S Club Mama

A pavilion mall across town had a Christmas tree lighting festivities on Saturday, so we thought we'd stop by and take the boys to see Santa. We got there and the parking lot was FULL. We found a spot fairly easily and went "inside" to the center pavilion. There were so many people and kids and lots of talking, you could hardly hear what was being said. And I of course, being of my small height, couldn't see a thing except the tip of Santa's hat. It was boring, I'm not gonna lie. Then I saw a sign "Santa's Workshop" (or something to that extent) with an arrow. I suggested we see what was there. It was a small line. We only waited maybe 45 minutes to see Santa (after his tree lighting stuff). Big A had to walk with Moose for awhile and change his diaper (wouldn't want to leak on Santa's lap). I held a sleeping Squirt and talked to another mom in line (whose son was a chunky monkey! but so adorable). Big A took Moose up to see Rudolph and F

More Thanksgivings, another grandparent visit, wrapping Christmas presents, Black Friday steals, a visit from an auntie, a visit to Santa & Rudolph...oh I have so much to tell. But I don't know if I'll find the time (I'm sure I will somehow). Next week is my second shot at singledom. Not very happy about it but content because it's not going to change. I am just praying for a short week and a grand return home for my better half. Stay tuned for more S Club antics.

Oh the trip back to my hometown was another success. I can't wait to go back. Home is always stressful and enjoyable at the same time. We had a lovely trip out there: Squirt slept (the whole 2+ hours) and Moose was mostly self-entertained. I forgot to tell Moose what was going on today and that there would be a lot of people (well more than the usual 3-4 of us) today. He got overwhelmed and hardly ate (and you know this kid eats), wouldn't take a nap, and finally crashed around 4:30-5 until around 6. He woke up screaming and we just couldn't calm him down for almost a half an hour (or more). It was awful because he couldn't tell us what was wrong. He cried at his milk, at food, at his puppy (he sleeps with this cheapo $1 Valentine's Day leftover puppy), a shower (he wouldn't even go in). Finally, Big A just kept holding him all nakey in the bathroom. I went in and tried to help calm him down. It just breaks my heart still because I don't know what was wrong.

On the eve of Thanksgiving, I was not prepared to write on the Adam Lambert controversy. I didn't watch the AMAs but heard a TON about it. Curiosity got ahold of me and I watched his performance on YouTube . I was sickened, especially when I learned that he did those things "in the moment." First of all, his voice sucked. Badly. Secondly, it wasn't even the kiss that I took offense to (although it seemed out of place and a ploy for him to be a gay advocate), but the fake oral sex and when he pretended to stick his hand up the girl's crotch. What the heck? Who does that? But what really pushed my buttons was when I saw his interview on CBS Today Show . He doesn't even apologize that young people and children saw this outrageous display of disgustingness. He says he's not a baby-sitter? Excuse me. You have a responsibility to think about your fans (live and via television)! How disgusting. It is performers like him who don't care about their audiences th

Since one person read my last post (or at least only one commented), let me just tell you that my baby is rolling over! That's right folks, he's mobile. Sort of. He only did it once but he'll do it again. Alas, my joy is clouded by my confusion (not really but read on). I have NO IDEA what to get Big A for Christmas. Every year, I get him a book. The man doesn't read. I do. I just have no idea. And he (like everyone else) always says "I don't know" when you ask. What to do? I really don't want to get him another book (although I did find a father/son book but it's from the boys so it doesn't count). What are you getting your husbands (or fathers, boyfriends, men in your life)? Are they outdoorsy? Husker fans? Fitness buffs?

*Think back to ten years ago on this month. *Write truthful answers and ELABORATE. This makes it more interesting! *If you don't have a scanner you may omit #14 but I think if you do you should totally do it! *It's about personal changes. Have fun with it! Then: NOVEMBER 1999 1. Age: 13 2. Romantic Status: I'm sure I was in love with one of two classmates: Charles or Jared and possibly an older boy named Torey - none of which would ever date me 3. Occupation: 7th grade student and dishwasher at my hometown's bar & grill on Friday & Saturday nights 4. Fun night out: Going to the mall to walk around without my parents 5. My BFFs: my cousin, Shawna 6. I spent way too much time: homework - I was a nerd. 7. I spent not enough time: learning how to do my hair. 8. I wanted to be when I grew up: I wanted to be a teacher. 9. Biggest concern: Boys, I'm sure. 10. What my biggest concern should have been: God. 11. Where did I live: With my parents & sisters. 12. Dum

I won a pair of Baby Legs from The Home Teacher . I received them today and they are just darling. I am planning on gifting them to my little niece for Christmas as I think leg warmers are more fitting for girls (sorry for those of you that put them on your boys, it is just my opinion). However, I was curious as to the size, so I tried them on Squirt. Here he is! Oh and here's his new onesie from Dollar General. I thought it was adorable. And when Moose was little, we used to say he threw parties in his crib, so I couldn't pass it up.

