The Heavens Parted....the angels Sang

For Juice and I had our Very First Date Night......Yep the Very First one since Pooh has graced us with his presence...and has turned our Twosome...into our pefect little Threesome....

I know...after 10 months 1 week and 5 days....even I'm surprised I've held out this long...and no I have not subjected myself to copius amounts of alchohol....even though the thought had crossed my mind on many occasions....see my night with 2 fat bastards as a good example

and Juice and I quite deserved to have a night with just the two of us....
that shouldn't be limited to whatever we can do at home...while Pooh is off having wonderful baby dreams....that probably consist of what he can get into the next day.....

because I just really don't want to see another episode of How It's made....and if he sees another bad audition of American idol.....he'll...well...we just may see his bad rendition of every rose...next year.....

I do have to say ....

It's funny.....I realize.....getting so in the groove of having pooh be our third musketeer...I forgot how nice it is just being alone....not worrying about do we have enough formula..."oh god he had a blowout"...."don't throw that on the floor"....etc...etc....etc...

I feel like I should earn a girlscout badge or something....like I've step into the next level of being a parent...."the first solo outing"...."the first date"..."the first time you can have an adult conversation without baby babble slipping in"....


I know I don't have to tell most of you reading this...you have been there...done that...and are probably shaking your head at me having waited so long to break free....

And we really did have a very nice time....even though we probably talked about our son 3/4 of the time....(we'll work on that during the next date...one step at a time) and it took me awhile to get comfortable not having him there....I kind of felt for the first half hour or so...like I walked into the restaurant forgetting my pants at home....and I seriously had to make sure the phone was nowhere within hearing or reaching distance...ie the glove box in the car....so I wouldn't be the typical first time out mom who calls every 15 seconds just to hear him breathe....

but by the main course...we got into the groove of things...okay I got into the groove of things....Juice was fine even before we pulled out of the driveway....we really started enjoying the fact that we could chew our food....(wow...such a concept)....we actually spent over 1 hour at a restaurant....amazing....

but even with having a whole night of freedom....

.....after dinner....and a movie (another concept I had comepletely forgotten about)...and it being only 9:00...we realized...there was NOTHING else we wanted to do....we didn't want to do the things we did...pre baby...or pre marriage....of course Juice...asks oh so suavely..."want to go parking?".....ha....funny....I don't think I can manuever over the seats as well as I could before....(my butt is a tad bit bigger)....plus.....just our luck...we'd get caught....and poor pooh would probably end up having a complex....

so...instead of going out and partying it up....or finding out just how flexible I still am....


we went home....and did what any self respecting parent does when they get a chance....go to sleep.....and I have to say.....I think that was my favorite part of the date....


and I promise, even though we like hanging out with Pooh...more than not hanging out with him.....it will not be another 10 months before we go have another date..."parents only".....

****Would you like an opportunity to save an extra 50% on Clearance from Old Navy, Banana Republic, Piperline or the Gap....come over to Project Mommyhood Reviews for the code that will get you extra savings *****

My newest Pet Project...

I have decided....I'm going to give the ole' Mommy Review thing a try......

Why not? I covet....buy....and have opinions on a plethera of things....so why not share them with the world????

Because I like to read my own writing....and I have WAY too much time on my hands....

NO, seriously....

With the thousands of mommy review blogs out there in the blogosphere...why add in my two cents???...(which in today's market is really only worth 1 1/2 cents)

Because I think I can put some humour....some fun....and my personal take on what I think are some outstanding....amazing...truly buy worthy products...

Living in today's world....we want to make sure that what we are buying....is really worth it...

So come on over....To Project Mommyhood Reviews....

It's going to be the place for reviews....the buzz on giveaways around the sphere......and well...Project Mommyhood goodness.....

Sit down with you....and your Starbucks...(or for us cheapies...Sanka).....and I hope you find some great info...and some good ole fashioned entertainment value as well....

I'm so excited about this....I'm doing the evolution of dance around my living room!! I know you can see me doing the thriller moves...

**** And I have a great offer right now from one of my Favorite Etsy Shops...so head on over *****

Mornings...where's the Sanka...

My Sweet Pooh...

The most wonderful little munchkin man...a mommy could ever have asked for.....

You are so happy go lucky....easy like Sunday Morning.....and 90% of the time smell wonderful like baby powder with hint of maple syrup....

But....do you think...quite possibly...you could help a woman out....I'm sure daddy is really tired of me looking like this in the mornings.....

not a sexy look you say???? Yeah I don't think so either....

And I don't think it's funny when people don't recognize me before 8:00 because I sound like Harvey Fierstein....



You know....it is quite wonderful to sleep the whole night through....really...you aren't missing anything....and who really cares about 3AM informercials......we can just as easily get the point and paint....patch perfect...or the time life oldies collection at 3 P.M...promise....

