The next award...

Waaaaaaaaaaay back in July, Sydney over at Diapers and Deadlines presented me with this award. Life's been crazy-busy, so I am spending some time while I am on-call at work today catching up!

Here are the rules:
Once an award is received, the rules are as follows:
1. Put the logo on your blog.
2. Add a link to the person who awarded you.
3. Nominate at least seven other blogs.
4. Add links to those blogs on your blog.
5. Leave a message for your nominee on their blog.


Here are my award-winners...Oh wait, we are all winners...Ahem...The award goes to:
1. Gramma 2 Many at Yes, they are all mine: I love this blog! She has become someone I look forward to reading, and someone I love to hear back from on my blog as well. I feel like I know her even though we have never met.

2. Deanna at Eight is Great: A fellow Wisconsinite, and mom to 8 kids-another blog I look forward to!

3. Jessica at The Life, Faith and Creativity of Jessica Turner: OK, I know I'm biased, but Jessica is my cousin, and a very talented person as well as a new mommy. You should check out her blog just to see pictures of her baby, little Elias! Too Cute!

4. Sometimes Sophia at I Hope You Have a Good Day, Charlie! Another read I look forward to! Beautiful photography as well!

5. Karen at Food, Glorious Food...and life in general: I just found this blog when Karen stopped by yesterday, and I am hooked!

6. Amy at Escape Into My Thoughts: I have read Amy for a while now. I consider her one of my first bloggy friends! I love reading her thoughts, and she loves Rick Springfield as much as I do!

7. The Wilson's House: Another blog that I can't get enough of! Make sure you stop by and say Happy Anniversary!

Tag! I'm it!

Within the past couple of weeks, I was tagged by 2 people-Mrs. 0309 at Outnumbered Two to One and Deanna at Eight is Great. Because I am unable to come up with 12 quirks about me, I am putting them together, so you only get 6! Now, for the rules:

1. Link the person who tagged you.
2. Mention the rules on your blog.
3. Tell about 6 unspectacular quirks of yours.
4. Tag 6 following bloggers by linking them.
5. Leave a comment on each of the tagged blogger’s blogs letting them know they’ve been tagged.

Here are my unspectacular quirks:
1. I don't like bugs-of any kind. They really kind of freak me out!
2. I tend to be kind of OCD. I used to really get worked up if a virus was going around, but then we had rotovirus in the house for 3 weeks, and puke really doesn't faze me any more.
3. I am addicted to reality TV. The Amazing Race is my favorite! I can't wait for it to start up this fall!
4. I love rainy days! I love to curl up in my chair with a good book or my crocheting and listen to the rain.
5. I don't like seafood. Enough said!
6. I am very allergic to cats. I wheeze, need an inhaler, and get hives. It's not pretty!

I am not going to tag anyone specifically. If you want to play along, please do!

I got an award!

I am trying to play catch up this weekend on awards, tag, and such. I am going to start with the newest and work backwards.

Sherri at Kaysville Momma gave this award, and I couldn't be happier! I showed up late to the party going on at her blog, but she welcomed me with open arms! Thanks, Sherri!

So here are the rules:
* Pick 5 Bloggers that you feel are Kick A** Bloggers
* Let em' know in your post or via email, twitter or blog comments that they've received an award
* Share the love and link back to both the person who awarded you and back to
Kick A** Blogger Award
* Hop on back to the Kick A** Blogger Club HQ to sign Mr. Linky then pass it on (which you can also get to on the above link)

Pretty simple, right? The award goes to:

Sydney at Diapers and Deadlines: One of my real-life best friends. We met through book club, and just clicked. Check out her writing-it's really good!

Sue at Susie's Homemade: Another real-life best friend. Sue and I have known each other since high school (we just celebrated our 20th reunion!). She's a foodie with a lot of entertaining ideas-and her own ETSY business!

Who Says 8 is Enough? is a blog that I literally just found, and have fallen in love with! Mom to 9 kids, some natural, some adopted, but all hers in her heart! I love big families!

Tressa at American in Norway: I have been reading Tressa's blog for a while now. She is, just like her title, an American living in Norway, and I love the comparisons between the two countries! I went through withdrawal while she was visiting her family stateside, so I am glad she is back!

Kelly at Song for Whoever: Kelly is Tressa's best friend from high school, and a great writer herself! I always look forward to what she has to say!

Please check these ladies out! Thanks again to Sherri for the award!

Friday's Foto Finish Fiesta

Better late than never...This picture is one of my favorites from my parents' 45th Anniversary Party. With thoughts of my Mom this week, I wanted to share this. Mom died 5 months after this party, so I was so glad that we had been able to be together with all of my siblings, nieces and nephews. Mom is having a stare-down with my niece, Annie, who will be leaving for college again next week with 2 of her sisters.

For more great pictures, check out Candid Carrie!

Saucy Eats Contest!

The SITS Saucy Eats site is having a recipe contest. I am entering one of my favorites-Beef Stroganoff. I hope you enjoy it!

Beef Stroganoff

1 small onion, diced
1-16 ounce package button mushrooms, sliced
1 T olive oil
2 T flour
2 pounds beef stew meat
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1-16 ounce container sour cream
¼ C Worcestershire sauce
Water
Egg noodles, cooked and buttered


Saute onion and mushrooms in olive oil. When onions are translucent, sprinkle in 2 TBSP flour and stir. Allow flour to cook through. Add in stew meat and brown. Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir in cream of mushroom soup, sour cream and Worcestershire sauce. Add water as needed to loosen sauce. Place in a 325 degree oven for 2 hours or until meat is tender. Serve over buttered egg noodles.

