Money Changes Everything

So, with my husband in-between jobs and us semi-surviving on my income, we have come to the point where there is no money! Now, this is a personal situation but I guess I feel that any of you out there who are reading this, I feel are part of my family, anyway, so I will allow the peeping into my personal life. We have gotten to the point where there is never enough money, which any of you who have children in your lives, will know is a daily, if not hourly occurrence. However, the interesting part of all this is that we had the BEST weekend...with empty pockets.

On Friday night, we got to have my gorgeous step-daughter spend the night. This wouldn't be breaking news if it weren't for the fact that it has been almost a month since we have had her for the whole night! She is so lovely to talk with. She talks about boys and music and problems at school and making the Honor Roll...again! I hope I get a bumper sticker this time! Our son enjoyed her company more than I can express. He gets a little tired of living in "baby land" all the time and another warm body, without wrinkles, is always good to play video games with! they had a blast and I love that they love each other that much. There were no snacks in the house, no take-out ordered, no money spent...except on the electricity and directv bills!

Saturday morning, I made waffles, homemade waffles!!!! I ran out of syrup after the Diva got hers, so the rest of us had grape jelly and butter on our waffles. Quite a delight!! The Diva had to be taken home early, so it was up to us to entertain the future rockstar and the twins! WATER! It was finally a warm weekend...and when I say warm, I mean in the 80's without a cloud in the sky! I got the hose out and squirted the girls down. They LOVE the water! I believe they are going to be great swimmers, but we will see this Summer with swim lessons. We played outside in the warm air, the hose going crazy, hitting Queen Bean right in the face and filling up our Piglet's already bloated diaper! It was such a joy! Then, it was lunch time and then down for a nap! AHHH....a time to watch something good. I watched "The Queen" which, honestly, took me back to a time that I hoped I could forget.
(A brief note...possibly the best movie I have seen in years! Helen Mirren is just lovely!)
We are back to Saturday afternoon, nap time was over, I got in my 2 hours of "me" time and I had a thought. Not too hard to believe, but it was a good thought! How about a walk to the park? They had installed a mini-water park there and that might be fun for the kids to enjoy! So, we put them in the double-wide (stroller, that is!) and took the boy by the hand and off we went. Three minutes later they were all drenched. Running around like crazy people. Soaking up every drop of water, until about 30 minutes later, the water shut off. Shut off is at 5:00. Who knew? After that there were wet butts, mixed with sand, mixed with girl parts, mixed with a slide. It was not pretty! I still think there is sand somewhere! There was a good night's sleep, after a yummy dinner of mexican chicken and rice. It was good...the first day. Again, no money spent on our part!

Sunday morning, more waffles with jelly..maybe it is the fat girl in me, but it was good! Then, I had another brilliant idea. How about going to the park, again?! What could it hurt? This time, I would put them in their bathing suits and bring towels...and they would only be allowed to play before getting wet! So, after a mac & cheese lunch and NO NAP, we went to the park. IT WAS AWESOME! My little one's, all 3 of them, looking like newborn kittens, wet and running around like they were blind, bumping into everything, falling down, but having fun!! Yes, we took pictures, in case you were asking!!! I have never laughed so hard. Well, maybe, but never at my own children!!! Afterwards, we were invited over to my husband's best friend's house for food. We made carne asada, chicken, green onions on the grill, veggies and best of all, there was Malibu Rum in the juice that I was drinking down. I never drink anymore, but it sure hit the spot...twice..ok, three times! All in all, a great morning, fantastic day and a blissful night. With no nap, the girls went to bed and all was right with the world. Again, no money spent on our part!

So my thoughts are, money can make you happy and put a smile on your face, but not as happy as time with the people you love the most...

Mirth & Merriment...and Money, if that is what you desire!!!!

Precious by Tori Amos

So I ran faster

But it caught me here

Yes my loyalties turned

Like my ankle

In the seventh grade

Running after Billy

Running after the rain

These precious things

Let them bleed

Let them wash away

These precious things

Let them break their hold over me

He said you're really an ugly girl

But I like the way you play

And I died

But I thanked him

Can you believe that sick...sick...holding on to his picture

Dressing up every day

I wanna smash the faces

Of those beautiful boys

Those christian boys

So you can make me cum

That doesn't make you Jesus

These precious things

Let them bleed

Let them wash away

These precious things

Let them break their hold over me

I remember

Yes in my peach party dress

No one dared

No one cared to tell me

Where the pretty girls are

Those demi -gods....

