Wordless Wednesday.

This is my Momma, in a picture taken by Roslyn with her new camera.

Are you EFFING KIDDING ME?????????????

Ok, I can't take it anymore. Seriously, if one more person I love gets sick.. I'm gonna... well, I'm gonna...do something. And it will probably involve some sort of hissy fit.

My mom has had a cold for a few days. Today I called her and she sounded like crap. I told her I would take her to the doc and she argued with me. So, I did what every responsible daughter does in this situation. I told her to shut up, hung up on her and called the doctor and made an appointment. I then called her back and said, "Get your ass dressed. I'm coming to get you."

Now, I realize that sounds harsh, but you do not know my mother. She is the mother hen, literally. She spends all day, every day,waiting on us all, worrying her self sick, and spending all her free time doing something for everyone else. She does not take care of herself. She had not been to the doctor in 5 years.

So after a an hour of waiting for her to hem and haw and wash her hair and take the dog out and make sure the coffee pot was off 15 times, we left for the doc.

The nurse took her temperature. Looked at it and shook her head. She then got out a new thermometer and tried again, grabbing mom's wrist to check her pulse. She then proceeded to literally run out of the room and get the doc from another patient. They put her on the Ekg machine. Her temperature was 104.6!! Her heart rate was 140.
The wanted her to go next door immediatley for x-rays. And do you know what she said ? "I think I need to go home first and think about it." I dragged her miserable butt to the radiology lab and 15 minutes later we found out she had Pneumonia and they were admiting her to the hospital.

I am worried sick. They just hooked her up to antibiotics and fluids. She looks awful . My dad will not leave her side. I meant that, literally. Not even to use the bathroom. I had to go get his pills and take them to him at the hospital. He wouldn't go get anything to eat, so I had to go get him some food and make him eat it.

My parents are the most devoted couple I have ever seen. They are so tight, it almost makes us kids feel like intruders. I mean, of course, we aren't, but they are each other's half and it's obvious. My dad is a recent heart patient, so now I am worried about him as well. He cannot afford to get sick. His health is shaky as it is.

So, those of you that pray.. could you say a little prayer for my parents tonight? Those of you who don't, please just keep her in thoughts and hug your parents if they still bless this earth. I love my mom so much and I am so scared for her.

#13 Burning Bright - Tracey Chevalier

If you love historical fiction like me, you have most likely read a Tracey Chevalier novel. Ms. Chevalier has this crazy ability to tell an amazing tale and also throw in a real historical figure in the mix. Her stories are not often particulary about a historical figure but they are in the forground of the story.. a complimenting character, so to speak. If you have seen the movie GIRL WITH THE PEARL EARRING you know what I am talking about.

Burning Bright follows the Kelleway family from a country village to London in the 1700's. The father is a carpenter who gains work with a Philip Astley's circus.The circus charaters are very intriguing but the main story is about a the son, Jem, and his new found friendship with a local girl, Maggie. In true Chevalier style, the Kelleway's neighbor is radical poet William Blake. Again, Philp Astley and William Blake are somewhat minor characters, letting Jem and Maggie take center stage, making them all the more mysterious.

Burning Bright was easy to read and completly enchanting. A ten in my book!

music monday!

Lisa over at Mommying on the Fly
has a new music monday meme going on. Here is my choice... It's an oldie but a goodie from Stereophonics "Step On My Old Size Nines"... Very easy, kickback kind of song. And don't forget to check my sidebar daily for the song of the day....everyday!

Google Reader.. I won't be a slave to you!!!

I can't do the blog reader thing. It stresses me out too much. Even before I got backed up on here, I didn't like it. I feel like I am rushing through precious posts and just dropping a quick comment to make it known that I was there. I don't like that. Maybe it's naive of me to think that I can make some true friendships on here, but I like the idea. I feel like if I were doing this in person, as a person spoke, I would be barely listening, just hoping they would hurry up so I can move to the next person in line. I prefer to respond to people as they comment to me and stop in on my friends for good conversations. So, goodbye blog reader. I may take some time responding to some, but I feel I will be more articulate and tuned in if I do it this way. Do you use a reader? Do you feel rushed? I don't want this to feel like a job to me! It's an outlet, a way to make friends, and have good conversations.

Quick Christmas Recap...

Ah.. Christmas...what can I say? It was magical, mystical, enchanting and ....boring. I love, love, love the holidays and usually get very into baking, making crafts, finding the perfect gifts and wrapping. But not this year. Not really sure why, maybe it's money or maybe I am just tired. Who knows?

What I do know is that we spent the past week in bed. And not in the good way. You know about Roslyn's hospital visit, and Tuesday we found out she had a double ear infection. I came down with a raging cough and ear infection the next day. So instead of popping Christmas cookies and candy canes, we've been downing antibiotics and Imodium!

