Memory Rewind - April 1, 2010

This weeks Memory Rewind is from April 1, 2007

Here are my little homies. The glasses, the leather jacket. I don't know what they were playing but they were so small and so cute.

Here is Goddess and her Godmother. The kids on the side are her Godmother's children. The girl J, I watched her born and was the first person to touch her. When she came into the world I was the one with the video camera blubbering like a big baby as she held my finger.

I never had a chance to get closer to her son Lil' because well, Handsome, my first born was born 2 days prior. You know what it's like when you finally have your own baby. You see no other babies for a very long time. My eyes were filled with Handsome and I couldn't see past his little face.

Goddess looks so small in this picture. Awww....those were the days.

ABC Wednesday "K"

This weeks, ABC Wednesday is the letter "K"

K = Kids
Last week my daughter got to make pizza with her class at a pizzeria. So cute but good luck trying to get her and her classmates to stand still long enough for a picture.



K = Kitten


K = Kiss


K = Kook

Bubbles with Handsome

Here are pictures of Handsome and I from 2006. He was 3 and having a problem with speech. This was part of my therapy for him. We put water, food color and dish soap in a plate then with the straw he was supposed to blow and make bubbles. Unfortunately, he couldn't do it at the time.

The Simple Woman's Daybook - March 30, 2010 - The End Of March

The Simple Woman's Daybook
Outside my window...  Nasty, rainy, windy and just plain poopy out there.

I am thinking...  That the weather just has to get better. What kind of Spring vacation are my kids having?

I am thankful for...  My husband, My kids, My Friends and Family

I am wearing...  ~Too tight jeans and a black shirt with a painted blue flower

I am remembering...  that at 12:00 I have to pick up the baby

I am going...  To get my son off the XBox game in a moment to read a book. Wish me luck.

I am currently reading...  A children's book called Wright on Time : Utah

I am hoping...  to get to visit my family this week

On my mind... Easter and Goddess' birthday party.

Noticing that...   Time flies

Pondering these words... "Mommy, maybe there are ghosts, you just don't see them (said as she looks around my room)"

From the kitchen...  ~Croissant french toast. Yummy

Around the house... Some dusting done, shades and curtains soon.

One of my favorite things...  Hearing my kids sing

From my picture journal...

Goddess enjoying a day outdoors last week.

Ruby Tuesday - The Brickabrack

Ok, I'm about to sound like a total idiot but here is my submission.
This is something I received from my traveling grandparents. I have no idea what country it came from but I have been carrying it around since I was approximately 8 years old.  You can see she is missing a gem from her crown because she has been packed and moved 30 times since I got her.

Anyone have any ideas what country my grandparents may have got her from?

Monday Memes - So Many Monday Memes

This Blue Monday I have a picture of some Yoga blocks. Last weekend I was at a birthday party which happened to be in a Yoga studio. Just had to snap this for Blue Monday.


I probably could have used this for Blue Monday and Mellow Yellow Monday.

What annoys you about people that you spend time with outside your home (coworkers etc)?
That everyone seems to always be too rushed to be polite.


What annoys you about people in your home? The respect level is at an all time low.


What annoys you about talking on the phone? The constant interruptions from my children.


What annoys you about the over-used terms that people use? They can use whatever they want. There are no terms that "annoy" me.


What annoys you about restaurant foods? That it is too friggin expensive


What annoys you about restaurant servers? That they make me wait for a check. I don't want to end up being upset with my kids who are now running out of patience while we wait toooooo long for you to bring the damn check. If people have kids you should want to get them served and out as quickly as possible.

What annoys you about reading other blogs? Nothing. I love reading other blogs. The slowness of my computer is the only annoying thing.


What annoys you about memes? Nothing. If I were annoyed I wouldn't participate. I don't HAVE to participate, I choose to participate.

What annoys you about commenting on blogs? My computer is too slow and I spend enough time on the computer. I hate waiting and have to bail out sometimes.


What annoys you about people who chew gum? People who crack their gum. I love gum and chew all the time. Cracking your gum is rude and annoying.


What annoys you about driving on the highway? The people who sped up when I put my directional on.
The people who cut into my line with no regard to safety. The folks who tailgate. The idiots who beep because they want me to move, go faster, or whatever. Move to another lane ass! That is why we have passing lanes. I have kids in the car and I am not speeding for you.


What annoys you about shopping at Walmart? Spending money and the smell. The one by me just smells dirty and cheap.


What annoys you about kids? The same thing I love about them. That they challenge me constantly!


What annoys you about your gender? That they always seem to have a problem dealing with another woman. Not everyone is against you! Not everyone has an agenda.


What annoys you about the opposite sex? That they are terrible body language readers. I think most men don't think before they speak. Woman think too much and men just don't. Grrr...where is the happy medium?


What annoys you about shoes? That I need them to protect my feet! I wish I could be barefoot all the time.


What annoys you about shopping for clothes? Everything. Price, trying them on. I hate shopping period.


What annoys you about music? Nothing.


What annoys you about drinking alcohol? Huh? It costs too much!


What annoys you about pizza? It's fattening.

Sunday Stealing 35 Questions - Part One

1. How far away is the last person you kissed? He is an arm length away sitting on the other end of the couch. Or, maybe it was my son who I just kissed goodnight 18 minutes ago. In that case he is about 20 feet away.

2. Has someone ever told you they would be with you forever? Ummm...I don't know....forever...do people really use that word? I can't picture anyone saying, "yo, baby, I'll be with ya forever."

3. Last person you were in a car with? My kids. Before that, Clary.

4. Any plans for tomorrow? Yes, I want to go to breakfast with my family. We haven't gone out for breakfast in so long and I am looking forward to it.

5. How long does it take for you to take a shower? 10 minutes unless it is a shaving day than add 5.

6. Best friend or close friends? Both please! You can never have enough friends. Friends rock.

7. Is tomorrow going to be a good day? Yes. If I wake up it will be a good day.

8. Did you kiss anyone friday? I kiss my family every day.  Doesn't everyone?

9. Ever thrown up in public? Too many times.

10. What's on your mind RIGHT NOW? This question and coming up with an answer for the next one.

11. Who was the last person you talked to? My sister-in-law Marta. She rocks and it makes me happy to chat with her. You have no idea!