With their nine-inch-nails

and little fascist panties tucked inside

the heart of every nice girl....

These precious things

Let them bleed

Let them wash away

These precious things

Let them break

Let them wash away

These these precious things

Let them bleed now

Let them wash away

These these precious things

Let them break their hold over me

Precious

Precious

Cornflake Girl

On my drive to work this morning, one of my favorite artists, Tori Amos, was on our local station KROQ. I love Tori Amos. I listened her to discuss the art that was vinyl and that she still makes sure that her music is put on to records. For those of you who are too young to remember, before mp3, cds, tapes...there was vinyl. Ahh...just saying it brings back days of listening to my brother play "Breakfast in America" by Supertramp.

When I got into the office, my manager...we will call him Neil, was discussing that he had heard her on the radio. He mentioned it only because he knows that I am a fan of hers. He then went on to discuss what a whack job she is with all of her multiple personalities. He actually said that she was a Psycho! I would have been insulted and appalled, but I wasn't. OF COURSE SHE IS A PSYCHO! Anyone knows that someone with the prolific talent that she has as a songwriter, musician and FEMALE has to come from another side of her. HELL, for that matter, any artist who can use their craft in a manner such as Ms. Amos, has got to be off their rocker. Example, of course, Robert DeNiro. How in God's name could a man play Travis Bickle and still be sane afterwards. How can someone like Martin Scorsese think of the scenes he puts onto film and be "normal"? Jim Carrey, and I am not a big fan, but he has got to be one of the oddest people on the planet for being able to pull off what he puts on to the big screen!

So, Neil....I could quote the whole stones, glass houses, bullshit that seems fitting, but I will only say this. How can I put this eloquently? Don't like it....Don't listen!!! Nah. How about Prozac Makes Genius Happen? Maybe.

Mirth & Merriment....Especially for you, Neil!!!!

What's Going On?

First of all, I just realized that all of my blog titles for the past few weeks have all been song titles...WOW! I'm more Grey's Anatomy than I thought and I don't even watch that show!

Today is Wednesday, April 25th and it is a momentous occasion! Are you listening, Sister??? I stopped by my Mother's house this morning. Being the fantastic mom that she is, she had a lunch all packed for me, all nutritious stuff, of course. She also had an unopened packaged of Double Stuff Oreo's, too! My mom is right up there with Mother Teresa and all of the Pope's. She packed up a People Magazine for me and while I was waiting, I turned to look at the headline's of today's newspaper. The story that caught my attention was about the impeachment strategy against our Vice President, Mr. Cheney.

Let me go back for a moment. My mother was BORN a REPUBLICAN. Even though she came out of a Democrat, she was a Republican from the get go. This is the woman who believed Mr. Nixon when he said he wasn't lying. This is the woman who would not let me celebrate in her house when, in the very first election that I could vote in, my candidate won (Bill Clinton, by the way!) Enough said....did I mention that she gets a Christmas card from W and Laura each year?

Back to the story...I commented that "Hey, looks like they are trying to make some trouble for your VP, huh?" Her comment next is what today's blog is all about. My mother turned her silver-haired head towards me and uttered the following..."I have had it with Bush and Cheney!" Do I need to say it again? "I have had it with Bush and Cheney!" I think you get the picture. I could not believe my ears. Had Hell finally frozen over? Had the Dodgers won the Pennant? Had Van Halen gotten back together (with David Lee Roth)? Had Britney Spears put panties on? I felt my jaw hanging open, so I shut it...which I don't do often enough, or so I am told!

The difference between my Mother & I, besides age, is that as a young voter I know that all Politicos are liars...it is up to them to prove me wrong. So, Ma...hats off to you for understanding that the man that you voted into the oval office is not perfect and has made mistakes. KUDOS! However, I can also see that he is not evil and, come next November we will bid him a farewell, some of us fondly some of us not...and we will have a new Liar to contend with. BRING IT ON!


Mirth & Merriment....Get out and register to VOTE!

Wouldn't It Be Nice?

I started doing this whole blog-thing because my inspirational guru sister-in-law started first, so blame her! And on her blog this past Thursday, she decided to express her love for "lists" of any kind and will now, each Thursday be creating her own list. On the list, I expressed my need and want and longing for one full night's sleep. Being the mother to shrunken adults, I imagined this never a reality.