Now...I understand you and Grandma had a talk...and that part of this is Karma for me waking up every two hours until I was two....but really....I think I've learned my lesson...

So...I think pretty soon...you and I may have to come to a meetingn of the minds....and I warn you....I've been watching WWE...and I've got a few moves up my sleeve....


Just remember...sweet Pooh...I'm in charge of the camera....and mommies don't get angry....we just get even...

and one day you will be dating.....

What was that you say??? You'll try to possibly....just maybe...perhaps.....think about sleeping through the night without any midnight snacks?????

Now is it because of the picture???? The Blue Star is a nice touch wouldn't you say??? No??? You don't like the whole world seeing what your mama does to you???

Well okay....I promise I'll stop taking embarrassing photos....and you promise you'll let me sleep more....

See it's all about compromise.....

You really are the most wonderful little munchkin man....a mommy could ever want.....

(why do I get the feeling tomorrow I'll be looking like a hungover drag queen in curlers again?...Where's the Sanka?)

Did you ever have to Make up Your Mind???....

First Things First....I am Excited to announce the Winner of My First Giveaway....Thank You to Everyone who Entered.....Sorry I'm having Major Malfunctions....

And...I have decided to giveaway 2 Copies....instead of one....so I have Two Winners


The First Winner Picked by Random.org was 26....

valerie2350 said...
blogged entry 2
http://sweeps4bloggers.blogspot.com/2009/01/projectmommyhood-book-giveaway-12509.html

January 23, 2009 2:35 AM

And the Second winner is 38

MissHeather said...
not sure if the contest is over as it's 11:21 here but if i can be included i'd love to be entered as a first time mom and also a bargain shopper i'd love to read this book!

January 26, 2009 12:21 AM


Congratulations.....



My Career.....

that past life...where I would dress up...wear high heels....have meetings...and conference calls....deal with buyers....store managers....and customers.....

A life where family, holidays....and sometimes sanity would take a back seat to long nights...longer days....and extra long weekends....

So why on earth...would I be having second thoughts about leaving that life behind...for a more peaceful....happy....stressfree life at home with Pooh...

Because I'm nuts....that's why.... I seriously need to find a group for displaced ex-workaholics....

I tend to think my neurosis stems more from a fear of lack of personal security and independence...than from wanting to deal with the atypical american shopper everyday....

that or I'm not good at laying the smackdown on my little nagging self .....the one who wears the Loubitans...and uses those heels to put lots of little holes in my self confidence as a productive member of our little family unit....





Couple that ...with a phone call from Nordstrom the other day....asking me if I'd like to take a management position available at a new store opening in March...when there are tons of extremely capable actively working canidates available for the taking...

I have to say...it did my ego good....made me feel..."Hey they miss me"...."I did such an outstanding job...they're willing to bypass others...and offer it to me..."....I think I walked a little taller after listening to the message a couple of times....just to make sure I heard it right.

Of course I also walk a little taller when Pooh does something baby amazing...like belch and fart at the same time....

I'm going to try and look at it this way...

On one hand we have.....crazy corporate america calling...waving a paycheck....cool clothes....and giving me the satisfaction of knowing I'm contributing to the family finances....

Or ....on the other hand...we have sweet...drool faced pooh calling...waving...a cookie in his chubby hands....the promise of tons of poopy diapers and toothy grins...and giving me the satisfaction of knowing I'm doing something important for my son...

Oh what to do, what to do...

I know....kick my little nagging self with the loubitans....right in her ass....that's what....

It's so hard being popular.....

***** Last day to Enter to Win the Baby Bargains Book....the Best way to save 20% - 50% on anything and everything for your baby***** It helped me get an awesome carseat for Pooh at Burlington Coat Factory....I saved $40....can't beat it....Click HERE to enter....Winner will be called on Monday....

I cannot begin to express the joy and excitement I have had in the last week....every time I would open my comments and see that someone thought enough of me to give me an award...it would truly make my day....

And I want you all to know...that every award I passed on....I truly thought about the people receiveng them....and how they have enriched my life...through their words and actions.....

So here are the newest awards I have been given so graciously....

The First one comes by way of Carolyn over at Risk Takers Guide to Endorphins.....An amazing writer who happens to live across the pond....she is an inspiration....in the fact that she had the patience and tenacity to finish a novel.....beyond my scope ...truly.....

She has given me ....a wonderful award.....the Lemonade stand.....she must think I can actually juice things.....hmmmmm....where's that Jack Lalanne when you need him...eh???

