Batman Birthday Party

As the guests arrived, they saw the entrance to the bat cave.

Inside the house were streamers and balloons - lots of yellow and black. You and your friends made Batplanes to fly into the Batcave. Then we went on a hunt outside, and found three villians - Joker, Penguin, and the Riddler. We invited them back to the party, and played pin-the-bat onto Batman.

It was time to open presents - and you all tore in! We went to light the cake - but the Riddler had stolen the candles!! We went on a treasure hunt throughout the house until we found the candles. After the candles were on the cake, and lit - you blew them out before we could even sing Happy Birthday.

You and your friends ate cake and punch, and then went outside to play. You had so much fun!!

I'm Six Now, Mom

Little boy - you are six years old today - and, already you think your whole world has changed.

"I'm six now...I don't have to hold your hand in the street."

"Six year olds go to bed at 8:00, not 7:00"

"Six year olds can have candy whenever they want, mom."

"Mom, when I turn 6 1/2 I'll be in high school."

You are growing so fast, but are a study in contradictions. One minute you can take on the world, and the next you are scared to go to sleep.

This year has changed so much - you are in school now, and doing great. You are everything I hoped you would be - and I am so proud of you! But, don't be in a hurry, little man- take your time with growing up.


I loved watching you with your friends at your birthday. It was so cute - the way you all said "dude" after and before everything else you said. You forgot all about us, and were focused on your friends. You are a sweet, smart, amazing boy - and I am so glad to be your mom.

Happy Halloween!

Here's the slideshow of the kids - they had a great time!

My Baby Girl

You turn three today - baby girl. Even though you still tell me that "i two anna half!" when I ask you how old you are - I know the truth. You are growing up before my eyes. You came into my life quite unexpectedly and continue to surprise me everyday. I LOVE LOVE LOVE having a little girl, and love how we are starting to do girly things together. Here you are - as you turn three:



Sometimes you don't look quite so precious:

But you'll always be my baby

Birthday Slideshow

I'm Thirty Now

I let my thirtieth birthday go by largely unnoticed last month. Maybe that is because I barely noticed it. Life has been coming at me like a freight train lately, and I have been jumping off the tracks just in time to keep from a nervous breakdown.

From the outside, I think it would be hard to understand why I have been coming undone. I am exactly where I wanted to be, but I guess it isn't all it is cracked up to be. I love my job, but it is overwhelming right now. It just doesn't pay quite enough, and that causes me lots of worry. I just thought that after law school I would have no problem making enough money to support a family in a good neighborhood with a quality school. We are there - but, it is not comfortable. I still feel like we are a major car repair or illness away from catastrophe - and that wears on me.

My husband has been going through some medical challenges, and I know it is wearing on him. I think we may be getting closer to getting it solved - but it is not perfect yet, and I think we are both pretty uneasy about it. Out of respect for his privacy, I wont go into more detail, except to say that it is HARD to take care of other people. It doesn't come naturally to me, and it is supposed to. After all, I am a woman, and therefore am supposed to be nurturing. I am going to admit something - I AM NOT GOOD AT THIS. I always feel like I am faking the nurturing. I know sort of what I am supposed to do and say from watching others, but it DOES NOT come naturally. I just keep hoping he gets better, so I don't feel so inept.

I feel like such a work in progress now and I am waiting for that wave of "30-ness" to come over me. I have started to feel more comfortable in my skin. I am also starting to care less and less what other people think of me. But I still feel a sense of being an outsider. When we go to the park, I just feel so different than the other moms. I don't have time to get involved in PTA politics - which is a relief, but also a source of guilt.

Last week at church, the minister described a feeling watching an ambulance. She described seeing a person being put into an ambulance after a car accident. It didn't look too serious, but still, the person was going to the hospital. This inspired in the story teller an odd emotion - jealousy. If only to be taken care of - to go to a room, and have others care for you. To have those worldly responsibilities taken off the table for a while. Of course, she pointed out, being in a hospital is far from restful. But I don't think it is the resting I am jealous of - it is the weight being lifted. The weight of daily responsibilities and obligations. I could use a lift - just for a while.

Then, maybe it will dawn on me that I am thirty and getting wrinkles.

What I did on my summer vacation

I've been gone for a couple of months - taking a little break from blogging. Here are some upcoming posts I would like to write:

• Why my whole family had a mustache at the cabin.

• Brandelion's first day of school - guess who cried?

• I'm twice as busy at work because everyone keeps quitting.

• How to get heat exhaustion by drinking too much water when moving a family of four all by yourself in 110 degree heat (subtitled, how to get your wife to come home early and drive you to the doctor)

I guess I'll leave for now with a couple of shots of Drama Queen who has been quite a trooper through all of the recent changes. I wish I could fall asleep like this!

I guess I don't want to talk about it either

I know I haven't posted in two weeks - geez I feel such shame and guilt. Guess I better give you a funny story to make it up.

Dateline: Living room.

Scene: me sitting on couch, watching TV.

Brandelion: in the restroom right by the living room.

Enter Brandelion, stage left. Fast paced walk, no pants, no underwear. Only wearing a t-shirt.

Me: uh, Brandelion???

Him: (holding hand up in a "talk to the hand" fashion), Don't ask. I don't want to talk about it.

Exit Brandelion, stage right. Bare bottom. Very cute.

I'm not sure what happened in that restroom. He came back out a few minutes afterwards and picked his pants and superman underwear up out of the bathroom and put them in the washer.

Don't ask.

Peace Out,

Working Gal

Total Nonsense Fun

I'm ONE TOP MAMA!!!

Go click on my pic - it'll be fun...


How long do you think I can last???

UPDATE: I lasted less than 24 hours. I guess I am just a legend in my own mind...

Peace Out,

Working Gal

I thought we would outgrow this stuff

As you may know, I work in a huge government office. There is a core group of about 50 attorneys at my level (or just above or below), and we all know each other pretty well. When I first started, I noticed that there was some gossip.

It has been two years.

Turns out there is ALOT of gossip - it just takes a while to build up the trust where people will talk about other people in front of you. Now, if you think about it, that is sort of a sick system. In order to hear the gossip from the "gossiper" you have to prove yourself to be a person that doesn't gossip - at least not to the "wrong" people.

