Insane Mommy

2011-01-26T13:55:00.009-05:00

Hello! I'm back. Ok, everyone had so many different views on private and public education. But, what I've realized is that I too have had a change of heart. What, you say - you who is always so firm with your decisions?! Yes, I have. Let me explain my thought to you. It's no secret (I don't think!) that I we are trying to leave the greater DC area (interpret northern Virginia - with a heavy accent on the "naawthen vaaa-gin-ya part!) so that we can be closer to the ~~beach~~ family. Yeah, that's right... .family.

What I have discovered in my house hunt is, not all schools are as stellar and fabulous as what we take for granted in northern Virginia. I know - shocking isn't it?!? Anyway, if we were to land in one of the three areas we are considering, private education maybe in the chicks future. ON the plus side, all the communities we are considering have a big Jewish community, and therefore have Jewish Day Schools. Yea. I'm all happy. Now on to my new obsession - Morocco!

Private or Public?

2010-07-07T14:09:00.015-05:00

And I ain't talking toilets, ladies! Thank you for the three of you who have so diligently continued to email me - really, everything is dandy! I'm just consumed with all the things that are now part of my routine...I truly have less time now than when I was working! Thank goodness school is over for the summer.....for all of us!

BUT I want to discuss what is a "hot" topic of conversation in my neck of the woods these days. School. And listen up - we have good, no, GREAT SCHOOLS in the greater DC area.

Are your kids going private, or public next year? Well, the following are some of the responses I've had when discussing said topic. See for yourself, then get back to me on your views and opinions.

random lady: Are you sending your kids to private or public school next year?

me: oh, public - fur shore! why, are you considering private?

random lady: yeah, I mean, should it take 20 minutes to pick your kid up, in the drop off lane?!
me: ummm, yeah - my kids are in private pre-school, and yeah, if you are "Mrs. I'm so Entitled" the drop-off lane is your peronal gold star parking space for being a "mom of five".... crap....choices.....or birth control

crazy lady: guns...I'm concerned about guns

me: ummmm.... what about guns?!? you can have guns in private school too - they're not exempt! ...rolling eyes....

church lady met in the parking lot: I want my kids to go to school with "like minded" kids

me: what do you mean? thinking.... FREAK, like that's "real world" preparation....ugh

church lady met in the parking lot: you know, brought up in the same type of home, pray the same

me: oh, not me - I'd drop my kids in DC if I could. I'm all about "diversity" - you know, Ex-pose-ur!

freaky woman: well, I think you'd want your kids going to private, cuz all the Chinese kids are so smart and always get the highest grades

me: restraining from punching her... I think my kids have a disadvantage... I'm their mommy! Walking away, thinking if that's the kind of kids in private, mine will be staying in the public school system

hot mommy: she really was hot, and likable. I'm not getting up that early, at least with private they don't have to be there til 9:00am... how bout you?

me: laughing, (cuz she was so honest!) nope, i'm all about buying my condo in Florida, education is so over-rated!

neighbor: you should send your kids to private so they don't have to go to school with the "poor" kids...

me: yeah, that's exactly what I was thinking... NOT!

Interestingly enough, not one person(NOT ONE!) that I've discussed the school thing with, has mentioned they're sending their kid to private for a better education. Meaning, because their kids are currently getting a sub-standard education. Our schools(NOVA) are some of the BEST in the nation, (top 100-150) however if I could send my kids to the Jewish Day School (25 miles away) and it wasn't 22k EACH (yeah, swallow that nut) - I would put my kids in private, and no, not for the educational advantage, but for the religious component. BUT, it's a two hour ++ commute each day, and I'm not putting my kids or myself through that, not to mention it's almost 45k for two kids to go to elementary school. I don't need that kind of pressure. Besides, you already know how I feel about my Florida condo.

I do wish the public schools required students to wear uniforms. Boy, would my life be so easy.

So what's your thoughts?!

p.s. I only post comments that are in English.

Holiday Letter from the Ghelerter’s 2009

2010-01-28T16:42:00.074-05:00

Hello family and friends!! As many of you know, I did NOT get a holiday letter out this year! BUT, had I this is what I would’ve said. I hope your and yours, had a wonderful year! As I sit and reflect upon our year, I want to give thanks to all of you for being in our lives. This year we saw many changes, some special and some sad. Hang on as I step you through the past year with the Ghelerter’s! It could be a bumpy ride.

January was a special month for us. The world cheered as we elected our first black President! For me this would mean many things, one of which was having my sister, Val and her family in town to celebrate the inauguration with us! They, unlike some “party crashers” received the gold engraved invitation from Mr. President himself!

Our beautiful Au pair, Mai and her fiancé, Wes, were married in our home, and “daddy” as she fondly calls him, gave her away. As you can imagine, I was a blubbering mess. We were so excited that Wes’s family was able to witness the nuptials, as well as “The Nana”!! The newlyweds will be traveling to Thailand this summer to be married in a traditional Thai wedding, and for Wes to meet her parent’s. I do hope they approve, and hope he has his dowry in order. *snort* …

Due to (so much) time on my hands, I decided to return to school. I won’t kid you; I was so scared I nearly talked myself out of it! I have a hard enough time trying to remember what I did yesterday, yet now I'm trying to memorize dates in history, way before the caveman was born! I am hopeful though, that I will be finished long before the girls start college although, Jeff believes this is just a ploy to follow them to college. Hmmm, I never thought of that…really.

February was a tough month for us. I too, joined the ranks of the 2.8 million(or is it zillion now?!) Americans who were unemployed! Unfortunately, for Jeff I was thrilled beyond, beyond! (Sorry, babe). But sadly, the following day we lost our beloved German Shepherd, Maggie tragically. My heart still aches….R.I.P. my love.
March was a busy month for us. The chick’s started swim class and gymnastics! They are coming along nicely in the water, and their Gymnastic's coach is an Olympic Gold Medalist! Carrie Scruggs, you’ve got nothing on the fearless duo!

Meanwhile,I decided to take up cake decorating. Surprisingly I discovered a stirring for the flour deep within, which prompted me to start baking sweets and goodies for neighbors and friends. That could account for the excess baggage I’m carrying around like a "747"! Note to self: Check into fat farm!! June and July was a wild month for us. We had plotted and planned our trip to Florida for almost a year. We hit the east coast of Florida, from top to bottom and then swung back around and topped it off with a visit to Disney. Jeff and I were able to re-live some of our favorite “haunts” from when we lived in Lauderdale. Alone! Thanks to Nana. Unfortunately, we ran out of time and weren’t able to see some very special friends – but not to worry; we’ll be returning this summer with the “U-Haul”! Run Forrest, run….
Home and barely unpacked from Florida, I was off and running again, this time to south eastern Ohio for one of two high school class reunions. I had such a great time re-connecting with old friends, and was thrilled to see my high school crush (he never knew) was there too. Funny, he married a girl just like me. Well, almost like me…she’s a doctor, (I know medical terms) he is too....and she's blonde (me too) and has beautiful blue eyes (me too - although mine are baggy) yeah....we're so much alike!
The annual "girls" trip this year was spent in southwestern, Virginia at my life long friend, Diane's “Mansion in the Hills”. Her hospitality was so gracious, I reserved the "Presidential Suite" and returned two weeks later with my "klan"! I do hope we get to indulge them with our presence this summer…. What could be better than hanging with the Ghelerter's?!?! lol.

Labor Day weekend I celebrated yet another class reunion in Westerville, Ohio. It was a fancy schmancy affair that required us to wear “grown-up” clothes! Lol. We partied like it was 1979 and we were all sorry when the evening ended. I still think we’re the coolest people I know!
My babies are growing up all too fast!! In September they started school at our Synagogue. I couldn’t believe what an emotional day it was. They each ran into their classrooms excited for me to leave. It was me who cried!

The chick’s and I ended the summer with one last trip to the beach. Unfortunately, Jeff could not get away to join us. With car packed we headed out for four days of fun in the sun in the Outer Banks. Nothing spells “relax” to me, than a beach outing and digging my toes in the sand......

December was a huge month for us. We celebrated Chanukah with much pomp and flair. It was so exciting to watch as the girls helped daddy with the lighting of the candles and reciting the blessings.

Jeff had much anticipated good news to celebrate, as he passed the CPSM exam which he has been studying diligently for, for the past year! It’s.A.Big.Deal. That’s what he tells me…. He then heads to NY for what we believe to be the final test to determine what ails him. Unfortunately, the specialist still does not know what is causing him so much pain. Where is “House” when you need him!?!? We are confident the doctors will solve the mystery. Someday.

New Year’s Eve would not be complete without the help of Uncle Rob and Uncle Dex to help ring in the New Year. We cooked, ate and were far too merry!!

Lastly, I want to give special thanks to my amazing husband, Jeff. If it weren’t for him bringing home the “bacon,” the chicks and I would not be able to do all that we do. We love you, babe.

To all of you, here’s hoping to an awesome 2010! If you get over our way, give us a call. We always have a bottle of red "breathing"......
Love,

Rony, Jeff, Abbey, and Katie

Apologizing...............

2009-12-02T12:37:00.000-05:00

Bringing G-d Into - Apologizing
By Aryeh Ben David

My family has been living in a wonderful small town for 20 years. Sharing births, weddings, happy, and sad events together, with friends and neighbors for as long as we can remember. Then – something happened and things started to break down. A small inconsequential disagreement with someone began to escalate.

This person blew up at my wife and insulted my children, one by one. I responded in kind. And during the month of Elul no less, as we were approaching Rosh Hashana.
This left me in a terrible quandary of not knowing what to do. They behaved horribly, and certainly I had not been a saint.

But the question I kept asking myself was: Should I apologize – or not?
On the one hand – absolutely not. If I apologize – they’ll think they were right. Doesn’t that compromise the honor of my family? They started it when they blew up to begin with. What exactly am I apologizing for?

On the other hand, they seem to be suffering now – closing themselves inside their home, fuming with anger. Maybe there are other things going on in their lives that I do not know about? Maybe this was just the straw on the camel’s back for them?

My wife, ever the peace-maker, advised me to apologize. The kids, advocates of uncompromising truth, said absolutely not. I had no idea what to do and it began to eat me up.

Finally, after listening to my wife and kids one more time, I decided to listen to my own inner voice, the voice of my soul, which was so confused over this. What was G-d trying to teach me through this aggravating and exasperating experience?

And I came back to the words I say every day in the morning prayers. “Blessed are You, G-d, who graciously offers a lot (ha’marbeh) of forgiveness.” “A lot.” The prayers don’t say that G-d offers “a lot” of wisdom, or health, or livelihood. Just “a lot” of forgiveness. There is something about forgiveness that necessitates “a lot” – more than what seems needed or appropriate, more than we can imagine.

How could I say these words each morning and then not try to bring them into my life? It was time to forgive. So I went over and apologized. It wasn’t easy. I wish I could say that this dispute had a happy ending and everything ended up fine. I can’t and it didn’t, at least not yet. Life is not so simple. But it did remind me that this is a time to especially focus on forgiving “a lot.” We’ll see what happens.

I've struggled with this one...I wish I could be the "bigger" person - but.i.can't. Not now....not yet.....

2009-11-08T20:35:00.006-05:00

Hello, hello.....yes, I am STILL here! I have lots (LOTS) to report to you (my one follower....) but, for now I am trying to find out if anyone knows who adopted the precious babies above. Here's the short version (it won't be short!) I received an email from someone from the province group where we adopted the twins. Anyway, she said someone she knew had just returned from Guangxi and had pictures of my twins. Who (as she explained - which is another story....) were the only set of twins that the orphanage had ever had. She had a picture and wanted to mail it to me as well as an interpreted letter from the director of the orphanage. My heart nearly exploded, but much to my dismay the photo (above) arrived and it clearly was NOT "the fat" girls! Mr. Man actually asked me "if I was sure"??!? Of course I know my babies! See picture of twinkies on my side bar. As you can see the babies in the photo are teeny, tiny widdle girls!! I am trying to locate the parent's so that I can mail the photo to them as well as the note. The following is the information I have. Again, If you know who adopted these precious babies please ask them to contact me.

What we know

Parent's name: (?) Liam O'Shea

Twins name: Lai Fu Feng and Lai Fu Huang

Province: Guangxi Lai Bin

Location: East coast - maybe MA

The girls were were adopted : June 2006

Birthday: May 2005

I have discovered also, that there were only two sets of twins adopted from said agency....until another set materializes! :)

I hope you have all been well. Life is one big bowl of cherries here............and loving it...........

Update: I have found the parents of the twins!!! Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving. :)

The cutest words to my ears....

2009-06-24T22:24:00.005-05:00

This is one of my most favorite videos. I promise it'll make you smile too! I can't stop laughing....now if only I had that much enthusiasm "making the bed"...ha ha.

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/SHVsdWldzBsZ3g1sSKQ9AQ?feat=directlink

Coming up daiseys!

2009-06-23T23:07:00.012-05:00

Well if you haven't had your dose of "Insane Mommy" this week here's a little bit more of me. I just LOVE this cake - I completed this tonight for my fianl cake class. Yes, I completed all four courses - not bad for someone who'd never baked a cake before.....Mr. Man still bakes the cookies....

Stay tuned - I've got a great recipe I will be posting soon!

The Par-tay!

2009-06-21T23:22:00.024-05:00

Few words are needed. They came. We laughed. We enjoyed. Wow. Still coming off the high of yesterday! What a party! There were no tears this year, however, there was lots of squealing and laughter. Too fun. Thank you friends for sharing in on what was such a special day for the girls. I can't imagine what "The Magic Kingdom" is going to be like.......

Note: Yes, I made the princess cakes....

Happy Birthday My Precious Babes!

2009-06-19T21:25:00.028-05:00

I still can't believe you are four years old. OMG - how did that happen?!?! I never imagined that I'd be wonderng where the time went or how we could stop time. I know I've said it before, but I wish we could just slow it down for a minute! Honest to G-d, I am so glad that I am no longer working!! I love every minute that we spend together and love listening to you girls as you shatter about laughing and asking "silly" questions...

I made a very special birthday dinner on Tuesday, however, we're celebrating their birthday tomorrow with a big party! Code for food, friends, presents, and of course cake! Mommyy made all the cakes (four!!!). They are so cute and I know the chickies will love them. Everything these days is "Cinda-brella" - you can see where this is going! I will post pictures, but after the party....Here are a few pictures of the chickies for those of you who need your "fix". They are the cutests in the land, and as sweet as pie! Enjoy.......

9 and still going strong.....

2009-06-15T23:56:00.005-05:00

We celebrated our 9th wedding anniversary May 27th. Wow. It seems like yesterday we were ~~bed hopping~~ "sneaking" around trying to keep our relationship a secret. Funny - I think we both were subconsciously aware of the age difference. AND, rightfully so. He was a mere 26 when we started dating - he seemed sooo young! He was young. He still IS young! Well, babe - I hope you know it is no longer a secret how crazy I am for you! You are all I need. You are all I want. You have made my life so much more than complete. Here's to many, many more baby! I love you.

YES, I made the cake!!!!

Where does the time go??

2009-06-12T10:34:00.013-05:00

The girls will be turning 4 years old in just a matter of days and I honestly don't know where the time has gone. Part of me is really sad, but at the same time so happy for all they have accomplished in their short little lives. They are little girls now and with very big expressions and big vocabularies. They are so happy and such sweet little girls - most of the time. :)

They like structure and they like to "help" although, as we all know sometimes it would be easier to do ourselves. BUT, I let them help as it gives them a sense of accomplishment, and builds self esteem. Plus, we all have responsibilities and chores to do daily in our house!

I was hesitant to sign them up for the million activities that were available to them, however, I finally conceded. Instead of signing them up for one of those quasi gymnastics classes I signed them up for an Olympic training school for gymnasts! Might as well prepare them for their future. ha ha. Their coaches are past Russian Olympic Gold Medalists and are awesome. No more than six kids per class, luckily there have been no more than four in the girls class! The chicks are gaining so much confidence with each passing week. They can scale, straddle jump, pike somersault, lunge, and are working on somersaults on the beam. AND we will be starting pre-school in the fall. I can honestly say we're ready!

A typical day in our house:

Chicks get up. 7:30-8:30am - they have always been great sleepers!
Go to the potty AND wash the hands

Come kiss mommy and daddy! Nothing sweeter than waking-up with those piercing black eyes starring at me!!!

Make their bed - have been doing this since they moved into their twin beds at 3 years old!

Get dressed - put jammies away
Brush their teeth- as they chant "we don't want holes in our teeth"!

Girls set and clear the table after dinner - daddy cleans up. :)
We spend one day a week at Costco circling the food carts - we call it "lunch"!
No week is complete w/out a trip to Target or Kohl's!
Gymnastic class Tuesday
Library - Thursday

Mommy is walking 5 days a week minimum of 2 miles and so are the chicks
Girls load and unload the dishwasher. Unfortunately, for them - they can only put away the silverware and Tupperware. Everything else to high. So they stack everything on the counter and we put away
They LOVE to help with the wash. I do have to keep an eye that the "reds" aren't going in with the "whites"!
They insist on helping fold clothes. If you see me and I'm a wrinkled mess, you know why!
Washing the car is their favorite thing although, I have to keep an eye - they usually water the flowers to their death....:)

They put ALL their toys away before bed. - They know if they don't MOMMY will handle the situation. No amnesty....
Bedtime, dirty clothes in the hamper, teeth brushed, and jammies on
Good behavior for the day calls for a reward of mommy reading a book before lights out and mega kisses from mommy and daddy!

Awesome little girls! Lucky me. Lucky us!!

For those inquiring about Mr. Man - still no news, he's headed BACK to NYC this weekend...going to swallow a camera so they can take pictures of his insides.....should be interesting. I'll keep you posted. Thank you for your concern. :)

45 lessons life taught me..

2009-06-06T14:19:00.007-05:00

I had a really great therapy session this morning. Yes, I have a therapist now and love it!!! They listen to you when no one else will. I'm learning not only how to process some of my "issues", but also how to take time to enjoy life. Smell the roses if you will. Anyway, I came across something a very, very, dear friend of mine sent me not to long ago. For whatever reason the words came to life today. Please enjoy the message. I know I did. Thank you, love.

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good. - No complaints here...

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step. You may still fall - but that's ok

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. I don't hate - I may dislike though...

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and family will. Stay in touch. I feel more than blessed to have such great friends who I can count on!

5. Pay off your credit cards every month. Always....

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree. How dull a world if we were all alike!!!

