Confessions of a Text Addict

10 Things

2010-01-21T20:45:00.000-05:00

10 random facts/habits/ whatever about Lisa:

1) Despite being an overbearing, loudmouth know-it-all, educated, professional woman, I am, in actuality very old fashioned. I believe in family, taking care of my husband and children and would be extremely happy being Holly Homemaker.

2) Girly things make me happy. Make-up, shoes, clothes, pretty hair, the whole she-bang.

3) I was the only girl in my neighborhood growing up. This led to my ability to capture snakes, scorpions and lizards. Decidedly un-girly. My mother also refused to buy me a dirt bike which led to jumping a wide handled-banana seat bike off ramps and broken bones.

4) Major life events and exciting things for me take place on the 1st of the month. I was born on the 1st, married on the 1st, conceived my first child on the 1st, will most likely die on the 1st.

5) I am addicted to lip stuff. Chapstick, lipgoss, lipstick. You will never see me without some type of shimmery lip. It almost goes beyond addiction and into obsession.

6) I watch entirely too much T.V.

7) I own more than 75 workout tapes, a Total Gym, a treadmill, multiple hand weights, yoga mat, stability ball and tension bands, TIVO Fit channel shows, yet I eat fast food everyday.

8) I love the changing of the seasons. The first days of spring, when the air smells fresh, the first warm days of summer by the pool, the first cool days of fall, crisp air and color changes, the first days of winter and the first snowfall. I reflect with each season change and get a sense of purpose.

9) Reno, Nevada will always be the most perfect place in the world to be.

10) I am very empathetic but not sympathetic.

Backup on the HPT Highway

2010-01-20T19:33:00.000-05:00

Lawn Boy and I are not suffering from infertility, no, we really haven't been trying long enough to attain that label, rather, we are fertility retarded, or if you want to be PC, challenged. The fact is, we are riding the short bus down the embryo highway. We already have one chitlin, is that enough? Maybe we should just focus all of our attention on making her the most awesomest human ever. Is it politically incorrect to hang out around the door of the abortion clinic and try to convince people to go through with their pregnancy and give the kid to me? I know, there is a fine line between charitable and psychotic. I actually really think that Lawn Boy's little swimmers are the ones that are retarded, because, as you know, I am practically perfect in every way, my half of the equation is golden. No, literally, if you put them under a microscope they are 14K. I should send those little bastards into the place that gives you cash for gold.

Try, try again.

If I Said this Post Was About Haiti, Would You Still Read It?

2010-01-18T15:04:00.002-05:00

I feel very sad for the people of Haiti, I really do. It's always a tragedy when loss of life is in such great numbers. It is also a tragedy when people suffer needlessly and greatly. However, at the risk of being stoned to death in my front yard, allow me to tell you exactly what I think.

In America, we are lucky to be on the forefront of technology, have modern conviences, clean water, stable buildings, abundunt food supply. In America, we are lucky to have these things because we, as American citizens would stand for nothing less, because we work and pay taxes to support such things. We are educated, and opinionated and for the most part exhibit inginiuty. Our government also helps those who cannot help themselves, to my dissapointment at times.

Haiti is very different than our country. I don't pretend to know the intimate structure of their politics, but it is obvious that they are a poor country in need of assistance. But why has this just now become a world mission? If you were so concerned about an underveloped nation, perhaps you should have donated your time and resources before a major catastrophe occured. Why is that until now we turned a blind eye to the fact that the Haitian people live in poverty, that the children are often dirty and hungry without proper shelter, that medical care is not readily availble on a daily basis. Why is it that people don't care about the day to day living of an impoverished nation until something like this happens? Ummm, can anyone say, "Tsunami"? Which by the way is a whole post in and of itself. Just let me say, Indonesia is a place that generates quite a bit of tourism, yet, nobody cares about the poverty around them as long as their hotel is nice and they have clean towels. Moving on.......

I truly believe that people should give to those who are less fortunate. I truly believe in lending a helping hand. But right now, I am sick to death of all this false charity. People who get the warm and fuzzies by sending in a $10.00 text or some random blogger hosting a giveaway to benefit Haiti. The fact is, you didn't care about their quality of life before the earthquake, why do you care so much now? And how much will you care when the news moves onto something else?

Call me heartless if you like, but truthfully, I think about the state of the world on a daily basis, not just when it's newsworthy.

Testing

2010-01-09T23:43:00.002-05:00

Another test by me.

Toy Jail - Three Strikes and Yer Outta Here!

2010-01-07T12:42:00.000-05:00

It's hard to get children to pick up their stuff. I only have one, well two if you include Dan, and it's a constant battle. If you are anything like me, you can only clean up behind someone for so long before a breakdown complete with yelling and empty threats ensues. Thank goodness for the blog "How Does She...." . Enter, the "toy jail". A place where toys go when the owner refuses to pick them up. I love the idea. In addition to the toy jail, I will up the ante by saying, if the toy goes to jail three times, it's outta here!

Merry Christmas from the Carters!

2009-12-24T09:24:00.005-05:00

Merry Christmas from our house to yours. Remember to keep it simple and enjoy the time you have with your family.

EASY CHRISTMAS MORNING - ORANGE CINNAMON ROLLS

1 (8 oz.) can refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
2 tbsp. butter, melted
1/3 c. sugar
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
optional: raisins, cranberries, nuts
Orange glaze

ORANGE GLAZE:

1/3 c. powdered sugar, sifted
1 tbsp. frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed and undiluted
1 tsp. water

Combine orange glaze ingredients, stirring until smooth.
Unroll dough onto lightly floured waxed paper; press perforations to seal; brush with melted butter. Combine sugar, cinnamon and optional ingridient; sprinkle over dough. Roll up jelly roll fashion, starting at long side; cut into 1" slices. Place in a lightly greased miniature muffin pan or shallow baking dish. Bake at 375 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown. Drizzle with orange glaze. Yield: 9 rolls.

Simple Christmas Things You Can Do!

2009-12-22T08:55:00.001-05:00

Politely decline requests that will take you away from family.

Play more Christmas music.

Donate gently used items to a thrift store.

Go Christmas caroling.

Say thank you as often as possible.

Schedule a night to help another person or family.

Call someone you normally wouldn't to wish him or her a Merry Christmas.

Delegate some holiday preparations to children or other family members.

Trim the gift list.

Simplify a traditional activity.

Write down great memories as they happen.

Set and stick to a holiday budget.

Forgive a grudge.

Fix my Blog

2009-12-09T17:07:00.003-05:00

Facebook has seriously eliminated the need for a blog. It's so instant and awesome! Also, I didn't even realize that my header and everything was all messed up. Whatever. Which by the way, Emma got in a lot of trouble for saying. How dare she say "Whatever" to me with a slight roll of the eyes. Where does she pick these things up? Somebody should have a talk with her parents.

Also, can you fix my blog for me?

Pooka Strikes Again!

2009-11-05T08:00:00.000-05:00

Two Saturday's ago, I sat down at my sewing machine to whip up a little dress for Emma. The thread in my machine was a beautiful teal, however, I needed yellow. I dug through my sewing box to find the yellow, pulled out my bobbin and set the bobbin holder to the side of my machine. I wound the yellow bobbin and went to put it back in the holder, but it was gone. How strange. It was sitting right there, next to my machine, and then *poof* it was MIA. Please refer to the Pooka story. I believe in Pooka's I really really do. What I would like to know though, is where did that little devil put my bobbin holder? How am I supposed to have a handmade holiday without a fully functioning sewing machine? I have torn my room A-P-A-R-T! Please little Pooka devil, bring my thingie back.

I Challenge You!

2009-11-04T08:00:00.002-05:00

I look forward to this every year! Just "sew" you know, I have been there since the beginning. It makes me feel special to say that.

A Simple Kind of Life

2009-11-03T14:56:00.002-05:00

I dream of a simple life. The kind of life where I stay home and have lots of babies, do laundry, clean the house, make dinner for my husband who works oh so hard during the day. I like the idea of doing community service projects, being well liked by the Ladies Auxiliary and president of the PTA. I would like to have a carefree spring in my step and and think to myself "I love this beautiful, simple life!" All of this could be possible except for a few tiny, small, insignificant details.

First, I happen to be very loud and opinionated. I never take anything at face value. There is always an ulterior motive and I will make a point to try to figure out what it is. A loud, opinionated housewife. Who ever heard of such a thing? Also, I get angry at a lot of things. Society, government, my neighbor, the person in the minivan who did not yield at the sign clearly stated “YIELD”. I would like to be indifferent to the plight of the world, but I feel it is my duty as a human being to make the world a better place. This mostly revolves around people doing things my way or at the very least listening to me lay out the pros and cons of why my way is the right way and theirs is wrong.

Second, I have very little patience. I like to have an agenda, meet that agenda and move on the the next item of business. Please stop dilly-dallying on my time thank-you-very-much. Very little patience and children just don't seem to go hand-in-hand.

Third, I really don’t like to fold the whites. Socks are my nemeses. By the way, I don't like the word “nemeses”don’t you think the plural of nemesis should be nemesi?

So, while I like the idea of a simple life, the truth is, life by its very nature is complicated.

Just Being

2009-11-02T10:09:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, started with Emma’s neck bright red and bumpy in the distinct outline of a necklace she had worn for Halloween the night before. Thank you cheap costume jewelry for reminding me that my girl and I are only meant to be showered with jewels in the form of nickel free and stainless steel. One oatmeal bath and 1% cortisone application later, we were settling in for a lazy Sunday when Emma’s friend Brandy came a knockin’. Brandy is our neighbor daughter (daughter by proxy if you will) who lives three doors down and across the street. Her and Emma can play for hours on end, and usually do.

With Emma occupied and distracted from her itchy neck, I set to work cleaning the pantry.

It’s an obsession. I also managed to clean the downstairs bathroom and start a mean enchilada sauce for dinner. Chicken and cheese wrapped up in tortilla deliciousness, smothered in spicy cilantro red sauce, I think that’s pretty awesome. (So does Dan)

It was rainy and cold outside, but we were cozy and warm on the inside doing the things that families do, content to just be.

NaBloPoMo

2009-11-01T12:02:00.003-05:00

One post ago, I asked for your help coming up with a cutesy, witty name for my post a day in November. I came up with "Blogvember" (not so cute or witty) and Tiffany came up with the awesome "Bloggiving". Then, today I found this gem. http://www.nablopomo.com/. You have to click to find out what it is.

So I decided that I will roll Bloggiving and NaBloPoMo into one. Writing about one thing every day that I am thankful for in the month of November.

