Girls Night Out!

As part of the celebration Holly and I cooked up..



I went out with my good friend Robin on Friday night. We left our collective 7 kids (1 of mine was at a sleepover) with our 2 husbands (2 pizzas, 2 Two Liters of soda and a family order of breadsticks) at Robin's house and headed for greener pastures! (Click to embiggen)





We both obviously decided the occasion was worth dressing up for! This is one of the new shirts I snagged for myself on Friday - it WASN'T a $10 Tee from Old Navy, for once!!



(Psst - Heidi - I'm wearing my Burt's Bees Lip Shimmer!!)

We headed into town for dinner. Alone. With no kids. Robin and I have known each other since right after we both got married when our husbands worked at the same place. This will be our 13th year of friendship! Where did we go? Well, I can tell you that there were No Value meals. No ordering by number (I'll have a number 4, no mayo please.) Nah, we headed to:



I had steak, Robin had penne pasta.

Margaritas were on special.

*gulp gulp gulp* Ahhh! Had mine on the rocks!!



Robin stuck with water. She drove.



Dinner was fantastic! Lots of uninterrupted conversation and laughter. After dinner we went and did what all moms want to do...



...sans kids.

After convincing one woman that we were a lesbian couple out on a date, we headed back to Robin's place. *wink wink nudge nudge* HA!

Our husbands were ever so anxiously awaiting our arrival, I assure you.

We hung out over there until after midnight and then headed home.

It was a fantastic evening. Good friends, good food, good shopping, good fun. It was a good way to celebrate the ened of a GRUELING February and a good-bye to pneumonia, Croup, bronchiolitis, upper respiratory infections, RSV and colds.

And hello to the stomach flu when we picked Sienna up at 4 am from her friends house.

Oh, the irony kills me.

How're you celebrating the end of February?? Have a girls night out and blog about it. I hear tell that Holly might be offering up a prize for one lucky girls' night out story teller!

Good-bye February! Hellooooo March!

Friday Freebie!

WOW this week went FAST, didn't it? Or am I just crazy? Well, duh. Don't actually answer that.

So, it's Friday and that means we're givin stuff away. *nods* And by we I mean ...Jennie. *grin* Yep! We have a guest host again for the Friday Freebie and she has a fat load of goodies for you to win! See those three cute boys down there? Click on them and you'll end up at her place where you can enter to win the Friday Freebie.

Thanks Jennie!!



Thanks for stopping by!!

We Interrupt Your Regularly Scheduled Programming...

I'd like to take a minute to talk to you about a very serious subject that is near and dear to my heart. Something that is so very important to me even if it may seem frivolous to you. It is something that, at first glace, could certainly be deemed superficial and unnecessary but I assure you, it is most definitely necessary.

I'd like to talk to you about my TV shows. I have a few commentaries that I need to share with someone toher than Rob because, to be honest, Rob doesn't give two rips. HA!

True Beauty ended this week. Anyone watch that? That show was a train wreck. I can't even believe I watched it faithfully to the end - but I HAD to! I HAD TO, do you hear me?? It should have been called "The Shallow End of the Gene Pool" What was UP with those people? Are there really people like that out there? It's so scary to me. And every time that the host, Vanessa, spoke? I wanted to punch her in the mouth so she'd stop moving her lips aorund like a sucker fish. Is that overly violent? Sorry. I guess I'm glad about Julie winning - Joel was a scary stalker guy and Billy was an airhead protein shake junkie. *shrug* What're ya gonna do?

Survivor is heating up. I love this show - it's my favorite reality show. Coach is getting on my nerves and I can't think of anyone that I want to win, yet.

ER - Carter has cancer and he's dying. That's my guess. Not a psoiler or anything but it's not a big leap from seeing the previews for the next show.

Amazing Race - I missed this show! I don't get to watch during football season because Rob gets the TV on Sunday nights. I haven't been sad about any of the elimated players, yet. I am so glad the first team was elimated because I can do without the bickering couple for once.

Hell's Kitchen - Oh my WORD does Lacey need to GO or what??? I just wanna push her down the stairs or something. I think Seth is fairly useless, as well. And I just wanna know - do all Chef's smoke???

Last, but certainly not least - Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice...I LOVED the crossover weeks. Loved them. Archer - what a JERK! Addison - I'm glad she told Naomi..really glad. I'm sad for Naomi, though. Violet grates on my last nerve, swear it. SHe and Sheldon should be together so Pete can find someone worthy of him. The whole thing with Charlotte and Cooper - UGH. Charolette wasn't wrong in being upset that he was moving in with Violet, IMO but sleeping with Archer? What a hag.

