I Miss You, my dear blog!

Oh how I miss this place.  I miss writing and blog hopping.  I hope to come back soon.   Very soon..................................

How To Read A Book In One Day

There are many wonderful ways I can think of to be able to read a book in one day ........




1) In a hammock on the beach with a "mommy" lemonade nearby,



2) In my cozy bed on a rainy Sunday with a chai tea on my bedside table,



3) At home ALONE sitting on the couch with my favorite blankie (yes, I have a blankie),



4) On a blanket spread on the grass on a beautiful Spring day while my children play cooperatively with one another in peace and harmony (ok, now I'm just smoking crack, but you get the idea)




These are what I would consider NOT ideal ways in which to read a book in one day.....




1) Sitting in a not so ergonomical plastic chair,



2) Having a lady who talks obnoxiously on her cell to her bff about her female problems on one side,



3) A man who constantly makes a noise that sounds a lot like he's beginning to hock a loogie on the other.





4) All of the above at one time

Gotta LOVE jury duty

Cheesy-Sexy

Dear Lady with the ridiculously fake tan,

Please look in a mirror and realize the "I just rolled in cheetos" look is out. I know, I know....you're one "sexy grandma" and want everyone to recognize. However, that color is neither good nor natural at ANY age. Also, I'm just going to believe that it was all just a bad experiment gone wrong at home with some self-tanner, because I most certainly don't want to believe that some poor girl at a tanning salon had to spray your naked ass. Now go get some lemons and scrub that crap off!

Sincerely,

Me

P.S. You may want to re-think those low rider jeans as well. The thong sticking out of the top is also not a good look at any age. However, it is particularly traumatizing to see it on some one who is of a "certain age" AND who is orange to boot.

Exhibit A In the case of... Lady Di vs. The Land Line

So, I ran an errand earlier today. As I grabbed my purse on my way out the door I noticed that it seemed a bit heavier than usual, but continued on my way. Then as I'm driving I start to have cell phone anxiety. You know, it's like the feeling you get when you can't remember if you turned the curling iron off or not. You think you did but you didn't make a mental note of it so now you're not sure if your house is going to burn down thanks to the plugged in curling iron. Forgetting my cell phone is the same thing. I could carry that damn thing around all day and no one would call, but the one time I do forget it will be the time my kid falls and breaks his arm or something....I just know it!

So, (while I'm driving mind you) I begin to fumble around the side pockets of the purse. That's where I usually put the damn thing and I can't feel it. Therefore, I try the inside next. However, my purse is one of those "black hole" purses that seem to go on forever on the inside. Think Mary Poppins....pulling everything out but the kitchen sink. I'm trying to concentrate on driving, my hand feels nothing that resembles my cell phone so I decide to give up and look more thoroughly when I'm parked.

Okay, so there I was in the parking lot with my purse, ready to find that mother effing cell phone. I just have to find that thing, even though I will be done with my errand and back home in 15 minutes. Well, I found a phone all right AND the reason my purse was so heavy. I pulled out my lame cordless land line phone. Do people still even use land lines anymore? Apparently this chick does. Then because she is a dork, she tucks it into her purse due to what I am going to call... cell phone/land line confusion. So, this just pleads the case that I have been trying to make to my husband all along. We should cancel the land line and just use our cells. I mean really? Who uses those land lines anyway besides telemarketers? The fact that I don't want to be pulling out my cordless phone while I'm checking out at Safeway has absolutely NOTHING to do with it!!!

To Keep Or Not To Keep?...that was the question

So a while back my husband asked, "What is this seventeen-something that is being charged every month to the bank account?" At first, I had no idea as to what he was talking about. Then my over active imagination took hold as I started to think some middle-aged hacker that still lives at home with his mom had hacked my bank account. However, no, it was the weight watchers online subscription that someone (who shall not disclose herself) started like, oh I don't know.....let's just say a little while ago.

It's not that I completely forgot about my subscription per say. It was something I decided to do in a moment of extreme motivation that just quickly deflated. So a million excuses later there I sat with a blank look on my face with my husband asking, "What is this seventeen-something that is being charged every month to the bank account?" A contemplative look replaced the blank look when he asked, "Well, do you want to keep this and do it or not?" Hmmm....

Well, I decided that I had no more excuses and kept the subscription. So here I am eating cantaloupe while my son eats a snack size McFlurry ( I owed it to him because of the torture he endured while waiting for me to get my hair done). This is also my second week of attending daily classes at the gym. I haven't done a "weigh in" yet, I'm saving that lovely moment for Friday. So, I guess it's official. Operation Muffin Top has commenced.

