Tuesday Tribute- Zumba Instructor

Holy Cats and Cows, did I get worked over last night! I attended my first Zumba class.

What is Zumba? To quote there website, "Zumba fuses hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy to follow moves to create a dynamic fitness program that will blow you away."

However today isn't about me, right? Nope today is supposed to be about someone else so I am writing this tribute to my Zumba instructor because she was the first person I thought of when I woke up to get a drink about 3:30 this morning and realized that I could feel muscles I know were not there before.

So thank you, Miss Zumba:

for not laughing when I had no clue what I was doing so I just waved my arms around like it was nobodies business.

for having the energy of my six year old and inspiring us all to dig out our inner child.

for introducing me to a beat of music I didn't know existed and moving your hips ways I never thought possible. I say yours because I KNOW mine didn't move that way.

for doing all this in a room that didn't have a mirror. Oh I can't stress to you how grateful I am for that one!

and thanks so much for telling me I did an awesome job even though I know that my Latin rhythm was more like a Latin dancers nightmare.

You ARE my new hero. I am hoping with your help I can move like Shakira one day.

If you haven't tried it you need to find a class near you. You will have a blast, get a workout and feel inspired. Click anywhere I typed Zumba to find a class.

For more tributes click on over to Angie's ,

Waking Up In Vegas

That's right, I'm headed to Las Vegas with my hubby and I'm going to party like it's my birthday. Well actually, it is my birthday today, it's just a coincidence that this trip was planned to begin on my b-day, but I really don't mind. So, tomorrow I hope to be waking up sometime around noon. I think it is safe to say I will not be waking up like those guys in the movie The Hangover. There will be no tigers, chickens, or babies in the room. That movie was completely crude and raunchy to the umpteenth degree....and I thought it was HILARIOUS.

Amy and I are like night and day when it comes to our brand of humor. I have a feeling Amy would probably shake her head and roll her eyes at me for laughing at such a tasteless movie. However, I never give up on her, I think if she saw this movie she would (secretly) find a lot of this movie very funny. If anything it would invoke some memories our little girl's trip we had to Vegas with our college roommate for my birthday a few (it seems more than a few) years ago. Now, I just want to say our night out was not anything like what went down in that movie. However, we had that same party like rockstars attitude and had so much fun.

The details of that night are sketchy *ehem* because it's been so long now I can't remember every little thing. We went to many different clubs, hitched a free ride in a Hummer limosine, and a party bus that was hauling a bunch of dudes arounds for a bachelor party. Oh yeah, and there was something about me "having" to take a shot from this bartender because it was my birthday. This lovely birthday shot (that my supposed friends set up) had a banana and whip cream involved. Yes, that's right all we did was make banana split sundaes and drink shots, really quite innocent. Then, we walked out of one of the clubs wondering what we were going to do next and realized it was morning. The sun was out, the sky was turning blue, we were hungry. So what do three ladies eat at whatever a.m. in Vegas after a night of fun shenanigans? I believe it was Del Taco. Oh, those where the days!!

Well, like I said I don't think my trip to Vegas will be quite as colorful as the last trip with my girls. However, it's a vacation and I'm always up for a vacation these days. I love the kiddos, but mama needs a break. Hopefully, Amy and I can get our crazy schedules together and set up another girl's trip. I don't think it will measure up to the first one but it is something to aspire to.

Friday Five: It's a hodgepodge

Amy's Friday Five: This is where I share with you the 5 things I have learned this week and you just might learn a little something about me at the same time.

1. Sometimes a macaroon and a cup of decaf coffee just has to due for breakfast.

2. It is not fun having to watch my husband lay off our friends. This recession is hitting a little too close to home.

3. I should look outside before starting a crock-pot of beans and before I began making bread. I may have been able to look at the ominous clouds coming our way and known that the power was going to go out. Just maybe. Although I wouldn't expect it to go out for nearly 7 hours. Fun times.

4. Summer vacation is not at all vacation for me. I thought for sure that I would be able to relax, get a break from homeschooling. Nope. Not the case. I think I am more busy. At least with homeschooling I am HOME! Not running around like a crazy lady hauling my kids all over two counties.

5. Blogging pays (well that and exercising). I won. I won big. I am so excited. I think it made my year. Go here to read more.

There you have it - my Friday Five. Have you learned something this week? Please share! Have a wonderful weekend.

TAG....You're it!!