Today, being November first, I will tell you I am thankful for daylight savings time. Now, when I get up at 6am to go work out (something I am starting on November 2nd) it will actually feel like 7am which as we all know is so WAYYYYY better.

I Love to Read!

2009-11-01T06:00:00.000-05:00

One of the things I have been looking forward to since Emma started school was receiving the Scholastic book flier. Waiting may be a slight understatement, more like the anticipation was so great I almost peed my pants when it came home in her backpack. I flipped through the thin colored newspaper drooling over the possibilities. I had decided, long before Emma started school, that she would have the opportunity to do the thing I was never permitted. Purchase one item of her choosing from every flier. Oh how I longed to have those books when I was a child, so envious of the kids who would come to school with their order forms filled out and a check stapled to the upper left hand corner.

The first thing that caught my eye was Hello Reading! a complete set of phonics driven learning narrated by none other that Hello Kitty herself. If anything will get Emma excited to read, it would be Hello Kitty. She has been surrounded by books since infancy and has most every classic children's book you can think of. She loves the idea of books, but strangely, not the act of reading. Sometimes I wonder if I actually birthed that kid.

It was a wonderful experience, seeing that booklet filled with reading material, choosing a treasure and now anticipating it's arrival. I was nostalgic and gleeful.

Emma? She thinks her mother is strange.

Blogvember?

2009-10-22T19:41:00.006-04:00

I truly enjoy blogging. I really really do. But sometimes, I wonder why I blog. What started out as a way to update my family 3000 miles away turned into rants about society, links to interesting things I found in the blogosphere, a possible way to make money, an affirmation that the things I have to say have no real significance to anyone but me. Oh how I like to hear the sound of my own voice.

I find blog culture fascinating. How does one site garner more traffic than another? Why is it necessary to maintain commentary fraught with LOL's and smiley faces? I personally would like to say what needs to be said, share what needs to be shared, absorb random commentary to validate my thoughts and make a real connection. Are blogger's words really a reflection of their actual life or is there a lot of embellishment going on? How many bloggers out there are really keepin' it real?

Personally, I have found it hard to keep it real. Some things just aren't appropriate for blog consumption. This is a public place after all. Current employer and co-workers, Emma's classmates parents, neighbors, people whom I would like to not offend with my off the wall randomness.

Many times I have said that I will post everyday. For no other reason other than to have at least a 30-day accounting of my day-to-day. You know, the randomness that makes me, well, me. I have started and failed many times, there was supposed to be A Post a Day in May and then Blogtoberfest but as you can plainly see Blogtoberfest is coming to a close and I didn't quite make my goal. So here we are, heading into November, my second favorite month of the year committing once more to a post a day. I am calling it Blogvember. You have a better name? Lay it on me.

You Think You're Better?

2009-10-06T15:23:00.004-04:00

Really? You are going to hold David Letterman to a higher moral standard? You? You who let your children parade around with bare midriffs and belly rings singing the lyrics to the latest Lady Gaga song? You, who has nakedcollegegirls.com bookmarked and favorited? The very same you who is married but has secret rendezvous with your attractive co-worker. You are going to tell David Letterman that what he did is wrong, request that he be fired or resign. Really?

Signs, Signs, Everywhere the Signs

2009-09-29T22:41:00.002-04:00

Do you believe in signs? That small, insignificant occurrences have a deeper meaning? Interesting observation today. But first, a little back story. I have 69 blogs on my blogroll. Through a series of random clicks, and, by no intent at all, more than half of those blogs are written by Mormons. Because of this strange occurance, I have a deep fascination with the Mormon religion. How organized they are, their devotion to family, but mostly, how much sense many of their principles make and are applicable to daily life. Live providently, be self sufficient, contribute to society, visit their website sometime, it's really quite amazing. Basic religious principles for sure, but the Mormon's really know how to package the deal. Oh for crimany sakes, put aside your religious ambiguity and just look at it as a guide book to life, no Jospeh Smith required. It's interesing stuff I tell you.

That said, about a month ago, one of my Mormon bloggies from North Carolina decided to move to Utah. Quite unexpectedly. One day they were living in NC and then the Spirit called and they moved. Then, the same thing happened with someone from Arizona, then Washington state. (Isn't that funny, how I say "Washington state" now that I live so close to D.C.? The seperation must be made. Random, I know. ) What I'm getting at is, what if this trend is universal? What if all my LDS buddies just up and move to Utah? Does this mean that the End of Days is near? The second coming? California is finally going to break off, flooding Nevada and creating ocean front property in Utah? I don't know, it's just strange and I am more than a little concerned.

At the same time, Edgar Cayce did say that Virginia Beach is a safe place, so maybe I'll stay put.

I'll Get My Inspiration Wherever I Can!

2009-09-28T12:27:00.002-04:00

One of my favorite times of day is when I check my blogroll. I love to see what is new in the lives of all my bloggie "friends". My favorite is cjane because I relate in some ways and envy in others. If I could ask to be anyone other than myself, it would be her. I look forward to her posts everyday. This past summer she took a vacation, I almost died. Melodramatic perhaps, but I did miss her writing. If you glance over to the left you can see a list of all the blogs that I read. I have them categorized. "Awesome Blossom" which are blogs I absolutely must read, by addictive personality requires such devotion. "Brilliant Baking" which is exactly what it says it is! "Crazy Creative" a collection of amazingly talented crafters and artists who also happen to talk about such daily events as potty training. Great fun! "Domestic Diva's" are women who are devoted to the home life and finally, "Witty Repartee". A mish mosh of people whose ideas I may or may not agree with but enjoy their take on it all. If you are ever in need of inspiration, guidance, laughter or escape, simply add one of these blogs to your favorites. It helps, I promise.

*If you are reading this via Facebook Notes, click on "View Original Post" down there and it will take you to the page where you can view all things great and awesome on the left hand side.

2009-09-18T12:38:00.002-04:00

Remember when I posted about Lauren Conrad and how that cheeky not only stole my moniker, but happens to shares a b-day with me as well. You are never going to believe this, but that little thief has gone and done it again. She has a dog named Chloe! Of course, my little cutie pie is much more fitting to a feminine name like Chloe.

Proof!

When she has children, if she names her daughter Emma, I will be validated in knowing that LC just want to be like me!

Thoughts on Today

2009-09-11T11:52:00.004-04:00

I watched this morning, on MSNBC, a real time re-broadcast of 9/11. It was eerie and strange to watch the events unfold as they did that day on this day eight years ago. I remember where I was, what I was doing and the incredible emotions I experienced that day. As I reflected on my personal experience, I thought about the world I live in today. How torn we are as a nation between right-wing and left-wing. How quickly people are to take sides on issues, with vehement passion, often forgetting that in order to have peace you must have compromise.

For a time, our country experienced a unity, a common goal. We stood by each other and supported one another, and we were strong. It was extremely short-lived. Conspiracy theories, disgust with our government, and endless nattering from all sides, that is what came soon after.

How easily people forget.

For me, it's important to say out loud these things, because I can:

Regardless of how you fall in the political opinion, respect the man (or woman) who was hired to lead. This does not mean you have to like everything he says.
We are a government for the people and by the people, The government should not have their own agenda, rather, be working on the agenda of those who put them in a position of leadership.
Do not ever think that one person cannot change things.
You can't please all the people all the time, but at no time should the majority be ignored.
Work toward a common goal using good sense and compromise.
Love one another as human beings who are capable of incredible goodness.

Being Home for Emma

2009-09-10T10:54:00.003-04:00

This week had brought with it a feeling of contentment that I didn't know I was missing. Getting up with Emma, making her breakfast, sitting and watching Imagination Movers. Getting teeth brushed, child dressed, lunch made, then running out to the bus stop. Having moments to myself to clean the house, do the laundry, plan for dinner, sew. Meeting Emma at the bus stop, hearing about her day, she is so excited, calling kindergarten "magical".

How is it that we have evolved into a society where parents send their children off to daycare to be raised by someone else? Someone else gets to hear about magical school days, watch them play and grow, discover and grow with them. All while parent's are at work, meeting the needs of co-workers and strangers. It's an odd paradigm. Don't you think?

Favorite Day

2009-08-31T13:14:00.003-04:00

The first of the month is my favorite day. It doesn't matter which month, everything good always happens on the first. Like, the fact that I was born on the first of the month, or that my parent's wedding anniversary is on the first, as is mine for that matter. Or, that payday is usually on the first. Whose going to argue THAT as a good thing? I had desperately hoped that Emma would be born on the first, but she was stubborn and waited an extra 16 days. A prelude of things to come, that sassy little girl.

I am particularly fond of the first of the month lately, because a new play list goes up here. I don't know how to express how music makes me feel, all I know is that music inspires me, and Marilyn has an incredible talent for choosing the music that inspires me the most. I wonder what other wonderful suprises tomorrow will bring.

Another Schedule Brought to You by the Letters O,C, and D

2009-08-28T15:39:00.004-04:00

So last week, I showed you the master schedule that we use to try and keep things on track. Today, I give you the monthly, detailed calendar. This is a breakdown more specifically of what games we are playing, who's turn it is to pick the movie, what craft we are working on, yadda yadda. The bottom of the calendar is used to pencil in appointments for things like Girl Scout meetings, or "Mommy's facebook time", you know, the important stuff. We usually write the date and then the appointment. Simple. Download Here, if you are so inclined. This bad boy gets posted to the fridge just in case you wondering.

Customer Survey

Lisa is
A. crazy
B. OCD
C. AWESOME!
D. All of the above

Super Scheduler

2009-08-20T14:40:00.000-04:00

I am a super scheduler. I operate best when I have a clear plan of action. This doesn't mean I always stick to the schedule, but if I have a goal to reach for, I can maintain some semblance of reason and happiness.

Before Emma, I did not have a schedule. No need. I only had me to be accountable to. I thought having a child would not change that. Boy was I naive. The truth is, because I work, there is a limited amount of time to spend with Emma during the week. Also, because I work, there is limited amount of time spent with Dan, cleaning the house, reading, sewing, well, you know. Since time is so fleeting, I NEED to have a schedule, at least during the week.

I know it seems a little much, but if we didn't have this as a starting point, you can see how easy it would be to just come home, plop down and forget about doing anything else. What you see here is the "Master" schedule. It clearly outlines where we should be at certain times of the day. I made one for you if you want to give it a try. You can download it here.

You may also notice that mommy doesn't have a free time slot during the week. I get mine on the weekend. Or sometimes, Dan cooks. That's nice.

