penny pickles art

Why Penny wants a sister...

2010-02-08T00:00:00.000-05:00

Penny would love a sister. I feel for her - I've always wondered what it would have been like to have one. Since this can no longer happen in our household, Penny is out of luck. So she has decided that Cyd is her sister, even though he's a boy, but that seems to matter little to Penny. He is warm, he listens, he follows her around and tolerates being dressed up and decorated. Doesn't that sum up a younger sister? Penny thinks so, as do I.

I have to say there are moments when Cyd drives me crazy, like when he needs to be groomed and drops yet another black cotton ball on my floor after a behind-the-ear-scratch. Or when someone comes to the door and he barrels through the house to run up and jump on them, or the way he skids out on my hardwoods making them resemble a shell of their former selves. Yes, Cyd drives me crazy, he's an attention whore and sneaks naps on the couch when I'm not looking, but honestly I wouldn't trade him for anything. He's a phenomenal dog and here's why:

He loves everyone. He tolerates Penny laying on him, putting bells, bows and necklaces on him daily, Drew covers him with blankets and stuffed animals and sometimes he becomes a hairy planet where lego ships land. And he takes it. all. in stride. For a dog who's first year and a half of life is sketchy at best, he is the most phenomenal pet I could have every asked for.

Penny takes him on daily walks around the house, leading him up and down the stairs, into closets, her room, you name it, he's been taken there. He gets locked in her room, and comes out looking like a bedazzler puked on him. He doesn't whimper or whine or even try to take it off - he just acts like it's no big deal and knows eventually someone will remove the swagger from his fur.

If you look closely you'll see that Cyd is sporting a sweet gold necklace, last week it was a red ribbon with a bell, the week before that it was a pink hair scrunchy on his tail. He's worn crowns, bracelets and been fed tea in a cup, with a spoon - he hasn't explained to Penny the whole awkward opposable thumb thing.

Penny also loves to love on Cyd. He cut his foot earlier this week and it made for a bloody mess all over the house (thank you hardwood floors) it was concentrated in Penny's room and on her bed - ugh. I got him to stop running around and played vet and cleaned and bandaged his cut. He's a good boy and sat still, but I think Penny kissing his nose saying, "it's okay baby, it's okay" was probably helping - I mean his tail was going a mile a minute - he really loves attention. I am happy to report he's a-okay - and nurse Penny had a lot to do with that, I think.

I had to take a minute to honor my fourth child because last night when he came into the kitchen wearing his necklace Ryan and I had to laugh, then take his picture and then remove the necklace. We're true parents: chuckle, document, resolve issue- I like to think it's just seasoned parenting is all.

So thank you Cyd for being such a wonderful, tolerant dog. I am pretty sure he can't read, but he's Border Collie/German Shepard mix - two of the smartest breeds on the planet. Sometimes I think he's on the lower end of the gene pool, but honestly between you and me and the fencepost - I think it's an act and that he's a lot smarter than he lets on. I think being conveniently stupid works for him and that my friends is a pretty damn smart dog!

Little Ballerina Penny

2010-02-04T10:30:00.000-05:00

It was only a matter of time, before we starting dancing.

If you know Penny you know that she basically twirls through life.

We decided that a ballet class at the park would be a good start to ease us into this new world.

But as Leslie said - who are you kidding, this is only the beginning, there is not going to be "trying" ballet for Penny. We have a long road ahead of us that includes, slippers, leotards, tutu's and more.

Honestly I couldn't be happier. I actually cried today when she put on her ensemble. I love having a daughter, I do. I thought about my mom and how she would have just, well cried when she saw how adorable and perfect Penny looked in her ballet gear. Not to be too sentimental, so I'll tell you a little story - so while Penny and I were shopping for this little ensemble, she went behind the counter into the glass case and pulled out the bow you see above. She handed it to me and said, "I need this." Not I want, not can I, I need this. Boy, we are IN TROUBLE. But she it does finish the look perfectly.

Thanks!

Super Simple Month indeed!

2010-02-03T12:42:00.004-05:00

Even though I blog - I don't have a huge blogroll of other blogs that I read. I mean I have my friends and a few more "famous" blogs - but generally I lose interest after awhile and I delete the RSS feed. See even though I blog - I'm not a huge BLOGGER. There is one that I generally enjoy - I know you are going to be shocked by this one - Unclutterer. Ha! My girlfriend Shannon, recommended it to me eons ago and I subscribed and I enjoy most of their posts and even keep some of them archived. Today, one came across my inbox - Setting Limits with Super Simple Month. A-ha - right up my alley. If you aren't involved in my day to day, I realize that I am very committed - not be confused with needing to be committed. I'm not going to bore you with the details, but my commitments seem to have tripled overnight and I'm not exactly sure how it all happened. What I do know is that I am finding myself wishing the next few months away and dreaming of warmth, summer, and commitment free days. I'm not a day-wisher-away, but unfortunately that's where I am finding myself.