My husband's grandmother, we will call her Lois, decided to take our youngest two for the weekend. Not just a night, but 2 nights...Friday and Saturday! HUH? Is this real? Would somebody really put themselves through that on purpose? We jumped at the chance even though we had no extra cash to do anything and we did not have a sitter for the Mini-Rockstar. We packed them up, moved our car seats (dropping cheetos onto the driveway) into her prestine car (she had towels on the seats...smart lady!) and waved goodbye to our babies. Friday night was spent at home, watching all of the shows that I had recorded over the past week which were not watched earlier due to our TV sometimes only being able to view Spongebob (Desperate Housewives, The Sopranos, ER and House), eating Fiery Habanero doritos and drinking a large bottle of Mango Madness Snapple and falling asleep at Midnight. Wow...Party Animal, huh? The kicker is...I slept in until 11 am! WHAT THE???? I got up feeling refreshed and happy. WHAT THE??? I was nice to my husband! WHAT THE??? Ahh.....thank God for grandparents!

Moral of the Story...Sometimes we get what we wish for and it aint bad!

Mirth & Merriment...and hours of uninterrupted sleep to you and yours!!!

California Dreamin....

Yes, the weekend has arrived and the clouds have come! I don't know exactly why the entire week is sunny and warm and then the time comes for family-time or God forbid...date night...it rains! Go figure!!!!

Just a Quick Quote...

I've never been a millionaire but I just know I'd be darling at it.
Dorothy Parker

Tragedy

When I was awoken by my mother telling me that I needed to get up and come see what was on t.v., I was still in that half-awake period, but I got up anyway. She's my mom..you listen to Mom, right? What I got up to see was the World Trade Center building on fire. I kept asking what was happening and they first thought that it had been bombed like before. When my 11 month old son wandered in, rubbing his sleepy eyes, I picked him up and held him in my arms. Just then, the second plane hit the other tower and we were all silent and dumbfounded. How could this be happening? Who was doing this? What was this all about? I cuddled my son as the tears started to run down my cheeks. I was focused on these innocent people on board the plane and in this building who were alive just minutes ago and now their families lived would be changed forever. I stroked his little head while trying to imagine what type of world he would grow up in.

When the Oklahoma City bombing and Columbine happened, I was not yet a parent. I did not have these thoughts running through my mind. But, as we parents know...everything changes with the birth of a new little responsibility.

I am struck that I should write down my feelings about the incidents that occurred at Virginia Tech this week. While driving my son to school this morning, the radio was playing excerpts from conversations of people who were witness to the rampage of a medially off-balance fellow student. My son questioned me as to what they were talking about. When I thought for a moment how to answer his question I decided to simply say "there was a student who shot and killed a lot of people and himself". He did his typical silent stare and then said "was he crazy?". I said that I thought anyone who would do that to others and then to himself has to be a little sick in the head. My son told me that he felt sorry for all those people and we said that we would include them all in our prayers, which we will do tonight after story time.

This individual, we are now learning, gave some warning signs to teachers, students and others that he came in contact with that he was not a stable person. However, I do not hold these people accountable for his actions. His writings are violent and disturbing but never once does he mention shooting people at school. I am a creative writer and have written many short stories and such that depict things that I would never do, that is creative writing. The President of Virginia Tech is not responsible, neither are teachers or counselors. One man is responsible and he will never truly pay for what he has done to everyone involved.

So, to the family of the Virginia Tech students and teacher who lost their lives, our thoughts and prayers are with you. May your loved one's find peace in knowing that I will continue to raise my children to respect human life and the beating hearts of others. We will continue to pray for you in the coming hours, days, years...and pray for humans everywhere that tragedy not strike like this again.

Godspeed to you all...


Mirth & Merriment, when at all possible!

You're The Meaning In My Life...You're My Inspiration!

Today is my Mother's last radiation treatment! Can I get a collective YES? Let me introduce you to this woman who is a constant source of inspiration to me....all her children, actually!

She was born on July 7, 1940 in Tulare, California. She is the oldest of 2...a big sister! Her birthday this year, her 67th, will be on 7/7/07...buy a lottery ticket, Ma! In 1963, she became a single Mom to my brother. She worked very hard to raise him to be a respectful human being and he is! She had my sister in 1968 and then I came along in 1970...the end of the line! She has lived in California, Hawaii, Arizona and then back to California. In fact, she lives just 5 minutes away from where she grew up! She was a military wife, providing daycare on the bases where we lived. She loves children and is happy that she has 13 grandchildren! What a lucky number! She has been married to my stepfather since 1977...still growing strong (que "Love Will Keep Us Together")!