Grey's - Holy HANNAH that fight scene between Derek and Mark was intense! I was holding my breath and saying "Just STOP! STOP!" UGH. So, Izzy has cancer and is dying. She's leaving the show at the end of the season anyway, we all knew that. Rumor is that George is going, too. He hasn't had much of a part on the show for awhile. I'm really liking the turns that Cristina has been taking this season. Owen is a good addition to the staff, IMO.

Biggest Loser - I can't pick who I want to win! Last season was a no brainer..anyone but Icky Vicky, Brady or Heba. They were the most dislikable people ever on the show, I swear it. This season I find myself pulling for so many of them! I love Tara and Aubrey and Mandi...oy. I just want to see them ALL succeed!!

I'm excited for that new show 'In the Motherhood' to start. I LOVE Megan Mulally and the previews look SO funny!

There ya have it. I watch too much TV. HA!

Wannabe & Martha, Martha, Martha

I used to write.

I wanted to be an author.

I had some pieces published in magazines.

I started my novel. Twice.

Something horrible happened to our family and I haven't written since.

You know when you comment on a Blogger blog it says "Choose your identity."?? It mocks me.

Am I a writer or not? Can I get over this wall that has been up for 4 years or gave I run out of ideas and talent?

I don't know. I really wish I did. I used to think I had something. Beyond the ideas I had, i was able to just sit down and write. Now? My blinking cursor mocks me. I read my old 'book' start and I was sucked in tonight but I couldn't take it to the next level.

So, I think I'll just post a couple of my old pieces here and there and see if I feel inspired.

*---------------------------------------------*

Martha, Martha, Martha

I’ve always identified with Mary Magdalene. Her past life of shame and sin; the demons that held her captive; the way Jesus came to her rescue and saved her from herself. Mary felt such gratitude at her Lord’s feet and would do anything to show Jesus the love she felt. Again, I could identify with that.

Recently, however, I have started to understand Martha so much more. Martha, who has small parts in the Bible but is just as important to Jesus as Mary was; Martha, who had an awakening of her own.

Do you remember Martha? She was always so busy taking care of everyone else that she hardly had time to take care of her own needs. When her brother Lazarus died, she didn’t take time to mourn but instead sprung to action getting things prepared. There was no time to rest in her grief – there were funeral preparations to make, a body to anoint and mourners to hire. When people came over to Martha’s house she was the picture of hospitality, making sure that everyone had something to eat and was comfortable, never stopping to sit down herself and enjoy their company.

Towards the end of Jesus’ journey on earth he came to Bethany. He was going to dine with Simon, the leper he cured. Mary and Martha were making preparations for His visit and had been busy all day. When Jesus arrived, Mary stopped all work and simply sat at Jesus’ feet listening to the wisdom He had for her. Martha, on the other hand, stayed busy. Rushing to and fro, getting dinner prepared, setting out dishes and cleaning the house. As the day wore on, Martha became increasingly irritated that she was the one doing all the work. How could Mary just sit there when there was so much work to be done? How could she just let Martha shoulder the whole burden? The faster Martha rushed and the more she did, the angrier she became. She would glare at Mary each time she passed her – trying to send messages that just didn’t get through. Finally, Martha could stand no more and approached Jesus’ and Mary.

“Lord, Do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore please tell her to help me.” (Luke 10:40)

She expected Jesus to chastise Mary and tell her to get off her lazy butt and help her sister. She expected Jesus to be apologetic for keeping Mary occupied and tell her that Mary will help her now. But what she didn’t expect was to be told how wrong she was.

“Martha, Martha. You are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed and Mary has chosen the good part, which will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:42, 42)

Martha was so busy trying to be busy that she hadn’t taken time to sit down at Jesus feet and simply “Be still”. She was trying to impress her Lord with the works that she was doing, instead of taking advantage of the short time He had left to be closer to Him.

See what I mean?? How many times have I done that very thing? Instead of sitting down and being still, I am rushing from one project to another trying to get everything done in the limited amount of time I have. Casting glances at people who can’t be bothered to help me. Glaring at those who are not leaping to their feet to assist me. Trying to hide my insecurities and lack of relationship with my Heavenly Father behind the hustle and bustle of things that need to get done.