It seems that there is one core group of "cool kids" - and, for the first time in my life, I am marginally a member of that group. This means that I am not sought out by them, but, if I happen to be in a room, and they happen to start gossiping, they wont stop because I am there.

Is this a good thing?

I see pros and cons. It is good to have some of the inside information - knowledge is power - and gossip really can give you insights into people.

However, while I may laugh at jokes and impersonations (because, frankly, we have some seriously funny people), sometimes it goes to far. Then, I feel really shitty afterwards - and wish that I hadn't observed and participated in the whole thing.

It makes me analyze myself a little, and I have realized (over and over in my life...geez, I'm sick of hearing myself whine...) that I have a desire to be included. I am just not sure how to balance that with avoiding becoming a topic of the gossip - "that Working Gal...she sure is stuffy!"

Geez.

Peace Out,

Working Gal

Kindergarten Blues

My baby starts KINDERGARTEN in the fall!!!

Ok, I already knew that, but, last night it really hit me and AtHomeHubby. It made me think back to the first day we had to put Brandelion in daycare when he was eight months old.

We had visited the daycare several times, and we knew he would be fine. I thought I was okay, and the first day I arrived a little early and got him settled in. I headed home to change and get ready to go to work and school, and as I got out of the building

I. Lost. It.

I stood in the parking lot of the daycare BAWLING, and wanting to go back in to get him. I made myself get in the car, and by the time I drove the 10 minutes home I had cried so hard that I had a migraine.

I called in sick to work, and just stayed at home for the day while my baby was at daycare!!!

My mom called me later in the day, thinking I was at work. It turns out that she had sent me flowers at my job because she knew what a tough day it was going to be for me, her baby.

Peace Out,

Working Gal

Mother's Day-Lapalooza

My mother's day:

7:15 AM - ahh...I get to sleep in today!!!! Roll back over... close eyes...

7:16 AM - (Brandelion) MOM!!!! Don't WAKE UP yet!!!! We are making a surprise for you.

7:16 - 7:45 - try to fall back asleep

7:45 watch the last 15 minutes of John McCain on Meet the Press. Geez, he's old! I do love watching a Republican back-peddle.

8:45 - kids and hubby bring me crepes for breakfast. They also bring balloons, and adorable cards and handmade pictures...

9:45 - off to church where the sermon is about Julia Ward Howe and how mother's day started out as a women's peace movement. Here is a part of her Mother's Day Proclamation:

Arise then...women of this day!

Arise, all women who have hearts!

Whether your baptism be of water or of tears!

Say firmly:"We will not have questions answered by irrelevant agencies,

Our husbands will not come to us, reeking with carnage,

For caresses and applause.

Our sons shall not be taken from us to unlearn

All that we have been able to teach them of charity, mercy and patience.

We, the women of one country,

Will be too tender of those of another country

To allow our sons to be trained to injure theirs."

This made me cry and think about how I would feel if Brandelion someday had to serve in war. Would it undo all that I have tried to teach him? And how could I ever send my son to kill the son of another mother?

I know I haven't posted much politically before - but from a purely human perspective - I want this war to stop. Mothers should speak out, and I don't do it often enough.

Peace Out,

Working Gal

The Mixing Bowl Defense

I promised to post about a funny story about me and a bug. The theme over at DraMa's blog is wussy ways you've made other people kill bugs for you. Please keep in mind that we have pest control service at our house every two months. When you live in the desert you have to be worried about poisonous flying things and spiders. Particularity black widows and scorpions. So, to protect the home front - pest control service is a must. At least it is a muss for a big wussy like me.

As my reader(s) know, AtHomeHubby does work a couple of nights a week at a restaurant. About a year ago, he was working at the restaurant, and I was home alone with the kids. I was having a lovely evening, having gotten the kids down to sleep. I was hanging out, watching TV and decided that I needed to get my comfy pajama pants out of the laundry and change into them (don't judge me - yes, I know they were dirty. Dirty is relative).

So, I headed off to our bedroom, and into our bathroom where the laundry hamper is. So far, so good. It was about 8:30 at night, with AtHomeHubby's ETA around 10 or 11 that evening. I went into the bathroom, and picked my pajama pants off the top of the hamper. I changed into them and as I tossed my jeans into the hamper

I

saw

IT sitting on the ground.

And then I freaked. out.

I quickly patted myself down, frantically feeling all over my legs to make sure there wasn't another spider in my newly put on pajama pants. I then got that shiver up and down my spine and screamed a little (the kids were asleep after all).

Then, like the big, brave mama bear that I am, I ran out of the bathroom, out of the bedroom, shut the door behind me, and ran out into the living room. I grabbed my cell phone - jumped in the chair, started crying and rocking myself and dialed AtHomeHubby.

Ring.

Ring.

restaurant chatter in the back ground

Hubby: Hey, babe, what's up?

Me: crying hysterically

Hubby: panic - thinking that something is wrong with the kids. Steph, what is it?

Me: There's a spider

Hubby: relieved and annoyed. Um...Ok

Me: No, really, a big huge, black spider with skinny legs - I think it's a black widow and I am freaking out.

Hubby: You need to kill it.

Me: NO, YOU need to kill it.

Hubby: I'm at work.

Me: Then come home.

Hubby: You're crazy - and need to calm down. Just contain it until I get home. Hon, I've got to go, are you going to be okay?

Me: bottom lip shaking I - I - I guess so....

Hubby: see you soon - you can do it.

So, I started looking around the house for a containment device. I went through the kitchen and found our biggest yellow mixing bowl. I gathered up my courage and crept to the bathroom. Please, God, let it be in the same spot - if it is not there I am going to FREAK OUT even more.

I opened the bedroom door - and went into the bathroom.

IT was STILL THERE!!!

I took a deep breath, raised the ceramic mixing bowl over my head and slammed it down onto the carpet, trapping the black widow!!!!

After the adrenaline surge subsided a little I backed out of the room with a towel and shut the bedroom door.

I then shoved the towel under the crack in the door - JUST IN CASE!

Then I headed back to the living room, and by this time I was SO creepy crawly that I pulled the leather ottoman out into the center of the living room - checked it for bugs, and sat on top of it with my legs crossed - that way nothing could get to me.

