Road to Nowhere

We Moved!

2011-01-01T13:38:00.000-05:00

We've moved! Come visit us at:

http://asuka002.wordpress.com/

New Year, New Location!

2010: Closing of the Year

2011-01-01T11:16:00.000-05:00

Yesterday morning we started off the last day of 2010 with our annual trip to Boston. Mother Nature was nice enough to grant us wonderful weather, keeping it warm enough that we wouldn't have runny noses all day long.

Rather than give you a play by play of our day I think I will include photos from our trip (only a few) and review what we learned over the course of 2010.

We learned that Lex is a big boy and can be potty trained.
I can have my own library card. (Mad Dog is happy for his since now he has his 10 reserves back).
Loki isn't over her carsick thing.
That you shouldn't call me at 11 o'clock at night without a REALLY good reason (ask Sean).
We learned that my friend Steve Himmer will be published in 2011. I'm looking forward to reading The Bee-Loud Glade, now if I could just get him to do a personal audio version for me.
That Mad Dog can BAKE! You name it he's trying it and very good at it.
That if you stop focusing on something, it'll happen. Blessings come when they're ready. Congratulations to Stacy, Jim and soon to be Big Sister Mary!
That Loki can turn into the Red Hulk if she is mad enough at Momma.
That even an American Girl Doll can't get Gabrielle motivated.
Tornado's do hit Maine sometimes.(We're Not in Kansas...What the Hell?)
That you shouldn't bite the hand that feeds you and then complain about it.
Gabrielle can fly on her own when her Mother forces the situation.
That good Podcasts due exist and can last more than a month. Congratulations to Books on the Nightstand for making it to 100+ podcasts.
I can step up and be strong (physically and mentally) in a bad situation, like being in a tent in a terrible storm with my two little ones. (Read: Almost Perfect Storm)
I can sew! I'm kind of shocked by this too. (Read: Little Super Models and I Felt that Food)
That the first floor of our building is cursed and we will never have good neighbors.
I'm 35 and I'm okay with that. Lets see how Mad Dog does with 40 this year? (Read: Celebrating 35)
That Lex can write his name all on his own - oh and it's Big L - Big E - Big X, no matter how many times Miss Kim tells him otherwise.
I can still have a girls night out in the city. Thank you Stacy (and Mad Dog too)! (Read: Going Straight with a Chaser)
Loki can talk, when she wants and given time.
You can fry anything if you have a fairground and some oil. (Read: I Fried It, Because I Could)
That going Local can be fun, hard work and rewarding. (Check-out: Cute Fan Girl Goes Local)
That the "Damn Cat" won't die!
That "sock" make a bad day good! (Mad Dog insisted I put this in. - Stacy stop laughing!)
That part of the reason I love LEGO so much is because they don't MAKE NOISE!

Super Model Loki

Setting the Tone for 2011

Ice Sculpture - Boston Common

Seafood Mac & Cheese!

Ice Cream Happy!

Booksellers Unite!

2010-12-31T09:02:00.002-05:00

I don't know about you, but I sometimes have a very hard time listening to people talk about things I love or seeing things I love look disgraceful. You'll see me sometime twitching when I hear people talk about movies or books sometimes (maybe even art too). Having said that, I also have a hard time listening to people complain about things that are rather obvious when it comes to the jobs they select for themselves. I mean you don't expect a trash man to be shocked that they will be around smelly trash, or a grave digger might actually get dirty doing his/her job.

Where is this going? Yesterday I was in Borders with my step-daughter, Gabrielle, she was spending some of her stash of gift cards. I need to preference this shopping trip with I don't like Borders. I don't like how their stores are organized (I should say lack thereof) and their Children's departments are a nightmare for finding anything a parent is looking for. I would rather be in a Barnes & Noble or Waterstones (but of course I'm not in Europe - Oh how I miss Waterstones Booksellers) anytime. Also I would be happier also in an independent books store, where you can always find someone to help you with what you are looking for.

Okay - so Gabrielle starts looking in their Independent Reader section for a few things I went into the children's department to find a book for each Lex and Loki. At Barnes & Noble, where I once worked I spent the majority of my time in this department. I love the kids department, I loved making recommendations, helping lost parents and grandparents or even introducing a child to a new and exciting book. I'm guessing the "Booksellers" at the Mansfield Crossing Borders don't feel the same way (at least in the children's department on Thursday afternoon at 2:30PM). I was browsing the shelves and I hear a Bookseller say to another Bookseller, "Since when are we personal shoppers?" Excuse me? What did you say? Since when are you a personal shoppers? Oh- since you punched the clock sweetheart! Honestly what do you think you are? Unless I am completely mistaken (and if you feel this way please let me know) if you are a bookseller, you sell books and therefore you will be asked for recommendation, help finding a book and oh I don't know (most importantly if you work in the children's department) if the books is age appropriated for a child.

This interaction between booksellers completely floored me. I pulled out my cell phone and called Mad Dog right away. I explained where I was, I then ask if in the time we were at Barnes & Noble, (or any of his other many book related jobs) did he ever think of himself as a personal shopper. He laughed at my questions. Of course he did - that is what you are when you work at a bookstore. I relayed what I had just overheard. "WOW!" was all he could respond.

Being a parent and also being someone who has worked in a bookstore, I had no real issue assisting Gabrielle in finding her books, though again the layout of the store was annoying (absolutely no thought to where stuff is. By the standards at Barnes that we were use to in Enfield, this store would have been laughed at.). But if I were any other shopper, parent in the children's department and I heard that I:

A) Wouldn't dare ask a question.
and
B) Probably would leave without what I was looking for.

Isn't the bookstore industry having enough issue, with out alienating their customers? I know we all have rough days, if you do go stock a shelf, clean a section, but really don't discourage customers from shopping, asking for help and giving the gift of reading, because you're having a bad day.

Since this is such a negative post, I have to end it on some kind of positive note. Thank you for all the Booksellers of the world (Borders Booksellers included) who assist and recommend great books to shoppers. Thank you to the Enfield Barnes & Noble Staff (2132) of 2006 and 2007 they did all that and more, it was a pleasure working with great booksellers, wonderful people and a great group of friends (far too many to name). Thank you to the fabulous team at Books on the Nightstand , Michael and Ann your continued work and dedication to this project is a wonderful addition to the book community. The podcasts are a wealth of information, recommendation and a pleasure to listen to. To my husband Mad Dog, my second BookBoy (after Michael Kindness who was the original BookBoy in my life) who keeps me in a wealth of audio books from the library, made me get my library card and picks up my reserves each time he goes. He has recommended a bounty of books over our time together and though I sometimes ignore them and later find out he is right, I love that he keeps trying and keeps me reading.

Don't Kick the Baby!

2010-12-27T17:43:00.000-05:00

This time of the year is full of giving and gift cards seem to be the choice for most people these days (giving or receiving). From department stores to restaurants, and the movies to online time the gift card has become a bigger (more acceptable) fall back gift than the bottle of alcohol these days. Kids even ask for them. Gabrielle's Christmas was made up of the absolutely ridiculous and gift cards. She received a onslaught of bookstore gift cards this year, which were completely practical for her however far less exciting to open and play with than say a toy.

Mad Dog and I love gift cards, most importantly the ones that allow us a possible night out together (not that we don't like it when we get something that we can do with the kids). The challenge here is we usually get a gift card or two for dinner out or a movie, but then we are stuck trying to find a sitter. The best gifts come with a built in sitter. Last Christmas my Mom gave us dinner out with an offer to watch the kids when we wanted to us it. This was life saver.

This year we received a special gift from my brother, Kevin and brother-in-law, Brent. The gift was made up of Gift Cards (see the connection to the beginning of the post) and a special offer. "1 Night Baby-Sitting Voucher". Can you beat that?

This I think comes at a time where both Kevin and Brent feel that Lex and Loki are at the age where they are ...Hmmm...I don't know what word to use, but lets say I think Kevin and Brent feel that they won't break either of the kids at this point if they were left alone with them. Which is completely fine with me. I can understand people not wanting to babysit an infant if they are not around infants, know infants and if they are possibly terrified of breaking said infant. I know that Brent mentioned that to me once about Loki. I also think Lex and Loki are completely comfortable with both Kevin and Brent to have a whirlwind time with them when they do babysit. This was an extremely thoughtful gift, which we are grateful for.

Oh, for all you jealous parents out there - it has been pointed out to me by the presenters that this voucher is non-transferable. Sorry!

Snow, Snow - Wait That Is ENOUGH!

2010-12-27T15:32:00.000-05:00

Did you know it snowed last night? If you live in most parts of Massachusetts just take a moment to look out your window. There might be a little bit of white stuff out there.

The kids of course are very excited about this, Mad Dog and I have mixed feelings. Since we live in Worcester and don't own a house, we have to deal with the dreaded parking ban. Yes, yesterday morning at 11:30 AM Worcester put the parking ban into effect. Luckily for us we managed to get two good spots in front of the house. Mad Dog had to work yesterday during the day, leaving me to answer the ongoing questions:

Is it snowing?
How hard?
When is Daddy coming home?

He got home and we were one of those dreaded people who ordered take out and made the delivery guy drive in the bad weather. Kids fed and then it was bed. Mad Dog knew he was working part of his day from home Monday and by 8 o'clock I had called my company's severe weather line to find that we were closed Monday. Woo Hoo for me!

Today has been full of cries for attention for the kids. Lex wanted to build something he got for Christmas, Loki wanted to take away anything and everything anyone else was playing with including my Nintendo DS from me. Gabrielle just kept asking how much snow we thought there was. I think both Mad Dog and I opted several times to drive to work regardless of not having to. After lunch we bundled the kids up (Thank you to all the parents that have given Lex and Loki the wonderful hand-me-down L.L. Bean snowsuits and boots). Gabrielle had to double up on layers since her Mom didn't send snow pants - for the first time in I don't know how many years. This was Loki's first really big storm. She enjoyed it. Lex was over joyed to be running around, wanting to build a snowman and take of his gloves to make snowballs like Mad Dog. Gabrielle "the snow police" kept yelling at Mad Dog to put on his gloves on for fear he would get frostbite.

The kids played, Loki tried to stay on her feet and we watched the train go by. The wind was unnerving to say the least. I didn't care for being out there when it blew. Lex and Gabrielle wanted to stay out and play, but Loki had the double green lines streaming from her nose and I thought she should go in. She wasn't having it - if the big kids were staying so was she. We played for about 5 more minutes and then tempted everyone inside with thoughts of hot cocoa.

It seemed like it took us 25 minutes to get the kids dressed for what seemed like 10 minutes of play. Next year were are honestly looking at snowshoes for all of us for Christmas. I also think there are snow pants in mine and Mad Dog's future. Our new coats were perfect, but I could have used pants and better gloves. Christmas next year? I'm thinking it's going to be a very practical Christmas next year for all of us. For now I'm going to go enjoy the rest of my snow day. I think I can pull my Nintendo DS away from Loki for a few hours of play before dinner.

Dancing Santa

2010-12-26T14:56:00.000-05:00

This year Santa left a family gift for us, Let's Dance 2 for the Wii. I believe Santa thought it would be fun, since Mad Dog said he could kick all our butts after he saw the commercial for it on television.

The game comes with 44 songs both popular and classic. You simply hold the Wii remote and mimic the moves of the dancing figures on the screen. With each move you make correctly you earn points. Unlike other games (like Guitar Hero) the game doesn't penalize you for wrong moves while you play. You can hold dance offs and with real dance moves choreographed by real experts. The game also has a great feature called Just Sweat it Off. In this mode the you select a workout program and it sets a goal for you and tracks your progress throughout the week. I found this a lot more fun than the other Wii Fit game.

Everyone is enjoying the game. Lex and Loki enjoy dancing with family members. Gabrielle like it though gets discouraged very quickly, saying she can't do it. She is pushing on, and I keep telling her there is nothing to worry about it's just fun. Mad Dog and I love it and I think I'm going to use it a lot more than some of our other fit game. It makes the thought of exercise fun. If you have kids their is a kids version and of course the original Just Dance - which I think I might have to pick-up.

I'm off to shake my groove thing!

A Christmas Story

2010-12-26T14:27:00.000-05:00

Weeks of craziness and it's over. We had a wonderful Christmas and would like to thank everyone for their Christmas and Holiday wishes this year. The kids are currently playing with toys in different parts of the apartment. We're waiting for Mad Dog to get home (hopefully before the storm hits too hard) and watching the flurries fall already. I just watched the last good parking space (by the house) be filled.

How did Christmas go this year? With us both having Christmas Eve off made it easier on everyone. It allowed us to wake up Friday morning and take it easy, baking and getting things together for our travel later that day. Gabrielle caught a ride out to Western Massachusetts with Mad Dog's sister around noon time. This allowed Mad Dog and I a little fight free time with Lex and Loki. Packing up the kids and the car we left at around 1PM for our 3 o'clock arrival time in West Springfield. I know it doesn't take that long, but it has be come an annual tradition for us to stop in Northampton Massachusetts to pick up Mad Dog's Mom's Christmas present. Even though I made a ton of homemade things this year, I just didn't have the time to finish the bird house I was making for my Mother-in-law. For the past three years we have ended our Christmas shopping by going to Backyard Birds for a Gift Certificate and a little gift.

Oddly with being home all morning/afternoon busy with the holiday details I found that I hadn't eaten anything, only coffee had entered my system all morning. This finally caught up to me in Northampton. Since we were in a hurry we hit Taco Bell while the kids slept in their car seats. I needed something or Mad Dog might make it to his Mom's minus an arm. We arrive at Mad Dog's Mom's just after three. Gabrielle wasn't there yet, having run errands with Michelle, Mad Dog's sister. Once everyone arrived we had a little something to eat, and gifts started to be handed out. The gift process took like 3 hours. Mad Dog's Mom insists that each person open their presents in front of everyone. So spot light on Loki, spot light on Lex, spot light on Gigi, etc. To add to this process she gives each person a large gift bag, which contains a ton of little gifts. After we open all the little gifts, each family gives their gifts. The main focus of this is Mad Dog's Mom and the Reverend (Dennis, who I still don't know how to explain it, but I guess companion would work - oh and I have no clue about the Reverend part just that Mad Dog and his siblings call him that) and our kids. Mad Dog's brother and sister all exchange presents on Christmas morning with each other, we have nothing to do with this and are just happy they don't do it in front of the kids anymore. There were a few years that Mad Dog's brother would gives hoards of gifts to their nephew and not Gabrielle (bad form).

We managed to get home by eight o'clock. Everyone put on their new Christmas pajamas and I even got a family picture before the kids were in bed, presents wrapped and ourselves in bed by Midnight (miracle). Christmas Morning started very early thanks to Loki. The girls were both up and bouncing to get going by 6 o'clock. They were so excited that they went and woke Lex up, which he still hasn't forgiven them for. Tradition is that we start with our stocking which Santa lays out on our couch over flowing with candy, toys and treats. Lex was very upset with Santa at first for not getting his Pixar Up game he asked for in his stocking. Gabrielle took time to explain that he might have wrapped the gift. The kids started in on their presents. Gabrielle received a Razor Scooter from Santa, Lex got his Up game (though it was for the Leapster Explorer that Nana Sandy got him that he would receive later that day - yes this was hard to explain) and Loki got a play kitchen set. Mad Dog was thrilled with his crock pot the kids gave him and his L.L. Bean backpack I got him. I had an new iShuffle that I plan to us for my audio books alone (it is engraved with No Bounce No Play - a Stephen King quote.) The best gift of them all was the fact that we found my lost wedding band in Mad Dog's backpack box that I had wrapped. We listened to Gabrielle call her Nintendog's puppy by name a thousand times since the damn game couldn't understand Cinnamon and found that Loki had opened all the extra Mini Reese's Peanut Butter cups Santa left us. She was very proud of herself. Lex and Mad Dog took time to build Lex's tool box with his really tools before we all got dressed.

After a busy morning of playing, we packed up the car and headed to my Mom's for the day. We got there for one o'clock. Lex was immediately looking for this Explorer gift so he could play the much anticipated Pixar Up! Game. We managed to settle him down enough after opening the gift to eat dinner before giving the rest of our gifts. The rest of the afternoon was consumed by gift, naps and eating. Gift giving at my Mom's is very different from Mad Dog's Mom's (we need to find a happy medium between the two). It is like a whirlwind at her place. Paper everywhere, no one knows who gave you what, and what gifts were for what child. Loki was given birthday and Christmas gifts at the same time and neither Mad Dog and I full know what she received. The kids played after dinner while some of the adults (the guys mainly) all took naps. I helped my Mom set up her Kindle and helped her buy her first book. It was a nice quiet afternoon and we left early that evening.

Everyone had a lovely day and we ended with Loki trying to take the remaining 10 Mini Reese's Peanut Butter Cups to bed with her.

Christmas Around the Campfire

2010-12-24T09:05:00.000-05:00

A special Christmas Eve treat we are going to enjoy tonight will be Smores on a Stick thanks to the wonderful people at Craft Magazine for sharing this wonderful idea. The project originated on White on Rice Couple. They pops are very simple and a wonderful way for me to us my torch which doesn't get much use these days.