On Christmas eve, she woke at 1:30am..no, I am not kidding. She had a coughing fit and couldn't go back to sleep. Finally at 4:30 we gave up and let her open her gifts. She was very happy with her haul. She got a huge stuffed Yoshi(from Mario brothers), pink webkinz dragon, a Leapster Didj and games, books, lots of crafts, a locket with interchangeable gems, games like checkers and connect four, a bedding set.. lots of stuff. Her only disappointment was the fact that she didn't get the Beanie Baby hummingbird she asked Santa for. (however, a few hours later, she realized that was because Nana and Pop got it for her, making her Christmas complete.)

Craig actually got his new road bike (bicycle) last week for Christmas and since it was over a grand, I couldn't get him much else. So he got a mountain bike calendar for work, a bike medallion necklace, and a movie from his childhood (Explorers, remember that movie?)

I was very happily surprised that I got an Ipod Touch!! Lord, how did I live without this thing before? I can check email, watch videos, load all my music, listen to audio books. It has a planner, Internet, radio.. oh my! I love, love , love it! Does anyone have one?? aren't they amazing? I know, I am so old school... I can't believe I was an ipod virgin!

Anyway, that's about it... we seem to be getting healthy again, and Hubs has the week off so things should be looking up!!

And don't forget to check out the song of the day on the sidebar!

Ahhh!! I'm Overwhelmed!

I am completly behind on reading and responding to all my favorite blogs. We have been battling illness after illness around here, (finally winning, I think) and Hubby is on vacation for a week. I've got to catch up, but it's gonna take some time! Bear with me, folks, and we will be back to original programming shortly!

Wow.. This is shocking to me...

I am a pet lover. I love dogs in particular. I cannot imagine my life without a dog in it. I become very attached. My dogs are spoiled. They are loved beyond measure and become a part of our family. So when I heard about Dog Rental services I was very shocked. Maybe I am too sensitive.. but I think this is the most awful idea ever invented. Those poor animals being shuttled back and forth, never really recieving the love they deserve. I can hear people now saying that "it's better than a life in a kennel". Is it?? I don't know! What do you think? Here is another article on the subject. What are your thoughts? am I the only one finding this shocking?

Son of A................

First of all.. thank you all so much for your concern over Roslyn. She seems to be improving alot. I took her to the doc yesterday for a follow up visit and she has a double ear infection! The doc put her on Augmenten and already she is perking up! But guess who isn't? Yes, mothers across the world know what happens when you spend 5 nights in a row, worrying over your child, catching vomit in you hands, wiping snotty noses and pleading with your child to take yucky medicine. How are you rewarded for your hard work?? Say it with me, Mommies...."YOU GET SICK!" (as a damn dog to be precise)

Ah, good times. Anyhoo.. I'm sure I'll live. I'm just glad my little lady is feeling better for Santa. That's all I wanted to get for Christmas anyway.... well, that and an ipod.

Anyway, thank you to all my wonderful bloggy friends! I am so happy to have gotten to know you all in these past few months! Hope you all have a great holiday season!

Classy Christmas Song of The Day - South Park O Holy NIght

Christmas Song Of The Day - Run, Rudolph, Run - Chuck Berry

My dad's favorite christmas song.

#12 Rumors - Anna Godberson

I love, love, love this series! The Luxe series by Anna Godberson is a totally different kind of YA Fiction than I grew up! Think Gossip Girl, circa 1899. I can't get to into a plot description with this one, because it's the second in the series. But I can say that it lived up to the original (The Luxe), if not surpassed it! The story lines are so scandalous and romantic. The descriptions of the clothing makes me want to drool. But these books are not inappropriately sexual, like the Gossip Girl series. You can give these books to a 14 year old and not worry about her mother losing it on you. I wish that they had books like these when I was a teen. I guess I will just have to enjoy them in my thirties! If you are a historical fiction freak like me, you will love these. If you are a hopeless romantic, you'll love these. And if you like mystery and intrigue.. you'll love them too!! I can't recommend them enough. And the author is super friendly.. you can find her on myspace and she replies personally!

Fever, Drug Stores, Hospitals.. Oh My!

Sweet Lord, we have had one hell of a weekend. It all started Friday at 3 when I picked Ros up at school. One look at her and I knew she was sick. Her cheeks were bright pink. When she grabbed my hand, hers was all hot and sweaty. I took her immediately to the doc, who informed me that they just took their last patient. (urgh) They offered to call in a prescription for antibiotics(yes, without even seeing her).

