see Stacy for more.

Also go see Shawn and Impulsive for Talking to Us Tuesday. Yep, double dipping again.

Happy List

2011-10-18T07:50:00.000-06:00

The things that make me happy this week are:

Watching my boys play together, as long as I can watch from a distance. Up close I get a bit tense about the rough and tumble nature of the games.
Having the dishes done, especially if I'm not the one who does them.
Getting a good night's sleep.
Having my hubby home.
The new back screen latch.
Wood stacked for the winter, and stacked well by Turbo.
Reading good books.
Watching Bruiser be a goofy two year old--giving his Pooh a piggy back ride.

And that covers my happy for this week. Go see Mamarazzi for more Happy.

Almost Good to See Monday

2011-10-17T07:56:00.001-06:00

This last weekend had it's ups and downs.
First the ups:

Nick got home Friday evening, safe and sound. He had a successful trip to Dallas.
Bruiser had a successful solo over night at Grandma's house.
Nick and Turbo had fun hunting--they didn't get one this trip but they plan on going next weekend so hopefully they can get an antelope then.
I got some cleaning done--vacuuming, dishes, random laundry.
I also made pumpkin pie bread, and granola. Both turned out pretty good.

And for the downs. Well really only one major down. We had drama with the neighbors again.
They have a dog they got from the pound and this dog had puppies. All the kids in the neoghborhood like to go see the puppies. Things have been tense between the kids since another family moved in with kids. It's like there has been an unspoken competition going on about who would get to play with these kids. Turbo almost always lost out.
On Saturday, Turbo want to to play with the new kids in the neighborhood. They told him they had to do homework before they could play. Turbo passed the time by riding his bike around the block. He cut through the alley on one of his trips and heard kids voices in the back yard of the neighbors with the puppies. He went and knocked on the back door to see what was up. One of the little girls who live there opened the door and the mother dog got out and chased Turbo up the alley and bit his knee, tearing his sweatpants in the process.
The mother came down to see what had happened and to tell us that we really needed to have Turbo call and he was not to open the door at all. We had to get the story from Turbo on what had really happened because the girls down the street had tried to blame the whole thing on poor Turbo. And the mother was really believing that her little "angels" could have done nothing wrong.
The up shot of the whole thing is that Turbo will not be playing with them for quite a while. It really has been time to back off a bit any way. The older girl there really doesn't get along with Turbo all that well. She has learned how to push his buttons and reduce him to an angry, crying mess all the while looking like an innocent party. So we are just not going to be doing as much with them. I think it's better this way.
It is sad because they could have been and really have been friends. But I'm not putting my kids in the line of fire because her kids don't want to get caught doing what they know they aren't supposed to. It just takes more effort to get Turbo to friends' houses now.
So after that bit of drama Saturday night, I'm really glad that Sunday was pretty uneventful. And I'm almost glad it's Monday. Oh no, did I really just say that? I may need more help that I thought.
How was your weekend?

Confession Friday

2011-10-14T08:00:00.003-06:00

Time to confess again. Friday comes every week and is the most appreciated day of the week. I know I like it--especially going home time, cause you know, the weekend starts then!

Nick comes home tonight.
He was gone just long enough.
I'm giving up on the thought of potty training right now.
Bruiser has absolutely no interest.
He's not three yet.
He'll learn eventually.
There are very few high schoolers in diapers at graduation.
I've decided to pick my battles.
Turbo's parent teacher conferences went well.
We like his teacher this year.
That is such a relief.
We ~~hated, extremely disliked, loathed,~~ did not see eye to eye with his first grade teacher.
I really wonder how many of his problems stem from the fact she did not like him either.
Reading is still an issue.
But the kid has loads of self confidence.
I really wish I knew how to make cute banners.
I am all thumbs, software impaired, whatever, when it comes to that stuff though.
The University I work at is having Homecoming this weekend.
Rah-rah!
I'm hoping to hide at home and not have to deal with the crazy out of towners in for the game.
I really like the powdered Donettes.
Looking forward to a glass of wine tonight with my hubby.

That's gotr my confessions for this week. Go see Mamarazzi and share your own confessions.

Spin Cycle--Firsts!