12. What is the WORST subject they teach at school? Is there really such a thing. If it is being taught and you can learn it..learn it!!!!

13. Have you seen anyone lately that you don't get along with? I get along with everyone.

14. What is your favourite colour top to wear? White

15. Have you ever been in a car accident? I don't want to answer this for fear of jinxing myself.

16. What's the closest thing to you that's green? The couch I sit upon.

17. Where would you like to be right now? Right where I am

18. Write down some lyrics to the song you're listening to? I am listening to the Devils play the Canadians.

19. How many dogs do you have? Two. They are called left and right and are in dire need of a pedicure.

20. Is anything bugging you right now? Yes, the fact that I have not added a picture to this meme yet.

21. Is life going right for you now? Life is good.

22. Is there someone you care about more than yourself? My children. I cannot imagine a time where I wouldn't give my life for either of them.

23. What made you laugh today? My kids. My husband. My sister in law. Clary. My peeps are funny.

24. What was the last movie you watched? New Moon.

25. Whats the last conversation you had about? Spartacus on Starz

26. What were you doing at 7:00 this morning? Trying to get my daughter to stay quiet so she didn't wake up the rest of the house. It didn't work.

27. Do you like your hair long or short? Since I have only had short hair one time in my life, I would have to say long.

28. Do you want to see somebody right now? I am looking at him.

29. Do you like the rain? I like it when we are all home, off the road, safe and sound.

30. Did you have a valentine this year? It was good. We were all together.

31. The last person you kissed needs you at 3 am, would you go? Yes! Of course.

32. Would you honestly say you'd risk your life for someone else? Yes! My children any day. Everyone else, your on your own baby.

33. Honestly, if you could go back 1 month and change something would you? Ahhh nope.

34. How do you feel about boys smoking? Smoking is one of the biggest turnoffs for me. Plus, I don't like my children being around it. I hate it and despise the fact that nonsmokers are forced to breathe in someone's vice.  Boys, girls, no one should smoke.  Nasty, disgusting, expensive, dangerous, unhealthy, habit!

35. Could you see yourself with someone forever?  Sure.

Self Portrait Sunday - March 27, 2010

Here are the reasons for playing: Come on, admit it, you look through your photo albums or computer folders and see very few photos of yourself. Maybe it is because, like me, you are usually behind the camera. Or maybe, it's because you never feel you look good in photos so you tell everyone, "don't take any of me."

Well, take it...in the future you will wonder why you thought you didn't look good! You look good, be proud and show your smiling face!

Here I am sitting in my car waiting to pick up the baby from school. It was a crappy, rainy day but...Self Portrait must prevail.

Friday Photo Flashback - The Wedding

Here we are on our Wedding day. It rained! I hated my hair. But I love the look on my husbands face. Looks like love or it could just be too much beer but honestly who cares. He looks dreamy! It's my favorite picture from that day. This was the last picture the photographer took and we both look done! Him, tired! Me, ready to take off the damn dress! I was so hot from dancing and carrying around the big dress. Plus I was wearing boots and when my feet are hot man look out.

I

Friday Follow & Friday Fragments

Damn it. Why do I have to do jury duty when the kids are on Spring Break? It couldn't be at a less convenient time!

Snow day make up at Goddess' preschool. She may not be able to go because of the whole Jury Duty thing. Grrr...

Got amazing note from my son's speech instructor yesterday. One of those notes you want to frame after crying for a moment. I am so proud of him. He has come so far.

Made an appointment to speak with the school superintendent regarding yesterday's post. I'll let you know how it goes!

Last week Handsome and his class made green eggs and ham in celebration of Dr. Seuss' birthday. So what did mom make at his request?

Your damn straight I did! Why should school have all the fun? He has asked for green eggs three times this week. Not bad for a kid who gave up eggs for a while.

Pulled Easter stuff out of storage. Not decorations but at least 20 stuffed animals that I put away unless it is Easter time. My kids hate that I put them away every year but honestly, how many stuffed animals can we take care of. They have at least 25 each in their rooms now.

Since we took Easter baskets out of storage Goddess assumed that Easter was here. This morning my husband said she flew out of the bedroom, ran down the hall to the dining room to check her basket. So glad I didn't see it happen because it would have broken my heart. Showed her the calendar today and told her how many times she had to go to sleep before Easter came. I wondered why she kept setting the baskets up at the table with their name tags. I kept removing everything and she kept putting them up. Poor kid, must have been disappointed when she saw nothing.

Easter 2009

Friday's Are So Busy These Days

Fridays are one of my favorite days of the week. It means my family will soon be able to spend the day together (usually). It's just the 4 of us but we like it that way. There is something about the comfort of having us all under the same roof even if at times we are all doing our own thing. The time comes soon enough when one of our chicks will fly the coop and I appreciate each moment with them.

My question is:

If given a choice this summer, to go absolutely anywhere, where would you spend the summer?

I would spend the summer in Connecticut at a shoreline bed and breakfast. My kids have never been to the beach and I think it is time. 

Seriously, are the Littlest Pet Shops not the cutest things to take pictures of? Look at that face.

I found this awesome meme a week ago. Feed Me Books Friday is a fantastic idea and I plan on participate each week. Instilling the love of reading starts early. I have seen pictures of myself laying in my crib, sleeping with a book over my face as young as 9 months old. There are also pictures of my son holding a book open while sleeping as young as 6 months old.  My mom was a big reader and my sisters and I always saw her with a book. The three of us are huge book readers. Connection? Maybe, maybe not. But reading is good and I read to my kids every chance I get. In fact, if they came to me with a book while I was vacuuming (the cleaning can wait), I stopped the vacuum in the middle of the floor to read.

Book Description

Fancy Nancy Clancy is so poetic, even her name rhymes. And with limericks, couplets, free verse, and more, poetry is plenty fancy! So when her teacher Ms. Glass gives Nancy and her classmates an assignment to come up with their very own poems, Nancy is determined to write one that is superb. 