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone. Therapist is paid to cry with me.....

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it. I do too!

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck. Agree!

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile. I request it not be brought in the house....I love chocolate and so do my thighs!

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present. I did that a long time ago....the past IS the past - I'm not ashamed!!

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry. :)

13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about. The window dressing may not be what it's cracked up to be.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it. Relationships are a two way street. IF you want it meet me half way great. IF not - I get it....

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks. I wish he would - I would love a little insight on the housing market!

16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind. I'm learning this daily......

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful. Done....

18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger. Abbey is working this one!

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else. My life is complete.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer. I'm finding that out....

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special. EVERYDAY is special!

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow. I'm a planner....

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple. Well, I probably WON'T ever be wearing purple (ick!) but.....I fly my freak flag.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain. Ummm, I'm still questioning this one.....ha ha.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you. YES, YES, YES!

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?' I like it!

27. Always choose life. Life is good.

28. Forgive everyone everything. Working on this one.....

29. What other people think of you is none of your business. Note: I could care less what anyone thinks of me. Get a life!

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time. Still waiting....

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change. See 30..

32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does. I don't..

33. Believe in miracles. I have three....

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do. I don't feel the need to "buy" myself into heaven, although, I don't really believe in heaven. I do, however, like who I am.

35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now. I'm an active participant daily.

36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young. Soo true.

37. Your children get only one childhood. I hope it is the happiest ever - not one filled with material possessions, but, a love like no other.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved. With.Every.Breath.I.Take.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere. Life is a journey to be enjoyed.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's,we'd grab ours back. I have no complainst. My life is charmed!

41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need. I.DO and so much more!!!

42. The best is yet to come. I can't wait.

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up. Agree!

44. Yield. Pay it forward.

45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift." Life is a treasure.

Remember that I will always share my spoon with you!

Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio

Yes I can!

2009-05-31T23:04:00.004-05:00

That's right - finished my final and I got an "A". Oh, but it felt good. I worried and fretted the entire semester about my grade, but boy did it pay off. I'm taking two classes this summer, photography because I take crap pictures, and a wellness class...well...it's obvious, my arse has morphed into something I know longer know. AND, worse it keeps following me around like a stalker! Stay tuned for the transformation......

Let them eat cake!

2009-05-18T21:04:00.008-05:00

My first fondant cake!

I surprised my neighbor and gave her the cake! G-d knows, we don't need the temptation.

The Who, why, what's...

2009-05-10T22:56:00.007-05:00

It is so hard for me to believe we have been a family for three years. I don't know where the time has gone. I just want to freeze it for a moment so that I can savor every moment. The chicks are growing in leaps and bounds. I am constantly amazed with the things they say. They make me so laugh, but they make me so proud to be their mommy. They are going through the "who" stage now and as you can imagine, it's a riot! This is our conversation the other day in the car...

Abbey: "Mommy, who made the dishwasher"?

Me: "The dishwasher maker".

Abbey: Giggling.... "Mommy, did you make our house"?

Me: "Yes, your daddy and I helped design our home".

Abbey: "Mommy, who made the car"?!

Me: "The auto makers".

Abbey: "Mommy, who made the clouds"?

Me: "What"? I've known this one was eventually going to come up....

Abbey: "I said (pushing little thing...) who made the clouds"?

Me: "Um, well, G-d made the clouds - even though you can't see him"......oh dear this is tough.

Abbey: "What you saying mommy"?!?!

Me: Laughing! "Yeah, I know Abbey - it's a BIG story"! Thinking to myself...I think it's time to put the girls in synagouge. It's.Time!

We met with Rabbi Michael on Friday to discuss pre-school in the fall. It's a start......

Doctor, Doctor

2009-04-30T21:30:00.013-05:00

I'm overwhelmed by the kind emails and phone calls regarding my "Mr. Man". We received word from the specialist today that he will be going back to NYC for yet MORE test! They found some "abnormalities" and will be doing more invasive testing. Looks like he has a "date" with the specialist Memorial Day weekend - our 9th wedding anniversary. I've got to figure a way so that I can be there with him. I hate that he will be 5 hours from home with no family by his side.

BTW - We know that Mr. Man does NOT have the following illness':

Chrones disease

Cholitis

Pancreatic cancer

Kidney stones

Gal stones

Ulcer

Colin cancer

Celaic disease

Nana flew in yesterday to help out and to give me a much needed break! She has been a blessing. A.Blessing. She volunteered to watch the chickies today so that I could get outta the house for a while. Not only did the girls love playing with Nana, but she showered them with gifts and fun! They spent part of the morning putting puzzles together and coloring. If that wasn't enough Nana cooked a delicious dinner (yum-mee) AND then watched the little people so that I could go to my cake class. Mr. Man had an appointment with his stylist.... I hope she knows how much we appreciate her help! Tomorrws agenda - much needed make-over for Insane Mommy... stay tuned...

A little German flavor

2009-04-26T12:48:00.018-05:00

Some women spend their days at the spa or shopping, but me - I spend mine in the kitchen. I am a mans dream and I'm not talking "wet-dream"! I promise you Mr. Man is going no where anytime soon -- why would he - he's fed better than what you get in most restaurants!

Since getting laid-off in February I have re-discovered my first love - THE KITCHEN!! I've been busy trying out new recipes. Now if I could only put my "apron" idea together I'd have myself a great little niche business.

I discovered this recipe at the would be chef while searching for some "comfort" food and had to share. It was a hit with my family, but then, most is.....

If you've never made home-made egg noodles this is fool proof! EASY. Try it.

Recipe - Spätzle with Parmesan and Parsley

Ingredients:

1/2 cup cold water
1 3/4 cups flour, plus extra for kneading
2 eggs
1 teaspoon salt
3 quarts low sodium chicken stock
3 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon minced garlic
2 teaspoons fresh chopped flat-leaf parsley
2 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan, plus extra for garnish
Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:
1. In a medium bowl, combine water, flour, eggs and salt with a wooden spoon. Place dough mixture on a clean cutting board. Flour both sides of the dough and roll into a long rectangle, approximately 12 by 2-inches and 1/8-inch thick. With pizza cutter, cut into strips, 2-inches in length and 1/4-inch

wide.

2. Bring chicken stock to a boil in a large saucepan. Fill a large bowl with ice water. Drop spätzle in batches into boiling stock and cook until pasta floats to the surface. Remove and immediately transfer to the ice bath. Drain spätzle and hold on sheet pan. Continue with the other batches.

3. Once you’ve completed the cooking, in a medium saute pan, add butter, and melt over medium heat until butter turns a light brown. Add garlic and cook until it becomes lightly colored. Add spätzle to the pan to heat through. Add parsley, cheese, salt and pepper, to taste.

This is not only excellent; very it’s really wonderful, very filling and is pretty simple. If y

ou’ve never made your own noodles, this is a great dish to give it a go.

Servings: 4. Double for bigger eaters....

We love you daddy!

2009-04-15T22:10:00.007-05:00

Mr. Man left today for NYC. He's had some health issues since last summer. The specialists in DC have run one test after another and still have not uncovered the problem. There solution - yank his gal bladder, although there is nothing wrong with it. Thank G-d Mr. Man has some connections in the medical field. He called one of his buddies he grew up with, who just happens to be a surgeon in NYC. Long story short, Dr. Mike hooked Mr. Man up with the top Gastronologist in the city - tomorrow! I'm glad he is being well cared for, but I'm a little worried. There was the mention of the "C" word.

We're gonna miss you daddy, but we're hopeful that they're gonna find out what's making your belly hurt. We love you daddy.

Update: Good news! Although we still do not know what the cause of Mr. Man's illness is, we do, however, know that it is NOT Cancer! That was the best news. He leaves on Sunday for additional tests in NYC.....we're confidant that they will find out what's causing him so much pain. We also are lucky that he has such a great friend who took an interest in his well-being - thank you Dr. Mike for not only taking care of him, but opening up your gorgeous home and making him feel right at home. Just like old times....

What's for dinner?

2009-04-10T21:13:00.007-05:00

A little Asian Princess too cute for words......I promise you - the strainer was washed before she put it on her head! G-d.Do.I.Love.Her!!

The easter bunny comes to town!

2009-04-06T00:06:00.011-05:00

You can't fool my little chickies. This was their first time meeting the Easter bunny and boy were they excited, but I didn't expect to hear the following. Too damn funny.

Katie: "Mommy, that is NOT the Easter bunny".

Me: "Ummm, sure it is baby".

Katie: "No, no mommy, bunnies don't have hands"!

Me: stifling a giggle "What"?

Katie: Bunnies don't have hands, and mommy, they don't talk! There's a man in there"!!

Me: "Ha ha ha - oh Katie, you're too smart for your own good"!

Bunny: Running off all scared.......

Needless to say the other children who were listening looked at her like she were the crazy one. She ain't crazy! She's my girl!!!

What's cooking?

2009-03-28T15:09:00.018-05:00

Dinner at our house these days are anything but bland. See below for one of "Insane Mommy's" many creations..... for a price I'll cook for you too and toss in a bennie or two! :)

Sunday's Menu:

Beef Wellington, buttered corn, fresh spring mix with home made sour cream and honey dressing.

Dessert: YES dessert shortbread cake with fresh strawberries AND whipped cream!

This meal is sure to impress your husband's boss - or your best friend! Total ecstasy! Serve with a gorgeous Cab and he'll buy you whatever you want!

Prep Time: 45 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

2 filets mignon, 1-inch thick

2 sheets puff pastry - Peppridge Farm Puff Pastry

Salt and pepper to taste

1 Tbsp. unsalted butter

4 Tbsp. Mushroom Duxelles (recipe below)

1 egg +one table spoon water for egg wash

Preparation Beef Wellington:

This is so easy and does not require any real skill other than following directions. It does, however, involve some steps - which I've included a photo tutorial showing how to assemble. What could be easier?!

1. Thaw puff pastry according to package directions. - takes about 40 minutes.

2. Filets are often irregular in shape, if yours are use a piece of kitchen twine to tie them into a round. - I did not have kitchen twine...should have checked my bedside table!

3. Season filets generously with salt and pepper. - I use kosher or sea salt and salt moderately - flavor is so much better than iodized salt.

4. Pre-heat a medium (10-inch) non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add butter and swirl in pan to melt.

5. Cook filets on both sides for about 3 minutes until well-browned, then brown the edges. Note: Regularly check the internal temperature of the filets, they should not be cooked past 120F at the center.*** Allow filets to cool, then wrap in plastic and chill for at least a couple of hours. In the meantime make the duxelles*. (pronounced dook-SEHL, is a finely chopped (minced) mixture of mushrooms, or mushroom stems, onions, shallots and herbs sauteed in butter and reduced to a paste).

6. Heat oven to 400F. Whisk together egg and 1 tablespoon water (egg wash).

7. Wrap the filets in puff pastry according to the steps below for Individual Beef Wellingtons. Brush with egg wash, and bake in center of oven until golden brown; about 30 minutes. ***Note: The filets are deliberately undercooked and then chilled to prevent them from overcooking in the final step. They should come out of the oven medium rare after the final baking.

Ingredients for Mushroom Duxelles:

1/2 lb.mushrooms (morels are great, but button mushrooms work)

2 Tbsp. unsalted butter; divided

3 Tbsp. finely chopped shallot. Salt and pepper to taste1/2 tsp. dried thyme or 1 1/2 Tbsp. fresh thyme leaves1/4 cup dry vermouth, sherry, or white wine - I used vermouth as I drank the white wine while prepping!

Preparation for mushroom duxelle:

1. Finely chop mushrooms in a food processor.

2. Scrape mushrooms out into a clean, cotton towel and wring out as much liquid as you can over the sink. I DID NOT DO THIS - and it turned out fine!

3. Heat a large (10-inch) non-stick skillet over a burner set between medium and medium-high.

4. Add 1 tablespoon butter and swirl to melt and avoid burning.

5. Add mushrooms, shallots, a pinch of salt, a pinch of black pepper, and thyme.

6. Cook, stirring frequently, until mushrooms appear dry and are beginning to brown; about 5 minutes.

7. Stir in remaining tablespoon of butter, and, when melted, the vermouth.

8. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vermouth has evaporated.

9. Remove from heat and cool.Note: Duxelles freeze well, so although this recipe produces more than you need for two wellingtons, you can save the remainder for future use.

Life if good

2009-03-26T10:20:00.019-05:00

Hard to believe getting laid off has been such a positive experience. Wondering how I ever managed a career and taking care of my family?!?! I've been busy working on my research project for school - forensic psychology - which I've found to be facinating! AND, I've managed to maintain an "A" in the class without sleeping with anyone! Not that I would of course....but I am highly competitive when it comes to my grades.

My therapist - yes, I have a therapist now too - has encouraged me to make time for me and I'm doing just that. I just completed my first course in cake decorating and I loved it! I think I was the favorite in the class, or at least in my mind I was the favorite. The ladies in the class were quite surprised to learn I'd never made a cake before. I've enrolled for course two which starts in a couple of weeks and I'm hoping to master the art of fondant before the girls birthday in June! Yes.I'm.Going.To.Make.Their.Cake! The big question is WHAT I'll be making.....

"The grand finale"! Final decorated cake for course one! Not purr-fect, but much improved!

"My second decorated cake". Improvement....

"My first iced cake"! More crumb than icing.... we all gotta start somewhere.

The chicks started their first swim class on Tuesday and although little Miss Katie was a little nervous, she did finally stop crying. Thank G-d! I did NOT want to have to scare anyone with my out of shape bod! Oy. They were so cute in the big pool though. I had my concerns regardin the insturctor. I understand about not discriminating, but she's 100! It took her about 10 minutes to get in the water (the class is 30 minutes!) and get positioned to demonstrate laying on the belly when she fianlly got up class was over! I thought we were going to have to give her oxygen. I mentioned to Mr. Man that I believe she may be recovering from a stroke. Maybe the kids are rehabilitating her! I'll keep you posted. Chicks have class on Tuesday and Thursday. Abbey and Katie thought if was so funny that Miss Jane wore her clothes and shoes into the water. I explained that she was wearing a "wet-suit" and "water-shoes".....probably a good thing. :)

Abbey kept getting in trouble for floating off and doing her own thing... No surprise there!
One of the other mom's had to tell me to take the "sticky" covers off the lenses! Abbey kept complaining of not being able to see.....I thought it was because her eyes were closed. ha ha.

I'm actively still pursuing career opportunities. Although there is nothing out there -(trust me - there isn't!) I'm kicking around the idea of professionally cooking for families. I've discovered there's quite a market here in DC for such a service and there is a real need. Besides, I'm good! Tell me what's your pleasure. Beef Wellington? Salmon Cakes? Orange Chicken? Salmon Wellington with spinach?? Cesar Salad? I can do it all.... I'm thinking the food network!
We've booked our trip to Florida and are counting down the days. We're staing at the Contemporary two nights and are taking the chicks to the Magic Kingdom while there. We've got a whirlwind trip planned starting in north east Florida and working our way down the coast ending up in south Florida for a splashy wedding. I know I will be leaving Florida with a heavy heart after seeing my sisters.....boy do I miss them.

My 30th class reunion is coming up this summer - and this fall. I went to two high schools and am going to both. I don't know where the years went! Anyway, planning a couple trips for that. Might want to get my butt back in the gym. I do have a reputation to uphold. I'm working on legs as skinny as the ones below....oh g-d do I have my work cut-out for me!

Introducing......Mr & Mrs.K.....

2009-02-23T17:52:00.024-05:00

I haven't been taken hostage and I'm not vacationing off the coast of Somalia. Although..... there are days it sounds blissful! I've been tied up ~~lounging~~ looking for a job. Yes, I was one of the 2.8 million who have been laid off. I can't say I was too sad about it though. Quite the contrary. I finally got off that dreaded tread mill, although by the looks of my rear end I might consider jumping back on! Note to self: start a fitness schedule.

I've been working on a research paper for school on forensic psychology. Interesting, but wish I were a whole lot younger. If I were to pursue it as a career I'd need a PhD -- and I don't have that kind of time! I have been able to maintain a 90% in the class. Not bad for an old broad....

But our most exciting news by far has been the wedding of Mai and Wes. They were married January 24, 2009. She was truly the most beautiful bride. Simply breathtaking. And the chicks.....well, they couldn't have been any cuter. Here are some pictures for you to enjoy.

Maggie April 15, 2000 - February 3, 2009

2009-02-05T13:25:00.007-05:00

Maggie,

Where do I begin. I can still see your pretty little face the day we brought you home. You were so nervous and so was I. Do you remember knocking over my glass of wine as you ran thru the house? Twice! Or how you kept stepping in your water bowl and spilling it? You were the most gorgeous animal on the face of the earth. I hope you always know how much I loved you. As much as we thought you were human, I wish you could have shared with me the pain you were suffering. I keep thinking that "if only".... oh.. if only I knew about the anemia, and the internal bleeding and the abnormally small heart.... you'd still be with us.... How did we not know? I should have known something was up these past couple weeks when you nuzzled up to me for an extra kiss or hug. I should have known something.....I.Should.Have.Known! I knew something was wrong when you couldn't get up, but I thought the Vet would fix it. He always does. I remember hearing "blood transfusion and critical" and thinking what? But, how could I know within two hours I would be signing your death certificate?! It happened so quickly. I can't believe you are gone. The tears won't stop. I hope you know you were always my "first". Mag's my heart is breaking.....I'll will miss you forever and ever.....

I will love you forever and ever...

Your mommy....

Maggie G

April 15, 2000 - February 3, 2009

Crisis.....

2008-12-13T15:58:00.004-05:00

Senate to Middle Class: Drop Dead
Friday, December 12th, 2008

Friends,

They could have given the loan on the condition that the automakers start building only cars and mass transit that reduce our dependency on oil.

They could have given the loan on the condition that the automakers build cars that reduce global warming.

They could have given the loan on the condition that the automakers withdraw their many lawsuits against state governments in their attempts to not comply with our environmental laws.
They could have given the loan on the condition that the management team which drove these once-great manufacturers into the ground resign and be replaced with a team who understands the transportation needs of the 21st century.

Yes, they could have given the loan for any of these reasons because, in the end, to lose our manufacturing infrastructure and throw 3 million people out of work would be a catastrophe.
But instead, the Senate said, we'll give you the loan only if the factory workers take a $20 an hour cut in wages, pension and health care. That's right. After giving BILLIONS to Wall Street hucksters and criminal investment bankers -- billions with no strings attached and, as we have since learned, no oversight whatsoever -- the Senate decided it is more important to break a union, more important to throw middle class wage earners into the ranks of the working poor than to prevent the total collapse of industrial America.