Where does that get me? Frustrated, angry and farther away from Christ than I was when I started out in the first place.

Slowing down and taking time to “Be still” when there is so much that still needs to be done goes completely against my nature. When I do sit still for a few minutes, I’m itching to get up – my mind racing with a list of all the things that still need to be accomplished. How much more blessing would I get out of doing things for the Lord if I would actual invite Him to come along with me? Instead of shouldering the entire burden myself, if I asked Him to help me carry out the plans according to His will – if I took some time to “Be Still” and sit at Jesus feet – then I imagine things would look entirely different.

Mary knew that Jesus was going to be taken from them very soon. She wanted to drink in his love every moment she could before he left His earthly home. While Jesus isn’t leaving anytime soon, he is going to be returning sometime in the near future. Shouldn’t I be preparing for His visit? And how shall I prepare? By making sure you can eat off my floors? By making sure that everyone I know has wonderful things to say about the selfless acts I do? Or shall I be prepared by growing a relationship with Him so that when He gets here He can look at me, open His arms wide and proclaim me His daughter who shall live with Him in Heaven?

I think I like that idea much, much better.

*------------------------------------------------*

I wrote that 10/30/2003. WOW that was a long time ago! Still rings true though. Hope you liked it. Be gentle...LOL

Can you Overdose on Skittles? and other Random Thoughts

Cause I've been popping these puppies like candy (heh.) for the past couple of days. So I may die a sugar coated, teeth rotted, gut wrenching, belly fatted (uh..what?) death but you'll know immediately the cause because my skin will be a Rainbow of Fruit Flavors!

I think the constant stream of sugar is doing funny things to my brain though, because I can't settle on one thought for more than about 30 seconds.


Skittles Leak Commercial - The best home videos are here

Do-do-do-do-do-Dora, you're the best babysitter ever. Hey, Hey! Swiper no swiping, swiper no swiping!

I'm going out on Friday night with my friend Robin. We're going to celebrate making it through February and Cold & Flu season. The irony? B and I still have colds. Psh. I laugh in the face of bacteria...well, more like sneeze in it's face but whatev. My friend Holly is going out on Sunday with her friend for the same celebration. We decided you all should go on your own celebration dinner, too, cause you deserve it. It's been a grueling winter. And, hey? If yours isn't over yet call it a midway celebration and a refuel to get through the rest of the winter months.

Sleep baby sleep..your mommy's going to weep..if you don't get some sleep real soon..sleep baby sleep.

I have too many packages to mail. Last Friday's Freebie (I'm a slacker), the pay-it-forward gifts, and a secret gift to someone that needs a little love. Oh, and about 25 VHS tapes to my mom so she can record more HGTV and NICK Jr. for me.

Corban is watching Dora in double-speed and giggling his cute fool head off. It's Dora on speed, man.



My brains are scrambled eggs today. I'm off to incoherently comment on your blogs.

Peace out.

Iron Chef: Chili - Judges Review & Winner!!

First up - our reviews of the Chili Recipes, in the order we tried them:

Lauren's Chili -

Rob - I liked it, it was very filling. I liked the texture of the rice. It had good flavor but I DO like mine spicier and although the tobasco sauce gave it good flavor, I would opt for more Chili seasoning in the future. I still enjoyed it very much, even though it was milder than we usually have our chili.

Sienna - It was good. I would have liked it a little spicier. I put too much rice in but I think I liked it.

Cara - It was really good, I really really wanna have it again for dinner and I wish I could have it every day for lunch.

Corban - Mo cheese, mama? mo Cheese? No Chili - mo cheese!

heidi - A very hearty, yet mild chili. I LOVE the rice with it - YUM. I am actually ammending MY chili recipe to incorporate aspects of this recipe. I did half the onion amount because Rob hates onions. He said he couldn't even taste them this time, though, so victory was mine. :-)

*---------------------------------------------*

Liz's Oklahoma Style Chili


heidi - Man, I'm such a creature of habit - I could not get OVER the no beans thing! It was just crazy that there weren't any beans in there!!! I would've liked it a bit spicier - guess I just like it hot! I served it with sour cream, grated cheese and some corn tortilla chips.

Rob - I am not a large ground burger fan so this pushed the limits of my happiness with burger. I also like my chili quite spicy. The flavor was all right other than that. For my happiness I'd just go with less ground beef.

Cara - It's in the middle, it didn't taste like chili to me.