My daughter is very creative so I can only imagine what she will come up with when she can finally write.

Fancy Nancy is a great role model for kids. I love that she is not afraid to be smart!

There is one part of the book where she tells us how her teacher shows them how to make a poet-tree (get it Poetry?). Each branch will have a leaf with a poem from the students. They also create poems using the first letter of their name to create words that describe them. Goddess has been walking around doing this for a day now! S-Sister is one of them

Thursday, The Last Day Before Spring Vacation, Wish Me Luck!

Thursdays have become so busy. There are so many wonderful things to join and contribute to. Are you doing any Thursday meme's that I haven't found yet?

There is Jen's meme called A Thousand Word Thursday. I love this one mostly because I get to search the photo archives and also because I used to have a blog called, Memories Through Photography which I absolutely loved. This was during my 4+ running blogs. Yikes, what was I thinking?

This week, here I have a photo from March 2004

I have many favorite pictures of Handsome. I think this is a favorite because of the natural sunlight on his face, because of his smile and because he was so proud of himself for standing. Oh, and lest we forget the hair that is sticking up. So cute


Last week I grabbed the button for a meme called Letters That I'll Never Send. Here is my first letter if you care to read. (Honestly, this one may actually be sent).

Dear School Personnel,

This letter is to the aids who are greeting our children in the morning. We, as parents are dropping off our most prize possession into your care every morning. YOU, are the next face they see after the people who love them most say "good-bye" for the day.  So, why may I ask do you have such nasty, negative, bitchy, annoyed attitudes in the morning?  The day has yet to begin and already your face shows us that you do not want to be there. Do you think that makes us comfortable to hand off our children to that? I can only imagine that you are extremely unhappy in your job. If this is the case, do you think that this is the place for you? School is hard enough for the youth of today. They leave the safety of their home, the loving arms of their parents to enter a competive, overly structured, cold, environment. Is it any wonder that there are so many unhappy, combative, full of attitude children in school?

In the morning when you are "interrupted" by the loving, caring parents who are there to drop of their children and make sure they are on time, is there a reason for your cold, hard, nasty faces to not have a pleasant word. Can you not utter a "good morning" before you rudely say "No, it is not time." Or some other "excuse?" This morning it was "No, we cannot open the door, the school is not open yet we are having bus drills."  Do you think that the parents who drop off everyday on the other side of the school know about your bus drills?  Do you think that they do not have children to bring to another school (who will now be late yet again), or a JOB to get to?  Why is the door to the school not opened on time?  The children are going to the gym! They are not roaming around the school! Why DO you continually make children wait outside in rain and freezing weather? Does it make you feel good? I am not suggesting that the school doors be open ahead of time. I am not suggesting that you go above and beyond. I am simply stating that YOU do not have the right to be rude! You MUST do your job with a smile and on time! The world does not revolve around you!

The next time I drop my child off, I EXPECT a smile on your face even if it is a fake one. You nasty old bitch!

Ahhhhh that felt so good!!!!

(This letter may in fact become a face to face meeting with the schools superintendant when school reopens)

This weeks Memory Rewind is from April 2005

This is 12 day old Goddess. She was so pink and after having a big baby boy who always looked very boy to me even as a newborn, I was thrilled to have my baby girl.

She is the reason I know there is a God. After losing my mom at 12 years old I always wanted a daughter. I felt like I missed out on a relationship experience and really wanted to be the mom of a girl. Having one of each is just such a blessing. I get to play the mom I always wanted to be. My friends son's always told me I would be a great "boy" mommy. I like to run, roll, wrestle, jump, scream, yada, yada..and I always thought I was destined to be the mom of boys. Then came this little pink girlie thing. Now, she is very much in between the girlie girl and the tomboy. It will be fun to see how she progresses but back in 2005, she was a Girlie girl because she had no say.

Welcome to the March 25th version of Thursday Thunks

They pick a subject, and we interpret it anyway we want. Write about it.

Please only leave a link if you have written a Thursday Thunks post.

1. I got nothing. What should I ask next week? Although I think Kimber should do it next week. Somehow. Dude, I've got nothing either but that next wind chime question is really titillating. Thanks for that.

2. Wind chimes - annoying or not? Depends. Outside with the wind doing the work beautiful. In side with some tool running their hands through them really fucking annoying. (oppps...Lor..I just wrote the F Word)

3. Camping - camper or tent? Since I don't see myself laying on the ground anytime soon, I would have to say Camper but...if a certain "Scott" or "Brit" were to ask me.....

4. Told ya I got nothing. This really sucks. I should have had Bud do this, huh? Yes, but whose to say Bud's questions, wouldn't be just as...wait....hmmm...did Bud give you question #7?

5. What is your favorite letter of the alphabet? I actually do have one. It is B.

6. So this week my kid had to type a research paper for English.... then she had to email it to her teacher! Is that not just the oddest thing ever? Blew my mind away. Yup, crazy especially since I honestly didn't know you had a kid.

7. Wow. These questions suck. They suck bad. Do you like to suck through straws? For what type of beverages? I don't care to suck through straws. Is this a trick question? Is this Bud asking? Bud, if it's you; yeah, I love sucking anything through straws especially jello.

8. What do you do with your cell phones when you do those wonderful "upgrades" to the newer, fancier phones? They sit in my underwear drawer. I always think I am going to donate them but always worry about people getting my information off of them. Honestly, not a big upgrader so there are only 2 phones in the drawer.

9. It's allergy season - unless you've completely missed all the people walking around with kleenexs stuck to their nose... what are you allergic to? I am allergic to some of these questions, they are actually giving me hives and my butt itches.

10. What did you sleep with as a child? I was begging for a dog, so I slept with a pink stuffed dog. It was very calculated, I was praying my father would see how much I wanted one and buy me one. Come to think of it, my son has started doing this now. I'm onto him...he gets NOTHING!

Face It! How Do You Feel About Your Changing Face As You Get Older?

As I get older, especially as I moved into my 40's; I started noticing more changes in my appearance. Not bad or good changes, just changes.