In memory of my Mom...

Thank you all for your wonderful comments about my rant. I have been very blessed to find those of you who read and comment on my writing here. Rest assured that my family and I are doing better. Now onto more important things...

As I was sitting and feeling sorry for myself on Saturday, I realized that there was a deeper reason. I kept thinking to myself How did my Mom do it? At some point, it hit me. Monday (today) is the anniversary of her death. I mean, I knew it was coming up, but a part of me always tries to push it away. Well, it is here, and I am OK. I miss her terribly, but I realize that she wouldn't want me wallowing. I am going to spend the day with my boys, and my husband (when he gets home) celebrating the person my Mom was. My Peter only has vague memories of her, and the other two don't remember her (Michael wasn't even born when she died). Andy and I promised each other that we would always keep her memory alive for the boys. My Mom's children and grandchildren were everything to her, so she would want that.

So, how will we spend the day? I am going to take them to the park in the morning, and then pick up lunch for them on the way home. My Mom used to always insist on taking the boys through the drive-thru for lunch if we had taken her to a doctor's appointment or shopping. I will also take some time to show them some of the family videos Andy made while Mom was alive. I am going to make a special dinner and dessert. Not sure what yet-I made my Mom's meatballs for dinner last night, so we'll see what I come up with. Then. we'll finish up the day watching the Olympics. Mom loved watching those, and we are trying to instill that in our boys. Peter has wanted to watch non-stop since they started!

So, I leave you all with thanks for being here, and thanks for reading. I want to share some pictures with you of my Mom. I think she was beautiful, and I am proud to be her daughter!




We came across this picture while we were going through my parents' pictures. I had never seen it before. I think it may have been one of her graduation shots.

This is my Mom and Dad with my three oldest siblings, Sal, Frank, and Mary.


This picture was taken on our trip to Texas in 2002. We were celebrating Peter's 2nd birthday.

Wisconsin State Fair Cream Puffs!

Wisconsin State Fair ends today. We didn't make it this year, but we did enjoy the Cream Puffs! The Fair has a drive-thru for Cream Puffs from 6-8 AM every morning. My sweet hubby went out and picked these up! Drew and Michael were first to the table!

Drew loves the creamy goodness! And, yes, we had them for breakfast! I felt like Bill Cosby-they have flour, eggs, dairy-that counts, right?

Peter may have been last to the table, but after many years of cream puff eating, he has the devouring down to a science!

I feel a rant coming on...

So, it hasn't been the best summer. I have tried not to be whiny about it (I know, Syd,I whine to you), but 2008 will not go down as the best summer in history. Don't get me wrong-we had a great time at the water park in June, and other various activities, but I am ready for this summer to be over. The past ten days have sealed that one for me.

Let's go back a week and a half ago. Peter (the 8 year old) is limping and complaining about his foot. He had a cut-a tiny one. I told him it was not a big deal, get over it. Then, 24 hours later, it became a big deal. He had a red streak on his foot, emanating from the cut. Not good. Guess what? It's infected. And not infected like throw some Neosporin on it. Infected like he could have gotten sepsis. He is still on an oral anti-biotic for it.

Then, we move on to Saturday. Michael (age 3) takes a nap. KNEW something was brewing. When he woke up, his fever was 102.5. Give Motrin. Four hours later, fever is 103.5, and he is lethargic and breathing funny. Decide to take him to the ER, but not before he throws up all over the couch. Get him to the ER at Children's-his fever is now 105! He is losing consciousness. Fabulous triage nurse puts him ahead of everyone else. Not-so-fabulous nurse in ER "2" informs me that my son has been given Tylenol, and they will check on him in an hour! Excuse me? My son's eyes are rolling back, he's breathing funny, is like a rag doll, and you'll check on him in an hour? Her response-Ma'am, that is normal for his fever. So we spent 4 hours in the ER while they got his fever down. This nasty little virus lingered on for a few more days, until...

I. got. it. Yep, my turn! You know what they never tell you when you sign up to be a stay-at-home mom? You don't get sick days-ever. So, for the past few days, I have been sick, and trying to keep the kids occupied. Finally started feeling better last night...

Then we come to 4:30 this morning. My son, Drew (age 5) comes down the stairs, goes to my hubby's side of the bed and says, "Mom, I threw up in my bed." GRR...I go upstairs, and he actually missed the bed, but hit the carpet instead. So, I got him cleaned up, the floor cleaned up, and back in bed by 5 AM.

Now, I am working again, until 3 this afternoon. If you feel the need to leave me a little comment love please do. I truly am sorry for sounding like the whiny girl that I am. Maybe Brett Farve's whining has rubbed off, maybe I am just tired. I am tired of illness, tired of summer, and ready for school-until school makes them sick...Thanks for listening...

Giveaway!

There is a giveaway for some really cool stationary over at The Pink Potpourri. Head on over and take a look! I really hope I win!!!

Friday's Foto Finish Fiesta

Andy and the older boys took Grandpa to Packer Family Night on Sunday. It is so rare that Andy is in a picture that I had to post it! Yes, this was the night that Brett flew back into our lives, and now he is gone. Seriously, as much as I was tired of the whining from Brett Farve and the Packer management, I am still sad to see him go.