Sienna - It seemed more like Sloppy Joes than Chili to me. I think it needed to be spicier.

Corban - Sow keem? Sow Keem chips? Mo sow Keem Peas!

*---------------------------------------------*

Cheryl's Chili -

Cara - It was really good, I could have it again and again. I think the spice could go down a little bit, though.

Sienna - It was AWESOME! It is better than OUR Chili!

Rob - I like the chunks of stew meat and it was a really filling Chili. Like the others, I just like more chili based flavor and spice. I added tobasco but that alters the flavor. I would eat it again, it was good!

Corban - NO! NO! Cheeseboogah gries? cheeseboogah gries?

heidi - This was a very hearty chili! I did NOT buy a chili seasoning packet because I had no idea that I was supposed to. Way to read the recipe ahead, eh? I checked out what was in a chili seasoning packet and just mixed together my own here at home. The chunks of meat added an interesting, yet not unpleasant, texture to the chili. It was good!

*------------------------------------------------*



According to the poll, 5 people voted. 2 votes for Lauren, 2 votes for Cheryl and 1 for Liz. Adding my families votes brings it to:

5 Lauren
3 Cheryl
1 Liz

Making Lauren our Iron Chef: Chili Winner!! Congratulations Lauren and thanks for sharing your recipe with us!! Grab one of these buttons and put it on your blog to let the world know. :-) Email me your snail mail addy so I can get your prize sent to you.



Thank you Cheryl and Liz for playing along and sharing your recipes! Tastes are just so subjective, aren't they?

Thanks to the 5 of you that tried the chili recipes and voted. Next Wednesday I'll announce the new ingredient (not recipe this time!) for next month's Iron Chef!

Iron Chef: Chili

Today is the LAST DAY to vote! Winner wil be announced tomorrow!

I will post our reviews tomorrow. I'm letting everyone in my family but Corban vote so whatever totals posted by the poll will NOT be the accurate final count. :-)

Seriously Profane.

There comes a time in your life when you have two choices - let it out or explode. But what if you have no where to just SAY what's echoing around your head and then walk away from it? What if there's no one IRL to talk to? What if your Mom/brother/sister/MIL/boss/pastor or husband reads your blog? Then what?

Well...

You say it here on Tuesdays.

You can post under your name or Anonymously, if you want. Makes no difference to me. The only rule *I* have is that you don't get overly vulgar. Watch the F-Bombs in other words.

On the count of three I want you to take a deep breath and then let fly. Let it out. Or, to quote my daddy - Lock 'n Load.

1-2-3

Seriously Sacred.

You can vent all ya want - rant 'til the cows come home - do it on the Profane post. Here? In this post? I wanna see what is Sacred to you. Use your name or post anonymously - makes no difference to me.

To be clear - this isn't to say you have to write a big ole thankful post, you can even just leave a one word description of what is sacred to you (ie, family, friends, shelter, food). You can certainly leave a big post iff'n you want, I'm easy like that; but you don't have to.

So, let's hear it...what's Sacred to you?

A Few of My Favorite Things ...

As part of Kasey's Friend Makin' carnival - she's given us the task of listing 10 of our favorite things. I coud totally wipe out 5 things at once if I listed my kids and Rob seperately but I'm not gonna even put them on the list. They're on a different list today. Ha! Just kidding. Everyone already KNOWS they're my favorite - I'm trying to think of new stuff to share. The fact that Rob is one of my favorite things is pretty obviously demonstrated by the fact that we have four children. *ahem*

So, anyway. In no particular order:

10. Gerbera Daisies - They just make me happy. Look at them? Don't they make you smile? I thought so.



9. Dishwasher - My parents only dishwasher growing up was us kids. (insert sad music here) When I moved out we didn't have a dishwasher. When I got married...there was no dishwasher. It was not until I was into my third decade that I finally lived in a place with a dishwasher. You people with dishwasher take them for granted. No, you really do! You're all flippant about it and just throw the chore of loading and unloading around like it isn't a marvel that you have a machine that does all your dishes for you. Psh. I love having a dishwasher. I hope to never, ever live someplace without one, again. (That's not me in the picture - I just think it's funny. Why is she doing dishes on her knees?)



8. Striped clothing - I love stripes.



7. Sleep. Well, I mean, the last time I had any decent amount it was one of my favorite things but it's been so long since I've had any that it might not be the same as it was back then. Perhaps I'm romantisizing the utter joy I would feel at getting 6, 7 or (be still my heart) 8 consecutive hours of blissful sleep, but somehow I doubt it.