We were photo tagged by Amy at Keeping Up With The Schulz Family. You can check the other Amy's (my blogging buddy here at Mama Drama) photo along with her Writer's Workshop here.

The rules:

1) go to your photo files.

2) Open the 6th folder.

4) Write a story about the photo.

3) Pick the 6th photo.

5) Tag six people.

I am going to be lazy and say whoever wants to participate can, just let us know by leaving a comment so we can check your photo and story out.

Yes, no matter where I turn or where I go they always seem to be there. TRACTORS!! So, I was not at all surprised that the 6th picture in the 6th folder would be of my son on a...you guessed it, tractor. My son is absolutely, completely, in love with tractors and all things related to tractors. Trust me, I know more than I ever want or need to know about tractors.

We were at the local historical museum attending the dedication of the newly restored tractor barn. My husband had helped move the old tractors into the barn and my son was of course with him to help as well. My son was very excited to show me all the old tractors and filled me in on every little tid bit of information that he knew. During the dedication ceremony he got a little bored so he went outside and sat on this tractor. There were many tractors out on display, but he chose this little John Deere and just sat there the entire time. He was quite smitten with it, and asked me to take a picture of him on it. When my husband came out and saw our little JD boy sitting happy as a clam he said, "Oh, he found Bum Bum's tractor."

Bum Bum is my husband's father, the kids called him Bum Bum or Grandpa Bum. He passed away suddenly due to a stroke in 2006 when JD boy was only 4 yrs. old. Bum also had a love for all things tractors and farm related. He voluntered often at the museum restoring old tractors. When he died the museum folks decided to restore that John Deere tractor (in the picture) in his memory. My son did not know that was "Bum Bum's" tractor when he decided to sit on it practically all day. However, when I told him it just made the tractor even more special to him. He was only 4 when his Bum Bum passed away, but he was very fond of him. We lived right around the corner from them and they were all fortunate that they saw their grandparents almost on a daily basis. I try not to do this, but sometimes I think about what a great time they would have together now if he were alive today. However, I am sure he is up there somewhere getting a kick out of the fact that his grandson drives his mom crazy by talking incessantly about tractor model numbers, tires, parts, mufflers, muffler caps, GPS systems, PTOs, tractor discs, chisels, cultivators, and the difference between track tractors and wheel tractors (see...more than I ever wanted to or need to know).

Writers Workshop- All About Daddy

Its Thursday and time for Mama Kats Workshop. Yep Yep. Click back there for the prompts. In keeping with this weeks theme, All About Daddy, I chose #1:

1) Interview a Child (inspired by Quilao Triplets)

I can only interview the OP and the MP because I don't really understand the YP's lingo yet.

OP (she's 6 1/2):

Daddy is cool.

His eyes are green.

His favorite food is steak.

He's stronger than me.

His job is hard.

He's really good at washing dishes.

He is not good at cartwheels.

What makes him happy? Us.

What makes him sad? Us Leaving.

How old is he? 32

How tall is daddy? I have no idea.

What does he do when we are not home? How would I know I am not here?

How do you know your daddy loves you? He tells me all the time.

I love my daddy because he loves me.

The MP (She's 3):

Daddy is my boy.

His eyes are brown.

His favorite food is almonds.

He's stronger than a Lion. Roarrrrrrrrrrr!

His job is writing with a pen, talking, working, checking goats, putting on lids.

He's really good at exercising and watching Wizards. (that would be Wizards of Waverly Place)

He is not good at not working.

What makes him happy? Giving him hugs and kisses.

What makes him sad? when mommy is angry.

How old is he? 3

How tall is daddy? ummm. as tall as an elephant.

What does he do when we are not home? He works at work

How do you know your daddy loves you? He gives me hugs

I love my daddy because he's my friend and he gives me hugs.

Check out more at Mama Kats.

Also, I was photo tagged by Amy at Keeping Up With the Schultz Family and it fit perfect for this post strangely enough.

The rules:

1) go to your photo files.

2) Open the 6th folder.

3) Pick the 6th photo.

4) Write a story about the photo.

5) Tag six people.

Easter time 2007

This is Daddy dying Easter eggs with his OP and MP. They had so much fun, well at least the OP did. The MP had as much fun as any 18 month old. She lost interest early and was more interested in eating the crayon.

I tag the first 6 people that comment. Participate or not it is up to you.

Truly A Saint

I LOVE my hubs. I have always thought that he is the best husband and Daddy in the world. I don't tell him that enough. He is pretty awesome but this past weekend he proved it.

