Shiny, Sharp Objects

This year we carved pumpkins in the house because it was so chilly outside. The weather has been so rainy and awful this autumn! While carving the pumpkins, Kelli & Company stopped by Carol's house and we promptly invited them over to carve away with us. Yahoo! We made a glorious mess and great fun was had by all.

For the record, Auntie Molly insisted upon carving pumpkins in rubber gloves because she doesn't like the gooey insides. I had to laugh at her here. Seriously?! Who carves pumpkins in RUBBER GLOVES?! Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!

D was all about the sharp, shiny objects. He was scary with the kid-safe pumpkin knife -- very gung-ho! He just wanted to keep cutting chunks out of the top of the pumpkin where Auntie Molly had already off the top of the pumpkin so we could clean it.

G kept staring inside her pumpkin as if she wasn't sure it was safe to stick her hand in it. I kept giggling at her and she kept frowning at me and asking, "Waz so funny?!"

Honesty

One of our daughters and our son recently stayed at my mother in laws house for the night. Grandma and Papa treated them to dinner at a restaurant.

The four of them were seated in a booth directly next to two men. My mother in law said that one of guys looked very disheveled, and the other had a beard down to his waist.

As much as my mother in law told my daughters not to stare, my four-year old daughter could not control herself. Finally, one of the men started to talk to my daughter.

And, because my mother in law knows my daughter's history, she quickly turned to the bearded man and said, "You probably shouldn't ask her any questions. She's very honest."

Nice. Real nice! Now we know where my husband, and most likely my daughter, learned how to be so subtle. For the record, I mean that in the nicest, sweetest possible way...

Delish!!!

Last weekend Husband was attending a Halloween Party. I couldn't join him because we didn't have a babysitter, so I made the best of the situation! I invited my fabulous neighbor, Carol, as well as Michelle and Annie, over for a fun filled (translation: wine filled) night.

We had a fantastic time laughing, cooking, baking. We had rosemary potatoes (yes, the purple things are potatoes!), homegrown butternut squash, chicken, and apple crisp. I was so full; you could have rolled me out of the house! Everything was so delicous and the company was out of this world. My sides still hurt from laughing so much. Good times!

Memories

There have been quite a few complaints about my last few music choices, which greatly amuses me. This week, I am skipping the whole lyric thing and going for a compilation of songs from the 90's. Some of the songs I adore and others I despise but they all remind me of junior high or high school.

Make sure you listen for Tommy Page singing "I'll Be Your Everything" and Mariah Carey (before she skanked herself out) singing "Vision of Love". Oh! Oh! Oh! Don't forget Vanilla Ice with the forever head bopping "Ice Ice Baby".
P.S. I can't stand the Wilson Phillips song. UGH! Gag me with a spoon!

Old Dog, New Tricks?

HOW TO CALL THE POLICE WHEN YOU'RE OLD AND DON'T MOVE FAST ANYMORE

George Phillips, an elderly man, from Meridian, Mississippi, was going up to bed when his wife told him that he'd left the light on in the garden shed, which she could see from the bedroom window. George opened the back door to go turn off the light, but saw that there were people in the shed stealing things.

He phoned the police, who asked "Is someone in your house?"

He said "No," but some people are breaking into my garden shed and stealing from me.

The police dispatcher said, "All patrols are busy. You should lock your doors and an officer will be along when one is available."

George said, "Okay."

He hung up the phone and counted to 30. Then he phoned the police again. "Hello, I just called you a few seconds ago because there were people stealing things from my shed... Well, you don't have to worry about them now because I just shot and killed them both. The dogs are eating them right now." He hung up.

Within five minutes, six Police Cars, a SWAT Team,a Heli copter, two Fire Trucks, a Paramedic, and an Ambulance showed up at the Phillips' residence, and caught the burglars red-handed.

One of the Policemen said to George , "I thought you said that you'd shot them!"

George said, "I thought you said there was nobody available!"

We Better Be Talking About Height

My 9 year old daughter was recently giving her little brother a hard time when I said, "You had better leave him alone. When he's a teenager, he'll be big enough to beat you up."