The song that started it all...

Even though I am a native Wisconsinite, there were four years when I lived in Texas-for college. I heard country music, but never took a liking to it-too twangy. Then, during first semester my senior year, I heard this song, and I WAS HOOKED! I really have a wide rage of music that I listen too, but country is one of my faves (OK, Amy, Rick does still come first!). I never saw Garth in concert, but if he ever tours again-I AM SO THERE!

Welcome!!!

Hello to all of you Camp Candid Carrie members who decided to brave the bus trip to another Wisconsin blog. Yesterday's blog, written by Sydney, is a favorite of mine! She is a friend in real life, and did an excellent job talking about all that Milwaukee has to offer!

I am a native Wisconsinite who fled the state for four years of college (including a semester in Rome), but who now calls Milwaukee home, and most likely will permanently. We have really great weather here. I love the change of seasons-although the almost 100 inches of snow last year was a bit too much. I would love to share some of the seasonal offerings in my area: Spring flowers, LOTS of snow in winter, and lovely warm weather for swimming!

Speaking of summer, and warm weather, would you all like some ice cream? Let's head over to Kopp's-it's a Milwaukee tradition! Besides vanilla and chocolate, today's flavors are "Macadamia Nut" and "Pancakes and Maple Syrup". For me, I am going with the strawberry sundae!

You should also know that in our household, we are HUGE Packer fans, I have blogged about it a couple of times. You can check those out here and here. As I write this, I am waiting to hear the status of Brett Farve. I hate that he has looked like a crybaby, but after seeing him on TV on Sunday night when he flew into Green Bay, I am a little excited at the prospect of him maybe playing. I am still mad at him for turning our state into such a media circus, but we'll see what happens!

So, thanks for checking in and stopping by. Please feel free to hang out all day as there is lots to see and read around here. Just don't forget to leave me a comment so I can come visit you, too!

Criticism

So, I received an email today from my boss that I write recaps for. When I got this job, I openly admitted that I had never had a job writing, but he liked what I had written as an example and hired me. I asked for feedback, and the only thing I was told was that the recaps were good, they all needed to be written in past tense, and I had one misspelling of a character's name.

Today, I got an email with a file of ALL the recaps I'd written, and every correction that had ever been made. Do you remember those teachers who could make your papers bleed with comments? That was nothing compared to what I saw. I also noticed improvement-tons of corrections in January and only one correction to the last week on file. What bothered me was that when the file was sent to me, he had forgotten to erase the email from the editor. She had said to him, "You'll be busy with this one." Umm...isn't her job to edit? Don't get me wrong, I want to do quality work, but the only mistake I made in the last recap in the file was a misspelling of a character's name, a name that has two spellings, and quite frankly was not something that spell check would have picked up.

So, I sit here once again, feeling doubtful of my ability to write. Thank you, though, to those of you who gave me such great comments on my post on Saturday. I really appreciate it!

Something I Wrote...

My cousin is putting together a book for publication, and asked me to write a couple of pieces for it. I believe it will be called, Voices of Ordinary People. I have been procrastinating on the project partly because I don't feel confident in my writing (it's why I beg for comment love!), and partly because I knew I wanted to write something about the deaths of my parents in 2004 and 2006. I knew it was going to be painful. The anniversary of Mom's death is coming up on August 11. The tears flowed, and I wrote. I wanted to share this piece, so here it is:

Your father has cancer. I heard this news two weeks before my wedding, and I felt like my world was coming to an end. My Dad was the strongest person I knew. How could he be sick? Would he be able to walk me down the aisle? I had such an immature understanding of this disease at the time. That time was 12 years ago. Since then, I understand more than I ever want to about that disease-CANCER.

Twelve years ago, we thought my Dad was one of the lucky ones. They caught it early. He only needed surgery. For the next six years, he continued to be one of the lucky ones. Six years-we thought he was safe. He made it past five-he was out of the danger zone, right? Nope. After six years, we heard it again.

Your father has cancer. How can this be? Then, two years we heard it again, but it was slightly different. Your mother has cancer. WHAT? How the hell did this happen? How did I end up losing not one, but two parents to that disease?

CANCER-I HATE that word. I hate what it means. Watching your parents fight to survive. Hoping and praying that they will live to see your children born. Hoping and praying that they will be here when your oldest starts school, and then crying when they’re not. I hate crying every time my kids hit a major milestone because my Mom and Dad aren’t here for it. I hate hearing that they’re here in spirit. You know something, that’s not good enough. I want them here-now.

My heart aches with the fact that I lost my Mom at 34 and my Dad at 35. I am too young to be without them. I know there are many people who have gone through this, who have lost their parents or (God forbid) a child even younger than I was, and I grieve for those people as well. This club is one I did not sign up for, and one I don’t want to belong to.

So, CANCER, do you know what I think of you? I think you suck! I hate what you have done to so many families, including my own.

I have made some really great friends here in the blogosphere, and I wanted to share this because my parents were/are such an important part of who I am.

My Son, the Supervisor! Friday's Foto Fiesta

Out of the almost 1,500 pictures we took in July (new camera, and we take A LOT of pictures!), this one is one of my favorites! Andy had decided to dump the water and clean out our 10 foot by 30 inch pool. Michael decided he needed to sit and supervise the refill. Needless to say, he did get wet!