Okay...so I remembered the rules

Want to give this award to anyone? Apparent there are some rules:
1. Put the logo on your blog or post
2. nominate at least 10 blogs which show great attitude or gratitude!!!
3. be sure to link your nominees with your post.
4. let them know they received the award by leaving a comment on their most recent post on their blog.
5. share the love and link this post to the person that gave you the award!

However...with so many awards I've been bestowing lately....I'm breaking one rule...and only going to give it to 5

1. Attack Of the Redneck Mommy

2. Happy Healthy Families

3. The Mom Buzz

4. Minnesota Vs. Texas Bloggin' Through Life One Goat At a Time

5.Infertile Myrtle

Maybe I'll send them all the Jack Lalanne Juicer....could come in handy...don't ya think???

AshleeFay gave me an outstanding award.....the appreciation award is for lovely and witty comments and for always knowing the right thing to say at the right time....well....if she wasn't giving it to me....I would totally be giving it to her.....Her blog...Moments I have been waiting for
is like my morning cup of coffee....a needed little pick me up...to get my day going....she is wonderful...and generous....and such a lovely person.....

Okay....so It says I have to pick 10...well....I'm going to break the rules again....feels good....not doing what is expected....next will be ditching class....and smoking in the parking lot...oh wait...thats right...I'm almost 30...I can still dream right????

So My 5....

1. StampinMom
2. Mama Michie's Musings
3. Deltakids
4. Not So Mom-a-licious

5. The Way It Is

These are 5 Blogging Buddies...that I appreciate very much....

Wow...so I'm sure you can all see now...how overwhelmed I've been with all of these wonderful

and the Final....ta da......drum roll please...

Another from the fabulousness that is Confessions of a Giggling Drama Queen...Now this one...I'm giving to Everyone....to all you who read my scribble scrabble...all who comment...all who I am addicted too......You all are what make me park my butt here in front of the computer...instead of doing something productive.....

Look how pooped Pooh is.....he's like whew...that was a lot of love.....

Super Star.....(Molly Shannon Style)

Okay Super Stalker.....

I have never been more excited to be called a stalker...seriously.....Catherine over at Evolving Mommy....was awesome to drop by and let me know she thinks I am her Super Stalker....

But she makes it way too easy....

Her blogging is sincere, honest, genuine....often times humourous....often times thoughtful.....a perfect combination of wife...mother....and friend....she is truly an amazing person....who often times gives me a new way of looking at things.....You go girl...completely stalker worthy

So to Pass on this torch...to who I think embodies a commenter...who leaves me with wonderful comments.....

Jeauxdi over at Confessions of a Giggleing Drama Queen.......She is truly one Awesome Lady....who is so much fun...and who leaves such wonderful comments....and not just because she has given me an award...or two....I just think she is somethin special....and deserves to be considered a stalker....

And I'm doing Double Duty Today......

I have also been super blessed by one of my newest fave bloggers.....Michaela over at Mama Michies Musings....

She is amazing.....not only does she have fabulous taste in naming children...truly....but she is funny.....and interesting.....and a joy to read.....she is a person that is easy to like......and I am so excited she has given me a fabulous award.....

The Your Blog is Fabulous.....but in my case...Fab-U-Licious...cause ya know I am....

Okay....so I have to put down 5 addictions.....and I'm going to try and do 5 new ones....

1. Smelling my often after his bath

2. dusting....I love a dust free house

3. Trying to Find good fashion....at good prices

4. Saying the word "Whatever"....I've noticed I say it a lot... but...whatever....

5. making and eating cookie dough.....seriously you think I'll ever actually make cookies??? Yeah right

Alrighty....so who do I think is Fab-u-licious???? I introduce.....

1. Mom of One

2. Giggleberry Creations

3. Tales From The Fridge

4. Life on the Goo Goo Ga Ga

5. Jill's Believe it Or Not

I highly suggest going over....taking a gander...and congratulating them...they really deserve this and more....

Stay Tuned for Tomorrow....I have more....awards.....I'm spoiled......

Some Fab-u-lic-ious Giveaways around the Blogosphere....

The Baby Bargains Book.....(my giveaway)....over 700,000 copies sold...so you know it's good right???....Ends 1/25...only 2 more days to enter....go HERE

How sweet is this ring???...How amazing would this look with one of your outfits....5 Lucky Bloggers could win one of these rings by New York designer Alissa Melka - Teichroew....Just head on over to The Sweet Jelly Bean.....and enter...Contest ends January 30th (sorry I now have the right link up)

Dee over at Two Of a Kind...has an amazing giveaway...one of the cutest little baby shops on Etsy is Baby Bug Shoe Designs....Ruth the designer...is fabulous...and the shoes are way to adorable for words...they can even be monogrammed....You must head over and enter...contest ends Feb 4th

Mom of One is having a sweet giveaway...I hear Safe Headphones...the truly only volume safe earbuds and headphones...to help protect your little ones ears....cause you know us adults are all a little deaf...so head on over...contest ends February 1st

An ode to the messy eaters in your house...Abby over at Me and My Boys is having an amazing contest on Bibbies by Dilly Dally Girls....How fab...a bib that covers more than the front...it protects the sides and the back...and doesn't look dorky doing it...Contest ends February 1st....