AtHomeHubby came home about an hour later and found me there - perched on the ottoman with tear stains down my face.

What a WIMP!!!

Have you ever had jury duty?

I've been in a training seminar all week - focused on jury trials.

Here are some of the high quality tips I've received:

1. Don't face the jury with your arms crossed - it makes them think you're mean, or angry - and, especially if you're a female attorney - bitchy!

I thought it meant - "would you like a cookie?"

2. Jurors are not happy to be there.

No.

Shit.

3. Don't read verbatim from your notes - it's boring.

I think my 5th grade teacher taught me this one. I guess most lawyers aren't "smarter than a 5th grader"

4. Don't wear short skirts.

Like, you mean, Ally McBeal and Legally Blonde aren't real????

And, finally, my favorite tip of all -

5. Don't lie to the judge!

This was in the "prosecutorial ethics" lecture. Gee. Really? Don't. Lie. Hmmmm....I'll have to mull that over for a bit.

Yes, the Government Entity I work for has paid for me to listen to this for the last three days of my life.

My Super Hubby

I just have to say thank you to my beloved AtHomeHubby. He does an amazing job keeping things running on the home front while I am at work. I came home today to two lovely, clean, happy children, a meatloaf and homemade mashed potatoes in the oven, and a spotlessly clean house.

Did I mention that ALL the laundry is done?

I guess I'll have to find a way to thank him for his hard work.

I'm sure he'll have ideas.

I could draw him a bubble bath...

A box of chocolates...

A shoulder rub....

Let me put it this way: he doesn't take baths, doesn't really eat sweets, and I'm a wuss at shoulder rubs.

I'll have to think of something a man would appreciate...

any ideas?

Maybe I'll do the dishes tonight.

Ya' think that'll make him happy?

All this cleanliness begs for something not so clean...

Guess I'll have to use my wildly womanly ways...

It's a Good thing They're Cute

***special note to the men who may come across this post - while this post may help you to relate to your wife/girlfriend/sister - you may not enjoy references to hormonal cycles and feminine products. Consider yourself warned***

I understood when I got pregnant that it would change my body. My boobs might sag, I might have a tough time with losing the weight, and, as my mom warned me, I might even get a cavity or two. I even knew that my hair might get thicker (or thinner), shinier (or more dull) and I knew that my, shall we say (as does Oprah) va-j-j might not be the same after having a baby.

Sufficite to say I was 23 the first time I was pregnant - and, looking back, still thought I was pretty invincible, and figured I would bounce right back from everything. Then, when I was pregnant again at 26 - I was a little more realistic, but, still, figured that I would bounce back.

I did not.

The following are a couple of the items I blame on my darling children.

1. MY HAIR. It did get a little thicker when I was pregnant each time. When I was pregnant with Brandelion, I discovered my first grey hair - that was 6 years ago and I haven't thought about it since. Until, that is, last Sunday. AtHomeHubby and I were standing outside at church, waiting for Brandelion to use the potty (again!), when hubby looked at my head and said, "wait...don't move." Knowing my fear of all things creepy crawly, I thought he was gallantly saving me from some horrible, crawling beast. I froze and he reached for the top of my head. And then I felt it - ouch. Hubby: "wait, hold on again". Then - ouch. Me: "are you pulling out my hair?" Hubby: silent - and holding up THREE massive grey hairs. I must have looked dejected, because he rubbed it in with "do you want me to look for more?" No, I do not want you to look for MORE!!!! How could there be more - I'm 29 for god sake. Now, everytime I am in the sun, I can be found tilting my head - trying to look at my own hair for the shiny grey ones.
   I never thought I would wish that I had a bug on my head.
   
2. MY MONTHLY VISIT FROM AUNT FLOOD. When I first got my period just before I turned 12 - it wasn't bad. In fact, throughout high school and college I had the standard, every 30 days or so - 5 day long, not terrible cramps, no big whoop periods. Then, after I had Brandelion, they got even lighter, but slightly closer together. I had almost no cramps, and no other symptoms. It was awesome - having a baby had actually improved it. Then, along came DramaQueen and boy have things changed. I now have a 9 day long, every 28 day hormonalpalooza. I have RAGING mood swings and feel completely unable to manage my own life. I get wicked cramps, back pains, and headaches. It sucks - I don't know what to do about it. I am considering the surgery (or, "non-surgical procedure") where they cauterize the uterine lining, and you never have a period again. I'm scared to do that - because it is highly elective, and I don't usually advocate elective medical procedures (except the tubal ligation - that was a NECESSITY, and a story for another day). Does anyone have any imput on this???
   
3. MY FEET. They are half a size bigger. None of my old shoes fit. Of course, none of my old shoes are in style...so, really, no harm no foul. I just have ginormous size 9 feet now.


4. MY VA-J-J. Let's just say - I have no use for "regular" size tampons. And, in addition to the "sizing" changes - everything is in a different spot - pushing ever so gently against my bladder. Let's just say, I have to remember to clench when I sneeze or cough, or laugh really hard. I can only imagine in a few years I will need these. Lucky, lucky me.

I'm having a rough week this week - just wanted to vent a little.

Mexican Princess

AtHomeHubby's grandparents just returned from a trip to Mexico. His Grandmother, Aurora is Mexican and she has family there still. They sent the kids gifts - Brandelion got a miniature sombrero and DramaQueen got an adorable sundress. Brandelion told her that she looks like a pretty Mexican princess!

The Truth About the 80's

This is the first in a new series. I was thinking back to the early music videos when they really tried to tell a story with the video. So, I am going to post a video every so often as a tribute to my childhood.

After watching this video a couple hundred times, I so wanted my name to be Sherrie!

Pictures!

I realize these photos are a bit random, but they are a snapshot into my life...

DramaQueen's latest performance was pretending to be asleep. So Hubby also pretended to be asleep. Trust me, if his glasses are on - he's awake!

She kept saying - look mommy I 'seep!

The dog - not so fond of the flash going off!

Brandelion does yoga. He follows the Rodney Yee videos, and insists on doing yoga with no shirt. He's actually getting pretty good!

My Grandmother, who the kids call Grandma JoJo sent them Easter ears.

