Perfect for Boating

Today the kids were FINALLY feeling okay (after almost an entire week of quarantine in the house with no guests and no field trips due to two hideously awful cases of strep throat with E and D), so we went out on Katie's and Jim's boat on the St. Croix river. It was really windy, but gorgeous.

To see many more cute pics, go to our Picasa web albums: http://picasaweb.google.com/BlumerLaMotte.

We hung out on an island in the St. Croix. D was so tired after all the sun and running around that he zonked out in my arms on the boat ride back to the dock. He didn't care how bumpy it was or how hard the boat hit the water, as long as he was in my arms -- he was out cold!

My Favorite PSA

Speaking of brains from my post last week... who remembers this public service announcement about drugs? Do you think it will be effective when I start talking to E about the dangers of drugs?

Out of the Mouths of Babes

Yesterday evening I snapped at my eight year old daughter because she hadn't been listening ALL DAY. She surprised me by turning around and with a straight face stating:

"You used to be sweet and mellow like a nice sponge cake, but now you are like a volcano all over!"

[Like a nice sponge cake?!?!?!?]

Hello?!?! What was I supposed to say to that? For the record, I burst out laughing hysterically and told her that was a "good use of her words and a fun analogy."

Out of the mouths of babes...

Brain Scan

This is your brain.
This is your brain while parenting a two year old and a three year old at the same time.

Note the stark differences between the two pictures. When the healthy brain scan of an empty-nester (left) is compared to the brain scan of a parent with a toddler and preschooler (right), it is easy to see the difference in brain activity. The left scan is busy with vibrant, healthy, positive, well-rested, colorful sections, but the right scan is full of dark, frustrated, stressed out, sleep deprived, colorless sections.

Evidently, the Center for Toddlers with Parents who are Sleep Deprived (TPSD) sponsored this study to prove that parents of young children (and they speculate parents with teenagers) have decreased healthy brain activity when forced to deal with the constant power struggles and dramatics of psychotic but adorable children who do not obey.

She Hates Me

WARNING: Don't let your children listen to this. There are explicits used rather freely in the song.

Back to Lyric Tuesday... (Any catchy name suggestions for this new series would be appreciated. I am fresh out of creativity.)

This next song is one of my favorites for the melody. [Is that the right term when you just love the way the song sounds?] The lyrics can be a bit offensive, but it's funny too. I remember the first time my husband listened to this song around me. It drove me insane. I couldn't stand the lyrics and was outraged that the singer would speak about a woman taht way! Then... I tried to pull the stick out of my butt and just enjoy. Now I am addicted.

"She Hates Me"

Met a girl, thought she was grand
fell in love, found out first hand
went well for a week or two
then it all came unglued

In a trap, trip I can't grip
never thought I'd be the one who'd slip
then I started to realize
I was living one big lie

She fucking hates me
trust
she fucking hates me
la la la love
I tried too hard
and she tore my feelings like I had none
and ripped them away

She was queen for about an hour
after that shit got sour [my favorite line!]
she took all I ever had
no sign of guilt
no feeling of bad, no

In a trap, trip I can't grip
never thought I'd be the one who'd slip
then I started to realize
I was living one big lie

[Chorus]

that's my story, as you see
learned my lesson and so did she
now it's over and I'm glad
'cause I'm a fool for all I've said

[Chorus]

la la la la la la la la la love
Trust
la la la la la la la la la love
Trust
and she tore my feelings like I had none
she fucking hates me

Dismantled!

My son dismantled my back screen door!

It only took him two minutes of alone time with the door and my stainless steel pasta spoon. (Don't know what a pasta spoon is? Click here.)


It's hard to decipher what is what in this picture since it was taken with my cell phone -- but you get the idea!!! He took the pin and slidey thing off the part of the door that connects it to the frame and controls the tense or something. I have no clue what the proper termology or names are for the parts of the door.

Jeepers! If this is what a boy is like at TWO YEARS OLD, what should I expect him to dismantle at age 5 or 8 or 13 or ... or... or... ?!?!?


Lord have mercy!

Got Wheels?

Check it out! This is my baby sister (who is, of course, an adult) riding my eight-year old daughters bicycle and helmet -- while wearing a skirt and her work clothes. LOL! Crack me up. Seriously, it's always chaotic and fun at my house. Rarely a dull moment.

Quotable

"I love sleep. My life has the tendacy to fall apart when I am awake, you know?"

~ Ernest Hemmingway

I Can Only Imagine

I must admit it -- I am one of the most musically challenged persons on the face of the earth. I am beyond out of touch with popular music. I am a dork and basically only listen to public TALK radio. (MN Public Radio & NPR Rock!)