My 2nd Award....Are You Ready....You might want to Run....

***** Don't Forget My Giveway....The Baby Bargains Book....the Bible of how to get the best deal on EVERYTHING for Baby....It's Oprah Approved....Contest ends 1/25 Go Here to Enter

You Know when they Say....Honesty is the Best Policy....

Well...

The first Lovely Lady who bestowed this on me is KJA's mama over at "The Phrase Working Mother is Redundant".....not only is she my little sister...who I affectionately call squirty....but she is an amazing mama...with a quirky sense of humour....who can keep me in stitches....she is one who continually makes lemonade out of lemons...and who even though she is a self proclaimed worrier....is one tough chick....

Now if that ain't enough to make me dance around in my undies....then having Jeauxdi over at Confessions of a Giggling Drama Queen....slap it on me too....sure will....Juice really thanks you.....Not only is her name impossible for me to pronounce...but her views on life are refreshing and honest...and fun....and I think she is super special....I need a fix almost daily....



Now....this is a super snifty little award they dropped off.....



The honest Scrap award......get rid of the S....and that's how I feel about having to find 10 honest things to say about myself.....naw....it's all in good fun...and I'm feeling talkative....(like everyday)....


Which comes by way of two Fan-ta-bu-lous bloggers......

The rules for the Honest Scrap award: The honorees are to: A) first list 10 honest things about yourself - and make it interesting, even if you have to dig deep! B) pass the award on to 7 bloggers that you feel embody the spirit of the Honest Scrap.



You might want to grab a snack...and take a pee break....this could take awhile....



1) The way I look now...is not how I looked at 13....thanks to a wonderful oral surgeon...Thanks Dr. Peed



2) I Ms. Hyde when I can't find something....and the hubs runs for cover....



3) I really did have to walk to school...in the snow....up hill....both ways....



4) I was named after my grandfather....Leslie Foster....but my mom was nice enough to change the spelling



5) Oh. ..lord this is hard.....I have a closet addiction to reading romance novels...but I try really hard to stay away from the ones with half naked men on the cover....



6) ..All I can say...right wedding....wrong man.....Right man.....not so right wedding....I think I'll take the man over the wedding..



7) My first concert was Ronnie Milsap....If you can tell me who he is...you get an honorary award....



8) I am not as afraid of spiders as Juice thinks I am...I just want him to feel useful....



9) While we are on that subject...I am more computer literate than Juice thinks....because some things are better left unknown....



10) I really don't like talking on the phone....though everyone seems to think I do.....





Okay....so there you have it....and now....the next victims (sorry)....recipients...



1) Who Put Me In Charge of These People

2) Stepford Wife Chronicles

3) Me and The Blue Skies

4) Spunky Teddy Graham

5) Ritch in Love

6) There Must Be More to Life Than Laundry and Dishes

7) Team Cooper





They are Honest Scrappers.....Totally.....

I've won a Golden Globe....a SAG and an Oscar....

Okay, maybe not...but these last few days....have sure felt like it.....and as I mentioned in my last post....I want to give every person that thinks I'm neat....an equal day to shine in my eyes as well....so you all get multiple days of Joy and Thanks ...and Bloggy Love.....

Barry White style ya'll....bow chica bow bow....


The first Award...is brought to me....by one of my newest obsessions...



Amy over at Giggleberry Creations! Below you will find a nice little list of the many reasons I love Amy....


1. She hales from the land down under.....makes her exotic....and intriguing....


2. She is amazingly talented


3. She knows a lot of things that tie in with the number 100....or have 100 in it....


4. She is amazingly talented....(deserves two numbers)


5. Her writing is fun....and different....and totally addicting....


6. She is the type of person....who would be a funny, interesting....awesome friend...


Please go over and take a gander at her blogginess.....and then I really encourage you to visit her Etsy shop....Giggleberry Creations....If Fun and Whimsy are two words you use often....You'll love it....

So without Further Ado.....I humbly except this award....

and the little speech that i say....



Proximidade is described as follows:'This blog invests and believes in PROXIMITY - nearness in space, time and relationships. These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes for self-aggrandizement! Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated.



Please give more attention to these writers!'This blog award should be sent to your favorite eight bloggers and they, in turn should forward to eight of their favorites. You should include the text for Proximidade (above) in your announcement blog.





Okay ....so here are my 8......