Their recipe as a little more complicated than my process, but it was the same idea. I simple melted some Wilton Chocolate Melts with a little bit of Crisco in the microwave. Then I dipped each Marshmallow in the chocolate and shook off the excess before putting it on the stick. I then sprinkled the chocolate with crushed graham crackers before letting them sit on a plate. Tonight before we enjoy them I will toast the Marshmallows with my torch, warming them and giving them that gooey campfire yumminess.

We're betting the kids will love them if they all live to see Christmas Eve. They are currently fighting in the other room - at least Lex and Gigi. Ahhh...the Christmas Spirit. Well I'm off to make sugar cookies for Santa.

Christmas Top 25: Part 2

2010-12-24T07:02:00.000-05:00

If you missed the first part of this post take a moment to read Christmas Top 25: Part 1. Here are the remaining 7.

19. Receiving a Christmas card from my brother and sister-in-law that doesn't have inappropriate photo for the first year and I don't know how long.
20. .... (I promised Mad Dog I would put this in. I'm sure you can see the smile on his face from wherever you are.)
21. Lex trying to pee in the snow yelling at Loki, "I'm PEEING in the snow Loki!" all in the parking lot of the Dunkin' Donuts.
22. Explaining to my boss how you stick an Oreo on a stick and losing it.
23. Loki having a Go-Yurt and finding that it was more like the rug and the blue chair had it for breakfast.
24. Finding out that the town of Warren, RI has a Parker Avenue and a Parker Street and that Fedex doesn't know the difference.
25. Knowing that my brother lost his gumdrop buttons and is making my sister-in-law crazy.

A Snowman's Dilemma

2010-12-18T17:32:00.000-05:00

Okay this will be very quick, but I had to post this. Last night I stopped at Whole Foods in Bellingham on my way home from work. After picking up a few things I needed I checked out their Bakery. If you haven't done this before YOU SHOULD. They have the most amazing bakery.

I picked up this cupcake for Lex. How cool is that? They had other ones, a Santa, Snowflakes,etc - but a Snowman with glasses I couldn't pass it up. The cupcakes are $3.99 each and huge. Lex loved it, and Mad Dog and I got to steal little pieces off - it was yummy. Even the next morning the few little pieces left in the bowl where moist.

You're probably upset with me since I said I got one for Lex and not Lo-Lo, huh? If you know our Loki, you know she is not a cupcake girl or anytime of sweet treat girl really. I picked up a little container of mixed berries for her. The selection has strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and blueberries. She enjoyed them as much if not more than Lex enjoyed his cupcake.

Christmas Top 25: Part 1

2010-12-18T16:46:00.001-05:00

With the craziness of the holiday season on us, I thought I would put together a few highlights - good, bad, funny, annoying, etc regarding our season this year. My thought was that it would be a kind of Twelve Pains of Christmas, but there were going to be far more than twelve. Since today is December 18th, I will list 18 of the final 25. I would like to note that some of these relate to myself and Mad Dog, but some are just things I couldn't pass up from friends. I won't be explaining all of them, but you can always ask me when you see me - I'll be happy to explain. I do hope you enjoy, they are meant in the kindest way.

Sending Mad Dog to American Girl for a dog (D-O-G) and getting a GOAT.
The Forgotten Elf on the Shelf (or my version the Shelf on the Elf) - was a hit for like 3 days and now he is possibly a CSI crime case.
A Breakfast Happy Ending
Christmas Socks
Cupcake Aprons - Thank you Secret Santa!
Trying to explain to Lex it's Christmas we're waiting for not HALLOWEEN.
Lex handing out Mellow-pops to Lowe's Employees.
Our LEGO holiday gift! (Read all about it in O' LEGO Tree)
Listening to The Stupidest Angel by Christopher Moore - gets me in th Christmas Spirit or the Zombie Spirit (no wait that was The Walking Dead)
Trying to get Loki to sit on Santa's Lap at Bass Pro Shop. NOT!
Knowing I'm getting an iShuffle for my audio books! WOOHOO! No Bounce, No Play!
Customer who don't have their VIP Cards, their receipt and want the world. (Sorry Mad Dog - remember the "Happy" customers will come back soon).
Employee discount requests.
Waiting for flight information regarding Gabrielle's arrival only to find out she doesn't have a return flight AGAIN! (Coming this Tuesday for those wanting to know).
Christmas Card "shopping" to get the best deal, discount or as many free. Mad Dog thinks I have a black board out back with all my calculations and NASA want to learn my secret.
Having my Brother call me at 11 o'clock at night to ask if his nephew actually gets erections at age 31/2. -Oh and then asking him if he really called me at eleven o'clock at night to ask me this, because he just interrupted Mad Dog and I were having sex and he was on top of me and...(he hung up at that point). Merry Christmas Sean - I think you'll find you can't fit a bow on that one! (Mad Dog - don't even go there).
Making Graham Cracker Houses with the kids (Check out: I Don't Need No Stinkin' Gingerbread).
Going into Whole Foods for some cheese and a little seafood and coming out $36.00 dollars lighter. However I will say the cupcake - FABULOUS; the crab cakes - PHENOMENAL and Loki eating and LOVING her berries - PRICELESS.

O' LEGO Tree

2010-12-16T20:23:00.000-05:00

One of the new things I look forward to every year (and hopefully it will continue for sometime) is Mad Dog's employee gift from LEGO. Last year they started a new tradition in the LEGO Group - a specially developed LEGO gift for all employees around the world.

In 2009 each LEGO employee received a LEGO Heart, as a symbol of the reintroduction of one of their six values - caring. The LEGO gift accompanied a wonderful gift Tapas servicing set from a European company called EGO Together . I love the set we received last year and though I think (I could be completely wrong about this) Mad Dog was a bit baffled by the gift, we have used it and enjoyed it ever since.

This years gift was even better. With the launch of LEGO Games internationally this year, the company made an obvious choice to develop and design a unique game for it's employees. With the focus of this time of year on friends and family what better way to celebrate that then to gather around a fun game.

The 2010 gift includes a special collectors edition of Happy Holidays: The Christmas Game. It's Christmas, and Santa needs his reindeer to deliver all the colorful gifts under the tree. Pile the gifts onto the sleighs, fly the reindeer around the tree, and try to collect the most presents. Build the tallest stack of gifts of two colors to win! The game comes with all the piece to build and play. We're very excited about this and are looking forward to playing this possibly Christmas Day at my Mom's.

Along with the game we also received another wonderful gift set from EGO Together. Part of my love for their products is the design of their line. The company based in Denmark has an amazing design aesthetics and beautifully crafted pieces are a special treat (they tease me with the catalog they include). This year we received pieces from their Bamboo "MAGNETficent" textile series. The products are made from sustainable bamboo. The set included two pot holders with small magnets in the corner instead of a loop that will break after tons of use, a dish towel and apron (perfect for Mad Dog since I got a new apron for Christmas - wait for another post). The set also included a metal mounting plate that can be attached anywhere and the pieces can hang from. I'm sure Mad Dog thinks I'm crazy after seeing how excited I was over the set.

I love the employee gift we receive each year from LEGO and the idea that there are other LEGO employees all around to world opening their e gift just like us. I like that LEGO gives their employees not only a special gift of play, but they also give something else that compliments one of their 6 values - DESIGN. Though a huge part of LEGO is of course creativity and play, what makes LEGO so great is their timeless design. This is part of the reason that even if Mad Dog didn't work for the company they would be a huge part of our lives. The learning and creative properties of the "toy" are timeless and allow our children to grow with each new building they destroy and rebuild.

Thank you LEGO for another wonderful year and an amazingly thoughtful gift.

L is for Lovely and Loki

2010-12-11T23:06:00.000-05:00

Today was Loki's Birthday. She turned two. Because we're thick into the shopping season and Mad Dog had to work part of today, we started her birthday festivities off early last night. While I was at work Friday, Mad Dog made a chocolate cake for her birthday. The plan was I would pick up frosting on my way home from work along with an added gift since Lex decided he had to wrap something for his baby sister.

When I arrived home Lex and I slipped away to wrap the Tangled book I picked up for Loki from Lex. He did a good job helping wrap the gift. After that my plan was to tint the frosting I picked up pink, but realized when I was going through my cake gels I didn't have a pink so violet was the back-up plan. Violent Violet. If this it's not a rock n' roll shade of purple I don't know what is. Lex and Loki helped put the finishing touches on the cake. They both worked very hard on their individual sections of the cake. We managed to hold them off for a few minutes while Mad Dog and I put our pizza's in the oven, since neither of us had eaten yet.

We all sang Happy Birthday to her, and she managed to blow out her candle. I think she was a little confused about the whole thing, but I'm not positive. After they had cake and Mad Dog ate some pizza she opened presents. Lex of course wanted to "help" which in a 3 year old's world means open them all by himself and maybe allow her to play with them by the time she is 18. This didn't fly with Mad Dog and I. We repeatedly had to tell him to stop and at one point Mad Dog had him sit in his lap and held him to prevent him from interfering in her opening of her gifts. For her 2nd birthday we decided we would get her a baby doll. I selected the Fisher Price Little Mommy Sweet as Me Doll. The doll is not a baby, but a toddler which measures 14". Along with the doll she got a little stroller and a feeding set for her doll, which came in a bag with bottles, a bowl with spoon and fork and a burp cloth. She fell in love immediately. We still haven't named the doll yet, but she is very well loved. Loki takes her for walks making sure she is strapped into the stroller. She feeds her and tells the doll to blow her nose when she holds the burp cloth up to her face. Lex of course wants to help and like most protective young mother Loki won't hear of it. She yells at him anytime he touches the doll and cries if he tries to leave the room with it. Last night the two went to bed (the doll and Loki) and we heard Loki talking to it in her crib well after Lex has fallen asleep.

Today after morning errands and Build & Grow, Lex, Loki and I went to Mansfield to my Mom's. The kids got to see Nonna, Nana and Papa as well as Uncle Kevin and Uncle Brent. We had a little birthday cake for Lo-Lo and Uncle Brent made cupcakes (STRAWBERRY ones) for Loki as well. She had a wonderful time and really enjoyed the Happy Birthday singing this time.

On the way home the three of us picked up McDonald's and ate when we got home while we watched Sprout. Both kids got to stay up a little bit to watch Frosty on TV, before going to bed. Loki took her doll and they were tucked in together.

It's so odd to think it has been two years. She is such a little person of her own. She has so much personality and is very head strong. Mad Dog will sarcastically say he doesn't know where she gets that from (as he looks directly at me), but I guess if there was anything I wanted her to have it would be a strong will to be her own little person. I'm enjoying this time with the kids, this age where they are becoming little people and seeing how different they are from one another. I can't say we've raised them exactly the same, because I see that there are things I would have not stood for with Lex that I see myself ignoring with her.

But none of that matters, what matters is today my little girl, my baby is two. She is another year older, smarter and prettier. Happy Birthday Lo-Lo. I love you Sunshine.

December 11th: Our Birthday Girl

2010-12-10T21:38:00.000-05:00

On December 11th a little girl came into our lives. Her name is Loki Chihiro. Tomorrow she will be two. Somethings you should know about her. Other than that, please enjoy the photos and see how she has grown the past 2 years.

She love peanut butter sandwiches.

She can kick Lex's ass.

She's a Daddy's Girl.

She can talk when she "wants to".

She's fearless!

She's a tiger trapped in a little girls body.

She loves strawberries more than anything else.

She's got ninja skills.

She can sit through a whole movie in the movie theater with no trouble.

She doesn't like "little" dogs.

She doesn't like when Lex touches her.

She is ticklish all over.

She love doesn't know who she loves more Buzzy or Woody.

She doesn't know Daddy is building a tower for her as we speak.

She is named after the Norse God of Mischief.

She like looking through Daddy's Comic boxes.

She has the power to make it snow in Fort Lauderdale, FL (ask Sean).

She has a rock n' roll heart.

She is completely independent.

She has a temper that could rival Mount Saint Helens.

She has been to her own comic book collection.

She is my sunshine.

She is Lex's Best Friend.

She said about 20 new words tonight, when Lex asked her to say them.

She has blue eyes.

Her middle name means "A thousand questions".

She can put her coat on over her head.

She can walk up and down our stairs with no help.

She love Maine.

She is beautiful and full of sweetness.

She doesn't like chocolate.

Something Old, Something New

2010-12-09T22:02:00.000-05:00

Christmas 2009

Traditions are important, especially around the holidays. Each family has them and with each generation others are added.
As a kid I remember a version of the Feast of the Seven Fishes (festa dei sette pesci), which is celebrated on Christmas Eve. It's believed to have originated in Southern Italy and is not a tradition know in many parts of Italy. The tradition of eating fish on Christmas Eve dates back to the medieval Roman Catholic tradition of abstinence, in this case the refraining of eating meat and milk products on Friday or specific holy days. Since no meat or butter could be used, Catholics would eat fish instead.

Boston 2009

This tradition in our family has changed over the year with the passing of the generations, some of the more traditional fish/seafood dishes, such as Baccalà (salted cod fish) have disappeared from the table since the passing of my Great-Grandmother others have remained such as stuffed calamari in tomato sauce. Even though my family now spends Christmas Eve away from my Mother and my Grandmother (we usually spend Christmas Day with them), we still try to carry on this tradition in some way. Mad Dog learned to make the stuffed calamari a few years ago, buying the squid whole and learning to clean it. We have also created a seafood lasagna which has become a part of our Christmas Eve dinner which we have brought to Mad Dog's Mom's house.

New Years Eve Day 2009

Along with the feast and the seven fishes, we have other traditions such as the ornament tradition that my Mother started for us that I mentioned in my last post. My Mom also started a tradition of buying us a game each year. Each Christmas "Santa" would bring the family a game, most of the time it was a version of Trivial Pursuit or something like that. After dinner we would clear the dinning room table grab a soda or cup of coffee and dessert and play it as a family. Over the years an additional tradition came into being from the game tradition - the "Beat Sean" Tradition. Kevin and I would vow to destroy him any chance we had. We made a pretty good run at this and still do. Mad Dog and my Brother-in-law, Brent have both joined in this tradition when Sean visits and we all get together for a game or two. This year I am adopting the game tradition for my family, but instead of a board game I purchased a Wii Game for us all to play (even Loki and Lex).

What traditions have we made for our family. Well, we have started a Pajama Tradition, where the kids all get new PJs each Christmas. This is not something very creative, a lot of families do this. This tradition for us was started with Loki's first Christmas and is continuing this year. This year all three children will have matching red pjs. Also, we will read The Night Before Christmas. I purchased copies of the version I had when I was a kid for both Lex and Loki. I remember my Dad reading it to me. For New Years Eve Day, we will keep my Dad's tradition of taking us into Boston for the day alive as we did last year. We check out the ice sculptures and the other First Night Events as a family before heading home and stuffing ourselves with Chinese Food.

Next year with the kids a little older I hope to start some important traditions in regards to giving back.Possibly donating time or visiting a nursing home and the elderly. So many of the holiday donations are about kids, and I think that is fine, but we can't forget those older souls that might need a little Christmas cheer in their golden years. But for now I will see if I can get them (the kids that is) to eat some stuff calamari in their red pajamas, while listening to The Night Before Christmas and playing the Wii (as a family).

Even Superheroes Decorate Christmas Trees

2010-12-05T14:56:00.000-05:00

Today we decorated our Christmas Tree as a family. Lex and Loki both hung their new ornaments on the tree and we worked as a family to fill in the rest of the tree.

As a tradition in our family started by my Mom when we were kids, each year each child gets an ornament of their own to hang on the tree for that year. When the time comes for them to leave home and have their own tree the box of heirloom ornaments goes with them, letting them take the memories of Christmas past with them. Today Mad Dog and I both hung ornaments on our tree from our childhood and those we have collected over the last 6 Christmas' together. I would like to share some of those special ornaments with you here as well as photos of our decorating and tree.

This is my first ornament purchased in 1975.

One of Mad Dog's early ornaments. This is part of a pair of glass ornaments.

This was a Mad Dog creation. I love this ornament. It is complete with a "53 Mike Gendreau" and on the side door it clear states to "Use Front Door".

Lex hanging his 4th year ornament. Nana Sandy has been buying this Hallmark series for both kids. I mark the back of each ornament with their name, as well as the boxes to keep track of them.

Loki working with Mad Dog to hang her ornament. She didn't get the concept, she got very upset afterwards because she wanted to ornament back.

Lex was very eager to help. We're honestly very luckily the tree wasn't on the floor since he hung half the ornaments on the same branch. I had to keep re-decorating moving the ornaments up and to stronger branches.

Mad Dog placing Chistery our Christmas Monkey on top of the tree. Chistery is the head of the flying monkeys in Wicked. He was made from a monkey beanie which was Gabrielle's. My Brother Kevin was Elphaba for a Halloween party we had in Chicopee on year. I sewed bat wings on the back of the monkey and he became Kevin's Chistery. At Christmas time that year I added a halo to his head made from a silver pipe-cleaner. He sat at the top of our tree that year (our second Christmas together) and has been on the top of the tree ever since. He is a special member of our family. When all the other decorations go back in the boxes for another year, Chistery sits out on the mantel watching over us all.

Our 2010 Tree. I still have some garland to make, but all in all it's perfect.

I Don't Need No Stinkin' Gingerbread!