Now, that isn't to say that I don't love music. I do. I often feel as if my lack of music in my daily life causes me to miss out on something. Almost as if there is an empty space in my life because of the musical-less-ness. Music can speak to people on so many levels. I love listening to lyrics. I think I am going to turn the next few Tuesdays into posts that feature songs that include my favorite lyrics...

First up is "I Can Only Imagine" by Mercy Me. Seriously! When you imagine standing in front of your Heavenly Father for the first time -- what do you think we will do?!?! Mediate on the chorus. It sends chills up my spine.

"I Can Only Imagine"

I can only imagine
What it will be like
When I walk
By your side

I can only imagine
What my eyes will see
When your face
Is before me
I can only imagine

I can only imagine

[Chorus:]
Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel
Will I dance for you, Jesus, or in awe of you, be still
Will I stand in your presence or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine

I can only imagine

I can only imagine
When that day comes
And I find myself
Standing in the Son

I can only imagine
When all I will do
Is forever
Forever worship You
I can only imagine

I can only imagine

[Chorus]

I can only imagine

I can only imagine

I can only imagine
When all I will do
Is forever, forever worship you

I can only imagine

LARGE Dogs

We had a fantastic time on Sunday at Mitch and Erin's house for lunch/dinner. The children ran around with the dogs, Augusta and Arnie. Well, actually, that isn't totally true. Elizabeth ran around with the dogs, Gracie thought about running around with the dogs from the safety of her parents arms and Daniel was having none of it -- no matter what! That poor boy is terrified of dogs. I can't understand why. I don't think he has ever had a bad experience. I mean, I realize dogs can be quite energetic and it's a bit intimidating when the dogs are bigger than you and so very friendly and slurpy...In any case, we had a marvelous time and it was great to see Mitchell & Erin again. It feels like forever since we've been able to hang out. Thanks, guys! You're the best. Cheers!

Call Your Senator!

You know me -- I am always a fan of unions. I strongly support organizing employees in any and all ways. Within the past few months we had a drive to organize employees in my office with other currently unrepresented employees in my branch of government. Unfortunately, the unionizing campaign was very poorly run. Employees were not well informed of how a union could benefit them and honestly, the folks who contacted me (and other employees) used way too many scare tactics to try to bully employees into opting for the union. The organizers used horribly poor communication techniques to attempt to reach employees. I was very disappointed.

Alas, I am still a huge supporter of union. I am begging you to contact your senators after watching the below video.



47 artists. They've all come together in a remarkable video to show their support for the Employee Free Choice Act.

If you agree that we need an economy that works for everyone again, please join them and call your senators now; it takes under 2 minutes. It's easy.

1. Call your senator toll-free at 888-322-4059.

2. Tell the staff member answering the phone where you're calling from, and that you want to be connected to your senator's office.

3. Once connected, tell the staff person answering the phone where you're calling from and that you want your Senator to work hard to pass the Employee Free Choice Act.

Most calls end right there, but you can also add:
a) The Employee Free Choice Act is crucial to our economic recovery.

b) CEOs and top executives are still getting huge bonuses, while the recession has hit middle-class families the hardest.

*** IMPORTANT: Don't forget to redial 888-322-4059 and share the same message with your other senator.

For more information, read on:
http://www.americanrightsatwork.org/employee-free-choice-act/home-102/

http://www.freechoiceact.org/index.php/petition/pages/araw_learn_more

http://freechoice.seiu.org/page/s/obamavideo?source=adwords&subsource=obamavideo&gclid=CMjYrbbGwpoCFQENDQodzQwYqQ

Bill Summary:
http://www.americanrightsatwork.org/employee-free-choice-act/resource-library/employee-free-choice-act-bill-summary-hr-800/s-1041.html

Dorky Guy Band

Some commercials have these catchy tunes that get stuck in your head and drive you crazy. I crack up at the stupid-ness of the Free Credit Report.com tunes. I love the dorky guy band with the amusing skits. Below is the YouTube video that features several of these dorky guys tunes. Listen and giggle with me. (Yes, I am aware that I am entirely too easy to amuse!!!)

Just Not A Good Idea

My life experiences have included some "just not good ideas". You know what I mean? Not something that is tragically awful or unfortunate, but something that just turned out to be a non-intelligent idea. Just not a good idea...