A rant on my home teams

This post today goes out to my home teams-the Milwaukee Brewers and the Green Bay Packers. I am really frustrated with both of you. Who wants to go first? If you don't choose, I will choose for you-Brewers, you're up...

WHAT ARE YOU DOING??? You had the number one spot in your grasp. Monday, you were one little game behind the Cubs-ONE GAME. Four days later, you are now 5 games out of first place. How can a team win seven in a row on the road, and then lose 4 games. at home. to the Cubs. I am so mad at you right now...I could spit...Get your act together...

Now for my Packers...umm, yes, Brett, you are a part of this...do you remember the nice things I wrote about you when you retired? If you forgot click here. Brett, I cried when you retired. You have been such an inspiration to so many. You lead my team to back to back Super Bowls. My husband told my son to watch you at your last game last year, and said, "there is one of the greatest players you will ever see." Now, I just want to call you a cry baby. Make a decision! Embrace it! Move on!

Packer management-to be honest, I am not sure what you are thinking. I get that you decided to move on with Rodgers. I get that you are unsure as to how to handle Brett, but you offer him $20,000,000 to stay retired? You're thinking about trading him to the Vikings or the Bears? WHAT ARE YOU THINKING? Newsflash-they are our rivals!

I am just so mad at all of the above right now! You are all making Wisconsinites look like idiots, and I don't like it one bit...

I won!!!

Jaci at Ravings of a Mad Housewife had a contest and I won!!! She was giving away a book to the 8th commenter, and I thought I had no chance, but I got there just in time!!! Thanks for the contest, Jaci!

We have an obsession in the making!

Michael has a new all-consuming love-PUZZLES!
He literally will sit and do them for hours.
Currently, he is doing close to 50 piece puzzles (not too bad for not quite 3).

Ice Cream!

Yesterday, after dinner, we decided to take a trip to Kopps for frozen custard. If you are ever in the Milwaukee area, this is one place you can't miss! Flavor of the day was Cookie Dough! Here are my boys digging in!

There is also a fountain! Peter was trying to not fall in!

Drew shows us his amazing power!

Long Weekend

It was a long, long weekend. I have some great pictures to post, but it will have to wait til tomorrow. I am off to watch the finale of Next Food Network Star. Go Aaron!!!

The Last Lecture

College professor, Randy Pausch, author of The Last Lecture, died yesterday. He was only 47, and left behind a wife and 3 young children. I had heard about his last lecture from my sister. This lecture has also been turned into a book. The video clip is from a shortened version of the original lecture. It really had a profound effect on me. If you knew you were going to die, what wisdom would you want to leave with people? Here is his take on it:




My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Friday's Foto Finish Fiesta-Kite Flying!

My boys love going kite flying! Andy takes them to the soccer field at our school, and they have a great open space for the activity! I wanted to post this picture because it is such a great one of Michael, and I love the perspective.

For more fabulous Friday photos-check out Candid Carrie!

Another Embarrassing High School Moment...

Let's take a look at my Sophomore year, shall we? I was overweight (OK, I know, I still am, but there was a point where I wasn't), wore glasses, and was just average. I studied really hard and did really well (GPA was 3.8!), but socially, I wasn't in with the "in" group. I was OK with that, but by the middle of sophomore year, I had gone through 2 homecomings (at the all-boys' school), and a Winter semi-formal and watched with green eyes as the girls who had gone carried their flowers around at school the Monday after the dance. It was a sign that said, "Look at me! I got to go!" I hadn't even had a date at that point, much less gone to a dance.

I got it in my head that I was going to go to our Winter semi-formal, "Snowball". Of course, all of our "formal" dances meant the girl asking the boy. The question was who to ask. The boys I knew were the boyfriends of my friends, that certainly wouldn't do. Then, I started thinking about the boys I knew from Church, and from the grade school I had graduated from. (How lame was that? I was thinking of asking someone I had gone to grade school with!).

Then, I thought of it! I'll ask the older brother of my friend, Becky (who I had gone to grade school with). His name was Bob, and he had been really nice to me when I was at Becky's house-between 7th and 8th grade. So, I mustered up the courage, and I asked him, and he said yes! I was so excited! I was finally going to have a date!

Then, I began to plan. Couldn't go by myself...needed back-up for this one...so I triple-dated with my friends Brenda and Sue. Both had pretty serious (or what we thought of as serious) boyfriends at the time. What could go wrong?

Oh, where do I begin? First of all-he didn't drive! This meant that we still had to have our parents drive us. Next, how about when we were at Brenda's house before the dance? Sue asked Bob where he went to high school (I thought and had told them he was 2 years older than us). Umm...not in high school...he was in fact 19. (I remember the smug knowing look on Sue's face that my night was going to suck. Wow, was she right!) OK, the 19 made the fact the he didn't drive even worse! The evening continued with not a lot of conversation, and guess what? He didn't dance! I loved to dance...Afterward, we went to dinner, my Dad picked us up and we took Bob home. Bob sat in the front seat with my Dad. I sat in back. When we dropped him off, he went to try and kiss me (Hello? In front of my father? You have GOT to be kidding!). I turned my head, so it could land on my cheek. Bob simply was not going to get my first kiss!