So back to my simple month. While I can't control all of the obligations I have, I can control what I do with my remaining minutes of each day. So I'm trying to tie up my outstanding projects, I finished a little sundress for Penny (pictures to follow) and our taxes (come on refund!). Ryan has a lot of side work this month - which is great, but that means a lot of single mom nights. It isn't so bad really - we have our routine and I'm more likely to get things done in the evening, workout and go to bed at a decent hour because I'm not soaking up the few hours Ryan and I get together each day. It really isn't as pitiful as it sounds. Really. My goal is to get into March - with a little less hanging over my head, and then April and then May -that way when my summer happens, I can enjoy it. Fully.

As I mentioned in previous posts I am trying to be a bit more fiscally conservative - it's a good thing I've wrapped my hands around that goal because we just found out that Ryan and the rest of his office are receiving a pay decrease as a proactive measure to avoid lay offs. I hesitated to mention it, I'm not embarrassed, but I also am not one to air personal laundry. That being said, I don't want people to think I'm flaking out if I'm not jumping on the dining out bandwagon or taking classes or whatever. While it is of course upsetting, I am grateful Ryan has a job. We've faced the alternative, and it sucks, but more so than a pay decrease. Ryan is upset of course, but it makes sense given the economic climate and we give kuddos to his boss for figuring out exactly what they need to do to weather the storm. Things are looking up and the economy will revive and this too shall pass. That being said, obviously my quest to make better choices is even more important and Ryan is doing side jobs to help pick up the slack and pad the savings. I mean you just never know right? So there you have it. Good times, no?

We've had a bit of a talk with our children, who like most children suffer from a bad case of the gimme's from time to time. We've watered it down of course, but beyond our upcoming birthdays and spring break, we're on penny patrol. Like I've said in the past, I'm not a fan of hiding things from my kids (exceptions include: Santa, Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy (not the Rock version)). It is amazing how receptive they are and Jon especially is beginning to understand that valuing your money is important and that the ATM machine is not a magic place that you stick your card and poof! out comes money. Ha - we might still create three upstanding, capable adults! I think the whole thing is good for us as a family - I mean what's cheaper than fun at home together?

Thanks!

Just some stuff

2010-02-01T08:38:00.004-05:00

This past weekend I headed to Ohio to go to IKEA to shop for some furniture for a classroom in our school. We applied for a grant through Lowe's the beginning of this school year and we won! It had been years since I had written a grant, so I was thoroughly surprised. But we won and now we get to stock the room. It was a fun trip because a. I could decorate a space and b. it wasn't my space or my money. I was accompanied by my partner in crime Mandy who has been working on this grant and program and space as hard as anyone. It was a fun trip, especially since Mandy was an IKEA virgin. She fared better than I ever did my first time. As I explained to her I was in tears by the second floor and I think Ryan was seriously questioning our future together. Fortunately we made it through and now I believe, without question, I am an IKEA expert. I could docent the store really - I know what they carry, generally where it is and where your biggest bang for your buck is. I have always recommended the buddy system - bring someone who's been before to lessen the stress of your first visit. It was actually pretty funny to watch someone for the first time - it was kind of like taking a kid to Toys r' us. I'm thinking of doing field trips for friends that have never been - it was only a two hour drive and when you fold down the seats in the van you can fit a crap load of stuff in there. It was a fun, long day - but I was proud because all I bought was a cup for my bathroom and a lazy susan for my kitchen table. I believe I may have zoomed to 60 years old because I've never seen anyone under 60 have one -but the kids had a blast with the salad dressing last night at dinner. Ranch, nah, (spin) Italian, nah, (spin) Vidalia Onion, nah (spin) you get the point. I don't care as long as they ate their salad and they did. I think it was my cheapest trip to IKEA yet.

I appear to be hot on the list of people to call when you are picking out paint colors - personally I love it and I am flattered to no end. I've had two requests this week and frankly I couldn't think of anything better than picking out colors and flooring and things like that for other peoples spaces. I mean eventually you run out of your own space (and money for that matter) so it's an awesome honor for someone to trust my opinion at all. I am really geeked and can't wait to see what comes of our little paint choosing escapades.