So an hour later, I go to pick up the meds. They called in an adult dosage of Ceftin in tablet form. What the hell? I threw a fit, they called in the child's dosage in a oral suspension. I gave it one little taste and almost hurled. It was the most vile stuff I had ever tasted. Ros would struggle it down, and then the aftertaste was so bad that she would puke it back up. Saturday afternoon they called in Amoxycillin. That went down easier.. but still did nothing.

Saturday night at 10pm, her fever was 104. After arguing with hubby we took her to emergency room, where she proceeded to barf all over herself. Hubby didn't think she needed to go. He said that we had antibiotics and that kids run high fevers. Which is true. But I wanted someone to LOOK at her!! No one had so much as looked in this kids throat! So, they checked her throat, did chest x rays and sent us home with instructions to keep up with the antibiotics and do the motrin/tylenol thing every four hours. I know that hubby was right, and maybe she didn't need to go.. but what if he had been wrong? The poor kid was a mess and she has never run a fever that high, ever. Of course, hubby and I fought and argued and that only made me feel worse. He thinks it was a waste of money, but I still feel that she needed to be checked.

So, she ran a fever of 102 to 103 all day yesterday, with the tylenol/motrin. She ate nothing, drank very little and laid in bed all day.

Finally, last night she got a little sleep. She only ate a half a Popsicle so far, but that's an improvement. Her fever now is around 101.. so I guess we are starting to get the upper hand on this thing... but I am still worried. I hate seeing her sick. Poor kid.. I hope she gets better before Santa comes!

Christmas Song Of The Day - Snoopy and The Red Baron

This is my Hubsters favorite christmas song (Well, one of them)

Shot on spot!

Ok, so Dore over at Dore's Diaries tagged me for this... and I so didn't want to do it!! here are the rules:
1) Take a picture of yourself right NOW!.
2) DON'T change your clothes, DON'T fix your hair... Just take a picture.
3) Post that picture with NO editing.
4) Post these instruction with your picture.
5)Tag 10 people to do this..

Ahhh!! Is she kidding! I look like hell! I just walked in from walking the dog and hadn't even gotten a shower yet... but here goes... brace yourself....



I can't get the flash to work! crappity crap.. I would lighten it up, but it says not editing!!
Now, let see who I can tag...

1.Kristen
2.Jiggety
3.Elle
4.Amy
5.April
6.Evilflu
7.Merrie
8.Kat
9. Jillene
10.Deb

all right ladies... grab your camera! no primpin' first!! I know.. scary ain't it?

Freakin' Funny Friday!

Did you hear a great joke this week? Found comedy gold on Youtube? Got a funny post on your blog? Add your link here and share it (and promote your blog) with the world! Nothing is off limits.. have fun and make us laugh! I'm gonna start with the Grape Lady who you have all probably seen before but it makes me laugh every single time..



And I will also post my daughter's current favorite video... shopping penguin!

Add you link and share some laughs!

Friday Fragments

I haven't done this in awhile.. so here goes:

The Hubster is sick, sick, sick. Poor guy looked like hell last night but he got up and went to work today. I wish he would just stay home and stay in bed!

I still haven't bought gifts for my parents or my brother and his wife. They all said they wanted gift cards, so...

Hubby brought me home the other pair of sketchers clogs I wanted! Here they are. I've got dark brown and black.. and they are deliciously warm! yay for hubbies!

Ros busted open her lip yesterday at school. They were playing a game where they have to put their head down really fast on the desk and she smashed her lip into her teeth. And there was blood.. lots of blood. Thank goodness she did better than I would have. I faint at the thought of blood!

This weekend is baking weekend... urgh.. not into it this year.. But I'll fake it for Ros!

If you want to play along, go to Half Past Kissing Time!

Christmas Song of The Day - 2000 miles X2

First is the original by The Pretenders


The second is the cover by Coldplay

#11 Love The One You're With by Emily Giffin

I have heard this book being touted as "chick lit", but I don't know if that title quite fits. This book is smarter than that.Love the One You're With is what I would call "contemporary romance". A lot of chick lit has an idiot heroine that you just want to smack sometimes.. and just plain silly circumstances that would never happen in real life. (really.. the whole fake fiance thing and falling in love with your best friend is so played out.)Ellen, the main character of this book, has a level head on her shoulders. She's a regular girl. She's a newlywed and life is going great.. until she passes her ex on a New York City street. Leo is the one that got away years ago and she tried desperately to forgot. And now, he's back. Can she resist him this time? Is her new marriage strong enough to survive such a strain?

This book is not heavy reading, it's not intellectual and it's not high brow literature.. but it's good anyway! I've been reading some heavier stuff lately and I really enjoyed reading something lighter. I am going to add the rest of Emily Giffin's book to my ever-growing wish list.