2010-12-05T14:13:00.000-05:00

I love the idea of being Susie Homemaker or Martha Stewart. You did get the key word there: "idea". I don't have the gift when it comes to somethings. Baking is one of them. I try and try, but I'm not that great. Needless to say I have a wonderful husband that can bake. Woo Hoo for me!

Instead of making Gingerbread Houses with the kids this year, I thought we would use Mad Dog's Graham Cracker Recipe and make Graham Cracker Houses. A few weeks ago I found a great cookie cutter kit from Wilton. The kit came with 3 large cookie cutters which when 2 of each are cut and baked can be assembled into a small simple house. I was all for that. I even got it 40% off. Sweet!

Between Thursday and Friday Night Mad Dog made two batches of Graham Cracker dough for me. The recipe calls for the dough to chill overnight. On Saturday during errands at Target I picked up a bunch of different candy for decorating. The plan was for me to roll, cut and bake the cooks Saturday afternoon and assemble the houses Saturday night for decorating on Sunday with the kids. Easy right? Yeah right!

I rolled the dough out and cut the individual pieces and let them chill for 45 minutes (per Mad Dog's recipe) before baking. I had to adjust the cook time on the cookies since I wasn't rolling them out at the 1/8 inch the recipe calls for. Honestly we like the Graham Crackers a little thicker for this recipe. I baked the cookies and had them cooling before the kids went to bed.

I made the frosting to build the houses. I will say it was a little too runny at first and I had a hard time getting the houses to hold. I used cups and mugs to hold the walls upright while the icing set. By the time Mad Dog came home (late) I had two houses assembled and holding.

After decorating the tree this morning I made more icing and instead of using piping bags, I put the icing into bowls thinking the kids could dip the candy in the icing or use a spoon to spread it on. I placed the candy in little bowls and laid everything on the coffee table in the living room. The kids were excited.

They jumped right in eating the candy. Loki who doesn't even look the direction of candy found a whole new world. She had her fingers in everything. I showed them how to decorate the houses, mainly working on Loki's since she was too busy eating the candy to bother putting it on the house. Lex wanted to do his all by himself. He did a good job, seeing things I did to Loki's and asking how he could do that. I showed him and helped when we would let me.

Lex found he liked gumdrops (like his Daddy). Loki found she likes Mike & Ikes and wants to like Good & Plenty, but really just likes to carry them around with her. Once the decorating was finished the kids went and washed up while I cleaned up the candy. After clean up Lex exclaimed that he was ready for a nap. Loki was due for one too. They both went in with no issue, allowing me to finish clean-up and take photos of the finished houses.

Loki's House

It was a very sweet afternoon.

Lex's House

Tag You're It!

2010-12-05T13:34:00.000-05:00

Wrapping paper isn't something I think about often. We have a little tradition when it comes to the kids and their wrapping paper from Santa, but other than that I just pick something I like.

This year I found this cute wrapping paper at Target with car on it. It was cute, didn't say Christmas or Happy Holidays, just cars carrying trees tied to their roofs. When I got home I took a second look at the paper and came up with a simple cute gift tag to go with it.

I purchased a pack of cardstock paper at Michael's Friday night. I simply hand-cut the cars out and then the window openings. I then used construction paper to cute tires and glued them on with a glue-stick. I then used my handy Sharpie and added the To: and From:

I think they will be cute when the packages are all tied up and ready for giving.

Christmas Doesn't Start with Cookie, it Starts With Lists

2010-12-04T09:13:00.003-05:00

Everyone has Holiday projects, whether it's making gifts, decorating for the season, getting the house ready for holiday guests or just your everyday projects. I have been working very hard and trying to get stuff knocked off my list, but it seems it just keeps getting bigger and bigger. A friend of mine said I might just have to let some stuff go. I know this is true, but I'm going to try to bang out as much as I can this weekend and for the next few weekends prior to Christmas. Here is some of my "To Do List" - oh and I know if I would get off the damn computer I would get a hell of a lot more done.

~~Holiday Gift Tags (to match out wrapping paper)~~ - 12/4
Pot Holders/Oven-mitts for Loki's Kitchen (gift from Santa) - No happening
~~Apron for Loki's Kitchen~~ - 12/18
~~More Felt Fruit / Vegetables / Food: Strawberries, Chilly Peppers, Ravioli, Bow Pasta~~ - 12/12
Ducky Moo Moo Stuff Animal (Surprise for Lex) - No happening
~~Scan Family Photos for Mom (PRIORITY)~~ - 12/4
~~Address Christmas Cards (If Mad Dog gets the rest of the addresses I need)~~ - 12/12
Tree Garland (all most done) - Really haven't gotten back to this.
~~Graham Cracker Houses with the kids (No Gingerbread since they won't eat it)~~ - 12/4
~~Holiday gifts for the kids God Parents (can't tell you what, since they read the blog - but promise pictures after the holidays)~~ - 12/11
Glove Squires for my Mother-in-law - In Progress
Decoupage Bird House for my Mother-in-law - In Progress
~~Curtain for Loki's Kitchen~~ -12/18
Finish Local Gift Giving Idea List for Local Food Blog (almost there)Put snowbanks on my Lego Town (they're scheduled for a Northeaster this weekend - Guys go by Lego bread and Milk at the Green Grocer and La Patisserie) - Mostly Done, but didn't get posted in time.
~~Chocolates for gifts~~ - 12/18
~~Special Christmas Ornament for a special kid~~ - 12/4
~~Hang Shelf over Gigi's Bed~~ 12/14
~~Wash Gigi's Sheets/Comforter~~ - 12/14
~~Frame Gifts~~ 12/11
Wreath - Not Happening

I know I'm missing some, but that is a start.

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree

2010-12-04T08:46:00.000-05:00

On the subject of Christmas Trees I will say there is only one way to go: REAL. I know people like the no maintenance pre-lite trees, but for me it doesn't feel like Christmas. If you're going to go fake, go all out - make it a pink or silver Aluminum tinsel tree. Go completely retro, but if you're not going to visit the 1950's go traditional and go real!

Mad Dog grew up with a real tree in his family's house, but was only subjected to a fake one when he married his first wife (I'm not even going to make comment on this - we all can think of a million things wrong with Mad Dog's first wife). When I was a kid we did have a fake tree. When I say fake it was fake. The look, the feel, everything about it was fake. As we got older, my Dad and Mom started buying real trees. That tradition still lives in my Mother's house. Both households do something similar, we both buy smaller trees and place them up a little higher so they look like full trees. My mom uses a side table in her living room to lift the tree up to the level with her bay window, where ours sits on a old steamer trunk of Mad Dog's in our living room. My Mom started this new tree purchasing technique because she felt she didn't need a huge one in our house anymore. With no kids and very little visitors the tree was for her and my grandmother (and now Stuart) and they didn't need anything huge (unless Kevin helped pick it out). Mad Dog and I went this way when we had Lex. It meant we did not have to defend the trees from little hands and it also keeps the cat out of trouble.

Each year since moving to Worcester we purchase our tree from the same lot on Park Street. We found them our first year when Lex was still in his infant car seat. At first we were unsure of this odd lot, with its trailer and generate run lights (it looked a little shady to say the least), but now we wouldn't even think about going anywhere else. In fact when the lot looked like it was being developed in early November we got worried we wouldn't be able to find our tree guys this year. The guys who run the lot are friendly, helpful and extremely reasonably priced. Each year we go, we select our trees for the year, they kindly saw off the end for us and tie it to the car roof (VERY securely).

This year we went for our tree on a Friday night. Mad Dog picked me up after work and a long day of shopping for Lego. We ran several errands on our way home while the kids slept in the car. I got to hit Jo Ann Fabrics, McDonald's (for something to drink), Target and Michael's without them even knowing. The last stop was our tree. The kids woke up as we pulled into the lot. We pulled them out of the car, still half asleep. Loki held Mad Dog's hand as we walked through the trees. She was shivering even with her hat and coat on. Lex wondered with me, wiping the sleep from his eyes. We picked our tree rather quickly after 2 or 3 miss picks. Mad Dog paid the guys and I put cold little Loki in the car with Lex's help. With the kids secure in their car seats the guys tied the tree to the roof of the car. When we got home Mad Dog got the tree stand and we set the tree in place.

Today I will hang the lights (multi-color for the kids). Tomorrow morning we'll decorate. Hmmm... guess I better finish the garland I've been working on. For now we have our "Naked Tree" which smells wonderful and I've only had to sweep up a few pine needles from. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here. The kids are excited as they should be. Now if I could only get some more of my projects done.

Deck the Halls with Books and Novels

2010-11-26T15:14:00.000-05:00

'Tis the Season, right? I mean it really is that time of year again. You know which one, the one where you get completely stressed about what to buy people. You start thinking am I buying this for them or for me, will the let me borrow it after they get bored of it or he won't like the color so I might be able to wear it after January 1st. Come on admit it we all think that from time to time.

Personally I'm feeling very good this year so far, with the exception of my Step-Daughter, Gabrielle, every Christmas is a huge challenge. But this year I feel really good about Mad Dog (no sorry, I'm not going to tell you what I got him - he reads my blog). I feel each year I cop-out with him. He can be extremely easy to shop for without even trying. If you don't know what I'm talking about I'll give you too words: Comics and Books. Both are very easy last minute pick-ups for Mad Dog, and a person (ME) could easily fall into the habit of just shopping in a bookstore or comic book store for him. Not that this is a bad thing, in fact I am a firm believer in giving books as gifts. This is not only important for kids, but the grown-ups too. Each year, my brothers and I make the mad dash to pick up the most recently Danielle Steel hardcover for our Grandmother.

If you're looking for a good book for someone in you're life, you can always ask a bookseller at your local bookstore for a recommendation. You'll be able to tell the good booksellers from the possible holiday help, they'll ask you the right questions and usually steer you to something they have read themselves. If you don't trust the young kid behind the counter who is only recommending Twilight, I suggest you check out my good friends at Books on the Nightstand. I've mentioned them before.

Michael Kindness has been a friend of mine for like 14 years now, he was the original "Book-Boy" in my life before I met Mad Dog. In those 14 years he has recommended, given and loaned me some of the best I have read in my life. Though I don't know Ann Kingman personally, I have taken several great recommendations (and passed them on to other friends) from her on the Books on the Nightstand Podcasts. Because 'Tis the Season, Books on the Nightstand has put together the 2010 Books on the Nightstand Gift Guide. The PDF Download contains recommendations in an array of categories such as: Food & Drink; Fiction; For the Comics Fan; History and The Arts. The Guide ends with an great check list, and even marks gifts under $20.00.

In the gifts For the Comics Fan, they recommend American Vampires Vol 1. by Scott Snyder and Stephen King, which I read, loved (thank you again Michael!) and will possibly be giving for a gift this year. As for things I want to check out from their list:

Harvest to Heat by Darryl Estrine and Kelly Kochendorfer
First Family by Joseph J. Ellis
How to Build a Fire by Erin Bried
Barefoot Contessa: How Easy is That? by Ina Garten

Gift the love of reading this year to someone in your life and someone outside your life. Each year Barnes & Noble (and I believe Borders too) does their annual Holiday Book Drive. These books go to local organizations that distribute them to kids and families in need. While doing your shopping pick out your favorite children's book and give the love of reading to someone who it might really shape the future of. Last year Barnes & Noble customer's donated 1.1 Million books to children in need. Another way you can reach out is by finding a Literacy Charity this Holiday Season, like Read to Grow, Inc in Connecticut. They have a great program called Books for Babies, since reading even at the earliest age is important.

If you love reading and it's an important part of your life, extend you're love, but giving a book, a donation or even take the time to go read to the elderly. Each word, each line will foster a love of reading, inspire an imagination and might open a closed world to someone who can't see to read anymore. I hope everyone has a Happy Book Giving Season!

Eat Your Vegetables!

2010-11-25T07:40:00.000-05:00

Quick post! I have been working on my felt vegetables for Loki for Christmas. Last weekend I made carrots and squash. I'm getting better with each on. I'm very excited about the final results.

I still have an Eggplant to make and I was thinking I could make some string-beans (that idea just came to me). I also want to make some bread, thought I don't know about that yet.

Oh- and the photo of Loki I just thought I would share with you. She fell asleep last weekend watching Toy Story 3 in our bed. Lotso was keeping and eye on her for me.

It's a Marshmallow Winter

2010-11-25T07:29:00.000-05:00

Black Friday is nearly here. For those of us who do not work retail we might not realize the time and preparation put into making it go as smoothly as possible. Weeks ahead of time there are notices from Corporate Offices, larger shipments of product which have to be unloaded, stored or stocked in the same stock rooms that have been bursting at the seams with everyday stock and of course decorating for the holiday season. This process starts earlier and earlier each year for some stores. Retail can be demanding in general, but put the added stress of the holidays in play and Soccer Mom's strung-out on getting the perfect toy for little Bobby and you have a recipe for some yelling, crying, pushing and even maybe some disappointment.

I don't go in for the Black Friday excitement. I don't get up at the crack of dawn or stay up overnight waiting in line for something that will be a 1/2 the cost it usually is. I just don't do it. Partly because I'm a Black Friday Widow. My Mad Dog works Black Friday. He works very hard to prep for it, and he is good at what he does. I will admit, as the 24th of December comes closer I did enjoy the craziness of the shopping when I worked for Barnes and Noble. Being a Community Relations Manager at B&N, the outreach to the schools stopped during that time of the year and we were reassigned to other areas we were needed. I work many of my shifts as a "Line-Manager" directing people to the next available register, helping people with Gift Card selections etc. I did this the Holiday Season I worked at B&N 8 months pregnant with Lex. I loved it. I enjoyed chatting with customer, listening to the stories and hearing them interact with other customers. Mad Dog thinks I'm insane, but I liked it. Since I don't go in for the insanity myself, I got to live it through them.

As part of Black Friday festivities, Mad Dog and his staff have a little pot luck in their back-room. Everyone brings in sometime, giving people a chance to eat something good, without braving the food court with the holiday shoppers. Mad Dog is making his World Famous Family Recipe Stuffing again this year. I am sending something sweet to keep them going. Sugar is alway a bonus during this season. I made Marshmallow Lego Men Pops. Lex is very excited about them, and asked if they were "ALL going to Daddy's friends?" I promised him some would stay home for him and Loki.

Mini-Marshmallows
Marshmallows
Crisco
Lollipop Sticks
Chocolate Melts - Yellow
Chocolate Melts - Dark Chocolate (I couldn't find black after Halloween)
Lollipop Bags

To start with I cut the mini-marshmallows in half with my kitchen sheers. I thought I was going to have to attach the mini-marshmallows to the tops of the big ones with chocolate, but they were sticky enough to adhere themselves. After dressing each big marshmallow with a mini-marshmallow nub I put them each on a Lollipop stick. Since I didn't have a Styrofoam block to push the Lollipop sticks into I used me plastic strainer . I can angle the sticks so that the marshmallow heads float in the air not touching anything. Melted the Yellow Melts with a little Crisco (add about a 1/4 Tbsp until you get a smooth consistence). The Crisco helps make the chocolate smooth and fluid to dip the marshmallows in. I melt the chocolate in 30 second intervals until it is smooth. I then start dipping. Oh before I forget use a deep bowl for this chocolate, it makes it easier for dipping. Dip each Marshmallow in all the way. and then tap off the excess chocolate while turning the pop. This will help make an even coat.

Once the pop is complete coated, place it in your drying rack (Styrofoam block or in my case the strainer) to dry/harden. Continue on until all the marshmallows are coated. Let these dry and harden. Then melt some dark chocolate using the same thing with the Crisco, you won't need nearly as much chocolate for this part. If you have mad pipping skills you can pip the faces, but if you're like me just use a paint brush (only used for food) or chopstick. Give each pop a Lego face. Dots for eyes and a mouth. Let this dry and then place them in your Lollipop Bags. You can use the twist tie or buy ribbon to tie them off.

These little Lego Marshmallow Men will be going to the hard working staff of the Burlington Lego Store for Black Friday. I wish the staff polite and pleasant customers, wonderful sales and a Happy Holiday Season.

Going Straight With a Chaser

2010-11-21T14:18:00.000-05:00

Last night I had a Girl's Night out!

Can you tell I was a bit excited? I was. Why is that exactly? Well, to start with it was a Saturday night out, most Saturday evenings Mad Dog is working and I'm home with Lex and Loki. Not that I mind this at all. Once the kids go to be I usually get a little quiet time to work on projects, read, watch a movie or even play a video game. But last night I went into Boston and met up with my friend Stacy, from work. We had gotten tickets to see Straight No Chaser. Straight No Chaser is a male cappella group. They formed about 12 years ago while they were students at Indiana University. They can be seen on YouTube and has a special on PBS.

I found them last Christmas on AccuRadio, while listening at work. I fell in love with The Christmas Can-Can. Stacy was already a fan when I discovered them. To make a long story short when Stacy found out they were going to be in Boston at the Wang Center we were there.

Coming from different ends of the world we met in the city. I parked over at the Boston Common and walked down to the Theater District, meeting her in front of the theater. Rather than fight for a table at any of the many restaurants in the Theater District, we decided the food court at City Place (in the Transportation Building) was just fine. We grabbed food at Sandella's Flatbread Cafe. Oddly enough we both ordered different version of the same thing. Stacy had an Aloha Grilled Flatbread, while I opted for the Aloha Salad.