So what is on my agenda this week? Well I got out my sewing projects and will finish one up today - the little black and cherry number for Penny. I'm also thinking about doing something fun for her birthday - a t-shirt or something - we'll see. I have a bit more to do on my painting, but should be done by the end of the week. I also have a few crafts for the kids to do for Valentine's Day, so hopefully the week doesn't get away from us.

Some Random Bits:

Can I tell you the solace I get from this blog - the people on the Indy Star can be so hateful - not necessarily directed to me, but in general. Didn't their mother's teach them if you have nothing nice to say don't say anything at all? I mean, I don't mind a healthy debate, but these people clearly are hateful, negative individuals and frankly I can't handle the negativity. It makes me all sad and sick inside. Ugh - so I appreciate all of you and your interest and your not-hateful-at-all words. I suppose the more public you are, the more people feel they have some entitlement to comment on you and your words. Ah - I feel a thicker skin growing as we speak. I just wanted to pass along a thank you and tell you appreciate all of you!

Okay -I'm off to school to assemble furniture. I hope everyone has a marvelous day and hopefully I'll have some accomplishments to show off this week.

Thanks!

crafts and more...

2010-01-28T08:00:00.003-05:00

I've been feeling the itch - I think it's being cooped up in the house. While I love this time of year, it can be a bit cumbersome getting three kids ready to go out the door. Generally speaking my kids are pretty self-sufficient. Jon and Drew can get themselves bundled up, into the car and strapped in. Penny can get her own coat on and most shoes, but she can't strap herself yet (she's in a booster- don't report me to CPS I know she isn't three yet, but her hot pink booster was just what a girl needed a couple of months ago). So I can't blame them entirely, but it certainly takes a bit longer to pull things together than say, getting myself out the door.

Where am I going with this... okay getting out. So I've also put myself on a spending freeze and running unnecessary errands. We've got some economic goals so I'm trying not to buy what I call piddly-shit items that add up. Being my mother's child, if I am going to be successful at that, it means I hit the grocery and that's about it. Otherwise I can find infinite possibility almost anywhere. Yesterday I took a solo sojourn to Super Target, with the idea that I could also get some groceries - I love Target. I mean it's like Meijer and Walmart, except much cooler. That being said, I don't think I can ever leave their premises without spending $100 and a good portion of that going to the one spot. I think it's been three months since I've been there for that very reason.

I did get a few non-grocery items, but they were birthday and valentine cards, along with valentines for the kids to give out. I treated myself to a new diffuser for my stairwell to the basement and a candle for the kitchen. I also got a new valentine t - (Leslie, it has a super cool squirrel on it!!! I could have died and almost called you immediately!) I also treated myself to two new nail polishes - which is fairly scandalous because I almost never buy cosmetics, but I liked them and I wanted them, so I bought them. See my problem?

Anyway - so since I've been trying to not shop (online shopping makes this a challenge) and go out and as a result I'm getting a bit stir crazy. I'm not like some of my friends that need to leave the house everyday - I can go days without leaving and be fine with that -as long as I'm busy. That being said while I may not have Albert Einstein's intelligence, the inside of my head feels like the way he looked. Crazy. Two nights ago I had to get up twice in the middle of the night because I came up with six different quirky sayings you could print on onesies for baby boys and girls. Ridiculous!

I also ironed this week, which if you ask my husband, never happens. I rely on the dry cleaning gods to take care of his many shirts. But trying to be a bit more conservative, I thought I'd give it a whirl. I've done it in the past, but I don't like to iron so it is painful for me. I can't say this habit is going to stay, but for this week, we're set.

I mistakenly clicked on a link from a friends (Betsy) facebook post and found an amazingly creative lady - so this week we promptly worked on this craft and it is happily hanging in my kitchen window. I ruined my pampered chef cheese grater - but I never used it anyway - so now it has a crafty purpose and I see grandparent gifts in the future.

I have a chair in the basement that needs to be refinished and recovered, I just need to get some foam and tear into it, I can't wait until it's done, I love the fabric for it and I've been waiting (not sure why) for about three years now and I've decided it's finally time.