1. Mrs Incredible....or So they Think

2. My Crazy Life With a Toddler

3. Making Memories

4. Mommying On The Fly

5. 4 Kennedys and a Dog

6. A Day In the Life of The DeVries Family

7. Diaries of A Domestic Goddess

8. Dry As Toast





These blogs....are fun....witty....thoughtful.....and truly deserve this and many other awards...



and thank you again Amy....you are wonderful....

Stay Tuned to see what tomorrow Brings......I'm thinking more awards

A Glad but Sad Heart....

...have I had today....

I had planned on writing this first post about some awards that I have been so extremely blessed with....I had planned on writing about how I was going to actually space all 5 of them out...so every buddy that had blessed me with one...would get an equal moment in the sun to shine....I was so excited....how wonderful that 5 different equally fabulous ladies...think I am someone that is special....we all like to get that warm fuzzy feeling.....and I thank them so much...

However....my sad heart is requesting that I just put off giving my thanks for just one more day....and today...my sad heart gets it's wish....

I was asked if I would help a fellow spouse by preparing a meal for her and her family....Her husband who is a fellow ssgt. with Juice...was fighting cancer...and unfortunately the battle looked to be a losing one....It would be the absolute least I could do....and I hoped I could possibly do more...to help ease some of her burden...

It is a sad irony...that on my day to help deliver a bit of cheer and encouragement...is the day we learn that her husband has passed away....I have to say it may have been the most important meal I have ever prepared....

What do you say...when "I'm sorry" seems almost ....impersonal.....when I know it won't ease her pain....the whole drive from my home to base housing...I would try and come up with something that would sound genuine....and meaningful....and hopefully somewhat comforting....

And in the end...it was Pooh...who really did it....as I was holding him...and giving her the bag of goodies I had made....she looked at him...and he waved is crazy baby wave....and smiled his big toothy smile....

and she smiled.....a real smile....and said..."he is amazing isn't he."

It took me aback for a moment...but I said...."yes he is..."....and for an instant....I think maybe....she didn't think about the ache in her heart....Good Job Pooh....

It is in times like this...where I have a hard time...understanding why god chooses who he does...when he does.

The Hurt that is left behind... doesn't seem just...or reasonable...for him to take this man...and leave a wife and two children...one who has Spina Bifida....where in the bigger picture does this fit in???

take me....I was going through a divorce...and battling cancer...all at the same time....and I was thinking...God....why on earth would you let both of these things happen at the same time....or could you have made one just not hurt so bad????


In the end ....after the storm had past....and I had emerged on the otherside...I was different...and I was blessed....blessed to have so many things in my life....besides the obvious...of my health....and definitely blessed to have overcome both....


It allowed me to see how important things are like backbones....and moments.....loved ones.....and taking chances.....how living....is so much better than existing....

and I learned that blessings and hardships are not mutually exclusive of one another...


I hope she will one day see....the blessings that will come....


You only have to look at Pooh....to see how wonderful those blessings truly can be...


It's amazing isn't it.....


and both my sad and glad heart responds...


It is....it truly, truly is.....

My Loves...

**** First***** DON'T FORGET ABOUT THE AWESOME GIVEAWAY OF THE BABY BUYING BIBLE EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT....GO HERE TO ENTER*******

This is dedicated to my first love....the love that started in high school...while skimming through the pages of Teen and YM magazines next to my locker....the love that sent me to pursue a degree in Fashion Merchandising instead of something with more income potential...like Law...or Medicine...Computer Science...or Frisbee....

This love affair I have with fashion has not diminished...even though the funding in which to maintain it has....

Now granted I have never been one to try and idolize Imelda Marcos....or Mariah Carey...(Did you SEE her closet on MTV Cribs???)....I have been very good at living by the rule...buy one....pass one on....

And while we are on that subject...I have also never been one to justify paying the same amount for a handbag or pair of shoes...that I would on a months car payment....even though I had NO problem helping others justify it....(does that make me a hypocrite...perhaps....but it's what makes the fashion world turn)

But I digress...

Here is a Picture I found....where I love miss Heigel's casually chic look....even down to the Tory's on her feet....

This little number.....would only be worn in the company of divorce lawyers and movers.....



A beautiful Cotton Poplin Dolce and Gabbana Camp Shirt $995.00 @ Nordstrom.com








But this little Gem.....might get me a date night....where they actually don't have a drive through...or a take-out menu....
A super Sassy Cotton Batiste Camp Shirt from Old Navy $24.50 @ OldNavy.com

Frugality can really be oh so Chic....

But really....after all is said and done.....

My first love has been well and truly replaced.....





They think I'd look good wearing nothing but a potato sack....how can you argue with that?....

I'm Giving It Away.....