My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent surgery earlier this year. There was never a sense of distress in her voice and her spirit could not be broken. She took the news like she takes everything...with an "I can get through this" attitude (que "I am Woman"). I probably took it harder than she did. To hear that the woman who gave birth to me and has provided me such great life lessons could ever possibly be ill or die, for that matter, was too much to take. Although I do understand that everyone eventually meets their maker and their time on earth will end...(que "Dust In The Wind") I guess you do not think of your parents as old enough to die.

So MOM....congratulations on making it through 6 weeks of radiation that tuckered you out. Take a long nap. I look forward to you telling my children that "Herman...had eaten them!". I look forward to you making them french toast from Hawaiian sweet bread and Christmas cookies. I love you. I love that you know who Oingo Boingo, Morrissey and Depechemode are, but you also know all the words to every song on the Oklahoma soundtrack. I love that your hair is that shiny silver, because it gives me hope with all my gray hair. I love that you can use words that nobody has ever heard before in a normal, everyday conversation. I love that you still sing songs out loud while driving (que "California Dreamin'"). I love you completely. I will not love you for as long as you live... I will love you for as long as I live!

Mirth & Merriment, People!!!

What A Wonderful World...

Saturday afternoon, while listening to the radio, I had a discussion with my husband about who the band was. When I told him who it was, I remembered that the lead singer of Social Distortion had dropped dead pretty suddenly. Our son heard our conversation and when Daddy got out of the car to step into the grocery store, he asked me how that guy had died. Well, it was a long time ago and many song lyrics since and I couldn't remember all the details, but it was like he was taking out the trash and they found him dead in the driveway. My son, who is only 6, then asked me how Martin Luther King Jr. had died. WOW! Ok.

I explained to him that Dr. King was assassinated on an April day by someone who did not agree with what he was trying to do. I went on to tell him about slavery and Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation. He listened to me very closely...taking all of what I was saying in. He barely blinked. He questioned me why someone could hate another person that they don't know for doing something that was so good? Another, WOW! I told my son that there are some people out there who judge people by color or religion or sex or decisions that they have made in their lives. This brought me to write the following:

A Letter To My Children

My beautiful loves,

I have heard all 4 of your heartbeats, so I know that you have a magic living inside you. Three of you lived inside of me and that is how I know that God truly exists. One of you came to by sheer luck and you are no different to me than any of the other children in my home.

Because I know you all have hearts, I know that you also have a great capacity to love others and I hope that you share your heart often. In fact, share it every single day, if only to say something nice to someone who might be having a bad day or hug a friend of family member who is sad. You do not know this yet, because you are young, but to love someone is truly the greatest gift you can give. It comes wrapped in the perfect gift bag, YOU! I would tell you that someday your hearts will get broken and to be careful of love, but don't. if you want to love...love! If you want to laugh....laugh! If you need to cry...cry! Crying only makes you stronger at the end of a long day.

There are real "bad guys" out there. Some who hate us because we love God. Some hate us because of our color or lack thereof. Some hate just because they have nothing better to do with their time. These people are not worth a second thought. Do not fear them because that is giving them what they want. Be strong. Be Americans. But do not be afraid. We do not control the destiny that God has set up for us and to try to control the uncontrollable is pointless. My point is, do not be afraid of the unknown, for it can make your heart weary, your mind wander and your body weak. "The only thing we have to fear is, fear itself!"

So my beautiful children, remember that one day I will be gone. That you will one day be the parent and faced with many obstacles, but those who be outweighed by joy...trust me on this one.

My love and heart is with you always...Mom!

Mirth and Merriment, my friends!

No Black Cats!

Friday the 13th....ooh! Kim and Paula will appreciate this story!

One Summer that I spent in Texas visiting my Dad and family...mostly just my sister Kim...we decided that we would rent all of the scary movies that our little video store had in stock. No matter how stupid, we watched them. From the original "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" to "Slumber Party Massacre" and "Sleepaway Camp" to "The Town That Dreaded Sundown". We were all glossy eyed by Summer's end. I could not get enough. I am a huge fan of horror movies, obviously from an early age.