We have a little more than a month to go of this madness. As I sit here in Michigan today, tens of thousands of hard working, honest, decent Americans do not believe they can make it to January 20th. The malaise here is astounding. Why must they suffer because of the mistakes of every CEO from Roger Smith to Rick Wagoner? Make management and the boards of directors and the shareholders pay for this.

Of course that is heresy to the 31 Republicans who decided to blame the poor, miserable autoworkers for this mess. And our wonderful media complied with their spin on the morning news shows: "UAW Refuses to Give Concessions Killing Auto Bailout Bill." In fact the UAW has given concession after concession, reduced their benefits, agreed to get rid of the Jobs Bank and agreed to make it harder for their retirees to live from week to week. Yes! That's what we need to do! It's the Jobs Bank and the old people who have led the nation to economic ruin!

But even doing all that wasn't enough to satisfy the bastard Republicans. These Senate vampires wanted blood. Blue collar blood. You see, they weren't opposed to the bailout because they believed in the free market or capitalism. No, they were opposed to the bailout because they're opposed to workers making a decent wage. In their rage, they were driven to destroy the backbone of this country, not because the UAW hadn't given back enough, but because the UAW hadn't given up.

It appears that the sitting President has been looking for a way to end his reign by one magnanimous act, just like a warlord on his feast day. He will put his finger in the dyke, and the fragile mess of an auto industry will eke through the next few months.

That will give the Senate enough time to demand that the bankers and investment sharks who've already swiped nearly half of the $700 billion gift a chance to make the offer of cutting their pay.
Fat chance.

Yours,Michael Moore
MMFlint@aol.com
MichaelMoore.com

p.s. I'm working thru something personal.....I'm taking a much needed break. Hopefully when I return all will be right in our world. G-d help us all.

A story of Humanity

2008-12-03T21:39:00.021-05:00

I didn't write this, however I wish I had. Please read it is truly inspiring.

Breakfast at McDonald's

This is a good story and is true, please read it all the way through until the end!

(After the story, there are some very interesting facts!):

I am a mother of three (ages 14, 12, 3) and have recently completed my college degree.

The last class I had to take was Sociology.

The teacher was absolutely inspiring with the qualities that I wish every human

being had been graced with.

Her last project of the term was called, 'Smile.'

The class was asked to go out and smile at three people and document their reactions.
I am a very friendly person and always smile at everyone and say hello anyway.

So, I thought this would be a piece of cake, literally.

Soon after we were assigned the project, my husband, youngest son, and I went out to McDonald's one crisp March morning.

It was just our way of sharing special playtime with our son.

We were standing in line, waiting to be served, when all of a sudden everyone

around us began to back away, and then even my husband did.

I did not move an inch... an overwhelming feeling of panic welled up inside of me

as I turned to see why they had moved.

As I turned around I smelled a horrible 'dirty body' smell, and there standing

behind me were two poor homeless men.

As I looked down at the short gentleman, close to me, he was 'smiling'

His beautiful sky blue eyes were full of God's Light as he searched for acceptance.

He said, 'Good day' as he counted the few coins he had been clutching.

The second man fumbled with his hands as he stood behind his friend.

I realized the second man was mentally challenged and the blue-eyed gentleman

was his salvation.

I held my tears as I stood there with them. The young lady at the counter

asked him what they wanted..

He said, 'Coffee is all Miss' because that was all they could afford. (If they wanted to sit in the restaurant and warm up, they had to buy something. He just wanted to be warm).

Then I really felt it - the compulsion was so great I almost reached out and embraced the little man with the blue eyes.

That is when I noticed all eyes in the restaurant were set on me,

judging my every action.

I smiled and asked the young lady behind the counter to give me two more breakfast meals on a separate tray. I then walked around the corner to the table that the men had chosen as a resting spot.

I put the tray on the table and laid my hand on the blue-eyed gentleman's cold hand.

He looked up at me, with tears in his eyes, and said, 'Thank you.'

I leaned over, began to pat his hand and said, 'I did not do this for you. God is here working through me to give you hope.'

I started to cry as I walked away to join my husband and son.

When I sat down my husband smiled at me and said, 'That is why God gave you to me, Honey, to give me hope..'

We held hands for a moment and at that time, we knew that only because of the Grace that we had been given were we able to give.

We are not church goers, but we are believers.

That day showed me the pure Light of God's sweet love.

I returned to college, on the last evening of class, with this story in hand.

I turned in 'my project' and the instructor read it.

Then she looked up at me and said, 'Can I share this?' I slowly nodded as she got the

attention of the class.

She began to read and that is when I knew that we as human beings and being part of God share this need to heal people and to be healed. In my own way I had touched the people at McDonald's, my son,the instructor, and every soul that shared the classroom on the last night I spent as a college student.

I graduated with one of the biggest lessons I would ever learn:

UNCONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE.

Much love and compassion is sent to each and every person who may read this and learn how to LOVE PEOPLE AND USE THINGS - NOT LOVE THINGS AND USE PEOPLE.

There is an Angel who was sent to watch over me and I thank g-d everyday I have him in my life. You know who you are friend and I am so proud of you! You know you've been my inspiration and as you said not too long ago "it's not about the stuff my dear or the money, that's not important". My reply "you are so right my friend."

People will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart. To handle yourself, use your head.. To handle others, use your heart. God Gives every bird it's food, but He does not throw it into its nest.

I have a special request for all of you. Before running out and spending gobs of money on gifts for friends and family this holiday season just for the sake of impressing, do something that matters. Open your wallets and give to those who are in need. Truly in need! Make a difference. Have a truly blessed holiday!

One a Day?

2008-11-25T18:53:00.001-05:00

Seems perfectly obvious to me.... But.... sweet thing had to throw a little doubt in as I was taking my daily dosage.

Sweet thing: "Do you know how many to take"? With an air of superiority!

Me: "What"? Looking at him like he had three heads!

Sweet thing: "I'm just saying".... With eyebrows lifted

Me: Pointing to the bottle "One.A.Day"..... crazy man....

Sweet thing: Laughing "I was just checking"..........................

Me: "Please"!

Jump.....

2008-11-24T16:29:00.010-05:00

Back during the 1929 financial crash it was said that

some Wall Street stockbrokers and bankers jumped from

their office windows and committed suicide when

confronted with the news of their firms' and clients'

financial ruin . . . Many people were said to almost feel a

little sorry for them . . . . . .?

In 2008, the attitude seems to have changed somewhat:

What next?? The auto industry?!? And, at what cost to the American public?!

I'm fed up...................

Boo..

2008-11-17T19:59:00.001-05:00

Father please forgive me for I have sinned....it has been....... ummmm... AWHILE... for those of you craving pics of the chicks. It wasn't like they were neglected. They were a part of the party too and they know their momma wants to dance with Mr. President. Ok... so I'm a dreamer.

The chicks were into Halloween this year in a big way. I was surprised. Really surprised! Katie was so afraid last year that she cried. She was afraid of the scary costumes and the eerie noises. But, this year the kid was unstoppable. She's still afraid of anything spooky. They took turns racing from one house to the next ringing the door bell and screaming "trick or treat"! Funny thing though, Katie thought this was an invitation to come in and would push her way in so that she was standing in the foyer! Their handmade Halloween boxes were overflowing with candy when they returned home. But, sweet thing had brainwashed them before leaving instructing them to bring all the sweet stuff back to daddy! Which they did... They didn't eat one piece! We'll never get that lucky next year.

Mai and Wes went with us too. I think Wes was ready to get on their merry as Mai was looking pretty hot. Her outfit was adorable. I can't wait until next year.

Divided we fall....

2008-11-15T20:21:00.016-05:00

I feel I ~~need~~ want to explain my actions of late. I know I have seemed a bit ~~bat crazy~~ extreme lately. Even for me........but I can not hold my tongue any longer. I can not sit back and do nothing. I am scared of what I see. Angry. I hate what is going on in our country right now. Here.In.Our.Country. Against our brothers and sisters. I probably will never understand it.

I respect ALL religions. I really do. Probably more than most. I'm not out to change anyone. I believe in freedom of religion. I believe in freedom of speech. I believe in freedom. I believe in G-d. I don't hate christians. I embrace all. We are a colorful family. Multi-racial, multi-religious, multi-sexual (is that real) family... BUT, this effects me. Yes, me. There has been so much in the media lately with Prop 8. When I watch the christian groups protesting it breaks my heart. I take it personally as if they were atticking me. Why? Because my dearest, dearest friend is gay as is my sister in-law -- studyin for her Ph.D. Smart cookie. No, geologist. (sorry J....had to brag on you a bit...) Anyway. These. Are.My.People. And I am not ashamed of them. They share something more special than a lot of married couples. Love. True devotion and admiration. RESPECT. I am honored to know them and to have them in my life. Not only do they love... LOVE my chicks....but we love them. Unconditionally. They are who they are. And we accept it. We do not wish to change them. This is not something they chose. They are gay and they too accept it. So, when the christian rights group protest their love... and their union...it hurts... and yes, I take it personally. You have attacked my family. So, yes, I am defensive as any of you would be if they attacked your family! I fear some crazy person will act out in anger against them because they are gay. So, if it is a sin to judge... who gives them the right? None of us are perfect. I believe in equal right for all. I stand firm on this. I will raise my children to love and accept all. I love you R & D... and J & K... be who you are and be proud. Because we are! We will always support you. We stand behind you.

Why?

2008-11-09T13:41:00.007-05:00

Like so many of you I feel as if it were all a dream. The exhaustion from worrying and fretting if we were going to win has consumed me. The alternative could have been much worse.... BUT, he won. Yes, we won. Fair and square. What a feeling. So, it should be no surprise that I have already expressed my interest here too. The chicks say "Barack's your friend, right mommy and our President"? Warms my heart. BUT, this... well this just makes me sick. Yuk. Let.Them.Be. Why do people feel they need to stick their noses in where it doesn't belong? Why was it allowed on the ballot? Equal rights for all. I see absolutely nothing --- NOTHING --- wrong with same sex union. Stop the hate. Move on.....

Yes.We.Can.

2008-11-04T23:44:00.014-05:00

I've been edgey. Resorting to tears for no reason. Pins and needles. I've been afraid to believe. Is.It.Possiblee? But....considering what he's had to go thru ...what he's lost......he was humble......... Yes.We.Won. I'm exhuasted. I cried a bucket of tears. For me. For my babies. for all of us. I'm Spent. It was a long battle. It was an ugly battle. But, no one could have prepared me for the end. I didn't expect he'd win. However, I was totally blown away by John McCain's speech. His consession speech. Had he run his race with the same devotion, well.. maybe I would have had a different opinion of John McCain. What he said of his contender was admirable. Priceless. Real. Thank you John...... I'm tired. I'm going to bed.....I have a party to prepare for.........who will join me?

Really?

2008-11-04T10:01:00.011-05:00

One day a fourth-grade teacher asked the children what their mothers did
for a living.

All the typical answers came up - teacher, nurse, businesswoman,
saleswoman, doctor, lawyer, and so forth.

However, little J ohnny was being uncharacteristically quiet, so when the
teacher prodded him about his mother, he replied, Well my mother's
an exotic dancer in a cabaret and takes off all her clothes in front of
men and they put money in her underwear. Sometimes, if the offer
is really good, she will go home with some guy and stay with him all
night for money.'

The teacher, obviously shaken by this statement, hurriedly set the other
children to work on some exercises and then took little J ohnny aside to
ask him, 'Is that really true about your mother?'

No,' the boy said, 'She works for the Rebplican National Committee and
is helping to get john McCain to be our next President, but I was too
embarrassed to say that in front of the other kids.'

USA Love Train....

2008-11-02T09:29:00.012-05:00

C'mon, jump on board! I just can't stop thinking it could just work. I'm.An.Obama.Fan. Let me climb up on my soapbox... hold on... almost there... hold on..... ok...whew... for those who are... ummmm... not clear on this. I couldn't be prouder. I want him to be our next President! Did you hear that? And I tell you it warms my heart receiving ~~condescending~~ love letters(that's what they are...right?) from posters telling me in their ~~subtle~~ passive aggressive snide way how I'm the one who is whacked. One commenter so emphatically stressed how stable McCain was, Are you high? Read something so silly to suggest that Cindy McCain was not shallow. Good golly, she gives new meaning to the word shallow! And even stated that the democrats started the "mud slinging". Quite the contrary people. Keep the old angry man away from the button. Please take your blinders off and stop watching FoxNews! It's about as reliable as the National Enquirer.

Let's take a minute and re-cap. Has there been any reported racism incited from the Obama camp? Nope, don't believe so. Please correct me if I'm wrong. Trust me, I'm not..... Or... what...about innuendo's of terrorism?....... Again, no...although John McCain's mouth piece has now linked the republican presidential hopeful to a "man of question... Another upstanding University Professor. Good job Sarah. Keep throwing them our way... Not to mention their repeated cries of socialism. Has their been any reports of Obama supporter's shooting children? Oh, you didn't know about that...yep, one of McCain's deranged loyal supporters....shot a kid for stealing his McCain sign.. Say it with me. Shot. A. Kid. IN-SANE. What about the assassination plot? FREAKS. Wondering out loud "why John McCain has not made a public statement? Could it be that he endorses it?

John McCain and Bible Spice can not be my president! His campaign has been based on so many lies and so much hate it disgusts me! I for one don't agree with his policy's. ANY OF THEM. Besides the fact he's a liar, something his wife confirmed on national televison stating "our marriage started on a tissue of lies:.....Her words... True, I'm pro-choice. I didn't say "pro-abortion". There is a difference. However, I certainly don't want the government anywhere near my uterus! We fought to long and hard for our rights to have some jack-ass take them away. John McCain does not believe in equal pay for women. Tax breaks for big corporations?!? Yeah, I get why they need a tax break. Didn't Exxon just report a RECORD 14.9 billion profit?? They definitely need a tax break. Those poor bastards. What about the middle class, John? And his foreign policy plan is soooo solid. He said himself we'd stay 100 years if that's what it took.... At what cost? John McCain's health plan would tax benefits for the first time ever. But, wait..... what about the 46 million uninsured people? So, in reality he has no plan...... Unlike some of you, I'm not willing to settle for an administration who live in a make-believe world with a rat is in charge sipping kool-aid. The economy is a mess. What's your plan John?! Huh??

Now, think about this with me. Logically. Do you really think so many intelligent, educated people would be supporting him if he were some scary evil person? McCain's supporters are distancing themselves from him as if he had the bubonic plague! Questioning now how he managed to choose a running mate within ~~3 seconds~~ 15 minutes of meeting. I know there's a g-d and believe with my heart American people will make the right choice. Yes. I'm. Hopeful. But, I also can't help but think back to the election eight years ago when it was stolen. So, yes I'm a bit anxiety ridden. Again. I watch the polls and they're in his favor. I have to believe he will win. I want to believe. Folks, if there was any question, WE live and breath "Rockobama" here! He just has to win........ Go Obama 08!!!!

FYI: I welcome intelligent comments with an email that can be traced. If not, I will reject your comment. This, in the event you didn’t read my side bar is my blog and it’s not always about the girls. It’s about our life, and this is our life. Today, it is about me. Only two more days to go.....

Thank you for your support.

The management.

Sharing?

2008-10-31T00:00:00.001-05:00

Seriously, I can't make this stuff up.....

welcome to my world. :)

Abbey: "Mom ----eeeeeee"

Me: "Yea, Abbey"

Abbey: "I gotta poo-poo"

Me: "OK, tell me when you're done "

Funny I didn't think anything of the laughing and giggling coming from the loo. I should have known....

Abbey: " Mom-meeee I'm done. Come wipe my butt".

Me: "Cooooomingggg"... peeking my head in..I started to laugh.

Abbey: "Look mom, I pooped"

Katie: "Me too"!

Me: "Together? Great...."?

Abbey: "Yeah".....

Katie: "Uh-huh" head bobbing....

Now, if they'd just learn to wipe one anothers butts! They must really love one another to take a dump with the other one sharing the throne"....

Did you say that?

2008-10-29T07:21:00.000-05:00

We were watching the OSU and Penn State game on Saturday. Well, sweet thing was watching and I was writing a piece for my upcoming post for my blog. I know sweet thing doesn't realize he provides good stuff too.....

Sweet thing: "I hate Jim Tressel".

Me: "You, hate him"?

Sweet thing: "Yeah".

Me: "Why do you hate him"?

Sweet thing: "He wears sweater vest".

Me: "Oh yeah, I get that". Note to self: return sweater vest....

GARRISON KEILLOR SYNDICATED COLUMNIST

2008-10-28T20:23:00.000-05:00

We are a stalwart and stouthearted people, and never more so than in hard times. People weep in the dark and arise in the morning and go to work. The waves crash on your nest egg and a chunk is swept away and you put your salami sandwich in the brown bag and get on the bus. In Philly, a woman earns $10.30/hour to care for a man brought down by cystic fibrosis. She bathes and dresses him in the morning, brings him meals, puts him to bed at night. It's hard work lifting him and she has suffered a painful hernia that, because she can't afford health insurance, she can't get fixed, but she still goes to work because he'd be helpless without her. There are a lot of people like her. I know because I'm related to some of them.

Low dishonesty and craven cynicism sometimes win the day but not inevitably. The attempt to link Barack Obama to an old radical in his neighborhood has desperation and deceit written all over it. Meanwhile, stunning acts of heroism stand out, such as the fidelity of military lawyers assigned to defend detainees at Guantanamo Bay -- uniformed officers faithful to their lawyerly duty to offer a vigorous defense even though it means exposing the injustice of military justice that is rigged for conviction and the mendacity of a commander in chief who commits war crimes.

If your law school is looking for a name for its new library, instead of selling the honor to a fat cat alumnus, you should consider the names of Lt. Cmdr. Charles Swift, Lt. Col. Mark Bridges, Col. Steven David, Lt. Col. Sharon Shaffer, Lt. Cmdr. Philip Sundel and Maj. Michael Mori.