The following Monday, I carried my wrist corsage around with me. The 80's were a time of bouquets, and I didn't even get that! Over the next 2 years, I dreaded whenever I ran into Bob at Church. And I did run into him. He would look at me with this grin on his face. To my recollection, he didn't date much in those years...I know why...

A contest and an embarrassing moment!

Jaci over at Ravings of a Mad Housewife is having a really good contest-she's giving away a TON of cool stuff-so check it out! To get more entries, you have to share an embarrassing moment from high school. Not too tough for me! Here goes:

I was very involved in Forensics and Drama in high school. I even had a lead my senior year-I played Lola in Damn Yankees! This story, however, came from my freshman year. The play-"Bye, Bye Birdie". My part:chorus. None of that really matters, though, for the story I am about to tell.

It was a tradition at our school to have a Mass (remember-all-girl Catholic school) on the Saturday of performance weekend that was held on the stage and attended by our cast and crew. It was always a really meaningful. special time that we shared. The real reason for it, though, was to make sure we all got to Mass as we would be out late at a cast party that night, and then we wouldn't need to get up for Church on Sunday morning, but I digress...

So, here I am. Freshman. Little non-important chorus part. Not really known at that point by the older girls who had the big parts. We are all gathered in a circle on the stage during Mass. Sitting on the floor. Legs tucked under me. Did I mention that I REALLY have a problem with my legs falling asleep when I sit like this? So, it is time for the sign-of-peace, and we all have to stand up. (This was always my favorite part of the Mass on these weekends...lots of hugs, some tears because the play was almost over...) Well, I go to stand up, and my legs are asleep, and I FALL OVER! If anyone didn't know me yet, they surely knew me now!

Don't even know if my friends from high school that I am still friends with and read my blog remember this, but I sure do...for me, it was truly an embarrassing moment!

Technology

I have to say that my nieces and nephews (primarily my nieces) have always been good at introducing me to new forms of technology that make me feel young and hip (OK, does using the word hip just negate that last statement?).

First, there was AIM (AOL Instant Messenger for those of you who do not know). I have a screen name. I message with my nieces. Nowadays, this tends to be the youngest one who has just been given permission to get a screen name. It is kind of fun...I've learned the language...LOL, IDK, my BFF, Jill? (Like the commercial-I actually don't know any Jill). You get the idea.

Next came texting. Again, same language. I actually am not a fan of this one, however, because of the cost. It is $.15 per text with my plan. I could add messaging to my plan, but I don't get enough of those to justify it. I do, however, have a cool little phone with a qwerty keyboard-VERY handy...


After texting came Facebook. I do enjoy being able to get a hold of nieces and nephews via this medium. They actually respond quicker than regular email. I actually get to add fun things to that one like my Goodreads list! Sometimes, I am not sure the college aged nieces are too keen on the fact that I can see all of the pictures of what they are up to, but they do know that if it's not something that will hurt them, I keep it to myself-kind of the aunty code of silence.

I discovered my next new toy out in cyberspace a couple of days ago. A little program called Skype. It is a phone/video conferencing tool over the internet. My niece, Maggie, and I use it to video conference with each other. The one thing I could do away with is the little box in the corner that shows me. I just don't need to see how bad I look on camera! I am glad that thus far, it has not turned into the wave of the future-it would give whole new meaning to crank calls!

I really don't need your help!

I am a control freak. There. I said it. As long as you understand this one little fact about me, we'll be fine. I am especially a control freak about my laundry, so please, don't touch it.

Take my husband, Andy. I know he means well. I know he just wants to help, but please don't touch MY laundry. Yes, I am that territorial about it. He doesn't sort. Granted, most of our clothes have been washed so many times, that the dye doesn't leak, but you never know. Also, he doesn't fold things quite right. Like shirts. I worked in the boutique of our college bookstore. I was taught how to fold shirts VERY neatly. You know, like at the Gap-how they fold them with a clipboard? I don't need a clipboard. Andy, on the other hand, when he folds shirts they are like twice the width of the clipboard.

Another example? I like to see all of my neatly folded piles when I am done. I like to see the fruits of my labors. Andy? He puts away each load as he folds it. I tell him he is doing a lot more work than he has to...Not to mention, again, I LIKE TO SEE ALL OF THE NEAT PILES I HAVE MADE! So, please, don't put them away until I am done.

That brings us to this morning. My sister-in-law and her two kids are staying with us this week. I am watching my niece and nephew while she takes an art class. I got up early so that I would have some time to myself. I decided to get a jump on the laundry. It is just after 9, and I have my fourth and final load in. So, this morning, when I pulled out the load, she offered to help. No, really, I can do it. In fairness, she has no idea how I am about MY laundry. So, she folds...in no way like I do...I sat at the table this morning for an hour with her chatting before she left thinking that I just wanted to re-fold it. (It wasn't put away yet, remember, I like seeing the piles of clothes when I am done.) I started offering out these clothes to my kids to wear so the urge might pass. It didn't. As soon as she left, I refolded the offending items. Whew, I am glad I got that off my chest...

A New Contest!

Old Red Barn Co. is giving away this beautiful quilt! To enter, click here. Doubt I have a chance, but it's worth a shot!

High School Reunion

I graduated from high school 20 years ago. I am not ashamed to admit it. I will not be attending the reunion. Here's what happened:

I went to an all-girl high school. About 2-3 years after I graduated, the school closed. There was an all-boy school about a mile from ours, and it went co-ed. The girls went there-end of our school that had been open for 90 years.