My Favorite Things..(well, those that start with B anyway)

Abby over at Me and My Boys did this yesterday on her blog and I signed up! You have to list 10 of your favorite things, but they have to start with a certain letter (assigned to you by the blog owner) If you want to play along, comment and let me know! I'll assign you a letter!

1. British accents - Roslyn and I can do a mean Cockney accent. Click right HERE for an example.

2. Books!- I can't get enough!! I read four or five at a time.

3. Bookmarks - love pretty ones! Each book has to have their own.. you can't go dog earring books!

4. Bubble baths - yay!

5. Bath and Body Works - Love their stuff!

6. Beaker!! - did you watch the Muppet Christmas Special last night?

7. Barnes and Noble - seriously, if they have the starbucks in there, I could move in

8. Bulldogs - I want one!!

9. Black clogs - Hubby suprised me with a pair of sketchers sweater clogs.. they are soft and furry and yummy. They feel like cozy little sweaters for my feet. I want them in every color!

10. Bread - hot and crusty and warm and smothered with butter. drool

Let me know if you want to play!!!

Thousand Words Thursday

Starting the book love early!

Christmas Song of the Day _ LENKA - ALL MY BELLS ARE RINGING..

YOU KNOW HOW MUCH I LOVE HER..BUST SERIOUSLY, ROSLYN SINGS THIS ONE WITH ME!

Would You Rather Wednesday..........Play Along!

Would you rather.........

Have a beautiful house and ugly car or an ugly house and beautiful car?

Live without music or tv?

and bonus gross out, immature question....

Would you rather be Paris Hilton, or clean a public restroom with your bare hands?

Play along! Post your answers and then post your own Would You Rather Question on your own blog!

Wordfull, Wordless Wednesday (I can't keep quiet either way.. so I'm doin' both!)

This is Dexter, and obviously, he is very into this whole Christmas thing.

Christmas Song of the Day - FROSTY THE SNOWMAN , FIONA APPLE

love this version.. sounds so old fashioned...

Music Playlist at MixPod.com

Sidebar song of the day is some old school Jason Mraz.. Older Lover Undercover.. a song about his love for the "cougars". lol

Time to Get Down To Business..

Crap. I have to get going on this whole "full time homemaker" role. I am so not into it. I know I should be. I used to dream about being a stay at home mom. For those of you who are new, I quit my full time work at home job a few weeks ago. So, for six years, I have had the excuse of "I worked all day! I don't have to bake and cook and clean." Now, I am doing an ebay business with my mom, and that's it. I have got to get this house in order.

The house is not disgusting.. it's just blah. We have never decorated. (white walls.. blinds not curtains... etc.) I mean, we can have people over but lets just hope that they don't look to hard at the moldings or the ceiling fans because they're dusty! And the kitchen floor, God help me. We've got two dogs who constantly come in and out of the doggie door with muddy feet.

As for cooking, I used to love it. But now...eh. I need to get into healthier cooking. Maybe I will invest in some new equipment and healthy cookbooks.

I need to make homemaking my job. I need to set goals for home. I gotta get off my ass. I'm busy during the day.. but there is so much more I could get done.
.
I am thinking of doing flylady. Does anyone here do it? I am the type of person who needs to set goals and work towards them or I get bored. Does anyone stay home with school age kids? Do you have a routine that you do everyday when they are at school?

Tempt My Tummy Tuesday! Hot Chocolate Mix & pretzel treats!

I make this every year and jar it for gifts.. it is so yummy! The original recipe calls for regular non dairy creamer, but I use the flavored ones.. irish creme is good!

INGREDIENTS (Nutrition)
11 cups dry milk powder
1 (8 ounce) container powdered non-dairy creamer
2 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1 (16 ounce) container instant chocolate drink mix(nesquik)
DIRECTIONS
Sift together the powdered milk, non-dairy creamer, powdered sugar and instant chocolate drink mix. Store in air tight containers or glass jars for gift giving.
To use: Add 3 to 4 tablespoons of mix to 1 cup of water.

EDIT: I JUST REALIZED THE SAME RECIPE WAS LISTED AT BLESSED WITH GRACE, SO HERE'S ANOTHER!

We just call these pretzel treats at our house...
you will need a bag of christmas m&ms, a bag of hershey kisses, and a bag of mini pretzels.

Heat the oven to 250. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. place pretzels on baking sheet (do about a dozen at a time.. you'll see why). Unwrap the kisses and place on top of each pretzel. Bake in the oven for about 5 minutes. The kisses hold their shape. if you bake too long, they dry out. As soon as the pretzels come out, place an m&m on top of the kiss and press a little. it makes a nice little pillow of chocolate with an m&m in the middle. Let them cool before removing from pan. These are very sturdy little chocolate treats and can be easily bagged for gifts.