I also have two different fabrics that I've been holding onto in my craft closet to make things for Penny. She's in an "all things twirly" phase. If she can twirl and the skirt flies out - then its a go. She put a perfectly adorable tunic on and leggings earlier this week and twirled after we popped the top on and she looked at me with her little hands on her little hips and said, "I no like this!" and promptly pulled it off and tried to go in the dirty laundry to pull out her hand-me-down hanna anderson from Merdi (thanks again Les!). We found a clean and a little bit too big sample dress I bought from Matilda Jane two years ago and it twirled just perfect, so for the day we were in the clear. We'll be staying in our pajamas more now until I can get these twirly skirts done. I'm thinking I may need to splurge on one of those ridiculous tule skirts because I'm guessing it would become a prize possession in a small girls wardrobe.

a girl needs to move (modeling a pp2 dress)

I am working on a painting for a previous client, but it is an emotional piece and I work on it, step back and take a night off - so that I can really get it right. I'm excited for when it is finished because I think it is going to be beautiful, but it is hard to not get caught up into why I am painting it in the first place and that it breaks my heart.

Finally I am feeling the house/decorate/purge/building itch. I see Ryan's eyes glaze over when I talk about painting the kitchen, getting new windows, adding a skylight and finishing the workout room. Not that he doesn't want to do those things, but it means more work for him, more money and I suppose my psychotic squirrel-like-flitting from project to project is probably a bit overwhelming. I promise once I can open my windows again, fresh oxygen will rejuvenate my brain, that or our spring break trip to Florida in April. One or the other will help, I hope.

So see today is much lighter and I've only had one cup of coffee so far - I guess I better sign off and get going on all my projects - before I lose my steam.

Thanks!

time heals, sort of

2010-01-27T08:43:00.002-05:00

I don't intend this post to be a woe is me depressing sort. If you know me, that isn't my style - or at least I don't try to be! It is hard though when discussing loss and pain to not sound miserable so bear with me!

Today marks the 2nd anniversary of my mom's passing. It is hard for me not to think about the days events, how they went down, what mom was like, etc. When I think of all that, I am grateful for two years - time doesn't heal necessarily, but the raw edges smooth out a bit and the details get a bit fuzzier in some areas.

I miss mom for a number of reasons. First off, I miss her because she and I could have a bitch session like no other. I could trust her implicitly and know that if I needed to get something off my chest, she wouldn't try to fix it, she wouldn't pass judgement and with her years older experience had some clarity or comparison to offer. Secondly I miss shopping with her -mom could shop with the best of them and had exquisite taste - she spoiled me, my kids, my family and friends. She had such a giving heart - to a fault almost. If I had to choose a final one it would be I miss her for my kids. Jon has a memory of an elephant, he remembers details of things he did with mom when he was two. He is so much like her, in so many ways that it's like having a little boy version of her around. They were truly kindred spirits, and for that I am grateful because her legacy lives on vividly in him. Drew remembers things as well, although his time with her was much shorter. That being said my mom adored her Drewski - they had a bond, an understanding. Where Jon and her were outwordly similar, Drew and her share different connections, habits. I do wish she were here to have time with Drew as a little boy and not a toddler, I think they'd be great friends. Finally my pickles, this one in particular is the hardest for me. My mom adored dolls, dresses and although she wasn't a particularly girlie girl, she loved girly things. My daughter can wrestle with the best of them, but her love for her dolls, twirly dresses and pink is borders on the ridiculous. I know that mom would have taken great delight in seeing her granddaughter twirl and sing and push her pink stroller around with yet another naked baby in it. I also know my mother would be in debt up to her ears because of all the adorable things that are offered to clothe a girl. Not to mention the knee deep toys we'd have at this point. I am grateful that mom and Penny shared 11 months together, but for me I truly wish there had been more.

So today is another day, a small milestone. It's not a day I celebrate, but I certainly don't hole up in the house in the fetal position crying. I do what I do best and it's holding my kids and my wonderful husband close, enjoying them and soaking in all my blessings. I met up with an old friend this past weekend, we hadn't seen each other in about 14 years. It was wonderful and it seemed like little time had passed. We are the same girls, just older and it was a wonderful visit. She lost her mom when we were in college - she was 18 or 19 at the time. When I think about her loss, I can empathize with her pain, but I realize I was blessed with more time and for that I am eternally grateful, but equally as heartbroken for her. We all lose at some point, and when you love someone it is always too early and you never had enough time.

Thanks!

08-08-08?