After eating we made our way back to the Wang Center and found that we had the greatest seats! We were directly center on the Mezzanine. No matter who they put in front of us (we're both a little short) we were going to be able to see (no booster seats needed).

The show was amazing. They did a mix of music, and even through in some Christmas music since it was so close to the holidays. Highlights of the show were when the performed: Billie Jean/Poison (Bell Biv Devoe), Cartoon Medley and a tribute to Lady Gaga. They closed the show with and unbelievable performance of Holy Night, silencing the whole theater an singing without the aid of microphones.

We took our time getting out of the theater, choosing not to fight the crowd. We parted ways at the door and Stacy headed with the crowd to the parking garage next door and I started my walk back to the Common. On my way back I stopped at Starbucks for a Latte. I managed to beat the crowd, which made this completely worth the side trip. Instead of a Latte, I ordered a Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate. This is completely not on my diet, but it was a treat. If you have a chance to have one - DO IT! This drink is unbelievable. I drank it as I made my way back to the Common. I paid my $11.00 for parking and was no my way.. I gave Mad Dog a call to let him know I was on my way home once I was on the pike.

It was a great evening and I must thank Stacy for it. If you have a chance to see Straight No Chaser (they're in Providence tonight - it's sold out) you really need to go, other wise check out YouTube and iTunes. Oh and get a Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate while you're at it, what the hell make it a big night out!

Going Dutch

2010-11-17T22:09:00.000-05:00

Busy. Busy. Busy.

I started my comic book garland this past weekend. Now I only have about a foot and a half but I'm very excited about how it is turning out. I think it should take me about a week to complete the whole things, if I work on it while we watch a little television each night.

Tuesday night we took the kids to Bass Pro Shop in Foxboro to see Santa. I've heard about the Santa's Workshop for several years now and we thought this was the year we would go. He is there weeknights from 5PM - 8PM. Photos are free, which worked out well since Loki didn't want anything to do with the big man. Lex on the other hand was so excited he almost explored. Because Loki wouldn't sit with Santa, Santa thought we should take a family photo. I got to sit in the chair with (the plan was) the kids on my lap, with Mad Dog and Santa backing me up. Loki again changed our plans and Mad Dog held her as far away from Santa as possible. Along with the photos they have coloring sheets and crafts, as well as the slot car race track and a train display. If you haven't been to Bass Pro, you should go. It's crazy impressive and honestly a little bit overwhelming (and that is not at the peak of the Holiday Season I assure you), but well worth the walkabout.

Today I managed to pick-up the kids Christmas Pajamas at The Children's Place. We started this tradition with Loki's first Christmas. This year the kids will all be in red snowmen pajamas. Lex and Loki were very helpful (NOT) at the store, while I tried to track down a 24 month, 3T and 10/12 in the same color. The PJs were 25% and I was sent a 30% off my purchase coupon that was good the 16th and 17th. On top of that the clerk who, honestly shouldn't have been working in a Children's clothing store (she wasn't very tolerant) missed ringing up Lex's 3T pair. Which means I got 3 pairs of pjs for $13.91. I am super happy about this, and even happier that I changed my plans and did go tonight with the kids.

Along with my shopping I completed Loki's jean purse which I started Sunday once I finished Lex's messenger bag. Using the same basic construction I formed the main bag, however the strap on hers is made from the waistband of the jeans, minus the belt loops. I added to mini-pockets on the front and back for her. This will be Miss Loki's special surprise tomorrow morning since she went to bed with no Nuk tonight. This has been a hurdle that I just haven't taken, thought it has been in the making. We had cut her Nuk nipple down to a small nub, but regardless of the work she had to do to keep it in her mouth each night at bedtime she popped it in and laid down. Tonight her Duplo Toy Story friends kept her mind off the missing Nuk. I think her new bag will be the perfect accessory to her Upcycle T-Shirt Dress.

Right now my plan is to jump into bed and get some reading done. But before I go, I have to throw something else out there. We have recently been pushing the "Better Be Good" card with Lex with Christmas coming. It has been a 50-50 shot on if it works and if it doesn't. Today I was listening to David Sedaris Live at Carnegie Hall at work. He reads several piece from ESQUIRE magazine. I can't recommend this CD enough, it is a killer. I was almost laughing out loud at work today, because things struck me so funny (and I've hear it a million times). To get back to the reason I brought this up. Sedaris reads a piece on the CD that I'm thinking I might have to share with Lex. The piece is Six to Eight Black Men. Take a moment to read the piece, though I think in print it is hysterical hearing Sedaris read it is priceless. I will just close by saying if Lex (and Loki) are not careful they should make sure they have their passports up to date, since I hear that Spain is lovely this time of year.

Monkey See, Monkey Do

2010-11-14T16:04:00.000-05:00

As I posted last night I completed Loki's Upcycle T-shirt Dress yesterday, however Miss Loki wouldn't let me take any pictures of her in it. Today was a different story. She was very happy to get dressed and even stood for a photo or two. When asked to smile she did. I'm happy with it, though I think some people might think it's terrible and most importantly she likes it.

As usual because I was doing something for Loki, Lex needed me to do something for him. I had to first explain I couldn't make him a dress, but I would make him something just as cool. During yesterday's errands Loki took her Owl Purse I made her in September. She stuffed a few Duplo people in it and carried it around Target while we shopped together. Lex said he wanted a bag too, but since a purse was not in his near future I thought today I would make a messenger bag.

The original plan was to use black felt we had from Halloween costumes, but Mad Dog thought I could use a pair of recently ripped jeans of mine. I had a much better idea of how to construct it since my last attempt of the purse. Starting I cut the fabric from one of the legs to create the front, back and sides. Once the basic construction was complete I started on the flap, cutting more fabric from the leg (thank god for boot-cut jeans). I finished the edges and attached it to the main part of the bag. I then needed to find a strap or hardware to finish the look. I found our unused video camera's camera-bag and stole the shoulder strap from that. Then I found (after a lot of hunting) an old backpack of Gabrielle's that hasn't be used since she was like four, from that I stole a clip. I sewed in two belt loops for action figures (just what a little boy needs) and a pocket for some extra storage (no it's not straight).

With some more of the fabric from the jeans I think I will make Loki a purse (God only knows what I'll have to make Lex then). For now I'm going to put away the sewing machine for a bit and move on to making garland for our Christmas Tree.

Chistery

My plan is to use comic book pages to create a completely original Christmas Garland for our tree. I found a website that had instructions and a design I like. I have to cut 3.5cm strips of comic book using my paper trimmer. I then will glue the strips together. Starting with two strips I will glue one to the other at a 90 degree angle, then fold them back and forth until I run out of paper. This will probably be something I do while watching television at night, but I would like to start it.

I know it sounds weird - comic books, but our Christmas Tree isn't usually very Martha Stewart or Better Homes and Gardens. I mean come on we have a Chistery, the Christmas monkey as a tree topper. Our real tree, we don't go for those pre-lit trees (not that you can't go for that kind of thing), is usually short and placed on an old travel trunk of Mad Dog's. This helps keep the cat away from it and usually the kids too. I think next year I would like to make a new tree skirt to match our stockings that my Mom made us. Now that my sewing is improving I think I could actually make one that would be lovely and might be able to be handed down to the kids (if their significant-other would let them put it out).

Christmas 2008

For now I'm going to focus on cutting comics (shh...don't tell anyone, Mad Dog hates when I say it out loud.). I have a lot of work to do since it looks like I need possibly 14 feet of garland for our (usually 5 foot) tree (christmasplace.com). What did we do before we could Google for every stupid question in the world?

Woman Dies in, in Car Avalanche

2010-11-13T22:38:00.000-05:00

Quick post before this falls off my radar. Mad Dog is always giving me a hard time about how the inside of my car looks. I am not a neat freak and most certainly I don't change my ways just because I'm in my car. Since I usually have the two kids with me, with driving back and forth to daycare, work, and everything else I don't always worry about what I throw on the floor of my car.

This drives Mad Dog nuts. He will take my car (when he drives it) and clean it out. This has even been a topic of discussion with other Husbands at the gas station that deal with (and do this for) their pig-pen wives.

Last weekend we were on the road and happen to come up on a car that caught our attention. From the back you might think they just had some "stuff" on the back-dash of their car. You know where I mean, the place some people put stuff animals, let their dogs sit or even let their kids climb on. Anyhow, the back had some paper on it, and then we noticed as we pulled up next to it, it was more than just "some" paper. The car was FULL. I mean with the exception of the driver's seat, which was occupied by the driver it was full. The back seat was completely covered in junk and I don't mean like they were moving, coming back from vacation or the laundry mat - this thing was completely filled to the top of the doors and then some. Paper, books, STUFF. We couldn't believe this. The passengers seat was the same way (can you imagine the trunk?). She was reading (or at least carrying) Mind in the Making , a book that will help your children reach their fullest potential - if their not dead in the backseat , from the avalanche of junk you heaped on them, as well as a copy of Barbara Bretton's Shore Lights (really now?).

I took one look at this and turned to Mad Dog. "Not a word about how my car looks, until it looks like that!" He laughed.

(The photos I took were taken on a second pass. Mad Dog let her pass us, so I could get another attempt at a photo. I was nervous about taking them, without her seeing me since I didn't want her to think we were doing -exactly what we were doing. Which was looking at the FREAK SHOW!)

Little Super Models and I Felt that Food

2010-11-13T22:08:00.000-05:00

My list of projects since the passing of Halloween has grown longer (oddly enough). With the holidays coming I have many things to get done, some with specific deadlines and others without.

Within the last week I have started gearing up to make some Christmas gifts for Loki. She is getting a play kitchen from Santa (I picked it up on clearance in January/February of this year) and though she has a bunch of play food, I thought it would be fun to make her some. This completely started with the idea that I would make her some felt ravioli. Very simple and cute all at the same time. I made a run to Jo Ann Fabrics earlier this week and picked up some felt and found that they had Simplicity patterns on sale 5 for $5.00. I picked up a great pattern, 2445, which happens to be for play felt food. At a dollar I couldn't not buy it, even if I can't sew I would get through an eggplant or cupcake if it killed me.

Along with the play food I have fallen in love with a blog called i am MOMMA - hear me ROAR! . She does all kinds of amazing things with old t-shirts, fabric and stuff. I first noticed her blog when someone reposted her project called : Upcycled T-shirt Dress. I had to make one for Loki. It's easy. You even sew together the seams on the outside to give it that messy patchy look. I rummaged through stuff of mine, Mad Dog's and even Lex's (mostly Lex's). I found a Star War onies that was 24 month that I could cut. The top would fit Loki, but she wouldn't be caught dead in a onies now - so here come the scissors. Snip, snip. Then I pulled together a few other t-shirts, stained and just thing a little to boyish to put her in.

During our errands today I stopped at A.C. Moore and picked up fabric paint, stamps and thread. Once Mad Dog left for work and the kids were eating lunch I started cutting. I stamped two of the shirts with different foam stamps I picked up and then broke out the sewing machine. I'm happy with the end results, though I wish I had Mad Dog's 10 Things I Learned from Video Games t-shirt to cut up. Damn I was a week too late! I would love have a picture of my lovely Loki wearing it to show you how cute she looks, but Miss Thing was not in the mood for a fitting, nor was she up for a photo shoot (Tyra doesn't to put up with this from her models). Maybe tomorrow if her Heiress is up for it.

After the dress was done I moved on to my felt food. I started with the ravioli since I new that was simple. I sewed little squares of felt together and stuffed them with a little poly-fill. Using pinking shears I cute the edges. I then moved on to the bow tie pasta. Cutting rectangles with regular scissors and then using the pinking shears on the ends I folded them in an accordion. Then by hand stitched the center. I am planing on making a little box from poster board or foam core for them. I have to pick up a little more of the cream felt to make some more, (I purchased a 1/4 of a yard of this felt instead of buying the squares since it was a little heavier weight.)

Next up were the strawberries. Since Loki loves the berries I thought this would be a wonderful addition to her kitchen. I have to find a little container for them, or I might build one out of popsicle sticks (which I bought today for projects with the kids). The strawberries came from the Simplicity pattern and were made from 9x12 pieces of felt and embroidery thread. I'm very happy with them.

What else am I planning? I am making an eggplant, squash, and carrots. I have to poke around the internet to see if I can find any other ideas. That was Saturday, tomorrow I am hoping to work on the Giddy-Up Horses for the kids. I have everything for them now that I picked up the right size dowels from Lowe's (thank you for trying Mad Dog). I have to get as much done as I can, since next weekend is a only one project day (our Saturday is INSANE! - but all good). Rather than be blogging I should be cutting, sewing and creating. Or maybe I can get in a little Civ 5 before Mad Dog gets home. Oh decisions, decisions...

Old Haunts

2010-11-02T09:54:00.000-04:00

I'm the Vampire in the back.

Being home at my Mom's brought back a lot of memories of when we were kids and would go trick or treating. The neighborhood I grew up in was full of childen, like it is now. Back then the kids ruled the neighborhood, there were few places we didn't feel we were entitled to explore and take over. Summer and fall nights (non-school nights) were filled with night tag, capture the flag and just plain mischief.

Halloween was always huge in the neighborhood. When we were younger we had our parents with us, but as we grew I don't recall any parents joining the army of kids which swarmed the houses together. We would usually all meet up at one house, if I recall right it was the O'Leary's. Costumes were usually homemade, with bits and piece purchased at K-mart or Bradlees. With pillowcases in hand we were off for candy, tricks and even some scares. There were neighborhoods all over Mansfield like this, like the kids on Old Farm Road and Pine/Williams Street. Each group of close friends and families, joined through the generations by the next little sibling.

7th Grade - I love Sean S.

Walking through our neighborhood now, I told Mad Dog about who lived where, stories about what we did to that house or this house, where we played, who got in trouble and who liked who. The light poles on our street were where all the news was written. Who loved who that week, some anonymous and some not. Initials graced the metal posts in pencil, pen and even carved, joined together by a simple "+" or maybe even a heart. I had never thought to look at these poles while walking the street so many years later, but Halloween night I did. I found old friends there, well not actually there but in spirit which was perfect for the holiday. After all these years I still recognize people's handwriting. I found it amazing that the New England weather, the new families and the years couldn't erase us from the neighborhood history. Not only did I find my old friends among the lead, but I found myself in several places. Like in 7th grade when I liked Sean Sylva or when I had a crush on Rick Silver who was on my soccer team when I was like in 5/6th grade. I had to explain to Mad Dog they were not brothers. I found all the girls in the neighborhood who wrote I love Alex on those poles over the years, remembering when we first met Alex Aleman in the Maverick Drive circle. He was a crush of many of the neighborhood girls over the years (not me, I didn't want to get into that cat fight). Each school year, brought new postings to the poles and let other loves fade away.

My Family

I'm now 35 years old and my kids are walking the neighborhood. They probably won't know the people of my past personally, but they will know the stories, the history of my childhood, meeting the parents who have stayed while their children have moved on. The fondest memories I have of childhood are related to that neighborhood and the people who made up that time. This weekend I found myself saying hello to Nick Goodwin, who I babysat for when he was probably Lex's age, he was childhood friends with my brother Kevin. Those two were thick as thieves, collecting for charities without our parent's permission and getting caught by Mrs. Kelley. We rang the doorbell of the O'Leary's house, a house I don't think I rang the bell for in all my years of going there (when we were young we would most often walk right in). I chatted with Mr. O, and didn't get called "Stranger". In the past if he hadn't seen you around in a while he would greet you with a "Well, HELLO Stranger!" We were greeted at the Lambert's house by Mrs. Lambert who chatted with Lex and Loki about their costumes and we said Happy Halloween to Mr. Palmieri who was trick or treating with his grandchild. I played in these people's houses, I knew their children's secrets and they all hold a special place in my heart.

I hope that my friends of the past are well, that they visit the streets of our neighborhood from time to time. If they cannot feel the asphalt under their feel that they find it in their memories. The sleepovers, the forts in the woods, the football/baseball games, fake rock bands and most of all the friends we moved away from and left behind.

Leaves, Tricks and the Dead

2010-10-31T22:00:00.000-04:00

Kids are asleep, wore out from all the fun at Nana Sandy's house today. Trick or Treating was a success. Now it's just time for a quick post and The Walking Dead.

We packed up and head out early this morning for a little fun at my Mom's house before lunch/dinner and trick or treating with the kids. Mad Dog took of for a bit to meet up with our favorite Book Man (co-host of Books on the Nightstand), while the kids and I helped with the leaves. The kids got into it and I'm happy to say no on managed to get injured even though both are not licensed wield rakes. They jumped and raked and I even gave them rides in the wheel-barrel.

I gave my Mom a copy of Stephen King's Bag of Bones for the All Hallows Read. I love this book and have the audio read by King himself, and I can't recommend the audio enough (AMAZING!). She is just finishing Under the Dome which we loaned her so I thought it was rather fitting.

The costumes were finished before we made it to Mansfield. I made each child a treat bag from some red bandanna fabric I purchased for something else. I also found the drive to make the boot covers for both kids form felt last night which worked out perfectly. We were very happy with the costumes and the kids were very excited about wearing them, though Loki really liked the Woody had to start with.

We hit the neighborhood early and hit about 10 houses, visiting some of my old haunts. I even took time in the cold to read some of the telephone poles, but that is another post.