TEN HOLIDAY FAVORITES 1) Movie - The Santa Clause or Home Alone 2) Song - oh gosh, I LOVE Christmas songs. I love "Carol of the Bells" and "Away in a Manger." 3) Snack/Candy - The Christmas goodies Big A makes - almond bark, peanuts, rice krispies, marshmallows. Oh salivating thinking about it. 4) Tradition - food and gifts with family. Driving around to look at Christmas lights. 5) Person to give Gifts - The kids. I never know what to get Big A. I always get him a book; he doesn't read much. Oops 6) Shopping Spot - Anywhere on Black Friday or any time in the hoidays. I love crowds. 7) Drink - Apple cider yum! 8) Toy to play with the little kids - Cars with Tristan but anything they get is fun to open and let them play with 9) Weather - I love snow...to a point. But I love when you wake up and it's snowy but the sun is out and everything sparkles and shines. So beautiful. 10) Memory - My favorite growing up was when we spent Christmas or Eve up at my aunt

Dear Readers & Friends, I apologize for the past few months. I have been having a continual pity party about various things. You have endured whiny posts and just bad days with me. Thank you. No more. I am going to try my very best to lean on God in those times when I have worries or difficulties. He is the only true one who can help me look at the positive in my life, the many blessings bestowed upon me and my family. Although, if you hear me whining, feel free to remind me, too. I also encourage those of you with children to read "Power of a Positive Mom." It's changing my perspective, my attitude, and my life. I'm learning a lot that I should have known but didn't. I know how a positive attitude can affect my children, how prayer can affect my life and family's future, and how a smile can change my whole day. So thank you for putting up with me. But, with God's help (and yours), I plan to make the rest of this year, next year, and the rest of my lif

18 years ago today my baby sister was born. Through many things: sharing a bed, kicking her out of said bed, tying her up with jump ropes, and dressing her in Mom's clothes with Polly Pockets in her hair... we have been sisters. Fighting, hair pulling, punching out back door windows, name calling... loving, sharing, talking, commiserating... sisters. Happy birthday, Alyson (aka Aunt "Owie")! We love you! If you don't understand how a woman could both love her sister dearly and want to wring her neck at the same time, then you were probably an only child. ~Linda Sunshine

My husband received this email from Mitch Stewart. I am ashamed that this kind of tactic is what the president's people are sending out to get him financial support. Shouldn't he have a positive email being sent out to gain money? Talk about his Peace Prize or his health plan and how fantastic he is? Why does he need money now anyway? Email: Friend -- Right now, Sarah Palin is on a highly publicized, nationwide book tour, attacking President Obama and his plan for health reform at every turn. It's dangerous. Remember, this is the person who coined the term "Death Panels" -- and opened the flood gates for months of false attacks by special interests and partisan extremists. Whatever lie comes next will be widely covered by the media, then constantly echoed by right-wing attack groups and others who are trying to defeat reform. As we approach the final sprint on health reform, we can't afford more deception and delay. We need to be ready for anything -- and

I was looking through old emails in my account and I found this one from my hubby when we were first dating. Check it out while I concern myself with my whining kids. :) Hey sweetheart, I just wanted you to know how much you really mean to me. You are very special to me and i am always thinking about you. I know that you are the one for me. I havent had a gf for a couple years cus i was soo picky and the reason that i was picky was because i knew that God had made someone out there who is perfect for me and i think that i may have found her or maybe she found me. The she i am talking about iis you lol. When i said that you and me being apart for a couple days this weekend could be a good thing, that sounded bad and you know that i will miss you a lot i just meant that being a apart for a couple days will make it that much better when you get back on mon or tuesday. Well i just wanted to email you before i went to bed. Sweet dreams and i will see you at lunch (or dinner lol)

I got a survey from my high school today - a post graduate survey (5 years late). Anyway, it asked if I had ever cheated. I marked no. *cringe* what a lie. I cheated my way through algebra (with the principal's daughter). Math was so tough for me. I always caught on by the tests (although we did cheat on those too), but I just struggled. I also have zero study skills because school was usually not hard for me (that was sucky in college). I just couldn't bring myself to say yes. Although if anyone knew that was mine, they would say "whatever" because even if they didn't know I cheated, I think everyone knew others cheated off of me. Yeah. All the time. In English, history. Mostly on vocab. I remember being called to the teacher's desk in 4th grade. I thought I was in trouble because we were taking those standardized tests. No, she told me later that someone was looking at my paper. My friend, M, also got caught my sub while cheating off of my vocabulary test. I

These are my parents: Randy & Fonda Moose loves his "ampa" with his "ustase" (mustache). Grandpa loves to cuddle with the little guy, too. This is my favorite picture: check out Moose's face. ANTM anyone? LOL Wordful Question: Do you like it when your parents or in-laws drop by unexpectedly? I do have to say this, at least they drop by. I have a friend who lives mere miles from her parents but because they live "outside" the city, her parents never come to see them. Check out more WW fun at Angie's Seven Clown Circus (click the button).