(Bad parent announcements coming!)
So, when my son was old enough, he watched a scary movie with me. Old enough being when he was old enough to speak! I showed him "Nightmare on Elm Street" when he was 3 years old. Freddy Krueger...classic! He LOVED it! He can't get enough of them. He even has Freddy, Jason Voorhies and Leatherface action figures. He has never had a nightmare about one of these films. He is just our child. He loves the scare-factor. He loves the gore. He loves the villains.

For his 6th birthday, we got a babysitter for the babies and took him to the movies. We got popcorn and slurpees and we sat in a theater full of about 6 other people and watched "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre...the beginning!" I kept a close on him, noticing that his eyes were about as big as my coffee cup, minus the java....his eyes are blue! He had the best time, but better than that, Daddy & I had the best time sharing our love of the horror genre with him. We enjoy these times with him. Yes, I know that they are violent. Yes, I know that they are graphic. But, I am spending time with my kid! He is not plopped in front of a video game while I ignore him....he is doing something with his parents. He is only this age once and I want to share with him as much as I can. Or maybe I just like the way he wants to hang on to me when he gets scared. It makes me feel like I am still needed.

*Disclaimer*
My son is a first grader, reading 4th and 5th grade books. He is in a class that combines the advanced first graders with the second graders who need more help. He is a mentor in his class! He helps the second graders with reading. He is doing second grade math. He is the smartest little kid I know. He is growing up too fast. I tried to stop feeding him and giving him water, but the damned weed is still growing.

PS - The only movie I have ever watched with him that made him have a nightmare was "ET". WHAT THE????????

Mirth & Merriment To You And Yours!

Snot...Everywhere....Snot!

It is rubbed across their faces, wiped on mom's shirt, smeared diagonally on Dad's cheek during a hug and embedded onto the hallway walls. Yes, it is that time of year. Spring has Sprung!! And allergy season has arrived. Daughters, I apologize that you have inherited my horrible sinuses. I wished that you would have my eyes, but not quite. Snot is SNOT my least favorite of the 7 deadly baby leakings...but, it comes close!

I hid the nose sucker (bulb syringe) because, like the dentist, it strikes fear into the hearts of my children. For they know that soon, they will be held down by not one, but 2 grown adults who will not be able to keep them from squirming and have a long, rubber object shoved ever-so slightly up one nostril to suck their little brains from their head. Second nostril, not as easy! I usually try and do at least 4 good sucks on each side, if my head can stand the horrific screams coming from the mouths of my babies. Beana is already such a drama queen that I made the mistake of asking my husband where the Nose Sucker was and she threw herself on the floor screaming "NO, Mommy.....NO!"

So tonight, the ritual will begin after they are out of a very-warm bath and have outplayed all their rubber duckie and frog toys. After Bean has tried to drowned her sister three times and our Piglet has shown me what a great swimmer she is. They will be dried off and dressed, though they may possibly have the most adorable bare naked baby butts on the planet (sorry, if you have children...but, be real...have you seen 'em?) and then, provoked by "come give Mommy a big hug!" only to be tricked into the beginning of the wrestling match that comes before the nose sucking begins! It will take approximately 10 minutes with each girl...I am gentle...I mean, I don't really want to suck out their little brains! After 10 minutes, I give up. If they remain congested, so be it...that is what the medication is for. I will prepare nice very-warm bottles and they will collapse into their big girl beds.

I, on the other hand, might need a large glass of wine. Forget the wine glasses, the special one's that belonged to my grandmother....we are talking a reusable Big Gulp cup from 7-11. That is what I'm talking about.

Mirth & Merriment, People...mirth and f'in merriment!!!!

Good Things Come To Those Who Wait...and Cry!

Yesterday was my first day back to work and it was a little rough. I felt exhausted by the end of the day. No real pain, mind you, just lots of running around after sitting for so long. I was frustrated that I was not able to do more...I am a do-er!

Early in the day, I found that one of our co-workers is leaving her position on Friday. Apparently she gave notice while I was out re cooperating, but it wasn't made public. She is our Site Coordinator. She basically does all of the driver safety training, handles the maintenance department, keeps up with AQMD testing and all safety regulations. She has a pretty big responsibility here and she will be missed! So when I heard that she was leaving I thought to myself "Self" (that is what I call myself!) "Why couldn't you do that job!" I sent an email to the Project Manager, who is her direct Manager and asked if I could throw my hat in the ring. 5 minutes later, I was offered the posit on and start training today! WOW! I feel so excited to be doing something different.