I'm off the be scared out of my wits! I'm sure if anyone wishes to call me after The Walking Dead, I'll be up for several hours watching some kind of happy film: Bring it On; Spice World; etc.

One last time Happy Halloween All!

Just Another Trick or Maybe a Treat

2010-10-30T15:34:00.001-04:00

I am the one hiding under your bed

Teeth ground sharp and eyes glowing red

Lex & Mad Dog carving

The final countdown until all the goules, witches and frights come out to enjoy the night. Time to finish up costumes, fight last minute parents and the lines at the Halloween store for misfit costumes what no one wanted. The kids will be dreaming of chocolate, gummies and treats, similar to those they dream about on Christmas Eve, tonight.

I am the one hiding under yours stairs

Fingers like snakes and spiders in my hair

Loki's Pumpkin

We have carved pumpkins, roasted pumpkin seeds, decorated for the spooky time of year and we have even made Halloween treats. Along with all this we have been working on Lex and Loki's costume for several weeks on and off. Though we had wanted to make them several costumes we found that Halloween snuck up on us. This resulted in one costume each. With their current obsession with Toy Story we thought that Woody and Jesse would be perfect. Mad Dog has been working on Lex's Woody vest and I have been working on both kids shirts. At this point we're down to finishing touches. Mad Dog has to stick Loki's chaps on to her pants and I have her buttons to put on her shirt (would have been done, but I lost one of the pairs I purchased). I need or I should say want to make felt boot covers for their sneakers since we couldn't find any cowboy boots at the Salvation Army, but this moment my heart isn't in it.

Lex's Pumpkin

I am the clown with the tear-away face

Here in a flash and gone without a trace

Lex's costume is made of a Yellow Hanes long sleeve t-shirt, which I drew red lines on with a fabric marker to make the checks of Woody's shirt.I added the additional red stitches at the shoulder for when Andy fixed Woody in Toy Story 2. He will be wearing his blue jeans and a home made cowhide vest. We purchased the hat, which came with belt from the Disney Store.

I am the "who" when you call, "Who's there?"

I am the wind blowing through your hair

Woody's shirt

Loki's costume was a little more involved. I purchased a similar white Hanes long sleeve t-shirt which I painted the cuffs with a yellow fabric paint (from Lex's Robin costume from last year). I then sewed red 1/4 inch embroidered ribbon and a white button on for detail. With the sleeves done, I moved on to the front of the shirt. I cut yellow felt in a scalloped shape and sewed it to the front of the shirt, using a yellow thread, and a dark bobbin thread with wide stitches to give a home stitched look. I then had stitched the same 1/4 embroidered ribbon on the front in the loopy design found on Jesse in the movie. The piece will be finished with the same big white buttons found on the cuffs. Her pants are stretch pants which look like jean fabric. We have added cowhide chaps to the front. Her costume will be finished off with a Jesse hat purchased at the Disney Store.

Mad Dog working on Vest

I am the shadow on the moon at night

Filling your dreams to the brim with fright

With all the costume work I made some treats for tomorrow, along with the pumpkin soup and the breads Mad Dog made for our trip to my Mom's for a fall fest (you can read all about that at Cute Fan Girl Goes Local). After eating and Trick or Treating we'll come home for a little zombie fest with The Walking Dead on AMC. This will of course result in me watching something happy afterwards like Bring it On. Oh well, part of the fun of Halloween is the scare.

This is Halloween, this is Halloween

Halloween! Halloween! Halloween! Halloween!

Halloween! Halloween!

Jesse's Sleeves

Some advise before I go. Remember you can walk faster than a zombie (a real one!). Aim for the head. Real vampires don't glimmer or shimmer. There are monsters under your bed, so make sure you're feet are tucked in at night. Blonde children with blue eyes are evil and should not be trusted (thank God I got a mixed bag on that). Babysitting on Halloween is not the brightest thing to do, but if you do make sure to check the children several times and if the phone rings know it's someone in the house.

Jesse's Shirt

Also don't forget give a book this Halloween as apart of All Hallow's Read. If I didn't love Neil Gaiman before I love him even more now (and Mr. Stephen King for supporting the new tradition). Hmm...did I get everything now? I think so - Oh wait! There will be pictures of the kids completed costumes to follow. Otherwise have a Happy Haunted Halloween.
**Lyrics from This is Halloween by Danny Elfman

Oreo and Marshmallow Pops

Alien Oreos

Stuff Detail

2010-10-17T19:32:00.000-04:00

This post is made up of mainly photographs of the two rooms we worked on this weekend.

Lex's Room:

Lex's Door

Lex's Bed

Collage Art by Me

Lava Lamp

Dresser

Books Case

Books

Original Sketch by Art Baltazar

Closet

Batman

Metal Superhero Signs

Lego Batman

Art by Gabrielle & Frame by Me

My Baby Show Invite

Living Room:

Fair Ground Sign Over Entry

Bookcase

Detail - Remember Art by Me

One of Mad Dog's Toys

Judaic Art

Dining Table

Photos over Window

My Ferris Wheel

Mad Dog's Mini-Figure Collection

My 16mm Camera

Knex Ferris Wheel w/ Ghost

Photos over front Window

Wedding Photo

Front Window

Lego Cubes & Rex

Mad Dog's Typewritter

Bookcase w/ Lego Creations

Lego Dice

My Lego Creations

Bookcase Detail

Signed Print by Dave Perillo

Signed Print by Rion Vernon

Photos Over Door

Couch

Lex by Me

Cubes w/ Projector

Stuff!

2010-10-17T17:53:00.001-04:00

Everyone has heard of spring cleaning, but Fall cleaning? Not so much. That is exactly what we have been doing the last few weeks. As we explained in Moving On Up! We started this because of issues with our neighbors, but it has completely continued due to necessity.

Since Mad Dog and I don't have much time together we try to schedule this kind of cleaning for when we're both around. Right now this means our weekend mornings. Not the ideal time, but it worked out this weekend. After tackling Loki's room and our room, we thought Lex could use some shaping up. Though his room is usually fairly organized, it need a little straightening up. The biggest thing I found to be out of control was his book collection.

Much like his father and mother he loves books. As I've said before we don't deny any of the kids a book when asked (as long as we have the cash for it), because of this we have tons of books. This is by no means a bad thing, but it can be an issue when it comes to storage. This weekend we took time to weed through the kids books, keeping those that we felt had a future life in our house, the loved and the ones that were still in good shape. Some went to donation, others will visit our daycare for young future readers and some had to find their way to recycling we're sorry to say. Long with books the toy situation is completely out of hand. We again took time to go through everything. Some of the baby toys will be washed and brought to our daycare of a new member of the class to play with, others we handed over to Loki and even more found their way to the trash. The majority of these were broken, had miscellaneous pieces missing from them, but the majority of them stayed.

Along with cleaning up and sorting through his stuff, we rearranged his room. Taking out a small table and giving him room for a possible future bookshelf. The closet was reorganized and we found uses for all the empty Duplo and Lego containers Mad Dog brings home from time to time. His closet is also home to Lex and Loki's short boxes for comics. They hold their "Birth" week comics and any series we start for them. Lex's room contains his bed, a couch (which if my Grandmother knew what the kids and Mad Dog did to it she would kill me), a cube book case and his dresser. His dresser was mine when I was a baby. I painted it years ago and changed out the hardware. It's standing up to the beating of two moves and Lex, so all in all it's not too bad.

I will give Mad Dog and I some credit, we are picky about what the kids play with. We support Lego (Hmmm..wonder why?) and because of this we have a ton of Duplo blocks which the kids play with ALL the time. We don't have a lot of "Girl-Toys" or "Boy-Toys" both Lex and Loki play with things equally - from the play food which is storied in Loki's room to the superheroes in the living room the kids play with them together or solo. Along with Duplo, we have two other large collections of toys: Superheroes and Cars. Lightning McQueen is loved by all (KACHOW!) and we have about 20 different versions of Lightnings floating around the house, but somehow they always want the same one. Along with cars we have the superheroes, which pretty much includes anything that is an action figure, so Star Wars and G.I. Joe are included in this category. I sort the figures by size. Mad Dog makes fun of me for this, but sorting by size means that you're playing with all the same type of toy rather than weeding through figure after figure for the right one. We have small figures, which you can find Imaginext figures, Galactic Heroes (Star Wars) and Super Hero Squad (Marvel). The cube includes figures and vehicles. I have a cube for big heroes has anything figure that is like 12 inches tall and the Krypto the Superdog toys that I had brought before we had Lex. The last cube of heroes are the "heroes that are just right" as Mad Dog say. This cube has all the Justice League Unlimited, G.I.Joe and Star Wars.

Like a lot of families our living room is full of toys. We try our best to control the over flow, but doesn't always happen. Both Lex and Loki do keep some toys in their rooms, but they tend to play in the living room or the middle room (which is off the living room). I think it's because that is where we are most of the time. They don't like to be off in a different part of the apartment if we're not there. We have several of the cube bookcases, which we love and complete help control the mass of toys that overwhelm us from time to time. They help us hide them. We also have a great coffee table, that was a buffet table at one time. We chopped the legs off when we lived in Chicopee and thought this kids ruined it, it had the start of paper cut mural. The table doesn't have doors on it, but has the opening facing the couch which is the perfect place to put toys and books that we don't want all over the place. We also have some Lego display cubes, which are full of Duplo and create a window seat that looks our over the street.

With all the toys comes our stuff. Mainly we have books in the living room, with some pictures, (right now) Halloween stuff and a few Knick Knacks. Photographs are big for me and I have as many as I can around without going overboard. I have had to real it in but I think I'm in a good place right now. In the clean-up this morning the living room didn't under go any major changes except for going from disaster to clean , this meant no rehanging of art or storage, with the exception of the highchair. We don't have room in our kitchen as we use it for a kitchen table, so our dining table is in our living room. This meant the high chair was there too. We have retired it. I think Loki is a little lost without it, but she's gotten over it.

It was a good, productive day. We have 3 more rooms (actually 2 and 1/2) to do. The "Middle" room which is off the living room/the entry room. We broke this room off since it was easier to focus on two smaller rooms rather than one HUGE space. The Middle room will be a lot more work for Mad Dog and I, since it tends to house more stuff related to us, such as office stuff. Then there is the kitchen, which we have started little by little. We're looking to reorganize it more than anything else and get rid of the stuff we just don't need like everything one the top of the refrigerator (what the hell I can't even reach it). Lastly Mad Dog would like to organize some storage space we have. There are two "closets" in our back hallway which houses: games, craft supplies, camping gear, stored kids clothing and probably the Yeti or Wompa. We need to go clean out stuff we just don't need and send the Yeti home. I took more pictures of Lex's room and the Living Room which I will post in a separate post in a long string. Friends are aways asking what our place looks like, this might give you and idea of just how eclectic we are.

Oh on one quick note, I painted two pumpkins we picked up at the farm. I used India Ink.

Moving on Up!

2010-10-10T10:23:00.000-04:00

Change isn't always a good thing, but in the case I'm about to tell you about it is. This past week due to some issues with our "friends" on the first floor, we thought it was best to move Loki's bedroom to the back of the house near Lex's. This meant that we had to do some serious rearranging.

Mad Dog and I took Tuesday to clean out Loki's room into the living room and the kitchen. No small task, but sadly the smaller of the two tasks at hand. We still had to move our room into Loki's old room once cleared out. Now like most parents our room is the catch all for anything that doesn't have a home and even some stuff that does have a home. Needless to say we were not looking forward to the move.

Along with all Loki's stuff we had to move out Gabrielle's bed and "The Stuff Animal" collection. All this moved into our kitchen, making lunchtime impossible. Once cleared out we started the movement of our furniture and "junk" into our new room. In the process we donated clothing, books and even got ride of some stuff that some of us were just holding on to for no reason (and some wrong reasons). We reorganized our books, DVDs and clippings (both Mad Dog and I have huge collections of stuff we pull from Magazines - I will admit mine is bigger than his).

To make a long story short we managed to move and set up both rooms by Tuesday night bedtime, finding that they were a much better fit. Issues: we lost our satellite hook-up in the process since we didn't have any rooms except the front living room our bedroom wired (thank you first floor!). Mad Dog and I have had to readjust to having our bedroom away from the laundry room, but it's been a small adjustment.

Loki on the other hand has had no issues. She slept well the first night and has ever since the move. She is enjoying her new surroundings and finding live in her new big girl's room is just fine. Lex's still wants to know why his room hasn't moved, but he'll get over it.

In the next few months there will be additional changes. We will be cleaning out some of "The Stuffed Animal" collection, going through the closet in what is now our bedroom and possibly painting the old bookcases which are currently in Loki's room to give them a new live.

Project: Knights of the Nightstand

2010-10-03T18:55:00.000-04:00

Now that Loki's dress is complete (Post: Pretty in Pink) I can move on to my next piece of furniture. It's a found nightstand that I plan on cleaning up for my side of the bed.

I started today by sanding it, but it's going to need a lot more of that. Though I didn't get very far with it, Mad Dog and I did address the missing draw front. I had planned on not bothering with it, but we might just reverse the draw and add a pull. I think I will still need a little trim to clean up the bottom of the draw front, but that should be easy enough.

Are you wondering what colors I'm going to use? I've had those picked out for months now. Though Mad Dog and I have a difference of opinion regarding what goes where, I've selected to paint the outside of the stand Boysenberry (Vlaspar # CI129) and the inside Grecko (Vlaspar #CI236). If Mad Dog was reading this he would ask, "what are those colors?" Boysenberry is a deep purple and Grecko a limey green. A bit loud? Sounds perfect to me.

I'll keep you up to date on this one. I'm hoping to be good about taking photos to document the project, but we all know how that goes.

H-A-LL-O-W-EE-N Spells Halloween!

2010-10-02T21:33:00.000-04:00

I know I've said this before, but Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. Thought in recent years things have been tamed down with the kids, we still get excited about the 31st of October.

This year there is a lot to be excited about. Lex and Loki are getting into the spirit of things by helping decorate the apartment today. I pulled stuff I had packed away. I don't have nearly as much as I once had, but we still make it worth it. This also allowed me to take down Lex's Cars Birthday sign, since I needed to talk him into it. I pulled our my hand-painted skull lanterns. The ceramic white ghost that was once my Mom and Dad's (I really need to get a light kit for it again). A little witch I made before the kids were born out of newspaper, wire and clay. I still don't know how she has managed to survive this long. I did have these amazing Nightmare Before Christmas mini statues, but last year Lex broke Jack and Sally.

We hung cobwebs and ghosts. I made spiders our of pipe-cleaners and pom-poms. Lex and Loki made pumpkins for their walls. I cut the paper pumpkins and their decorated them. Once finished they hung them in their rooms. Loki went to bed with her 3 pumpkins on her walls, but Lex wasn't as brave. He had me clear out all his hard work before turning in for bed. When it got dark we turned on the cheesy fire cauldron, which Lex was very concerned about. He kept saying it was getting hot, I don't think he gets that it's a little fan, a orange light and some blowing fabric. Ahh to be a kid again.

We have more to do tomorrow. I might look at making a cookie haunted house with them, but that might be for another weekend later in the month. We still have bats, cats, rats and bugs (I know it doesn't rhyme) out of black paper to make. I still have to decide if the Lego City that gets decorated at Christmas, will receive a spooky touch this season. Might have to get some vampires and witches from the second wave of mini-figures.

I have to put something in here about Lex's pumpkins. He worked very hard and was very excited about them. Each one he made special. One he put glasses on. Another has a scar. One was even sad. Loki did some drawing on hers, but she had gone to bed by the time I started to take photos of things. We also worked on cut out faces, but that was mainly me cutting and Lex telling me the type of face he wanted for his new orange friends.

I have to pick up a wreath so I can deconstruction my Medusa wig from a few years ago, and make a snake wreath for our front door, since I got rid of my shrunkin head arrangement last year.

Along with decorating today, I started to work on Lex's Woody shirt. I had ordered solid plain longs sleeve t-shirts from Hanes for the costumes and picked up a red fabric pen at A.C. Moore this morning while we were out for a bit. I started making the 1 inch checker pattern on the shirt. I think I'm going to add the stitches Andy sews on Woody's right arm (from Toy Story 2) too. We still have to pick the cow print fabric, but this is coming along. I have the felt and ribbon for Loki's Jesse shirt. I know once they see the outfits they will be excited. Plus once this is all done, we'll have costumes when we watch Toy Story 3 on DVD on November 2nd. Yee Haw!

Oh one last thing I almost forgot to mention. October 31st is the premier of AMC's The Walking Dead. If you haven't read the graphic novel written by Robert Kirkman (art by Tony Moore/Chris Adlard) you should its great. I've fallen behind in my reading, but it's one of those books I pick-up from time to time. It's a story of life following a zombie apocalypse. It follows a group of survivors, lead by police officer Rick Grimes as they search for a safe and secure home. The show starts at 10PM. Thank you AMC, for putting this on the air and for letting it start after season 4 of Mad Men ends!

Shakespeare of Strip-clubs

2010-10-02T20:03:00.000-04:00

I don't really think I need to say anything for this. The sign speaks for itself. If you don't remember, these are the same poetic people that brought you "50 Beautiful Girls and 3 Ugly Ones" (Post: Stripped Raw)

Material Girl

2010-10-02T19:56:00.000-04:00

Instead of one large unfocused post, I thought I would do a few short ones.