Earlier this year, I received an invitation to our reunion. It is being held at the former all-boys school that caused our school to close. It is also a joint reunion with the class from that school of the same year. Cost-$100 per couple. After much thought, I decided no to attend. I am still in contact with several of the girls I went to school with. If I want to see them, I do. I don't need to spend $100 to see people that I only see at reunions. I went to my 1o year, and spent the entire evening with people I still see now. Well, that's not entirely true. I did run into my friend, Lisa, who I am just about inseparable with, but that is a story for another day.

Instead of attending reunion next weekend, I am getting together with the friends from high school that I am still friends with. It is a celebration of more than 20 years of friendship, and that means more to me than any reunion.

Friday's Foto Finish Fiesta-my brother is coming home!

This picture was taken in April, 2006. It is my oldest brother, Sal, and my boys. It was taken days after my Dad died, as Sal was on his way back to Texas. Between 2004 and 2006, Sal took numerous trips home from Fort Worth to be with my parents during their illnesses and in their final days. I remember how sad I was when this picture was taken because I wasn't sure when Sal would be back now that my parents were gone. Sal is a doctor-a gynecological oncologist, and a really good one. He also has a loving wife, Susan, and 5 children of his own. After all the time he spent here during those 2 1/2 years, he needed the time with his family, and with his practice.

He has been back a few times since this picture. Today is a happy day for me because my big brother is coming home! He had a conference in Chicago, and his 30th High School Reunion is this weekend (yes, he is 10 1/2 years older than I am). We are having a family gathering at my sister, Mary's tonight, and another one at my sister, Margaret's on Sunday.I really cherish these gatherings, and am truly excited for the weekend!!!

Breathe In, Breathe Out, and Think!

Andy hurt his back, and after much begging stayed home today. I decided to get out with the boys so he could rest. I told them to get their shoes on and we'd go to the park. Yesterday, I bought Peter a pair of $1 flip-flops at Walmart. I did not expect them to last. We had forgotten shoes to change into after the funeral, and I didn't want to spend a lot on shoes when he has some at home. OK, who am I kidding? I brought NOTHING to change into after the funeral. So, we went to Wally World, and tried to spend as little as possible...which turned into $70, but I digress!

Peter wanted to wear his flip-flops. I told him not to, that they weren't that well-made and might break. We got to the park, and the kids started to play. I sat under a shady tree with my crocheting and thought of the nice time we were about to have-or so I thought! About 5 minutes later, Michael came to tell me he needed to be changed. We went to the van and, thankfully, I had a diaper and wipes. The wipes were dry. As I was finishing cleaning him up, Peter came up to me. The thong in one of his flip flops had pulled out. I pushed it back in and thought we'd be fine. It came out again, and again, and again. I then decided it was time to go.

The problem was, Peter wanted flip-flops (he calls them beach shoes). He's 8, and a really good kid. I thought, fine, let's go back to Wally World and get you flip-flops. Here is where my frustration set in. Every two steps or so, the thong of his show would come out. I finally tell him to take it off and walk barefoot-in Walmart (I know-my post about casual dress yesterday is coming back to haunt me). He then proceeds to tell everyone we pass, "broken shoe", and hold it up to show them. Couple this with Michael and Drew fighting over standing on the edge of the cart, I was quickly being pushed over the edge. I finally said, "I am getting really frustrated." Peter's response was, "Breathe out, breathe in and think." I asked him where he heard this, and he said on Blue's Clues. Yes, 8 is a little old for the show, but his almost 3 year old brother deserves equal time. Maybe I should start watching. I might learn something!

Everyday Casual?

I think as a society we are becoming WAY too casual in the way we dress. This thought occurred to me as we attended Andy's Grandma's funeral yesterday and today. Initially, I was going to sit and write specifically about that, but the more I thought about it, I realized that it wasn't just there, it is EVERYWHERE!

I spent 2 days putting together clothes for the somber occasion. Andy and I were easy. He has a suit, and because he doesn't have to wear it to work, it stays in good condition. He wore his suit. I have not one, but two black dresses. The one I wore yesterday is what I refer to as my funeral suit. I bought it for my Mom's funeral, and have worn it also to my Dad's, to the little girl's last week and to the funeral this week. My sons were a bit trickier, but I think in the end, they all look handsome in their pants and shirts.

OK, I am not trying to be catty here, no one is saying that you should go out and buy a suit or even a new outfit, but please, could you tuck your shirt in? Can we find something other than gym shoes? Please don't think I am pointing out people at the funeral, I may or may not be. I have also seen this look at weddings, and even at work-when I used to have to go into a place of business to work. I went to Walgreen's this evening, and walked right past a girl in her pajamas! Have we become this lazy, that we can't even get dressed to go out in public?

I know that years ago when casual Friday was introduced, it was believed to be a way to allow people to have a more relaxed atmosphere in the office, but, please, let's try to look a little nicer.

Blog Fog

I am at a loss for what to write about today. Hopefully my blank page syndrome will lift quickly! Any ideas? Please leave a comment...Love getting Comment Love!

Good-bye to a good woman!