{It's Daddy's Day}

His day.

Let's see, the day started out beautifully. I made his favorite breakfast: Williams and Sonoma cream biscuits with crumbled bacon and maple syrup (Are you drooling?). During breakfast we decided that we would get ready and go to the Cove- an indoor wave pool and water slides. Super fun place to go.

I get all the kids dressed and ready, bags packed, lunch made and car loaded. There we are sitting ready to go waiting.

{Hubs emerges from the house}

Hubs: I can't find my wallet. I think the MP took it.

Me: Are you kidding?

Hubs: Nope.

The next 30 minutes we search:

the house,

the car,

the bags,

the ice chest,

the backyard.

No wallet.

We ask,

we plead,

we beg,

we bribe

the MP.

She admits to taking it but leads us on a wild goose chase. The next 30 minutes:

We follow her to:

the garage,

the fridge,

the freezer,

the backyard,

every bedroom.

I unload the car. I search again

the car,

the bags,

the ice chest.

I am thinking that she thinks this is fun. I am not amused nor am I having fun. But the Hubs is calm cool collected. Exhibiting extreme patience.

MP is forced to take a nap and hubs if forced to stop searching. HE.MUST.FIND.WALLET but not at that moment. I insist. We will resume.

We resume two hours later. This time I make it a game.

Me: Did you hide it in the..............Car?

MP: Nope

Me: Did you hide it in my................bedroom?

MP: Nope

Me: Do you know where it is...................?

MP: Yep

{this goes on and on with no results. Just her laughing.}

I resort to bribing again.

Me: I will buy you a baby doll.

MP: the one that crawls on the floor?

Me: yes.

MP: right now?

Me: yes.

MP: it is in the box all covered up.

It wasn't.

Hubs: I have to have my wallet. I need my cards.

MP: I am going to keep it.

Hubs: Your going to keep it?

MP: yes.

{I am ready to go postal. He is frustrated but calm}

Hubs: Bring me the card with my picture and you can have the wallet.

MP: I can have it?

Hubs: yes I just need one card. Will you go get it?

MP: Um

{Another goose hunt takes place }

I am beginning to believe that she didn't take it. I am know doubting hubs. I mean.... he didn't get in until 3am. He had bailed hay all night. He was tired. Maybe just maybe he is wrong and the wallet is in the tractor. He did insist already that he saw it. He moved it. HE KNOWS that he laid it on the counter. It is late, our day is ruined, I am tired of looking. I try anyway:

Me: I know that you really think that you had it. I know you insist but would you please please just go look in the tractor. Maybe just maybe you left it in there. It is worth a try? lets just see, do it for me. please.

I know what he was thinking- Crazy old brod! I said I didn't leave it in there!

HE.WENT.ANYWAY

{10 minutes later}

Hubs emerges with wallet.

{Everyone cheers}

Me: It was in the tractor!?

Hubs: Nope. It was under the car, she must have thrown it! I saw it when I was walking back from the tractor.

Thank the heavens.

He never even said, I told you so!

Sainthood folks. SAINTHOOD.

** an update. Today upon hearing about another Dad's trip to Disneyland I apologize for such a cruddy day and he says, "My fathers day was great." " I have it so good that everyday is Fathers Day to me." Did I say how much I love this man?!

For more tributes click on over to Angie's (look she got a new button and a new layout),

Monday's Mama Drama

You Know You have Mama Drama When.....

1. Your 3 yr. old can sing almost the entire musical masterpiece Poker Face by Lady Ga Ga including the eloquent lyrics "I'm bluffing with my muffin".

2. Your son upon hearing his lil' sis belt out above phrase says, "Oh I love muffins, mommy always gets me the apple-cranberry muffin when we go to Starbucks."

3. Your day was so hectic that after the kids were tucked into bed you realized YOU hadn't had any dinner. So dinner then consisted of some leftover chocolate covered cream puffs and a Smirnoff Ice.

4. You have to methodically re-trace your steps through Target because when you are about to check out your daughter says, "Mommy, my shoes". You look down at her dangling BARE feet and realize she shucked off her flip flops probably way back in the garden section over 30 minutes ago. Nope...they were in the boys clothing department, the very first spot we stopped.

And Finally......