This morning before getting dressed Loki had a meltdown. We don't really know why or what set her off, she was just not happy. I ended up sitting in her room with her on her floor with my back against the door while she cried. She was so upset and nasty, but still so cute. I tried to calm her down, but she finally did it herself. Once she was calm she came over and sat in lap for a hug.

After she ate a little breakfast, we got her dressed. She was in a rock n' roll mood, so she dressed the part today. Even with her temper, she is super sweet you can't help by smile at her even when she is a brat.

Pretty in Pink?

2010-09-26T18:25:00.000-04:00

Once the summer was over, I started the process of fixing up Loki's room. The plan was to have this completed prior to the start of summer, but that just didn't happen.

I started with collage piece featured in Freeze Frame. The second project was Loki's dresser. It was an hand me down from Mad Dog's sister. The dresser itself was nice enough, but very boring. I picked a great color called Raspberry Tart from Lowe's Valspar paint line. After applying two

coats of paint I sanded the edges giving it a little bit of a "used" look. I would like to rough it up a bit more, but for now I'm happy with the results.

The hardware was the next change out. I wanted crystal/glass knobs for the top draw, but found they were a bit more expensive than I wanted to spend. While shopping at Lowe's during yesterday's Build & Grow outing, I found one I liked, but again if I was going to be paying $4.00 per knob and pull handle I wasn't going to be happy. I decided to move on from the crystal/glass and just find something I liked. Mad Dog and I talked selected black for the hardware. I liked the I idea of the hard contrast between the paint and the hardware. I felt chrome or stainless steel might just wash away with the strong color. I knew if I found a shape I liked I could aways by a can of spray paint and make it work. That is what ended up happening. I found draw pulls on clearance, very old school pulls for - wait for it $0.32 each. Which in my head meant I could purchase the crystal pulls I wanted. I picked up a can of black satin spray paint and I was on my way.

Since we were at my Mom's this weekend I spread out new paper on the deck and spray painted all the pulls, including the centers of the knobs which were separate components. When we finally got home my priority once the kids were settled was to put the hardware on. Since the pulls were different sizes than the holes on the dresser I had to drill at least one hole for each pull. Lex and Loki of course wanted to help, to the point where Loki lost the chuck for the drill (Mad Dog found it when he got home).

The dresser has been in place and in use for the past week and is now complete. On top its a photo of Loki and her siblings at Christmas last year, along with her solar powered owl friend that I purchased at Paper Source. On the other end of the dresser is Loki's lamp with her new black Ikea lamp shade and her mini-pumpkin which we got at Red Apple Farm. Behind the dress which is mounted on the door and came with the apartment and on the wall hangs Loki's original piece of Raven (Tiny Titans) art work painted by Franco. Perched on top of the painting is a small wall decal raven.

The next project is to replace the book cases in the room - oh and the clock. The clock was butterflies, but since the room has gone to the birds it needs a revamp. I am currently working art work to go over her bed, but it's not finished yet (and I'm not sure how I fell about it). All in all I'm happy how things are coming. The room is just enough girl, just enough rock n' roll, just enough comic book and just enough Loki to make us all happy.

Holy Trick or Treat Batman!

2010-09-26T09:11:00.000-04:00

I have to say Fall is my favorite time of the year. The leaves changing, the cooler weather and most of all Halloween (also all the yummy Pumpkin stuff). It's been a few years since I have been in full Halloween swing. Its been harder to get things pulled together with the little ones and plus I don't want to scare them too much with all our decorations and stuff. This year is different, I think we will go all out. It's time to pass the torch to the next generation, get them to love the fear, to spookiness and to watch for things that go bump in the night.

We have asked the kids what they want to be (well Lex anyhow). He informed us that he wanted to be Spiderman, and then that Loki should be Batgirl. Once I reconfirmed Spiderman and Batgirl, I was corrected and told Superman and Batgirl. Yes our kids are DC kids, might have been being baptism by Dan Didio at our first Baltimore Comic Con. Superman and Batgirl it is, well until yesterday when he changed to Batman. We're looking at old school Batman and Batgirl from the Adam West television show. If we can't pull that together, I'm mostly concerned about finding the right fabric for Loki's costume, I think we will got with The Batman television versions. I have looked up online to purchase tights for Lex's costume (gray) and a long sleeve t-shirt for the top. We'll have to make his cape, and I'm thinking dyed black underware for the briefs.

Loki's Batgirl costume will need to be fully made, no short cuts for this one. I have found directions to make the cowls, which doesn't seem that hard. We'll have to make them for either version of the costumes. I think I'm going to make their utility belts out of felt this year. Lex was Robin last year and I used foam sheets and it didn't have what it takes to hold up to a toddler. His Robin costume we made from destructing T-shirts, a little bit of fabric paint and sewing.

Along with making the Superhero costumes, Mad Dog and I are making them Toy Story costumes, Woody and Jesse. Loki adores them both and they both are big fans of the movies. I am picking up simple long sleeve t-shirts, and some cow print material for the vest and chaps. Mad Dog purchased the hats at the Disney Store yesterday, I didn't think I was up for make those. Family Fun magazine has a how to make yarn wigs, which will be perfect for Jesse's yarn hair. Along with the cow print material I need a little yellow for Jesse's shirt, some ribbon for accents and a red fabric marker to make the pattern on Woody's shirt. Part of the reason for making these is because in the end it will be so easy, but the other side is that the kids will be able to play dress-up and encourage creativity in the process. They both already play pretend ALOT.

Mad Dog has already expressed that next year he wants us to have a Halloween party, which I would love to do. I think it would be fun. Before some of us had kids, at least one of my friends hosted a Halloween party (I did one year too). The bests were always hosted at my friend Blue's place (her and her roomates at the time would host). My friends came up with the best costumes, making the night very exciting since you never knew that people were going to come up with. Most if not all the customes were handmade, which is part of the reason I like to make the kids costumes. I think it makes it more exciting and makes you honestly think about the objects around you. It's easy to order something or run to Target and pick one up, but to breakdown an outfit to think about how to reconstruct it from simple pieces of clothing or props it far more fun.

Mad Dog always jokes that he wait until the kids are old enough to really get into Halloween. With my need to show off, there will be alot of kids running from fear and envy of the costumes our kids will be wearing. I do like that idea, not being mean to other kids but the fact that I can show off to their parents (I know I'm terrible) - it's probably one of the catagories I can be "That Parent" in, you know the one that the other parents hate! What fun! For now I can only hope and dream, until my kids can wear full on make-up and be covered in a disgusting subsitance or dressed in something Stan Wiston would be proud of.

Happy Fall!

Adventures in Senior-sitting

2010-09-25T19:34:00.001-04:00

Photo by Sandra Fletcher

Family is important to me, because of this I make myself available when a situation requires my assistance. This means helping to plan surprise weddings, changing tires and even if the occasional "Senior"-sitting job.

My Grandmother, better known to most people as Nana, now goes by the title Nona (for Lex and Loki) is 93 (I'm sure if I'm wrong my brothers will correct me). She lives with my Mother and her husband Stuart. From time to time my Mom and Stuart need a little time-out from Nona care, when they do they ask my brother Kevin and his husband, Brent, or Mad Dog and I to stay at the house. Sean of course gets off the hook since he is in Fort Lauderdale, however I'm thinking on his next visit up to Massachusetts we might have to plan a weekend to Maine where everyone goes except him and Tiffany so they can take care of Nona (that will go over big, huh?) Kevin and Brent have been great, taking most of these mini-vacations, which we are grateful for since a stay at my Mom's can be a bit trying at times.

Photo By Sandra Fletcher

Why is this? I think there are several factors. The kids for one. When Lex and Loki enter the Mansfield house, it's like the enter a high energy vortex. Now, I won't deny my children don't have a high energy level on a normal day, but put them in that house and you're looking at the warp speed. I don't know why this is, but what I do know is within and hour of being there I'm ready to rethink parenthood. It could be that they get bored here. At home the move within their own environment, where they know what they can touch and what is off limits. Yes they get in trouble at home, but here they are always in trouble.

Photo By Sandra Fletcher

Another factor is indeed Nona. She is going a little deaf, at least according to her she is. The rest of us might just say that she a) is deaf as a doornail and b) has selective hearing. Both play into the heightened tension of the day. The kids running around excited, louder than usual and then the television which hits 62 on a good day. This noise along with the repeat questions, the constant snack-giving and the concerns about the kids actually breaking her hit fast and hard after 3 hours of them climbing all over her. I also have to act as translator for the kids with her, since she doesn't understand a think Lex is saying even when it's clear as day. The UN doesn't have to deal with issues like this. They love her. Lex in fact is always very concerned about her and who is watching her. Like yesterday when Mad Dog pulled into my Mom's driveway:

Lex: Where is Sandy's car? (Yes, my fault Lex calls my Mom Sandy from time to time).
Mad Dog: She's at work. She'll be home soon.
L: Where Papa Stuart's car? (He does get that right, which probably kills my Mom).
M: He's in Maine.
L: Where's Nona?
M: In the house.
L: Who watching her?

Photo by Sandra Fletcher

Very sweet, this continued when we went to Build & Grow this morning. Worried that she wouldn't be watched. The last factor in Indiana, my Mom's dog. The kids like him well enough and he loves the extra food he gets when their around. However Loki is not his biggest fan, especially when she is eating. This usually ends with Loki screaming at Indiana "NO!" and hitting him in the nose to keep him away. Oh and I complete forgot Mad Dog - he is allergic to Indiana. He doesn't stop sneezing until about 4 hours after we get home from my Mom's. Though no fault of his, this gets old after the 5th group of 20 sneezes.

Where does this leave me? With two children in time-out most of the day, a old woman who I have to make sure doesn't sneak them snacks and a dog which might be heading to pound before the end of the weekend. Drastic? A bit, but I'm just about done and I still have to get through bedtime.

Right now things are calming down. Lex is sitting on Nona's lap in the living room watching Ice Age II on DVD. Loki for the most part is keeping to herself. I'll start bedtime in few. Loki has heard my thoughts and kicked Lex off Nona's lap and exiled him the love-seat. Indiana is eying Loki's abandoned cheese sandwich on the table and I just want to finish this post before Mad Dog finds me curled in the fetal position in the corner.

I Fried it, Because I Could!

2010-09-21T12:04:00.000-04:00

What can't you fry? I think there are a lot of people out there with a fryer and time on their hands to be very honest. There is deep fried ice cream, cupcakes, pickles, cheese, candy bars and much much more. Honestly just because you can doesn't mean you should.

Yesterday our travels took us to the Big E in Springfield, Massachusetts. On entering the fair I noticed right way all the signs promising fried goodness (and illness I'm sure at the end of the day). I started to take photos of the signs to document some of the crispy, golden treats the Big E had to offer. I'm sure there are worst things that could go into those home Fry-Daddies, but until they serve them at the Big-E I don't know to know.

If you don't know what Butter Balls are, you probably don't want to know. Really! It's make up of Butter and Cream Cheese and then coated in seasoned breadcrumbs. Can you feel your heart bursting? (Thank you Paula Deen!)

Now why hasn't Jelly Belly thought of that flavor?

Veggies huh? Why do that when there are so many other ways to make them. It's just wrong.

Cheese sticks are not enough.

This monster is the Craz-E Burger. Okay might not be dipped and fried, but just wrong all the same. Take a burger, bacon, gooey cheese and place it on a grilled glazed donut.

A fair staple. Mad Dog had his and it made him very happy.

Do you still dip these in milk?

Going back to the whole veggie thing - you don't need to do this. They are fun-gis all on their own.

Okay. I have to say Sweet Potato Fries - this is fried goodness.

Yummy, but is it necessary?

Kind of wanted to stop here. Should have, really should have.

Coming to an Outlet Store Near You! NOT!

2010-09-19T17:37:00.000-04:00

Anyone will tell you I can cook. I'm not saying I'm going to be Top Chef or anything, but I am fairly confident in my cooking skills. My sewing skills are a completely different matter all together. I'm terrible. I just have not skill. I have attempted many time over the years to learn. Each attempt if it involves my Mother and Grandmother ends in them fighting over how things should be done. There is a lot of yelling.

Luckily for me Mad Dog has some mad sewing skills. He made the curtains Lex's room and had made the previous ones in Gabrielle's room when we lived in Chicopee. He has made several Halloween costumes for both of us, and Lex. He will using his skills this Halloween too with Lex's request that he be Superman and Loki be Batgirl. The plan is to go old school, not only in that we are making the costumes ourselves but also in the look going for the 1960's Batgirl from the Batman television show and the Man of Steel from the 1950's Superman television show. I will be the stylist to this designer, I will make them look good and work on any props they need.

So I don't sew. Today I did. I have been wanting to make Loki a purse for her to carry around with her. She likes putting things in to bags and putting it on her shoulder to walk around. I have recently went shopping at Jo Ann Fabrics to pick up some fabric for a project for Loki's Birthday Party, which means I have fabric in the house. I set out today to make a little bag for her. Again I have no skills, though I do know who to thread a sewing machine since my Mom and Grandmother would have me do it since I could see better (at least I learned something). With the kids down for a nap I set to work. I won't say it pretty on the inside, but I will say it will serve the purpose.

It's lined and the complementary fabric is featured inside and out. I used an old button I had and a "D" loop to make the clasp. I think if I actually planned it out I could have done better, but I was working through issues as I went. I'm happy with it and Loki seems to like it. Oh, don't worry about calling Vera Bradley she has nothing to worry about.

Who Needs Sleep?

2010-09-19T12:28:00.000-04:00

Everyone knows when they "should" go to bed, but do we ever really listen to that part of us? Last night after Mad Dog's late arrival home from work, we knew we should go to bed, hit the pillow and not pass go. Just go to sleep. We knew this. Mad Dog a little more than I did. My body wasn't ready for it when he got him and though I was half asleep before the walked in the door, I had my second wind.

Mad Dog threw ingredients into the bread maker so we would have fresh bread for French Toast this morning and I flipped through channels on the TV. I fell into The Graham Norton Show. His guests last night were: Martin Clunes (Men Behaving Badly), comedian Lee Mack (Not Going Out), Australian actress Jane Turner (Kath and Kim) and Monty Python legend John Cleese. They were hilarious. I love Lee Mack, we were first introduced to him on BBC American on the first season of Not Going Out. We kind of lost interest (and lost him on BBC America because of time slot changes) during the second season when the changed the shows original concept (which was better). Needless to say I was laying there watching with the lights out, Mad Dog dozing next to me, me laughing my head off and the door to our bedroom opens.

Lex's Jimmy

This isn't something I like to see happen even on a good night, but since it was one in the morning I was very unhappy. I also jumped out of my skin. Luckily for us it wasn't Zombies or a crazy serial killer (mind you I had watched In Cold Blood earlier that evening - the bad 1996 version staring Anthony Edwards and Eric Roberts. Did I say it was BAD?). It was Lex. He came in crying, rubbing his eyes, asking if it was morning. I shut the television off immediately, leaving me to miss the last like 5 minutes Graham Norton. He jumped in bed between us, and Mad Dog asked if I smelled something.

Oh we did! Lex had his first night time accident since starting potty training. It was a big one. Mad Dog sent me to get clothes and a wet face cloth. I asked, knowing this was going to end badly, do you want to take him into the bathroom - Mad Dog said no, he'll take it from here. I ran off to get clean clothing and the requested face cloth. Mad Dog had prepared himself for a mess, placing his dirty t-shirt from the laundry basket on the bed under Lex. Lex was very out of it and upset about the whole thing and because of these two things wasn't listening to Mad Dog. Needless to say, Mad Dog, our sheets and Lex did not go untouched by poop!

Once everyone was clean, I had the task of putting Lex back to bed but first had to check his sheets. They were a little damp, so I pulled them off. Reaching under his bed I pulled his spare set of sheets from the draw. Since we were changing his sheets I thought I would change out his pillow case too. Lex was really not happy about his. He had gone from Super Heroes (Superman and Batman) to Disney's Cars and now that Lighting McQueen was going in the laundry for the night the tears flowed. We tried to calm him down. With Mad Dog still having to deal with finding us clean sheets, we didn't want to have him sleep with us. Mad Dog offered to sleep on Lex's coach until he fell asleep, Lex didn't take that offer. I said that we would have a special sleep-over, Momma and him would sleep on the floor in his room in our sleeping bags. Still not completely happy he took it. Mad Dog grabbed our sleeping bags and we cuddled up for the night complete with aquarium music box music. Lex, Jimmy and O'Brien curled up and let their tears dry. He was out before the first round of music stopped and up later that morning before anyone else in the house.

Today I'm dragging and I'm sure Mad Dog is too. He is off to run the Lego Build at South Shore Plaza today. I think he might actually break down and drink soda today. We'll have to see. It's noon time now. I'm really looking forward to nap time, because today I'm taking one. If I don't Mad Men will be a distant dream tonight.

You Got a Friend in Me!

2010-09-18T09:15:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago a friend of mine posted that she was purchasing tickets for Disney on Ice: Toy Story 3, which got me thinking that we should take the kids. After looking into it and looking at all the things going on with the kids in the month of September I decided we just didn't have the money for all four of us to go. I mentioned this to another friend of mine, who smiled and said "Let me call Jim. He might have a guy!"