It was dishonest, cynical men who put forward a clueless young woman for national office, hoping to juice up the ticket, hoping she could skate through two months of chaperoned campaigning, but the truth emerges: The lady is talking freely about matters she has never thought about. The American people have an ear for B.S. They can tell when someone's mouth is moving and the clutch is not engaged. When she said, "One thing that Americans do at this time, also, though, is let's commit ourselves just every day, American people, Joe Six-Pack, hockey moms across the nation, I think we need to band together and say never again. Never will we be exploited and taken advantage of again by those who are managing our money and loaning us these dollars," people smelled gas.

Some Republicans adore her because they are pranksters at heart and love the consternation of grown-ups. The ne'er-do-well son of the old Republican family as president, the idea that you increase government revenue by cutting taxes, the idea that you cut social services and thereby drive the needy into the middle class, the idea that you overthrow a dictator with a show of force and achieve democracy at no cost to yourself -- one stink bomb after another, and now Governor Palin.

She is a chatty sportscaster who lacks the guile to conceal her vacuity, and she was Mr. McCain's first major decision as nominee. This troubles independent voters, and now she is a major drag on his candidacy. She will get a nice book deal from Regnery and a new career making personal appearances for forty grand a pop, and she'll become a trivia question, "What politician claimed foreign-policy expertise based on being able to see Russia from her house?" And the rest of us will have to pull ourselves out of the swamp of Republican economics.

Your broker kept saying, "Stay with the portfolio, don't jump ship," and you felt a strong urge to dump the stocks and get into the money market where at least you're not going to lose your shirt, but you didn't do it and didn't do it, and now you're holding a big bag of brown bananas. Me, too. But at least I know enough not to believe desperate people who are talking trash.

Anybody who got whacked last week and still thinks McCain-Palin is going to lead us out of the swamp and not into a war with Iran is beyond persuasion in the English language. They'll need to lose their homes and be out on the street in a cold hard rain before they connect the dots.

Garrison Keillor is the author of a new Lake Wobegon novel, "Liberty" (Viking).

I believe

2008-10-27T17:46:00.000-05:00

Republitards try to label Obama as elitist while they fork out $150,000+ for over-priced designer frocks for the Palin Horde.

Who really represents the American people? I think this photo answers that question best.

Woodstock?

2008-10-27T09:30:00.003-05:00

No, not quite, but Barrack thought it was a Woodstock concert with the huge turnout! Funny how the cute hot chicks from my office thought he was refrencing Woodstock, Virginia. Yeah, they're young ...... ha ha. He made a last minute decision stop in my town before heading to Hawii last week to see his ailing grandmother. LARGEST POLITICAL RALLY the county has ever had! Being that he personally invited me, I was not going to disappoint him. I would not, could not miss the opportunity to see history in the making. Little did I know that my "girls" from work would escort me. Over 35,000 people stood in line for hours to see him. As I peered at the sea of people I felt a certain pride. It was not only a peaceful rally but also one rich with cultural diversity. Literally people from every nationality and walk of life represented. It made me proud. This was not about ones skin tone. This was about the next leader of our country. I couldn't contain the tears when our govenor announced Barack to the cheering crowd. Neither could anyone else.....

Count Down

2008-10-26T11:53:00.003-05:00

We're down to the wire with the finish line in sight. For those of you who follow me, you'll just have to pardon my ranting. THIS IS IMPORTANT. Not only to me, but to our country. John McCain's race for the White House is looking like yet another Derby win slipping away...so close ... but yet so far ...far away.... and all on account of his own agenda. Watching McCain destroy his shot at winning the election has been painful. Instead of strength and courage he has achived nothing but turning his campaign into a joke due to his continued racial slurs and innuendo's. John McCain has yet to discuss how he is going to fix the economy. Why? Because he has no plan. Interestingly enough I don't pity him. I loathe him. Yes, I said that. John McCain is responsible for spoon feeding his supporters into believing that Obams was connected with terrorist. He.Was.Eight.Years.Old. Sounds crazy when you say it out loud. It.Is.Crazy! I dated a guy 30+ years ago who's dad had ties (allegedly) with questionable people. Hmmm, maybe sweet thing should have vetted me properly?! Questioning his religious beliefs. What the flip people. Why does it matter if he's Buddhist, Jewish, Muslim, Kabalah or Hindu. Or whatever religion he wants to be. Whatever happened to freedom of religion? The fundamentalist Christians scare the shit out of me. One step away from Waco with their half baked ideas. Calling him a baby killer. So easily led. Like sheep. Ive never seen such an out pour of self-righteous, judgmental, angry people in my life! Proclaiming their love of their g-d on one hand, while professing their hate for gays, those of color and those who worship or believe differently from them. It really makes me sad for our children. It.Makes.Me.Sad.For.My.Children. Unfortunately that hate continues to breeds itself. Some of those angry people have been allowed to adopt children too. Internationally. I can only imagine what are they teaching their children. We need to remember, we are all g-d's creation. Please, do yourself a favor and do you own research. Fox News does not qualify as newsworthy nor does Bill O'reilly! Crack open a book. Don't be so closed minded to think you know everything. Check out Barack's web-site if you dare. http://www.barackobama.com/index.php For those of you who are not computer savvy it's user friendly. Click, click, click. You may just learn something too. No, I don't think Barack has all the answers, but I do think he is our best shot at bringing our country back together as one. I find him inspirational. He spells family to me. I respect that. I respect him. John McCain is not a maverick. He is a warmonger. If he is elected he and Sarah Palin spell national disaster. We need Hope more than ever!

Update of the recent chain of events associated with the McCain/Palin campaign. It's like a train wreck you just can't tear yourself from......bad reality.....

Palin's hometown newspaper endorses Barack! --- "...few who have worked closely with the governor would argue she is truly ready to assume command of the most important, powerful nation on earth. To step in and juggle the demands of an economic meltdown, two deadly wars and a deteriorating climate crisis would stretch the governor beyond her range. Like picking Sen. McCain for president, putting her one 72-year-old heartbeat from the leadership of the free world is just too risky at this time." Ouch!

Campaign Volunteer Made up mugging story -- Ok, so she recanted. But, McCain/Palin ran with it at their rally's stating Obama supporter beats woman up -- inciting more racial slurs and tension-- McCain ahs yet to repudiate!

Sarah Palin going rogue --- With 10 days until Election Day, long-brewing tensions between GOP vice presidential candidate Gov. Sarah Palin and key aides to Sen. John McCain have become so intense, they are spilling out in public, sources say. Keep it up Sarah......:)

His campaign manager not only endorses Obama, but he voted for him! Ouch....

John McCain's brother call 911 for traffic complaint. Another angry McCain who feels he's entitled.

Former Minnesota Governor endorses Obama. One more for the good guy.

Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger says Sarah Palin not qualified. She's not!

Maria Shriver states Arnold encouraged Sarah Palin to employ those with special needs. Hmmm, been in office 18+months and to date has yet to do so. What does this really say about what she will do for those with special needs. Put your money where your mouth is Sarah!

Republican Colin Powell endorses Obama. Says Sarah Palin not qualified. She's not!

Clothes for Sarah Palin $150,000! She has pretty hair.....

Racist mailer circulating in Texas. -- Is this their plan to win the election?!

Mitt Romney questions if Sarah Palin qualified! She's not.

Trying to ban gay marriage. How does this effect her?! What is she so fearful of? Does she hate gays?

Washington Post endorses Obama.

McCain to blame for the bail out. Republicans definition of socialism -- government getting involved. Hmmm, didn't they just try pinning that one on Barack?!?!

Unhinged Republican hatred. "Who knew that when you go around accusing Obama of being a foreigner, outsider, unpatriotic and basically a terrorist sympathizer Manchurian candidate it would unleash the frothing hatred that Republicans have been whipping up in the "base" all these years"?

Fareed Zakaria International Journalist endorses Obama.

McCain improperly solicits donations from foreign Government. We should just let this one slide, right?.

John McCain's involvement with the Keating scandal. The rich get richer....

SARAH PALIN VIOLATED ALASKA LAW AND ABUSED THE POWER OF HER OFFICE AS GOVERNOR.--- Clearly she is use to breaking the law...

Well, if I were a republican, I'M NOT I too would be jumping ship! You have to ask yourself, why intelligent, honorable, and respected REPUBLICANS are quickly crossing party lines to associate themselves with Obama?! We just discovered one of our bf's (teacher)who is/was a republican, has joined the Obama/Bidden team. When we asked why, he responded "the ticket is a joke. I can no longer watch the antics of McCain and Palin, it hurts my eyes". Me too.....

I invite intelligent comments, but non trackable comments will not be posted.

A day at the farm

2008-10-25T15:02:00.018-05:00

I know. I know. I've been terrible about posting clips of the girls lately! Bad.Mommy. But, we do have an importantt (in case you haven't heard) election coming up. So,today I pause (briefly) to bestow with you pictures of what makes my heart skip a beat. Every. Stinkin. Day. We took part in the annual Au Pair Family outing which was held at a gorgeous working farm. We were able to walk the grounds and see all the different animals. There was an arena where they were holding a horse show and we got to watch from a distance. Plus, a really cool playground for the kids. My friend Annie joined us too with her twins. Double, double the fun! Can you imagine?

"Look at me, mommy"!

"Mommy, I'd like to have one of these, can I"? Oh, sure...."Mommy, is that a big kitty"? Girls looking at the bunny.
Turkey burgers anyone?? I don't look to see these guys in a couple of weeks!

Mai and the boy.....young love.....Mai was so sick that day but amazingly still looked so beautiful.
Daddy with his girls.

No, no, no -- don't let this be you!

2008-10-24T17:20:00.017-05:00

To say I've been ~~obsessed~~ consumed with the upcoming election would be .... ummm .... an understatement! Especially when you consider how important this election is. We can not afford another Commander in Chief asleep at the wheel. Can you imagine? And we paid the idiot! Ok, maybe he is the smarter one. He did after all con us(not me-- I always knew he was a liar!) into believing his jibberish. Ingenius. This I know without a doubt. My empoyer would have fired my ass had I fucked up that badly. Shzz America, what's it going to take? I have spent an ornate amount of time researching both candidates. (I've yet to hear or read anything that makes sense from the GOP) Needless to say it has caused me ~~months~~ weeks of sleepless nights and hours of the phone with my sister "the other political nut" fretting and worrying about the outcome. She reassures me and tells me all will be ok. America is smart. But, I keep having this re-occurring dream... see for yourself!

Ha ha. Had you didn't I! That would actually be a
living nightmare! And would never happen, He still has my loyalty. G-d wouldn't
allow me to let him down. Especially now that our eyes locked. I know you saw
me. I saw you waving to me... I've got your back big guy. Here's one for the
good guys. Sweet thing secured his vote today as will be traveling on election
day. Here's to hope! Get out and vote! Go Blue....

Have you changed or are you the same?

2008-10-20T22:45:00.005-05:00

No regrets...

2008-10-19T10:59:00.001-05:00

Life is too short to wake up in the morning with regrets,

so love the people who treat you right,

forget about the ones who don't,

and believe that everything happens for a reason.

Author Unknown

What color are you?

2008-10-18T19:11:00.002-05:00

Conversation in our house has been colorful of late especially in light of the upcoming election. As you can imagine it's all we talk about 24/7. But, tonight at dinner the conversation took a different turn. See for yourself.

Abbey: "Mommy, look at me, I'm green". Laughing at her funny.

Me: "You are"? Thinking, sure...she can be whatever she wants.....

Abbey: "Yeah, and you're red". Laughing harder.

Me: "I am?? Are yoooooou sure"? Thinking to myself, where are we going with this.....

Abbey: "Yeah, and Mai's yellow"!

Daddy: "Umm, that's racist"..... trying not to laugh.....

Apply within!

2008-10-17T15:17:00.005-05:00

Call me an elitest.....

Warranty Manual?

2008-10-16T21:57:00.008-05:00

We interrupt the current program insert: my political rantings to share a conversation sweet thing and I had the other night as we were getting the chicks ready for bed.

Sweet thing: "I've been looking for this".

Me: "Hmm, what"?.... not really listening..focusing on getting girls ready for bed...

Sweet thing: "This, they gave it to us in China".

Me: "What are you talking about"?

Sweet thing: "The owner's manual"!

Me: Glancing up suspiciously.... "Wh... when did they give us that"? thinking it woud have come in handy.....

Sweet thing: "Right after they handed us the girls and took off in the get-away car (true, they didn't hang around long--especially once the screaming started!)

Still laughing... we just need someone to translate it. Of course it's not really an owner's manual. However it would have come in handy those first 18 months... At any rate what a treasure to give to the girls someday. A gorgeous signed book from the orphanage. I wish they'd thought to give us two books.

What?

2008-10-15T20:47:00.016-05:00

What does John McCain really stand for? He disgusts me all the way to my toes...

For Adults Only!

2008-10-13T18:13:00.002-05:00

Warning....procced with caution. Some language not suitable for adults.....I love this woman. Makes me laugh out loud. A lot. Turn the volume way up. WAY. UP!! Thank g-d the "nana" was just here and we have no worries.....bwahahaha.

Can you hear me?

2008-10-12T18:05:00.002-05:00

Do you ever feel like no one sees you?

No one hears what you say?

Nothing you do really matters?

Yeah, so do I.......

The Kiss

2008-10-11T20:44:00.001-05:00

She is pregnant;

he had just saved her from a fire in her house, rescuing her by carrying her out of the house into her front yard, while he continued to fight the fire.

When he finally got done putting the fire out, he sat down to catch his breath and rest.
A photographer from the Charlotte , North Carolina newspaper, noticed her in the distance looking at the fireman.

He saw her walking straight toward the fireman and wondered what she was going to do.

As he raised his camera, she came up to the tired man who had saved her life and the lives of her babies and kissed him just as the photographer snapped this photograph.

The Kiss

And people say animals are dumb. This one gets me every time. Love my furry friends.

Coffee, tea or me???

2008-10-11T08:43:00.001-05:00

I know what you must be thinking. Most little girls learn to bake cookies with their mommies. Right? Mine? Coffee of course.

I'm an ~~addict~~ love my coffee almost as much as sex. Of course this is safe. The coffee. Hmmmm, what I'd to to have some good steamy sex.....AND Coffee....

Katie is alergic to everything under the universe and it would hardly be fair for Abbey to lick, suck and smack her fingers on the sweet ecstasy while Katie looks on. So, we came up with plan B. They help mommy make coffee. They have mastered smelling coffee like a drug lord! Screaming "Columbian mommy" as they put their noses in the canister as I carefully have trained them to do. You should see them sniffing and swirling the wine......I see a future here....lol.. They carefully count the five scopes it takes to make mommies coffee with near perfection.

The funniest thing is when they see me heading to the pantry for the coffee, they drop everything. Literally. Nomatter what their doing. Grabbing their little chairs and dragging them to the coffee machine shouting out who goes first. Pushing the button to grind the coffee saying "my turn, my turn". AND then when it's grinded squealing "smell mommy, smell"! I get such a kick out of them. Too cute for words......

Stop lying John!

2008-10-07T07:00:00.002-05:00

The following article was pulled directly off of www.factcheck.org. For those of you who don't know what the site is, it is a non-partisan (definition= person, group, party, or cause, who do not show an emotioanal or biased opinion!) nonprofit "consumer advocate" for voters that aims to reduce the level of deception and confusion in U.S. politics. Again, no, this is not a democratic web-site. Seems Ole' Pinnochio's nose continues to grow. Shame he can't redistribute that....

More Tax Deceptions
August 8, 2008
Updated: August 12, 2008
McCain misrepresents Obama's tax proposals again. And again, and again.

Summary

McCain released three new ads with multiple false and misleading claims about Obama's tax proposals.

A TV spot claims Obama once voted for a tax increase "on people making just $42,000 a year." That's true for a single taxpayer, who would have seen a tax increase of $15 for the year – if the measure had been enacted. But the ad shows a woman with two children, and as a single mother, she would not have been affected unless she made more than $62,150. The increase that Obama once supported as part of a Democratic budget bill is not part of his current tax plan anyway.

A Spanish-language radio ad claims the measure Obama supported would have raised taxes on "families" making $42,000, which is simply false. Even a single mother with one child would have been able to make $58,650 without being affected. A family of four with income up to $90,000 would not have been affected.

The TV ad claims in a graphic that Obama would "raise taxes on middle class." In fact, Obama's plan promises cuts for middle-income taxpayers and would increase rates only for persons with family incomes above $250,000 or with individual incomes above $200,000.

The radio ad claims Obama would increase taxes "on the sale of your home." In fact, home-sale profits of up to $500,000 per couple would continue to be exempt from capital gains taxes. Very few sales would see an increase under Obama's proposal to raise the capital gains rate.

A second radio ad, in English, says, "Obama has a history of raising taxes" on middle-class Americans. But that's false. It refers to a vote that did not actually result in a tax increase and could not have done so.

These ads continue what's become a pattern of misrepresentation by the McCain campaign about his opponent's tax proposals.

Update, Aug. 12: The tax falsehoods continued with the release of a McCain Web ad Aug. 11 claiming that the "perks" of joining the Obama "fan club" include "a tax incease for everyone earning more than $42,000 a year."

Analysis
Sen. John McCain's campaign released the 30-second spot Aug. 8. Campaign spokesman Brian Rogers said the ad would be running in Colorado, Iowa, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wisconsin.

John McCain 2008 Ad: "Painful"

Announcer: Life in the spotlight must be grand, but for the rest of us times are tough.

Obama voted to raise taxes on people making just $42,000.

He promises more taxes on small business, seniors, your life savings, your family.

Painful taxes, hard choices for your budget. Not ready to lead. That's the real Obama.

McCain: I'm John McCain and I approved this message.The ad continues McCain's pattern of misrepresenting Sen. Barack Obama's tax proposals as falling on middle-income families. It claims that Obama "promises more taxes on small businesses, seniors, your life savings, your family." But that's untrue for the vast majority of small businesses, seniors and individual taxpayers, who would see their taxes go down under Obama's actual plan. He proposes to increase taxes only for those with more than $250,000 in family income, or $200,000 in individual income.

Better, But Still Deceptive!!

We are pleased to see that in this ad McCain has corrected one earlier misrepresentation. He and others in his campaign have been saying for weeks that Obama once voted for a Democratic budget bill that McCain falsely claimed would raise taxes on persons making as little as $32,000 a year. We challenged that false claim in an article posted July 8. In this ad, McCain says Obama voted to raise taxes on persons making "just $42,000 a year," which is true for some but not all. Yet the ad still misleads.

