Get off your ***

That is what I have told myself every day for the last 2 weeks. You know what? It's working. I knew I didn't need anti-depressants (not that I am against them, I work in a pharmacy you know?). That and blogging has been cathartic. It keeps me honest, to put it all out there (maybe not ALL out there). I wanted to be lazy today, but instead I got up and ready, got the kids ready and we set out on a walk. We went to the library (not even a half-mile from here). I looked at the dismal, outdated crafting selection and the kids had a puppet show. When we came home I decided we should have a picnic. I took some (in my opinion) great pictures:

Then a storm started to roll in, which was nice because the temperature dropped. It rained off and on (sprinkled mostly) for about an hour. RJ was outside doing a rain dance and Aubrey and I played on the porch.

Matt made chicken and rice for dinner while the kids and I played at the park. Now everyone is asleep and I have the house to myself. I am not sure if I will work on anything tonight or not. I am enjoying a cherry chocolate float at the moment and may lose myself in a game of bounce out.

Super mom to the rescue!!

That project I was telling you about last night? Well, RJ loves it. He woke up this morning and put it on, he even wore it to the post office. He told everyone "my mommy made it for me" with a big grin on his face. I got teary eyed at one point when an older woman told him "mommy loves you more than you will ever know, and even I can see that because she made that cape with love".

He just woke up, don't mind the skivvies!

Showing off the car print on the other side.

So tonight when I got home from work, we went for a swim (or shall I say RJ went for a swim). He is getting more comfortable in the water and will even jump in to the deep end with his floaties on. He had a pair of goggles I bought him and thought it was so cool to see the bottom. Good thing he's finally learned not to breathe underwater, eh?

When we got back from the pool, RJ went right to sleep. He had a long day of playing since Matt took them to the lake when I went to work. He said they stayed until the sun went down. So I set off to do another project, a cape for Aubrey. I had some cute strawberry and plaid coordinating prints, so I modified my last template and came up with this one:

I think I need to make a few more tweaks. I would like to fuse the fabrics together and applique a design on each side. I like the fact that is is currently reversible to the appliques will have to go on before I sew them together. The other projects I was working on? They're still in progress, I am just trying to go with the flow. It is much easier than trying to force myself into doing something.

Thrift Store treasures

There is a local thrift store called "Experienced Merchandise" where I go frequently for treasures. I have patterns from the 1960's and 1970's, LOADS of bake ware, I even got a microwave (in great working condition) for $5. Today I found this:

It just looked like it had so many possibilities! So I bought it at a whopping $1.50, along with 4 packages of blanket binding, a new pincushion, and a really good wood-handled crochet hook (total $3.50). I knew I was going to use it for storage of my many arts and crafts products. I chose to have one drawer for ink and one for stamps. With the bookplates though I can change my mind at some point in the future. I went into my paper stash and chose 4 coordinating prints from the Spring 2009 DCWV Stack. I cut 3 inch squares and started a pattern. Here is my finished product (except it needs another coat of white paint and possibly some embellishments).

What happened to the dress I was making? Well, I put it on hold and am going to work on something else. This bag from cute2carry is just adorable and "sew" easy to make! These are the materials I am using:

Hopefully I will have this finished tonight or tomorrow sometime and then I may be able to start on Aubrey's dress. I also have a great plan for RJ from plum pear apple (she is a genius!) and some cute material to do it with. He will be so excited, I hope I can wrap it up and get him on camera opening it; he and Aubrey run around like this every morning:

I am feeling inspired and happy with how much I am accomplishing right now.

My Karate Kid and Green Husband

... Or maybe I should call him my Taekwondo kid? RJ has again surprised everyone (maybe one day I'll stop being shocked). He was the loudest, he listened the most intently, he hit the hardest AND he did 10 push ups, the "grown-up" way. I can't even do 10 without struggling!! Maybe I should take Taekwondo too? After class he waited patiently and asked the teacher what he could do at home to practice. She thought I prompted him! I didn't, he is just really eager to learn. I think this might be one of the best things we have done for him. Now if only I could get him to concentrate so completely on phonetics!

Matt has decided to start taking pictures of everything he's been cleaning up in the desert around BC. He goes every Saturday morning, while the rest of us are still snoozing, and picks up random dump sites (I can't believe these MORONS dump stuff in the desert and not in a dumpster!!). So far he has collected enough trash to fill the back of the truck five, yes 5, times! I may start a separate blog just dedicated to what he finds (or I may keep a weekly post here). These pictures were taken on yesterday's trip. He cleaned up some road signs people had stolen for target practice (don't even get me started on the entitlement that runs rampant anymore). The second is just a picture of the town we live in from where we were in the desert.

As for today, I am in the process of making a dress for Aubrey and will have a detailed progress post with pictures tomorrow!