Brandelion liked them, until I got the camera out. Then I think he started to consider that maybe he didn't want his picture taken looking silly. He shouldn't worry, though. I'll wait until he is on at least the second date with a girl before I pull this one out.

Here is DramaQueen asleep for real, after having all of her requirements met. She has to have the sippy cup. And then she has to have her baby (swaddled, of course). Finally, she has to have her own blanket. This is a photo of what may have been her last nap for a while. I think she's given them up.

Nobody Calls Me Chicken

Karly from Wiping Up Snot DARED us to be interviewed by her. She even called us "chicken" when only one person volunteered. Well, just like Marty in Back to the Future "NOBODY calls me CHICKEN!"

Here's my interview:

Karly: How old were you when you got your first kiss?

There are two stories. First, the story I like to remember as my first kiss, we'll call it the Dreamy kiss. Second, my actual, horrible, disgusting first kiss.

The "Dreamy" kiss.

I was 13 and in 7th grade, and while I had "boyfriends" before - as a very immature 6th grader, but this boy, we'll call him Matt, was my first true case of love, or, at least, puppy love. (geez...what a horrible run-on sentence. Guess I wasn't paying attention in 7th grade English - Matt and I probably had the class together!) We started "going together" at the beginning of 7th grade. He was in all of the honors classes with me, but also played football and trumpet in the band. He was taller than me (a real feat - I was 5'4" in 7th grade) and had wavy brown hair. We would talk on the phone for hours driving our folks crazy. I remember how his mom would scream (in a heavy Texas accent) "Matthew - get off that phone NOW"

Anyway, we went together to one of the high school football games and sat together holding hands in the bleachers. After the game was over, and we had to leave we were standing up at the VERY top of the bleachers, looking over the back down at the parking lot. I wish I remember what he said, but he leanend over and kissed me - just a brief, but firm kiss on the lips. I was over the moon!

The AWFUL (but truthful) first kiss. I had this quasi-boyfriend type in 6th grade who was a "kicker" (this is what we called the cowboy types at my school). What I didn't know was that he dipped chewing tobacco. What he didn't know was that you should not kiss a girl (and by kiss I mean awkwardly shove your tounge down her throat) unless you have AT LEAST rinsed your mouth out. 'Nuf said.

Karly: If you won 1 million bucks, what would be the first thing you would do?

The very first thing I would do is not tell anyone except my husband. I don't want anyone asking me for cash. Then I would be practical and pay off all my debts, and buy a modest house. I would by two good practical cars and then splurge on two big vacations (1) a big extended family vacation, and (2) a honeymoon to Europe. Hubby and I never really had a honeymoon. I would invest the rest and give a chunk to charity.

I am all about financial security. That's why my answer is so boring!

Karly: Have you ever been arrested?

No, thank god! I am a prosecutor and it would have been tough to get this job if I had. Now, on the other hand, have I done things that I could have been arrested for? Yep, but nothing major. And I'm NOT telling that story.

Karly:What is your favorite thing about having a son?

He loves to crack me up and make me laugh. He stands up for me when Hubby is "picking" on me. He worships and I know he will protect his little sister.

Karly: Daughter?

I love the girly stuff - fixing her hair, the way she plays with her baby dolls. I especially love how chatty she is. I can picture many years of us having girl talk.

Karly: If you could do one thing different in your life, what would it be?

I would go back and tell my 19 year-old self, "Girl, your metabolism is going to change in college. DON'T eat crap like you are still in high school. You are going to be PISSED when you gain 20 pounds that first year!"

Thanks for the interview, Karly. Would anyone else like to be interviewed? I'll try to come up with individualized questions, like Karly did for me. Come on...don't make me call you Chicken!

Visual DNA

Thanks to multi-tasking mommy, I found this...I'm a sucker for a quiz!

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

A Couple (or more) random things

1. Photos - I was going to post a bunch of cute photos, BUT, photobucket is not working right, and so I am going to have to do it from home later when I can get the correct frikin' size of photos. My kids are cute, but you don't want the images so damn big that you have to SCROLL to view each one!!


2. There is a cute way to do everything - For example - I understand that if you ride the bus and then have to walk a bit to get to your office, your high heels might be uncomfortable. You might even feel drawn to wear sneakers or some sort of flats. I get that. I even do that sometimes. (In fact, I just bought a very cute pair of slip on sneakers from Rocket Dog - Fabulous!) So, great, wear CUTE comfortable shoes.

FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, DON'T WEAR YOUR UGLY-ASS "I WORKED IN THE GARDEN THIS WEEKEND" SNEAKERS WITH PANTY HOSE!!!!

This is a look that should not UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES be worn in public. It should only be worn in private if you are trying to fend off your horny husband. Thank you. This has been a service of the National Working Woman Get a Clue Foundation, sponsored by What Not To Wear

3. Stop spamming my email!!!! The "government entity" that I work for has the ability to leave spam messages on our work email. As in,

"Now is the time for your mammogram! That's right, Government Entity is sponsoring Mobile On-Site Mammography. The van will be here on X, X, X and X dates, and for those of you that work in our satellite locations, you can find the van on X, X, and X, but not on X date. Make your appointments now, and be sure to bring your insurance card. For questions call XXX-XXX-XXXX. Once again thats Mobile On-Site...."

Now, I have a couple of problems with this.

• More than half our workforce is men


• MANY of us are WAY too young for mammograms


• We all have email


• YOU CAN'T ERASE A MESSAGE WITHOUT LISTENING TO THE WHOLE THING!!!

We get at least two of these spam voice mails a week. What an OUTSTANDING use of government resources.

Thank you, those are my rants of the day. Just remember, people, we can all make a difference, even if it means our small contribution to the world is wearing matching clothing and not spamming voice mail. Peace be with you.

It's More "Me"

I never really liked the title of my blog, and I had gotten sick of the colors so....

TA DA!!!!

I wanted to reflect the balancing I try to do in my life, and wanted something short, but catchy that could work as a theme throughout the blog. I have other ideas of what I would like it to look like, but this is the best I could do without HTML editing.

Also, my tag line, "how long is she going to keep talking?" is a quote from my lovely son. When I came home from work yesterday, and we were sitting in the living room, I was talking to AtHomeHubby about something, and Brandelion whispered to him, "how long is she going to keep talking?" It cracked us all up!