Since I'm way to impatient for my 100th post....or my year anniversary....Why not do a 50th post Giveaway....

May I present....

One of my all time favorite books for navigating the world of babies and stuff....cause we all know how much stuff babies actually need right????





$6600.
Yes, that’s the average cost of raising a baby until age one. Add in
day care and the total can soar above $10,000. But do new parents
have to shell out those big bucks to get quality products for a
newborn?

No, of course not!

Consumer advocates Denise and Alan Fields have
launched a crusade to find the best deals for new parents, inspired
by the birth of their own sons Ben and Jack.

The result: BABY BARGAINS, a national best-seller since it was first released in 1994.
BABY BARAGINS now has over 700,000 copies in print

So To Win This Awesome Guidebook to Outfitting your Peanut...Or Someone Elses....

It's super Easy....Just Leave me a Comment on the Post....

Write about it....and link back ....and tell me where to go...and you get an extra 2 entries....

Contest Ends....Sunday January 25th...Winner will be announced on Monday January 26th....Winner will have 48 hours to contact before a new winner will be drawn.

Pooh is so stinking excited...he really really wants you to enter.....

The Good, The Bad, The Ugly...And Lemonade Stands...

I might have just made this post a Wordless Wednesday...but who am I kidding...being silent is definitely not one of my strong points...So I ix-nayed that idea before it even left the confines of my brain...

The Question I pose is this...What do you get when you cross a rambuncious, food loving, German Shepard...whose nickname has changed from Punk Punk to Doggie Destructo...with a rambuncious, newly mobilized baby, whose nickname has changed from Pooh to Baby Destructo?

What you get...my dear friends is a classic western showdown...a gun toting...tabacci chewing...hip swaggering showdon...that even Ole Clint Eastwood would be proud of. It was like when the stare down began....the heavens parted ...and the theme song to the Good the Bad and the Ugly began to play....I thought I maybe heard Juice behind me whisper..."Not till you see the whites of their eyes..." Should I duck for cover....should I stare and watch???

It was by far the most interesting of the new mommy learning experiences I had so far...Having thought I had successfully baby proofed the house for any occurance...but with Mr. and Ms. Destructo staring across the Kitchen at each other.... with Punk Punk's food bowl as the prize....

I suddenly realized how very very wrong I was...(hmmm...they don't talk about this situation in the baby handbooks.)

It was amazing how they each waited for the other to make the first move...like a pint sized game of chicken....Pooh jumped on it...and started motor boating his tiny diapered tush towards the prize....swish, swish....swish, swish...

Amazingly Punky stayed where she was...probably trying to decide if he was for real...or just bluffing and would as soon as he reached her coveted food...take a hard right...and say..."ha...fooled you"....

Soon enough though, she must have realized he was serious about partaking in her morning meal...and she decided enough was enough

Long story short...even though Punky got to the food bowl first (I think it's mainly because she has longer legs and nose)....She was extremely gracious in allowing Pooh to taste her lamb and rice flavored morsels....ahhhh...how sweet...oh wait...Get that dog food out of your mouth....

So Now to eliminate any future...shall we say culinary experimentations....we feed the baby...and the dogs at the same time....well, unless we want to replay our favorite western again.....waaaaa...wa.wa.wa......

And to Make my Day Even Brighter....I was given an amazing award from Ritch In Love...

She is an Amazing Blogger...who so beautifully writes about her life as a wife, a mother (and step mothers are mothers in my eyes), a friend...She is funny, Poignant, Insightful and honest....she is Awesome, Amazing, Fun....and I am so grateful to have received this award from her....

Do you know that special blogger that somehow finds a way to make lemonade out of the lemons life hands them? They are that certain blogger that is grateful for what has been given to them in this life? I do! And that is what this award is all about! So If you really want to find some great blogs take the time to click on the blogs I'm listing below and they are those that I'm bestowing this award upon. I'm going to take some liberties here and say that if you do know someone, swipe this award and give it to someone this week!

as always there are rules: by now we should all know what the basics are! but in case you don't know here ya go!
1. Put the logo on your blog or post
2. nominate at least 10 blogs which show great attitude or gratitude!!!
3. be sure to link your nominees with your post.
4. let them know they received the award by leaving a comment on their most recent post on their blog.
5. share the love and link this post to the person that gave you the award!

Here is My List of who Are Amazing Bloggers...

1. Nicole @ What A Trip

2. KJMama @ The Phrase Working Mother is Redundant

3. Maven @ A Fabulously Good Life

4. Tiffany@ Eat At Home

5. Bethany @ Somethin to Talk About

6. Cindy @ The Grass Can Be Greener

7. Catherine @ Evolving Mommy

8. CC @ If Only I Had Super Powers

9. Lisa @ The Looney Bin

10. Aubrey @ The Fam Five

I highly Suggest...become a Follower...Some Fine, Fabulous Reading....and Just all around Awesome Ladies....