A Misleading Picture

The measure Obama supported contained a provision – which is not part of his current tax proposals – that would have increased the rate paid by those who have taxable income high enough to fall into the 25 percent tax bracket. The 25 percent rate would have increased to 28 percent, as it was before the Bush tax cuts. The effect would have been to increase taxes for a single taxpayer with as little as $32,550 in taxable income in 2008, after all deductions and exclusions from total annual earnings.

But that works out to be $41,500 a year in total income for a single taxpayer with no dependents who takes the standard deduction and exemption allowed by the tax code. So it's true that a single taxpayer making $42,000 this year would see an income tax increase – of $15. That assumes the provision Obama voted for had been enacted and assumes further that the taxpayer did not qualify for more than the standard deduction.

But the McCain ad misleads with a strong visual message. The $42,000 claim is true for a lone taxpayer, but it is not true for the woman who is pictured in the ad while the announcer is speaking. She's reading to two small children, apparently her own. If she is supposed to be a single mother of two, then she would be able to make as much as $62,150 in total income in 2008 without being affected by the measure Obama once supported. She would file as a "head of household" with more generous tax brackets and standard deductions than for a single filer, and she would also qualify for exemptions for herself and her two children. (She would also qualify for a $1,000 credit for each child, since they both are obviously under 17, but this would be true whether or not the 25 percent bracket had been increased to 28 percent.)

Furthermore, if viewers are to believe that the woman in McCain's ad is married and files taxes jointly with her husband, the couple could make as much as $90,000 this year without being affected. And anyway, as noted earlier, Obama isn't proposing to implement any such increase in the 25 percent bracket.

(Tax tables for 2008 can be found here, including the tax brackets, exemptions and exclusions that apply to income earned this year.)

The TV ad also says that Obama "promises more taxes on small business, seniors, your life savings, your family." This statement is simply not true for the vast majority of viewers who will see it. Obama, in fact, promises to deliver a $1,000 tax cut for families making up to $150,000 a year, and he says he would increase income tax rates, capital gains tax rates and taxes on dividends only for those with family incomes over $250,000 a year, or for single taxpayers making over $200,000.

Tax Deception en Español

McCain also released a 60-second, Spanish-language radio ad Aug. 8 with additional deceptions, claiming that Obama would raise taxes on listeners' income, savings and home sales, and falsely claiming that he had voted to increase taxes on "families" making $42,000 a year.

John McCain 2008 Radio Ad:

"Are You Ready For Obama?"

(English translation supplied by McCain campaign)

Announcer: With the economy as bad as it is, gas prices going up, home foreclosures, and jobs being lost, we need to be careful about who we pick as our next president.

No doubt, Barack Obama is a popular figure, a celebrity who says the right thing. But will he do the right thing?

So here's the question you need to ask yourself, in these tough economic times, are you ready for a president who voted for higher income taxes on working families making $42,000 a year?

Are you ready for Barack Obama, for his tax plans that will hurt senior citizens?

Are you ready for the higher taxes on income, savings and the sale of your home that Barack Obama promises?

It's not that you're not ready. Barack Obama is not ready yet. Because when it comes to the economy, experience matters, and he just doesn't have it.

He says he'll give you change, but that's what he'll leave you with.

McCain: I'm John McCain and I approve this message.The English-language translation supplied by the McCain campaign says Obama voted for higher taxes on "working families" making $42,000 a year. (In Spanish, it says Obama “voto para aumentarle los impuestos a las familias que ganan 42,000 dolares al año.) The Spanish for "working" does not actually appear in the ad, but either way the claim is false.

As noted, what Obama once supported would have increased taxes for a single taxpayer at that income level, but not for a family. The smallest possible "family" would be a single parent with a single child, and such a single parent would have to make $58,650 to have been affected. As noted, a family of four would have to make $90,000. And in any case, Obama's plan would cut taxes for families at all those levels, not increase them.

The ad also falsely claims Obama proposes higher taxes on "the sale of your home." In fact, neither Obama nor McCain propose any change in the current exemption for home sales, which allow all profits to go untaxed up to $500,000 for a couple or $250,000 for a single person, provided that the home has been a primary residence at least two of the previous five years. Obama has proposed an unspecified increase in the tax rate for capital gains, but this would fall only on home-sale profits that exceed the current exclusion and would therefore affect only a very small percentage of all sellers.

False "History"

Later the same day, the McCain campaign released another 60-second radio ad, titled "Recipe." This one is in English, and it's also misleading.

John McCain 2008 Radio Ad:
“Recipe”

Announcer: Life in the spotlight must be grand for Barack Obama. But is he ready to lead in tough economic times?

Official records document, Barack Obama has a history of raising taxes – even on middle class Americans making just $42,000 a year.

If elected president, Obama's promises would mean even more taxes on income, electricity, oil, small business, seniors, your life savings, your family.

Painful taxes when times are tough enough.

The Las Vegas Review-Journal calls Obama's ideas "a recipe for economic disaster."

The Washington Post says Obama's policies are "poorly crafted" and will result in "higher prices at the pump."

And The Wall Street Journal reports Obama's plans will "stunt small business" and threaten "America's economic competitiveness."

More taxes. Higher gas prices. A recipe for economic disaster.

That's the real Obama.

McCain: I'm John McCain and I approved this message.
Announcer: Paid for by John McCain 2008. It says: “Official records document, Barack Obama has a history of raising taxes – even on middle class Americans making just $42,000 a year.” But that's false. No taxes were increased, and the vote that the McCain campaign refers to could not by itself have resulted in any increase on anybody.

The measure for which Obama voted was a budget bill for fiscal 2009. Budget bills set revenue and spending targets for appropriations and tax-writing committees, but don't by themselves legislate any changes in taxes or spending.

It is correct to say that Obama’s vote showed a preference for the Democratic budget package, which included an increase in the 25 percent tax bracket, over the Republican alternatives. But it is false to say that this amounts to “a history of raising taxes,” since no taxes were actually increased. It is also misleading, as we've noted, because Obama has campaigned consistently on a promise to cut taxes for most taxpayers while raising them only on the most affluent.

A Continuing Pattern of Deceit

These three new McCain ads continue what has become a pattern of deceit, with McCain repeatedly misrepresenting what Obama is proposing.

Here are some of McCain's previous false claims, with links to previous analyses:

McCain falsely claimed Obama's plan would increase taxes on 23 million small-business owners, when the vast majority of them would get a cut. Any increase would actually fall only on the most affluent, a few hundred thousand business owners.

McCain falsely claimed Obama "says he'll raise taxes on electricity," though Obama has said no such thing and his tax plan contains no proposal for a tax on electricity.

As noted already, McCain falsely claimed Obama once voted for a Democratic budget bill that called for raising taxes on persons making as little as $32,000 a year, when in fact the proposal would not have affected anyone with total income under $41,500 a year, or $83,000 for a married couple with no children.

McCain stated that Obama would raise taxes "if you have an investment for your child’s education or own a mutual fund or a stock in a retirement plan." This was found to be "false" by our colleagues at Politifact.com, and we concur.

McCain has been twisting tax facts about Obama as far back as June 10, when he gave a speech to a small-business gathering saying: "Under Senator Obama's tax plan, Americans of every background would see their taxes rise." There may be persons of "every background" among the affluent, but McCain's phrasing was misleading. These ads continue his long-running pattern of deception on taxes.

Update, Aug. 12: McCain misrepresented Obama's tax plan again with a Web ad released Aug. 11. Mocking Obama's popularity, a narrator says, "Now, you too can join 'The One's' fan club. ...The perks are amazing. Like a tax increase for everyone earning more than $42,000 a year." As noted, Obama proposes no such thing. Even the budget bill he once voted for called for an increase only on single taxpayers at that income level, not "everyone."

Don't believe me? Check it out for yourself. www.factcheck.org. I know I did, and it's clear as a bell who the liar is!

Saturday Night Live - VP Debate Open: Palin / Biden

2008-10-06T22:00:00.001-05:00

I guess she thinks "regular" people are all a bunch of drunks!

My child

2008-10-05T16:30:00.008-05:00

My beautiful child with eyes like midnight,

do you know how much I love you?

Do you know that's me who whispers

I love you each night as you sleep?

Do you know how my heart swells

with pride at the sound of your laughter?

Do you know I'll always love you

no matter what?

Do you know how you made

all my dream come true?

Do you know sweet child of mine

how full you've made my heart?

Do you know my precious child

what hopes and dreams I have for you?

Do you know child of mine how I

love you with every breath I take?

My sweet child you have given

me more than you'll ever know.

You have given me

reason to believe.

I'm a different person

because of you.

I'm a mommy.

I'm. Your. Mommy.

The Nights of Radanthe almost.....

2008-10-04T19:51:00.057-05:00

What involves mouth watering food, great dialogue, mommy juice, nudity, speeding tickets, spills, laughter, and tears?! No, not me doing a burlesque. Although that would bring a tear or two. Somehow I can almost hear the chants now, "put it on, put it on, oh g-d please put it on"! However, if I ~~stand~~ stood on my head I think everything would look great. Not that I would know....Vacation of course! AND no, again it was not me doing an act of seduction as much as it was the chicks. They were brave. Not only did they disrobe but they jumped in the freezing pool laughing like Michael Phelps! Lucky for me Mai was not afraid to get in to the frigid waters. As cold as it was I had to finally pull them from the polar waters kicking and screaming.

Those who know me Really. Know. Me. know my love of the ocean. I was looking forward to a final hoo-raa beach trip before the bitter winter were upon us in Washington. This was gonna be some trip. The. Best. One of my favorite twinny mom's had invited us to join them and many of their friends to share a house big ass mo-foo kick ass house in Corolla, North Carolina for a week of fun in the sun. Which would forever be known as "The Nights in Rodanthe"! This house had two of everything. Two refreigerators, two ovens, two dishwashers AND two set of twins, it did not only just have two bedrooms but nine plus 8 + 2 1/2 baths and a huge theater room plus pool....plus hot-tub.... and oh... my... g-d... and the El-eeeeee-vaaaa-tor..... and so much more....it was Un- be-liev-able.

But... well... there always seems to be a but. Exactly halfway there we stopped for a pee break. It was a much needed "mandatory" break as my eye balls were floating and my expandables were stretched to a thread. Note to self; do not drink a gallon of coffee before a road trip and then continue to guzzle! Anyway, I noticed sweet thing was a bit wobbly as he strolled out of the can. Not only did he look faint but his breathing was rapid and he was pale. After ~~I twisted his arm~~ much persuasion he handed me the keys and I drove the the rest of the way. It did not occur to me to ask him if we should turn back. He would spend the remainder of our trip in the bed without so much as a nibble to eat. Sucking on water and ginger ale. I asked at one point if his life insurance was current. ...of course I was kidding....He was one sick boy. Unfortunately we wold not know how sick until after we returned home.

It was amazing how well everyone got along. There were singles, Josh, and Jimmy-- not to be mistaken for a couple -- they weren't! Grandparent's Lloyd and his darling partner Kathy, Lloyd's daughter Melissa and her amazing husband Jason (awesome cook!) and their beautiful blue eyed baby Thad, and of course Cindy and Ed and Sammie and Nickie and Sweet thing and me and Mai, and Abbey and Katie and the best part.... New friends! The food was out of this world. Restaurant quality. Everyone volunteered a turn in the kitchen creating something new and fantastic for all to salivate over at dinnertime. Those who weren't on kp duty would pull up a bar stool wine in hand and watch as something succulent unfolded before our eyes. No surprise, there was never a morsel left over. Oh, my. We dined on Italian, Greek and Mexican... oh... and the wine.....the wine.... the wine..there was always a bottle open and there was always a glass to be filled. And the conversation...it was rich. We never ran out of anything to talk about. Although the upcoming election was topic of discussion. The. Topic. Of. Conversation! Hard to imagine so many of the same mind set all under one roof. Wow.

The little girls picked up where they left off. Running through the house screaming "Abbeykatie, Abbeykatie" and "Sammienickie, Sammienickie" as if that were each of their names! Ok, so it wasn't sunny, and it was cold as shit...we had to make a run to the local tourist shop for sweat shirts...and sweet thing was so sick he barely enjoyed it.... but it was so awesome to have met so many unbelievably great people. I truly will treasure it forever. I hope we can do this again next year, and include Annie and her klan. It was just too fun! I hope you know how special you are to me!

But before we would get home I too would be pulled over by one of Carrituck counties finest. He did not buy the line that my sweet thing was dying! We were not kidding. But, apparantly he gets that a lot and was not amused. What I discovered was law business in Carrituck must be a bit peaked this time of year as I recieved 10 advertisments from law firms offering to represent me in court! They warned against ignoring the fine. Like I'd do that! lol.. But I certainly won't be needing representation, nor will I be driving four hours to appear in court for a 150.oo ticket. We paid it on-line and I promptly returned all their print mail "return to sender"! Bwahahaha!

Update: Sweet thing has been back to the doctor's three times since returning. He and his doc are on very friendly terms as our doc now refers to sweet thing as "Mr. G". I cracked up when I listened to the message. Anyway, the poor guy has been poked so many times you'd think they would know what is wrong with him. What we do know. His liver count was alarmingly high. (over 600++ norm is 30-40) Our doctor called himself to discuss the results. He told sweet thing he was concerned and he needed to run some more tests. They re-ran the tests and they were still through the roof. He is scheduled for more test and an ultra sound next week. None of this is related to the original illness.

Tribute to Paul Newman 1/26/1925 - 9/26/2008

2008-09-27T10:10:00.016-05:00

I read the news this morning with such sadness. Paul Newman dies, 83. My heart actually hurt. He was one of my all time favorite actors. Few stars today could compete with such greatness. A humble man, loved by many. A real super star.

P.S. I promise to post pictures from recent trip to beach with our other favorite "twinny" family. Good times...

Clarity........

2008-09-20T10:48:00.005-05:00

I'm a little confused. Let me see if I have this straight.....

If you grow up in Hawaii, raised by your grandparents, you're "exotic and different."

Grow up in Alaska eating mooseburgers, you're a quintessential American story.

If your name is Barack you're a radical, unpatriotic Muslim.

Name your kids Bristol, Willow, Trig and Track, you're a maverick.

Graduate from Harvard law School and you are unstable.

Attend 5 different small colleges before graduating, you're well grounded.

If you spend 3 years as a brilliant community organizer, become the first black President of the Harvard Law Review, create a voterregistration drive that registers 150,000 new voters, spend 12 years as aConstitutional Law professor, spend 8 years as a State Senator representinga district with over 750,000 people, become chairman of the state Senate'sHealth and Human Services committee, spend 4 years in the United StatesSenate representing a state of 13 million people while sponsoring 131 billsand serving on the Foreign Affairs, Environment and Public Works andVeteran's Affairs committees, you don't have any real leadership experience.
If your total resume is: local weather girl, 4 years on the citycouncil and 6 years as the mayor of a town with less than 7,000 people, 20months as the governor of a state with only 650,000 people, then you'requalified to become the country's second highest ranking executive.

If you have been married to the same woman for 19 years while raising 2 beautiful daughters, all within Protestant churches, you're not a real Christian.

If you cheated on your first wife with a rich heiress, and left yourdisfigured wife and married the heiress the next month, you're a good Christian. Priceless.

If you teach responsible, age appropriate sex education, includingthe proper use of birth control, you are eroding the fiber of society.

If while governor, you staunchly advocate abstinence only, with no other option in sex education in your state's school system while your unwed teen daughter ends up pregnant, you're very responsible... Never mind that you & First Dude eloped because of your own out-of-wedlock pregnancy...

If your wife is a Harvard graduate laywer who gave up a position ina prestigious law firm to work for the betterment of her inner citycommunity, then gave that up to raise a family, your family's values don'trepresent America's.

If you're husband is nicknamed "First Dude", with at least one DWIconviction and no college education, who didn't register to vote until age25 and once was a member of a group that advocated the secession of Alaskafrom the USA, your family is extremely admirable.

OK, much clearer now.

Forrest goes to heaven...

2008-09-19T12:21:00.005-05:00

The day finally arrived. Forrest Gump dies and goes to Heaven. He is at the Pearly Gates, met by St. Peter himself. However, the gates are closed, and Forrest approaches the gatekeeper. St. Peter said, 'Well, Forrest, it is certainly good to see you. We have heard a lot about you. I must tell you, though, that the place is filling up fast, and we have been administering an entrance examination for everyone. The test is short, but you have to pass it before you can get into Heaven.

'Forrest responds, 'It sure is good to be here, St. Peter, sir. But nobody ever told me about any entrance exam. I sure hope that the test ain't too hard. Life was a big enough test as it was.' St. Peter continued, 'Yes, I know, Forrest, but the test is only three questions.

First: What two days of the week begin with the letter T?

Second: How many seconds are there in a year?

Third: What is God's first name?'

Forrest leaves to think the questions over. He returns the next day and sees St. Peter, who waves him up, and says, 'Now that you have had a chance to think the questions over, tell me your answers.' Forrest replied, 'Well, the first one -- which two days in the week begins With the letter 'T'? Shucks, that one is easy. That would be Today andTomorrow.'

The Saint's eyes opened wide and he exclaimed, 'Forrest, that is not what I was thinking, but you do have a point, and I guess I did not specify, so I Will give you credit forthat answer. How about the next one?' asked St. Peter. 'How many seconds in a year?

Now that one is harder,' replied Forrest, 'but I thunk and thunk about that, And I guess the only answer can be twelve.' astounded, St. Peter said, 'Twelve? Twelve? Forrest, how in Heaven's name could you come up with twelve seconds in a year?' Forrest replied, 'Shucks, there's got to be twelve: January 2nd, February 2nd, March 2nd...

''Hold it,' interrupts St. Peter. 'I see where you are going with this, and I see your point, though that was not quite what I had in mind....but I will Have to give you credit for that one, too. Let us go on with the third and final question. Can you tell me God's first name'?'Sure,' Forrest replied, 'it's Andy.'

'Andy?' exclaimed an exasperated and frustrated St Peter. 'Ok, I can Understand how you came up with your answers to my first two questions, but just how in the world did you come up with the name Andy as the first name of God?''

Shucks, that was the easiest one of all,' Forrest replied. 'I learnt it from the song, ANDY WALKS WITH ME, ANDY TALKS WITH ME, ANDY TELLS ME I AM HIS OWN.'

St. Peter opened the Pearly Gates, and said: 'Run, Forrest, run.

'Lord, Give me a sense of humor Give me the ability to understand a clean joke, To get some humor out of life. Life should not be that hard!

Naughty and nice.................