* wearing white socks with black pants and black shoes. (No, no, no! Just don't do it!)
* shoveling the front steps for less than 2 minutes with a 14-month old and 2-year old unattended in the living room with finger paint in the same house.
* microwaving Chinese food to-go containers with staples in them. (Whoops! Honest mistake.)
* ironing clothes, um, while wearing them.
* children with permanent markers a-n-y-w-h-e-r-e.
* listening to 93x EVER.
* at age 4 jumping off the top of a six-foot slide. (Just to clue you in -- this particular bright idea ended in a four-year old broken leg.)
* twittering while in outer space (right up there with texting while driving? I think not, folks.)
* toddlers pouring their own bowl of cereal and as an encore, their own milk on the cereal.
* walking out on the porch to pick up the mail without your house keys in hand and a one-year old in the house.
*watching David Letterman when you could be watching Jay Leno (Conan O'Brien sucks!!!)

Honestly, I can't claim to have experienced each and every one of these not good ideas (twittering? in space?!) What do you consider "just not a good idea"?

Moms are the Best Blessings

We had an awesome Mother's Day brunch at my mom's apt. I made homemade crepes with strawberries, hashbrowns, sausage, and all the fixings. Thought I would post a few pictures from our adventures.

Eloped -- Continued

Here are a few pictures from my eloping sister's wedding...

Many wishes for a bajillion years of wedded bliss! Always LOVE each other, even when you don't LIKE each other. Do not go to bed angry at each other and remember that compromise is of the utmost importance. Be true to yourself, as well as each other. I love you two!

Backyard Bash

Hmmm... what does this picture say to you?

My fabulous husband emailed me this picture and called it his "Dream Backyard".

All I could say was "D-I-V-O-R-C-E" (if my backyard looked this this.)

(p.s. No this is NOT my yard.)

Motherhood

My very favorite magnet reads:

I am Woman.

I am Invincible.

I am Tired!

Isn't that the truth! Seriously? Do you know any moms with children still at home who sound well rested, relaxed and with plenty of free time on her hands?

My second favorite magnet reads:

"Wow! I get to give birth AND change diapers!"

When I was in high school and in my very early 20's, I was in what I now refer to as my "militant feminist" phase. I was not going to settle down with a partner unless they would support my academic and career goals, do AT LEAST half of all household work, and share all child rearing responsibilities and decisions 50/50.

Fast forward ten plus years...

Yeah, that was a pleasant Utopian daydream.

I very much wish things were equally shared in my world. I would love to only do half of the dishes, laundry, sweeping, dusting, mopping, cleaning, scrubbing, grocery shopping, pet food fetching, diaper getting -- to say nothing of the child caring tasks of bathing, potty training, disciplining, snotty nose wiping, homework, school conferences, chauffering to playdates, shuttling to doctor or dentist appts... Does the list ever stop?

I laugh (quite hysterically and in a manner of an unhinged, crazy person) at myself when I think of my lofty goals of utter equality of all things household and child rearing related. WHAT WAS I SMOKING?! I couldn't have realistically expected to find a commited partner who would whole-heartedly pony up and do half of all work -- could I?

sigh.

Sigh.

SIGH!!!

I love my husband.

Facebook

I wasn't too enthusiastic about Facebook initially. In fact, I can't even remember the impetus that made me sign up for Facebook, but at some point I caved because everyone else I knew was doing it, and so I did it .... and what do you know?

I really liked it.

I enjoyed connecting with old friends, and having old friends connect with me. Most of all, I appreciated the quick, convenient method of staying connected via status updates.

Unfortunately, just like leg warmers, the Jennifer Aniston "Friends" haircut, and the premature cancellation of "Studio 60", all good things must come to an end. And the Facebook status update page, which I LOVED for staying connected, was ... well... updated.

And it sucks.

First, I lost the page that had the quick, one-line updates for my "friends".

Because I don't just see *my* friends status updates, I also see every comment that every one of *their* friends (most of whom are people I do not know) makes on those updates. And if one of those people updates two or three times in one day, I see ALL of those. And seriously, who has time to sit around and continually update their Facebook status all day? Then I learned that basically, that's the same thing as Twittering, and so apparently TONS of people have time because isn't Twitter the newest, hottest, most-happening rage of this century?

I put my foot down there! I refuse to Twitter because for pete's sake, I can barely keep up with my laundry as it is and do I really need another thing to do on the computer??? Besides everyone else was basically Twittering on Facebook, right?! You know what? It was ok.

Then I quickly discovered that on Facebook, not only do I get every status update that every person cares to send, but I also get a notification of every web link or YouTube link or personal video or photo or sets of photos that a person puts on their page.

And you know what? It was still ok. Because these people are my FRIENDS. And shouldn't I be remotely interested in seeing pictures of their families? And their friends? And their pets? Or any other thing they care to share via Facebook? Of course I should. They are my FRIENDS, and I CARE.