Jim is her husband and from all the stories I hear knows just about everyone in Rhode Island. She asked him if he might be able to get some passes for one of the shows, and he said he would look into it. Like I said that was weeks ago. I had honestly forgot all about it, the tickets, "the guy" and most of all the show - until Thursday of this week. Jim sent me a message saying he had passes for us that he had gotten just that day. WOW! I couldn't remember when the show was, so I hopped online to see - THIS WEEKEND!

Since Mad Dog was heading down south with me yesterday (he was meeting a friend of ours) I thought we could make the Friday night show at the Dunkin Donuts Center in Providence. It was at 7PM, which meant I could work a little bit of overtime and then they could pick me up, grab a bite to eat and go! We didn't tell the kids, feeling it was better to keep it a surprise. Lex with his 50 questions, kept asking where we were going, what we were doing, why we were doing it. Once at the Providence Place Mall, Lex figured out that the "Surprise" was going to see Curious George Live! Mad Dog told him he wasn't exactly right. Why George live? Back in February (I think) I had taken him to see Curious George Live at the Hanover Theater in Worcester for a "Surprise". He linked the two in his head and came up with his guess.

We grabbed a quick bite at the food court and made our way to the Convention Center. Once inside we were surrounded by every Toy Story and non-Toy Story souvenir you could think of. I put Loki down, and she ran to a kiosk where she saw a huge picture of Woody! She got excited. We made our way to our seats, which the guy at the box office made Mad Dog believe were on the roof. That was not the case. The seats were perfect. We could see everything.

For the first ten minutes Lex kept asking Mad Dog when George was coming out. He finally got it when the main characters came out on the ice. Both kids sat and watched, with little trouble. Lex of course needed several bathroom breaks, which were a waste since he didn't go. Loki was so excited, watching very seriously at time and then clapping her hands or leg to the beat of the music. The show had the songs from the films as well as popular pop songs, such as:

We Got the Beat - GO-GOs
Barbie Girl - Aqua
These Boots Are Made for Walkin - Jessica Simpson version
Dream Weaver - Gary Wright
Star Wars Cantina song

It was a lot of fun. We stayed for the whole thing, which I was very surprised about since Lex usually asks to leave early. I was glad he didn't, since I doubt Loki would have been happy about that since she was so into it. At the end of the show we made our way slowly back to the car, dealing with the crowd. We made one last bathroom break at the mall before going back to the car. Yes, we made it out with NO souvenirs. I can think of about 20 different things I would like to do with that money.

In the car, the kids were talking about it. Very excited and still wide awake for a while. I asked Lex how was his day. He said it was a "Good" Day.

Me: What was your favorite part of your day?

Lex: Playing with Loki. Loki good to play with.

Me: (choked up).

Freeze Frame!

2010-09-16T20:02:00.000-04:00

As part of Loki's Room Redo, I created a photo college for her wall. The college contains 100 4x6 photographs I have taken over the years (actually 98 of them were taken by me, one by my Mom of Lex at birth and one of Loki a birth taken by Mad Dog). The complete piece is 40x60 inches.

The photos contain textures, things, food, places, animals and portraits. Among the photos are friends (Michael, Steve, Miles, Finn, Gretchen, Mary and Harper) and family (Sean, Tiffany, Kevin & Brent) as well as US! The photographs were taken in Massachusetts, Maine, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Jersey, Florida and North Carolina. They also date back as far back as 2003 and as recent as September 7, 2010.

It looks amazing and will give the kids ton of fun play "eye spy" different things and remembering when the photos were taken. I had a lot of fun sorting through old photos and find images that would work best with that I had already found. It also gave me a recent chance to practice framing shots of still objects and textures.

This one is finished and hanging, but Mad Dog and I have a feeling we will be making a smaller one for Lex's room. Guess I should start shooting!

My Three Uncles and Aunt

2010-09-11T21:24:00.000-04:00

Brent & Loki

I am the oldest of three children. I have two younger brothers, Sean (30) and Kevin (27). Though we haven't always gotten along, we find ourselves in a good place now a days. All three of us are currently married and each of us along with our partners have found a way to complement the group dynamic each in a different way.

With Sean and Tiffany living in Fort Lauderdale, we don't get to see them often. Visits usually happen twice a year. This week happens to be one of those weeks. Today we found the time to get together for a little family time at my Mom's house, they place where we grew up. Mad Dog had to work, but Lex, Loki and I made the trip down from Worcester. The kids love their Uncles and Aunt. Lex of course is happy to see everyone right away, where Loki has to warm up to everyone.

Sean, Tiffany & Lex

I am currently the only one of the three with children. I don't see anything wrong with this since, my brothers and their partners are a minimum of 5 years younger than me. At my brother Sean's age I had just met Mad Dog and it was 17 months later that I got pregnant with Lex (he was planned, we just didn't think I would get pregnant on the first try).

There are of course two different things were talking about here. Wanting kids and having kids. Both my brothers are very good with children in their own way - though I think with some polish they could be better. Having said that, nothing makes you a better parent than hands on training. I started thinking about this tonight since very recently there have been two new additions to our extended family. My cousin Christopher and his wife just had a son, J.T. (John Thomas born on 9/2) and my cousin Amy and her fiancé Sam just had their daughter Kiley born this morning (9/11). Both events are very exciting. These events coupled with seeing them with Lex and Loki today make me wonder, will my brother's have children?

Kevin & Brent

I don't know the answer to that, and I don't usually ask questions about it. In some ways I feel it's more complicated for Kevin and Brent, since they will be looking at adoptions or a surrogate mother, on the other hand getting pregnant isn't any cake walk at times either. Honestly I don't know their feelings on the subjects of having, not having, wanting or not wanting kids. It's not my business, but knowing the two of them and knowing how much Lex and Loki mean to me and enhance my life I hope they do.

It might be put better if I said that I hope they both know that they would make good parents. They both have a strong bond towards family and know the importance of it. They are also stronger than they might think they are. When I started this entry I had a clear picture of what I was going to write, but now writing it I'm a little lost.

What I do know is that there are two little kids in the other room that had a wonderful fun filled day because of the four people they spent it with today. They adore their time with them and can't wait for the next. Each time they warm up a little quicker or take to one person more than another, but either way they love every moment they have with them. Thanks for being great little brothers and wonderful big Uncles (you too Brent & Tiffany).

Origins: Lex

2010-08-30T21:27:00.001-04:00

On our many rides home Lex and I have some interesting chats. Tonight he was asking about going to the Zoo, this lead to talking about when we went to DC and saw the Panda Bears. I said something like "that was before Loki was born" and this prompted Lex to ask "When she was in your belly?" I said yes.

Lex: When was I in your belly?
Me: Long time ago.
Lex: How me get out?
Me: Long story.
Lex: Out your mouth?
Me: No, not out my mouth. Why don't you ask Daddy later.
Lex: Okay.

Later this evening we started to conversation up again. I told him to ask Mad Dog how he came out. Mad Dog proceeded to tell him about his birth.

Mad Dog: When you were in Momma belly, we wanted you to come out and play. So I got a feather and tickled Mommy's nose until she sneezed, but you didn't come out. So then we tried syrup of ipecac and gave Mommy a big glass of that to drink down. She threw-up, but you STILL didn't come out. So then I thought to knock on Mommy's belly and invite you out to play. I knocked and I knocked on her belly, which turned out to be right on the top of your head, but you STILL didn't come out. Probably because you didn't understand us yet. We finally decided to go to the hospital and see the doctor. The doctors and the nurse helped Mommy go "All Jedi" and out you came. And that is how you were born.

Later this evening while we read "I Am Wonder Woman" for a bedtime story we read how Wonder Woman was formed from a lump of magic clay by her Mother. I said in passing - "Wow the same way Loki was born!" Mad Dog laughed and Lex asked for more details. That is a whole story for another time and I'm sure Mad Dog is working on her folklore.

Stripped Raw

2010-08-29T22:01:00.000-04:00

I don't know who have the record for the most strip clubs in one area, but I think Worcester could make a good run for it. We have two within a short distance from our apartment. Hurricane Betty being one of them. We use Hurricane as a landmark when telling each other where we are.

We have found a new one we love, on our way to one of our farms. Centerfold's. We like this one for it's sign which the change weekly. This week: 50 Beautiful Girls and 3 Ugly Ones.

How can you not love that?

Do or Do Not There is No Try

2010-08-29T20:05:00.002-04:00

Everyone has a "To Do List". It's a list that never seems to go away and go down, it only ever gets longer. I am no different. I have projects on top of projects and never enough time to do it all. I am planning on getting some of it done once Gabrielle goes back to WI. Once less person in the house will help with organization and it will mean that I won't be breaking up fights ever five minutes.

The biggest and start point for my September projects is Loki's Room. At the beginning of the summer I picked up paint to paint her dresser. It was a hand-me-down and it's plain ugly. Lex happens to have my childhood dresser which is painted a Cobalt Blue, in a brush finish. Loki's I'm planning on painting a Raspberry Tart color with Autumn Moon accents. I am also looking for new hardware. After painting I am planning a purge! The closet is FULL of toys that Gabrielle has out grown and come out once a year (if that) when friends of ours come over with their daughters. We are also planning on finally getting rid of the bag, upon bag of stuff animals which are hiding under her bed. It is the main reason I usually get annoyed when someone gives Lex and Loki a stuffed animal, they seem to multiple and reproduce and before you know it you can have Disney Store Display of plush. After that I hope to replace the two bookcases (when I have money) in that room so that they are made of the same wood color as her bed. Currently I am working on three pieces of original art for her wall, made of comic book collage in the Owl theme we have selected for her room. I am also working on a large photo collage, using possibly 100 4x6 pictures.

Along with Loki's room, I have a nightstand we found to clean up and paint. Again I had picked up the paint at the beginning of the summer, but never got to painting. There there is the wooden, wood burned growth chart I'm working on for the kids. I have Hobby Horses to make for Loki's Farm theme birthday party. The fabric is already purchased and I just have to find yarn, ribbon and buttons to finish them out. Also to had to our sewing project we are looking at making the kids costumes again this year. I won't say what, we need to see if we can find the correct fabric but if we do find it the costumes will be a lot of work (but well worth it).

I hope to go through our stored clothing to see what we have for the kids for the fall and winter. We have been very lucky to have a lot of wonderful people give both Lex and Loki clothing over the years. Each time we are given anything we go through each piece and make the call: Keep or Pass On. Any keepers that the kids can't wear yet, we store in boxes which Mad Dog gets from work. We sort based of child, season and size. We try to store the boxes together and facing outward so we can see the labels easily. Once I go through things I'll know what we need to pick up for them. I know one things will be warm pajamas and long underwear. This whole process will help when my Mom asks what the kids need, like jackets or pants.

A new project added to the list is a version of a machine called Copy Kake. Mad Dog and I figured out how we can make our own version, which I would like for not only art projects, but cookie/cake decorating. This will allow me to make special treats for the kids. We're reusing a camera lens from one of my old 35 mm film cameras. We have to pick up or find a few other items and we're good to go. We are also going to look for some LED lights to keep the heat down on the project. I'll let you know once we pull it together. Maybe Lex will help Mad Dog with the construction since he is such a Master Builder.

Along with this I want to make a little purse for Loki. She has been walking around with one of Gabrielle's purses, so I want to make her something special. I'm thinking with felt. I am also going to start to product my bird houses and boy/girl boxes for resale (I hope).

Maybe I should stop blogging and get working.

Case File: Grand Nothing

2010-08-24T21:25:00.001-04:00

There are mythical creatures in history. Spook stories and ghosts that people hear about, but rarely ever see. Every once in awhile someone captures a glimpse of these in pictures. In the case of Nessy, of Loch Ness fame, the first sighting is usually at the beginning of the next viewing season. Big Foot and the Jersey Devil have been seen on several occasion by those camping in the woods. Sightings like this have been been the feature of many blogs and even Television shows such as X-Files. Sadly Mulder and Sully never saw what Lex and Loki saw today.

They saw their Grandfather and Grandmother. This of course is Mad Dog's infamous Father and Step Mother. It has been 10 weeks since their last visit to see the kids, prior to that we believe the last visit was in March (but have not documentation of it). Today the spent a total of 30 minutes with Lex and Loki, this averages 3 minutes for each week they haven't seen them. The drive out is 58 minutes according to Google Maps (one way), which means they spend 4 times the amount of time the spent with the kids in the car.

Granted they didn't just come to see Lex and Loki, in fact in a lot of ways I think they didn't come to see them at all. They came to see Gabrielle and take her out for her birthday and to let her pick out stuff as gifts at Target. This is their only visit with Gabrielle this summer since seeing her before Christmas. They dropped a bunch of gifts on her, to make sure she didn't remember this. They also brought Lex and Loki gifts. The picked up somewhere place-mats with the kids names on them (all three). Hmmm...you're thinking they found a place-mat with Loki's name on it, amazing huh? Not so much. They purchased a plain place-mat and took clear tape and a marker and wrote her name on it. Some people find this sweet, I don't. I'm annoyed and I feel in someways its their continuous way of shunning her a bit. I mean if you know you're not going to be able to get three place-mat (or three of anything) with all three children's name on them why would you buy them at all? Why not just by three blanks or something that doesn't have their names on it? I know I might be irrational about this. I know I named my daughter a name that she will never find on a note pad, a pencil or a licence plate for her bike. I'm okay with that, and I know Loki will be too. But why should anyone insist on pointing this out to a child.

Needless to say I am annoyed, once again with my Father-in-law. I have not seen him since his 75th Birthday Party held last year before Father's Day (Mad Dog pointed out 15 months). This we all know is for the best, I think my sarcasm could not be stifled. Maybe it shouldn't be. I don't think it is doing me any good biting my tongue. I know it's not doing Lex and Loki any good.

Bones and Ass Kicking! What Could Be Better

2010-08-16T20:43:00.000-04:00

Quick post about our Anniversary dinner out! First a big thank you to my Mom for watching the kids and for the kids for being SOOOO good.

For our special dinner we went to Red Bones in Somerville. It's not fancy, but it is the place that catered our Wedding 3 years ago and we love it. Each year Mad Dog drives into Somerville and picks up dinner for us, but this year we thought we would go there instead.

We started our dinner out with sweet potato fries and Hushpuppies (fried cornbread, flavored with scallions and garlic, served with a vinegar sauce). From there Mad Dog had 1/4 Chicken with Mac & Cheese, dirty rice and corn pudding (which they forgot, but we got to go). I had Catfish and Memphis style ribs (traditional pork spareribs with a smokey flavor) served with cole slaw and potato salad. Everything was so yummy. Sorry to say the photos of my food didn't make it since it was a little dark and I couldn't get the shot right.

We took part of my meal and Mad Dog's corn pudding and headed over to Kickass Cupcakes. I found them online and we just had to try it. We picked up 5 cupcakes to take home, 3 vanilla with M&M for the kids (all the same so there would be no fighting), a Cookie Dough for Mad Dog and a Key Lime (at the recommendation of the clerk - which was completely amazing. I've never had Key Lime anything so this might have turned me on to it). Along with our take home we ordered a DEEP FRIED CUPCAKE. Yes, you heard that right. Cream stuffed vanilla cupcake dipped in sweet batter, deep fried and drizzled with chocolate sauce, dressed with whipped cream and a cherry. OMG! It was amazing. We shared this of course while we sat outside the shop. I would have posted the look of heaven on Mad Dog face, but he would kill me for that picture. It was amazing. The texture was that deep fried ice cream and the taste was a bit like that too. Needless to say it was a guilty pleasure well worth the trip.

Friends - It's Not Just in Syndication

2010-08-16T20:08:00.000-04:00

There are things I just love about the summer, though at this moment I'm all set and ready for it to just be over. What I love the most about it is seeing friends. We don't get to see people enough in the winter months, since living in New England we get that thing called weather, but the summer months seem to offer us more opportunities to see those we love and care about.

This summer we have been very busy in regards to seeing friends, which is a good thing. We started out August with a visit to our friends the Delaney's for a birthday party for their youngest daughter. Patrick and Sara are from our Barnes & Noble time, and they are also among our Western Mass friends. I love going the Patrick and Sara's for anything. It's always a good time full of great conversation, amazing food and a lot of fun. This birthday Sara presented us with homemade rainbow ice cream cake (and rainbow cupcakes). Where else are you going to get that? Another reason I love going is I think Lex (Sara's Chicken Whisperer) has a crush on Sara and Loki on Patrick (she just stares at him in awe). Along with seeing the Delaney's, the kids love to see the Dave's (the Delaney chickens).

After visiting with our Belchertown friends we moved on to a cookout with some more of our Western Mass friends. I would usually say they are Mad Dog's friends, but that is just to state who they started out with because they are our friends now. We had the pleasure of being invited to Dave & Melissa's new place (with the help of Lori poking Dave about it - thank you Lori!), where Mad Dog got his geek speak on with some old friends. I think Mad Dog figured out he has known this group of friends for about 14 to 15 years now. Our time with them offered Lex and Loki a little kid play and gave Gabrielle the time to mope about not having anything to do (big surprise there). Lori, who recently became a mother, was their with Harper her sweet little girl, which Lex and Loki were both fascinated with and in between checking on her they played with Maeve (Dave and Melissa's Daughter) and Tristan (Bill and Heather's Son). It was a wonderful time and we managed to catch up with one another between checking to see what trouble the kids were into.