2008-09-16T22:00:00.003-05:00

Well the chain of events this weekend reminded me how quickly our unplanned "quickies"might be coming to an end. Screeching halt! It can be a a bit challenging with twins finding time for sexy time with sweet thing. But we manage to sneak a little bump and grind here and there without fear of the chicks barging in. Errrr, well we did......

But this morning we were startled from our sweet dreams by a bang on our door. I was in the middle of one of those dreams you don't want to end. But, my heart stopped. Who could that be??! Was someone in the house??!! I hear a meek "hello". I thought to myself, "it's not Friday, so it can't be Lisa". Of course you're wondering why would she be in our bedroom! Then .... I hear the door slowly open...my heart beating so fast I thought it would explode....and then I hear this tiny little voice squealing "I did it, I did it mommy..... I got out of my bed.... by myself"!..... In the background I hear the other kid yelling "Help, help....help mommy, help.... I'm stuck in my crib.... I can't get out"! Sweet thing and I cracked up laughing....both of us realizing that our Sunday morning lingering in the bed until 9:00am was over! FOREVER.

BUT what's more amusing, sweet thing had bought the girls twin beds the day before. We just needed to get the mattresses. I'd like to think we were right on schedule..... we were holding out till they were four!! But we've never been ones to rush anything. We have let the girls lead the way. We wanted them to feel secure. We do things at their pace and refuse to be pressured by any snide or catty comments. The chicks were comfortable in their cribs even thought Katie crawled out at 18 months.

The following are some of the conversations we had with the girls this weekend...sweet thing unloading their new twin beds into the garage. We had to move the cribs out of their room....

Me: "Wow, honey the beds are awesome"! Thinking to myself "he bought these on craigslist"?!?!.......way to go baby....

Sweet Thing: "Yeah they are pretty nice aren't they"? Feeling proud of himself....saved a buck...

Abbey: "And we'll sleep in our new beds"? Jumping up and down!

Me: "Yeah sweetie, daddy bought these specially for you".

Abbey: "And we'll sleep in the garage"?

Me/Sweet Thing: Sound of laughter................................"Yes, forever!!! "......

Later that afternoon as we were cleaning up the cribs to sell:

Me: "I've got to scrub the cribs up so we can sell them".

Sweet Thing: "They don't look dirty".

Me: "Well, they are".

Abbey: "Mommy looks like Cinderbrella"! As I was scrubbing the bed!

Me: "Oh, great"......

Sweet Thing: "Get the camera"........

Me: "Oh, that's so not funny"....

And then... as I was cleaning up the room before moving the new stuff in:

Me: "Honey will you get me the vacuum cleaner"

Sweet Thing: "Ummm, yeah... what are you going to do with it"?

Me: "Vacuum the girls room".

Sweet Thing: "Have you ever used one"?

Me: "Yes, of course" then blurting out "how do you turn this damn thing on"?

Abbey/Katie: Giggling "Mommy looks just like Lisa".

Sweet Thing: "Except mommy doesn't know how to operate the vacuum...take a picture girls..."

Sweet thing and I eating dinner....which consisted of our Greek neighbor's gorgeous Greek Pastries!!!! YUMMY...isn't this what you feed your darling husbands?!?!

Me: "Honey, look what E. gave me" as I skipped in the family room with our delectable dinner.

Sweet Thing: Eyes bugging out.... "Ummmm"....

Abbey: "I think I'd like one little bite".

Me: "Ummmmmm, noooooo you are not getting any of this"!

Abbey: "Cause it make my butt big"?

Me: "Yeah"!

Abbey: "Like mommy's"!

Me: "And your head too"!!

Sweet Thing: CRACKING UP......

How was your weekend?!?! Pictures later of the chicks new beds in all their glory!

Get your gun............

2008-09-12T20:17:00.017-05:00

See more Gina Gershon videos at Funny or Die

Need I say more! Classy. Lol......

Inportant Health Advice for Women

2008-09-10T23:19:00.001-05:00

IMPORTANT HEALTH ADVICE FOR WOMEN

Do you have feelings of inadequacy?
Do you suffer from shyness?
Do you sometimes wish you were more assertive?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist about White Wine.

White Wine is the safe, natural way to feel better and more confident about yourself and your actions. Just ask me....

White Wine can help ease you out of your shyness
and let you tell the world that you're ready and willing to do just about anything. A-N-Y-T-H-I-N-G!

You will notice the benefits of White Wine almost immediately and with a regimen of regular doses you can overcome any obstacles that prevent you from living the life you want to live. AM I RETIRED YET??

Shyness and awkwardness will be a thing of the past and you will discover many talents you never knew you had. I MAY RUN FOR PRESIDENT TOO.....

Stop hiding and start living, with White Wine. I'M LIVING NOW...

White Wine may not be right for everyone. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use White Wine. I'M NOT....

However, women who wouldn't mind nursing or becoming pregnant are encouraged to try it. I TRIED THAT TOO....

Side effects may include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, incarceration, erotic lustfulness, loss of motor control, loss of clothing, loss of money, loss of virginity, delusions of grandeur, table dancing, headache, dehydration, dry mouth, and a desire to sing Karaoke and play all-night rounds of Strip Poker, Truth Or Dare, and Naked Twister. IS THAT WHAT WE WERE DOING LAST NIGHT?

WARNING:
The consumption of White Wine may make you think you are whispering when you are not.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
WARNING:
The consumption of White Wine may cause you to tell your friends over and over again that you love them.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
WARNING:
The consumption of White Wine may cause you to think you can sing.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
WARNING:
The consumption of White Wine may lead you to believe that ex-lovers are really dying for you to telephone them at four in the morning.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~!

WARNING:
The consumption of White Wine may make you think you can logically converse with members of the opposite sex without spitting.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
WARNING:
The consumption of White Wine may create the illusion that you are tougher, smarter, faster and better looking than most people

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
NOW JUST IMAGINE WHAT YOU COULD ACHIEVE WITH RED WINE!!!

Why women should vote

2008-09-09T13:22:00.000-05:00

A Message for all women

HOW QUICKLY WE FORGET.....IF ....WE EVER KNEW......WOMEN SHOULD VOTE

This is the story of our Grandmothers and Great-grandmothers; they lived only 90 years ago.

Remember, it was not until 1920
that women were granted the right to go to the polls and vote.
The women were innocent and defenseless, but they were jailed nonetheless for picketing the White House, carrying signs asking for the vote.
(Lucy Burns)

And by the end of the night, they were barely alive. Forty prison guards wielding clubs and their warden's blessing went on a rampage against the 33 women wrongly convicted of 'obstructing sidewalk traffic.' They beat Lucy Burns, chained

her hands to the cell bars above her head and left her hanging for the night, bleeding and gasping for air.

(Dora Lewis)

They hurled Dora Lewis into a dark cell, smashed her head against an iron bed and knocked her out cold. Her cellmate, Alice Cosu, thought Lewis was dead and suffered a heart attack. Additional affidavits describe the guards grabbing, dragging, beating, choking, slamming, pinching, twisting and kicking the women.Thus unfolded the 'Night of Terror' on Nov. 15, 1917, when the warden at the Occoquan Workhouse in Virginia ordered his guards to teach a lesson to the suffragists imprisoned there because they dared to picket Woodrow Wilson's White House for the right to vote.

For weeks, the women's only water came from an open pail. Their food--all of it colorless slop--was infested with worms.

(Alice Paul)

When one of the leaders, Alice Paul, embarked on a hunger strike, they tied her to a chair, forced a tube down her throat and poured liquid into her until she vomited.

She was tortured like this for weeks until word was smuggled out to the press. So, refresh my memory. Some women won't vote this year because- -why, exactly?

We have carpool duties? We have to get to work? Our vote doesn't matter? It's raining?

Last week, I went to a sparsely attended screening of HBO's new movie 'Iron Jawed Angels.' It is a graphic depiction of the battle these women waged so that I could pull the cu rtain at the polling booth and have my say.

I am ashamed to say I needed the reminder.All these years later, voter registration is still my passion. But the actual act of voting had become less personal for me, more rote. Frankly, voting often felt more like an obligation than a privilege.

Sometimes it was inconvenient.My friend Wendy, who is my age and studied women's history, saw the HBO movie, too. When she stopped by my desk to talk about it, she looked angry. She was--with herself. 'One thought kept coming back to me as I watched that movie,' she said. 'What would those women think of the way I use, or don't use, my right to vote?

All of us take it for granted now, not just younger women, but those of us who did seek to learn.' The right to vote, she said, had become valuable to her 'all over again.'HBO released the movie on video and DVD .

I wish all history, social studies and government teachers would include the movie in their curriculum I want it shown on Bunco night, too, and anywhere else women gather. I realize this isn't our usual idea of socializing, but we are not voting in the numbers that we should be, and I think a little shock therapy is in order.

It is jarring to watch Woodrow Wilson and his cronies try to persuade a psychiatrist to declare Alice Paul insane so that she could be permanently institutionalized. And it is inspiring to watch the doctor refuse.

Alice Paul was strong, he said, and brave. That didn't make her crazy.The doctor admonished the men: 'Courage in women is often mistaken for insanity.'

We need to get out and vote and use this right that was fought so hard for by these very courageous women. Whether you vote democratic, republican or independent party - remember to vote.

History is being made.....................

And in a flash...

2008-09-07T11:50:00.014-05:00

They say you don't know how good you have it until something terrible happens. I know what that feels like now. Friday morning --- 2:30am Friday morning I woke up to a thumping noise.

It grew louder. At first I didn't know what it was. Then...... I heard an ever so faint whisper... I could barely make it out.. but I soon realized it was sweet thing calling my name. He was not beside me in our marital bed. I slipped out of our bed and followed the noise. I discovered him on his back... in the bathroom.... totally naked. Now, at first thought he was after a little midnight action, especially being that his arms were flailing, and he appeared to want me to join him! However, I grabbed for my glasses and when I did I could see he was covered in sweat. From. Head. To. Toe. I was scarred. Really scared. He was gasping for air. I could see that he was in excruciating pain. He was thrashing and moaning on the floor. I couldn't make out what he was saying or how he ended up on the floor!

He would spend the better part of the evening close to the toilet. He did not want me far either, but I know he needed an ice pack to cool his body down. I flew down the stairs and was back upstairs before he came out of the bathroom.

I left for work at my normal time after begging him to let me take him to the doctor's. He assured me he would be fine. I should have insisted....I drove to work worried sick about him. We had our normal Friday meeting. Blah, blah, blah...my mind wondering about sweet thing...nothing else seemed to matter.

As soon as we finished I called home. No one answered. G-d. No. One. EVER. Answers. That. Damn. Phone. EVER. I quickly dialed his cell. He picked up. He was panting heavily again. He said he was on the floor in the bathroom. AGAIN! I anxiously told him I was calling his doctor immediately and I was on my way home. At this point he shared with me what he had endured during the night. I felt faint!

After speaking with his doctor they to were quite alarmed when they heard that he had been bleeding. All night! They urged me to call an ambulance immediately and head straight to the ER. The nurse freaked as she thought he was home alone. I assured her he was not home alone, our housekeeper and Mai were both there. I wondered to myself if Lisa found him in the same state I did......I called home and repeated what the doctor had said. I knew he would freak having an ambulance pull in our driveway with lights flashing and sirens blaring. He's just that way. No drama for my sweet thing.... plus he would not have wanted to scare the little people.

I told him I would be there in a flash. I grabbed my things and flew out the door. I barely remember what I told my boss. I didn't care. My husband needed me. I don't even recall the drive home.

By the time I got home he was having another attack. We would have to wait until it subsided. He had been timing the attacks and we knew we had about 20 minutes in between. He would have been a great Lamaze coach. He gave me the heads up that we needed to go and we quickly ran for the car. He jumped in the back seat and layed down as he couldn't even sit up. This would be one of those rare occasions when he didn't ask me to watch my speed as I flew through our neighborhood.

I pulled up in front of ER and slowed down barely enough for him to tuck and roll out of the car. By the time I had parked and got back in the hospital he had checked in and was anxiously awaiting a room and a toilet. We are lucky to have a boutique hospital within 5 miles of our home. L-U-C-K-Y. Not only did they have a bed for him within minutes, but he also had a room. With a door! AND a TV which I would watch the Lifetime program all afternoon as he dozed on and off all day.

What was even better our family doctor was in the building and the ER Doc was able to communicate with him. After drawing several vials of blood and running some tests and re-hydrating him, they prescribed Cipro and vicaden and sent him home. He will endure more testing next week after he sees the gastronologist. We're still not sure what he had or what caused it. All I know though is my sweet thing has been very sick all weekend.....For him to cancel his big company party(weekend affair ) he was one sick pup.....I hope we get some answers next week.....

Update: I wanted to let all of you know sweet thing has an appointment to see the doctor on Thursday. He is still recovering, but in much better shape than this weekend. He was after all able to resume his "KP" duties..... bwahaha.

You got what?!?!

2008-08-26T21:13:00.018-05:00

"Mommy, you want some juice too"???

"Olympic hopefuls"??

Rounding girls up tonight for their bath I had to laugh. They are funny, funny little girls. They love telling me about their day and what they did. What they learned. Where Mai took them to lunch. Oh, yes. Lunch out. Don't be hatin! Lol. Make no mistake ....Mai does not take the precious little princess's to McDonald's. No way. They dine at our local Vietnamese and Chinese restaurants. Lol. Such little ladies too. Sipping their soup like pros not slurping like some adults do. Their regular treks to the library now and story time! Although Katie cried. Ahhh. She is still my tender child. Anyway, another snippet of a conversation with my chicks tonight.

Me: C'mon girls, bath time"

Katie, "Cuz we're durty mommy"?

Me: "Yep, dirty, dirty, dirty"!

Katie: "Cuz we have bugs in our hair"?

Me: laughing "Umm, no... no bugs in your hair silly girl".

Abbey: "No Katie, cuz we got crabs in our butt"!

Me: "Hello. Nooooo, you don't have crabs in your butt"..... I hope......they don't..........what next?!

Ok... gotta go. My girl is delivering her speech endorsing our next Commander in Chief! We can hope............

The next American Idol!

2008-08-16T22:21:00.010-05:00

I love my little girls so damn much. I know people wonder why I'm always smiling. It's my girls. They make me smile from ear to ear when I think about them. They're like one of my blue pills but way better. They are my sunshine! Both are so very different. Ab's is our thinker. Analytical. As a baby learning to walk she would try and try to get up only to fall repeatedly on her butt. Pulling herself back up with the determination of an athlete. Pushing herself like nothing I've ever seen from a child her age. A. baby. It was overwhelming. For me. She would after much exhaustion break down and cry. It was heartbreaking. I was afraid her spirit would be broken being defeated. But it never fazed her. She makes me smile with her determination. Oh, she also makes me cry sometimes with her stubborness! She is my daughter. Has to have the last word too! But, she is one bright little cookie.

My Kate is our little entertainer. Singing. Dancing. Tumbling. She's a natural. Her smile can light up a room. She's still a little shy with people she doesn't know, but oh...man........look out once she feels comfortable with you. She may just drop her panties and moon you! Seriously. She seems to do this when Mai's boyfriend comes over! It's nothing for her to break out in one of her favorite tunes, with her "make-believe" microphone in tow. Head bobbing and foot tapping. Her creative juices flowing. Katie is as graceful as a swan. The girl makes it look so easy too. I know I need to get her into dance. Both girls are quite sweet, although Katie loves nothing better than sitting in our laps and snuggling. She's a hugger. Oh, g-d I hope she never out grows that! Ok, yes, I do know she most likely will. But.....not yet....she is after all only three!

I was preparing dinner the other night and overheard the following conversation by the girls:

Abbey: "Don't leave Katie".

Katie: "Do you want me to stay with you Ab's"?

Abbey: "Yeah".

Katie" "I'll stay with you Ab's til your done".

Abbey: "Thanks Katie. I love you".

Ok, when I heard that I got all chocked up. I had to see what was going on. I walked into the bathroom and I just cracked up. Katie was sitting on her stool with a book and Abbey was sitting on the throne. I said:

Me: "What are you girls doing"?

Katie: "Abbey's going poo-poo and I'm waiting with her".

Abbey "Yeah, I go poo-poo, Katie has her doodle board".

Katie: "Stinky, mommy".

Me: "Boy, you can say that again"! Smiling and thinking to myself "now, if they would just wipe one another's butt's"!!

I nearly cracked up. I asked sweet thing later if he thought they would always be like this? Sitting in the bathroom while the other one takes a dump and talking as if were the most natural thing to do . He looked at me and said "yep, I think they will".

I hope they're always this close with one another.

How I met your father Part II

2008-08-05T23:03:00.000-05:00

He was the single most powerful man I had ever met. Ev-er. It tickled me to my funny bone how his mere presence or the mention of his name would cause my colleagues to piss themselves. We always knew when he was in the region. The hotel switchboard would light up like a 7-11 as each manager notified one another of his recent visit. No one wanted the wrath of "Big". He was a perfectionist! He walked the halls like a warden in a prison. Checking every little detail. Everything had to be perfect. They admired him. He could have lead them into a burning building and they would have followed. He had this way about him. I found it so amusing. Of course I was 23 and found most things to be amusing.

I loved nothing better than to tease and toy with him. Although in front of colleagues I had to address him in a professional manner. "Freak" was not appropriate". He was afterall "The Big Guy"! I think everyone knew what was transpirring. Why was I in the dark??

The memories of how it all began are a little blurry but as I recall he really was pretty crazy about me. HE. WAS. I don't know that I fully knew at the time. He wore suits. I wore mini skirts and ridicoulously high heeled hooker shoes. Not to mention the mile high hair bigger than Dolly Parton's! It was a scene straight out of "Pretty Woman". I don't know why I was so surprised when he finally asked me out. I mean, I had to know. He had hinted (strongly) that he wanted to take me out. I couldn't have been that dense. I wasn't fazed at all when he fianlly popped the question though. I was a wild child! He was conservative. He even ordered his drinks "tall". I guess he didn't want me to take advantage of him. I drank bottled beer! Nice. In his 28 years he had already owned 5 or 6 homes. I was impressed. He was recently divorced. This did not fare well with the parent's. They thought he was going to "influence" me in the ways of evil. He was focused. Chasing the carrot faster than Bugs Bunny. Again, parent's thought he was "too experienced" for me". I would sit on the edge of my seat laughing as he shared stories of the latest and greatest scandal in the hotel world. And let me tell you, there was some shit. Those were the days though. He had goals. He was a planner. If you can imagine(you probably can't) I barely was able to balance my check book. Ok. I didn't balance it. I hoped that I had money in my account at the end of the week. And what's worse I didn't know what I was going to be when I grew up. But one thing I knew for sure. I was going to marry this man.