I am not trying to sound like "Debbie Downer", but we had a death in the family last Friday. Andy's Grandmother died in the afternoon as most of her children were en route to visit her. Her youngest son, Rick, was with her when she died. Grandma's passing was a blessing. She had Alzheimer's and really had not recognized us for years. She was 87. It is still hard, though, because the piece of her that was still physically here is gone.

In the early days of my marriage, she would often ask me when Andy and I were starting a family. She wanted to see us have children. We had Peter after being married 3 years. When we took him as a baby to see Great-grandma, she mistook him for one of her own babies. My sons never had the chance to know their Great-Grandma. It is really a shame. She was mother to 7 children; grandmother to, I think, 17; and Great-grandmother to 15 so far. She was a devout Catholic, faith-filled woman. Her husband, whom I never met, died 17 years ago. I am sure there was one big party in heaven last Friday night. God Bless you, Grandma! We will miss you!

Zoo train

I had to work all day, so Andy took the boys to the zoo!
They had really good weather for the day!


Michael and Peter sat on one side of the car.

Drew and Andy on the other.
Hopefully, I get to go next time!

Books

I have a serious reading addiction. I get it from my mom. She was ALWAYS reading. It was very hard for her when she lost her vision to macular degeneration because she couldn't read. I am just like her. I am a voracious reader! There are just so many great books out there.

Unfortunately, our economy has not been kind to my reading addiction. Gone are the days of going to a bookstore and coming out with a bag full of books. I LOVE books! Look at my Goodreads list. There is a link on the side of my blog. See my to-read section? Last time I looked, it was between 250 and 300 books!

So, what's a girl to do? I tried the library. It holds some promise, but I just hate being held to a date. Sydney introduced me to Bookmooch, and I think it holds promise. I have sent out 6 books, and am getting back 5. In fact, two of them came today! It is very exciting to get books in the mail. There is a small drawback...I am really sad to see my books go. I know I would probably never read them again, but it does sadden me. Not only am a voracious reader, but I am a bit of a hoarder when it comes to books. I have dreams of bookshelves (of course, I have no place to put them, but I do dream of them). So, for now, I will continue to mooch. It does hold a lot of promise, and that's a good thing!

Dad and the boys-Friday's Foto Finish Fiesta

This is one of my favorite new pictures. Andy was playing around with the camera I gave him for Father's Day. It has one of those screens that you can flip out if you happen to be taking a picture of yourself. It is so rare that Andy is in a picture, I wanted to share.

5 Minutes Peace

This has always been one of my favorite books-ever since I read it to my nephews years ago. It has also become my mantra, "If only I could have 5 minutes peace!"

Take this morning for example. I do try to get up and showered before my boys get up, but this morning I couldn't do it. I was up at 5:15 yesterday and couldn't fall back to sleep and, as a result, was slow moving today. So, Andy got ready and left, leaving me to try and get ready with all of my boys in tow.

I told Peter (8) that I was going to jump in the shower. He is very good about watching his brothers while I do this. (I figure it is good practice for 3-4 years from now when he will be old enough to babysit.) About 30 seconds after I get in the shower, Drew (5) arrives in the bathroom and plops down on the toilet. Hello? We have a second bathroom. Do you really have to stink up the room while I shower? Moments later, Michael comes in, pulls back the curtain, and yells, "Mommy!" Umm...trying to teach the boys modesty...this was not what I had in mind. I quickly finish and jump out. I didn't even get a chance to shave my legs. It is summer, and my legs right now look like they do mid-winter when I can hide them behind pants. So I try to get ready, but now I have Drew asking me to check that his heinie is clean, and Michael wanting to brush his teeth. I say, "Boys, can you please give Mommy 5 minutes?" Peter's response, "You mean 5 minutes peace? Like the book, right?" Yes, exactly like the book.

A Taste of Summer

We have a bed of lillies that actually come up where our tulips were in the Spring. I love the colors!


This rose is called the Alexandra-like my Mom. The bush was her Mother's Day present the year she died. She never saw it bloom while she was alive. We planted it in its own space in front of our house.


This is one of our callas. We have these in huge planters on our patio. We don't put them in the ground because they wouldn't survive a Wisconsin winter.



Just thought I would share some photos of what Andy has planted. I love the flowers at this time of year!

Michael's Day

I am very sad to say that Michael gave up his nap about 6 months ago. He was less than 2 1/2 which was much younger than my older boys who napped until they were like 3 1/2. I miss that time. I miss having a couple of hours to myself to recharge. It just so happens that on occasion, Michael falls asleep. Just drops wherever he is and sleeps. The problem is that he will then be up until like 9:30. Yesterday was a day such as this. Here he is asleep on the floor:



He slept too long, and we knew it. We knew he would not go right down at 7:30 like normal. After about 45 minutes of walking him back to bed and laying him down, Andy said, "bed or time-out?" Michael said bed, but a few minutes later, he got up, pulled out a chair, and put himself in time out. This is Michael in his self-imposed time-out:



This is Michael a few minutes later:



and a few minutes later, again:


Every time we asked if he was ready for bed, he would say, "No, I'm in time-out." I know the cardinal rule-NEVER LAUGH when you are trying to discipline, but he was so gosh-darn cute! He finally did go to bed at 9:30.

Long Day

We just returned from the funeral Mass for our friend's daughter. It was a really beautiful Mass, but oh so sad. I will return tomorrow with brighter musings. Thanks to those of you with the warm thoughts, prayers for the family and well-wishes. It means more than you know.