My Summer Resolution

So, it's been a while since I last blogged......a LONG, LONG while. It's been a crazy year. So much has happened since the last time I wrote. I've had kid issues, marriage issues, work issues, you name it issues. Things are usually a little hectic around here but I've always been able to stay afloat despite the occasional curve ball life can throw. However, I've been completely overwhelmed for quite sometime now.

My writing style in the past has been a sort of a light hearted, sarcastic take on my life as a mom, sharing silly stories about my kids. I'm afraid my writing style may be a little more "heavy" these days. Don't get me wrong, my kids (especially my son) are still good for some crazy stories and I will be sure to share. I just don't take things in stride like I used to. I think it's this stage of life I am in. I'm in my thirties and as I reflect on my life so far I get disappointed, because when I was a young pup I thought for some stupid reason that when you get to your thirties you have it all figured out. Basically, I thought I would have my shit together by now....and I so clearly DO NOT.

It's not that my life is so terrible, it's just not exactly the best it could be (if that makes sense). So, rather than feeling sorry for myself I've decided to take action. I have devised a master plan that will begin this summer. I call it my master plan because it's made up of various small personal goals that will (hopefully) help make some good changes in my life. I like to think of it as a summer resolution. Why wait for New Years?

I've decided to blog about this because for me like many others, writing is therapeutic. So even if no one ever reads this it doesn't matter. I always feel better after writing. So, come along for the ride as I chronicle my ups, my downs, and don't forget those crazy kid stories.

Working My A** Off Lately....

My son has had a rough couple of weeks. One day he did really well in school, but had a major meltdown at daycare. The very next day, he had a great day at daycare, but got sent to the office at school. I use all the strategies read in the books and remind him of the calming techniques learned at therapy. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.



I always post about the musings of my boy. The word unique comes up a lot when I write about our conversations. The reason he has such a unique outlook on things is because he has a lovely combination of ADHD, OCD, and "Asperger like traits" (as quoted by the psychologist). This makes life REAL interesting in the Lady Di household.



I was watching a documentary on parenting children with Autism and Aspergers and one parent said something very profound. He said, "We kept looking for a "fix". Then we realized there is no fix, just work." He is exactly right. These children don't fit inside the box of what many would consider "normal". Instead of trying to stuff them inside this "box" we need to accept them for who they are and change OUR way of thinking. It may be work, but it's worth it....because hey let's face it, being normal can be so boring.



Keep your face to the sunshine and you can not see the shadow - Helen Keller

LADY DI

Random Thought #3, 764

"So how do you put lipstick on a guinea pig?"

Just another random thought from my son during a Homecoming football game last night. I don't even try to understand that boys mind. I did however want to answer him with "Well you get into grandma's (my MIL) purse and...." BUT, I stopped myself. Hence, the guinea pig will remain makeup-less. Good thing because the guinea pig is a boy.

Lady Di

Fall Is Here.....Sort Of...Uh, Okay Not Really

Fall has arrived. Time for blustery winds, falling leaves, and pumpkins. I love Fall. I love wearing sweaters, going to the pumpkin patch, the smell of spices while apple cider cake bakes in the oven. Too bad, I'm not wearing sweaters or baking some yummy apple cake or pumpkin bread. I just spent the last week in capri's and flip flops. AND I sure as H-E-Double Hockey Sticks wasn't firing up the oven in this triple digit weather. You see, apparently my neck of the woods didn't get the memo that it is indeed FALL. In fact, it never does. We historically have what is known as an Indian Summer this time of year. We usually have very mild weather here, yet every October there is a spike in the temperature that lasts until around Halloween. This year is turning out to be no exception. I think it was hotter last week than our entire summer.

First, let me explain that for the most part I love the mild central coast weather here in my part of California. However, I wish just once we could get a taste of a true Fall season. I don't know, maybe it's just me, but I don't get those warm fuzzy Fall feelings while the family and I are out searching for the perfect pumpkin in shorts and sandals.

I don't think I would feel so bad if it weren't for all the books and holiday cartoon specials that portray the idyllic Fall season. For years since I was a little girl have read story after story, seen pictures and watched shows about that mythical season called Fall. The vibrant orange, red, and yellow colors of the trees is beautiful..or so I've heard. Children jumping into leaf piles as high as mountains. I think if I gathered every leaf in this whole town I would have a pile large enough to stick my big toe in it.

I'm traumatized I tell you. Just once I wish that I could open a book about Fall and see a picture of someone walking down the street in shorts eating an ice cream. But no....what do I see? Granny making a nice cup of warm apple cider for the grandkiddos, families all bundled up going on the hay ride through the pumpkin patch, a bubbling stew on the stove, I can't go on...it's just too much. It's regional weather discrimination I say. I know I'm in the minority, but we need some representation. You'd think in this age of political correctness there'd be a least one book by now that would portray MY kind of Fall. Please, don't even get me started about Christmas. Not everyone lives in place where it snows....that's all I have to say about that.