Halloween in May

Oh boy. Today was a good Memorial Day, we relaxed and shopped (who doesn't like to shop?). I managed to avoid the one place I wanted to go, but am banning myself from until next payday (any guesses? LOL).

Matt bought me a stash of sewing supplies since most of mine are still in dear old ABQ. I have my sewing machine set up in a little corner and I am ready to get to work. Who needs a Halloween costume (yes, I know it isn't even June yet)? We are doing a family theme this year again. Last year we were Peter Pan (RJ), Tinkerbell (Aubrey) and Wendy (me). RJ has decided that this year we will have costumes from Alice in Wonderland! I am actually excited about this and not JUST because Tim Burton has decided to do another that looks AWESOME!!

Did I mention that Johnny Depp is the Mad Hatter? Yummy!!!

Anyway, back to the family thing... RJ wants mommy to be Alice (awwww, that's sweet... but I think Aubrey is blonder and cuter!) So Aubrey will be Alice. RJ will be the Cheshire cat, which should be fun to make! I am planning to be the queen of hearts. I like the costume and I get to do crazy make-up. Matt will be the Mad_Hatter, naturally. I will try and keep up with pictures and what not as I go. I will probably do the adult costumes first because they are larger and because the kids will most likely grow between now and then. I am SO excited about this Halloween though!! Yeah, I am starting soon

Chill Sunday

Today was just another day, nothing spectacular happened. We had RJ's best buddy spend the night last night and they were up egging each other on well past midnight. This morning I ran 7 loads of laundry and Matt did the bathrooms. We dropped off RJ's friend and went to Joann's house for a quick bbq and dip in the pool. We stopped to get root beer float fixins on the way home and are now chilling out.

Best Dam Barbeque

Another scrumptious Saturday!! This time it was all about the eating though! Matt heard about the best dam barbecue cook off here in the BC. So we decided to get some friends together and check it out. We scoped it out on Friday evening, when everything was already set up and oh the smells! It is within a reasonable walking distance from the house, so we set out in 2 different parties. The "girls" and the "boys".

The first thing we had were sno cones since most of the booths were out of ice by 1:15pm (it opened at 10:00am). We sat in the shade in front of City Hall. Then we went and looked around for some grub! There was a huge line for whiskey ranch bbq which one of our friends waited in. They had loads of trophies, but I really was not THAT impressed. It was good, don't get me wrong, but I've had better. The beans were good, as was the pulled pork but the mac'n'cheese was TERRIBLE. I also tried ozark bbq they had killer beef ribs, but the extra sauce was a little much. The potato salad and beans were average. Overall it was a stuff your face kind of day and we all enjoyed ourselves (good thing the beer tent opened before 3:00!). Good food, GREAT atmosphere and even better company.

TGIF

Thank goodness indeed. It was an interesting week for me. Matt was out of town on business and I was home with the munchkins. I am very grateful that he was able to work as much as he did (70 hours). I also put in some hours with the help of Joann, a dear friend. She took on both of my monkeys as needy and energetic as they can be.

So, Matt and I had a conversation about finances and my general well being, and yes, they are related. I would like to be a full-time SAHM who also brings in some dinero. I would LOVE to turn some of my hobbies into income generators. He has more faith in my than I have in myself. He knows what I am capable of. So, he has decided to (finally) take over all of the bills and to "bankroll" an endeavor once I come up with a sound plan and a budget. Easier said than done!

I have several ideas, but most of them revolve around my affair with gymboree and all the cuteness they have. I have found a group of equally obsessed mamas at gymboplace. Talk about needing a 12-step program now? So anyway, there is a huge demand for "M2M" or Made to Match products. I see a lot of hair bows and some jewelry ... but I am good at things like sewing and paper crafts so my idea is scrapbook pages, handbags, grocery bags, etc. I am going to have to do a little research first ... but it seems viable to me. I'll keep you guys posted!!

Think it through Thursday

I have been trying to figure out how I can focus more. Generally, I lose interest in things quickly. I will go at them full-force for days or weeks and then I just can't bring myself to do it anymore. This is sad because I really think I have a knack for certain things. I can knit, for one. I made this hat for Aubrey (along with about 15 others) in one week... and then, nada.

I also had a craft website once, I maintained it for about a month. I even had a few buyers, who I refunded because I got sidetracked, lost in work, RJ ... it was always something. I have done the same thing with Ebay. I can list a million things at once, but don't have the fortitude to open my own "store" and maintain it. I also make Halloween costumes ... like these two from 06 and 07:

So aside from going to the doctor and arguing my case for ADHD, I think I just need to schedule some ME time. Hopefully I can figure out what I really want, think it through thoroughly, and act on it.

A better day

Today was definitely a better day. The kids and I had blueberry pancakes fro breakfast. RJ and I cleaned his room and donated some of the many toys he has. I've been trying to explain to him that there are others who don't have what we have. There are little kids who would love ONE of the toys he has and that he can't miss something he has forgotten about. (Maybe I should do the same with some of my "toys"). I think it is sinking in, as he came out with an armload of toys he DOES play with and offered to give them away too.