Spiritual Enlightenment Here

My Brother's Uncle's Mother's Dog

2009-08-17T22:51:00.001-04:00

Six degrees of separation. It used to be hard for me to imagine that we are only separated by every other person by only six others. Now, with Facebook, Twitter, blogging, it's not so hard to believe. I am consistently amazed at how interconnected we all are.

The very first blog I ever read was John Mayer's, on Myspace. It makes me laugh to think back to reading his post. He was clever, and normal. Just another guy, writing some funny things. Click here to read my introduction to the blogging world. I followed suit with my very own tribute to narcissism. You can read here if you like. I soon started reading many other blogs, it was fun. Brain voyeurism. I liked reading what other people were thinking. After a year long foray into Myspace, I discovered blogger. Oh man oh man. Blogger was the place to be. In the past three years, I have read to most amazing opinions, stories and formed a bond with people I have never met. It's unbelievable. As a matter of fact, if you are reading this post via Facebook Notes, you can click on "View Original Post" and it will take you directly to my little place on the Internet in it's blinged out glory.

To the left are links to all the most fantabulous bloggers I know. Or read anyway. My favorite this week, and really, every week is Passionista. Believe me when I tell you, if music moves you, then you should listen to her handpicked play lists every month. I do. Passionista has a knack for picking music that is so much more than music. I had the honor of obtaining two play lists in real CD form last year, sent directly from the source and then luck of all luck, I won the August giveaway and received my real life CD in the mail on Saturday. Chock full of singers and standards. You can listen to the play list by simply visiting her blog, but I own the music baby.

So now here we are, full circle, music brought me to blogging and now I am blogging about music. Strange.

A Streak of Bad Luck

2009-08-14T10:21:00.000-04:00

The month of August has provided a streak of bad luck for the Carter's. Not life altering bad luck, just little things here and there that make me wonder if I somehow pissed off karma. So when Emma found a four leaf clover on Saturday you can imagine how excited I was. Finally, a stroke of luckiness had found its way into our lives. But, apparently, karma does not believe in superstition because we have since had another week of misfortune. Perhaps it takes a week to set in? The good luck that is. I will test superstition by playing the lottery this evening. In the meantime, we have our health if not our wealth and we are very lucky to have a lucky little girl like Emma.

The Bookstore

2009-08-12T14:04:00.001-04:00

This afternoon, I went to bookstore. I like to peruse the bargain aisles. I was in a crafting mood, looking in particular for crafting books. Today was not a serious literature kind of day. This is what I bought:

1. Japanese Design Journal - just a journal with a cherry blossom themed cover. I like to hand write things for Emma so that when she is older she can reflect on the person her mother was, my hopes for her, things I would like her to know and all that mushy mommy stuff. I think there is no better way to feel connected to family than to see their handwriting telling their stories. Sometimes, I copy those things here on la blog so you can see them too.

2. Crafts for Baby - a book filled with cute things to make for baby. Mostly so I can sell them.

3. Healthy Meals for Babies and Toddlers - because we are thinking about having another baby and I would like to avoid the McDonald's trap.

4. Sew Easy - The Essential Guide to Getting Started - I have been thinking about offering sewing classes to the masses. I needed a starting point for building a curriculum. Since I am not a beginning seamstress, I felt I would take for granted the essentials that come second nature to me. This book will help me focus on what a beginning class should focus on. Would you like to attend my class? I was thinking about putting it on the fantastic and versatile Internet because I'm cool like that.

I spent $26.17, not bad. So there you have it. A shameful show of books really if you run with the cerebral pack. I should have picked up that copy of "The Road to Philisophical Understanding" as well.

Emmaisms

2009-08-11T21:28:00.000-04:00

Another round of conversations with Emma.

"What happens if I get tired of being a grown up?"

"Who's God's daddy?"

"Set your fart free or you'll explode"

"I will wish for it to rain money, then it would be a money storm"

Mommy: "Emma, would you like a peach?"
Emma: : "NO, I don't like peaches!"
Mommy: "Just try a piece."
Emma: "Oh Ok...............mmmmmm, I JUST LOVE PEACHES!"

"You better do what I told you."

Jumping into the Deep End

2009-08-04T13:22:00.000-04:00

Today, I had the opportunity to accompany Miss Emma to swim class. I watched from the sidelines, my little one paddling and kicking, taking instruction from her teacher. During the 50 minutes of class, I watched Emma nervously, unsure of her ability to be in the water without me by her side. Worried that I wasn't close enough to save her if something went wrong. Near the end of the class, the little swimmers walked in a neat line to the deep end. Emma jumped in, without hesitation, 12ft of water devouring her 3ft something frame. She wasn't afraid, completely sure of her ability to tackle the deep water and conquer it.

I am proud that I get to watch Emma tackle the deep end, of any water. Soon, she will start to accept guidance from adults other than her parents, form her own opinions and ideas, embrace her independence. I will be watching nervously from the sidelines, reminding myself that Dan and I encouraged her to be capable and confident, that she will make wise decisions, that she is prepared to swim in the deep end.

Around the House

2009-08-03T23:13:00.000-04:00

Emma was being far too quiet. A quiet Emma means one of two things. She is doing something she is not supposed to be doing or she's no longer among the living. So imagine my surprise, when I found this in the dining room. A lovely "dinner party". The most amazing thing was that she had crafted vases out of old marketing note cards.

She's very handy with glue stick. It makes me proud to think that she is growing up into a constructive, imaginative and creative little girl and that I no longer have to worry when things get a little too quiet around the house.

The New Retirement Plan

2009-08-03T14:19:00.000-04:00

401(k) bust? Social Security concerns? Health care got you down? Take this into consideration. Go to prison. Not only do you get paid while you live there for a mere $10.00 per month, you can count on these benefits for no additional cost:

Medical care
Gym membership
Groceries
Clothing
Internet/Email

Cable

College education (although why would you need it now?)

Who says criminals are dumb? Seems they have it figured out to me. The American prison system, putting your tax dollars to work for you.

Slacker

2009-07-30T10:27:00.000-04:00

I have been a slacker blogger. Relying on Facebook to update my daily life instead of posting here, it should be the other way around. Also, I am sick with a summer cold, which sucks because, well, it's summer. So because I am in a brain fog and really can't write anything interesting, I give you the resource for marshmallow fondant. Give it a try to make awesome cakes that your friends will oooo and ahhhh over! However, when said friends ask you to make awesome cake creations for them, accept monetary thanks. All those bags of marshmallows and powdered sugar get pricey!

Marshmallow Fondant

Cake Makin'

2009-07-22T09:38:00.000-04:00

Look Ma! I made this! (except for the cake topper, which is really the coolest part isn't it?)

Soapbox

2009-07-16T08:51:00.000-04:00

I believe:

That people should go to premarriage counseling before they get married.

That a wedding does not equal marriage and people should know that.

When you have children, you are committed to putting yourself second.

Men should lay off the porn, sheesh.

"I can fly...I believe I can touch the sky...."

A sixteen year old should not be pregnant.

The schools should leave moral education up to the parents.

Everyone should grow a garden. Fresh basil is awesome.

My daughter is the smartest girl in the whole wide world.

The majority of our population is too dependant on our government to make decisions.

More people should be involved in their own lives.

Mother Daughter Bonding

2009-07-13T13:39:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was a monumental day in the relationship between mother and daughter. Emma discovered the Beatles, via The Wonder Pets. Listen, I'll take it any way I can get it. Since the day she was born, she has taken great pleasure in liking the exact opposite of what I like. It's my mother's fault really, she cursed me by saying, "I hope you have one just like you!"

And I did, willful, opinionated, sassy, that's my girl! I just didn't realize it would all be directed in opposing fashion.

But, she likes "Yellow Submarine" and "Strawberry Fields" so I'm a happy mama.

Here is some great music I found to get Emma started on her musical journey with the Fab Four:

Bedtime with the Beatles (thanks Mom!) and two
The Bingo Kids
Across the Universe (because I like it!) I would filter out some of the more heavy stuff for the childrens though.

Give it a Rest Already

2009-06-26T15:59:00.001-04:00

I am perplexed by the still constant news coverage of Michael Jackson's death. In our instant media society, you would have to be living in a hole to not know. And really, isn't that all we need to know? That he passed? Is it our business how? The only people that should really be seeking resolution is his family and they really should not be seeking answers in a public forum. This goes double for what will happen to his finances or his children. I did not know Michael Jackson, I certainly did not know his family and I really don't think that his crazy life deserves any more press coverage. He was a prodigy singer, he brought joy to many people through his music, but other than that, what did he contribute to society other than setting an example of how not to live in it?

Give it a rest and stop worshiping false idols.

Spiritual Enlightenment

2009-06-24T08:34:00.000-04:00

When Nie used to post everyday, every once in a while she would link to a talk on the LDS website. At first, I ignored them, then, as I became more inspired by Nie, I began to think about how she lived such an inspired and fulfilling life. What made her so happy? I decided to click on one of her Spiritual Enlightenment links. After reading a few of the talks, it occurred to me that you don't need to be a Mormon to get the benefit of these talks. You don't even have to be a Christian. All you have to be is a human with an open mind, have a desire to be a better person and make this world a better place. The talks are relevant and inspiring and sometimes very funny. So I have decided that I will throw in a link every now and again. You don't have to click it, but if you do, I promise that you will have some tools in your arsenal for a happier existence.

Spiritual Enlightenment here! (Inspired by Stephanie Nielson)

A Reality (TV) Check

2009-06-23T10:41:00.000-04:00

While there are many things wrong with the situation that is Jon & Kate, I won't judge. It really, truly is, none of my business, even though you try to make me open wide and eat it, I will not pass judgement. Even though every news channel is begging me to form an opionion, I just won't do it.

Instead, I will make a case for modern marriage. If you aren't ready to commit to the vows that you take, then don't do it. Don't get married. It seems very simple to me. That's my case.

The way I see it, and you may very well disagree, is this; once you make the decision to wed and procreate, you owe it to the family you had a hand in creating to stick it out for the long haul. Anything less than a full commitment to your spouse and children would be an exercise in selfishness. If you are the type of person who cannot handle that type of committment, then don't marry. Or have children. Happiness is relative.

If I Won the Lottery

2009-06-22T13:04:00.000-04:00

I don't think a post title could be any clearer. So here they are, things I would do upon winning the lottery:

First and foremost, I would donate as much money as was needed to Nie. I would donate until every single medical bill was paid and Nie had as much chocolate cake as her heart desired. Why, you my ask, does my philanthropy center solely on this person? Because she has been an inspiration to me. An inspiration to be a better mother, wife and person all the way around.