6. Laughter - I love making people laugh. I love laughing. I love it when people around me bust out laughing with abandon and tears our out of their eyes. Or they snort. Or something that indicative that are so tickled that they've lost control of some of their bodily functions. I dunno who this woman is, since I stole the picture, but maybe she's laughing because she wore those pants in public?



5. My snack of choice, Craisins. Has to be Ocean Spray.

4. Getting my head rubbed/massaged. I pay extra when I get my hair cut for the lady to massage my head while she washes my hair. Don't tell Rob.



3. This picture that Dana took of some of her kids and their friends.



2. Long, hot showers. Alone.



1. Pajamas. I don't sleep in them much but I wear them around the house all day. I know, terrible.



There ya have it. 10 MORE of my favorite things. I think 1 or 2 are repeats but that's ok..someone is bound to be seeing them for the first time.

What are 10 of YOUR favorite things? Head over to Kasey's and join the fun. :-)

*--------------------------------*

On a side note, don't forget to try the Chili recipes and VOTE for your favorite by tomorrow!!!

Paying it Forward

I'm sure you've seen it floating around - it's been nearly everywhere I look recently. This pay it forward giveaway is really quite cool. I was chosen over at another Heidi's Place and received a cool box of note cards and a bag of V-day candy. Yay! In order to win I had to agree to hold my own pay it forward giveaway - which, uh, it what I'm doing here in case you're having trouble keeping up.

Be one of the first three bloggers to comment on this post. You then agree to share your snail mail address with me so I can send you a small gift. When you receive your gift, blog about this game & link back to my blog in that post. You ALSO AGREE to "pay it forward" and send a small gift to the 3 people who comment on your blog post..... Remember - only comment if you're willing to send out 3 small gifts to other people.

Remember NOT to post about this game until AFTER you have received your gift!

And that's how it works. So, be one of the first three people and I'll send you a gift with strings attached. ;-)

Mwah!

And the Oscar Goes to...

I love award shows. Well, really I only like the red carpet part of award shows. The rest of it bores me to tears. I like to see what everyone is wearing. ANd, uh, I like to make fun of them. HA! Now you know how shallow I am. But some things? Some things NEED to be mocked. Things like these:


Dear Miranda Lambert: No. With Love, heidi.



For the LOVE of Grover! Would someone PLEASE tell Sharon Stone that muppets are for entertainment and Grover belongs on Sesame Street, not adorning her neck and shoulders.



Paula Abdul is so used to the cheesy theme nights on American Idol that she likes to emulate them in her real life. This season on AI, Star Trek Tributes.


Those are bad. Very, very bad.

But apparently some people out there think my blog is good. Hooray! I've received a couple awards in the past few days and lately I've been remiss in passing things along. So, here ya go in fast and furious motion.

First up...I got this one so many times I'm SURE I'm leaving someone out..I'm SORRY if it's you!



Thank you to Julie, Kasey, Heidi, Tanya, and Rhonda!!! Most of ya'll are new friends and I'm thankful you found me and like to follow along on this ridiculous journey of mine. *wink*

1. The rules of this award are:Put the logo on your blog or post.
2. Nominate at least 10 blogs which show great Attitude and/or Gratitude!
3. Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.
4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
5. Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received your award.

I nominate: You, you, you, you, you , you, you, you, you, and you.

The next award I received from Khadra at Crab Goggles. Never thought I'd actually recieve THIS award. Ha!



The rules,

1. Admit one thing you feel awful about (involving being a mom). Once you have written it down, you are no longer allowed to feel bad. Remember you are a good mom!

I feel awful that I don't have more patience with my kids. I feel like I should but I just get to this point where I can't take it any more. So then I yell. But that would be two things so we'll stick with lack of patience for $500, Alex.

2. Remind yourself that you ARE a good mom, list 7 things you love about your kids, you love doing with your kids, or that your kids love about you.

Self? Pay attention. You ARE a good mom.

1. I love Cara's smile.
2. I love Sienna's gentleness.
3. I love Corban's fierceness.
4. I love Brennan's..uh..chubbiness. LOL
5. I love when we go do things together as a family.
6. I love when I make any of them laugh with abandon.
7. I love that they're mine.