I took this from Ali's blog ; I'm new to following her blog, but so far, so adorable. The Strange Question Meme: 1-10 1. What is the color of your toothbrush? I think mine is bluish. I always end up with the "boy" color when we get 2-packs. I don't know why. I just choose one and don't bother with the color. 2. Name one person who made you smile today . Squirt. He's started to vocalize a lot. Just cooing to himself, at you, at his brother. Oh it's just darling. 3. What were you doing at 8 a.m. this morning ? Watching Super Why! with Moose. 4. What were you doing 45 minutes ago ? Watching Judge Judy or something other judge show, trying to get Squirt to go back to sleep. 5. What is your favorite candy bar? 3 Muskateers or Baby Ruth - yum 6. Have you ever been to a strip club? No and no desire to do so. 7. What is the last thing you said aloud ? Probably "no desire to do so" because I tend to whisper/talk to myself when I type. Otherwise, it

On the recommendation of a MOPS mom after hearing that I intend to let Squirt "cry it out" within the next month or so, I checked out "The Baby Whisperer Solves All Your Problems" from my local library. I haven't read it all...nor do I intend to. Were there good ideas that probably work? Yes. But I was insulted by her saying that it's cruel to let my child cry it out, like I'm neglecting him. No, I'm not. It's how I teach him to put himself to sleep. And Moose never felt abandoned. He trusts me completely, thank you very much. I'm completely insulted that anyone would claim otherwise. I was also insulted when she said that babies don't know anything about sleeping or eating when they're born. I'm sorry, eating and sleeping are about the only things the poor dears DO know. My son(s) knows when he is tired and when he's hungry. I may not know these things (seriously, his cries sound exactly the same unless he's super upset),

Big A.is.gone.ALL.week. What will I do without him? Even though right now it's just like a normal Monday, I know tonight I'll crawl into bed alone. I'll tuck the kids in alone. I'll cuddle with a pillow. No one will keep me warm. No one will wake up with the baby (probably not even me - uh oh). No one will kiss me goodnight (at least not with a scratchy beard). And for goodness sakes, no one will grope me (haha...yes, it's a constant around here). I haven't been away from Big A for more than a weekend (mostly just one night apart) since we were married. This is almost worse than leaving my kids.

Thanks to The Deal Scoop and STL Mommy , we got Squirt's Christmas present for .52 cents! We had gone out last night, stopping by Toys R Us before heading to Target for the find. They were out. It only looked like one other Target store had what we were looking for. We called them (it was late, no need to keep the kids out later than necessary) - they were sold out. I won't lie, I was devastated. Here I was, so proud of myself for this steal (literally, almost)...and it just didn't work out. Today my mom & dad must have called Target while I was out getting lunch, put one on hold, and picked it up while they went shopping. Thanks, guys! Woohoo! One kid down, one more to go. Now, the question is...what will we get Squirt? Want to see my wish list (for him)? (these are only a few off the top of my head) (also, don't worry, I wish I could get a LOT more for Squirt, too) If money were no object, what would YOU get your kid(s) or spouse (or yourself)?

FIVE INCHES. That is how much taller Squirt is than he was TWO MONTHS ago! 3 pounds and 5 ounces. That is how much more Squirt weighs than two months ago. 50% weight, 95% height. Do I have a (gasp) basketball player on my hands? (if you don't know I LOVE wrestling) Oh but he's so precious. I'll support and watch him in anything he chooses.

Loving brothers are a beautiful sight.

4 months ago, you joined our club. 4 months ago, my heart stretched a little bit more. 4 months ago, your brother fell in love. 4 months ago, Daddy had one more to protect. 4 months ago...you slept better. haha I love you, kiddo. As consistently inconsistent as you are. Here's your beautiful brother with his funny hat. Here's to 4 more months (and many, many more beyond).