Customer Service is my home, has been for almost 5 years now. I feel safe here, but safe isn't so good when there are so many different aspects to our Business. I am sad to be leaving my CS and Sales family. This is to you guys (and girls) directly...you are my heart and soul here at the office. You make me feel like a part of your families and I am honored to work with each of you. The fact that I will no longer be in your department makes me sad (no tears yet!) but I will be just a stroll down the hall. You can find me in the last office on the right, sitting in front of the big window!

I look forward to my new experiences and all the new crap that my brain will have to sustain. Maybe learning something new will push out all of the useless crap in my head (see earlier blog). Ahh...to not remember the entire script to the Ronco Mr. Microphone commercial (Hey Good Lookin', I'll be back to pick you up later!)

Mirth & Merriment Always!

My One True Passion...sorry, Anthony!

Did anyone watch HOUSE last night? OMG! Is it ridiculous that it is the one show that I have set to record but I watch it while it is recording? What is going on with me? I can stay up late to watch this show but not have sex with my husband? Is this natural?

Where Is The Love?

As a female driver in Southern California I will always be on the end of several jokes. However, I do consider myself a good driver, as long as there is something good on the radio. I only have about a 1/2 hour commute, both ways to and from work so I am not on those horrible freeways for long, but the minutes I do spend on them is filled with the ridiculous!

210 freeway westbound at approximately 7:35 a.m. -
Female driver changing lanes sporadically without use of turn signal! Honked at not once, but twice, but other motorists. No visible bumper sticker on car.

605 freeway southbound at approximately 7:44 a.m. -
Female driver attempting to merge into freeway traffic, while going 35 mph. She was riding the shoulder because nobody would let her over. That is, until I showed up. I slowed WAY DOWN and signaled her to come on in! She did, but without a hand sign saying "thank you, kind motorist for allowing me into your lane!" That pissed me off! After all the rude drivers not letting her in, I was nice enough to and got nothing! What the hell?

No. There is no reason both of my examples are female, except that is what I endured this morning. Just wanted to share a little of my morning with you.

Mirth & Merriment!!!!

Welcome Back!

Did I mention that this is my first day back to work and when I got here there was NO COFFEE!


Nazi's!

Today was supposed to be my first day back to work after my surgery. Well, wouldn't you know that it was probably one of the roughest nights since that surgery and I got about 2 hours sleep and finally called in to work at 6 am and said that I didn't think it was gonna happen today. I am confident that I will be able to get my lazy ass to work tomorrow, praying that my babies get to sleep early...I mean, they haven't napped all day, they have to be tired....right?

Easter was great. It is interesting how I remember the "older kids" hid the eggs so hidden that there were years that we left some un-found! Now, I am the older kid...stop laughing, Paula, and I was the one finding myself wickedly laughing as I dropped two or three into a bush even after my father said "hey, those have thorns!" Well that is what's fun, right? Danger! Mystery! I mean, I probably hunted for eggs coming dangerously close to emergency room visits on several occasions. When you are a kid and there is candy involved....WHO CARES! Besides, did I mention that all the "little kids" found the eggs and there was not one complaint.

Easter was also wonderful because I got to see a brand new edition to our family. The Easter Frog, is what I will call her because she still has that scrunchy-leg thing happening. She is now 5 weeks old and just lovely. Of course, she isn't old enough to throw a tantrum after too much candy, but her time will come. My cousin looks amazing when he holds his new daughter. I know that he won't mind me saying, but a few years back I thought that we had lost him to the drugs of his choice for good. It was very sad for me to see my "twin" throwing it all away...his life, his dreams, his talents on something that was literally killing him before our eyes. Now, as I see him, a Professional....married and now a father, my heart was filled with joy. I cannot wait until our Easter Froggie grows up and can hear great tales of her father as a child. I only hope that she understands and knows that she is the true light of his life and that God truly saved him from ruin, just for her! Oh, and his wife, of course!

So, the babies are jumping on me...which doesn't feel so good and there is a pile of clean laundry on the bed, as opposed to the pile of dirty laundry in the hall and they both must be tended to, so I must go.

I hope that your life today was full of mirth and merriment.....Keep on Living!

Celibacy, part 2

There are only 8 days left...by the way and he is the only one counting down.
BIG SURPRISE!

Celibacy is an art form!