We had a story book relationship. Oh sure, there were moments filled with terror. There was that time I amost killed him trying to learn how to drive the boat. Ok, so I didn't almost kill him, but he insisted. Not on me killing him, but on teaching me how to drive the boat (note to self not a good idea after numerous beers--and no I don't condone this either!). He was a skiier and he made it very clear that he loved nothing better than skiing. But, as I babbled, "I've never done this before" he looked at me and said "if you can't do this, I don't know that I have room in my life for you"! I still remember the sting of his words and how I hid the tears behind my big Jackie-O sunglasses. Quickly shaking my head saying "yes, yes, I can do it, I can". I did not want to dissapoint him, but I really had doubts. I was going to give it my all. He gave me the thumbs up. My heart was beating so hard I swore it was going to pop out of my chest. Momments later as the boat came reeling out of the water "Big" hanging onto the ski rope for dear life yelling "neutral, neutral, NEUTRAL"as I paniced what to do and thinking "where is the g-d damn neutral"! apparantly I was supposed to ease the boat out of the water instead of flooring it. Smiling from ear to ear with glee from the backwash of water he got as the boat slide in beside him with a splash bigger than the Titanic as I finally found neutral. Yes, I thought to myself I can do this! I was not going to back down either. It would be safe to say there was lots of yelling when we were on the river, which was every weekend! We were a sense of amusement for all within a 12 state radius. He was an excellent solom skiier and unlike most people he could pop up on one ski. None of that kicking off one. Oh, no. That was for wimps! And much to my surprise I finally mastered manuevering the boat through the course that summer without picking off all the cones (or him) in the process! He would weave in and out with the precision of a pro. Each cut sharper than the last with hand tickling the water with such ease. It was amazing.

I would anxiously wait to see him all week. Anticipating where and what we would do. Counting the hours until it was "Big" time. Waiting and watching for his shinny black sportster to pull up in the driveway each weekend. I would spend hours in the bathroom perfecting the mile do making sure every hair was in place and make-up was perfect!! Bag sitting by the door awaiting his arrival. We spent most weekends at his home where we would hole up to enjoy one another's company. Lying in bed some weekends until the middle of the day and only getting out of bed to feed our bellies or grab the paper.

I loved this time with him. No interruptions from the outside world. I had him to myself. I dreaded Sundays the most. I knew I would be going back to my dull life and would not see him again until the following weekend. I would share the events of our "oh so exciting" weekend with my girl friends and they would ewww and ahhh over all the details. They were not dating anyone nearly as important or as sophisticated as "Big".

He introduced me to so many new and exciting places. The opera. I sobbed the first time I saw Oh Salome. It was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen. We traveled. G-d did we travel. We dined out and we only ate at "white" table establishments. His shadow in the doorway of the many eateries we frequented guaranteed the best table along with first rate service. He knew anyone who was anyone. We never waited. All he had to do was mention his name. Ahhh, yes the name. "Big". It was paralyizing the power he had. And, yes, I got use to it too. I loved all the attention. Something was happening. I was drawn to him like an alcholic to their next drink. I didn't want to trust him. But I did. Desperately. I found it so easy to fall into his arms. It felt right. I was falling in love with the lifestyle but more shocking, I was falling in love with him............

New Bloggity Dooooo

2008-08-02T15:08:00.017-05:00

Oh man. Look at me. I feel like the ugly duckling who was crowned prom queen!

Most of you know the "oh so talented Danielle" but this is my first time alone with her. She took it slow with me, but I knew from the minute ~~our lips embraced~~ she whispered in my ear that there was chem-is-try. We were going to be ELECTRIC. She did a dynamo job and she was very (VERY) patient with me! Her creativity is astounding. She is an arteeest! See for yourself. Here, or here or here..... sooo many more.....

It's amazing how a new dress and shoes can make me ~~moist between my loins~~ smile from here to China. I just love how she sprinkled a little pixel dust and SHAZAM.

Thank you girl!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you. So, if anyone else is feeling they need a little sizzle, hurry, seriously hurry on over to Danielle's for that much needed make-over. Excuse me? What are you waiting for.....go... NO. RUN. YOU (you know who you are) could definitely use it!! (wink) Don't wait. She is taking names girls. She. Is. In. Hot. Demand. Don't be left out in the cold.

Did I tell you, I love it, love it, love it???? Thank you girl.

****** Special News Bulletin: Danielle has agreed to give away the deluxe makeover for the price of a standard makeover for the next week to anyone who mentions my delicious blog!!!! That's a $15 discount. Beat yourselves up girls. Do something crazy!

Mean old Mom

2008-07-26T21:30:00.000-05:00

DON'T MESS WITH MOM

The Child's Comments and Thoughts

My son came home from school one day, with a smirk upon his face.
He decided he was smart enough, to put me in my place.

Guess what I learned in Civics Two, that's taught by Mr. Wright?
It's all about the laws today, The 'Children's Bill of Rights.

It says I need not clean my room, don't have to cut my hair.
No one can tell me what to think, or speak, or what to wear.

I have freedom from religion, and regardless what you say,
I don't have to bow my head, and I sure don't have to pray.

I can wear earrings if I want, and pierce my tongue &nose.
I can read &watch just what I like, get tattoos from head to toe.

And if you ever spank me, I'll charge you with a crime.
I'll back up all my charges, with the marks on my behind.

Don't you ever touch me, my body's only for my use,
not for your hugs and kisses, that's just more child abuse.

Don't preach about your morals, like your Mama did to you.
That's nothing more than mind control, And it's illegal too!

Mom, I have these children's rights, so you can't influence me,
or I'll call Children's Services Division, better known as C.S.D.'

Mom's Reply and Thoughts

Of course my first instinct was to toss him out the door.
But the chance to teach him a lesson made me think a little more.

I mulled it over carefully, I couldn't let this go.
A smile crept upon my face, he's messing with a pro.

Next day I took him shopping at the local Goodwill Store.
I told him, 'Pick out all you want, there's shirts &pants galore.

I've called and checked with C.S.D. who said they didn't care
if I bought you K-Mart shoes instead of those Nike Airs.

I've canceled that appointment to take your driver's test.
The C.S.D. is unconcerned so I'll decide what's best.

I said 'No time to stop and eat, or pick up stuff to munch.
And tomorrow you can start to learn to make your own sack lunch.

Just save the raging appetite, and wait till dinner time.
We're having liver and onions, a favorite dish of mine.

He asked 'Can I please rent a movie, to watch on my VCR?
'Sorry, but I sold your TV, for new tires on my car.

I also rented out your room, you'll take the couch instead.
The C.S.D. requires just a roof over your head.

Your clothing won't be trendy now, I'll choose what we eat.
That allowance that you used to get, will buy me something neat.

I'm selling off your jet ski, dirt-bike &roller blades.
Check out the 'Parents Bill of Rights, It's in effect today!

Hey hot shot, are you crying, Why are you on your knees?

Are you asking God to help you out, instead of C.S.D..?

This will be soooo me and I'm so serious! *snort*

from a Loving Mom

(Mean Old Mother.)

I don't make this stuff up...............

2008-07-23T21:42:00.011-05:00

Living in an ~~million dollar~~upscale gated community should be safe... Well, one would think with what we shell out in HOA dues. It's nice living behind the gates of our own little world. But, well... our neighborhood is a scene straigh from "Wisteria Lane including fireworks display. See for yourself.....

"Authorities say a 39-year-old woman went to a former employer's house in Leesburg and held him and his wife at gunpoint. The Loudoun Sheriff's Office says the Ashburn woman showed up at the home Saturday morning brandishing a gun. The couple's daughter was also at home, but managed to escape to a neighbor's house and call police". --- My neighborhood. How did the crazy bitch get through our "secure" gate?! Never did hear why the woman was holding up her previous boss...Maybe her raise was a bit skimpy or it had to do with the current gas prices!

:"he Loudoun County Sherrif's Office said Thursday that 25-year-old Faris Nassar allegedly used the fake money to buy a dirt bike from a Purcellville man the day before. Troxell says sheriff's deputies searched a home on Emerald Dunes Place late Wednesday and seized U.S. currency, computers and the bike. Nassar has been charged with two counts of counterfeiting and one count of fraud by false pretense. He's being held without bond at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center". *** Again, my neighbor! I know. You wish you had neighbors like this! I wondered where he got all his money. Always one to "pick up the check"!

"A fire July at a townhouse in River Creek, that caused about $400,500 in damage was caused by improperly disposed fireworks. The Loudoun County Fire Marshal's Office issued the homeowner a summons for carelessly damaging property by fire and for possession of illegal fireworks, Loudoun County Fire-Rescue spokeswoman said". ** Yes, you guessed it. Another neighbor! Be jealous....no one thought to call the police until the place was engulfed in flames! Wtf?!?!

Mommies and their girls............

2008-07-20T11:59:00.021-05:00

I'm still coming down from our trip to the beach. It was a heroine injection that I soooo craved. Not that I would know, but I gotta believe that's what it would feel like. My breahing increased as I peered at the gorgeous boats and the big body of water as we crossed the bridge. My juices were flowing. Body weaving as we listened to favorite tunes from he 80's. I know I have hinted how badly I missed it, but oh...do I miss it. Now more than ever. I've always been a beach girl. I can not deny it. It's in my blood. I love nothing better than the roar of the waves. The cool tropical breeze. The smell of coconut oil and salt water. The boats!! And oh, the view! Those hard toned bodies. Yum-yum. I love the "beachy" lifestyle. Nothing in the world makes me happier than slipping on my flip-flops and heading to the beach with ball cap and sunglasses. It is sheer ecstasy for me. I'm easy I admit. So, Annie and I headed down to Virginia Beach, Virginia with the chicks! It was to be a girls only trip. The first of many. No boys! We had been anticipating this trip for weeks. I had anxiously packed our bags two weeks prior. Ok. So I was a little excited! But, I didn't want to forget anything in our haste to get there.

Surprisingly enough we had no traffic getting out of D.C. I'm sure the recent price of gas had NOTHING to do with it. Thank you Dubya for paving the way. Insert: sarcasim. There was virtually no traffic. As we rolled into Virginia Beach I got all misty eyed. I couldn't wait to experience my greatest love with my daughter's. It was going to be awesome. Annie and I had vowed that this would become an annual tradition for us.

From the moment we pulled into the hotel with our rockin rides loaded with our loot jamming to our favorite tunes we were treated like royalty. No. Shit. The red carpet was rolled out. Yes, I admit, I may have done a little "name" dropping as I tossed the valet my keys and some bills. I had called in a favor from my previous hotel connections prior to arriving. "Brangilna and their clan" never had it so good! And all we had to say was "were in room 1213 and blankity blank said...." and they scrambled. Even at the restaurant down the street. I kept looking to see if our name was on the banner that flew by our hotel morning, noon and night. It was hysterical.

Just taking the chicks out created a stir and lots of comments. But, by far was the one from the local who said "ummm, are they triplettes"? Me, "uh, no, and if they were there would be four"! That was the funniest comment by far! Well, that and are they identical quads! The girls were sooo good considering we didn't eat dinner most evenings until after 7:00pm.

We had an unbelievable ocean front suite with balcony on the 12th floor. We spent each evening listening to the ocean tickle and tease our senses as we sipped on our wine and laughed until the wee, wee hours after the chicks had gone to bed. It. Was. Heaven. I just know it was. Right, Annie?! Of course Cindy was supposed to be here enjoying the fun with us, but due to work obligations had to cancel. Girl, you would have laughed till you pee'd. Or, have been scared to death as we crawled on the beach like wanna be porn stars for our "photo op" lol. We've got it good at home, but it does make a girl (a 40 something~~pushing 50~~ girl with youngins!) feel good when she still gets hit upon. Right? He was so hot ~~didn't have any teeth~~! And, and... he said, I quote " there's some sweet meat". He knows.... Oh, baby, I've still got it..... don't you ever forget it. Bwahahahaha.... Thank you Annie for a great time. I can not wait until next year. Cindy, you too.... and anyone else who dares to join us...... nothing is off limits with this group!

Can't touch this

2008-07-06T12:29:00.011-05:00

I don't know about the rest of you but I have found it nearly impossible to blog lately. Either that or I haven't had anything to exciting to post about. That said, I came home from work the other day and the girls greeted me with "mommy, mommy see what I made, see what I made, come, hurry". They were screaming (yes, screaming) and jumping and falling all over themselves to show me what they had made. I was so taken by how much it meant for them to show me their creation that for a moment I forgot how tired and exhausted I was. As I stood and watched them I realized how so very precious life is. My heart melted watching them squeal and giggle as they tugged and pulled on me to come see what they had made. Their little faces flushed with so much happiness it literally took my breath away. They had (with the help of Mai) made the most spectacular paper vases complete with the most perfect butterflies I had ever seen. Yes, I'm the mommy, but they really are talented.

Yesterday the girls and I were outside playing with their "marco" (chalk) as it is something that I discovered washes off easily and doesn't stain their clothing. Unlike markers, and some paints. lol. I don't know if I should be worried by their love of the graffiti, but I thought it was beautiful. Abbey not only knows how to recite the alphabet but can write it too as well as her name. Katie thinks she can spell her name too, the only problem is she spells her name

A-B-B-E -Y , and then exclaims "Katie"! She constantly keeps us laughing.

I had my hair done (third time since April!) yesterday trying to repair the damage that my emotionally distraught hair dresser had done. My hair has been the punching bag in her personal life drama. I was puzzled why I was being forced back in the salon weeks of just having my hair done due to the unsightly growth (wtf?)when I've only ever had it highlighted 4-5 times a year. I surprisingly discovered she had been putting bleach on my hair! So, you say "big deal". Yeah, it is. I am a blond naturally. Dirty. Blond. Needless to say the frequency to which I had to schedule these touch-up visits was costing me a fortune! I finally sought a second opinion four weeks ago. This is when I realized why I had root problems and I was looking more and more like Pamela Anderson without the body! She had literally stripped all the color from my hair. I didn't have a hair on my head that wasn't touched with bleach. Of course the second opinion would cost me a cool 170.00 and before tip! Not only did I not tip, (gasp) but I walked out of there wondering what I had paid for. She had not fixed the problem either! I still had a root problem. So, last week I could not stand it any longer. I can live with a bad cut. But, not color. I'm a freak! I stopped by the new salon Salon Cielo and Spa that had opened in the swanky town center minutes from my home. They advertised "A slice of Heaven". It just sounded expensive. I forged ahead. They had their price (al la carte-- of course) out on display for all to see--unlike the other salons where they made them up depending upon what you drove up in. They clearly wanted to weed out those who couldn't afford the privilege of their services. Prices were in line with what I had paid previously. They might have been slightly more, but if they could fix the damage, I would sign over my house as collateral and throw in our investment property as a tip! I proceeded to explain my plight to the gorgeous sweet smiling toothy brunette behind the desk. I even went so far to say "I understand you're supposed to say there all excellent, BUT I need your best"! She smiled sweetly and without hesitation said "that would be Chris, but he books up quickly". Without missing a beat I scheduled right there on the spot! I arrived at the salon early so as to have time to explain my situation to the "miracle worker". We hit it off perfectly as I soon realized he too was from Florida. He sat and listened intently as I explained my plight to him. When I finished he nodded and matter of factly stated what needed to be done. There was no question about it. I fell in love with this gorgeous gay man right there on the spot. I knew I was in good hands. He not only delivered but he was competent, and self assured and most importantly knew his shit! He went so far to stress that it would take a couple of visits to get my hair back to it's natural state. When he finished I was speechless. I was ecstatic to the point of gushing it looked that good! I refrained from kissing him as I didn't want him to think I was totally insane. Picture below taken minutes after arriving home.... I love it, love it, love it....

RULES FOR DATING MY DAUGHTER

2008-07-01T20:07:00.003-05:00

A Dear blogger friend forwarded this to me and I couldn't resist. I've never laughed so hard. Why? Because my mother (true story) use to write our dates license plates down and then threaten to call the police if we weren't home by midnight Imagine my horror arriving late one night (4:00am) to see a cruiser in the driveway with lights flashing!!! Oh pity Katie and Abbey.....

NOTE: This application will be incomplete and rejected unless accompanied by a complete financial statement, job history, lineage, and current medical report from your doctor.
NAME _________________________
DATE OF BIRTH ____________
HEIGHT ________ WEIGHT _________
IQ __________ GPA _________
SOCIAL SECURITY #______________
DRIVERS LICENSE #____________
BOY SCOUT RANK AND BADGES________________________
HOME ADDRESS_____________________________________
CITY/STATE _________________________ ZIP______
Do you have parents? ___Yes ___No Is one male and the other female? ___Yes ___No If No, explain: ______________________________________________ ____________________________
Number of years they have been married ______________________
If less than your age, explain: ______________________________________________
ACCESSORIES SECTION:
A. Do you own or have access to a van? __Yes __No
B. A truck with oversized tires? __Yes __No
C. A waterbed? __Yes __No
D. A pickup with a mattress in the back? __Yes __No
E. A tattoo? __Yes __No
F. Do you have an earring, nose ring, __Yes __No pierced tongue, pierced cheek or a belly button ring?
(IF YOU ANSWERED 'YES' TO ANY OF THE ABOVE, DISCONTINUE APPLICATION AND LEAVE PREMISES IMMEDIATELY. I SUGGEST RUNNING.)
ESSAY SECTION:
In 50 words or less, what does 'LATE' mean to you? ____________________________________________________________________
In 50 words or less, what does 'DON'T TOUCH MY DAUGHTER' mean to you? ____________________________________________________________________
In 50 words or less, what does 'ABSTINENCE' mean to you? ____________________________________________________________________

REFERENCES SECTION:
Church you attend ________________________________________
How often you attend ______________________________________
When would be the best time to interview your:
father? ____________
mother? ___________
pastor? ____________
SHORT-ANSWER SECTION:
Answer by filling in the blank. Please answer freely, all answers are confidential.
A: If I were shot, the last place I would want shot would be:
__________________________________________________
B: If I were beaten, the last bone I would want broken is my:
__________________________________________________
C: A woman's place is in the:
__________________________________________________
D: The one thing I hope this application does not ask me about is:
__________________________________________________
E. What do you want to do IF you grow up?
_________________________________________________
F. When I meet a girl, the thing I always notice about her first is:
__________________________________________________
G. What is the current going rate of a hotel room? __________
I SWEAR THAT ALL INFORMATION SUPPLIED ABOVE IS TRUE AND CORRECT TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE UNDER PENALTY OF DEATH, DISMEMBERMENT, NATIVE AMERICAN ANTI TORTURE, CRUCIFIXION, ELECTROCUTION, CHINESE WATER TORTURE, RED HOT POKERS, AND HILLARY CLINTON KISS TORTURE.
________________________________________________________ Applicant's Signature (that means sign your name, moron!)
_______________________________ Mother's Signature
________________________________ Father's Signature
_______________________________ Pastor/Priest/ Rabbi
________________________________ State Representative/Congressman
Thank you for your interest, and it had better be genuine and non-sexual. Please allow four to six years for processing.