3. Send this to 5 other moms of the year that deserve a reminder that they too are the best moms that they can be. Remember to send them a note letting them know you have selected them, and also add a link to your post that directs people back to the person who nominated you.

Oh...there are so many of you that deserve this award, really. How about this..I give this award to the first 5 people that comment? Works for me.

With Love,
Yours Truly,
Sincerely,
Poopy diapers are calling my name.

Friday Freebie!

That's right - you made it to another FRIDAY!!! Go you, it's your birthday, go you, it's your birthday (I'm totally cabbage-patching right now..)!

To celebrate Friday's around here, we give somethign away. And by we, I mean usually me except on the 1st Friday of the month when it's Mimi and on any other time someone ELSE wants to partner up to give something away. Buying our blog readership, one freebie at a time. *nods*

This week my friend Sara who happens to think she is Domestically Challenged is guest hosting the freebie.

Before you go..

Remember Cora?



If you don't know who Cora is, you can click on her name to go read her story. It's a heartbreaking story, be forewarned.

A fund has been put together to raise money for a playground in Cora's honor. People on Etsy are donating the proceeds of their sales to help build this playground. Sara? Sara has gone ahead and is purchasing a few of these items to give away in her Friday Freebie. So you can go enter to win and know that whatever you win? The money to purchase it went to a good cause.

Also, don't forget Mother's day is coming up...perhaps something from one of these Etsy stores would be perfect for the mother in YOUR life?



At any rate...head over to Sara's Place and enter to win our Friday Freebie! (Isn't she cute? She has no idea I stole her picture for this...she might beat me up!) Just click on her cut elittle face there and you'll be magically transported to her blog.



Come back next week for a celebratory Freebie! It'll be party time here at Sacred & Profane! Have a great weekend!

Coming to You LIVE From the Wrong Side of the Bed!

Yes, you heard correctly - for a limited time only I will be coming to you LIVE from the wrong side of the bed. Which side *is* the wrong side, anyway? Is Rob's side the wrong side or is my side the wrong side? What if I just scooch off the bottom of the bed, would that be better?

Yeah. I'm cranky. Rob said he barely noticed. HA! That's a lie. He didn't say that. He said He noticed...that it is "exuding" from me. Look, I like to wear my emotions like well fashioned jewelry,ok? If I have to lug all my baggage behind me then I want to current emotion out front trumpeting my way....*insert trumpet sound here* Make way for heidi! Queen of the Cranks! Sultan of Snark! Emperor of Irritation! President of Pissiness! Bow down...BOW DOWN!! Eh, nevermind..just get out of my way.

I should make my kids a special after school snack to apologize for being such a snotface to them this morning. I should go upstairs and make out with Rob so he's not going off to work hating me. I should take Corbs out of the diaper he's in and put on his unders and give him some praise. B will be ok...he's asleep.

Wait..what?

He's *asleep*?!?! What in the SAM HILL is the deal?!? The kid wants to wake me up every 90 min all night and then be up for the day at 5:30 and then he falls a-freakin-sleep as soon as I'm up and going and there's NO CHANCE of me getting any shut eye? Whoa-ho-ho....this kid is gonna pay today. Oh yeah..he better watch his back. I'm gonna...well, I mean...when he's not looking...hmmm. Damn he's cute when he's asleep. *sigh*

Off to be the domestic goddess we all know I can be. Where, oh where, are my heels and pearls? I have toilets to scrub!

Don't Argue With Me

I've seen it discussed a lot, recently, around the blogosphere that couples argue more on the way to church than any other day of the week. I'd like to address this issue by illustrating for you how it GENERALLY goes when a family gets ready for church.

(Disclaimer: This is a sweeping generalization. It may not apply to you. But it actually might, too, so don't think it doesn't. But don't think I'm talking to you, either, because maybe I'm not. Generalizations being what they are...this is very 'in general'. Thanks.)

*----------------------------------*

*ahem*

Day breaks.

Wait, no it doesn't. It's still dark out when I get up to get ready for church. Why is that? Oh yeah, because I have to get up BEFORE everyone else if I want to get a shower in and get my hair and make up done so I can look less like the undead and more like a virtuous woman when I go to church.

Of course, I only get halfway through my shower before someone wakes up and wants something from me. So then I'm frantically trying to help them while hurrying into the bathroom because if I don't get my hair blow dried and fixed before it air dires *too* much, it will never lay right. And that will make me cranky (er) .

Get my hair and make up started.

Get breakfast for more kids.