Will he ever want to have sex with me again? I stay up at night wondering, our after our 2 week sabbatical, if he will even want me? I find it highly doubtful...but, let's think it over.

I mean let's just start from the beginning....a very fine place to start. (Get it, Monkey??)

When our son was born, it was not pretty. A miracle, yes! A nice view...hell no! He saw things happen to my body that give me nightmares. Then, he had to witness a c-section, which I will explain like this. They sliced me open, took everything inside me - out - including both babies and then replaced it all. That was lovely. He still says "hey, ya know I think I saw what your stomach looked like!" every once in awhile to make me feel he deserves just a little more worship. Then, he had to help me take care of my recovery from said surgery. Helping me shower and use the bathroom...if only there was a video camera around. He still wouldn't go to the store to buy tampons, but he could help with that? Ridiculous! Cut to today...cut, funny! Cut. Anyway, we changed the dressing on my 3 beautiful incisions. 3 incisions for the 3 children, nope. Just a coincidence. The first one, which is on my left side (your right) is completely closed and looks like there was never a slice made. The second, which is right on my belly button is revolting! It looks like I have 3 belly buttons now and none of them are bare-midriff sexy. As if! The third incision, which is on my right side (again, your left) is slightly open and a little oozy. Now, if it isn't devotion that he has to endure all of this plus throw in the years of horrible month-long periods and everything else that we have been through, then I don't know what is. Would Brad do all of this for Angelina? I think not!

Thank you, King of Comics for everything that you do for me. I love you, babe!

PS - It can't ALL be about him! Did I mention the 17 hours of labor with our son and the excruciating pain? Did I mention how horrible my recovery from my c-section was? Or that I didn't get to see my babies for HOURS while he got to bathe and feed them and show them off to all the visitors? Damn him! Damn all men! Damn! Damn!

Ok. I'm good now. Thank you honey! And as for whether or not he will ever want to have sex with me again. Be real! He's a man! He wants sex from anyone...he just gets it from me!

In Your Easter Bonnet...

Happy Easter, if you celebrate the Holiday! We do! Not by going to church, though which I think means I am a bad Catholic, but by searching for eggs, eating all the kids candy and eating way too much ham. MMMM..ham! MMMMMM....

So, Happy Day to you and yours. May all of your eggs be filled with laffy taffy or reese's peanut butter cups...although that gets messy if it is a warm day.

Bok! Bok! Easter Bunny!

CABIN FEVER...part 2

What would you wish for if you had just one wish?

Sorry, Al Gore, but possibly just to have a healthy family for as long as possible. No more illness. No more hospitals. Just joy.

Anyone?

CABIN FEVER...can it be?

OK, people. Let me now introduce you to my beautiful family...

My husband, who I will call the King of Comics is quite a catch. He is an inch shorter than me and lately we have both been noticing that either I am growing (highly doubtful) or he is shrinking (bingo!). He is called the King of Comics because we have not 1, not 2, not even 5, but 12 large Rubbermaid containers in our garage full of his comic books. Thank God we had a son to pass those along to. They are everywhere! Bathroom? Check. Living Room? Check. Nursery? Check! He has brought me much joy and much sadness but he also brought me the rest of the family. None of them would be in my life without him, so to his sperm, who will no more fertilize any eggs o' mine...thanks, guys! Great swimming!

My beautiful stepdaughter we will call The Diva! She is 12 going on 22 and I can't stop it. I've tried not feeding her, but she continues to grow. She is not completely out of control and is an excellent student, so I have no complaints. My one complaint is that we don't get much time with her. My joy, where she is concerned, is going to Starbucks for a Vanilla Creme and getting our nails and toes done. That is a great feeling. The King once told me "Hey, you aren't her mother!" Well, that is true. Her mother is doing a great job. I am just here to add to the entertainment. Did I mention that her nickname for me is "Wicked"? Like the wicked stepmother. Cool, huh?

My firstborn, son and moon and stars is our Rock Star. He is 6. He is in the first grade. He is reading 4th grade books! He amazes me everyday. He is too smart for his age, making him a smart ass. Having begged for a baby brother to play with, to share all those superhero toys and getting 2 more sisters...he is handling it well. There are the tantrums, which make me laugh mostly because they are exactly like the one's I threw. Hi, Mom!