2010-01-22T17:40:00.008-05:00

I was contacted by one of Ryan's co-workers, Courtney. Courtney is a delightful group, who recently got married and spends her "free"time in a Christian singing group. ( I quote that because I believe she spends most of her time that isn't in the office singing) Courtney asked if I could do a painting to memorialize their wedding date, colors and flowers. I was happy to oblige and created the following little 8 x 8 gem:

Her flowers with light green hydrangea's with dark purple, white and tangerine iris', her girls wore tangerine dresses and it was the perfect color combo for a summer wedding. Sometimes I wish I could get married again, if for no other reason to plan out another wedding. Curious why I put a question mark in my title? Well I'll tell you, I'm 2/2 so far this year - Courtney sent me an email with the specifics and details - which included the date. I sent the painting and packaging to work with Ryan to give to Courtney - she loved it, but well, uh, the date was wrong. She got married on 08-08-09. I called Ryan towards the end of the day, because I hadn't heard from him and I was concerned she was displeased. So he answered and told me the problem - I freaked, I could have sworn she told me 08-08-08. Good thing I'm an organized gal - I located the email and I was right - she sent me the wrong date. I find this hilarious for two reasons first - this is my second painting this year that I had to modify the date and second she got married less than six months ago - it just made me chuckle. So Ryan brought it home, I fixed it up and it now displays the appropriate date. It was really no problem to fix it at all - you'd be surprised how easy you can make corrections. In any event - thank you Courtney - I really enjoyed doing you little painting - I wish you love and happiness in all the days of your marriage!

Fortunately my next painting does not include a date - so at least I have that going for me! Thanks!

I've done something right

2010-01-22T10:28:00.001-05:00

Okay - so I've been watching, as most of you have, the devastation in Haiti. The whole situation breaks my heart, but when they show the children, well, I don't think I've cried this much since my mother's death or when I was in my third trimester of pregnancy. Watching a mother finding out that her eight year old has to have her lower leg amputated, falling apart, then the child crying because the mom is crying, it killed me and it haunts me as a parent and human. I've thought - could I adopt one of these precious orphans and handle another child? What I wouldn't give to be able to give a consoling hug. So instead I do what I can right now, I grab my kids and squish them until they say, "enough!" Now that we have the TV in the kitchen, I've found myself watching more news throughout the day. So while preparing dinner, I had NBC on and Jon was at the kitchen. I screen some things from my children, but I'm a bit of realist and try not to hide too much. Of course there was a segment about Haiti and donating. Jon, who really has a heart of gold, tells me - "mom we need to donate, do you see those people they don't have food or water or even a house." I agree and tell him we'll do it after dinner.

We're kind of suckers in this house for donations - it's kind of embarrassing when I fill out our taxes at the end of the year. Not because of the amount because I wish we could do more and never think we do enough, but we run the gamut from cancer societies, Indiana police funds, Best Friends, Salvation Army - you name it we donate to it. I can't say no, once in a while, but not usually. At Christmas time we adopt a family at our school and buy presents for them - I bring the kids along to help so they understand what exactly we're doing. I also have them donate to the red buckets - which is an immediate, visual, tangible type of donation.

So today, Jon said, "Mom, we haven't donated! We need to do it now." So we did and I asked him how much we should donate and he came up with a reasonable amount and we donated. And he was happy. He said, "see now they can have water and food." And that was that. I know it isn't as simple as all that, but I am comforted that my son of 7 and 3/4 years old found such an urgency and sense of satisfaction in giving. In this moment, I think I might be doing this mom thing right.

If you haven't donated and think you might like to here are some opportunities:

WZPL & Hoosiers Helping Haitians

Salvation Army

Save the Children

Embrace your children, be grateful for your life and everything that is in it, it can change in an instant. Thanks!

"i don't do fish"

2010-01-21T09:37:00.003-05:00

I'm always looking for new things to cook, new ways to get healthy choices into my little ones (and husband's) tummy. Sometimes it's easy and they surprise me. Sometimes it's a total flub and it makes me recall the time my mom (I was probably 10) slaved over the stove for hours to make beef stroganoff from scratch. She was so proud and she put the serving bowl on the table and in unison, my dad, myself and my brother all turned our noses up and said, "we aren't eating THAT!" She was devastated and we were floored that she would serve us something so gross. Since that time I LOVE beef stroganoff, too bad it if not prepared properly it is terrible for you - but I will never forget the phone call I made to her about five years ago and said hey mom, "I'm making beef stroganoff, can I substitute this instead of that?" Fortunately my mom was never a grudge holder, so she helped me out- had it been me, I probably would have hung up on myself for having the audacity to call at all, even if it had been nearly 20 years. (I'm Italian after all)