Christmas Song of the Day - Jack Johnson, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.

Love Jack Johnson!!


Background song of the day is a not so new, but still fantastic song by Vampire Weekend.. which we love around here!

ok, experienced mommies.. I need advice..

I would like to know what you consider to be a fever with your child? Is anything over 99 a fever? Or 100?

I always freak when Ros has a fever. It freaks me out. She has a sore throat now and her temp is 99.5 is that even considered a fever? She's acting fine. The only reason I took her temp is beause she said she was hot and her throat was a little sore. I know if I call the doc, they will say bring her in. They will then throw amoxycillin at me and throw me out. But I don't want her on anitbiotics if it's a virus. They always give us antibiotics. My gut tells me to give a few days, and see if it gets worse.. what do you think? what would you do?

and yes, I am a worrisome mom. That's why I have one kid, I couldn't handle the worry of two!!

ps. what's considered a fever in an adult? just curious...

Christmas Song of the Day - I want a hippopatamus for christmas

we love this song at our house!
And don't forget to check Song of the Day on the sidebar.. it's my boyfriends The Kings of Leon new single.

Tweet Tweet!!

I am now twittering!! Check me out.. I have joined the rest of the world.. next stop, Facebook!
My twitter name is girlinglasses

I added the gadgety thing on my sidebar too!

Yoo hooo... Jiggety Jigg.. I got your christmas present!

It's an Edward Cullen doll and you know you want it!

Aloha Friday

And the question of the day............
What type of goals are you setting for the upcoming year? Notice, I did not say resolutions, because those are crap.

I have a few:
1. read 50 books.. which I have a feeling I will achieve.
2. Cook dinner 5 nights a week. I know sounds easy right? But so is ordering out.
3. Walk 5 days a week. I used to walk 3 miles in the morning, and hike three in the evening.. pre-kid. I would like to get back to that.
4. Spend more quality with hubby. At least 2 date nights a month.

Now, it's your turn!

Christmas Song of the Day - Jingle Bells, doggie style

No, you peverts.. not that kind of doggie style.. like this:

Background sounds..

Ive made it click to play, over on the sidebar. I know that I am not always a fan on music on blog, so this way it won't automatically assault your ears.

But I suggest you give it shot, because today (and tommorrow's probably) is Lenka's Trouble is a Friend. Her music is so gorgeous and different. Love her. Check it out. If you have suggestiong for Christmas Song of the Day or Background Music.. let me know!! I love finding new artists.. and remembering old good ones!

#10 The Other Queen - Phillipa Gregory

Let me start out by saying this.. I adore Phillipa Gregory. She is, by far, one of my all time favorite authors. I love Tudor England and historical fiction. She is the queen of that genre. I have loved every book she has ever written. Seriously. And I loved The Other Queen. But it wasn't my favorite. Not even close.

And it wasn't her writing that didn't do it for me. It was the characters. I just didn't care much for them. The Queen of Scots came off as a petulant brat. (Which maybe she was.) This story takes place during the years she was held captive with the George Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury and his wife. The narrative switches between Mary, George and his wife, which is interesting, but can also be confusing in some novels. I think this one would have been better handled in a single person view, Mary's. I think I would have liked her better.

There is not alot of romance, which I didn't really expect, but a little more would have been nice.

I can't give a Phillipa Gregory novel a bad review, so I will say that it just wasn't my favorite. Maybe I am just to biased with my adoration for Queen Elizabeth that I couldn't identify with a story about a traitor to her throne??

Thousand Words Thursday

This is Roslyn.. chilling in the front room toyboxes. She collects stuffed animals. Can you tell?

Background music...

I am going to feature a new background song everyday. Why? Because I am weird. That's why. And I want you all to know how awesome my musical tastes are.



Today's song is ingrid michaelson's The Way I Am. I love her. She's my latest girl crush.

Christmas Song of the Day - D*ck in a Box

This is offensive.. I'm warning you. Don't watch if you are going to complain that I am crude.. because I am. Not for kids.. I am sure most of you have seen it anyway.. but its funny. And I love it.

Update...

Thanks everyone for the tips with the eye drops. We do the lie down thing and have her close her eyes. We put the drops in the corner of her eye and tell her to open her eye. It works.. sometimes.
I don't know if the stomache bug and the pink eye are related.. both have been going rampant through her school. I told her this is what "karma" is. She faked sick on Monday and look what happens! She said "How did you know I was faking?"Um... Duh..