Anna Wintour meet Fat Bastard....Fat Bastard this is Anna....

hmmmm....makes you wonder doesn't it....who is this mysterious chubby man...who was born out of wedlock.....or maybe he's just overly rotund and unhappy...which gives him his illustrious title....

I'm going to be perfectly frank....Juice brought home with him last night...two fat bastards...actually it was actually very sweet....I was having a less than stellar day...to the point where the Miss. America Pagent organization would have thrown me out on my sequined and tiara wearing ass....so the wonderful and sweet man that he is...decided I needed love and comfort and relaxation in one very special way...by going out and procurring me two fat bastards...He is awesome for remembering my love and adoration for F.B....in whatever kind he comes in...

So last night I had my choice....Shiraz or Chardonnay....(ha.....see...not some hefty hotness with an attitude)....hell...why not both....

And, can I just say....after a couple of glasses of my liquid prozac....I was no longer considered perfect to play Joan Crawford in Mommy Dearest....(NO MORE EMPTY SODA CANS EVERRRRRRRRR)....

Since my mindset was much more clear...and as usually with my few glasses of alchohol...I am a little can we say wired....which was great oh about 7 years ago in college....I could dance on the bar all night and still have energy for the Giro Stand out front...and the After Party at the party house down the street....with only a Taco Bell Mexican Pizza as your perfect hangover cure....

Well...I can only relive the bar dancing in my 29 year old mind....which also lends itself to reliving my love of my ex-career in Fashion...also in my mind....but wait....a light...a beacon...it's ...it's...

POLYVORE....my newest addiction....who needs illicit drugs...when you have fashion (and Fat Bastard of course)

If you have never heard of Polyvore...you must go if you answer yes to ANY of the following questions...

1) Do you take fashion advice from the style trend pages of fashion and popular magazines

2) Do you feel you are pretty adept at putting together an outfit you would say matches

3) Do you like to spend hours aimlessly on the computer...for anyreason...

Polyvore is a place where you can put together your own story board of fashion, celebrity, interior design or even weddings....hell after a few long sessions....You might just be able to get a spot in vogue...and work for ole "Nuclear Wintour" herself....(Wanna learn more about ole Anna... Go HERE

Last night...was a marathon of styling and restyling....oohhh I was in fashionista heaven....gave me my fix...for now....

Can I just say....for the record....I'm still glad I'm a SAHM.....as long as there is polyvore and Fat Bastard at the ready.....(and of course Juice and Pooh...don't want ya to think...)

Your Neck....and the C word....

January.....a month for starting over with a New Year.....a month where many of us look forward to seeing that blessed W2 sitting in our mailbox....a month where the winter is just starting to get on our nerves....and Aruba is starting to look really really good....hmmm....W2....and Aruba....good combination.....


But January is also a extra important month for me....and thousands of others like me......for January is Thyroid Cancer Awareness month....


ThyCa...doesn't get the hooplah....the commercials...the celebrity endorsed telethons that other cancers get...probably partially to the fact that it is one of the most curable forms of cancer there is.....I remember my doctor breaking the news to me by...."Well...if you are going to have cancer...this is the Best cancer to have"....um....okay...thanks?!?


But Thyroid Cancer...(In it's 4 Forms)....is the Fastest growing cancer with regards to Diagnosis in the U.S....With 3/4 of new cases being women....Even though it is highly curable....they average that over 1,500 people will have died in 2008 from the disease....

Being a healthy 25 year old...I never thought that 2005 would bring the C word in my frame of reference....

So here is my story...of how I kicked Cancers Ass....Well in a nutshell....

Pre Cancer Picture

In March of 2004 I noticed a lump on the side of my neck...that didn't hurt...and I wasn't feeling sick...so I trotted off to my Primary doctor who took quick look and decided it was just an infected lymph node...and if it didn't clear up in 6 months...to come back....(to all who read this....don't do that...bad juju)...


Three months later....after still noticing...I decided to get a second opinion....this doctor luckily took it much more seriously...and determined we should just remove the lump and have it biopsied....so by this time...in January of 05....I was asked to come into my ENT doctors office...where she proceeded to drop the C bomb.....And as anyone who has had any C Bomb dropped....it's an experience you never forget....


I was told that since the cancer was found in my lymph system I had progressed to stage 3...the therapy would involve removing the thyroid and all of the infected lymph nodes followed by radioactive Iodine treatment....


This treatment usually works very well...and most go into remission after the therapy has concluded....

So...after a fabulous surgery....and taking a radioactive pill...that even though I didn't glow in the dark...(and yes I did turn out the lights and look in the mirror to see if I did)....my face became the size of a Beach Ball...