Sometimes I am surprised and hit the ball out of the park - like with my girlfriend Jill's vegan minestrone soup recipe - it has squash, onions, leeks, all sorts of garden goodies. I wasn't sure if the kids would eat it, but my kids are big soup eaters so they downed it. I think I may have mentioned that they love my meatloaf, where I get pureed veggies and ground turkey together and make a healthier alternative to the 1950's version. Last night we had turkey sloppy joes with finely diced yellow peppers and onions and instead of ketchup we just used tomato paste, water and a bit of brown sugar and for a salty alternative we added some cumin - which gave it a mexican spin - which I am happy to say I prefer now as do my kids. It was yummy. My kids also like those little canned white potatoes - we just slice them, cook them in a little olive oil and then I sprinkle course sea salt and lots of pepper over the top ( my kids LOVE pepper - which is good, but weird - I wonder if they're deficient in something?). The kids eat them like they're never going to see them again- which is awesome, but I'd like some leftovers for dad's lunch!

So this week - we cracked into the wonderful Christmas present we got from one of our old neighbors. They sent steaks, fish, chicken, etc. through Omaha Steaks. We had the crab stuffed sole -which I am sure was terrible for me -but it was fantastic and I turned a blind eye to the fat and calorie content. I decided to make fish sticks for the kids and we had double baked potatoes. The potatoes went off without a hitch, but once I placed the platter of fish sticks on the table Drew's comment was, "um mom, I don't do fish." Now this is a blatant lie because he's eaten salmon and mahi mahi - but this is coming from the kid that calls most meat "chicken" regardless of whether it's beef, chicken or pork. I laughed and made him have one. We always have to have a "no thank you" portion. Ah well you can't win them all. We'll keep trying. I'd love to hear your family fav's - I'm always trying to add to my repertoire!

Jon eating an onion, this kid LOVES onions, grilled, raw, white, yellow or red, he loves them - it's gross (but don't tell him!)

Penny lives on dairy - she will never need to worry about strong bones.

Drew could not be reached for comment.

Thanks!

I should have married a dentist.

2010-01-15T13:44:00.007-05:00

I mean no disrespect to my wonderful husband Ryan, he is remarkable and I wouldn't trade him for anything. He can do a lot of things, but teeth aren't one of them. This was the week of dental visits. It started with my oral surgery on Tuesday morning. To be quite honest I was terribly nervous. I've never been put under and I've never taken anything stronger than Tylenol. I am not a fan of pain, but I am even less a fan of taking medicine. I do what I need to do, but I suppose I am a bit of a naturalist. Your body does what it needs to do for damage control - so I just wasn't sure what to expect when it came to teeth removal. Let me give you a bit a background. I am tremendously vain about my teeth. I love the fact that they are straight and white and I've had zero orthodontal intervention. I have only one cavity and that was when I was pregnant with Penny, so I chalk it up as a fluke. My dentist for years has gently suggested that I have my wisdom teeth removed. Not because there was a problem, but because there was potential for problems and why wait until then? Well I should say at this point that I am also a don't fix what isn't broken type of gal too. So I waited and waited and then decided this would be the year. I tried to have it done last summer, but we hadn't belonged to our insurance carrier long enough to have surgery, so I had to wait, until now.

I arrived early Tuesday, met the oral surgeon that would be removing all four of my wisdom teeth. He had come highly recommended not only from my dentist, but from our friend Chad who is our children's dentist and our other friend who is an ENT surgeon. I knew this fella would be good - so I wasn't worried. Going under was fairly unremarkable - it stung like the dickens when I first got stuck, but after that, well I don't remember anything. He could have dressed me up like a chicken and paraded me up and down Keystone for all I know, but what I do know is that I am missing four teeth. Fortunately they are the correct teeth - and I am fairly certain I never wore a costume. I know that I went to recovery, I know I came home and I am told that I took medicine and tried to to talk, but since my mouth was completely numb it came out a bit like Dick Clark's New Years Eve cheer the first year after his stroke. (I mean no disrespect - I feel for him, you really think you sound normal, you do) Eventually the numbness wore off of my upper jaw and that my friends is really interested trying to talk with only the upper half of your mouth - slightly more clear, but really not so much. As the day wore on I was back to normal. I've been good since then, tired, really, really tired. I think it has to do with the steady diet of oatmeal and yogurt. I've embarked on bean soup today and some soft bread - but I am paranoid about getting food in my sockets, plus this is a great way to kick start a diet, let me tell you. I think it's also attributed to the fact that I had to pull myself together and take Penny and Jon to the dentist on Wednesday afternoon, but more of that later.