So, she's got the day off tommorrow. That's gonna be fun. She is already complaining about being bored. God help me.

Houston... We Have Pink Eye...

At 12:30 today I had a mild heart attack when I recieved a call from Roslyn's school. (really.. can't they just start out by saying.."everything's fine.. don't freak out.. " But they don't.) The nurse said " This is the school nurse and we have some questions for you." (come on.. is this an interrogation?? why am I sweating?) " Did Roslyn seem ok this morning?" Um, yeah. She then said."Roslyn has what appears to be pink eye. And she had an accident." This is where I freak. "An accident? What kind of accident?" The nurse pauses and says "Fecal."

Oy.. couldn't she have said "she messed her pants". My God. Still, that freaked me out. Because she is six and has not had "accidents" for years.

So we go to the doc and she has a virus. She's got eye drops for her eyes, Immodium for her tummy and brand new stuffed dinosaur because Mom is a sucker for a sick kid.

And now, I have to go hold my child down, kicking and screaming, and try and squirt medicine in her eye. I have a feeling I'm gonna come out of this covered in bruises.

Christmas Song of the Day - Oh, Holy Night - (THE AWESOME VERSION)

The really good stuff starts around 2 minutes in.. give it time.. it's worth it..

Wordfull Wednesday... Yeah, I can have it both ways!

I LOVE THIS GOOFY BASTARD.. for some reason, Craig likes to pose with statues.. we also have one of him lying under a Nascar like he's been run over but it's a hard copy and I don't have a scanner.

Wordless Wednesday

Christmas Song of the Day - Ode to Joy - Beaker

Because I am immature and still like puppets...

You're welcome.

Tempt my Tummy Tuesdays- Chocolate Crinkles

INGREDIENTS
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups white sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar


DIRECTIONS
In a medium bowl, mix together cocoa, white sugar, and vegetable oil. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt; stir into the cocoa mixture. Cover dough, and chill for at least 4 hours.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line cookie sheets with parchment paper. Roll dough into one inch balls. Coat each ball in confectioners' sugar before placing onto prepared cookie sheets.
Bake in preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes. Let stand on the cookie sheet for a minute before transferring to wire racks to cool.

My latest obsession - digital scrapbooking

I've been Bamboozled!!

I'll tell you what.. this six year old of mine knows how to work it. She is home "sick" today. Is she is lying in bed, coughing and sneezing? No. She is up chasing the pug around. She is begging to play Wii. She is giggling like a maniac at the cartoons she usually misses when she is at school. She is ASKING FOR CANDY!! (are you insane, kid?) I just said to her, "you don't seem that sick now."
And do you know what she said?? She actually said "yeah, but you can't change your mind now. You already called the school."

OH.. NO..SHE..DIDN'T.

I have been bamboozled, fooled, tricked. She has taken my maternal worries and used them for her benefit. She has suckered me into letting her stay home and watch movies and eat ice cream.

She started with a sore throat last night. And yeah, maybe she has a tickle in there from her allergies, but definitely not worthy of a day home. I can't believe I've been played by a six year old. I have no idea where she gets the conniving nature of hers. When I was a kid, I would never dreamed of faking sick.. at least not until I was ten.

Christmas Song of the Day - God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - Barenaked Ladies and Sarah McLachlan.

#9 The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff

I am sure I am going to get attacked for this, but I find polygamy fascinating. I'm not saying I condone it any way, but I find it a very compelling subject. The whole way of life is just so foreign to me. I don't believe in it or condone it. I swear. I am not saying it's cool, or great or amazing... I'm just saying it makes for an interesting read.

The 19th Wife is really two stories in one. It tells the tale of Ann Eliza Young, one of Bringham Young's wives who eventually left the Firsts and went on to protest polygamy and Bringham Young himself. Tied in with this first story is the plight of Jordan, a modern day gay man who was excommunicated from the Firsts (a lost boy) who returns back to the community to solve the mystery of his father's death. His mother (one 20+ wives) is accused of the crime.

Like I said, I find their way of living fascinating.. in the same way I would find a car crash fascinating. It's ugly and you want to look away, but can't.

I guess I would give this book a 7 out of 10. It was good, not great. But it did have a nice little surprise at the end that I never really saw coming. If you are looking for a novel about a subject not often written about it, give it a try.

I think I'm done..

Ok, I think I am done with the renovations on my site... what do you think? Is my header corny? I made it myself (smiling proudly). I've discovered digital scrapbooking and my life will never be the same. Is my site easy to read? Anything weird you've encountered with it? Let me know and I will try not to be insulted.. (kidding).. I'm sure it will only sting for a second.

Christmas Song of the Day - Jason Mraz - Winter Wonderland

The awesome-ness that is Jason Mraz, singing one of my favorite carols..