Next, I would move to Reno. Then, I would open up a center for inspired living. It would be a combination of Blissful Living, Apple Seeds, 24-hour Fitness, and the library. (A world of knowledge at your fingertips you know.)

Then, I would save a little, because no matter what people say, you need money to live. It's just the way it is. I wish it weren't, but that is a subject we can discuss in the next meeting at my new center. I'll be sure to add it to the calendar. The discussion will follow the class on how to live providently.

And last, I would give the rest away. To family, friends, random people on the street, until there was no more.

I'm not saying this is the most prudent way to spend one's lottery winnings, and perhaps, for you, you may aspire to do greater, more world changing things, or not, but this is the way I would do it. But first, I should probably start playing the lottery before I decide how to spend it.

The Grass is Always Greener...

2009-06-14T20:33:00.000-04:00

Let it be known that we do indeed own a washer and dryer. A very fancy set of front loading machinery that cost much more than a washer and dryer really ought to. With this said, on Saturday, June 13, 2009, Miss Emma Alicyn decided she would like to take a trip to the laundromat. How she knows what a laundromat is, I do not know. All that is known is that for our Saturday activity, we left our comfortable private home to wash clothing in a public place.

I have not been to a laundromat in quite a few years. Things have changed. First, no quarters, instead, a card that you add money to. Like a prepaid credit card. The card costs $1.00. I suppose you can keep it forever, if you are a frequenter of the laundry place. Most importantly though , no quarters. I thought that to be most awesome.

Second, it cost us $2.75 to wash clothes. I thought that to be most un-awesome. That's per load people. Granted, we only did one load of Emma's clothes (You didn't really think I was going to take all my laundry to the laundromat did you?) but still, if I had to take my clothes there weekly, I figure that could get very pricey.

The important thing is that Emma had a great time putting her clothes in the washer and dryer, rolling the laundry cart all around the place doing pretend laundry, as well as pretend folding and ironing (which I thought to be extra cute). She was enthralled by the magic of spinning clothes, rolling carts and strangers doing their own laundry. To her, it was a fun way to spend a couple of hours and it just goes to show that there is no need for fancy toys or video games in the lives of children, they can have fun doing just about anything. It also shows that we spent way too much money on our washer and dryer.

On Humanity

2009-06-12T13:53:00.000-04:00

Do you know the difference between right and wrong? What shaped your moral countenance? Was it religion? Was it parenting? Was it self-reliance and common sense? Do you even have a sense of what is inherently right or wrong? Or do you base your morality on personal opinion? These are all questions that have been taking a three hour tour in my head lately. Of course, these questions lead to others, like, what is happiness and why is happiness so vastly different for each individual person on this planet? Doesn’t it make sense that the human race needs to work toward a common goal and harmony instead of choosing sides in selfish pursuits of happiness? Shouldn’t self expression be based in creating what is beautiful to you and you alone and not what will sell the most units or cause the most controversy? Do you know what’s right? Being good to one another, without judgment. Living providently, without the need for more than you need. Understanding that life is cyclical beginning with birth and ending with death. There isn’t a single human who doesn’t share in that cycle.

The Little Handbook of Life - Page 1

2009-06-02T23:36:00.000-04:00

Plan prudently, live conservatively and avoid unnecessary debt.

Chemisty of Love

2009-05-22T11:00:00.000-04:00

Have you ever seen War of the Roses? Mrs. Rose says to Mr. Rose "When I watch you eat, when I see you asleep, when I look at you lately, I just want to smash your face in." This exchange comes after Mr. Rose comes home from the hospital after what he thinks is a fatal heart attack, but is actually a hernia caused by Mrs. Rose squeezing him too tightly between her legs in an effort to thwart lovemaking. I have a deep affection for that movie.

I have pondered many times the institution of marriage and the biology of love. What brings two people together creating a bond that lasts a lifetime? I have seen people who even after many years, still make one another deliriously happy and like the movie, I have seen couples fall apart over nothing more than little annoyances that build up over time.

What chemistry allows for forgiveness, unconditional love, affection and happiness? Do you have this chemistry with your partner?

Declutterizing

2009-05-21T09:03:00.000-04:00

I am having trouble keeping up with my online appearances. I need to scale back a little. So, the first thing to go is Twitter. Twitter is not for me. I would A. need a cell phone that isn't one hundred years old and B. need a more interesting life. I mean, I get up, go to work, come home, go to bed. Not much in between. The second thing to go is Myspace. I have no purpose in Myspace anymore. It was a great blogging platform for a little while, but ever since I met Facebook and Blogger, Myspace is looking a little old.

So there you have it, Twitter - gone, Myspace - gone. That leaves Facebook, and Blogger. It also begs the question, Do I really have anything interesting to say on either one of those platforms?

My First Kudos!

2009-05-21T08:55:00.000-04:00

Hello little award. Thank you Odd Imagination for being such an inspirational person and partner in creative thinking!

I Forgot

2009-05-13T12:35:00.001-04:00

I forgot that today is Wednesday. That means, I forget to weigh in. I have no idea how many sticks of butter I am down. So much for accountability. We are only two weeks in and I am already forgetting to do what I am supposed to. Just like I forgot to go the gym, and I forgot that Cheese Stix are not a diet food. Oh well, there's always next week. Maybe I will start participating in Not Me Monday. I am pretty sure that gym time and diet food will be hard to find over the next few days. Visitors in town, Emma's fifth birthday party. I plan on eating cake. How could I not?

Happiness in the Air

2009-05-09T20:56:00.000-04:00

It's one of those rare almost summer nights when the air is thick with heat but the blowing wind takes the edge off. I would like to open the windows and let the air fill the house, but Dan would hate that. He is a polar bear and our thermostat is consistently set to a frigid 72 degrees. I sat on the front porch for a long while, taking deep gulps of humid air, listening to the sounds of crickets and leaves rustling. I pondered many things, like, moving home to Reno, having another child and finding my purpose in life. None of those things are on the agenda any time soon.

Last night, after dinner, we took a drive to the local ice creamery, ordered giant scoops of frozen goodness and sat outside. It felt like an unforced family moment and I was happy. I wish everyday could end like that.

A Pound of Butter, No More No Less

2009-05-06T12:07:00.000-04:00

Did you know, that one pound of fat equals four sticks of butter? With this new found information, I have decided that I will no longer refer to my weight loss in pounds, rather, I will measure in units of butter. There are two reasons why I like this idea. First, it sounds like I lost more weight. Mindtrick. That way, when I only lose one pound, I can refer to it as four sticks, making my weight loss seem grander, in my head. Second, visually, four sticks of butter is a lot of butter. Imagine if I really worked my ass off and lost 10 pounds in one week, Biggest Loser style, that's 40 sticks of butter. That's a lot of damn butter. Imagine eating that many sticks of butter, imagine carrying that butter from place to place. Imagine that butter glued to your body, because that's what it looks like, on you, right now. If you happen to be in the same state of fluffiness that I currently reside in that is.

So currently, I have lost 20 sticks of butter. Oh man, I love how that sounds.

Visitors

2009-05-05T13:03:00.001-04:00

We are busy preparing our house for the grand arrival of Grandma and Grandpa fa-fa away. My parents will be coming to Virginia Beach next week for a fun filled time with Miss Emma for her birthday. I will certainly need a vacation after all the work we have done preparing for their stay and for Emma's birthday party which has a picnic in the garden theme. A fantastic adventure to Busch Gardens is also in the works, complete with breakfast with Sesame Street Characters. List of to-do's: Tile master bath shower. This two year process started when our current shower surround started leaking. When I say two years, what I actually mean is, one year eight months, as this is how long we have been using our other bathroom for all out bathroom necessities. But I'm not bitter at anyone about this (Dan)because it is finally getting done (Dan) and it looks beautiful, Dan. Steam clean carpets (because we have a very bad kitty).Thorough cleaning of all cabinetry,appliances and fixtures. Making home made party decorations and cake for party. Washing of all linens in the house and a freshening of the guest room (Thank you Yankee Candles)Do all laundry, even the stuff ends up on the floor in piles for many months, due to washing and inability to hang. My laundry has been washed and tossed several times. I can't just seem to make it to the closet for hangers, it's so...far...away. Floor, so much more efficient. Clean deck and back yard. Grocery shopMow lawn,(Dan) What? I'm not gonna do it. Relax, enjoy parents stay, remember that the house only has to stay clean for one week!

Milestone Moments

2009-05-03T21:57:00.000-04:00

This past Tuesday, we registered Emma for Kindergarten. It's a milestone moment in our little girl's life. I can't help but think about the new independence she will have, the new friends that she will make and the scary things that will be out of my control. It's exciting and scary at the same time. She was beyond excited to visit her new school where all her future classmates were seperated into groups for a tour of the school. They went off in little lines, leaving us parents behind to do the hard part. Upon returning they were treated to a little snack in the cafeteria where Emma excitedly told us about going to the school library and taking a bus ride, which she has literally been aching to do for about three years now. I am just so very excited for September 8, 2009 when Emma walks through those doors for her first day of school. It's going to be a milestone for Mommy too!

Questions

2009-04-30T15:59:00.000-04:00

Growing up, hearing the phrase "Life isn't always fair" always annoyed me. Why isn't life fair? Why shouldn't it be fair? What kind of cruel plan was it to create a universe where things aren't perfect all the time? Why are there bad people in the world? And why do good guys finish last? Why is it sad when people die? Shouldn't we really, in fact, be happy for them? Is there life after death? If so, is it like this life? The life where we work five days a week, nurturing co-worker relationships while neglecting our homes and families. The life where more is better and simple is stupid. What equals happiness? Do you have the answers? I would like to know.

Confessions

2009-04-29T14:39:00.000-04:00

I have a confession. The title of this blog does have the word "confessions" in it after all. I'm fluffy. Not fat, or overweight or even puffy. I am just a fluffy girl. I haven't always been fluffy, I go through phases. Phase one is firm, continuing down the line are semi-firm, semi-soft, soft, fluffy, and fluffiest. I am not in my fluffiest phase by far. That occurred while I was pregnant five years ago, and unless I am with child once more, I had better not ever see fluffiest ever again. I am currently just fluffy. Why do I make this confession to you? Because I would like to attain firmness once more. That is why Wednesday is now "Weight Loss Wednesday". I chose that name for its alliterative qualities. I suppose I could have gone with "Fluffy Friday", which would have been cuter but eventually, I'll have to change it to "Toned Tuesday" not so cute.

I felt compelled to share with you because I know you will keep me accountable by asking me how much weight I've lost, or how much weight do I need to lose, or by clutching your heart in horror and saying "I can't believe you have to lose that much weight, I had no idea you were a big "fluffy" cow of a woman!". I prefer the latter of those comments due to the bluntness as I have found it best not to sugarcoat the situation.