I am looking forward to my Tylenol PM tonight and a good nights sleep to finally shake off this exhaustion that I have been carrying since my dad left on Wednesday when I was put back on active mom duty. I try to keep myself pulled together, but yesterday was an all day pajama day, it just smacked me like a 2 x 4. I was told by a former (just kidding) friend that they hoped I felt better than I looked. I laughed and then took a shower and changed into fresh pajamas, hoping that would help. I asked Ryan and he said, "Babe, when you are tired, really, really tired, you look it. I was nervous to leave you in the morning." Ugh. Not being a fan of the rode hard put away wet look, I am making a conscious effort to maintain my hygiene and appearance. So far so good. I smell good, look as good as I can look and I am wearing "outdoor" clothes. It's a start.

So I have often joked that I would like to get a dentist chair in my house to use as my time out chair. It's weird, my children seem to become paralyzed upon sitting in this type of chair, like it has a sedative effect. I've tested the theory and it isn't the reclined position - they aren't as cooperative at the doctors laying down and it isn't the fact that it moves up and down - we've experienced our fair share of horrible hair cuts. It is the "dentist chair" the one-two punch of recline and up and down. But it's more than that, they crawl in, all of them, at the age of two and sit right down, get their teeth cleaned, rinsed, flossed, polished and fluoride treated. Not a tear, scream, yelp or plea. They just do it. Honest to God when I am feeling down about myself as a mother I wish I could take them to the dentist just to stroke my ego a bit. I'll admit it, I feel good about it, I know I have no control and have done nothing to make them be this way, but I stand there proud with my two year old, as their mouth is wide open taking it like a champ and the nine year old next to us is screaming. Yes, I judge and yes, I am happy it isn't me. Even when Jon has had cavities filled (I think we're on our 5th) he takes it in stride. He hates it, but he loves our dentist and in turn he knows our dentist loves him. He might flinch or drop a tear, but he's never had to be held down or talked off the ledge. The poor fella does everything right, he just gets those damn cavities in between teeth - we're all praying - dentist included- that when his big teeth come in this is just a memory. Fortunately Drew and Penny seem to be a-okay at this point. We shall see. I'm only slightly kidding about getting a dentist chair for my house.

So I sit here, healing, tired and no longer hungry for real food, thankful that it is Friday. I am looking forward to a relaxing weekend - except the part where I sell nachos at the Colts game and can't eat them. I wasn't planning on working the Colts game (Booth 121, Blue Cantina!), but I can't say "No" and well I get paid (in the form of swimming dues) and get to enjoy the excitement of a play off game - I can't complain too much about that. I hope all of you have a wonderful, relaxing and long (for the lucky ones) three day weekend. Take care, thanks and Go Horse!

fun with kids who read

2010-01-10T22:23:00.003-05:00

This weekend Jon had an away swim meet. It was in Crawfordsville, far enough away to make it a day event, not far enough to get a hotel. So we decided as a family that I would take Jon both days so Ryan could do some much needed work around here, as well as spend some time with our other two. Swim meets are awful for younger siblings - their long, hot and boring (unless your kids is swimming). So we don't like to subject them to it very often, because it is painful to entertain them for the five hours as you sit in the overcrowded stands. When you are by yourself with an able-bodied child, it's actually a get away. I just needed two seats, which is way easier to find than five. I could read, I started and finished the book, The Color Purple and best of all, I was able to relax and not worry about entertaining anyone. So needless to say I was happy to be the one doing the driving and the swim meet this weekend.

On our way to Crawfordsville, Jon and I needed to go to the bathroom, so we stopped at a small gas station right outside of town. They had a small unisex bathroom so we went in together. Jon was thinking about doing some business, so I thought I'd come in for back up, plus my mug of coffee kicked in and needed out. So we're standing there, Jon going to the bathroom and me trying not to touch anything and then Jon started to read. I noticed when we came in a dispenser over the toilet and figured it was for pads and tampons. Then he said, "ul-tra th-in" "six different kinds of please-sure" - "mom, what are con-" Okay - as I grabbed him I covered his ears, no, then I covered his eyes and said, "don't you need to poop?" and spun him around and plopped him on the toilet. He said, "no mom, I don't" " mom, what are those things for?"