I have also reorganized the sidebar with some new links - be sure to check that out. And leave comments!! Lots of comments!! I need all the validation I can get. I have low self-esteem people!

Don't send out the search party

I'm just a bad, bad blogger.

You don't care how my life has been busy, work has been crazy, just finished a jury trial and about to start another one...blah blah freakin blah.

At least I didn't let it go a month without posting. Here are the highlights:

My job has gotten EXPONENTIALLY (hah! and I said I'd never use math!) busier and I can no longer really post from work (although, I am doing it right now - stickin it to the man). Also, by the time I get home, I am barely willing to expend the energy to help feed the kids and get them to bed.

If you want a true accounting of my exhaustion, just ask my frustrated, yet VERY understanding, hubby. He hasn't complained, and I mean not even once. Eventually, I'll get used to my new pace. I've taken a bunch of pictures (well at least 10 or 12) in the last month, and I'll try to post some.

The kiddos are still adorable, and doing and saying cute stuff. DramaQueen can climb out of her crib now - making for tons of fun early in the morning for AtHomeHubby.

We have been agonizing over kindergarten enrollment, and didn't get into the one school we really wanted (we are on the waitlist), so, he is enrolled for fall in full day kindergarten at our district school. This is an entirely different post - we have just gone round and round on this subject.

This past weekend my parents were in town overnight, and we went to the Phoenix Museum of Art (I'd put a link, but I'm just that lazy - google it if you want to check it out) and the kids had a great time. Brandelion told me yesterday that he LOVED his "cheesy cake". This took me a minute to figure out, but then it dawned on me - we went to Cheesecake Factory (feel free, once again, to google it), and he had pizza and "cheesy" cake. Cute!

We have set a vacation in July - and I am PSYCHED. We are going to this cabin for 3 nights with my inlaws, and my brother in law and his family, including my adorable niece who will be about eight months old.

Okay, thanks for enduring the boring "catch up" post. I will try to keep up with it more.

Unitarian Jihad

JON CARROLL, San Francisco Chronicle

Friday, April 8, 2005

The following is the first communique from a group calling itself Unitarian Jihad. It was sent to me at The Chronicle via an anonymous spam remailer. I have no idea whether other news organizations have received this communique, and, if so, why they have not chosen to print it. Perhaps they fear starting a panic. I feel strongly that the truth, no matter how alarming, trivial or disgusting, must always be told. I am pleased to report that the words below are at least not disgusting:

Greetings to the Imprisoned Citizens of the United States. We are Unitarian Jihad. There is only God, unless there is more than one God. The vote of our God subcommittee is 10-8 in favor of one God, with two abstentions. Brother Flaming Sword of Moderation noted the possibility of there being no God at all, and his objection was noted with love by the secretary.

Greetings to the Imprisoned Citizens of the United States! Too long has your attention been waylaid by the bright baubles of extremist thought. Too long have fundamentalist yahoos of all religions (except Buddhism -- 14-5 vote, no abstentions, fundamentalism subcommittee) made your head hurt. Too long have you been buffeted by angry people who think that God talks to them. You have a right to your moderation! You have the power to be calm! We will use the IED of truth to explode the SUV of dogmatic expression!

People of the United States, why is everyone yelling at you??? Whatever happened to ... you know, everything? Why is the news dominated by nutballs saying that the Ten Commandments have to be tattooed inside the eyelids of every American, or that Allah has told them to kill Americans in order to rid the world of Satan, or that Yahweh has instructed them to go live wherever they feel like, or that Shiva thinks bombing mosques is a great idea? Sister Immaculate Dagger of Peace notes for the record that we mean no disrespect to Jews, Muslims, Christians or Hindus. Referred back to the committee of the whole for further discussion.

We are Unitarian Jihad. We are everywhere. We have not been born again, nor have we sworn a blood oath. We do not think that God cares what we read, what we eat or whom we sleep with. Brother Neutron Bomb of Serenity notes for the record that he does not have a moral code but is nevertheless a good person, and Unexalted Leader Garrote of Forgiveness stipulates that Brother Neutron Bomb of Serenity is a good person, and this is to be reflected in the minutes.

Beware! Unless you people shut up and begin acting like grown-ups with brains enough to understand the difference between political belief and personal faith, the Unitarian Jihad will begin a series of terrorist-like actions. We will take over television studios, kidnap so-called commentators and broadcast calm, well-reasoned discussions of the issues of the day. We will not try for "balance" by hiring fruitcakes; we will try for balance by hiring non-ideologues who have carefully thought through the issues.

We are Unitarian Jihad. We will appear in public places and require people to shake hands with each other. (Sister Hand Grenade of Love suggested that we institute a terror regime of mandatory hugging, but her motion was not formally introduced because of lack of a quorum.) We will require all lobbyists, spokesmen and campaign managers to dress like trout in public. Televangelists will be forced to take jobs as Xerox repair specialists. Demagogues of all stripes will be required to read Proust out loud in prisons.

We are Unitarian Jihad, and our motto is: "Sincerity is not enough." We have heard from enough sincere people to last a lifetime already. Just because you believe it's true doesn't make it true. Just because your motives are pure doesn't mean you are not doing harm. Get a dog, or comfort someone in a nursing home, or just feed the birds in the park. Play basketball. Lighten up. The world is not out to get you, except in the sense that the world is out to get everyone.

Brother Gatling Gun of Patience notes that he's pretty sure the world is out to get him because everyone laughs when he says he is a Unitarian. There were murmurs of assent around the room, and someone suggested that we buy some Congress members and really stick it to the Baptists. But this was deemed against Revolutionary Principles, and Brother Gatling Gun of Patience was remanded to the Sunday Flowers and Banners committee.

People of the United States! We are Unitarian Jihad! We can strike without warning. Pockets of reasonableness and harmony will appear as if from nowhere! Nice people will run the government again! There will be coffee and cookies in the Gandhi Room after the revolution.



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Startling new underground group spreads lack of panic! Citizens declare themselves "relatively unafraid" of threats of undeclared rationality. People can still go to France, terrorist leader says. Michael row the boat ashore, and then get some of the local kids to pull the boat onto the dock, and come visit with jcarroll@sfchronicle.com.