5. You have to run to Payless Shoe Source 5 mins before church to buy shoes for your kid because he couldn't find his shoes and he decided to stand in a water hole in the other pair the day before. Then he had the nerve to say he didn't like what I kind I got him. I just gave him that look....you know that "mama is crazy, going lose it, and open a can of you know what" He values his life so he put the shoes on and even claims now they are his favorite.

To All The Daddy's

What Makes A Dad

God took the strength of a mountain,

The majesty of a tree,

The warmth of a summer sun,

The calm of a quiet sea,

The generous soul of nature,

The comforting arm of night,

The wisdom of the ages,

The power of the eagle's flight,

The joy of a morning in spring,

The faith of a mustard seed,

The patience of eternity,

The depth of a family need,

Then God combined these qualities,

When there was nothing more to add,

He knew His masterpiece was complete,

And so, He called it..........Dad.

Author Unknown

Here is to all the Daddy's of the World. Without them we wouldn't have our babies and great blogging material!

Friday Five {I know it's Saturday - keep reading}:Panties and more.

Amy's Friday Five: This is where I share with you the 5 things I have learned this week and you just might learn a little something about me at the same time.

1. {and the reason this post is on Saturday } Being without Internet for a day is torture to a blogger. The first thing I did this morning was run to the computer and see if the internet was working, then I came here to see if Lady Di happened to make an appearance (she did!) and then I checked my farm on Facebook so see if my whole field went to waste.

2. Cussing and Boogers make good blog posts. Who knew?

3. No one makes panties as good as Victoria Secret! Actually I just forgot. It has been a while since I treated myself. I recently bought myself some and thought, why would anyone wear anything different! They just feel so nice. Seriously if you don't already have some - GO RIGHT NOW and get you some. You won't regret it.

4. The Hubs seriously thinks he coined the phrase, "and have a great day", at the end of his cellphone message. So every time you hear that on someones message - know that you know where it came from. He cracks me up!

5. I am going to start making jewelry! I did some unexpected retail therapy this week. I ran in to my salon to buy a handmade necklace for a gift bag thinking that is wouldn't be more than $25. Um........I was wrong. I bought it anyway because I didn't want to offend my stylist and embarrass myself in front of all the ladies in the salon. I kept it for myself though and I am wearing it every chance I get. It really is pretty and I have gotten a ton of compliments plus I supported a fellow mom so it's all cool.

There you have it - my Friday Five.

Have a great weekend. Wish all the cool dad's you know Happy Fathers Day and all the ones that aren't............... well give them a burnt pancake. Just Kidding.

Oh I almost forgot.

The winner of our 100th post giveaway is.................drumroll please...............................................

Kristin over at Bon Bon Rose. Yay! Congrats. I think we have just the thing for her.

Vacation AKA Work without Pay....And More Cussing

SHHH, this is Lady Di. I only have a minute, my kidnappers are sleeping and once they are awake it is only a matter of time before I am a slave to their needs. Since when did summer vacation consist of packing up a classroom, cleaning out a garage to make room for contents of classroom, shuttling kids to and from swim lessons, tutoring son for 30 mins. daily, lesson planning for said tutoring, and catching up on the laundry that hasn't been done in the last two weeks?!! Anyway, I don't know Amy. I think I may still have a slight lead in the M.O.T.Y. award race. Just yesterday that sweet angel baby of mine tripped and yelled, "Oh DAMMIT!" in front of all the other sweet toddlers and their sweet mommies as we were waiting for swim lessons. One mother was appalled and did that hold your breath gasp thing (whatever), another one laughed and I said (loud enough for the appalled one to hear because I'm obnoxious like that) "Well at least she didn't drop the F-bomb!" She doesn't really drop the F-bomb. That's a level 4 cuss word, I try to keep the three year old at level 1 cuss words. Now when she's 6......

Cussing and Boogers

If Lady Di has taken first place for mother of the year (click here) then I have taken second.

First of all here are two conversations that have happened recently:

With OP (the six and 1/2 year old):

{ Dad and Op watching the weather channel about two months back and seeing that it is snowing in Montana - residence of Grammy and Gramps}

OP: Grammy is going to be so pissed.

Hubs: Grammy isn't in Montana right now she is in California.

OP: Oh! Well then Gramps is going to be so pissed.