2011-10-13T08:12:00.000-06:00

So this weeks's Spin Cycle is firsts. Any first you want to pick, first kiss, first date, first love, first day of school, first job, any first at all. In looking back through the archives I found that I had done a post for this when it was a topic over a year ago. I wrote about our first apartment. I'm going to keep with the theme and tell you how we got our first house.
Nick graduated from college (the first time) in May of 1997. The house we were renting had a lease that would run out in August. We were not really keen on finding another place to rent. We had a cat and a dog so options for apartments and houses were limited, even in our college town. We talked it over and decided that trying to find a house of our own would be the best thing.
We headed off to the realtor's office and talked to them about the process. We learned that we would qualify for a first time homeowners loan and should go get pre-approved so we would know how much house we could buy. Once we had that done off we went to look at prospective house in our price range.
There are some scary houses out there. In a town that has lots of rental potential, there are lots of small houses that had been rented. We looked at one that had maybe 500 square feet on the main floor and basement, but it had been divided into three apartments. There was another that had two separate furnaces--one in the main living space and one wall unit in the kitchen. Another had a nicely finished ~~dungeon~~ basement solely for access to the octopus furnace. Scary places. But finally after about three weeks of looking we found the place that talked to us. It was a three bedroom, one bath house with a "finished" basement, detached garage, on a corner lot.
We wanted this house--it was the best we had seen. So we immediately put in an offer. That was Sunday. We waited and on Wednesday I got a call at home from our realtor. I had to wait until Nick came home from work for lunch--he worked construction, no way to contact him on the job--cell phones were still not common then. We headed to the realtor's office and found out that the sellers had counter offered, but that there was another couple who had responded before we did. We couldn't have the house. So we settled in to start looking again, when another agent came and asked to talk to our agent. They stepped out of the office and when our agent came back she told us that a mistake had been made and the other couple had turned down the offer and if we wanted to accept the offer the house was ours. We jumped on that one and started the inspections process.
Since we were using WCDA(Wyoming Community Development Authority) money for our loan, the inspections were a bit more rigorous about things that would incur high costs to us as new home owners. The concrete sidewalk was pretty buckled and the house needed painting. We made a deal with the owners so we could live in the house in return for fixing the concrete and painting the house ourselves. They took it and with help from Nick's work(for concrete forming and such) and the realtor (for a discount on paint) we had the sidewalk fixed and the house painted in a month.
We are still living in that house. It has had some remodeling, but we have an advantage there in that Nick is so very handy about that stuff. Every now and then Nick gets antsy about wanting a bigger house, but then he remembers our small mortgage and he decides that our house isn't so bad.
Go see Jen at Sprite's Keeper for more first spins.

WWTK--When I don't feel so good...

2011-10-12T08:06:00.000-06:00

News! there is a new host for WWTK--Crazymama! Welcome on board and here we go:

What is your feel better remedy when you are sick? It depends on how I feel sick. Saltines and 7-up for an upset stomach, hot toddies for sinus stuff (Nick makes the best hot toddies), zoning out to TV and doing nothing for just about all of it.
When illness strikes, what is your policy on staying home from work, school or church with yourself and the family? Again it depends on how sick I am or the kids are. I can really tell when they are not themselves and they will stay home when they are truly sick. Fevers, vomiting or unusual lethargy mean stay home. A cough with nothing else? Off to school. I probably go to work sick more often than I should, but that could change now that I have sick leave. It's way easier to stay home when it won't make a big impact on the paycheck.
What do you think is worse? Flu or cold? Most definitely the flu. It hits harder and really packs a wallop. However, colds linger and that can be annoying.
Flu shots? Do you get them? Have you yet? No I don't. I'm sure that they work fine for some people, but I haven't run into anyone that said great things about the flu shot, expect for "They" who say you should get one.
When you are feeling down, what is your usual, go-to therapy? (retail. exercise, comfort food, etc.) I'd love to do retail therapy, but Nick and the checking account cry at the mere mention of shopping. there's no time for exercise in the schedule right now, I don't really do comfort food either. But a good book and time to read it goes a long way toward making me feel better.

And there you have it, what I do when I'm not feeling 100%, although to be honest it takes getting to about 50% before mom really gets a break.

Go join Mamarazzi, Queso and Crazymama for more We Want to Know fun.

Random Thoughts on Tuesday-Family Junk

2011-10-11T08:07:00.000-06:00

Random time again, cause it's Tuesday and that's what you do on Tuesday.

I like snow when the flakes are big and they fall vertically. Around here the snow tends to fall horizontally due to the ever present wind. This weekend however, we had really pretty snow.
What I hate about the fall is that weather changes give me migraines. I always know a storm is coming because my head tells me so.
Nick is very happy to have found his garage again. Man Town is back in business.
My package went out in the mail today for Swapoween. I really hope Kathy enjoys what I put together for her and that she has fun making a display with what I sent. Turbo is very excited to see what comes in the box from her, but then he is all about Halloween. He wants to try making a haunted house in the garage. We will see what comes.
We will be moving Bruiser to a twin bed soon. I'm not sure having him in a real bed is a great idea. I will be putting him back in bed quite often I think. This really does mean that his room needs a sort of theme. Maybe, I think I might go the easy route and do Scooby or Cars. He likes either one.
I will be solo parenting for the next few days. Nick is off to Texas. It's a very quick trip. I get to wrangle boys on my own. Deep breath and a glass of wine waiting for me when they go to sleep.
Does anyone else get the donate to us/here's some free address labels? I use those to send out the bills (yes, I still mail out the bills.) and I have not had to make address labels in years.