We skipped Taekwondo tonight (Matt is still in Scottsdale) and went to play at the park down the street (mama needed a walk) and then had a night in with movies, popcorn and pizza rolls. I got lots of giggles with raspberries on bellies and playing airplane (what a leg workout lifting that 54 pounds of muscle I call son).

Aubrey has been a happy baby the past few days. She is playing by herself more and giving mama a break. I really like this age, when they decide independence is not so bad after all.

I really enjoy days like this, with the kids, doing simple things. We are all still happy and it didn't cost me a dime.

Oh me, oh my!

What a day it was. It was just one of those days that I should have stayed in bed. I shouldn't have left the house. I should have cleaned all day like I planned and caught up on all the other things I have to do. No, I didn't do that. I went to the Coinstar machine with all the change I could find ... it was quite a good amount. I put the kids in the car and went to the bank ... the money was GONE. I don't know where it went, I don't know where I lost track of it. It was not anywhere in the car. So I had to swallow my pride and ask to borrow money. I HATE doing that, it makes me feel like a failure. At least my kids will have milk for the rest of the week and I have enough gas to get to work. I am thankful I have people I can ask for help ... but it was one of those days.

So off to bed I go, hoping for a better day tomorrow.

Monday's Mayhem

Today was ... interesting. Matt is in Scottsdale until Thursday, so it is just me and the munchkins. I had a good, lazy day. We went to the water park until it got stormy and came home and had lunch. The only problem was ... I got NOTHING done I was supposed to do today. So I know I am going to be up all night. I had to work, which was a waste of time ... we were S-L-O-W. Tonight I am going to try and catch up on Ebay listings, clean the kitchen and organize the kids clothes (they have TOOOOOOO many). I'll let you know how much I get done ... don't hold your breath.

Sunday Stroll

I would like to post something relaxing on Sundays. We like to go for walks as the sun is setting so I think some pictures of our "Sunday stroll" will do just splendidly! Enjoy ...

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I have a strange shadow (lumpy!), but here are the 3 of us (sort of)

This was us starting out at 6:00

Aubrey sat in the grass at the park and picked flowers

My kids always seem to make friends quite easily

I need a pedicure (and better walking shoes)!

She still holds my hand ... he is becoming his own person.

A ladybug RJ found. He seems to be the keeper recently, he ALWAYS seems to find them wherever we are ... or maybe they find him?

Scrumptious Saturday

My first scrumptious Saturday post!! Ok, I LOVE LOVE LOOOOOOVE to bake!! I am seriously famous in this city for my chocolate chip cookies. They are addicting to say the least. I have handed my recipe over countless times and people STILL seem to mess it up?

SO here it is:
1 c. unsalted butter, softened
3/4 c. granulated sugar
3/4 c. dark brown sugar
1/2 tbsp. pure vanilla
1 egg
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt (it might seem like a lot but it makes all the difference)
2 1/2 c. unbleached flour
1 pkg. semisweet, butterscotch, milk chocolate or white chips
1c. nuts of your choice... I use walnuts w/darker chocolate, pecans with butterscotch and macadamias with the white chips.

These will bake at 375 for 8-10 minutes. Cream the heck out of the butter and sugar. You don't just want it incorporated, you want it to increase in volume. You need to work air into it. Then add your vanilla and egg, mixing until well blended (I do mine in a stand mixer, but a hand mixer works well too). Add first cup of flour, mix, add salt and baking powder with second cup, mix, then add the last 1/4 cup. Stir in chips and nuts by hand.

Do not let the dough sit out, when butter is too soft the cookies will spread and thin. I like chewy cookies. I pull mine out at 8 minutes when the tops are just slightly golden and you can touch it without leaving a dent (touch, not push!). They will continue cooking for a minute so don't freak and think they are undercooked.

I pre-portion my cookies with a rounded tablespoon so that I can bake at will and the cookies won't get "old" tasting (as RJ says). I get about 3 dozen out of this recipe.

Hope this recipe helps some of you!!

It's been a while, an update

It has been such a long time since I've thought to sit down and blog. Maybe I don't believe that anyone is that interested in my life (which is true). Maybe I've been depressed (also true). It has definitely been an adjustment the past year or so. We moved away to try and make a life in Albuquerque... it didn't work.

Now we are back (from outer space)... and I've got a sad look upon my face. BUT (yeah, it's coming) I will SURVIVE!! Hahahaha.

Aubrey is now 14 months old and SUCH a diva. I swear I must have been downright EVIL as a child (yes, Sara we all know your opinion!!) She is giving me a run for my money.

My mother just says she has a stronger will than I do, that each woman who births another gets stronger. I'd hate to see what my great-granddaughters will be like then!