Hubs: {the hubs says nothing, NOTHING! he doesn't tell her that that is not the talk of princesses or that those words are not good words or that she should never repeat it, NOTHING! he did nothing.}

With MP (the three and 1/2 year old):

{while driving in the car. All are present and mom (me) has just said holy crap in a conversation between Hubs and myself to which I didn't think anyone else could hear. I mean there is a movie on and the two I worry about are all the way in the back seat of the Suburban}

OP: Mom - MP just said that she can say Holy Crap because you said holy crap.

Me: Don't say that! It is not a good word and mommy shouldn't say it either.

MP: It's not fair!

Hubs: It's not fair that mommy can cuss and you can't? { grinning the whole time}

MP: NO it's not!!!!! {crying and angry}

Hubs: Mommy shouldn't say those words they are bad dirty words {still grinning}

Me: thanks, dear. That is just lovely.

Hubs: What? just letting her know that she shouldn't talk like that.

Me: uh huh!

and now for the grand finale. The nail in the coffin, the icing on the cake.................

let me preface this by saying I really dislike nose picking. I don't condone it. It's embarrassing.

Today my MP is doing it a lot. She has the crusties. They are annoying her. I didn't have a hankie today (which she usually asks for), so hence the picking and picking and picking. I keep telling her to stop. We are at Walmart. Then we are in the car.............

OP: Mooooooommmmmm! MP is picking her nose again. {the tattling is going to drive me

nuts}

Me: MP stop picking your nose! I have told you a million times it's gross. Please STOP!!!

{I hear talking but I am not paying attention. Then I look in the rear view mirror and see the OP flicking her finger and the MP watching and doing the same thing. They are still talking but I am having brain fog.}

Me: What are you doing?

OP: I am showing MP how to flick her booger off. It is on her finger.

MP: I can't get it off my finger. I don't like it. It's gross.

Me: Are you kidding me? That is disgusting. I am pulling over right now!

Nice, Huh? I may have even knocked Lady Di right out of first with this one.

My girls are 99% princess well all except for the MP who is about 50% princess. Some days though I just think, Really? I may have just failed in the parenting department.

**Lady Di Update: She has been taken hostage by her crazy life. Her life is demanding I get a housekeeper, chauffeur, chef and maybe some laundry detergent to get her back.

Watch out Bear Grylls (or whoever the snake guy is)

What do you do when your girls come running indoors from the back yard crying and screaming followed by your friends little girl yelling, " there is a Mojave (that is a type of deadly snake) in the backyard!" Above mentioned friend says, " Where is your brother." and she replies, "trying to catch it! "

What happened after this - I can not explain in words. Just picture two frantic mom's screaming running outside to get said boy inside. Then after making sure all kids (we just had a lovely tea party) were safely inside THIS is what I did......................................................................

I grabbed a shovel, my husbands boots and went a lookin' for that snake. As I said I had been hosting a tea party hence the skirt and apron.

Thankfully we did not find the snake and we concluded that the snake was not really a snake at all but perhaps a shadow. Whew - because I am not sure what I would have done. I remember my mom killing many snakes with a shovel when I was little but I don't really want to have to do that.

Not only that but a couple of the girls I had here are daughters of naturalists, lovers of all things in nature. Anyhow I just am glad I didn't have to approach the subject because at one point{as all the kids are looking outside through the windows} I heard my girls saying, "my mom is going to kill it." and they were saying, " you shouldn't kill snakes, snakes are good" and I was thinking; Oh I don't think so. I love nature but this snake is going down because once he crossed into my habitat it is game on little snake.

**Lady Di update: I think I found her. Someone reported a crazy frantic lady in the aisle of Safeway buying snacks for two very hungry kids. She was frazzled and in a hurry. Stay tuned for updates but we can call off the missing persons people. Don't understand or want to enter our giveaway, click here.

For other Wordful Wednesdays visit Angie:

Contact Missing Persons

Has anyone seen my best good friend, Lady Di? She may look something like this:

She appears to be lost and I am afraid that she has been hit on the head with a text book or is under a pile of stacked papers consisting of last quarter report cards. Perhaps she has been mistakenly locked in a storage room and is screaming for help but since school is out no one is hearing her cries. Or in the midst of cleaning out her garage to make room for her school stuff she has fallen prey to some sort of giant rat (she kind of lives in the country - it could happen).

You get the gist. I am declaring her missing because I miss her. Come back Lady Di. Daily Doses of Mama Drama NEEDS you! I NEED you!

**On the other hand, Did you see? Did you notice? THIS is our 100th post. Yes it is. My gosh. What should we do? Maybe give something away? Okay you talked me into it. I am not sure what we will giveaway but something so leave a comment telling us how much you love us. If your already follow you get two additional entries. Why? Well because you already love us and we love you.