You will be contacted in writing if you are approved. Please do not try to call or write (since you probably can't, and it would cause you injury). If your application is rejected, you will be notified by two gentlemen wearing white ties carrying violin cases (you might want to watch your back).

To prepare yourself, start studying Daddy's Rules for Dating.
Daddy's Rules for Dating Your dad's rules for your boyfriend (or for you if you're a guy):

Rule One: If you pull into my driveway and honk you'd better be delivering a package, because you're surely not picking anything up.

Rule Two: You do not touch my daughter in front of me. You may glance at her, so long as you do not peer at anything below her neck. If you cannot keep your eyes or hands off of my daughter's body, I will remove them.

Rule Three: I am aware that it is considered fashionable for boys of your age to wear their trousers so loosely that they appear to be falling off their hips. Please don't take this as an insult, but you and all of your friends are complete idiots. Still, I want to be fair and open minded about this issue, so I propose this compromise: You may come to the door with your underwear showing and your pants ten sizes too big, and I will not object. However, in order to ensure that your clothes do not, in fact come off during the course of your date with my daughter, I will take my electric nail gun and fasten your trousers securely in place to your waist.

Rule Four: I'm sure you've been told that in today's world, sex without utilizing a 'Barrier method' of some kind can kill you. Let me elaborate, when it comes to sex, I am the barrier, and I will kill you.

Rule Five: It is usually understood that in order for us to get to know each other, we should talk about sports, politics, and other issues of the day. Please do not do this. The only information I require from you is an indication of when you expect to have my daughter safely back at my house, and the only word I need from you on this subject is: 'early.'

Rule Six: I have no doubt you are a popular fellow, with many opportunities to date other girls. This is fine with me as long as it is okay with my daughter. Otherwise, once you have gone out with my little girl, you will continue to date no one but her until she is finished with you. If you make her cry, I will make you cry.

Rule Seven: As you stand in my front hallway, waiting for my daughter to appear, and more than an hour goes by, do not sigh and fidget. If you want to be on time for the movie, you should not be dating. My daughter is putting on her makeup, a process than can take longer than painting the Golden Gate Bridge. Instead of just standing there, why don't you do something useful, like changing the oil in my car?

Rule Eight: The following places are not appropriate for a date with my daughter: Places where there are beds, sofas, or anything softer than a wooden stool. Places where there is darkness. Places where there is dancing or holding hands. Places where the ambient temperature is warm enough to induce my daughter to wear shorts, tank tops, midriff T-shirts, or anything other than overalls, a sweater, and a goose down parka - zipped up to her throat. Movies with a strong romantic or sexual themes are to be avoided.

Rule Nine: Do not lie to me. I may appear to be a potbellied, balding, middle-aged, dimwitted has-been. But on issues relating to my daughter, I am the all-knowing, merciless god of your universe. If I ask you where you are going and with whom, you have one chance to tell me the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. I have a shotgun, a shovel, and five acres behind the house. Do not trifle with me.

Rule Ten: Be afraid. Be very afraid. It takes very little for me to mistake the sound of your car in the driveway for a chopper coming in over a rice paddy near Hanoi. When my Agent Orange starts acting up, the voices in my head frequently tell me to clean the guns as I wait for you to bring my daughter home. As soon as you pull into the driveway you should exit the car with both hands in plain sight. Speak the perimeter password, announce in a clear voice that you have brought my daughter home safely and early, then return to your car - there is no need for you to come inside. The camouflaged face at the window is mine.

I'm still laughing..........more because I made Mai's boyfriend come inside to meet us when she first started dating him! OMG. I am my mother too... *snort*

Butt Dust

2008-06-25T01:16:00.000-05:00

What, you ask, is 'Butt dust?' Read on and you'll discover the joy in it! These have to be original and genuine; no adult is this creative!!

JACK (age 3) was watching his Mom breast-feeding his new baby sister. After a while he asked: 'Mom, why have you got two? Is one for hot and one for cold milk?'

MELANIE (age 5) asked her Granny how old she was. Granny replied she was so old she didn't remember any more. Melanie said, 'If you don't remember you must look in the back of your panties. Mine say five to six.'

STEVEN (age 3) hugged and kissed his Mom goodnight. 'I love you so much, that when you die I'm going to bury you outside my bedroom window.'

BRITTANY (age 4) had an earache and wanted a painkiller. She tried in vain to take the lid off the bottle. Seeing her frustration, her Mom explained it was a childproof cap and she'd have to open it for her. Eyes wide with wonder, the little girl asked: 'How does it know it's me?'

SUSAN (age 4) was drinking juice when she got the hiccups. 'Please don't give me this juice again,' she said, 'It makes my teeth cough.'

D.I. (age 4) stepped onto the bathroom scale and asked: 'How much do I cost?'

MARC (age 4) was engrossed in a young couple that were hugging and kissing in a restaurant. Without taking his eyes off them, he asked his dad: 'Why is he whispering in her mouth?'

CLINTON (age 5) was in his bedroom looking worried. When his Mom asked what was troubling him, he replied, 'I don't know what'll happen with this bed when I get married. How will my wife fit in?'

JAMES (age 4) was listening to a Bible story. His dad read: 'The man named Lot was warned to take his wife and flee out of the city but his wife looked back and was turned to salt Concerned, James asked: 'What happened to the flea?'

TAMMY (age 4) was with her mother when they met an elderly, rather wrinkled woman her Mom knew. Tammy looked at her for a while and then asked, 'Why doesn't your skin fit your face?'

The Sermon: I think this Mom will never forget this particular Sunday sermon...
'Dear Lord,' the minister began, with arms extended toward heaven and a rapturous look on his upturned face. 'Without you, we are but dust.' He would have continued but at that moment my very obedient daughter (who was listening!) leaned over to me and asked quite audibly in her shrill little girl voice, 'Mom, what is butt dust?

Now that's an Abbey statement!! LOl.

How I met your father..Part I

2008-06-22T21:18:00.002-05:00

Where was I.... ah, yes. So, here I was now living in rural America. This for me would be somewhere I would only return with heavy heart when the death of a loved one was called home. Sadly, it was never home to me, although yes, I was born there. Small town and way too much gossip. Topic? Me, of course. I'm sure I did nothing to promote it either. *snort* I graduated high school and was dating one of the boys from the neighboring town. I realized one day after dating him longer than I should have that we didn't have a thing in common. Other than the sex. He was a bad boy that just wouldn't grow up. He lived for the weekends. I know, we all do, but his idea was different than what I envisioned. Guzzling beer and smoking pot. Oh, and "van-slams". Don't ask! Anyway, I was going to school and working full-time and he was working~~flagging traffic~~ doing road construction work. He worked part of the year and collected unemployment the remainder of the year. I could see the writing on the wall. He would be one more heart I would break. Yeah, he was cute, but no motivation. After waisting too much time on that relationship I finally broke it off and never looked back. The only thing that kept me there was my job. I was itching to get back to the city. Any city. Management came to me not long after I started and shared their desire for me to participate in the management training program. I was flattered. I was working as the front desk supervisor at the time. I loved this job. Oh, and the numerous marriage proposals. There was that "alleged" talent scout who wanted to make me into the next "super" model. Of course I would need to come to his room to discuss the details. *snort* And the Frenchmen who was so in love with me that he wanted me to come back to France with him to meet his family! He saw nothing wrong with it either. We would all live together. Serously, it played out like the show "Hotel". Anyway, I had it all planned out. I was going to be the next Leona Helmsley, and without going to jail! And way more attractive. I learned every aspect of the hotel industry one department at a time. I learned first hand the proper way to clean a toilet. Hmmm, was there any doubt how this was to be done? What I learned after spending so much time on my knees hugging the porcelain was this would not be the profession I ever wanted to master. No sir-ree I never(ev-er) wanted to do that for a living let alone for myself! I've had someone cleaning my toilets for the last 23 years. The hardest job(next to raising twins!) I ever did was waitressing. Yes, they felt I would benefit knowing all facets of the operation. As determined as I was to learn the job, I really sucked. I worked hard for my tips and I think due to sheer enthuisiasm I made the most daily in tips. I'm sure most of my customers felt sorry for me. I moved into the accounting department and then was finally promoted to Sales and Catering Manger. I thought this was the best job in the world. It was during this time that I would meet the man who would become my husband. My first husband. He was my bosses boss. "The Vice President". AND the youngest Vice President the company had ever hired. He was barely 29 years old and the most powerful man I had ever met. I was 23years old and my life was about to change. Stay tuned....

Tears and Laughter...

2008-06-18T18:23:00.016-05:00

Whew-wee. Wow. I really don't know where the time goes. I feel like I am on a constant tread mill but getting no where. I haven't had a moment to report in to what certainly must be my two remaining fans. Funny how that happens when you don't blog. But, for you ~~suckers~~ die hard loyal reader's, heres something to wet your appetite.

My little "huricanes" turned three on Monday! OMG. I can't believe how much they have grown since bringing them home almost two years ago. I can not express the love I feel for my little walking talking mini me's! My little "sas mouth's" as I fondly call them. Nice. I find myself asking "where did they hear that"?! Hmmmm... Where, right?! This by far has been my proudest and most rewarding role. Ev-er! So, it was only fitting that we celebrate "Rony" style to ring in their birthday. A real sha-bang for my little princess's. Of course once we got past the tears they had a great time. Sweet thing handled most of the details. Well, with exception of the invitations. He thought a Chinese themed birthday party would be fun. So did I, especially when I realized he had made arrangements to have it catered from our favorite Chinese Restaurant. Yee-haa. Bonus points for sweet thing. He also ordered the prettiest "Cin-da-bella" cake from Maggie Moo's... not to mention an all too impressive guest list. We knew Nana would be flying in from Florida -- (you would have thought they were graduating from Yale with honors) but Auntie Jill and Auntie Kim surprised us by flying in from Atlanta for the event too. Of course the other famous twins were here and so was baby Evie just days of arriving home from China. She stole the show with her charm. Gorgeous, happy baby. We had so much fun. It just confirmed what wonderful people we have in our lives. And man oh man the presents. The girls made out like bandits. They are still trying to master the trykes. Thank you Nana, Auntie Jill, Auntie Kim and Uncle Andy.

We celebrated "Daddy's Day with a smashingly delicious brunch prepared by his favorite girlfriend. Me. What was even more special Nana would get to spend the day with us before flying home. Sweet thing was smothered in kisses and lots of love and attention from all his girls. After filling our bellies beyond full we decided we needed to enjoy the beautiful day. Plus the little people were way to eager to ride their new trykes and we were a bit anxious ourselves to get them outside. The walls were taking a real beating. But by the sounds of them giggling and squealing they could care less. I finished the evening up with a special dinner for just sweet thing and I. No interuptions. Great weekend.....now onto plans for girls get-away in a couple of weeks. Me and the lil ones are beach bound with my friend Annie and her twins.... oh where will we land??

Pay it foward

2008-06-05T20:25:00.005-05:00

We've all heard the term "pay it forward" well this is my version, so listen up girls. One of our blogger mommies needs our help. If you'd like to help an adoptive mom raise money for her trip to bring her daughter home Insert: I know you do! from China and enter to win a free makeover from Blogs by Danielle, please click here blogsbydanielle.blogspot.com. After some unexpected (and expensive) dental work, and then a horrible car accident caused by someone else that left Lisa's car totaled, she decided to do a fund raiser for her trip to China to adopt her gorgeous (and I do mean gorgeous) daughter Emme. To read her story, please click here. lostandfoundjourney.blogspot.com Danielle and Lisa are selling tickets for $10 a piece, or you can purchase 3 tickets for $25. The winner will receive a makeover from Blogs by Danielle, and Lisa has generously offered to purchase the winner's digital kit!

Come on girls, let's help bring her baby home!

Catch up...

2008-05-31T16:23:00.013-05:00

Summer is not even here and the craziness has already started. *snicker* I'm not a fan of bullets but here goes.

We spent Memorial Day weekend in the Shennandoah mountains at the Mcghayville Resort with Jeff's dad, step-mom and extended family who all drove in from Florida. Our version of the Brady Bunch. "His, hers and theirs". His step brother and his wife were there with their two children, Matthew (6 years old) and Molly (same age as Katie and Abbey). The kids all got along as if they'd known one another forever even though it was there first time meeting. And as a bonus we got to celebrate Jeff's brother's 20th birthday at a really cute Italian restaurant in town. We had such a great time. Made me miss Florida that much more. Note to self: must force sweet thing to see things my way....miss the ocean.....

We all had scheduled doctor appointments this past Tuesday. Eye check ups for the hurricanes, physical for daddy, and me, well I got to see my "ladee doctor". My most dreaded doctor visit of all! I don't know why I haven't had a complete hysterectomy with my gynecological history. I really thought at one point she was extracting the one ovary I have left! AND I could have squashed her head with my thighs when she whispered "this is going to be a little uncomfortable"! I swear to g-d I had tears in my eyes. Gads talk about painful. Anyway, although we've always known it was a possibility that little miss Abbey would eventually be wearing glasses, it appears as if it could be much sooner than planned. We have a follow-up visit in 6-months and at that time they will determine if she needs to be wearing glasses. Fun. Fun.

Sweet thing and I celebrated yet another anniversary. Number 8. The bronze year. This after all of us spent the day at the doctor being pocked and prodded. However, much to our surprise Miss Mai offered to watch the girls so that we could spend a quiet evening out celebrating alone. Apparently even my strong protesting couldn't shake her stubborn plan. I was concerned that she would be missing school. But after she reminded me she only had two weeks left AND she had never missed a day of school I agreed reluctantly. I had already planned on preparing a special dinner for the family, but a quiet dinner out with sweet thing, well it was awesome. She is a gem! Sweet thing and I milked it for all it was worth with drinks, dinner, dessert, and cappuccino. AND the best part. No interruptions!

I barely beat sweet thing home from work the other night, which meant that I needed to walk Mag's. I didn't think anything about the diarrhea she had, but it was after we got back in the house and I realized she had gotten sick all over the house. The worst part about it was that if I did not know about her bad belly I would have thought she shit all over the house. Worse yet, did I mention sweet thing was not home so that meant I had to clean it up. I didn't think anything about my comment of "g-d damn it Maggie" that I must have said 100 times over as I was scrubbing up the mess or the fact that I kept saying "this is total crap", BUT I then heard a little voice behind me chanting "crap damn it Maggie, crap damn it"! I stopped dead in my tracks paralyzed. Uh-oh. I was so busted. Gotta clean up my potty mouth and now! lol. To make matters worse in the middle of cleaning up the mess sweet thing called to ask what I wanted for dinner! Yes, I appreciated the thoughtfulness, but everything around me smelled like shit. To make it even worse it looked like a thick brown gravy that smelled like shit! It took everything I had not to hurl as I cleaned up the gooey mess.

My little hurricanes are weeks away from turning three. Three. Years. Old. I look at them and don't know where the past two years have gone. I sat and cried the other day looking back at photos of them as babies. I can't believe they are no longer babies. They have such cute personalities. Not to mention their adorable little squeals and giggles. My little sas mouths. lol. They bring me the most joy of all. I can not imagine life without them.

Two of my dearest friends are overseas bringing their children home. Both are neighbors, well, Marianne was a neighbor but unfortunately moved.... Out of state. Anyway Marianne is in Albanian meeting her darling boy. I know her heart will be heavy having to leave him until they return. I'm thinking about you girl. I can't wait to meet little Andri. AND my neighbor Christine is in China brining Evie home. G-d we can not wait! I wish you were here now but I know you wanted baby Evie to meet your parent's before returning to the states. We love you all. It has been a good week afterall. :)

Dance Cinderella...

2008-05-29T22:42:00.007-05:00

We all want to believe in happily ever after. But for this family there will be little joy and so much sadness. None of us know what the future will bring. We only have today. So before it's too late, grab your angels and dance.

She spins and she sways to whatever song plays without a care in the world. And I'm sittin' here wearin' the weight of the world on my shoulders. It's been a long day and there's still work to done. She's pulling at me sayin', "Dad, I need you. There's a ball at the castle and I've been invited and I need to practice my dancin'Oh, please, Daddy, please."

So I dance with Cinderella while she is here in my arms'Cause I know somethin' the prince never knew. Oh, I dance with Cinderella, I don't wanna miss even one song'Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight and she'll be gone.

She says he's a nice guy and I'd be impressed. She wants to know if I approve of her dress. She says, "Dad, the prom is just one week away and I need to practice my dancin. 'Oh, please, Daddy, please".

So I dance with Cinderella while she is here in my arms. 'Cause I know somethin' the prince never knew. Oh, I dance with Cinderella, I don't wanna miss even one song. 'Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight and she'll be gone.

She came home today with a ring on her hand. Just glowin' and tellin' us all they had planned. She says, "Dad, the wedding's still six months away, but I need to practice my dancin'. Oh, please, Daddy, please."

"Cinderella" -- Steven Curtis Chapman

Special Note: I've had some people ask about the tutu's. They were made by my dear friend Daleea from Jewels of the heart. I'm sure if you contacted her she would consider making for you too! They were worth every penny. My girls love twirling around like Cinderella!

Need I say more...

2008-05-19T21:21:00.000-05:00

The pictures tell the story. Enjoy.

Two cool for words!

Girls watching as Mag's enjoys a spa day. "Notice the bright orange wall nana"? lol.

"Can we help daddy"?

Still crazy for one another after all these years....

Cuuuuute!

Together. Always.....

"Wom daddy, wom"!

"I need help mommy"......

Two peas in a pod.

Katie and her daddy.

Sweet things and his momma.