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2005/04/08/DDG27BCFLG1.DTL

This article appeared on page E - 18 of the San Francisco Chronicle

Secret Agent Man

Saturday at the park, Brandelion and I played "secret agent" and hid from AtHomeHubby and DramaQueen. The cutest moment was when they were coming up behind us and Brandelion yelled out,

MOM! TAKE COVER!!!

He then did a sort of dive roll into the wood chips and stopped in the corner. It was really cute.

Maybe someday he can develop his sense for the dramatic. Hopefully, he wont be nearly as melodramatic as this:

The Grass is Greener on the Weekend

One of the big advantages in my move to downtown is the compressed work week schedule. Essentially, I get to go into to work at the ridiculously early hour of 7:00 and work "80 in 9" - 80 hours in 9 days, and then I get a Friday off - so...every other weekend is a three day weekend!

FRIDAY

This past weekend was my first "flex day" and I sure enjoyed it. We spent Friday going to the gym (work out with hubby!), the grocery store, and the mall (JCPenny - working gal needs a new suit!). Then the kids and I headed off to the library while AtHomeHubby went to work for the evening.

And, can I just say, love love love the local library. Even though our local branch doesn't have much to speak of here is my method: (1) find books I want on Amazon; (2) go to the County-wide library web site and find the same books; (3) request a hold on the books; (4) wait for an email telling me to go pick up books at the local branch. To me, it feels like shopping for free, and I have been reading a lot of vacuous "chick-lit" and I love it!

After the library, I made a healthy *NOT* dinner for the kids. Do tater tots count as a vegetable? Who cares! They had fun. While hubby was at work, I zoned out and watched TV - my idea of a perfect evening, at least, when I am tired and hubby is at work.

SATURDAY

Saturday did not go so smoothly. You see, I was feeling guilty for being in a bad mood last weekend and wanted to make it up to the fam. So, I found this chili festival going on about 45 minutes from where we live. Lured by the promises of "games for the kids" "lots of great food" "classic car and motorcycle show", etc, we decided to go.

In the words of the immortal Julia Roberts:

BIG MISTAKE. HUGE.

The entire event was windy, loud, boring, and expensive. We stuck it out about 2 hours, and then Brandelion said, "mommy, it's too cold here (windy, actually son), can we go back to the desert where it's hot?" So, off we went, back home to where the temperatures were over 70.

Unfortunately, little miss Drama Queen did not want to go home. Well, she did, she just wanted to sit in the other seat in the van. A couple of weeks ago, I let the kids switch, and now she wants to switch everytime. We told her no, hubby had to physically force her into her seatbelt, and she SCREAMED bloody murder for about 20 minuntes.

We managed to get home, rest for a bit, do dinner and put the kiddos down to bed. Hubby and I had a nice evening, even though we were both pretty worn out from the Crappy Chili Festival.

SUNDAY

Sunday we continued our new found commitment to going to church. It is sometimes hard for us to go, but we are always glad we do. Brandelion is starting to adjust to going to Sunday school, which we find encouraging given that he starts kindergarten next year. After, we headed out for Chinese food which went exceptionally well. Drama Queen however seemed to be trying to tell everyone in the restaurant that she went potty - but the waitress and the other diners seemed to take it in stride.

We headed home, and hubby, once again, headed off to work, only to return very early because the restaurant was VERY slow, and now that the minimum wage in our state went up his managers are very attuned to labor costs. It was a nice surprise to get to hang out with him for an hour or so before I had to head off to bed ridiculously early in anticipation of my 5 am wake up call.

All, in all, a nice weekend, and now I am back at work. At least I actually feel rested.

And yes, I know this was a VERY boring post - but, my life is pretty simple sometimes, and I like it that way. Thanks for indulging me.

OMG!!!

In order to properly tell this story, let's lay the groundwork.

First, I love Chipotle - hopefully, you all have this chain by you - if not, I'm horribly sorry, and you should move. I have no real weakness for fast food, with this one exception. I eat there about once a week, and LOVE IT!!!! However, now that I work downtown, where the world is decidedly Chipotle-less, I can only grab it on the way home from work - a new habit I began last Wednesday (hubby's work night).

Tonight was the night, and, needless to say, I know exactly what I get:

Burrito Bol (like a burrito, but, no tortilla and in a bowl) with rice, black beans, and steak. Then I have them add corn salsa, sour cream, cheese and lettuce, and tonight I got some chips and salsa. Then, I get home, hastily put the children to bed, crack open a DDP (diet dr. pepper - I am from Texas after all), and write a blog post!



Don't judge me.

Anyhow, going through the line at Chipotle from the time you get to the front of it until the time you get to the cashier takes about 45 seconds - so long as you know what you are doing.

Now to tonight - in a hurry, babysitter waiting, rush into Chipotle. Whew - the line isn't too long good...Tapping my heels on the ground, being patient, ooohh, yum, I just can't wait for that yummy Chipotle goodness.

YES! The tiny lady in front of me - it's her turn, that means I'm next!

Then she starts with the very demanding voice, and it's hard to believe it came out of such a tiny body, but, I digress..

Okay, I need one burrito, but I just want the rice and chicken in it, then roll it up, I want everything else on the side.

No, no, not mixed together!!! I need a small side of veggies, a small side of corn, one of sour cream, and one of cheese!!!

At this point the barely bi-lingual girl behind the counter looks confused, but then she gets it and explains it to the next girl down the line who starts filling tiny cups with each ingredient.

The lady follows the burrito ALL the way down the line, the runs back to the beginning like she is doing wind sprints in PE class, and says:


Okay, now I need a fajita salad, but I just want the lettuce, and the rice in the bowl and everything else on the side....

etc, you get the idea.....

Wind sprint back to the beginning - and last I need a ....

This is where I wanted to find a sharp object to stab her.



What in the world is wrong with people?????

But, all is right with the world now. All I have to do is keep the sour cream off the keyboard!

- that last line sounded a little weird...but I'm going to keep it anyway.

Oh minty cookies of my diet downfall

Thanks to Mike's nearly criminal consumption of Girl Scout Cookies, the little cookie-pushing leprechauns have come west!

They have moved into the parking lot of my neighborhood grocery store.

They tempt me so - with their cuteness and their "we have a new sugar free cookie this year."