I started having my eyebrows waxed because I felt that as I aged, my natural eyebrows needed to look more feminine, more arched.

What changes are you making?

A few of my friends are talking surgical alterations, that would never be me. I've earned each one of these smile lines, frown lines, gray hairs, and more. My mother died when she was 34 and never had a chance to really age. Aging is something I HOPE to do. I just want to do it as gracefully as I can.

Check out these easy, possible, cheaper than surgery solutions from two Doctors.

She Rain By Michael Cogdill - A Beautiful Book

In A Nutshell: Amazing! Simply amazing. The beauty of the words force you to read them aloud. There aren't many books that do that to me. I felt the same way when I read White Orleander by Janet Finch. Michael write with such poetic prose that you must hear the words you are reading. At times, in the beginning chapters I had to remind myself that the main character is male because with the beautiful words and southern music I heard Dakota Fanning in character. It took me longer to read this book than most others that I review. I actually reviewed 3 others in between She Rain. I wanted to savor it, understand it, make it last and not rush through like the books I can devour in 2-3 days and barely remember it 3 books later.

The story centers around Frank Jr. who lives with his povertiy stricken parents including his abusive father. He has watched his father bloody his mother and has endured countless beatings. One day as a teenager his mother send him to town to pick his father up from jail. On the way home, he brings his father to an out of the way, abandoned area and points out a tombstone he made for him. It reads very simply; NOBODY where the name would be. As for the dates it simply says, Born: Somebody - Died - Manure.  His father never touches them again.

The story takes a turn when Frank and his Uncle "Useless" start fighting and his mother bludgeons Useless to death. Frank refuses to have his mother take the fall for the death so he runs taking the blame with him. While on the run he tries to jump a train and ends thrown into the water. It is the hands of Elizabeth, an african-american women who save him and bring him back to the mansion she lives with several other servants.

Frank is torn between Mary his first love and Elizabeth.

The book reads like one long poem, simply stunning.

What I Can Tell You: I do not have any copies to give away. I am so sorry about that. But, I do feel that you should head to your library or local book store and find a copy for yourself.

ABC Wednesday - J

Let's see what mama has in her archives.

I have Jewelry
Yup, I make jewelry and you can find it on my website StreetAngel (shameless plug).

This one is called Iliythia (a character from Spartacus) and sells for $25.00

Next, This is my girlfriend's dog Jersey.


Then we have some jumping photos...
Here is Handsome at my cousins' gymnastic themed birthday party - how do I know he was jumping? Well not much air under him but check out his hair.


Here is Goddess in all her pink glory. So glad I dressed her like this as often as possible back then. She would never walk out of the house like this now.

Ruby Tuesday - Strawberry Shortcake Photo Session

So here was the finished product


But before the perfect shot.....

Someone felt that I hadn't set it up properly....

Birthday Giveaway in Honor of "The Teach" - Dove Men + Care Products

Happy Birthday to my sexy husband who turns 39 today. He is catching up to me.

Thanks to The Family Review Network, I was able to give my first product review over to The Teach to try out for me.

In case you weren't aware, Dove has some awesome products for women. Now, they have taken it a step further and added a men's line.

I am not sure about the rest of you, but I like my man to smell like a man. With all the scents in some soaps they can kind of come out of the shower smelling like, well, us.

The Teach got to try out the Dove Men + Care Clean Comfort, Face and Body Wash.

We both love the smell. The bottle has a manly look and fits nicely in the hand.

Lathers up nicely and does the job! Leaving your skin less dry than soap. No more itchy skin when you come out of the shower.

Monday Meme's There Are So Many Great Ones To Participate In

This weekend while watching Goddess play with her massive Littlest Pet Shop Collection, I noticed how vibrant the colors. Jumped up from my 2 seconds of lying on the couch, grabbed my make shift light box (a small cooler), and my Canon camera, I lied on the floor snapping pictures of various animals with these memes in mind.

Look at that sad little face. Don't know why he is so sad considering I placed him in a 1st place trophy. Poor little sweetie.

 Check out the blue eyes on this little Halloween Littlest Pet Shop kitty







HAVE YOU?


1. Googled yourself? Not yet, should I?
2. Googled your neighbor? No but I just might do that the next chance I get.
3. Used Google maps to spy on someone? No, do people do this?
4. Spied on someone via Facebook? No, I am getting a little concerned with these questions.
5. Friended someone on Facebook that you don't know? No! But strangers are always trying to friend me.
6. Tweeted gossip? Yes, celebrity gossip.
7. Followed a celeb on Twitter? Yes, many
8. Kissed any one of your Facebook friends? My husband
9. Regretted an online relationship? No. All the women I have met online have been awesome and people I consider friends.
10. Dumped someone online? No. My dumping days were prior to all this online social networking
11. Played a prank on someone online? No, I am not that rude.
12. Spied on a High School bully online? No.
13. Written a nasty email? Not yet.
14. Sent something X-rated via email? Uh huh!
15. Searched your state's/locality's database for predators? Yes
16. Done an online search on someone's traffic offenses? Never
17. Ordered dinner online? Can this be done?
18. Purchased something over $250 online? Yes
19. Left an anonymous comment? No
20. Checked out someone else's email (as in spy on your s.o.)? No

Sunday Stealing - The Eight Tens Meme

1. Are you single? NOPE. Married.

2. Are you happy? It is an emotion that you control. Yes! I choose to be happy.

3. Are you bored? Never.

4. Are you naked? Not at the moment.

5. Are you a blonde? Nope but I do have the occasional blonde moments.

6. Are you moody? Nope. I make a conscience effort to always control be in control of my moods

7. Are you a lover/hater? I am a lover and a hater. I absolutely hate bugs.

8. Are you hot/cold?  Well depending on the temperature, I tend to be both.

9. Are you Irish? Not even an ounce.

10. Are you Asian? Not even a teaspoon full.

TEN FACTS.