OK that about covers my Randomness this Tuesday. Go see Stacy for more randoms.

AND double dipping again this week with Talk To Us Tuesday with Shawn and Impulsive.

Happy List

2011-10-11T07:57:00.001-06:00

Time to list those things that make me happy this week.

I'm happy that my package is on it's way for Swapoween.
I am happy it snowed and looked so pretty.
Having a clean kitchen, living room, bathroom, bedroom, etc makes me happy.
Playing Lego video games with Turbo makes me happy.
Baking makes me happy.
Wine. A glass after little boys are in bed.
New Mythbusters shows make me happy.
Halloween makes me happy.
Nick coming home makes me happy (unfortunately he has to go away for this one to work).
Snuggling little boys make me happy.

Go join Mamarazzi for more happy lists.

Time to Thaw Out

2011-10-10T08:04:00.000-06:00

We had another packed weekend. Saturday dawned cold and cloudy and by the time I hit the grocery store it had started to snow. Good thing the rec center was having it's free day. I took the boys swimming again and we met up again with our cousins. They all had a great time in the pool.
Then we had lunch and I headed home with Bruiser and finished my date with the laundry. But I got a great surprise in that Nick took the vacuum for a fling. It was fabulous. I brought him home lunch and then I folded all the loads of laundry that I had done. I then gathered the fixings for chili and we headed over to our cousins house and had dinner and a fun time talking. At bedtime we gathered up our boys and their cousins and came home for a sleepover.
Sunday morning we got up to this:

Yeah, mother nature decided that we needed a refresher on what snow looks like. To the tune of 8+ inches. So yeah, that happened.
We all had a great breakfast and then spent the day doing stuff around the house. Nick cleaned in the garage, I made zucchini bread, cleaned the kitchen and picked up after the sleepover. Then I had a mostly lazy ~~day~~ afternoon. And it got drippy outside, very drippy as the snow started to melt. It should be gone by this after noon.
So that was our eventful weekend. How was yours?

I Confess...

2011-10-07T07:53:00.001-06:00

...that I am so happy it's Friday. I just might do the happy Snoopy dance. I also get to confess so I'm way ready for the weekend.
Here goes:

I was not fooled by the witch's hat on the christmas tree.
Nice try though Kmart.

Bad picture, but really?

I have another hot date with my laundry tonight.
It could last into the weekend.
Lucky me.
I got a hair cut.
I really needed one.
My package for Swapoween is almost ready.
I'm just about ready to have the white stuff fall this weekend.
Yeah, snow for Saturday.
Not so happy with the cold wind we have right now though.
I'm nervous.
I have to go see the teacher next week.
It's for Parent Teacher conferences.
I was always a good girl in school but the conferences always made me nervous.
Now they do again, for entirely different reasons.

And that covers my confessions for this week. Go see Mamarazzi for more confessions. Confess yourself and link up--it makes the weekend better!

Spin Cycle--Dream Date

2011-10-06T07:52:00.000-06:00

Do you remember who your dream date was when you were little? I think my first dream date was Tom Cruise, shortly after he made Top Gun. Hey I was about 13 the first time I saw that movie. I totally fell in teenaged love.
As I grew my dream date evolved. Sure there was the occasional crush on a cute actor, but my ideas of a dream date became more realistic. I wanted someone who really wanted to be with me, not just seen out with another cute girl. I dated enough toads to recognize my prince charming when I met him and I never looked back.

Nick and I don't get out that often--we are not big movie theater fans and rarely plan ahead enough to get out without the boys. But when we go out the next time I do have a couple of requests for a dream date.
I'd like to go to a steak house and have a fabulous steak. Dinner with all the fixings that someone else cooks and someone else cleans up. After that, well, finding a movie at home--that we both stay awake through--will be just fine.
There is another type of date that I do enjoy. It's when we take the boys and run away for a drive--road hunting. No, not necessarily for animals, just roads we haven't been down before. I love to get out that way. Nick makes a mean tailgate sandwich and getting out with the boys is fun.

Now we just need to get out this fall. Unfortunately, this weekend does not look like good going out weather. I may have to devise a stay at home dream date. Hmmm, maybe a theme dinner with complimentary movies? Ghostbusters and New York style hot dogs and soft pretzels? Mummy movies with mummy dogs and crunchy veggies? Any one got some other ideas?
For more dreamy spins go see Jen at Sprite's Keeper.