Love him!

Twice In One Week?

Really, it should say "Honest Crap".... anyhoo...Soxy Deb tagged me for this... and really, Deb, was the ass slap neccessary? A simple tap on the shoulder would have sufficed..

So here are the rules:
1. Show it on your blog
2. Tag seven others to partake in the fun times.(link them on here and comment to let them know they have been ass slapped.)
3. List ten random things about yourself.

So first of all, here are my ten things in no particular order:

1. I am very, very squeamish. I pass out at the mere mention of blood, or needles, or hospitals or doctors.. oh God, why is the floor moving closer to my face?

2. Most people think I am shy when first meeting me, but I'm not. I am quietly surveying the situation for possible things I can make fun of in my blog.

3. I love dogs. We have two. I want more. I want a boston terrier and I want another pug. And a bulldog. And a Great Dane.

4. The other night I had a dream that hubby and I were the parents of the Jonas Brothers. But we couldn't remember their names. We just called them 1,2 and three.. And we lost number two at the mall.

5. Nothing irks me more than when you lose something and someone says "well, where is the last place you had it?" um, Duh! If I knew that, it wouldn't be lost.

6. I hate scary movies. Hate them, with a passion. I am nervous enough as it is.

7. We have a two bedroom house, and I really don't want a bigger one. It would mean more cleaning.. and that is not fun.

8. I haven't worked in two weeks and it feels weird.

9. I can crochet. I know a few stitches but I have only made scraves and blankets. I want to teach myself more.

10. I like inappropriate Christmas jokes.. like this one..
Why doesn't Santa have any children ?
Because he only comes once a year, and when he does, it's down the chimney.

And now.. It's time to play tag! You're it!
1. Kristina P
2. Jaime
3. Jam
4. The Heckathorns
5. Raina
6. Sass
7. Keli

This is why I shouldn't clean!

I was cleaning out some old boxes in the basement and came aross a cd of old photos from years ago when Ros was still a little one. Oh man, bad idea. I got all weepy.. I miss having a baby!! (hubby... if you are reading this.. turn away from the screen). I want another baby!! I am hoping this mania will pass.. but look at what a cute kid hubby and I made... and before you ask, yes, she was a big baby. 9.9 pounds of big baby.

My head hurts!

Ouch! I have been having headaches on the left, back side of my head, where my head meets my neck. When I turn my head to the left, it hurts worse. Anyone ever had anything like that? It really hurts! Sound like muscle strain? maybe I slept weird? I don't know. I went and got a new pillow yesterday and it felt a little better this morning, but progresssivly got worse all day.

Those of you who know me, know that I have a serious medical phobia(another post in itself), so I won't be headed to the doc just yet! I'll give a while and see if its muscle strain or hormonal.

Would You Rather Wednesday.......

Here goes.. answer my two questions and maybe post one of your own......

Would you rather..

know it all or have it all?


Would you rather...

be without your cell phone or internet access?

Bonus, immature, gross-out question...
would you rather...

Sneeze popcorn
or
poop confetti?

awwww.. God.. I am giggling at that one. I swear I have never matured past a twelve year old's sense of humor.

wordless wednesday / photo wednesday

Ros (blue dress) and her friend at Dutch Wonderland this summer

Suprisingly Accurate..

Your Elf Name Is...

Spicy Mc Flurry

What's Your Elf Name?

* stolen from Elaine @ Matters of the Heart

Honestly....

Stolen from Babbling Brooks
You have to list 10 honest things about yourself. Then tag others to do the same!

1. I have a wicked crush on Jack Black.. I know, sad.
2. My daughters Girl Scout troops needs another leader, and I don't want to do it.
3. I gossip with my husband way too much. I try not to gossip with girlfriends, because feelings get hurt. But hubby and I can gossip like some old ladies at a church social.
4. My kid is superior to all other kids.. deal with it.
5. I got my eyebrows waxed this weekend.. why is that a big deal? because I don't like people in my "personal space". But those bushes needed some help! No more tweezers, baby!
6. I bought new glasses this weekend.. very cute.. cats eye style. Hell, if you're gonna wear nerd goggles, they better be cool.
7. My husband is my best friend. I have some fantastic girlfriends, we're like the Golden Girls.. very supportive, silly and love each other. But Hubby is still number one
8. I spoil my pug more than I spoil our Airedale. He's so little and cute and she brings me dead squirrels.
9. My friend just called to tell me she is going to burger king with her kids and I am tagging along, childless. Is that sad? I want a whopper dammit!
10. I love the show Ghost Hunters.

there ya go.. random enough for ya?
Now, all my lovely readers, consider yourself tagged! have at it!