1. Name: Maria

2. Nicknames: Ria, ree, ree-ree, hun, mommy, mom, granny, shorty, grandma and the name just keep on coming

3. Birth mark: Nope!

4. Hair color: Brownish

5. Natural hair color: Brownish

6. Eye color: Hazelish

7. Height: 4'11 3/4" - Stop laughing

8. Facebook Mood: I don't post one. It's a waste of time.

9. Favorite color: The blues

10. One Place to Visit: My grandparents house upstate, NY where I spent 5 years of my life.

TEN THINGS ABOUT YOUR LOVE LIFE.

1. Do you believe in love at first sight? I believe in many things but not love at first sight. Perhaps lust at first sight.

2. Do you believe in soul mates? Not really. I believe in connections but wouldn't say they are necessarily soul connections.

4. Have you ever been hurt emotionally? If there is someone who can honestly say no, then I would love to meet them.

5. Have you ever broken someone’s heart? Unfortunately, there are three that I know of. What worries me are the ones that I don't even realize were affected.

6. Have you ever been cheated on? Perhaps, how do I know? If I never found out then does it matter at this point?

7. Have you ever liked someone and not told them? Yes but that was only when I was real young. After 18 I had no problem telling someone I liked them.

8. Are you afraid of commitment? I hope not, I am married afterall.

9. Who was the last person you hugged? My son.

10. Who was the last person you kissed? My son

TEN THIS OR THAT.

1. Love or lust? Both have their benefits.

3. Cats or dogs? I love animals but since having kids, I don't have a dog or cat thing. Just seems like more mess to clean up.

4. A few best friends or many regular friends? I love friends. I have many friends as for the besties, you can't be bests with more than one at a time. 

5. Television or internet? Internet, as if you have to ask.

6. Chinese Or Indian? Food? Chinese!

7. Wild night out or romantic night in? Romantic night in but I would take either at this point.

8. Money or Happiness? Both! I have been happy but I haven't had mucho money. I would love to see how that feels.

9. Night or day? I like both. It means I am breathing. You can't have the day without the night and vice versa.

10. MSN or phone? PHONE!

TEN HAVE YOU EVER.

1. Been caught sneaking out? No.

2. Been skinny dipping? Yes

3. Stolen? Yes, an Archie comic book when I was 8. I felt so guilty I told my dad and asked if he would bring me back to the store so I could return it.

4. Bungee jumped? No and I will not be doing that willingly.

5. Lied to someone you liked? Nope. Why bother. Oh wait, there was this one time, in band camp.

6. Finished an entire jaw breaker? If I did it was so long ago. I never really liked them.

8. Wanted an ex bf/gf back? Yes, and it was the worst mistake ever.

9. Cried because you lost a pet? Yes. We lost our family dog Coco one Halloween night. Along with 5 other dogs in the neighborhood that night. We always wondered if they were taken by a lab or something.

10. Wanted to disappear? There were times in my past when I seriously wanted to disappear. Thankfully, mentally I was able to or I don't think I would be as grounded as I am today.

TEN PREFERENCES IN A PARTNER.

1. Smile or eyes? Well they should have both.

2. Light or dark hair? I always preferred dark hair but then came Sebastian Bach, Josh Holloway and some other hotties. No preferrence as long as he has eyes and a smile it's all good.

3. Hugs or kisses? The bastard better give me both.

4. Shorter or taller? I have never been into small guys. 5' 10 or taller are the ones I tend to look at.

5. Intelligence or attraction? They should be intelligent and there has to be some sort of attraction.  That is just human nature.

6. Romantic or spontaneous? You need both to have a balanced relationship.

7. Funny or serious?  There is a time and place for both but I like to laugh.

8. Older or Younger? Younger, younger, younger, did I mention I like them younger?

9. Outgoing or quiet? I am quiet enough for two.

10. Sweet or Bad Ass? No bad ass for me.

TEN HAVE YOU’S.

1. Ever performed in front of a large crowd? I used to do kaoroke with a girlfriend every Friday. Couldn't do it now but my confidence level was much higher than.

2. Ever done drugs? Nothing beside the ones they gave me during my three surgeries. I never understood wanting to give yourself over to a drug. I prefer being in total control.

3. Ever been pregnant? I have two children.

5. Ever been on a cheer leading team? No, but I was a twirler.

6. Ever Been on a dance team? No but I did ballet when I was 3-5 years old.

7. Ever been on a sports team? Nope.

8. Ever been in a drama play/production? Yes, in middle school. I was an Indian in Peter Pan. I still remember the song.

9. Ever owned a BMW, Mercedes Benz, Escalade, Hummer or Bentley? Nope and don't feel the least bit upset about it.

10. Ever been in a rap video? Yuck. No.

TEN LASTS.

1. Last phone call you made: To Teresa.

2. Last person you hung out with: Laurie

4. Last time you worked: 6 years ago

5. Last person you tackled: My son in the snow a few weeks ago. He is a great sport. I took him down hard for about 15 minutes.

6. Last person you IM’d: Frankie

8. Last person(s) you went to the movies with: Clary

9. Last thing you missed: If I missed it how would I know?

10. Last thing you ate: A biscuit

Self Portrait Sunday - March 19, 2010

Here are the reasons for playing: Come on, admit it, you look through your photo albums or computer folders and see very few photos of yourself. Maybe it is because, like me, you are usually behind the camera. Or maybe, it's because you never feel you look good in photos so you tell everyone, "don't take any of me."

Sadly enough, this means that your children will have very little photos to remember you by when you are long gone. No kids, well how many times have you looked at photos of yourself from 5, 10, 15 years ago and said, "and I thought I was fat?"

We aren't getting any younger and we will one day, want to look back at a time when our face was less lined, or more recognizable than the one staring back at us in the mirror.

Join me every Sunday post, and post a photo of yourself on your blog and link back to me so I can come visit you. The photo can be anything you want as long as YOU are in it.

Hope to see your lovely face.

I took this on Friday afternoon. Goddess and I were swinging outside, enjoying the amazing weather. I held the camera up over my head and snapped.

Friday Memes - Tons of Color and More

The other night I was coming down the hall and heard Goddess doing her prayers 20 minutes after we had already said them. When I walked in she said, "I'm talking to God and the Tooth Fairy, do you think they can hear me?" So cute...