The last two are individuals, despite being born just 1 minute apart. Our Queen Bean is our big girl! She is 6 pounds heavier, 1 inch taller and moodier than I ever was, even without medication. She is absolutely beautiful and I sometimes catch myself watching her while she does absolutely nothing. She is in control and is the Mommy whenever I am not around...even when I am around she is pointing fingers and telling people what to do. Our runt, Our Piglet is our little ballerina. She is petite and lovely. She is also the talker. She grabbed a GI Joe semi-automatic something today and said "OK, Mama...put your hands up!" She is following in the footsteps of her brother (God help us) and loves to learn everything she can. Our girls are growing like weeds and I am full of joy!

I am also full of crap! There are times when I yell at everyone! When I am unhappy about financials or incidentals. When I cry for no reason. When I know my life is not nearly as horrible as it could be, but I still feel sorry for myself. But, if someone had told me 10 years ago that I would be married with 4 children and no uterus I would have said No way. But, bring it on, Lord! Whatever you can dish out, I can handle. After all, I practiced on 9 nieces and nephews before conceiving of conceiving my own.

Well, it was nice to get away from the zoo, but it is time for me to get back in the ring. Ding!

Mom's Will Be Mom's!

I am at home, doing my best to feel better after not showering since 5 am on Monday! I don't smell that bad, do I? Anyway, thought I would mention the power of the Mother! I decided that since I really don't feel all that bad that I would make lunch and clean up, make dinner and clean up and then...MOM CALLED! Yikes! She gave one of those stearn talking to's like only a girl who went to Catholic School can. She is right. I need to relinquish the title of Mom o' the Year for now and put my feet up. Man, do I need a pedicure!

So, to all my peeps at work....are u surviving without me? I imagine things are just as perfect as when the bomb fell on Hiroshima. Live it up....I come back on Monday and who knows what kind of mood I will be in.

I am going to shower, with my mid-section wrapped in saran wrap...sexy, huh? Ciao for now!

Why is this song always going through my mind?

If you just read it, ready every line you will know why this band is one of the best!!! EVER!!!!

HEY YOU by Pink Floyd

Hey you, out there in the cold
Getting lonely, getting old
Can you feel me?

Hey you, standing in the aisles
With itchy feet and fading smiles
Can you feel me?
Hey you, dont help them to bury the light
Don't give in without a fight.

Hey you, out there on your own
Sitting naked by the phone
Would you touch me?
Hey you, with you ear against the wall
Waiting for someone to call out
Would you touch me?
Hey you, would you help me to carry the stone?
Open your heart, I'm coming home.

But it was only fantasy.
The wall was too high, As you can see.
No matter how he tried,
He could not break free.
And the worms ate into his brain.

Hey you, standing in the roadalways doing what you're told,
Can you help me?
Hey you, out there beyond the wall,
Breaking bottles in the hall,
Can you help me?
Hey you, don't tell me there's no hope at all
Together we stand, divided we fall

Vacation?

I am home, approximately 24 hours post-hysty and there is NOTHING on TV.

I find that TIVO is my friend and I did set certain things to record knowing that I would have some extra tv time. I am sure you can tell a lot from a person by what they have recording or set to record...so for all of you out there who use yours, let me know 5 things on it! Here are mine:

1. An Inconvenient Truth. Truth be told, I have not watched it yet. Bad, Democrat!
2. One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest. Better keep my mouth shut on that one.
3. Blues Clues...every episode is set to record. Ask not what Nickelodeon can do for you...
4. Matilda. For the boy, ya know??
5. CSI, every new episode is set to record. I just can't get enough of Grissom and the Gang!

My Love to you all....read more later!

DARVOCET IS YOUR FRIEND!

Home from the hospital...jiggidy jig!

Spring Cleaning!

So, it is done. Clothes are all washed, rooms are all cleaned, things are in order. I even pruned the roses in the front yard and picked out the weeds. What the hell is wrong with me? Blame it on the uterus since she won't be with us much longer! AHHHH...I am completely prepared for whatever will be thrown at me tomorrow when I check into the hospital at 5:30 a.m. My husband is not happy about the time and to make it better, I have promised to purchase him all of the trash tabloids that I can find this evening. I will be making marinated steaks, salad and veggies for dinner, washing those dishes and hitting the sack about 10:00 - which means that I won't fall asleep until 11:30 and I can't have anything to drink or eat after midnight. Doesn't cookies n cream sound good at midnight??

So...yawn...I am off to finish all of the last minute crap that comes my way and get some food and stuff for the house.

I might not write tomorrow, so keep a good thought. My love is with you all...