Christmas Song of the Day! - Oi to the World - No Doubt

A great remake of the Vandals song.. love this song!


if you want the lyrics go here

Tempt my Tummy - Cheeseburger Soup!

Cheeseburger Soup

INGREDIENTS (Nutrition)
1/2 pound ground beef
3/4 cup chopped onion
3/4 cup shredded carrots
3/4 cup chopped celery
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried parsley
4 tablespoons butter
3 cups chicken broth
4 cups cubed potatoes
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups cubed Cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups milk
1/4 cup sour cream


DIRECTIONS
In a large pot, melt 1 tablespoon butter or margarine over medium heat: cook and stir vegetables and beef , until beef is brown.
Stir in basil and parsley. Add broth and potatoes. Bring to a boil, then simmer until potatoes are tender, about 10-12 minutes.
Melt the remainder of butter and stir in flour. Add the milk, stirring until smooth.
Gradually add milk mixture to the soup, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to simmer. Stir in cheese. When cheese is melted, add sour cream and heat through. Do not boil.
ITS EVEN BETTER IF YOU COOK UP SOME BACON WITH THE MEAT.. THEN IT'S BACON CHEESEBURGER SOUP! NUMMY!!

What? Another one??

Oh Abby, seriously, you're makin' me blush.


The rules for this award are:
1. Put the logo on your blog
2. Add a link to the person who awarded you
3. Nominate 10 other blogs
4. Add links to those blogs on yours
5. Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs

My nominations are:
1. tollesons4him - nice to meet ya!
2. Tammy
3. Divine Chaos
4. Mrs. Bliss
5. Merrie
6. Noobmommy
7. Jamey
8. April
9. Huntinandlvin
10. Jen
Ok, now, grab you're blog award and spread the love!

I've been awarded!!

Thank you Abby! You are awesome!!

Here are some rules:
1. The winner can put the logo in his/her blog
2. Link the person you receive the award from
3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs
4. Put links of those blogs on yours
5. Leave a message on the blogs of the persons you nominated

My nominations for this one are:
1. Sabrae
2. Babbling Brooks
3. Amy
4. Mamma Joss
5. Tena
6. Deb - hope you're feelin' better, girl!
7. Kat

Check out these blogs.. cause they're awesome, that's why!

#8 Testimony - Anita Shreve

I just finished this one this afternoon and all I can say it.. wow. I loved it. Anita Shreve is the master of "real life drama." Her books are always so well written and so touching. If you have not read any of her work, please, stop what you are doing and go to the bookstore now. You will not regret it.

Testimony takes place in a sleepy little town in Vermont, home to a prestigious private school. When a sex scandal involving 5 students erupts, the entire town is in shock. To be honest, the most shocking part of the book is not the sex tape fiasco, but the events leading up to. You can watch the whole disaster take shape, like dominos crashing into each other, each seemingly small event causing a bigger one.

One thing I love about Anita Shreve is her ability to juggle different narratives. Testimony is well, a testimony to that fact. In this book, she takes you into the mind of each main character as well as others, like the lunch lady, the newspaper reporter and the police cheif. Those voices really provide a fresh look at the story.

So, all in all, I loved it! You should read it.. or maybe give it to a book lover for christmas? It's relatively new, so they may not have read it yet!

#7 Breaking Dawn

Because I am anal, I have to list all the books I read... so this was number 7 since starting this blog. Again, I won't go into detail, because I know some of you are still reading this series. But I will say, "wooo hoo... IT finally happened!" For those of you who have read the book, I am talking about what happens in the beginning.. and at the end. (hmm.. very mysterious, aren't I?)

I saw it...

Last night Hubby and I went to see Twilight. I'm gonna get beat up for this, but.... I didn't like it that much. I should know better than to go see a movie version of a book that I loved. They never look the way I imagined them in my head. I like the choice of Robert Pattison for Edward.. but something just wasn't right. The Jasper character was just plain weird. Oddly enough, Bella was just like I imagined!

I don't know why I didn't like it, I just didn't. Does that make sense? I wish they would have shown more of Edward and Bella's relationship, instead of just drawn out "staring" scenes. It was creepy.

So, go ahead.. yell at me. I love the Twilight books, but the movie.. not so much.

manic monday

It's "Cyber Monday" today, the ceremonial kick-off of the holiday online shopping season in the United States. Do you do much online shopping, holiday or otherwise?

Are you a Mac or a PC user? Why?
PC USER... JUST BECAUSE IT'S WHAT I HAVE.


What website do you spend more time on than you care to admit?
PEREZ HILTON... I HATE THAT I EVEN CARE ABOUT THAT STUFF!