So, I will continue to fight the good fight and advocate for people everywhere that live in such weather zones. We don't need "no stinkin'leaf piles". I will feel no shame for my scant appareal. I will proudly put on my capris and say with confidence to my children, "It's Fall, now let's go out and get some pumpkins.....and yes we will be going for ice cream later."

Lady Di

Tough Choices....Blog or Do Laundry???

WOW! It's been a while since I've been on the ol' blog. Let's just say I have been beyond busy. Technically, I don't even have the time to be doing this post now. However, blogging seemed a lot more fun than cleaning the house and doing laundry. I know, I'm just weird like that.

Well for those of you that are new or have just plain forgotten about me because it's been so long, I am Lady Di. You know, the best good friend that Amy mentions from time to time in her posts. You know, the one with the goofy 8 yr. o ld son known as JD Boy because he is obsessed (understatement) with John Deere tractors. I have two daughters as well, but JD Boy gets the most press on the blog because we have such interesting, unique and sometimes just ridiculously, outrageously funny conversations. He also is famous for spouting off the most random comment or question. Since it's been such a long time I thought I would share some of our more memorable chats.

JD Boy: Hey mom did you know that army ants are strong.

Me: Uh, okay.

JD Boy: Yeah, they can carry a caterpillar. I think they live in Africa, not in New York.

Me: And why would you think they live in New York?

JD Boy: You know because Uncle Matt lives there, but I don't think they live with him.

Me: And why would army ants live with Uncle Matt?

JD Boy: You know because he was in the Army.

Me: OHHH-KAYYY...so what do you want for dinner?

"So how many years did it take for Abraham Lincoln to invent the light bulb?"

Let me set the stage for this one: JD Boy is in the shower and I notice two large rug burns on back of each shoulder. Earlier that day he had been freaking out at a cousin's party, running around saying his back was on fire because his older cousin dragged him out of her room. Older cousin said, "Well, he wouldn't get out of my room." OK, so of course I was like "whatever" he is being dramatic blah, blah, blah never looked at his back until the shower. This is the following conversation about the rugburn.

Me: Well, your cousin shouldn't have dragged you across the room BUT YOU should get out of people's rooms when they ask. You know, she did that because you were being stubborn.

JD Boy: Uh, I asked her to do that.

Me: (thinking AH-HA) So, you asked her to do it?

JD Boy: Yeah. She said, "Do you want me to drag you out of here?" and I said, "Yeah".......but I forgot about the carpet-fire.

Me: (big sigh) You mean rug burn????

JD Boy: HUH???? (he looks at me like I am the one who is confused)

Me: (big sigh while shaking head) OHH-KAY well, are ya done in there? It's time for bed.

Well, that's all for this post. Trust me, there are more where these came from.

Happy Birthday America!

RAGGED OLD FLAG






THE DRAMA MAMAS SALUTE YOU!

AMY AND LADY DI

Allergist- Here We Come

Finally! Hopefully we will get some answers.

Good Things to Come

No matter your faith this is a great message. A friend forwarded this to me this morning because she knows I am struggling. I just thought I would share it with all of you. It just might help you as well.

I feel the need to explain.

Ahhhhh. This feels good. Staring at this blogger compose screen. Typing. I haven't been here in what seems like years. I haven't even visited our blog for fear that I would see that all our fans have left.

See I am trying to find a balance. Trying and failing. We have lived here in the great state of Montana for 8 months and I am still adjusting. My girls are still adjusting. We have had so much change that I just can't seem to get it together.

I used to find refuge in my blog and now I just can't seem to find the time to sit in front of a computer for any length of time. It makes me sad that I haven't been able to blog or read any of the blogs I follow so I feel the need to explain.

When we moved here we thought we would be okay for a while financially. We had a plan. The Hubs' job required him to travel but all would be well. I started helping a family member clean houses just for some extra cash. I wanted to contribute plus it helped out my family member. Soon after we were here my husbands job went through a slow spell and he and I HAD to work. He found another job that he hated and I started cleaning more houses. It got us through and now his other job is picking up and he was able to quit his not so great job. I however am still cleaning houses.

I have not been able to admit this until now. See I am not above cleaning a toilet or mopping a floor. I just feel like a failure. I have a bachelor's degree and I scrub toilets. It is frustrating to me and I feel ashamed. I am not supposed to work everyday but have been the last few weeks for one reason or another, hence the lack of blog posts. I am feeling the sting of not being with my girls. As of right now I have not had to put them in daycare - which I am so thankful for. Either the hubs or friends take them.