Happy Birthday, Drew!

Today, my Drew turned 5 years old. It is so hard to believe that five years have gone by since his birth. He was the hardest to deliver of my 3-coming in at 9 pounds 1 ounce. He had an especially large head (still does!), and his arm was stuck as well. I am told from Andy that between he and my OB, I was about 30 seconds away from having a C-section. Luckily, he found his way out, and is a complete joy! Drew is very bright-sometimes too much so for his own good, and stubborn, but he also has a heart of gold and a winning smile. I love you Drewsie! Happy Birthday!


This is Drew's cake. He asked for a Yoshi cake (Yoshi is one of Super Mario's pals). The inside is marble with vanilla icing. I think it turned out pretty well-and he loved it, so that is what counts!

GREAT CONTEST!

The girls over at SITS have another great contest going on! This week, they are giving away a $100 Target Gift Card! Head on over there, leave them some comment love, and tell them I sent you!

Happy 4th...and an Embarrasing Moment! (Friday's Foto Finish Fiesta)

This picture is a handful of my nieces and nephews, and Peter (whose head is turned-oh well!) tailgating at the Brewers Game. Many chose to sit in the back of our van to eat. We really had a perfect day-lower 70's and sunny! Great day for fun!



I am the first in the line-up here (except Michael was on Andy's lap taking the picture). We took up the entire row minus 2 seats. We really had a blast! The Brewers smashed the Pirates 9-1!



Now for the embarrassing moment. As you can see, I am standing with my niece, Anne, and we are dancing...guess who was on the Jumbotron at the park? You guessed it-we were! I was so mortified! I looked up, saw us, put my hand over my mouth and immediately sat down. This was the picture Andy shot when he saw I was on the big screen!

Baking Day!

We are going to the Milwaukee Brewers game tomorrow for the 4th of July. It is most of my family- my brother, Frank, his wife, Lydia and several of his 8 kids; my sister Mary, her husband, John and 6 of her 7 kids; my sister Margaret, her husband, Paul and their 2, and of course my brood. Sadly missed will be my brother, Sal, his wife, Susan, and their 5. I am really excited to go and tailgate, and see everyone!

My assigned task for the tailgate is dessert. I am making a pan of toll house cookie bars, and cupcakes. If I feel ambitious and go all out baking th cupcakes, I will post a picture of them. Hope you all have a wonderful 4th!

New Rick CD!!!

It's called Venus in Overdrive, and what I have heard so far is FABULOUS!

You can check out his MySpace page here to hear more.

I've been tagged!

For the first time, I have been tagged thanks to Gramma 2 Many at Yes, They Are All Mine.

Here are the rules:
1. Link back to the person who who tagged you.
2. Post rules on your blog.
3. Share 6 unimportant things about yourself
4. Tag 5 other bloggers to participate.


OK, so let's see if I can come up with 6 unimportant things about myself:
1. I wear glasses.
2. My favorite dessert is tiramisu.
3. I love my mini-van.
4. I hate cleaning.
5. I love seeing all of my clean laundry folded in neat piles, one for each member of my family.
6. I hate when my husband puts away said piles before I can finish folding everything.

I am tagging:
Sue at Susie's Homemade
Amy at Escape to Thought
Karen at McQuestionable Musings
Jaci at Ravings of a Mad Housewife
Shawna at Airing Dirty Laundry

I just hope they all play along!!!

Comfort Food

Last night, was a night of Comfort Food in many ways. I met up with my friends Lisa, Sydney and Michelle for some good Chinese food, and a fun night of conversation over the book we just read, Comfort Food by Kate Jacobs. If you are looking for a light summer read, then this book is for you!

The past week has been a rough one, and I am glad that I had the comfort of my friends to help through this difficult time. I want to thank those of you who have left comments on my blog offering prayers and support. In particular, I want to thank Candid Carrie who emailed me personally with ideas of how to support the family of the little girl who died, as well as writing her own story in her blog. She is an amazing woman that I feel blessed to have met in the bloggy world!

And the Award Goes to:

Ravings of a Mad Housewife has given me an award! It is my first! Thanks so much, Jaci! I am flattered that you thought of me!

Now I get to pass it onto 5 people that I think are worthy. Here are the rules:

If you already have the award just accept and that's all you have to do.
1. You have to pick 5 blogs that you consider deserving of this award for their creativity, design, interesting material, and also contribute to the blogging community, no matter what language.
2. Each award has to have the name of the author and a link to his/her blog to be visited by everyone.
3. Each award winner has to show the award and put the name and link to the blog that presented her/him with the award.
4. The award winner and one who has given the prize have to show the link "Arte y Pico" blog so everyone will know the origin of this award.
5. Show these rules.

Now for the fun! Here are my winners:
1. Diapers and Deadlines: Musings of a Media Mom In addition to being one of my best friends in real life, Syd is a fabulous writer with great perspective on being a working Mom.

2. American in Norway I love Tressa's writing, and her stories of being an American living in Norway!

3. Escape to Thought I found Amy's blog on Nablopomo, and I was immediately hooked! She is a Rick Springfield fan, like I am!

4. Yes They are All Mine This is a great blog by a Grandma of a big family! It is one of my favorites!

5. Susie's Homemade This blog is by my friend, Sue. We went to high school together, and is still one of my best friends. She is working on starting up her own ETSY business. Check out her yummy treats!