Hometown Swapin'

A while ago I joined the Hometown Swap hosted by Shannon at Welcome to the Nuthouse. Today I got my package from Rebecca at IchnoArt. She is from Florida. Yay! I have always wanted to go to Florida. Look what I got:

t

Some yummy goodies: Coconut patties ( I love coconut and the hubs doesn't so they are all mine!)and cookies to make with the girls they thought the alligator cookie cutter was cool.

A cute frame. I always need more frames.

A really nice coffee mug, pins and mints from the Kennedy Space Center. The hubs already stole that. He secretly wishes he was an astronaut.

and a cool magazine about Florida and some Florida postcards.

So fun! I hope one day I get to go to Rebecca's hometown. I loved participating and can't wait for my next swap. Thanks Rebecca and thanks to Shannon for hosting such a fun event.

Friday Five: Dentistry and Hubs

Amy's Friday Five: This is where I share with you the 5 things I have learned this week and you just might learn a little something about me at the same time.

So of course, due to my week, some of the things I learned have to do with my lovely dentist appointments. The others have to do with my hubs because he has been extra special these days.

I learned:

1. I will NEVER miss a dentist appointment again and I WILL floss every day. I will, I will, I will.

2. Never be late to a dentist appointment. The TLC one receives will be void when you happen to be late. To quote the technician after I mentioned that I was much more numb this time than the day before and how it took effect faster, "Oh yesterday I took a lot more time infiltrating but today I just got to it so to speak {chuckle chuckle}." I thought, Alright. Now I know why I am feeling those lovely shots today and feel like my face is as big as a basketball.

Really she was truly great but she surely "got right to it." Next time I won't be late. Well next time hopefully I will not have the same thing done.

3. I really hate local anesthetic but I am oh so thankful for it.

and now for the hubs:

4. I must check with my hubs before going postal on the postal worker about a package I know was delivered (after emailing back and forth for a week to the person sending it) because chances are the package I have been anxiously awaiting has been in his truck for two weeks under all his stuff. Nice. Actually I need to just go check because I did mention it a couple of times and he said that he didn't have anything. It was only after I threatened to go down to the post office and give them a piece of my mind because I KNEW it was delivered did he say, "um hold that thought for a minute."

5. According to The Hubs {i really need to think of a great name for him} based on what he pays the babysitter {we found a great one for those times when we really really can't take the princesses} I should be making, $58, 600 a year for three kids. That is just for watching the girls nothing extra. I figured I am owed, for the last 6 years: $253, 388. I will take a check dear! What do you all pay a babysitter? I don't know - we never get one so I am just curious what the rate is these days? When I baby sat it was like 2.00 an hour.

Really our babysitter is worth it. It is just crazy what it all adds up to.

There you have it - my Friday Five. Did you learn something this week? Let us know.

Have a great weekend. I am taking time to breathe and catch up on some of my favorite blogs. It is the first weekend that we don't have company or are required to go to town.

And IT Continues.................

I am off to the dentist again for round two! Thanks for all the comments yesterday. I appreciate it.

Hawaii didn't happen. My ipod froze and wouldn't work so I had to revert to plan 2. Which was thinking of good blog posts. It wasn't too bad. I could think of ............... Oh I don't know............... 500 other things I would rather be doing than getting umpteenth shots in my gums and having my teeth deep cleaned.

On another note:

I did take the OP and MP to UP in 3D! It was cute I suppose. Expensive (but that is another blog post) Maybe I wasn't in the right frame of mind but I thought it was a little DEEP for little kids. It just made me sad and I didn't need sad. Does anyone else feel the same way? I have heard nothing but rave reviews about how great it was. Even from friends. Maybe it is just me and my current situations: losing a baby, and both of my Grandpas this year and watching my Grandma's miss them so so much. I just thought for a Disney movie it just had some real adult situations going on there. Maybe I try to shelter my kids from those things too much. I just want them to not have to worry about the woes of the world at the age of 6 and 3. Or of for that matter until they are adults. What do you think?

However this probably is in true Disney fashion. Most of the movies only depict one parent as it is or they lose one in the midst of the movie or they don't have any. Interesting really. I guess I could look at it like Disney is teaching my kids the hardships of life for me. Thanks Disney.