So henceforth (a word not used often enough in modern society), I will be confessing to you about my fluffy ass. But only on Wednesdays, I thought that to be most courteous of me.

A Return To Blogland

2009-04-26T22:59:00.000-04:00

Today was a lovely Sunday. It started with me getting watching Journey to the Center of the Earth drinking the delicious cup of coffee that my husband was so kind to go out and get for me (something that he does on most weekend days) I am so spoilt. Then, I organized and cleaned Emma's playroom. Not so glamourous, but it needed to be done. Then we went for lupper (when it's too late for lunch but too early for dinner), ran a few errands, came home and went for a dip in our little blow up pool. A good time was had by all.

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing

Miss-understood California

2009-04-23T18:19:00.001-04:00

I have been perplexed by the media coverage that Miss California received after her supposedly blundered answer to the now famous interview question posed by Perez Hilton.

Let me give my two cents. First, picture this. Random judge asks random contestant the following interview question, "Miss All American, do you believe in God? Why or why not?" Of course, Miss All American would say that she believes in God. It would be quite the controversy if she stated that no, she did not believe in God and gave an intelligent answer as to why. Contrary to what they preach, I don't think Miss USA is keen on intelligence. According to Perez Hilton, the correct answer would be something along the lines of, "There are so many religions in this country, with so many different versions of God and I accept all gospels to be true because I am Miss All American and want make sure that I am the embodiment of the peoples in this great land."

My thoughts? Miss USA is a dumb scholarship program given to beautiful young women based mostly on how tight their ass is in a bikini. They usually have a platform that brings awareness about something or other and being crowned gives them the opportunity to get that message out to a large number of people. Regardless of what your personal belief is on gay marriage, was the question really a relevant one? How far would a contestant get if her platform was gay marriage rights? What if she herself was gay? Does Miss USA even allow that?

Marriage was traditionally vows taken before God, to love, honor, the whole nine yards. In today's society, marriage is a matter of the state to be taxed and levied. Would the issue even be at hand if it weren't? And where exactly is the separation of church and state on the whole issue? Why is it up to the government who is allowed to marry whom? Shouldn't it be up to the church? A whole new faith comprised of the gay and lesbian community where they could live happily ever after in wedded bliss.

The point is this, was Miss California politically correct in her answer. No. Was she honest? Yes. Did it cost her the crown? I don't think so. And who really cares anyway? Aren't there greater issues at hand?

Why Did the Chicken Cross the Road?

2009-04-21T18:41:00.000-04:00

Lately, I have been thinking. Thinking that people expect way too much from other people.

Take for instance, this afternoon. While I was driving, down a 45 mph street, a few kids thought the other side of the road may hold greater treasures than their current location. The kids were not at an intersection, there was no crosswalk and they did not look both ways. The three of them just walked out into the street together, unaffected by the passing traffic. Did you hear that? They walked into the street. They did not run, or skip or gallop for that matter. I suppose they expected that traffic would stop for them. That's a pretty high expectation when I am behind the wheel. On penalty of prison time however, I did slow down, while giving the look. A wasted look no doubt. Since it is common knowledge that you are only allotted so many of "the look" in a lifetime, I feel doubly cheated for not being allowed to run them over and having wasted a perfectly good look that could have been better used on my daughter 10 years from now.

I suppose I should just let it go. A road is meant for crossing after all. Just ask the chicken.

Why did the chicken cross the playground? To get to the other slide.......Emma told me that joke today. Funny, funny!

Moving Party

2009-04-20T19:25:00.000-04:00

My new blog space looks very empty, as if I have just recently hopped this blog train. I don't like it. I think its important for new arrivals to know I have a history, to be able to delve deep into my archives if they so desire. Sometimes, I like to delve deep into my own archives to help me remember who I am. I forget sometimes.

I wonder if there is a way to export all my musings from Myspace.

About Me

2009-04-19T15:32:00.000-04:00

Hi, my name is Lisa, and I'm a text addict. I like to share. My opinion especially. I have an ever changing myriad of opinions that will at some point contradict themselves. I get annoyed very easily, which leads to temper tantrums and angry outbursts. My four-year old reprimands me for that on a regular basis. Oh yes, I am a wife and a mother. Mediocre at best on both accounts. The reason for this I can only assume comes from my unusual upbringing and checkered past. None of which I regret. The past that is.

I have varied interests and hobbies ranging from being obsessed with the Mormons to sexual deviance. (Part of my checkered past). I actually attribute this wide and variable social pattern to the fact that I really have no idea who I am as a person, therefore, I just try on random things to see how they fit. I like to think this makes me a very well rounded person, when in fact, it actually makes me a little, oh, I know there is a term for it, I can't think of it right now, moving on.

The truth is, I want to be just like you and to be liked by you. Maybe I should rename this to "About You". But that would be dumb because we all know it's about me.

If Nothing Else....

2009-04-06T19:28:00.000-04:00

I had to blog in order to push the Vaseline post down a little. For some reason, seeing that big jar of Vaseline every time I open my page makes me feel a little strange.

Currently, I am waiting for April 15th to come and go so I can breathe again. Work is taking all my energy so blogging will have to wait another week or so.

Item of Many Uses

2009-04-01T22:37:00.000-04:00

Ah, Vaseline, sweet, inexpensive item of many uses. How I love you. You remove my makeup with ease. When my lips are parched you provide an intensive moisturizing experience. Many times my feet have have been wrapped in your jelly goodness (and a warm pair of socks). Soft feet. Decadence. I wonder what else you can do. I shall Google you. Ooooo, 50 beauty uses for Vaseline.

1. Put a coat on your eyelashes before you go to bed. Lots of people swear by this - and say it will make your lashes grow longer and thicker over time.

2. Put a coat of Vaseline on your feet at night, cover them with socks and wake up to softer feet - every day!

3. Put Vaseline on your elbows every day - they will stay soft!

4. Put Vaseline on your cuticles several times a day for softer and better looking cuticles every day.

5. Put Vaseline on chapped lips

6. Use Vaseline as lip gloss

7. Mix a little Vaseline with a little Kool-Aid powder and make a colored and flavored lip gloss!

8. Melt Vaseline and one chocolate chip in the microwave, mix and let resolidify for chocolate lip gloss!

9. Maintains perfume scent longer when applied at perfume points before spritzing the perfume.

10. Can be used as a moisturizer for acne sufferers (it is a misconception that it clogs pores)

11. Moisturizes severe dry skin

12. Use Vaseline on your knees to prevent that dry, ashy look

13. Mix with sea salts to make a scrub!

14. Applying Vaseline on your teeth prevents lips from sticking to teeth for celebrities and contestants in beauty pageants who smile a lot

15. Applied on teeth before applying lipstick prevents lipstick from sticking on them

16. Massage, baby!

17. Warmed up can be used as a night cream

18. Makeup remover

19. Protects skin exposed to adverse weather

20. Applied under eye shadow it can create a shiny effect

21. Applied on cheeks for a dewy look

22. Can be used to smooth and soothe skin after shaving

23. Used in manicures under cuticles

24. Gets rid of dry skin lines which can arise from washing

25. Lubricates ear lobes and helps to make earring insertion easy and painless

26. Keeps fingernails pliable and resilient

27. Use with your lipstick to create a cream blusher for your cheeks

28. Helps to ease off stuck on rings

29. Tames unruly eyebrows

30. Defines eyelashes and leaves them with a glossy and waterproof look

31. Conditions scalp pre-shampooing

32. Can help prevent chaffing

33. Aids with healing after cosmetic surgery procedures

34. Reduces scaling and itching associated with dandruff

35. Theraputic when applied to lesions caused by poison ivy

36. Can help improve condition of those with atopic eczema

37. Helps heal and protect new tattoos

38. Can protect against harmful hair dyeing, perming and straightening chemicals when used as a mask around the hairline

39. Use a tiny dab to put a quick shine on your shoes and bags

40. Smear a tiny bit on your hands and scrunch through your hair for a choppy look

41. Use just a touch on the ends of your hair to hide dry and split ends

42. Remove makeup stains from clothing

43. Rub Vaseline on the neck of your nail polish bottles and they won’t get stuck to the caps

44. Make your week old nail polish look new again - rub a small dab over the polish.

45. Use a touch of Vaseline mixed with powder eyeshadow pigment to make new colors, or a more solid eyeshadow that won’t get all over your face when you put it on.

46. Stretch your favorite lotion by mixing it with Vaseline.

47. Put Vaseline on your lips, leave it a few minutes, then scrub your lips with a toothbrush to exfoliate and leave them SO smooth

48. Remove false eyelash glue from your lash line

49. Apply a small amount on dry spots on your body before fake tanning lotions are applied, and prevent uneven tanning!

50. Generously apply Vaseline all over before taking flights to combat associated dryness

And just for fun, this one is totally not beauty related, but VERY timely - here is #51:

Once you carve your Halloween pumpkin, rub Vaseline on the exposed edges. it keeps it from rotting or going dry.

Additional uses for Vaseline:

Prevent car battery corrosion. Smear Vaseline Petroleum Jelly on clean car battery terminals.
Repair stains, rings, and minor scratches in wood furniture. Cover each scratch with a liberal coat of Vaseline Petroleum Jelly, let sit for 24 hours, rub into wood, wipe away excess, and polish as usual.
Remove chewing gum from hair. Apply Vaseline Petroleum Jelly and work into the hair until the gum slides off.
Stop a faucet from screeching. Remove the handle and stem, and coat both sets of metal threads with Vaseline Petroleum Jelly.
Lubricate roller skate and skateboard wheels. Smear Vaseline Petroleum Jelly around the cylinders on the wheels so they roll faster.
Revive dried leather. Vaseline Petroleum Jelly, rubbed into a baseball glove, softens the leather.
Prevent rust on outdoor machinery. Apply a generous coat of Vaseline Petroleum Jelly.
Avoid splattered paint on windows, metal work, and floors. Before painting a room, dip a Q-tips Cotton Swab in Vaseline Petroleum Jelly and run it around the edges of the glass; coat door hinges, doorknobs, lock latches; and spread a thin coat of Vaseline Petroleum Jelly along a linoleum or tile floor (obviously not carpet) where it meets the wall. Paint smears will wipe off with a cloth.
Keep shower curtains sliding easily. Apply a thin coat of Vaseline Petroleum Jelly to the curtain rod.
Help prevent diaper rash. Apply a thin coat of Vaseline Petroleum Jelly to a baby's clean bottom before putting a fresh diaper on the tyke.
Prevent outdoor light bulbs from sticking in fixtures. To make removal easy, rub a thin coat of Vaseline Petroleum Jelly on the threads before inserting the bulbs.
Prevent hair-coloring from dying your skin. Rub Vaseline Petroleum Jelly along hairline before coloring your hair.
Protect skin from wind burn and chapping. Apply a thin coat of Vaseline Petroleum Jelly.
Stop refrigerator racks from sticking. Coat the edges of the racks with Vaseline Petroleum Jelly so the racks glide easily.
Discourage candle wax from sticking to candle holders. Coat the insides of candle holders with Vaseline Petroleum Jelly so wax slides out.
Keep shampoo from getting in a baby's eyes. Rub a line of Vaseline Petroleum Jelly above the eyebrows so shampoo runs off to the side.
Shine leather shoes. Rub Vaseline Petroleum Jelly over the leather and wipe off the excess with a towel.