Well, I don't want your new sugar free cookie - I want one thing, and one thing only

THIN MINTS!!!

But, says my inner voice, you don't need thin mints. Besides, what's so special about them? You could always eat the Keebler Grasshopper cookies - they are really the same thing, and you manage to avoid those all year long. And don't forget your weight loss goal this year - how are thin mints going to help??

So, I answered my "rational" inner voice. I don't know what's so special - but I know they are special. Plus, it's for a good cause. Plus, I'll just get one box. Just one box this season - there, craving satisfied. Humph.

I tried people, I really did.

I caved.

One little box.

I decided I would take it to work and "share it".

I did take it to work.

Yet to share it.

hmmmm.....

I had a Lean Cuisine for lunch - only 250 calories.

Surely that calls for some cookies, right?

PS: Mike, we are going to need a support group - I could always mail you boxes from here. I don't want you to come crashing down after your cookie high and do anything crazy. I'll enable you, and, maybe next year you can help the cookie season (the happiest time of the year) come a little earlier to AZ! *Hee hee*

He's Moving

This was too traumatic a couple of days ago when it happened, but now it is funny.

AtHomeHubby and I have really laid down the law about the rules in the mornings because of this and this. The deal is that if the rules are broken, no TV for the day. Hard to believe that AtHomeHubby signed on for that, but he is a glutton for punishment. The rules for Brandelion include - no food without asking permission, he has to stay in bed until 7:00, and he can't go outside.

This was tough for him for several days, and he lost a lot of TV privileges. On Tuesday, he informed AtHomeHubby that,

I'm moving to Nana's! You're too mean, and she's nice.

He then started crying, packing, and called me at work to say goodbye. It was horrible. I felt really helpless, but AtHomeHubby persisted that this was "good for him" and "it will make him appreciate us."

Then, AtHomeHubby told Brandelion how much he would miss him, and how we would all cry all the time if he left.

Brandelion finally relented, broke down and sobbed, and has been the SWEETEST kid for the last couple of days.

Even though, at the time, I thought AtHomeHubby was being WAY too heartless by just letting Brandelion pack, etc....

Here goes....

I hate to admit it....

He was right.

I got nothing

Trying to think of something to blog about....

nope.

I got nothin'

Check out AtHomeHubby/Big Papa's post.

Before reading it, keep in mind that I lived with him AND his brother for several months. Hard to believe I survived.

Postponing Valentines

Today I left for work before AtHomeHubby got up, and will be in bed before he gets home from work. So, we agreed that Valentine's Day in our house is tomorrow. We don't make a big deal out of it - we just had our anniversary last month. I just got him a small gift for tomorrow morning.

My point though, is that my son (thanks to the Disney Channel no doubt) knew that it was V-Day. I got home, and was checking my email (after checking my explorer history to make sure my 16 year old baby sitter isn't using the computer!).

Anywho... Brandelion came in, leaned his head on my shoulder and said,


I love you, mom. I just wanted to tell you that - because it's Valentine's Day.

Brandelion is such a sweet and sensitive boy that he went on to tell me,

I didn't get any cards for Valentines, mom. (sad voice).

Now I feel like CRAP - I didn't think he was old enough for me to worry about Valentine's day - YIKES. So, this post is partially hoping I will find this next year and remember that I have more than one valentine.

Surviving the Commute

Now that I have been working downtown for two days, I am becoming reacquainted with my "city" language, as opposed to my polite suburban curses such as "fudge" and "shoot"

okay, I have never said those words except maybe, "I would shoot someone for some fudge right now"....well, never have said that either, but it seems more likely than "oh, fudge!"

*please avert your eyes from this post if you have sensitive ears*

I feel like I have been absent from my blog for eons - but, really, only two days. Yesterday, quite frankly, felt like a week.

Yesterday MAJORLY SUCKED ASS!

I spent nearly an hour and a half EACH WAY driving - then, they don't even have an office for me yet because my new office is still occupied because she can't move, because her new office isn't ready because the guy in it can't move....etc....because some jack ass up the chain of command hasn't bothered to get his SHIT out of his office - some excuse about "being in a homicide trial..." blah blah, freakin' blah.

So, I spent most of the day doing NOTHING - then I drove back for another hour and a half. The bright side was reuniting with a bunch of friends.

Today - I rode the bus - MUCH better. 15 minute drive to the Park and Ride, 45 minute bus ride - very low stress. You see - I don't enjoy driving. All that paying attention really gets me down.

I actually think I am going to enjoy my new position - I really do like being down town, and it seems that I have figured out a way to make the commute bearable.

Quiet As A Mouse

In December I posted about Brandelion and the front door. Yesterday morning I came out into the living room about 5:45 AM, and he informed me,

Mom, your keys are in your car.

*half asleep* What?

I put your keys in the car so you could find them.

*louder* YOU WHAT????

Yep, they're in your car.

Sure enough - he had gotten my keys off the counter, unlocked the front door, gone out into the driveway, unlocked the car (didn't know he knew how to do this), put my keys in the front seat, gone back in the house,

and LOCKED the front door behind him.

at 5:30 or so in the morning.

Please

I beg you,

don't call CPS.

My sweet girl

You know how some days you just find yourself totally in love with your kid? That happened to me last week, and inspired me to pick up the camera.

Enjoy.

My last day without a commute

Today I slept in until 7:00.
I still got to work at 8:00.

Monday I'll have to get up by 6:00.
I'll still get to work at 8:00.

Today I'll leave the office at 5:00.
I'll see my kids by 5:45.

Monday I'll leave the office at 5:00.
Hopefully I'll be home by 6:30 to see the kids off to bed.

*sigh*

I just have to keep reminding myself that this is a promotion of sorts. I'll be prosecuting adult felony offenders instead of juveniles. Doing good, blah blah blah. Hopefully my kids will understand some day why I'm always gone. I guess it could be worse. Most nights I'll make it home in time for reading books and giving hugs.

I have to warn you, fellow bloggers- I'll will not be able to post and comment with so much frequency - my new boss is a bit more hands on - and I have a lot to learn in my new assignment. I'll try to switch my blogging to nights - so sorry in advance for my late comments.

Have a great weekend everyone - I know I plan to.