She can be quite darling though too (babies are cute so you don't eat them or something.) She loves her brother to pieces and she is DAMN smart!

RJ, who turned 5 in January is registered for Kindergarten now. He is also taking Taekwando and has already, in 6 weeks, advanced a belt! I am so proud of him. His teacher sees the potential in him. He says that RJ is very disciplined for his age. Not to mention he can charm the pants off of anything with a pulse!

He is in a "ladies first" stage... and the reactions he gets, oh boy... hopefully it is enough encouragement for him to keep it up. A woman at El Pollo Loco nearly fell over when he opened the door for her and said "ladies first". I only wish it wasn't so shocking that a five year old has great manners and respect for women!

He is learning how to swim (from me). We try and go every night after Aubrey goes to bed, but he gives me nights off now and again (like Mother's day).



Matt and I are doing well. We have our ups and downs, even more so with the market being what it is. We've both taken pretty severe pay cuts, but are glad to have clean sheets and warm meals every night... with the ability to indulge ourselves every now and again. I hope I never take for granted just how lucky we are.


I will try and keep this a little more up-to-date now. My mama friends are inspiring me to chronicle a little more of the mundane. TTFN

Hasta la vista, tamalewood

So, it just didn’t work

I tried, I really did. I wanted to make things work here in Albuquerque, but they haven't. I won't put my family, immediate or extended, through any more trouble. I have literally lost my mind living in one room with both kids and trying to contain the nuclear energy of my dear boy, RJ. I never intended to co-sleep with Aubrey either, but it has been yet another sacrifice to the detriment of my sanity. I miss Matt so bad it hurts, literally.

So we are making the pilgrimage back home to Nevada, sans everything but our clothing and some toys. Eventually we will be back to collect our belongings, but starting fresh may be just what we need. Minimalist times call for minimal posessions... or something like that.
Look forward to seeing all of my friends... and leaving the land of manana where I saw hardly anyone Maybe in another life.

Simple Life?

Well, I feel pregnant. Yeah, I know I AM pregnant... but that is not the point.

Anyway... I was posting on my pregnancy board and the helpfulness of husbands came up. Even after everything that has changed in recent years, there is still some gender-typing going on isn't there? Women are expected to keep house, cook meals, tend children and still be sweet and available. Men are expected to do heavy lifting, yard work, take out the trash and be providers of safety and shelter. It almost seems as if we are reverting to the times our grandparents were raising children. 1950's middle America is rearing it's head isn't it?

What exactly is middle America these days anyway? I think a lot of people are yearning for the safety and home life of days ago. Pretty little housewives with well behaved children and a husband that works 9-5 to put that Sunday roast on the table. Well, the price of roast has far surpassed the rate of salary growth and even though technology is "more affordable" now, at what price?

Education in this state is an abomination. Our lovely (gag, I didn't vote for the bastard) governor just told schools to cut something like $9 million out of their budgets. In a town that is still the fastest growing in the nation (and yes that includes children, duh) we can't bring teachers in at a fast enough rate or decent enough pay. We have shipped people in from foreign countries, where English is a second language already... still the shortage continues. Kids are being taught in cafeterias and gyms for lack of classrooms. Class sizes are totally out of hand with as many as 40 kids per teacher! Well, how many kids do you guess are being lost in the mix? Hundreds, thousands!

So, do I think some days that the simple life would be better? Move to a small town, have lots of babies, work the land. Sure, it sure sounds like more of a dream than what I'm living with today. Still I am glad to be alive now, to have a roof over my head, nice shoes on my feet and a full belly every night. I am uncertain of the world my child is entering, but the instinct has not changed. I will fight for my children and their future just as many generations before me have.

The simple life after all, ain't so simple.

Pondering Stupidity

Do you ever just have one of those days? The days where you swear everyone on the planet has gone bananas? I had one today. Every phone call I took, people couldn't remember who they were calling for or why and expected me to know. People were hanging up and being generally rude. I was mistaken for anyone from someone's mother to their girlfriend. Helllloooooo, I answer the phone with the NAME OF THE BUSINESS. Maybe I am just cranky. I am uncomfortable to say the least... and anemic too I guess. Lovely, eh? Like I'm not having a problem taking a dump already (was that vulgar? Oh well.)

Now I am home and I made dinner... fish, at Matt's request. He wants to eat healthier, but hates healthy food (go figure). He took one bite and acted like a 2 year old who got a whiff of his own diaper. He gagged, spit it in the sink, scrubbed his tongue under hot water and then ate a HUGE bite of brownie to wash it down (so much for health food!). RJ even ate the fish, good points scored there bubby. Matt ended up with a pulled pork sandwich and rice, haha. Silly men, I swear just for that he gets this:

P.S. Don't tell him I made this picture public!! ::snicker::