Last night while doing homework with Handsome, he started zoning out during the 3 minute book I was reading. So I started leaving some of the sentences open to see if he would notice and snap back. He didn't! When we were done and he had to write about the book he didn't know what to write. I told him it was a real quick book and I could read it again. He got stressed, closed his eyes and told me he didn't want to talk. I tried to coax him for about 30 minutes. When I got no where I told him I was going to take a shower and would come back. Still nothing on the page. I tried again showing him all the pages he had done before. He said, absolutely nothing and put his head on the table. I told him it was time to get his sister's bath and would be back. When I came back 15 minutes later. Nothing. I told him to close the book and leave it until tomorrow. He said, "I'm not talking to you."

When I came back down the hall after putting Goddess in her PJ's, he met me in the hall with a single leaf drawn on the page. He said, he was done. I told him it was great and he was done with his homework. He wouldn't look at me. I made him stand in front of me while I sat to be at his level and talk. He wouldn't look at me. I asked why he was so upset and he said, "you don't like me." I told him with tears welling while I fought the spillage, "I don't like you? I love you!" He said, "No you don't". Losing the fight tears rolled down my face. It was the first time he had looked in my eyes in over an hour and a half. I said, "Yes, I do love you." He said, "No you don't, no one does." My heart broke as I struggled to understand why his words were so strong and just how serious I should take them. Trying not to take it personally, knowing that he was upset about the homework and was tired. I tried to hug him. He wouldn't let me.

I stood up and tried not to sob into my hands.

His father came up and I told him what was going on. He put the hockey game on for Handsome and Handsome got happy. He asked for milk and when I got the milk without an "ok" he asked, "Mommy, why are you not talking to me?" I told him that I was talking to him.

Afterwards my husband tried a few times to get Handsome to come apologize and talk it over, he wouldn't. I could hear them talking and heard Handsome say, "I don't like her." Ahggghhhhh my heart.

He finally did come in and tell me he was sorry and I hugged him. In the middle of the night he made his way to my bed and crawled in. He never does this. I dreamed all night that he told me he loved me and was sorry.

Ahhhh...kids.

Last Saturday I headed out to watch my friend Frankie (8th grade) in a production of the stations of the cross. I had taken a shower, was giving Goddess a bath when my girl Clary called telling me about it. I headed out with a wet head to be there. He was playing Jesus afer all.

Taking the video camera from his mom I started taping the production. I must admit, it was a bit disturbing. Seeing Frankie carrying the cross, wearing the thorns wasn't hard. It was when they stripped Jesus of his robe and here was this hairless, young boy laying strapped to the cross while another priest took a million pictures. Disturbing! I can only imagine what was going through mother's mind if I was this shocked.  All in all...he did a fabulous job.

Memory Rewind - Circa 2002

This week for Memory Rewind is a photo from a few years back. Before kids, 2002 my husband decided it was time to redo the deck. Make it safe for the potential baby that would hopefully soon be announced.

We worked together for 2 weekends. The deck is Waaaayyyy above my head on my bi-level home and in order for me to be able to help him he would spend time rigging ways for me to help him get the beams above our heads so that he could secure them. It was awesome. I mostly had to put me foot on pieces of wood that would ultimately rise the piece that he was going to secure.

Here he is lightening "the torch" that would cut the rebar.




I am his biggest fan and he doesn't get enough posts about him. Everyone who knows me, his family, my family, our friends, my friends, all know that I believe there is nothing that he can't do. He is very smart, very steady, very strong, very secure, very manly and very he always made me feel very safe.

Sunday Was National Math Day - We Celebrated with Leap Frog

Thanks to an awesome PR person I learned that this past Sunday was National Math Day March 14th - am I the only one who didn't know about this?

Leap Frog has become a name that most parents associate with education. Ever since my first born arrived, I have purchased Leap Frog products. All his toys were from the Leap Frog line and we headed into the DVD's quickly.

My daughter is a big fan of anything that will help her learn so when she saw this come in, we barely had our coats off before she was ripping it open to put it in the DVD. She grabbed her notepad and box of crayons ready to learn. (She loves to copy what she sees, usually writing the words on the screen).

Here is a video of her watching the movie. She was so focused on the movie that she NEVER wrote on the paper.

In A Nutshell: Anything that your kids will watch and WILL teach them is good in my book. The characters are likeable and familiar if your kid knows Leap Frog. Tad and Lily have been there from the beginning.

What I Can Tell You: Goddess age 4.11 LOVED it. She watched it and then watched it again. Today she was singing the songs from it and excited about numbers where her focus in the past was letters and sounds. This is a great way to start working with her on math. 

Moshi Monsters - Mo Pod - Great Easter Basket Idea

Yesterday I wrote about Moshi Monsters and their interactive online world chock full of free kid games. I also mentioned a Moshi Monsters Mo Pod Giveaway coming up today. So without further ado, here we go.

Moshi Monster Mo Pods are the cutest things ever. When I received the shipment from their awesome PR group I was heading out to get Handsome from school. In the car, Goddess begged me to open one. I told her when we got to school, we could ask the office staff for a scissor. We did. As we opened the package, everyone who walked in was interested in hearing about this little guy.

There is no longer a reason to miss a text, message, or email because you didn't hear your cell phone. Mo Pod works off your 3G network on your cell phone. It happens to me all the time, my cell is in my pocketbook or pocket, I eventually pull it out and see all the emails, texts and messages I missed.

Mo Pod, attaches to whatever, a button, your necklace, your rear view mirror, your backpack or wherever and everytime your phone receives "something" the little Moshi guy, spins and lights up. The cutest thing ever.

I have been wearing mine for 2 days and everyone is interested in hearing about him and asking for my business card so they can enter this giveaway and learn more.

These little guys are great alternative to candy in your child's Easter Basket. Especially as your kids get older, it is hard to figure out what to give them. These guys sell for under $7.00.

Ok, now for the video...give me a break...you know how uncomfortable I am in front of the camera, so please be kind. 