She replied, "Nuh-uh! I'll be shooting up then!"

I think she was trying to tell me she'll be taller then.

I think.

Or at least, I hope that is what she meant . . .

Sebastian

As a nod to the music I adored as a teenager, I have to include a Skid Row song -- just for kicks & giggles. Now, of course, when my mom heard this music, she thought I was probably going to be the next devil-worshipping, way-ward teen, but I just liked the sound of the guitar and drums. Plus the lead singer, Sebastian Bach, was dreamy.



Youth Gone Wild
By Skid Row

Since I was born they couldn't hold me down
Another misfit kid, another burned-out town
Never played by the rules I never really cared
My nasty reputation takes me everywhere
I look and see it's not only me
So many others have stood where I stand
We are the young so raise your hands

They call us problem child
We spend our lives on trial
We walk an endless mile
We are the youth gone wild
We stand and we won't fall
We're the one and one for all
The writing's on the wall
We are the youth gone wild

Boss screamin' in my ear about who I'm supposed to be
Getcha a 3-piece Wall Street smile and son you'll look just like me
I said "Hey man, there's something that you oughta know.
I tell ya Park Avenue leads to Skid Row."
I look and see it's not only me
We're standin' tall ain't never a doubt
We are the young, so shout it out

They call us problem child
We spend our lives on trial
We walk an endless mile
We are the youth gone wild
We stand and we won't fall
We're the one and one for all
The writing's on the wall
We are the youth gone wild

They call us problem child
We spend our lives on trial
We walk an endless mile
We are the youth gone wild
We stand and we won't fall
We're the one and one for all
The writing's on the wall
We are the youth gone wild
We are the youth gone wild

Have Faith

9-year old daughter: "Huh! What's SNF again?"

Me: "Sunday Night Football."

9-year old daughter: "Who is that singing?"

Me: "That is Faith Hill. She is gorgeous."

9-year old daughter: "No. YOU'RE GORGEOUS."

Me (melting heart): "Awww! Thank you, sweetie. I love you."

9-year old daughter: "Mom, you are so real and beautiful. She can't be that. Not like you."

__________________

Words cannot express how much I adore that sweet and delusional daughter. My baby-girl thinks I am better than Faith Hill. WOW!

I can't begin to fathom how she comes up with this stuff, but I think that ONE compliment will probably carry me through the next several weeks -- maybe months!

Lucy, you got some 'splainin' to do!

It was on this day (October 15) in 1951 that the first I Love Lucy epidode aired. Who doesn't love Lucille Ball?!?! Enjoy this classic clip... and maybe go find a bon-bon or two.

Notice It

Life is full of beauty.

Notice it.

Notice the bumble bee,

the small child and

the smiling faces.

Smell the rain and

feel the wind.

Live your life to the

fullest potential and

fight for your dreams.

~Ashley Smith

Crooning

I adore Michael Buble. His voice is soothing and relaxing. When I hear him crooning, I instantly want to be transported to a dark, intimate bar with some special person cuddled up next to me. His is phenom!



You Were Always On My Mind
by Michael Buble

Maybe I didn't treat you
Quite as good as I should have
Maybe I didn't love you
Quite as often as I could have
Little things I should have said & done
I just never took the time

But you were always on my mind
You were always on my mind

Maybe I didn't hold you
All those lonely, lonely times
And I guess I never told you
I'm so happy that you're mine
If I made you feel second best
Girl, I'm sorry I was blind

You were always on my mind
You were always on my mind

Tell me, tell me that your
Sweet love hasn't died
Give me, give me one more chance
To keep you satisfied
Satisfied

Little things I should have said & done
I just never took the time

You were always on my mind
You were always on my mind
You were always on my mind
You were always on my mind

D.J. Big E & Her Crew

E decided to play DJ with her little siblings over the weekend. They had an awesome time dancing to songs such as Cha Cha Slide, Macarena, Mambo #5. I guess the ear muffs were supposed to mimic a DJ's ear phones and to be cool, you must wear a sequined hat -- and a magenta leotard doesn't hurt either!