Feed the baby.

Work on hair and make up more. Which, by-the-by? Only takes me 15 min TOTAL when I can just get it all done at once.

Get nearly done and finally get a cup of coffee.

Start laying out clothes for kids who like to argue with me about what they want to wear. Tell them they're old enough to pick their own clothes ANYWAY just pick something that I won't let them wear to school that is appropriate. (See, this is so I know that the clothes they pick are clean and presentable for church. I, uh, let them wear pretty much whatever to school even if they look stupid. Yeah. It's their own social suicide, not mine.)

Get Corban dressed.

Eat my own breakfast while feeding the baby again.

Tell Rob (who is oblivious to the sounds of struggle downstairs as I am left to wrestle with all four kids and get myself ready for church, alone.) to get his butt out of bed.

Get B dressed.

Clean up and re-dress Corban because he's pooped his pants and dropped a ginormous turd on the floor down through his pant leg. *gag*

Make Cara put on tights because it's winter and she's not wearing those stupid flip flops.

Go into the bedroom and huff around, obviously annoyed, trying to find something to wear while Rob says "What's wrong?".

Lie and say 'Nothing.'

Try on an outfit.

Go downstairs and tell the girls to stop being mean to each other and no I don't want to hear it anymore.

Go back upstairs and tell Rob if he doesn't get up and get dressed NOW we're going to be late for church.

Try on several more outfits, which I hate, and end up in a pair of jeans and a shirt, as usual.

Take Corban to the bathroom.

Tell the girls to pack their church bags (because this is just news to them EVERY week. *smh*)

Pack the diaper bag.

Suck down my cold cup of coffee before brushing my teeth.

Look at Rob like he has two heads when he comes down and asks me if he has time to iron a shirt.

Feed B. (Damn..how much does this kid need to EAT?!)

Put on more deoderant and a spritz of perfume because running around like this is making me sweaty.

Help Cara with her cowlick.

Start the van.

Get everyone in their coats, boots, whatever.

Yell "FIVE MINUTES!"

Go upstairs and find Rob still in his underwear without his hair done yet.

Come down stairs and try not to scream.

Start loading kids in the van.

Yell "We're LEAVING - Let's GO!" and get into the van.

Drive to church in seething silence until Rob says, "Are you ok? Did something happen?"

Try to keep my head from spinning around and flying OFF of my body.

Arrive to church 10 minutes late for SS even though I've been up since before the crack of dawn.
Smile sweetly and nod as the greeter says "Happy Sabbath!"

And then? After I spend 40 minutes in preschool SS with the boys (very mentally stimulating) I try to stay awake in the Mother's room during the church service while I finally get to just sit in a comfy chair and nurse Brennan.

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That is a typical Sabbath morning when we all go to church. I suspect it's much the same in houses around the world! Thus, why so many people argue on the way to church.

Oh, yeah, and probably we all argue because Satan is trying harder but, yk, duh.

Feel free to use my sweeping generalization to inform your own mate as to the reason. I'm ok with it. I just want to help people, dontcha know?

You're welcome.

Don't Look, Ethel!!

This is one of those annoying "This is my life" posts that really has no bearing on anything...but feel free to keep reading.

I was talking to my mom yesterday and she said she hasn't seen pictures of the kids recently..so here ya go Ma:

When B had RSV he also had HORRIFIC diaper rash. So, the poor bug would sit in the sink in a baking soda and warm water bath while we played with him. Look at the river of snot coming out of his nose. Yummy. At least he's smiling here!



Of course, cheeseyboy had to hone in on the action:



There was one with Cara, too, since she was dying as well - but she actually LOOKS like she's dying so I chose not to post it for her sake. And because I didn't wait for the camera to focus and it's all blurry.

*------------------------------------------------*

For Valentines Day I made a candlelight dinner for the whole family. I even let the kids drink from wine glasses and have sparkling cider. Corban was a little annoyed and surprised that his juice had fizz in it. Ha! It was dark when I took this picture - the only light being candlelight, so I had no ideahow they were all posed. We hadn't prayed yet so we weren't supposed to be eating. Looks like Corban was taking advantage of the cover of darkness to get some pre-praying chow down done.



It was a good dinner. It was good even when I said *sniff sniff* It smells like something is burning. And Rob said "Something IS burning. Your flowers are on fire." Woops. Those flowers? My FIL brought them to me for V-day. Sweet, no?