....my little cancer cells still decided that living with me was a lot of fun...and they did not listen the eviction notice that I served them.... I was told it had spread to the lymphnodes on the other side of my neck in 2006....stinky buggers....


After another surgery done at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale...(He did an amazing job...and I didn't have to become my own nuclear powerplant again)...and careful monitoring every 6 months....I am feeling great...I am finally in remission and of course as you all see...living a wonderful and blessed life...the only thing that shows that I am a cancer survivor....my conversationn starter....as I call it...

Post Cancer Picture


I can honestly say...the good thing about having a scar that is extremely noticable....it gives me an opportunity to talk to others about this cancer...a cancer that so many have never even heard of...either that or make up crazy stories as to how it got there....like..."ever seen the movie face off?"....

My goal is just....that I want everyone to realize that Thyroid conditions...even beyond the scope of ThyCa....is on the rise and serious....A great website is ThyCa.org it will give tons of useful information...


Just as in a self Breast Exam....do a yearly Neck screening....it could also help detect any other possible thyroid issue such as hypo or hyperthyroidism....




1. Stand in front of a mirror
2. Stretch neck back
3. Swallow water
4. Look for enlargement in neck (below the Adam's Apple, above the collar bone)
5. Feel area to confirm enlargement or bump
6. If any problem is detected, see an doctor



It is amazing how something so small...can effect so many.....

So here's to getting the word out...and helping others detect it early...and one day finding a cure....

Gutes Neues Jahr, Szczęśliwego Nowego Roku , Feliz año nuevo...

and a very Happy New Year....


Oh....Hasta La Vista 2008.....and luckily for you....I didn't send you packing with a swift kick in the ass like 2005 and 2006....I have to say...you were one of the best years so far...you introduced me to the very cool....uber hip Mr. Pooh....kept Juice safe on his trips to the Wild Brown Yonder...and brought his super sexy self back home for some much needed TLC....and allowed me to become a OMG can I say it...Stay At Home Mom....without me having heart palpatations from not being stuck in rush hour traffic...and dealing with buyers and customers alike....as well as keeping the monetary flow going....you can not imagine how happy I am that we are not one of the many who are putting a foreclosure sign up....I don't want to be one of THOSE Jones's....

So I drank an extra glass of champagne for you....and it had absolutely nothing to do with the fact that I'm a lush....nope....nothing....



And ate almost all of my most favorite dessert....of ALL Time....even the dogs were scared to come near me.....

Outta Control Dessert Recipe:

1 pkg Blueberries

1 pkg Blackberries

1 pkg Raspberries

1 pkg Creamcheese softened

1 jar Marshmellow fluff

Juice of one half lemon

Mix the Creamcheese, Marshmellow Fluff and lemon juice with mixer....till fluffy

Put a good amount of each fruit in wine or martini glasses...and top with dip.....sprinkle with sugar.....

Voila...

So Now...Welcome oh 2009.....so fresh and new....you still smell like the packaging you came in....(kind of smells like champagne)....hmmm....I think we are off to a pretty good start....Juices Family who missed his homecoming by 6 hours....making a surprise trip to spend New Years With us....(and no...that is not the reason for the extra glass for moi).....


But...can we have a little chat....as to WHY....I couldn't stay up to see you make your grand appearance...until the countdown when I was unceremoniously awoken by a blower in my ear....I'm OLD....well...not OLD....but old enough...and I'm a mom.....so....yeah....okay...whatever...


And I got to be a tour guide...sort of....by taking the fam to the BIG City....their first time...our oh...it's been a few....but this time....we actually got our pictures taken....Which...well lets just say I have a phobia of being a tourist....you know...the shorts with knee socks....with the camera plastered to your face....the WHOLE time....yeah....not so much....BUT....I have decided that this year.....since I don't have to go back to the corporate world....I want to smell the roses...AND take pictures of them.....

I'm sure I'll need an interevention at some point....


So I've decided no Resolutions this year....we all know why...cause we all know what happens....they cease to exist after January 10th....and if we are hardcore...they may last to Valentines day...then all bets are off....so this year...I have New Years Goals....sounds better doesn't it....


To fit into my two Pair of Pre Baby Designer Jeans...cause I sure as hell ain't spending $160 on a pair now....

To actually finish decorating the house....I'm tired of being jealous of Martha....

To look smoking hot for Summer....I would really like to wear my new swimsuit WITHOUT a coverup on the whole time this year...

To really get out and explore this year.....get out of my comfort zone....



In conclusion...cause otherwise I"d talk all day....I've been going through withdrawls my peeps....2009 is gonna be TIGHT.....like my ass come July......that is all.....