But do you want to know what I do NOT care about? What I, in fact, couldn't care LESS about???

Every single stupid freaking quiz and application, and the results of those stupid freaking quizzes and applications, that every single person on the planet has time to take. And then their friends comments about those stupid quizzes and applications.

A while ago I started keeping track. It's been four days and I've had to "hide" the following quizzes so they quit showing up:

1. So-and-so sent someone a drink!
2. So-and-so sent someone flowers!
3. So-and-so sent someone a muppet gift! (wtf?)
4. What was so-and-so's profession in a past life? (here's a hint: I don't care)
5. Which Little House character is so-and-so? (still not caring)
6. So-and-so got their fortune told! (are you sensing the not-really-caring pattern here?)
7. Which Hollywood actress is so-and-so?
8. So-and-so took the Sunday School song trivia quiz!
9. So-and-so took the 80's movie quiz!
10. Which kind of mom is so-and-so?
11. What Bible verse fits you best?
12. Are you a true Minnesotan?
13. So-and-so took the Prayer-in-School poll!
14. What classic photographic emulsion are you?
15. Where in the US should you live?
16. What fruit of the spirit are you?
17. So-and-so took a personality test!
18. How many kids will you have?!
19. What is your old lady name?
and best of all ....

20. So-and-so sent someone Snoopy's Friendly Flowers!

Are you kidding me?!?!?!?

I DO NOT CARE AND IT IS NOT OKAY!!!!!

Here's the thing -- taking those tests and quizzes can be fun. I've taken a few, and every now and then, a few minutes of mindless entertainment ... sure, knock yourself out. (Although the "friends" I have who are taking them all day long confuse me, because honestly, you would think people would have something better to do with their time than sit around taking Facebook quizzes all day. I don't know -- maybe work in a soup kitchen or read to the blind or walk dogs at the local animal shelter or ANYTHING for God's sake that is more productive than these stupid freaking tests...)

But I digress.

My point: Facebook, I have no problems with your tests, and other people's choice to take them. I *DO* have a problem with the fact I have to "hide" every single test to keep it from showing up on my status update page again. And that for every test I "hide", five different tests show up.

So to the dear people in charge at Facebook -- If people want to time-suck their life away finding out what their porn star name is, or which My Little Pony gift would make them the happiest, or which Facts of Life character they are, or which effing SMURF they most resemble... fine! More power to them. But for the love of all that is holy, bring back the old status update page so I don't have to look at it, okay?

Until then, Facebook, you're on notice.

Jonny Lang

I can't figure out how to embed this particular video from YouTube, so you simply must go watch this video on your own. I don't so much care about the video, but I ADORE this man's voice. There is nothing better than Jonny Lang. He has been my favorite for years. He is excessively talented, should be better known, and is definitely easy on the eyes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SMr86leGzY

Visit and watch the video!!!

What Stays in Vegas . . . ?

My sister eloped.

Hello?! Did you just hear me?

My middle sister boarded a plane with her boyfriend of over three years and flew to Vegas and ELOPED!

She got married on Wed or Thurs. She is going flying home really late tonight, so I will be able to quiz her more at the breakfast we have planned for Sunday for Mother's Day.

We knew the Wild child (middle sister) was planning on marrying Guido at some point. However, I guess I never thought they would truly elope in the sense of stealing away under the pretense of vacation, but then enter wedded bliss. Yes, we did know they were going to Vegas but that didn't mean they were going to marry for sure.

Don't get me wrong; I am happy for them but very bummed that we couldn't be there to witness their union and support them. As soon as get a few pictures from my sis, I will share them.

Minnesota Nice

I adore MN weather. You positively never know what to expect from one minute to the next.

On Tuesday afternoon when I got home from work around 3pm-ish, it was partly cloudy outside. Within 15 minutes it was thundering and lightening and within an additional 30 minutes, it was hailing.

Okay, so the hail was tiny -- only about pea sized, but it HAILED!

When Life Makes Blogging Take A Backseat

I know you want to read something funny or of substance by me, but I just don't think I can manage it right now. I know it's been a really long time since I last posted, but seriously.... life just gets in the way sometimes.

Let’s see how much you really know about me. Pick the real reason I have been too swamped to keep up with my blog this week and last and last...

1. The PTA is busy sucking out my brain.
2. The Swine Flu.
3. I have been too busy working on my book.
4. Blog? I have a blog?

So? Which one did you choose? Hmmm...? Which one?

I think I will just going to keep you guessing.

Been so very overwhelmed and busy. How in hades does one keep up with all of the technology life has to offer, as well as our day to day responsibilities?!