Unamused!

When I woke up yesterday morning THIS is what I saw outside my window...
To say the least, I was highly UNamused. Yes, I am aware that I live in MN and I am very aware that it snows in MN. However, it was only October 10th. The kids were beside themselves with exuberant energy and excitement.

I had not planned on digging out their snow boots and snow pants and gloves and hats and all that other cold weather JUNK yet.

I haven't even had a chance to bring the kids to the multitudes of fall activities that I LIVE to photograph!!! We haven't made it to a single apple orchard or jumped in raked up leaves or drove to the fall harvest festival at the farm in Litchfield. Jeepers!

I am seriously peeved here, People! I want to know where to file my complaint with Mother Nature. I am telling you! That lady is going to hear from me...

Dance

I adore dance and drama in all of it fabulous forms. Stomp and Tap Dogs are my two absolute favorite, high energy shows I have ever seen.

Talk to Me

My nine-year old daughter was playing around at bedtime recently, when I heard my husband yell up to her, "Quit goofing off and go night-night!"

I stopped what I was doing and took note of the moment, because I was certain that my husband hadn't said, "night-night" in a long time.

I suddenly wondered; when did we stop saying that? Words like night-night, binky and blankie are beginning to become distant memories.

When did my four-year old daughter stop calling me, "Mama" and start calling me "Mommy"? When did my nine-year old daughter stop calling me "Mommy" and start calling me "Mom"? And, when did she stop calling me "Mom" and start calling me "Hmmph" with an accompanying eye-roll?!

These moments fly by, as much of life does, without us even taking notice. I, for one, am too busy cleaning the kitchen or picking up dirty socks to document anything but the big stuff.

I have photos of the babies crawling in pumpkin patches and the first day of kindergarten. I have programs from school plays and boxes full of artwork but, how are you supposed to note the last time your child referred to a dog as a "doggie"?

Hearing my husband call up to our daughter made me aware that those moments had passed us by. One minute my daughter was eating jars of food she called "num-nums" and the next she's bringing home division or multiplication homework.

And if there's anything that makes you wish your kids were still saying things like "night-night", it's that darn math homework.

Nothing

Lyric Tuesday has temporarily been moved to Thursday this week -- due solely to my procrastination and crazy busy schedule.

I love the sound of Alison Krauss' "When You Say Nothing At All". She has such a lovely voice and whether you like country, bluegrass, or Sesame Street (yes, she had a fun guest appearance!), you should check her out. She's very talented!



When You Say Nothing At All
by Alison Krauss

It's amazing how you can speak right to my heart
Without saying a word you can light up the dark
Try as I may I could never explain
What I hear when you don't say a thing

The smile on your face lets me know that you need me
There's a truth in your eyes sayin' you'll never leave me
The touch of your hand says you'll catch me if ever I fall
You say it best when you say nothing at all

All day long I can hear people talking out loud
But when you hold me near, you drown out the crowd
Old Mr. Webster could never define
What's being said between your heart and mine

The smile on your face lets me know that you need me
There's a truth in your eyes sayin' you'll never leave me
The touch of your hand says you'll catch me if ever I fall
You say it best when you say nothing at all

The smile on your face lets me know that you need me
There's a truth in your eyes sayin' you'll never leave me
The touch of your hand says you'll catch me if ever I fall
You say it best when you say nothing at all

Can YOU Do This?!

Yesterday, my four-year old daughter is standing next to me in the living room, happily playing with her toy food stuff. Suddenly she giggles and says, "Mommy! I just did a "Bless Me" and a "S'cuse Me" all at the same time!" She was beaming from ear to ear -- so very proud of herself.

For those of you non-parental units who need translation of kid-speak. My proud little princess had just announced to the world that she had tooted and sneezed at the same time. And as I stated before, she was beaming from ear to ear.

I, too, was grinning with pride. Ahhh! The pride I felt made my chest swell. My little girl referred to a toot as a "S'cuse Me" and a sneeze as a "Bless Me"... can I take credit for trying to teach her manners?