I talked him into it...be gentle

AtHomeHubby has finally decided to start his own blog. He is all set up here and will be posting soon I hope. I don't want to steal his thunder so I will let him explain his nickname (Big Papa) and the purpose of his blog. Enjoy! *****and comment !!! lots of comments for him*****

UPDATE: He's funny - check out his first post!

A little bit, honey, just a little

A few months ago, Brandelion and I were having one of our Sunday afternoon, just me and him trips to the grocery store. I try to do this a couple of times a month - I like to have the time alone with him, away from his dad and his sister. I always try to make is special (usually by buying him something - I am not above bribery) and always tell him how much I like it when it is just me and him.

We had just pulled into the parking space, when he hit me with it,

Mom, when I was a baby, how did I get in your tummy?

*PANIC ALARM goes off in my head....desperately trying to remember all of the so-called parenting books I had read. I'm sure this was a topic, but my mind is going blank!!!*

Then I remember the standard advice: Just answer the question at a level he can understand and don't give him too much information.

So I answered the following way,

When a mommy and daddy love each other very much they make a little tiny baby, and the baby grows in the mommy's belly.

Whew, that wasn't too bad, let's hope he doesn't ask (1) how the baby is made or (2) precisely how it gets in the belly.

He replies, How did I get out?

Well, sweetie, when it was time for you to get out, Mommy went to the hospital and the doctors, nurses, and even Daddy helped me push you out.

Then, in the sweetest, most loving, and slightly shocked voice,

DID IT HURT?

In my head I'm thinking: "hell yes it hurt!! Like nothing else. In fact the only thing that has ever hurt worse in my entire life was giving birth to your sister! And the stiches, oh, the stiches I had!"

Instead I said,

A little bit, honey, just a little.

I've joined the Future MILFs

After reading the posts about this group from Jess and JennyHaHa I headed over and checked it out. The group started about two months after I went on my weight loss quest. I haven't been as focused as I was - so, I'm trying to get back on track. I have lost 13 pounds since October... and I'll update on Friday with all of the other group members.

Anything I can do to make weight loss sorta fun.

I'm a Virgo

I saw this post about your "Sexy Zodiac" at Angel's Cloud and, not wanting to risk years of bad luck, checked out my sign at this address. I have toned it down a bit - this is a family blog after all. Also, I have added my opinion on whether or not it fits me.

VIRGO: The Virgin

Dominant in relationships.
probably true
Sexy.
you'll have to ask my hubby
Someone loves them her now.
true, true..
Freak in bed.
I absolutely plead the 5th (besides, my mom reads this blog sometimes!)
Always wants the last word.
I'm a lawyer, duh.
Caring. Smart. Intellectual. Attractive.
Loud.
Not really....
Loyal.
Yep - I read about 10 blogs every day and feel the need to comment often - that's loyalty!
Easy to talk to. Hard to forget.
I hope so!
Love at first sight.
That's a good story for another day.
Everything you ever wanted. Easy to please. The one and only. Ultimate sexiness.
Hey, I'll take these compliments!
7 years of bad luck if you do not re-post.
YIKES~

How to be fancy

Yesterday, the high temperature around here was 80. I wore a sweater, having not seen the weather forcast. I was VERY HOT all day long.

So, today, I opted for a skirt and a sweater set - much more comfy for the weather.

When I walked out into the living room, Brandon was watching cartoons. He said to me,

"wow, mommy - fancy!"

I hadn't worn a skirt in a while - too cold outside.

I sorta laughed and he said,

"you should stick your pinky finger out - that's what makes you REALLLY fancy. Yep. I learned that from Sponge Bob."

Hee Hee!

DramaQueen needs a video too

This is DramaQueen getting her things gathered for bed.... (this came out way too dark -- but, still cute)



And the end result:

Yes, that's right, a blanket UNDERNEATH her...why fight it?

Funny Video

Back in September we rented a cabin in the mountains for a couple of days. It was stocked with toys for the kiddos and Brandelion found a tape recorder with a microphone. This is the result:





It cracks me up every time

Fun With Technology

I have finally figured out a cool way to get pictures on this blog. Special thanks to Amanda at Mommy Diary Tales who helped me out with my HTML code.

Without further adieu -

What a fun Christmas we had!

Is it too early to think about the weekend?

I am already planning my weekend and, *gasp* it is only Tuesday. Of course, I have a sorta 4 day week. Friday I have jury duty, so when I am done hanging out with all of the people trying to get out of duty I will be on weekend mode. This, combined with my relative lack of things to do at work pending my transfer leads me to thoughts of this weekend.

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FRIDAY:

Here is how jury duty goes for me (I'm guessing)

• 7:00 - 8:15 Drive to downtown Phonix
• 8:15 - 8:25 Park and run over to the court building (lucky me, since I used to work downtown, I know where the best $2.00 all day lot is).
• 8:25 - pretend I don't carry cash as I rush by all the nice homeless folks
• 8:30 - report for jury duty
• 8:30 - 11:00 Read a book
• 11:00 - 11:30 answer a bunch of questions, and then get excused because *SHOCKING* attorneys don't want other attorneys on juries. Now, you have to understand - I would LOVE to get on a jury....see things from another angle, etc, etc. It's just not going to happen.
• 11:30 - 1:30 Have lunch with friends
• 1:30 - go home

Sounds like a good plan. Then, on Saturday, we are going to Tucson for my Grandad's birthday. His wife (my Grandma) died in December, and he is moving in with my Aunt in Utah in a couple of weeks. He and I have gotten really close since he has lived nearby for the last 3 years or so. So, we are having a birthday/goodbye party.

Sunday is, of course, the Super Bowl. And that means, of course, that AtHomeHubby is working Sunday night - and will be watching the Bowl from the bar at his restaurant. Fine by me. I can record it, start watching it 30 minutes late or so, and fast forward through all the boring stuff and watch the commercials instead! Not that I don't love football - I do, when my college team (HOOK 'EM HORNS!) is playing.

**WORKING GAL trivia - WG is from Texas - raised in Lewisville, outside of Dallas, then, went to college in Austin. How I ended up in the god-foresaken desert is another story. This also means I am a Dallas Cowboy, Texas Rangers, and Dallas Mavericks fan as well.