Book Nook Corner - Children's Books - A Review

Thanks to Blue Apple Books I received two books to review and write about.

Emily & Alex: Naughty and Nice (Which hit the shelves today)-- Emily and Alex are twins. They have the same birthday. They have the same last name. But they can be as different as night and day.

Meet Emily and Alex, fraternal twins who love being different. Emily is clean, Alex is dirty; Emily likes dots, Alex likes stripes; Emily is noisy, Alex is quiet. Acclaimed artist Barroux makes his Blue Apple Books debut with two charming and witty books of opposites, featuring a pair of lovable twins who are double the trouble and double the fun.

Barroux studied photography, art, sculpture, and architecture in France at the famous École Estienne and École Boule. He went on to work as an art director in Paris and Montreal. While in Canada, Barroux began illustrating by creating linocut images, and he is now well known for his children's book illustrations.

In A Nutshell: What makes these books so amazing is that my 4 year old who doesn't read yet, CAN read these books. Reading starts early and these books are perfect for building confidence. Each page has a picture and a word.  The word describes the picture! It was so fun to watch my daughter's face as she read the entire book!

These books are perfect for 1-5 year olds.

The graphics are sweet
The words, big and bold
The colors fun
The book nice and sturdy
The price compatible

ABC Wednesday - I is for Intriguing

This week ABC Wednesday is "I"

Umm...what do I have for "I"?

This could be Intriguing

How about Innocent?


Or Iridescent (white van with sunset reflection)


As in Indent/Imprint (this is my son's face indent in the snow)

Moshi Monsters Review - Kid Friendly Website - Giveaway to Come

In A Nutshell:  This is an educational, fun way for your child to spend time online. It was easy to set up too. We got on the website, adopted a pet, dressed it up, played with it, customized it's house and started searching around. The games are great. My soon to be 5 year old loves the game and was dying to play but the games are more kids who can read. I can read them to her but since the games are timed she ran out of time. Personally, I love the games. There are some great logic games and puzzles for kids to play.

What I Can Tell You: Moshi Monsters are cute. My daughter loves them and likes playing in their room. She also enjoys walking around Moshi World and visiting others homes.

What I Can't Tell You: If the Underground Disco, Port and Gift Island are all that and a bag of chips. You need a membership to go there (this is for the Elite Moshi Monster users).  If my son ends up loving this (he has yet to play), I may get a membership (it is only $5.95 to try for a month).

Music Monday - Summer Breeze

This week, my first at Music Monday, I am posting Summer Breeze by Seals and Croft. The reason why, well...today I was playing some 70's music on my Sirius Radio and my daughter said, "what is this song called". I told her and she said, "I like the way it sounds." I told her it was the music I grew up with and that I loved it too. My baby likes Seals and Croft....nice.

How To Never Look Fat Again By Charla Krupp Blog Tour

Maria:  Charla, I am 4’11” and a size 10 with larger breasts and bigger legs, short of losing the necessary 15 pounds what can I do to look thinner and taller? 

Charla: You’ll want to check on the sections called BIG BUST and HEAVY CALVES…there are hundreds of tips for you. For starters, go get bra fitted so that you are looking as small as possible on top. For legs, don’t wear micro-minis…do wear a nice pump in a nude color.

Maria:    What is the best way to find your proper bra size?

Charla: There is no way around it, you must get bra-fitted in a good department store such as Bloomie’s. 

Maria: Should someone under 5”0” wear a full length winter coat? 

Charla:  NO! 

Maria:  How can you avoid muffin top if you wear today’s clingy shirts?

Charla: Wear a shaping camisole underneath your tops…and wear the Spanx Bra-llelujah! dedicated to making back fat disappear. And, if your shirt fabric is super clingy, maybe you need to go up a size.

Maria: How can I make my short, chubby legs look longer if I am wearing pants and short heels? 

Charla: Don’t wear short heels…wear the highest heels possible. Maybe go with a platform which is easier to walk in than a stiletto. Pants should be on the long side. No capris, they’ll make you look shorter and fatter. 

Maria:  I could go on and on asking short questions?

Charla: I’m petite, too, so I know the problems…look at the sections in each chapter titled: If you’re petite…lots of great tips for you in the book.

Hopefully, after I make the baby dinner I can get back on and hook all these links up.

Mommy and Me Monday - Digital Scrapbooking

I told you last week that I had once spent some time Digital Scrapbooking.

Here is a page I made of Goddess and Me.

Monday Morning Meme Collaboration

This week I have decided to combine some of my favorite Monday memes into one object. When I had Goddess I noticed this little bitty baby in a walnut shell at a Brick Brack store and had to have her. She reminded me of my baby girl with her cute pixie hair and skinny, little legs.

For Aileni's Monochrome Weekend, I have taken the same object and placed it in my little cooler to snap a simple shot.

Sunday Stealing

Sunday Stealing: Judd's Merged Meme

1. What were doing 10 years ago? I was 33, not knowing who I was, feeling lonely, unfulfilled and alone. Unsure of my future and thinking that life was short.

2. Five snacks that you enjoy in a perfect, non weight-gaining world: chocolate chip cookies, chocolate, peanut butter, BBQ chips, Dip,

3. Five things you would do if you were a billionaire: I would pay off all my families debts, set up funds for all my nieces and nephews, start up a local soup kitchen for my area with possible housing facilities for dire straight families trying to get on their feet.

4. Three of your habits: Biting my nails, pacing while talking on the phone, kissing my kids.

5. Five jobs that you've have had: Secretary, Receptionist, Bartender, Data Entry, Mom

6. Five places that you've lived: New Jersey, New York, that is about it (35 moves between those states.

7. Five things that you did yesterday: Cooked, Showered, Cleaned up, Blogged, Hosted a giveaway

8. Five people you would want to get to know more about: Everyone I know...plus the next people I meet. I love learning about people which is why I started my meme, Memory Rewind (It is a lonely meme, so feel free to participate)

9. Abortion: for or against it? I am pro-choice and would never tell someone how they should live nor would I want someone to have a baby they wouldn't want.  It isn't something I would do but I believe choice.