Hey! You have to take your parenting "victories" when you can get them. Come on, people! Give me a little bit of credit.

Mantra of the Day

Worrying does not empty tomorrow of its trouble.
It empties today of its energy.

Work Smarter

With all of the budget cuts and horrendous economy taking its toll on work place morale, it's always amusing to hear management tell us to "Work Smarter, Not Harder". Well, I think I have found the answer to our average peon employees dreams...

Breast Cancer Tribute

http://tv.yahoo.com/blog/so-you-think-you-can-dance-a-tribute-to-breast-cancer-fighters--487

Originally published in July 2009

On Wednesday's episode of "So You Think You Can Dance," contestants Ade and Melissa performed a contemporary routine inspired by breast cancer to Maxwell's cover of Kate Bush's "This Woman's Work."

Before the performance, choreographer Tyce Diorio explained, "I just felt compelled to talk about breast cancer and a friend who was faced with it." The piece moved the entire judging panel to tears. Nigel Lythgoe proclaimed that it reminded him why he loved dance so much and, "If this isn't a [an Emmy] nomination next year, I'll be hugely surprised." Nigel called the powerful lifts and leaps amazing, and admitted he completely lost it when Melissa pounded her fists against Ade's chest.

The anger and frustration portrayed in that one move was all too familiar for Nigel, who has several friends who have fought and are still fighting cancer. Funnywoman and guest judge Ellen DeGeneres felt privileged to have witnessed the performance, and Mary Murphy praised the couple's beautiful dancing. Emmy-winning choreographer and judge Mia Michaels, who was visibly moved by Tyce's routine, was reminded of her own father's battle with cancer and said, "It was really not about the dancing, though it was a perfect portrait of what was being said."


'SYTYCD' Top 8: Melissa & Ade's Contemporary Performance @ Y! TV

Tyce has been getting tons of emails, calls, and messages since the piece aired, but hasn't yet had the chance to talk to the person who inspired him to create the routine. His friend Michele Larkin, who he's known since he was 14 years old, has been fighting breast cancer for the past year. Michele teaches dance out of St. Paul, Minnesota. Tyce is committed to seeing her through her battle and felt that he had no choice but to do the piece in honor of Michele. "She's the strongest person I know," he added.

As for Ade and Melissa's part in this special moment in the show's history, well, who could ask for better dancers? Tyce thought that everything from the choreography to the dancers all came together on stage perfectly last night. He's proud of the two contestants and proud to have had the opportunity to bring the important issue of breast cancer to the public's attention through the show.

Aww, shucks! They Like Me!

My birthday was on a Thursday, just a couple of days into the new school year. With the beginning of a new school year, my exciting birthday plans were to celebrate turning the ripe old age of 32 by going to the first PTA meeting of the year.

Unfortunately (or fortunately) my car broke down the night before my birthday and since my husband was playing softball, I was stranded at home with three kids and no plans to celebrate my birthday.

My fabulous, thoughtful neighbor heard about no-plans predictament that afternoon and quickly threw together an impromptu birthday party for me. It was so sweet of her and and loads of fun! We celebrated with friends and neighbors over awesome food and grand conversation.

One of my best birthdays ever. Thank you, Neighbor!!!

Class Act

My precious 9-year old daughter started 4th grade this year. She had to go to a new building for the UPPER elementary campus and boy, oh boy! was that challenging for...

ME.

It seems just like yesterday that I was holding a newborn in my arms and walking Big E to her bus stop for kindergarten. SIGH!

This year, since E has matured so much this summer, she told me that in no uncertain terms, I was not allowed to take her picture at her bus stop because that was only for babies. When she said that, Hubby promptly told her, "Good luck with that! You know how Mom is about taking pictures."

It took a week of negotiations, but we finally agreed that I could go to Big E's bus stop to take pictures a full 30-45 minutes before the bus was scheduled to arrive and then I had to quickly disappear. WTF?!

I humored the girl, but when it came time for the two wee ones and me to go back home, Big E had relaxed enough so I was "allowed" to stay at the bus stop with her.