Oh yeah...Corban's daddy wears this Old Navy fleece hat in the winter so COrban has to wear one, too. He wouldn't take his off that day:



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Here Ma - from this morning:

The boys were just waking up, watching some toons and having juice. Don't worry - I only put B there for the picture. Him and his monster head like to hurtle themselves off the couch so he's only allowed up there if someone other than Corban is with him.


She barely tolerates me, I know. Her shirt says "Cute chick, nice hare." HA!


Finishing up her homework. Doesn't she have a great smile?!


B is fixin' to crawl...mostly he just plunges forward onto his head and screams like someone cut off a limb until I come pick him up, though.


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I'm almost done, I promise. This is why I don't do these posts very often. I can talk about nothing all damned day long, (Psst...anonymous person that wants to swear...just do it like that..or say "I was thinking 'The Hell with this!'." Because then it does't seem like swearing so much.)

Speaking of anonymous people. I love our new anonymous tuesday fun. Some of you are so funny! Others of you are in my prayers. The rest of ya are just a bunch of whiners. ;-) Ok...one last thing...

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Have you been trying the Chili recipes for our Iron Chef challenge this month?? We just had Lauren's chili the other day (well...for dinner the other day. Then I had it for bfast and lunch the next day and just finished up the last of it this morning over potatoes for bfast. Ha!). It was verrrrry good.

I'll post a review from my family of each of the Chili recipes before I announce the winner NEXT Wednesday. That means you have until Tuesday to taste test and vote. Don't forget, you three contestants, you can snag that Vote for Me button and put it on your blog to get some votes! So get on it...make some chili and VOTE!

Tomorrow we're having Oklahoma style Chili ala Liz.

*------------------------------------*

Ok, all done. Brennan just wants to give his Nay Nay a big wet sloppy kiss before he goes:



Mwah!

I was going to Bag It...

...but some tags are just too fun to pass up. Besides, I didn't have to come up with any facts about myself so this one was MUCH easier.

My new imaginary friend Rhonda tagged me in this Purse Tag. I am so glad she found me - I think she's such a fun, sweet lady and I wish I could hang with her and the boys IRL - we'd have a BLAST!.

Here are the rules for the tag (obviously I added my own notes, cause that's how I roll, yo):

1. Post a picture of whatever bag you are (using) today - not last weekend when you and your hubby went out to that fabulous restaurant. No cheating!!! (I'm not going anywhere today so the only bag I'm using is the vacuum bag..only, my vacuum is bagless so I guess I'm not even using one of THOSE. So, I'm featuring the bag I LAST used.)

2. Tell us how much it cost. This is a no-judgment zone -- there will be no ridiculing or eye rolling here. (Oh, please, judge away. I can take it. Make fun of me..laugh at me...go for it. I put on TWO pairs of big girl undies just for the ocassion. My friend Heidi gets to make fun of me ALL she wants, too. Cause I hafta take as well as I gave it, eh?) And, if there is a story to go along with how you obtained it, I'd love to hear it.

3. Now tag some fellow bloggers and link back to this post so people know why you are posting pictures of your bag. (Pooper scooper. I hate tagging people. I feel like I'm picking for a game of dodgeball or something and I'm afraid someone's feelings will be hurt. *sigh* I'm so put upon.)

Without further hot air...here is my luxurious bag:



Yeah, that's right, it's a backpack. What? WHAT? You wanna throw down? Leave me alone. I have a kid in diapers and one that's potty training - I have STUFF to carry. Now, at the taking of this picture my bag needed restocked...



Contents:
Empty pack of gum
grocery list
receipt from Walmart when my cart was in grocery jail
a *used* kleenex
my wallet (once lost, now found)
Various Thomas the Train and Diego toys for Corban
Corban's crayons (where did his coloring book go? Hmmm...)
A baggie that contains the pieces for making a necklace for Cara
Wipes
B's diapers
a change of clothes for B
B's quilt that my friend Kim made him
A gaggle of toys for B
A blue ink pen

When I restock it, it will ALSO contain:
socks for B
a change of clothes for Corban
more Diapers

When I leave the house it must also have in it my cell phone and, of course, a book.

This bag cost me nothing. It was free. My MIL gave it to Corban to use and I repurposed it because I wasn't happy with my current diaper suitcase bag.

I fugured out a fab way to pick who to tag! If I have your button on my blog - I tag you! These people:










You don't have to do it, you know. You can always just bag the whole thing. *wink*