This weekend we had a full plate. Starting with Build & Grow on Saturday morning before heading out to our friend Michael's 40th birthday party at Colt State Park in Rhode Island. This party gave us the opportunity to catch up with our Eastern Mass friends, some of which I've known 15-16 years. I hate the fact that we don't get to see each other more often, but with work, schedules and now in some cases kids it does get difficult to find the time. We do our best, picking up where we left off and finding a way to catch up in the few moments we have together. These people have been a huge part of my life for so long I can't imagine them not being there forever.

In the case of this party, I even managed to get to catch up with my brother Kevin, since he has adopted into my college group of friends years ago. The kids had a great time, though with no nap we were a bit cranky. Loki managed to find a following of kids who kept wanting to pick her up and play with her, while Lex tried to play with everyone but we think he was a bit to sensitive to get it right at that point. Gabrielle was bored, but we knew that was going to happen - we tried to explain to her what the day would be like. She didn't really chit chat with people, thought several tried to talk to her about school, books and other things. In the end she sat and read for most of the time, but stuck close to Mad Dog most of the time.

After getting a little sunburn we headed out to my Mom's. Where we met up with Kevin, Brent and our friend Blue. My Mom had offered to watch the kids so that Mad Dog and I could go out for a late anniversary dinner that evening. We took her up on it. Our plans were to take us into Somerville for dinner which allowed us to extend our time with Blue, while we gave her a lift back to the city.

I'm going to make some kind of resolution, to make an extra effort to get in touch with people, make plans and find the time for our friends a lot more. This won't be a new years kind of a thing, but a now kind of a thing. Making sure that the fall and winter months are not the reason for those the large gaps between visits. These people are our families as much (and in some cases even more so) that our actual families. Here is to more friends, more time and more memories.

1096 Days

2010-08-11T22:02:00.001-04:00

Films and novels heighten our expectations of love and romance. Everyone is looking for the WOW factor. I think more often than not people are just in love with the idea of falling in love. We swim in a sea of romance, drinking in the words of authors such as Jane Austin only to find out that it's harder than you think think to find your Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth isn't as pretty or as clever as you thought.

Hearts get broken and people move on. Not everyone you meet makes your head tingle and they don't all say "You complete me!" - why is that? Because we live in a real world with real issues and feelings. You don't get a script each morning with a carefully crafted dialog that will bring out our sharp wit, our cute quirks or even leave us mysteriously speechless. We don't get a redo, a take two - or do we? With each relationship we can recreate ourselves, learning from our last relationship.

Do I sound like a complete pessimist when it comes to love and romance? I'm not. I believe in happy endings I believe in finding that person that makes you feel like you fit. I looked for that person for a very long time and found a lot of bad fits and some okay fits, but in the end I just learned and moved on. Until I met Mad Dog.

Meeting Mad Dog I found someone who has some of the same insecurities with relationships as me. I found someone who got me. He understood that we were two separate people and yet when we were (are together) we are one. I will admit he puts up with a lot from me. I am not perfect and I can be difficult. I know this better than anyone. He has embraced each an every quirk about me. He was watched me grow and find new interests. I am still able to shock him and annoy him in the same breath. He loves me for that too.

We were married 3 years ago today. Our wedding was not conventional at least on the surface, but honestly it's structure was very traditional. I walked down the aisle, someone gave me away, there were readings, vows and even a kiss. Granted there nothing traditional about any of those things. I walked down the aisle not to Canon in D Major or Here Comes the Bride, but to Cruel Angle's Thesis from Neon Genesis Evangelion. My Father, who passed away several years didn't give me away, rather three dear and precious friends (Liz, Blue and Josephine). Our readings were not holy or from the Bible, but from a comic book (Superman: For Tomorrow), a film (The Story of Us) and literature (In the Name of the Rose by Umbreto Eco). We had BBQ from Redbones in Somerville and a bounce house for the kids. Our cake was Rice Crispy Treats with SuperGirl and Green Lantern on top. We had a wedding to celebrate us and all the geekness what is us.

I loved Mad Dog then and I still love him, maybe even more now. He has given me, given us two amazing children (have you seen them they are amazing looking - beautiful). He has done so much for me and continues to do so. To finish this post I would like to post the vows I said 3 years ago today to him.

Michael thank you. For letting me be me. For letting me feel safe. For being my strong one. For loving me the way you do and reminding me each day just how much that is.

You don't complete me. I don't think someone completes someone else. I do believe you compliment me. Without you my story could not be told. You are my Tracey to my Hepburn. Han to my Leia. Paul to my Holly (Breakfast at Tiffany's). Mr Darcy to my Elizabeth. Mr Big to my Carrie - though you won't believe it. Lastly Smallville to my Lois.

I promise to continue to support you the best way I can and know how. I will compliment you and try to remind you each day that I love and just how much that is. Having promised this, I end with:

The band comes from Barry Allen -

He was always rooting for us...

The rock is from an arrow...

The question is from me.

Will you marry me today?

Happy Anniversary Mad Dog! Love you!

That's Frank!

2010-07-31T19:01:00.000-04:00

Quick post! Just to let you know Little Lex has been making a go of it. Friday wasn't that good, but Saturday has gone much better. He has managed to go 10 times in the potty and earn himself "FRANK".

It has not been without a fight, he doesn't understand that "fun" can be put on hold for a little peeing. We're working on that. We made a special trip to the Disney Store at Solomon Pond Mall to pick up the meanest Combine Harvester ever! As an added bonus we picked up a reusable Lighting McQueen tote, which we can use when we go shoping. "KACHOW!"

I'm A Big Boy NOW!

2010-07-29T19:16:00.004-04:00

This post is a two parter. The first is to talk tell you all about some very good news! The second it to tell you all who helped make it happen (kinds of two people, but we'll get to that shortly).

Today Lex didn't wear a diaper all day! Mad Dog and I talked to him last night about how he had to start being a big boy and go in the potty. He said he would try, but we weren't overly confident in that since he also said he would like climb his bedroom wall and stand on this bed's foot-board (might be a Spider-man phase). His morning diaper was wet, and though we tried to sit on the potty we got no satisfaction, so we went off to school. Miss Kim (Lex and Loki's Daycare Provider) decided today was the day. There would be NO diapers (my boy went commando) Over the course of the day he wore no diapers, not even at nap-time (Kim is a brave woman!). He went not once, not twice, but three times - with no accidents! Before we left for drive home he tried and went a FOURTH TIME! Mad Dog and I could not be prouder.

On arriving home he tried again, but no luck. He promised to try after dinner. Which he did and he went. With the exception of bedtime he will not be wearing diapers anymore! We are going to make a big go of this! We think he can do it. He thinks that he can too. He keeps telling us he is going to get Frank (the tractor from Cars) which we told him he could have after he managed 10 times in the potty.

There are people who come into your life who are a blessing. That touch the lives and the lives of your family in a way that you couldn't imagine anyone else doing. We have one of those people in our lives. It's Miss Kim! She has been taking care of Lex since he was 6 months old and Loki since she was 9 weeks. When people say the kids are well behaved, I tell them we can only take part of the credit because Kim is a big part of that. The kids love her and her family. Lex often tells stories about her kids, and talks about them when he is home. She has always given us great advise and if she doesn't have the answer, she finds it from another source. She knows when they are ready to do things (or give up things) and she knows when we need a push ourselves. We love her and everything she does for the kids and for us.

We're Not in Kansas...What the Hell?

2010-07-22T08:33:00.001-04:00

If we thought the Monday Night storm was bad, we were kidding ourselves. The bonus was we were not out in it.

Again we could hear the thunder rolling in the distance, though we had blue skies. Lex and I sat on the grass outside after dinner. He blew bubbles while I listened to my book. When the thunder got louder and the lighting started to flash in the distance, at this point Lex thought it was best for us to go inside. "We go in now Momma." He was firm able his request and wouldn't go inside until I got up and made my way to the door.

Shortly after the sky got dark, the rain began to fall and the wind whipped. We started to watch form the three season porch. The lighting hitting across the lake. The rain came harder as did the wind. At the same time Mad Dog and I decided that it was best for us all to go into the house. I had seen a large piece of wood fall from the tree in front of me. Mad Dog has noticed something else. Lex was very nervous and not happy about the whole thing. The lights kept flickering but held strong. The kids were playing on the floor as Mad Dog and I listened to the storm. There was a large bang. Mad Dog looked out into the side yard. The canoe has fallen off the saw-horses it had been set on. We would have to take care of that in the morning.

Things started to calm down after 20 minutes or so. We went back out on the porch. The lights finally went, which meant no water (the well pump is run by electricity). Everyone had their flashlight. We sat and watched the last of the storm. When the rain stopped, Mad Dog and I went out to look for any damaged. We did found the canoe on the ground. It didn't look like there was much damage to it. We reset the saw-horses and together we lifted the canoe and put it back in place. The smoker was completely knocked off the fire pit. A small tree was uprooted. We moved branches and cleaned up the yard as the kids watched from the windows. Cars had backed up on route 4 outside the gates of the yard. Mad Dog noticed that there was an Ambulance and Police cars were up the road blocking the road. Something had happen, possibly the power lines were down just around the bend. The kids came out and looked around. There was a tree slit in two across the street. It was getting dark and we had enough excitement for one night.

We called my Mom and let Stuart know there was some damage to the canoe through we didn't know if was old or from the storm. We would bail the boat tomorrow morning after any additional rain fell. We moved the rest of the branches before turning in. Lex and I slept in the small bedroom; Gabrielle on the floor in her sleeping bag in the kitchen; Mad Dog and Loki on the three season porch on the futon. Lex fell asleep quickly and I dozed off listening to Salem's Lot.

The following day we packed up and cleaned up to leave as best we could. The power was still out, preventing us from cleaning the remaining dishes and vacuuming the floors. I bailed the boat with Loki as Mad Dog packed the car up. My Mom called we shortly before we left to inform me that the National Weather Service confirmed there were three confirmed tornadoes in Maine on Wednesday evening. One of those touched down in Alfred. The Alfred tornado was categorized as an EF1, putting winds at 90 mph. Looking at the damage as we drove out of Alfred, the images were those of a town cleaning up. The kids didn't know, and don't know about the confirmed tornado. It was the end of our Maine vacation, it was our adventure.

She Can Talk to the Animals

2010-07-21T16:59:00.000-04:00

Wednesday, July 21st: Photo Journal of Maine Vacation Trip to York Wild Kingdom Zoo and Amusement Park

Beach Blanket Bingo

2010-07-21T08:00:00.000-04:00

When people think summer a lot of people think Beach! The sand, the waves the people in bathsuits that shouldn't see bathing suits. As a kid we would spend our summers on Cape Cod, about a 1/4 (probably closer) miles from the beach. We would spend the day in the sand, go back for lunch and then back again. This went on for a week and one summer I remember two weeks. My parents would let me take a friend (and again one lucky year 2 friends) with me, this was for their benefit and mine. Someone to amuse me and prevent me from saying the dreaded vacation words "I'm bored".

As I have grown older the beach has lost it allure. I don't find myself dreaming of laying on it, in fact I can't don't always enjoy a trip to the beach. My adult experiences with the beach have been mixed at best. I had the joy of going to walking on the beach in Fall and early Spring with Friend in Rockport, Massachusetts. Those mornings or evenings when the beach is just about empty and the sun is low in th sky. Magic hours are always the best time to be at the beach. I love those memories with my friends.

The other end of the spectrum is going to the Vinyard, riding a bike back and forth to the house out of shape and being made to lay on the beach with two other girls that had the bodies that no one would deny a bakini was made for. If you can't guess this would be one of those moments that have turned me off to Beach Blanket Bingo.

Having children we want them to exprience everything they can (when we can) regardless of our feelings for such things. I don't know if Mad Dog is indifferent to the beach or not. I do know in past years he has mentioned us going, with me changing the subject as quickly as possible. On this trip to Maine we decided to take the kids to the beach. We packed all the right things, buckets, shovels, rakes, towels, snacks and sunscreen (I didn't forget this time). Lex was very excited about the beach, with great plans for a huge sandcastle. Gabrielle was planning shell hunting, which ment that we would have buckets of stinky shells to lug home. I explained ot her if she found SMALL shells we could make rings or jewelry, but hell who wants small shells. Loki, well Loki didn't really know what was instore for her, this would be her first trip to the beach.

We picked Ferry Beach State Park which stretches along Saco Bay in (you guessed it) Saco, Maine. Parking the car, we pulled together all our gear and started the short walk to the beach with Lex leading the charge down the boardwalk. We manged to spray everyone down with sunscreen before they took off for their own pursuits. Lex, Mad Dog and Gabrielle took for the water. It was cold and no one went further than their knees (including Mad Dog). Loki settled herself high on the beach sitting in the sand digging. She played by herself leaving the others to the water. Mad Dog and Lex then settled in the wetter sand for castle constructions, while Gabrielle pulled shell after shell from the ocean and placed it in a pile for the trip home. I laid a towel down and took pictures.

Mad Dog built and Lex destroyed (see a pattern?) Loki eventually came down to where they were playing helping Mad Dog top his bucket castles with more sand. She was very careful not to break them, unlike her brother. Gabrielle joined in from time to time, but mainly collected shells until she needed to drag me back to the bathrooms near the car. We didn't stay much longer after that, because of Gabrielle's planned visit with her Great Grandmother who lives in Kennebunkport.

After dropping Gabrielle off, Mad Dog the kids and I headed into Kennebunkport for lunch. Mad Dog parked the car, while I got out and went into a public restroom to possibly puck. I had let Mad Dog do most of the driving - no his driving isn't that bad, but I was looking out the window taking pictures which caused a little car sickness. I didn't get that sick and once my stomach was full of lunch I was okay. We made our way through the streets looking for some place to eat, we ended up at Federal Jack's Pub & Brewery. Though I would have loved to same a brew, I stuck with water because of my stomach. Lex had the BEST Peanut Butter (to the waitress "Girl - No Jelly Please.") ever. Loki ate mostly her fries and later fed her toasted cheese sandwich to the seagulls. Mad Dog found a Black & Blue Burger (which he didn't find blue enough) and Sweet Potato Fries. I had Grilled Crab & Havarti Sandwich with Sweet Potato Fries. Food was yummy and the kids (being their normal 2 child dynamic) were extremely good during the wait and meal.

After picking up Gabrielle we started back to Alfred. Lex fell asleep in the car. We let him sleep with the window open once we got back to the house. Loki was very upset by his absence from the group. She stuck by the car, trying to wake him. Shells were cleaned in buckets and some were lost to little feet. The rest of the day and evening was spent around the cabin. We grilled and ate. The kids played and everyone went to bed in the tent with no issue.

Words Define a Summer

2010-07-20T15:00:00.001-04:00

I am a firm believer if you have a summer house, you should have a summer or lending library there for your friends, family and visitors to take from. This is something that Stuart has even in the little cabin in Alfred. I think each of us has taken from it at one time or another, taking a book and leaving one behind for someone else to discover. I think books and words can define a summer. I know that I tend to remember summers by what I have read, or even times in my life by the same.

Last year I borrowed The Green Mile by Stephen King, which Lex and Loki sadly destroyed once we were home in Worcester preventing me from finishing it. We had left behind a Brad Meltzer for someone else to find on the shelf when they were bored or finished their last book.

With Mad Dog (Under the Dome)and I ('Salem's Lot)both reading (or listening to) Stephen King, Gabrielle wanted to join our kick. I know she doesn't have an idea of what she is getting herself into with picking up one of his books. I can't say how old I was when I read my first King book, but I know it was young. Mad Dog remembers being her age and possibly reading Different Seasons, a collection of short works which include: The Body (Stand by Me), Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption (Shawshake Redemption), Apt Pupil (movie by the same name) , and The Breathing Method (the lesser known of the four). This request sent us to the library, only to find nothing left by Mister King (something I will have to correct).

This request then prompted the question, what to give her of King's to read? Different Season went to the top of the list. Mad Dog added Carrie, Christine (which I haven't read) and Cujo. I though Misery. Which made Mad Dog flinch. I explained that my main concern was any (thought I don't recall a lot) sex scenes that should appear in his books, also some of the harsher language (Bag of Bones being the most recent King I have read - "Whore Master hows your whore").

We went back and forth naming books, stories and stopping the other with reasons why that wasn't a good idea. Talking about which ones we have read and ones we have wanted to read. For me, a person who has read a decent amount of King, I haven't read The Stand. I know completely shocking. If you even mention King the first thing another King reader will ask is "Have you read The Stand?" This is the reason why I haven't. The more people ask me that, the more I walk away from it. I'm sure I would love it, but the more people push it down my throat the more I fight it. Mad Dog is amazed by this and we now make it a joke when I say I need something to read.

If you read this post and you are a King fan, post your favorite King Novel, short story, what have you. If you have a recommendation for a first King work to read (for anyone or for Gabrielle (age 10)) feel free to post it as well.

As for my King reading (listening) in Maine, I am enjoying 'Salem's Lot. Falling asleep to it and having the kids make me jump when they wake me has had my heart racing a few times. As long as it keeps racing I'm good with it.