10. Do you think the world would fail with a female president?  We simply need a good president, the right president for the job! Male or female....

11. Do you believe in the death penalty? Yes! Someone people cannot be rehabilitated and should not be allowed to ever have the chance to go free.

12. Do you wish marijuana would be legalized already? I personally have never ever smoked nor do I think at 43 would it be a good time to do it. None of my current friends are smokers but in the past I knew quite a few who partook often.  There should be laws legalizing something that people are doing anyway. Why not have a law that limits the amount you are allowed to purchase? A Marijuana tax just like we have on cigarettes and a safe location to buy. 


13. Are you for or against premarital sex? We test drive the car we are going to buy, why shouldn't we test drive someone that we are supposed to be with until death do us part? But, I do believe people should be emotionally old enough.

14. Do you think same sex marriage should be legalized? Live and let live, whatever.

15. Do you think it's wrong that so many Hispanics are illegally moving to the USA? Yup! They should have to pay taxes just like we do.

16. Should the alcohol age be lowered to eighteen? No

17. Should the war in Iraq be called off? I don't know enough of what is happening to weigh an opinion on this and neither do most of us. The only people who know are the government and the people on the inside.

18. Assisted suicide is illegal: do you agree? Yes. I think we should all be able to live our lives how we want, we should also be able to say when we choose to go. Not for someone who can't mentally make this choice but for those who are sick yes...they should be able to have control over their end.

19. Do you believe in spanking your children? I don't believe in spanking but I have raised my hand once or ten times in my kids 6 years.  I thought "slap on your coolie" all the time.

20. Do you worry that others will judge you from reading some of your answers? Nope! I welcome the differences in people.

Self Portrait Sunday - Dec 2005

Here is a picture of me and my very first baby girl Sandi. It would be our last Christmas together after 16 years together. Sandi was starting to get sick here. I had been bringing her to the doctor every week for saline injections and eventually I would have to bring her daily.

Sandi was a shy cat, as a kitten the douche bag I lived with never hit me but hit her as a kitten. He was crazy if he saw her on the furniture or hair on his clothes. We eventually broke up 2 years after getting Sandi because he wanted to get married. I was too young and was just starting to meet people in our area. He was very jealous of everyone in my life and would lie to my girlfriends when they called saying I wasn't home. He told me I could get the cat because I was always alone, having moved to NJ for him. It was Sandi and I in the beginning and in the end. She moved with me over 10 times. Poor thing! In the end it was her and I too!

Putting Sandi down was the hardest thing I ever had to do. She was dying and when they gave her the shot, she was gone in less than 2 minutes. The whole time I held her apologizing for her pain, my son (handsome) squirmed and moved in my belly. I remember how weird it was to hold my cat as she took her last breath, knowing that my son was thriving and ready to be born in just a few months.

Calling Alll Lovers Of Books, Especially Comic Books - Plus Author Interview

As a young girl (about 9) I was a big fan of Archie comics. After that, there was Bloom County, Calvin and Hobbes, and My absolute favorite The Far Side Gallery. Man I loved reading and comic books gave you the visual and the words. Even my photo albums started having word bubbles above the pictures.

This past week I received and read “The Lunar Antics Presents: Boy, I’d Hate To Be Made Out Of That Stuff.

There are only three things a reader has to know when encountering the moon inhabitants of
The Lunar Antics—
 

1. They have antennas.

2. They have flying saucers—although they don't always use them.

3. They are good in math.

What I Can Tell You:  Comic books are fun to read! Even kids who don't love reading, can quickly and easily get through a comic book and enjoy it. This alone is not a bad thing! Reading as we all know is very important. What is really great about Lunar Antics is that these comics are perfect for adults who like a little humor with their reading. There are so many adults friends that I know who never read anything. Sad but true. When I showed them “The Lunar Antics Presents: Boy, I’d Hate To Be Made Out Of That Stuff” most of them recalled loving comics as kids and wanted to borrow mine. I told them mine was spoken for my sister begged for it and I am sending it her way.

In A Nutshell: The aliens are funny the dialogue smart! They all remind me of characters from Seinfeld or Will and Grace.  Humans take themselves to seriously and this book and there were some laugh out loud moments.  Don't be surprised if you find yourself digging through your bins of books looking for your old comics. I fished out my Far Side Books and old calendars...to re-read.

Robert's book is great for kids and adults, as a mom I am always looking for things I can read with my kids.  My kids are only 4 and 6 so the dialogue is a tiny bit above them, but they love the pictures and I was able to paraphrase while still enjoying it myself. Great for 10+

I also had the opportunity to interview the author Robert Walters, here is how it went down:

So, Robert, when did you realize you wanted to write?

"When I was a child – but it was music I wrote!  My comics are a 21^st century profession."

Ah, so that's why the professor was a music professor? Or wasn't it? Am, I reading too much into this? 

Why comics?

"Because they are simple descriptions of life. I feel I am only scratching the surface of what you can do with a simple 4-panel cartoon. And of course it’s fun!"

What is your day job?

"This is my day job. I am promoting this book full time."

Wow, good for you. Hopefully we see a second edition

How do you fit writing into your schedule?

"Let’s just say it ain’t easy!"

What’s next?

"Another volume of comics hopefully in 2011 – but don’t hold me to it!"       

Awesome, we will, wouldn't do that to you but we can hope can't we?

So, Robert, thanks for speaking with me. Anything else you want my readers to know?

"Sure, they can check out this link of an interview I did for Jazma Magazine"

Camera Critters - 4.5 Pounds of Adorable

Here is my dog Zoe 2002 wearing the bib I got for my husband to tell him we were pregnant.

Friday Photo Flashback

Recently I started scrapbooking again (pictures coming), but before that, I used to do digital scrapping.

Here is Goddess in 2005! Not such a flashback but work with me here.

Seriously, is there anything cute than baby clothes?

Notice the little bitty angel wings I put on Goddess because she was my little angel baby. Not that she ever acted like one and still doesn't!!

Oh Lord, was I hot or what? My mother-in-law stepped in and said, you look like you still have a baby in your belly! Thanks....