Bakerella is My Hero

2009-03-31T21:59:00.000-04:00

If, you have a burning desire to make the cutest, most amazing little treats for parties and gatherings and if you, like me, love people to ooooo and ahhhh over your amazing talent (even though you know anyone can do it) you should visit Bakerella.

I mean honestly, how do people come up with these things?

I will tell you, I have made the lovely cake pops and not only do they look unbelievable, they taste pretty freakin awesome too!

I Want Too Much (Or, I Have No Idea What I Want)

2009-03-24T12:45:00.000-04:00

I haven't felt much like blogging in the past few days. It seems there is never enough time to get everything done in a day that needs to get done and blogging is just one of those things that takes a backburner.

This blog has mostly been a way for family to check in and see pictures of little Miss Emma, peppered with a few tidbits about our lives, perhaps some funny stories. I teeter back and forth on where I want this story to go and how exactly, I am going to tell it.

Being cynical by nature, it's hard to project sunshine and happiness when I feel my life is anything but. I garner inspiration from Nie, Cjane, Jen, and Lisa, people's whose blogs I read, whose lives I envy, whose actions I try to emulate.

Even in moments of sadness and despair, Nie finds light.

By all accounts, the Carter life is not a bad one. We have a beautiful house in a great neighborhood. We have Emma who makes me laugh on occasion by doing things that only a four-year old can get away with. Things like sticking her booty in the air and yelling "Take that!" followed by a little puff of air. I would like to make note that I had nothing to do with teaching her that, and according to Dan, neither did he. I suppose I am to believe she came up with that all on her own?

My relationship with Dan has it's ups and downs, like any marriage I suppose, not entirely happy all the time, but not dreadfully unhappy either. Our bills usually get paid on time and we don't go without food or entertainment, so, I guess you could say, our lives are generally happy.

The thing is, I have an idea of what happiness is, and currently, I'm just not that happy.

Things that would make me happy:
I would like to stay home with my child.
I would like to have a daily schedule filled with a to-do list of chores that keep my home a haven of organization and fresh smelling sheets.
I would like to grow a bountiful garden with fresh vegetables for consumption.
I would like a life with purpose and meaning that does not include maintaining any other self image than that of good wife and mother.
I would like a husband who supports and embraces this lifestyle.

Is that too much to ask?

Celebrity Collage by MyHeritage

2009-03-18T12:50:00.000-04:00

MyHeritage: Family tree - Genealogy - Celebrity - Collage - Morph

Day Three - Tips and Tricks

2009-03-17T22:47:00.000-04:00

Because I shop sales and buy a lot of what's on sale and because our family is tiny, I have found a few creative tricks that help make food prep and storage easy peezy.

Meat is pretty pricey, agree? Sure, you do, who wouldn't. So when meat is on sale, I buy quite a bit of it. The problem is, I have to separate all the meats into servings of three for freezing. The other problem is I don't always need three servings. Sometimes I need just one. How to solve this dilemma? I wrap my meat individually. Like this.

Then, I put all the meats into one bag. Like this. Then I put it in the freezer, like this. Oh stop it. You didn't really think I was going to show you a picture of the meat in the freezer did you?

Sure I am. Here it is. I got a little camera happy.

That's my meat shelf. Only meat goes there. Don't put anything other than meat there. I get really, really feisty if you do, so don't do it. Of course, in your freezer, you can do whatever the heck you want.

While we're taking a look into the freezer, let me show you how I store some other things. This is the veggie drawer. Look at those happy veggies!

And here's the fruit. Look at that happy fruit.

This concludes our freezer tour.

Day Two - Intro to the Pre-Made Meal

2009-03-16T19:52:00.000-04:00

A real time saver in my house is the pre-made meal. Not the kind you buy already in a package either. One of my family's favorite things to eat is Pioneer Woman's Chicken Spaghetti Casserole. You can make it the old fashioned way, or the quick and dirty way like me.

First and foremost, I make this casserole on a Sunday and put it in the freezer. It takes about 20 minutes to prep. Winner, winner, chicken dinner.

Oh, don't let me forget to mention my favorite kitchen tool . The chopper. Major timesaver! (Also, we are a garlic lovin' family, so you will see some little garlics hangin' out on the board there).

I don't boil a whole cut up fryer. I boil a few chicken breasts, which takes about 10 minutes and I buy chicken stock. I also use frozen bell peppers which are already cut and come in beautiful colors. They never go bad and we use them in other things like stir fry. We omit the pimentos because my girl doesn't like pimentos. Who really likes pimentos anyway? It sound too much like pimple and that's not appetizing. I also grate my own cheese. Those bags of pre-shredded cheese are convenient, but whoo-hoo are they pricey. Block of cheese, 5.50 at Sam's Club. 160z package of cheese $2.75. You do the math.

Put it all together per PW's instructions and put it in the freezer (or fridge). Ready made meal when you get home. Could dinner really be this easy?

Ingredient list:
Spaghetti (cheap) Canned soup (cheap) onion (cheap) Frozen peppers (way cheap) Cheese ( a little less cheap) and Chicken (listen, not everything can be darn near free).

Summing it all up, this is a pretty cheap (did I say that already?) and easy family meal that can be ready in less time than it takes to drive to the restaurant and order.

Day One - Shopping and Meal Planning

2009-03-15T17:30:00.000-04:00

This my pantry. Larger than most, I will admit. We are very lucky. If you don't have a pantry the size of a cave, no stress. A cabinet or two works just as well.

It has been my experience that no matter the size of your family, one, two, three or eight, shopping and meal planning is essential. It has also been my experience, that cooking for just one or two is not always easy. I will show you what we do and hope that these tips can help your family avoid eating out as much as possible and save those valuable dollars for more important things.

First, I don't meal plan until I go shopping. For the simple fact that I am never sure what's going to be on sale and I always buy on sale. Second, I buy frozen. Frozen is better than fresh. (See here for scientific data) I even buy frozen fruit like strawberries and melon. The shelf life is a trillion times longer so your money is never wasted. Third, I buy in bulk and store. When things are on sale I buy A LOT! Or at least what my storage space permits. Last, I buy generic. Plain and simple. Unless of course, brand name is on sale and cheaper. Duh.

Once I get everything home and organized into it's respective home, I can plan.

Since Dan and I both work, it is my goal to make dinner as quickly as possible. By the time I leave work, get Emma and get home, it's 6pm. Now, Rachel Ray is great with her 30-minute meals, but have you seen the ingredient lists? Most of the time it's things my store doesn't even have. And while Mac-n-Cheese is fast, it's not the best thing to be eating day in and day out.

The most essential thing for fast easy cooking is to be well stocked beforehand. So, let's go shopping. This is a list of everything in my pantry, fridge or freezer right now for dinner making.

Bread, eggs, milk, butter, bag of potatoes, bag of onions, garlic, Lawry's Season Salt (can't live without it!), cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, canned tuna, canned salmon, frozen vegetables (whatever you like), frozen fruit (berries and melon), frozen fish (not the Gordon's battered kind) tilapia or halibut, chicken, hamburger, pork chops, pork loin, ham, flour, sugar, baking powder and soda, crackers, big blocks of cheese, spaghetti, rice, yogurt (plain), sour cream and cottage cheese.

I think that pretty much covers the bases for dinner makin'. You can also include oatmeal, honey, cinnamon, peanut butter and jelly, and applesauce if you like. I spend about $85.00 per month on groceries. AND, I don't clip coupons either because who has time for that?

Tomorrow, I start giving you the goods.

Watching the Old Budget

2009-03-13T12:07:00.000-04:00

I have been busy taking pictures all week. Pictures of my refridgerator, freezer, pantry. Why? You see, I am incredibly frugal, a quality instilled by my mother I am sure. Dan, on the other hand, not so much, something my mother had nothing to do with. In this moment, in this life, I feel it important to share my frugal tips with you.

I would like to invite you to my kitchen extroidinaire. You can look into my fridge, my pantry and my freezer. You can see my well worn pots and pans. I am not going to promise you Rachel Ray or Martha Stewart, but, I can promise you quick, tasty, inexpensive family meals as well as some tips and tricks along the way.

Catch Up!

2009-02-28T21:14:00.000-05:00

A mama tomato, a daddy tomato and a baby tomato are walking. The baby falls behind. The daddy tomato goes back, squishes the baby and says "Catch up!"

Ha ha, very funny. Thank you Pulp Fiction for bringing that joke into my life.

I am playing catch up though. D&E are visiting Grandma up North. Dan's mom Grandma, not to be confused with my mom, Grandma fa fa away. I thought I could clean the house, get some sewing done, even watch a movie that I know Dan has no interest in seeing. Alas, these things did not come to pass. Instead, I went to work. At work. For 8 whole hours. On a Saturday. And now. I blog. Priorities you know.

Here are some new pictures of Emma. Why? Because I am a bad daughter(in-law) and never mail photos to the respective Grandma's. Did I mention that I worked, on a Saturday? Who has time to send pictures? Although, Walgreen's certainly has the right idea. Maybe I will upload said photos and send them to the nearest Walgreen's for pick up. What do you think Grandma(s)? Please post your reply in the comments section of this blog. Welcome to the new millennium. Conversation via comments.

Obsessed with the Mormons

2009-02-19T12:47:00.000-05:00

I think it is commonly known that I am obsessed with the Mormons. I can tell you exactly why I am obsessed with their faith, however, I can also tell you I don't believe a lick of what their gospel is based upon. I have a very hard time coming to terms with The Book of Mormon and accepting it as true. But, if I could base an entire lifestyle on the principles that are taught in that church I would do it in a heartbeat. One day, you should visit the LDS website and see the incredible community that has been built on this faith. Family, accountability, responsibility.