As most of you know (if you've opened Google lately, you do know), today is the 40th birthday of Sesame Street. It has been a staple in my life. I potty trained while watching it (apparently so did my hubby). I watched it with my sister (as she obsessed over Elmo). And now I watch it with my son (who is also obsessed with Elmo). In honor of this historic day, I made Elmo cupcakes. Ok, so they're not the greatest but Moose knew they were Elmo. I used: - white frosting - red food coloring (half a small one and almost half a big one I had to go out and buy) - mini marshmallows cut in half - orange smile gummies cut (or bit) in half - chocolate pudding for the pupils (I was going to use chocolate chips but only had butterscotch ones) I also tried to use some juice mix to help redden the frosting so it turned out as strawberry frosting. So not a good idea to try. I'm going to try these again with red sprinkles (or red sugar). I don't know when but maybe for the boys' bir

Have you seen the Kindle e-book readers? I want one so bad! I actually told my husband about it (although I know I'll never buy one). I'd love to not have to have a bookcase to read the books I love (I'd like a few bookcases too though haha). Noobie emailed me and told me about their new Kindle giveaway . I get another chance to win if I tell you about it so go enter HERE and maybe we can both win!! It's valued at $259 and if you don't want it-you can give it to me for Christmas. :)

I'm starting early on my Christmas...giveaways. These are some awesome giveaways going right now that you could enter. I think they would make great Christmas gifts! Kellie @ Ladybug Soup is hosting a UPrinting 16X20 Rolled Canvas giveaway . Perfect for those hard to please in-laws or parents who would adore a picture of your family (or a perfect gift for yourself!). My friend, Michelle, @ Flying Giggles & Lollipops is hosting a Snazzy Baby Travel Chair (a Deluxe one) giveaway. Winner receives either the travel chair or knee pads. Great for a shower gift or a gift for your own little one. Over @ Orange Juice's blog , you have the chance to win a gift card ($50 worth) from Novica. I won't even try to describe it because I won't do this justice, but go check it out; it's cool. A good gift for someone with unique tastes or to find something JUST right for your home. Dee @ Two of a Kind Working on a Full House is hosing a couple giveaways. One is for a super cool L

It hasn't been that long since I was in high school. It wasn't so long ago I had boyfriends who broke my heart. But now it's not my heart being broken. It's my sister's. My poor baby sister had her boyfriend of a year and a half break up with her. He says because he's being deployed overseas that she shouldn't worry about him for the next 3 years and should have fun in college. I told her that wasn't fair of him to make that decision because if she wants to worry about him while he's overseas, that's her choice. And she can still have fun in college. I just don't know what to say to her. I feel so bad and wish I could be there (not that me being there physically would help). I want to slap him for making her heart break. I want to yell at him. Should I? No, I know that would make her more angry. I just wish I could take it from her.

About a month ago, I got the grand idea that I would like to play Candy Land with Moose. I got the board out. I got all the cards together and little game pieces out. I sat the kid down. I explained all the instructions. We started to play. He didn't understand. He just wanted to move the pieces all over. It would help if he knew his colors. Today, I had the grand idea to get out our new Go Fish! cards and play THAT with him. I got out the cards. Reviewed in my mind how to play. Dealt the cards. Wrestled the extra cards from him. He didn't understand. He just wanted to look at the cards. I even tried to play Memory with him with those cards. That didn't work either. As I type, he is spreading the cards all over the floor, talking to himself (or the cards), laying on the cards, gathering them back up. When do they learn games?

1. What is the color of your toothbrush? blue 2. Name one person who made you smile today. Tristan 3. What were you doing at 8 am this morning? I'd been up for two hours & was almost to my parents' from our hotel 4. What were you doing 45 minutes ago? buying a mouse trap to trap the mole/vole/shrew that crawled into bed with us Saturday morning - ewwww 5. What is your favorite candy bar? 3 Muskateers 6. Have you ever been to a strip club? No 7. What is the last thing you said aloud? Loff you (love you) to Moose as he went to bed 8. What is your favorite ice cream? vanilla or chocolate chip cookie dough 9. What was the last thing you had to drink? some fountain pop 10. Do you like your wallet? Love it! It's from my baby sister 11. What was the last thing you ate? pizza & grapes 12. Have you bought any new clothing items this week? 2 Halloween shirts for the boys next year 13. The last sporting event you watched? Part of the Husker/Baylor game 14. What is

Excuse the crappiness of these pictures...when my dad emails me the good ones, I'll post those. I have hard copies of them and they are good (but no scanner to scan them. sad). We're off to see the Wizard... and yes, I look more like Dorothy after she's popped out a few munchkins. and yes, Moose does sort of look like a hobo. This weekend was also the first time my older sister, Amber, got to meet Squirt. It was so good to see her! She's like a hummingbird - elusive but always beautiful and fun to see. Moose got a ukulele from his Auntie Amber. He keeps saying "mama, I want...itar" (guitar). We had so much fun meeting, greeting, and trick-or-treating! Tristan learned to ring the doorbell or knock, say "ooo oo eat" and take candy (no, he wasn't waiting...he just dove in). He also kept trying to get into the houses...just to look around. He made it into one house (of course, one of the only houses where I didn't know the people) and just starte