The upside of the day: my hubs gets to go with me. He has an appointment too. Too bad we will be numb afterwards - we won't be visiting PF Changs or BJ's Brewery for a nice quiet dinner. Bummer.

Deep Cleaning

This is going to be fast, short and sweet. I so wanted to tribute my husband because he has just been keeping it real lately. Unfortunately I don't have the time.

I have a dentist appointment today in the Big City. I am just so excited. Two hours of driving just to sit in a dental chair for 2 more hours then another 2 hours home just to wake up and do it again tomorrow. Deep Cleaning. The only thing that should be deep cleaned are my carpets. NOT my teeth. The upside - I am going to take the OP and MP to see Up. (Ha - that's funny!)

So in honor of my day I am going to tribute my Dentist and the Dental Hygienists. Yep. Without them we would be walking around with some nasty teeth, right? So hats off to them for taking on a profession that keeps our mouths clean and pretty. For probing around in my personal space and for taking pleasure in giving those horrible shots in a place where no needle belongs!

*I have a friend who's dentist has these special glasses that you can put on and watch a movie! I think all dentists should be required to provide those. That and give pedicures! Wouldn't that be nice. Instead I am taking my ipod which I need to put some new music on and then I am going to pretend that I am in Hawaii. Yes I am going to try that out. I have a great imagination - it just might work.

Yes today I tribute them in hopes that they are having a good day and I will be greeted with a smile and treated with care because my last dentist experience was beyond horrible so I need a little TLC.

Wish me luck.

For more tributes go visit Angie.

Monday's Mama Drama

You Know You Have Mama Drama When....

1. Your son thinks his Spanish music scared off the toothfairy because the "toothfairy" fell asleep therefore failing in her parental duties. For more details you can read Viva La Toothfairy

2. You start cleaning around the house and the 3 yr. old comes up and asks the QUESTION "Who's coming over?" Hey, listen kid, that's not the ONLY time mama cleans up around here!!

3. Apparently it must have been some OTHER little boy and girl that took every blanket and sheet off the bed, emptied every tub of plastic kitchen food, threw every book off the bookshelf onto the floor, and flung every piece of dress up jewelry and costumes into one giant heap in the middle of the bedroom because when asked, the two suspects just looked at each other and both said, "I didn't do it." They didn't even blame each other, they both claimed they had NO idea how any of it happened.

4. Without fail, a mechanism goes off in your children's brains the minute you are on the phone that requires them to destroy some room in the house or savagely raid the pantry. I don't get it...they can be sitting in a near comatose state and the minute they hear the phone ring and mom answer its like "Oh, that's my cue to be a total pain in mommies @$#"

And Finally....

5. You are up at midnight blogging on the computer with a bowl of Lucky Charms by your side because it's the only freakin' alone time you get to have a complete uninterrupted thought...and since you're up you might as well have a bowl of that magically delicious cereal, that oddly looks like that meow mix cat food, but anyway, it's never stopped me from eating all it's marshmallowy, way too much sugar, goodness.

Armpits, Messes, Anxiety, sleeping In, Customer Service (Strange- I know)

Amy's Friday Five: This is where I share with you the 5 things I have learned this week and you just might learn a little something about me at the same time.

1. It is so refreshing to know that there are other moms who don't have it all together. Their house is a mess, the laundry is piled up, they are tired and run down and they just don't care. They invite you in to stay and chat and they don't apologize for the mess. They don't try to cover up how hard it is some days. They too are just trying to hold there head above water. They are real and truthful and I love them.

2. That my girls have some major separation anxiety when it comes to me leaving them. It doesn't happen very often- we are together 24/7 but on that rare occasion that I do leave them at the house with a sitter, as one says this morning: "Mommy are you going to the hospital? Are you sick?"

It made me realize that that IS about the only time I leave them and that must be a little scary to them. I think that I have only gone to the hospital once this year but it must have left a mark.

3. Sleeping in with all three of my girls is nice and a real necessity some times. Well until they start having who can sleep closer to mom wars and I get kicked in the head. That and I need to redefine sleeping in for them because I consider sleeping in as waking up at 9am and sleeping in for them is waking up at 7am. I am dreaming - I know.

4. Customer service still exists! In small towns. In tiny cute shops. Ran by little old ladies.

5. My 3 1/2 year old apparently thinks armpits are disgusting. I mean she is truly grossed out by them. Strange. Her exact words were, "Yucky. Dirty. Mom close your arm. I don't like it."