I struggle everyday with how I can raise Emma to have the values I see within the chruch teachings. I find myself frequenting the church website, taking their ideals and teaching resources trying to think of a way to implement them into our daily lives.

Many people have said to me that church is church and that all churches preach and teach the same. I have to disagree. The biggest difference I see is the accountability to each and every action that the Mormon's have. Making family first, responsibility to finances, health and planning, I mean honestly. They have a system that really should be a guidebook to life.

So, how do I make the doctorines a part of my life without becoming a part of the church itself? I think it's important for Emma to have a community to look to for love and support outside of her home.

What to do?

Goals and Aspirations

2009-02-18T21:10:00.000-05:00

I really need to get off my ass and start blogging on a daily basis. Are you picking up what I am laying down here homey?

I have so much to share with ya'll.

He Blogs

2009-02-11T12:21:00.000-05:00

There are few things that my husband can do for me romantically. I am not a sentimental girl. I think money is better spent on bills than flowers, and if he does the laundry, cooks dinner or cleans the house, I look at it as fair share around the house. I work too, it's a partnership. I don't believe in blind love or Hollywood endings and a few words on a greeting card don't impress me. Some say it's the thought that counts, but to me, a card is an act of thoughtlessness. Words of endearment written by someone else with your signature.

However, he did do one thing yesterday that made my heart go pitter-patter. He started a blog. And as I read his first post, I was reminded about why I fell in love and chose this man to spend the rest of my life with. His post was well thought out, with a purpose. It was written well, with capital letters and puncuation where it should be. Things that are important to me. Although his blog is for him, and not for me, I can't help but feel a little romantical thinking about all the things that I may get to discover about my husband through his blog. Things that I have taken for granted thinking I knew everything there was to know about him after these 10 years.

I am excited at the prospect of falling in love with my husband all over again.

Dan's Flapjacks

It Costs How Much?

2009-02-06T19:12:00.000-05:00

I was pereusing craft blogs today, when I can across some really cool fabric. Fabric that I thought would make the best ever bag or quilt or duvet cover. I was really stoked about the cool fabric until I saw the price was $17 for a fat quarter. For those of you who don't know how much a fat quarter is, it is one quarter of a yard of fabric cut into a square. That is why it's called a "fat" quarter. It measures 18" x 22". That is really small. So if you were to buy one whole yard of fabric, it would cost $68.00. I think that's crazy. When I made my wedding dress from custom silk, I only paid $27.00 per yard. If you yourself would like to check the fabirc out, you can do so here. It is really cool fabric, but it would be decidely uncool to pay a ridiculous amount of money for it.

I Sell Avon

2009-02-05T20:21:00.000-05:00

Yes, it's true, I sell Avon. Since when you ask? Well, since now, just today. It only cost $10.00 to become a rep, which is super duper inexpensive. Seemed like a no brainer. So this is my big announcement. I sell Avon. Do you buy Avon? If the thought crosses your mind, you can buy Avon from me, I'd like that a lot!

If you click here, you can peruse my beautiful personal shopping page.

It's Time to Fight the Power!

2009-01-29T08:20:00.000-05:00

CPSIA Blog-in day

We interrupt the usually cheery tone of this blog with a serious topic. You're probably already well aware of the issues connected with the CPSIA, but nevertheless it is time for me to add my squeak to the growing roar of protest. I'm joining Sarah Jane and a host of other bloggers who are posting about this today. Please take the time to educate yourself on this and seriously consider the consequences if something isn't done to amend it.

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When congress passed the CPSIA (the Consumer Product Safety Inspection Act) in August 2008, they were intending to protect companies from selling harmful products. All products intended for children under 12 years old must go through thorough and stringent testing. The CPSIA bans lead and phthalates in children’s products, mandates third party testing and certification, and requires manufacturers of all goods for children under the age of 12 to permanently label each item with a date and batch number.

Most people know someone who will be affected because most people know people who have children, will buy something for a child within their lifetime, or have children themselves. Most small businesses and crafters who sell children’s products care about this. They will be put out of business by this law due to the prohibitive testing costs. Their products might be safe, but they can’t afford to “prove” it. Many parents care about this, their choices for their children could be significantly limited if the mid-size, small, and micro manufacturers all go out of business due to this.

Who should be concerned?

To the Parents of Young Students:
Due to the new law, expect to see the cost of school supplies sky rocket. While those paper clips weren’t originally intended for your student to use, they will need to be tested now that your 11-year-old needs them for his school project. This law applies to any and all school supplies (textbooks, pencils, crayons, paper, etc.) being used by children under 12.

To the Avid Reader:
Due to the new law, all children’s books will be pulled from library and school shelves, as there is no exemption for them. That’s okay though, there’s always television. Our children don’t need to learn the love of reading after all.
Article from the American Library Association http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=1322

To the Lover of All Things Handmade:
Due to the new law, you will now be given a cotton ball and an instruction manual so you can make it yourself since that blanket you originally had your eye on for $50 will now cost you around $1,000 after it’s passed testing. It won’t even be the one-of-a-kind blanket you were hoping for. Items are destroyed in the testing process making one-of-a-kind items virtually impossible. So that gorgeous hand-knit hat you bought your child this past winter won’t be available next winter.

To the Environmentalist:
Due to the new law, all items in non-compliance will now be dumped into our already overflowing landfills. Imagine not just products from the small business owners, but the Big Box Stores as well. You can’t sell it so you must toss it. Or be potentially sued for selling it. You can’t even give them away. If you are caught, it is still a violation.

To the Second-Hand Shopper:
Due to the new law, you will now need to spend $20 for that brand new pair of jeans for your 2-year old, rather than shop at the Goodwill for second hand. Many resale shops are eliminating children’s items all together to avoid future lawsuits.

To the Entrepreneur:
Due to this new law, you will be forced to adhere to strict testing of your unique products or discontinue to make and/or sell them. Small businesses will be likely to be unable to afford the cost of testing and be forced to close up shop. Due to the current economic state, you’ll have to hope for the best when it comes to finding a new job in Corporate America.

To the Antique Toy Collector:
Due to the new law, you’d better start buying now because it’s all going to private collection and will no longer be available to purchase. “Because the new rules apply retroactively, toys and clothes already on the shelf will have to be thrown out if they aren’t certified as safe.” http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123189645948879745.html

To the American Economy:
Already struggling under an economy that hasn’t been this weak in decades, the American economy will be hit harder with the inevitable loss of jobs and revenues from suppliers, small businesses and consumers. The required testing is far too costly and restrictive for small businesses or individuals to undertake.

To the Global Economy:
Due to this new law, many foreign manufacturers have already pulled out of the US market. You can imagine the impact of this on their businesses.

Click here for a recent article from Forbes

And for those of you prepared to be stupefied and boggled, The New Law.

What can I do to help?
Call your Congressman (the time for letters and emails has passed), ask them to call for a hearing from the Energy and Commerce Committee to discuss this new law. Find out their position on this important issue. It has become a rather partisan issue, and that helps NO ONE. Encourage them to take a bipartisan look at the big picture here.

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Image courtesy hasenpfeffer incorproated.

Blog written by Jenny B. From Allsorts

Test Posting

2009-01-26T17:02:00.000-05:00

Staple

Random Picture Monday

2009-01-26T08:00:00.000-05:00

Emma enjoying some fries and a philly cheesesteak, in Philly.

Dungeons and Dans

2009-01-24T21:59:00.000-05:00

My husband thinks not enough houses have dungeons. What? Who is this crazy closet freak I married? He also says, if we ever build a house, it should have a few secret rooms. I am not sure what has brought this conversation about, but in the future, should you visit my house, be wary of dungeons and secret rooms.

It should be duly noted that I think Dan is just kidding and trying to be randomly funny. I think.

Trying to Keep Up

2009-01-23T10:39:00.000-05:00

Did you know, that I love to blog. I just wish I had more time to do it. I find that I miss little things throughout the day that would make perfect blog fodder because I can't just sit down and blog at a moments notice. I need ideas on how to keep track of the things I need to write about. This is after all, a place for my family to check in on us, see what's new with Emma and Dan. It's also a place for me to express an opinion or two, and Lord knows, I am an opinionated one!

The second problem that I have, is I want this darn blog to be entertaining as well. That requires a level of writing that I am not sure I can commit to, like for instance, I left off at the word commit, saved to draft, and did something else. 30 minutes later, I am here, completing my thoughts that were cut of mid sentence. But you, blog reader, don't know that there was a thirty minute gap between "commit" and "to", to you, the blog just reads on.

What I am saying here is that I need a little advice. How to write, what to write, how to commit to writing without having to eventually commit myself.

P.s. for the first time ever when I hit spellcheck, there were no spelling errors. That's nice.

It's Monday, January 19

2009-01-19T13:42:00.000-05:00

Just in case you were unaware, today is January 19. A pretty nondesript day, just another Monday. Except, it's not just another Monday, it is the day before January 20. The day before the great "Change". I will not be political or opionionated at this point, not on this blog, and I hope that our new president brings the hope and change you are looking for. With that said, I think it is also important for you to take with you and ponder the following:

The President of the United States is a civil servant, he is not King, Czar or all powerful ruler. The President of the United States is an ambassador of the people, and Congress is a checks and balances of said ambassador, with the most influence coming from THE PEOPLE.

Stop sitting idly by waiting for change, become a part of the change. Influence the world in which you live through action.

Lisa out.

Quiz Master

2009-01-14T10:40:00.000-05:00

Your rainbow is strongly shaded green and violet.

What is says about you: You are an intelligent person. You appreciate beauty and craftsmanship. Those around you admire your fresh outlook and vitality. You are patient and will keep trying to understand something until you've mastered it.

Find the colors of your rainbow at spacefem.com.

Puzzling

2009-01-08T08:00:00.000-05:00

I am humbled and amazed at the talent that Emma possesses. She is four and can put a puzzle together like nobody's business. I stand in awe (no bias) of my child!

Sweet Potato Pumpkin

2009-01-07T12:04:00.000-05:00

Emma loves sweet potatoes, except she doesn't call them sweet potatoes, she calls them pumpkin. Heaven forbid you should say we are having sweet potatoes for dinner, cries of anguish are heard throughout the house. It must be pumpkin, and it must have warshmellows.

During Halloween, she brought home several pumkins from various festivites and demanded that I make "pumpkin" for dinner.

This is how it goes down, peel and slice about three large sweet potatoes, boil them for about 10-15 minutes, puree them into a mush with a little cinnamon and brown sugar, place them in pie dish, top with warshmellows then in a 350 oven for about 10 more minutes. Save "real" pumkin for pie.