I have so many emotions running through my head and no outlet for them. I am going to try to blog more but I make no promises. When I am home I feel so scattered trying to get everything done. I feel as though sitting at the computer is just not an option. We are not even done unpacking. My girls miss me. Laundry is piling up. Housework to be done. The Hubs and I barely see each other. It just stinks.

I miss my life. My quiet little life in the Land of Nowhere. I feel as though I had my perfect and now it is gone. Perhaps I took it for granted and it was taken from me. Like I am being punished for not appreciating it more. For not being more thankful.

I worry about what people think about me, about being judged. I worry about what my girls think. It stings when I hear the Bug say to people, "my mom cleans houses". Or when I kiss the Bear goodbye and she says, "you go clean, Mommy?" Makes me sick to my stomach. I always thought that if I worked while my kids were young that it would be for something that would make them proud. That they could say "My mom was a rock star!" Not, "My mom scrubbed toilets."

Well I just had to get this out there. So you know- when you stop by and see that there are no posts that I am busy but still thinking about you and the blog world.

This too shall pass. I just have to find my new normal. I will. I have too.

Whew, It's Gone. I hope.

Sorry I was gone....................

Friday,

Saturday,

Sunday,

Monday,

I was Sick. I finally got it! IT was NOT fun. The A-Cat got sick last Sunday and Monday and then Tuesday night the B-Bear got it and had it Wednesday and Thursday. Then WHAM - I got it Friday. It hit me HARD. Thank heavens MR. Man walked from his trip about 10 minutes after my first round. I went to bed.

and I didn't really emerge until Sunday. Sunday I woke up and thought to myself, I sure hope my husband is here and I didn't hallucinate him. A little panic set in when I realized that I didn't know if my kids had eaten, got dressed or if they were running wild around the house managing themselves. SCARY!

Saturday the K-Bug got it and spent most of Saturday in bed with me. She is not a good sick person. Quite DRAMATIC!

Then Sunday the Poor MR. Man got it. He did. He was wishing he hadn't come home. He doesn't do sick well either especially the stomach bug. So he was out Sunday and Monday. Anyhow needless to say we haven't seen each other much. Perhaps four days this month. If that.

I spent Monday. Disinfecting. I waged a germ war. Washed all surfaces. Wash and disinfected all bedding. I still have some more to do but I am almost done. Cross your fingers. It better be gone.

I can't do round 3.

Thankful Thursday: Friends

I am so Thankful for good friends.

Yesterday I got a text from a friend telling me how much she loves me and misses me.

Last night I got a late night ring of my doorbell. When I opened the door I saw a friend carrying a sack. She said, "I brought you a treat." She had to go to Bozeman yesterday and she went to her favorite taco place. A place she has told me that I just HAVE to try when I go over that way. She brought me two of her favorite tacos. I was regretting stuffing myself at dinner because I so wanted to try one. I looking forward to lunch today.

Then this morning I used this:

An Ebelskiver pan that my best good friend Lady Di sent to me a month or so ago.

and so I made these little guys which the munchkins loved. So fun. So Yum.

I just love my friends and I am so THANKFUL.

Wordful Wednesday: Flour Power

With this girl it is like a moth to a flame. If Mama gets out the flour she is so THERE. Ready to mix, knead, roll. It doesn't matter as long as she can get her hands (and face) good and messy.

In this case it was little of everything. The finished product:

YUM!

Have a great Wednesday and don't forget to visit Angie's Place.

Table Topics Tuesday: Oh Where To GO?

The Topic:

Where would you like to go on vacation this year?

I WOULD like to go here:

Nothing like a little Tahiti to de-clutter the brain.

Or perhaps Fiji? A little more privacy here:

I am kind of tired of neighbors.

I can pretty much say with 100% certainty that I will be not be visiting either. However there are a few things that are more likely.

Like this:

at The Canyons Resort in Park City Utah. It just sounds like fun. For more info click here. This is actually more like a mini vacation for Mom but it looks like the resort has some fun stuff for the kiddos. Plus there is all kinds of stuff to do in Utah for families.

Or I would love to go to Arizona and California to see some family and friends and perhaps hit Disneyland, The San Diego Zoo and Sea World. I love that kind of vacation.

Most likely however we will stick close to home and enjoy the summer in our new surroundings. There is a lot to do in Big Sky.

Play along in Table Topics Tuesdays at Welcome to the Nuthouse Where would you like to go?

Monday's Mama Drama - Distracted

So DISTRACTED! I think I have too much brain clutter.

Must find a way to declutter quickly before I have a full meltdown.

Snoozin' In Saturday: Fort Snooze

I think she got tired while she was building her fort and decided to take a siesta or maybe she was done, who knows.

It got quiet and I thought I better check and this is what I found.

Show me your snoozers!

Just leave me a comment if you are participiating.

Today is the last day of the Blog Party. If you haven't checked it out, please do.