There you have it - my Friday Five. Did you learn something this week? Please do share.

Have a great weekend. I have more company coming - i should be cleaning but I am going to be lazy because it has been a crazy week and all I want to do is........well nothing!

Viva La Toothfairy!

Did you know the toothfairy loves Spanish music?? It's true. Let me explain. On Monday my son lost his front tooth. As per standard operating procedure we put the tooth under his pillow for the toothfairy. As my son settled into bed he asked me to turn off his radio. This is not the norm. He has a very strict routine every night. He tears off the next page of his day calendar, sets his alarm, then turns on the radio, which by the way is tuned to a local station that plays Spanish music after 7 p.m. He thinks he will learn Spanish this way. Anyway, imagine my surprise when he asked me to turn the radio OFF. So, I asked why? He said (in all seriousness) we must turn the radio off because he is afraid the toothfairy will not like Spanish music and he doesn't want to scare her off. (Trying hard not to laugh) I explain that the toothfairy is a very multi-cultural chick who appreciates all types of music and she will most definitely come to our house. He gave me a skeptical eye, but gave me a kiss and went to bed.

Well, the "toothfairy" fell asleep and therefore failed in her parental duties that night. It was 6:30 in the morn' when I shot straight out of bed realizing the error of my ways. At that precise moment I heard the disgruntled footsteps coming down the stairs...THUMP, THUMP, THUMP. He appeared in my doorway, ziplock baggie in hand with his tooth still inside. Before I could even open my mouth to explain, he held up the bag and said "SEE, I told you the Spanish music would scare her OFF!!!"

UM...try not to laugh...hmm...think fast...geez this is funny...man it's early...ok he's not smiling, think... I've got it!!

I told him that a lot of kids had lost their teeth recently. There were like 5 kids in my classroom alone!! So, the toothfairy didn't make it to our house because she had too many houses to visit in one night. It had nothing to do with the music. He gave me that skeptical eye again, but the reason seemed to suffice. However, he just couldn't let it go completely. Throughout the day he would just blurt out, "Well, I still think it was the music."

Tuesday night we put the tooth under the pillow again and I assured him that the toothfairy would deliver. We went through the normal evening routine and the Spanish music was rocking. My son is also very much into writing notes. He'll leave notes all around the house reminding me of this or that, and he makes all my shopping and "To Do" lists. So, I (feeling the guilt) decided that the "toothfairy" would leave him a little note with his dollar. I wrote..Ahem, I mean the toothfairy wrote:

Sorry I did not get to your house last night.
I was really busy. Here is your dollar.
By the way, I like your music very much.
Your friend,
The Toothfairy

This morning it was hurried rather than disgruntled footsteps that came down the stairs. He came into my room and waved the note happily in the air. He couldn't stop talking about the fact that she liked his music. In fact, I think he probably could have cared less about the dollar. So, you see, the toothfairy does indeed enjoy herself some Spanish music...along with some tequila from time to time, but we won't tell the kids that tidbit! :)

Where in the world is Amy!

I'm here. Partly anyway and only for a second.

This week has been mega busy. The hubs went out of town, my mama came into town. The week has been filled with trips to the big city, shopping, house projects, swimming lessons, hotel stays, lots of driving, eating out, piano lessons, shopping, leaving bad tips to bad waiters, airport trips, did I mention shopping?!

The princesses needed some summer clothes so my Mama, the girls and I went to my favorite store: Kohls. Yep, Yep and do you know how much I saved? OVER $700 and I spent half that! AWESOME!!! the lady at the checkout was AMAZED by me and of course was hoping that I was going to come back.

Look what I bought:

For the Oldest Princess

The Middle Princess

The Youngest Princess

I really did score. Plus I bought some stuff for myself, some shoes for the girls and stuff for fathers day. Cool Beans!

In other news: The winner of my Lil Cutie Fourth of July Bow is Trudy at Third Time's a Charm

Congrats! I picked it up this week and you won't be disappointed. So cute. I ordered some myself.

Did you notice all those dresses I bought? Yep I am going to have to buy bows to match from Erica at Lil Cutie Hair Bows! I am addicted to bows! ADDICTED!

Ooh I must go. I have showers, hair to do and it's off to swimming lessons again! Won't be back until dinner time. Did I mention I live in the Land of Nowhere: It takes 1 1/2 hours to get to lessons. Oh how I wish I lived in a town somedays!