The Affair

2009-01-05T16:51:00.000-05:00

Dear Coke,

I know all about you. My husband confessed to me last night. I have had suspicions about you for a long time now. Sometimes, at night, I hear Dan sneaking down the hallway to meet you. I thought it was insomnia. In my own house no less. Coke, you are a bold one.

I understand that you offer him things I may not. You are undeniably sweet, with a perfect carmel color that my Irish heritage will not allow. You are curved, in all the right places, perfect fit for his hands. You are bubbly. Sometimes annoyingly so. Please stop tempting my husband into sin.

Sincerely,
Mrs. Carter

Oh, Baby

2009-01-04T08:00:00.000-05:00

Dan and I have been thinking about giving child rearing a second chance. We figure Emma has turned out okay so far, we should be able to raise another decent human being. I for one am very excited, since I am positive that the second will not be nearly as much work as the first.

With Emma, I was so scared and nervous all the time. All had to be perfect and germ free. I was so caught up in creating and capturing the memories just perfectly, I exhausted myself.
Now, I know its okay if everything isn't antibacterial and that the occasional pea in the ear is no big deal and that imperfection and chaos is really what makes the best memories. I have also developed an insane amount of patience. I can sit though endless hours of Noggin TV without wrapping my arms around my legs, rocking back and forth muttering incoherent things to myself. Second time around is going to be a breeze.

Wish us luck!

Housewifery

2009-01-03T08:00:00.000-05:00

If I have done nothing else in this life, at least I can say that I have instilled the value of looking beautiful while doing housework.

And honestly, how cute is it that Emma has her own vaccume cleaner?

Our Newest Appliance

2009-01-02T16:59:00.000-05:00

I would like to welcome our newest household appliance.

I feel like I have finally fulfilled a childhood dream through Emma since I have always wanted to cook by the light of a 100 watt bulb but was never given the privledge.

We are all in agreement that the Easy Bake Oven should sit proudly on our kitchen countertop alongside the KitchenAid mixer and coffee maker.

We made yellow cake and blueberry muffin tops yesterday. Emma was so proud of herself, because this is the first time she got to do it all by herself.

Happy New Year

2009-01-01T19:50:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!

How did it get to be 2009? It was just 1999. That was the year Dan and I met. I think I still have a disposable camera with pictures of our jaunt through downtown New Orleans for the year that would become 2000. Or, the end of the world as many referred to it. The moments between 11:59pm 1999 and 12:00am 2000 was really just the beginning for me. It seems quite fitting that Dan and I were married on New Years day three years later. A new beginning.

2009 will be a big year, it will see Emma reach her fifth birthday as well as her first day of school. It will be the year that Dan and I hopefully concieve and achieve our second child. On September 10, the anniversary of our meeting 10 years ago.

I am looking forward to this new year and wishing your the most happiness for yours!

Merry Christmas of Course

2008-12-25T11:51:00.000-05:00

We are at Grandma's house in Norther Virginia for Christmas this year.

Here is a Christmas wish from Emma!

My Christmas Cube

2008-12-22T13:27:00.000-05:00

This is how I roll for X-mas in the office baby!

Look at my cute details, like snowflakes hanging from the overhead. Classic I tell ya.

Don't you love how my office accessories coordinate so perfectly.

Propensity for Blogging Too

2008-12-18T08:24:00.000-05:00

Do you know what word I like? Well, do ya? Oh, I won't keep you in suspense. I happen to like the word propensity, go ahead, say it out loud. "Propensity". I say this word a lot, without knowing exactly what it means. I say, "I have a propensity for this" or "She has a propensity for that". It was this very morning, while trying to do a get a little craft time in before rushing out the door that I said to myself, "I have a propensity for procrastination" which, is really not true, just in this one particular case, which happens to be crafting Christmas presents.

My list thus far would be:
Nana
JuJu
Beth
Laila (both birthday and Christmas)
Jarrett
Emma (of course)
Dan
five girls in the office

Would you like to know how many projects I have started? 13. Would you like to know how many I have finished? 0. So there you have it.

I have a propensity for procratination.

By the way, the definition of propensity is this:
an often intense natural inclination or preference

Perception vs. Reality

2008-12-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

In Emma's eyes, it looks just like the picture.

Obligitory Christmas Tree Post

2008-12-15T15:54:00.000-05:00

As is the tradition amongst bloggers, I feel I must provide a pictorial of Christmas tree decorating.

Here are Emma and Dan making memories and starting traditions.

Voila, finished tree.

That was exciting wasn't it! Chloe thinks so, just look at her face.

A List of Links, Happy Reading

2008-12-10T10:32:00.000-05:00

This here is a list of all the blogs that I read, on a regular basis, like, everyday. I think I might have a problem. Luckily, not everyone posts everyday, and bloglines keeps me orderly and what not. I might have issues. Maybe I can post them in this here blog, my issues that is.

NieNie
ODD Imagination
30days
Allsorts
Anastasia Drawing and Dreaming
Artfulife
coconut cupcakes
Colorfool
And Baby Makes Three
Confessions of a Pioneer Woman
Coyote Craft
Craft Junkie
Crafty Daisies
creative little daisy
Creative Reveries
CuisineNie
HELLOmynameisHeather
i have to say...
Junie Moon
Kaycee's Ramblings
LuckyStitches xxoo
Naptime Musings
not martha
Paint in My Hair
The Pioneer Woman Cooks!
Pretty In Ink -- Adventures in Paper Crafts
PW Home and Garden
Q.D. Patooties
The Secret is in the Sauce
Sew,Mama,Sew! Blog
Sewing Success Sewing Blog
Skip To My Lou
Stars
tom and jasmine
Trés Bon Babble
whip up
Husband, Father, Pastor
Olive Juice Co.
Old School Acres
Paradise Preoccupied
c jane enjoy it
What was I thinking?
The Lavender Loft
delightful designs
Frontier Dreams
nevadanistas!
oliver.handmade

Six Degrees of Blogging

2008-12-10T08:22:00.000-05:00

I think it very important to tell you, the music that resides to the right is not handpicked by moi. No, it is chosen by Marylinwho has a natural ability to choose the best, most wonderful songs in the universe! No, seriously, you have not experienced music until you listen to her play lists. You think I exggerate? I have been "listening" to her blog for exactly one year, for it was this time last year that I discovered her, through Cjane, who I discovered from Nie, and oh, the hip blog's connected to the leg blog...... Now that Cjane has the blogfrog widget (you should get it) I can only imagine what the next year holds in my blogging adventure.

It's Mel!

2008-12-09T08:00:00.000-05:00

Posting about home yesterday made me realize just how much I miss it. Not only home, but the people that live there too. My most favorite person in Reno would without a doubt be Melissa, or Mel to those who know her best. Talk about kindred. I think she took my place with my mom when I left Reno, I would even venture to say that my mom forgot that she had a daughter named Lisa. Something you should know is that everything clever I have ever said, or any catch phrase that I use on a regular basis was stolen directly from the lips of Mel. She is so fantastically gifted in the area of humor and wit, it's just easier to not compete and simply steal the words. Also, something you should know, is that whenever Mel is around, there is never a shortage of cleavage. What? It's important. Cleavage is sadly overlooked these days.

I love Mel, and I would like to take this opportunity to say that I would love Mel more if she would get a blog of her very own so that I can steal her words shamelessly and use them as my own, I kid, I would give her full credit, at the very bottom of the post, in really small font, like .07.

Home Means Nevada

2008-12-08T08:00:00.000-05:00

I feel exceptionally lucky to have found three bloggers from my home city and state of Reno, Nevada. To say that I am giddy would be a ginourmous understatement. Although I have not developed a friendship with these girls, I feel a kinship ala Anne of Green Gables. Kindred spirits. It's like a a little bit of home for the holidays.

Coyote Craft
Artfullife
Nevadanistas

I'm The Mom

2008-12-07T08:00:00.000-05:00

This video never gets old.

The Mom Song from Northland Video on Vimeo.

If You Love F. Scott as I Do.....

2008-12-06T10:35:00.000-05:00

Then you will certainly love this movie. And, if you don't know who F. Scott is, then may I suggest starting with Flappers and Philosophers, or if you prefer to go a little more Cliff Notes, you can read The Great Gatsby or watch the movie, that's fine too. Heck, you may not even like Mr. Fitgerald, but don't let that stop you from seeing Benjamin Button. It has Brad Pitt for crimany sakes.

Um, Yeah, So Wish I Was This Cool

2008-12-05T21:06:00.000-05:00

I wish.....
Wishing You a Merry 'Vintage' Christmas! from Jared Foster on Vimeo.

I knew how to do this because then I would send you all a video greeting card, which wouldn't be nearly as cool as this, but pretty darn cool nonetheless.

Love Notes on a Wipe Board

2008-12-05T11:00:00.000-05:00

So, a few days ago, my husband left me the cutest notes on our little wipe board that resides on the front door. By the way, I like having a little wipe board to write on/read before I head out the door, it takes the place of little stickies on the mirror so well. I really like that Dan leaves cute, funny and inspiring things on our little wipe board. I really, really do.

As I was leaving the house, our little board said, "I love my family". I thought to myself, I should take a picture and blog about that. Then, when I got home, the board said, "Hello My Love, something something something." No, it did not exactly something, something, something, but I can't remember exactly what it said, because my brain is fast making room for new things that must be remembered so I forgot okay. Sheesh. Anywho, the note was cute and I was definitely going to take a picture and blog about it, which I mentioned to Dan.

Later that evening, after giving Emma a bath, I came downstairs to find a note that said "No Photos Please". Dan had erased his lovely note and replaced it . Do you know why? Because you can't be a manly man if your love notes are posted on the Internet for the world to see. Or so he thinks. I can still write about it though, and to be honest, doesn't that make for a more manly man anyway? One who can profess love AND fix things?

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T11:40:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours. I would like to share with you a few things that I am thankful for this 2008.

I am thankful for my family's health and wealth. We are truly lucky to have a house over our head, clothes on our backs, food on our table and no major illness to speak of.

I am thankful for the recovery that Stephanie Nielsen and her husband have made and for their wonderful family who has inspired me as well as a world of people to live their lives with more enthusiasm and love.

I am thankful for these two days off that I have from work to spend at home, not worrying about cleaning the house or doing laundry or building a fence or gardening or whatever else my weekends are usually filled with.

Most of all, I am thankful for all the little things that make life good like Emma and Dan, my job, the beautiful weather that we have today and the ability to smile everyday and take in life's small joys.

Happy Turkey Day!