Well now shit, I don't want to have the condom talk with my 7 year old in the middle of a crappy bathroom in a gas station in Crawfordsville. I mean really, this wasn't even a truck stop. Do they get so many requests or sell out on the racks so much that they needed to install a dispenser? It makes me wonder about Crawfordsville. Ugh, okay here it goes:

Me -" No, Jon those are things for men."

Jon- "do I need them?"

me- "no, they are for big men."

Jon- "so does dad need them?"

me- "no, daddy doesn't need them."

Jon- "why are they selling them here?"

me- "it's like those machines that sell pads or tampons when women need them"

Jon- "so do you need some?"

Me"NO!"

Jon- "so what are con-"

Me- "damn it Jon wash your hands and lets go we're going to be late to the swim meet!"

Jon- "we're going to be late?? well lets go mom!"

And we were done. If there is one thing I can count on is that my son is fairly neurotic so if I tell him we're going to be late or miss something, he will switch gears immediately. Good heavens, seriously if you are driving to Crawfordsville and your child that is of reading age needs to go to the bathroom do NOT, I repeat DO NOT stop at the Circle K on 47. Pee on the road, pee in the bushes, but for the love of all things holy don't go in the bathroom or you too will have to have a version of the condom talk with your child. It isn't something I recommend.

Thanks!

On a lighter note, Jon did great at the swim meet and PR'd in three of his four events and managed to finish the 25 breast stroke without dying. It was a good, good weekend.

the world is her snow cone

2010-01-07T15:06:00.003-05:00

My kids love the snow, all of them. Those first few flakes of the season bring the begging of "pleeaaazzzeee can we go outside." Now if you are parent you realize that generally bundling your child takes longer than the outdoor playing itself. There is no doubt that after 15 minutes they will come running to the door red-cheeked and covered in snow, whining about coming in because their so cold. My children, despite their love of snow, fall victim to this every time - unless I am outside with them. I've made no secret that I love winter, the snow and the cold, I like fall better, but winter is still one of my favorites. So I don't mind so much going out to shovel and play. Today the driveway was covered with at least 3-4 inches of snow - of course it seemed like more, but I am told that's all there was. When we get big snow falls during the day like this, I like to shovel the driveway so Ryan doesn't have to when he comes home. When mom goes out, so does the rest of the house. So I bundled up the kids and we headed outside. On to my point - and you know I have one. Penny has an unnatural love for ice and snow. She prefers cups of chopped ice to an actual cup of water. When the snow started to fall, Penny can't enter the van without grabbing a handful and eating it to our destination. Today we went outside and Penny was as happy as a pig in a pile of you know what. She just walked around with her eyes wide and her hands full of snow. It was too cute not to share, so I will.

Showing her bounty.

I hope everyone is warm and safe and enjoying this beautiful snowfall! Thanks!

Ft. Flipper

2010-01-06T10:00:00.001-05:00

Okay - so the title of this blog probably makes no sense, but it is the theme of my latest painting. Before Christmas, my dearest and oldest friend Jen asked me if I would do a painting for her to give to her brother as a present. I was touched and nervous - Jen is pretty particular and I knew that she had something cooked up in her head and it was going to be no small task to get that out and on to paper. We sat down and we discussed the painting for over an hour, details, location, font, etc. She wanted a vintage resort poster look, her brother loves to fly fish, so that would be our focus for the painting. Her brother's in-laws have a cottage in Maine and that is where he proposed to his fiancee. The final touch was to give this gem a name - apparently Jay's pet name from his wife is "Flipper, " I'm not sure why, it isn't my job to ask - in their home they have a basement or what is fondly referred to as the "man-cave." Jen thought it would be fun to label the painting "Ft. Flipper" since it would go in the basement in his space.

I was excited to do this painting because it made me work with a bit more realism, I used Mt. Battie as my reference (which worked out well because that is where Jay proposed - I love when things work out that way!) and then started looking up fly lines, baskets, the type of trout that would be in a stream in Camden, Maine, etc. I am really pleased with how this turned out and best of all Jen was too. I present to you - Ft. Flipper:

I decided to line the painting with an irregular border and the bottom edge would be a copy of a fly rod and reel. A funny side note, the painting has since been altered. When Jay received this he liked it, but after awhile he had to ask Jen what the significance of 2007 was. She said it was the year you got married and bought your house. He laughed and said, "No, it was 2008." Oops! Well at least I'm just the painter and didn't stand up in the wedding like Jen did! Ha! All is well though and we are now Est. in 2008!

This actual fly basket was in an auction on the Orvis website for $1,500!!!

I learned that Brown Trout frequent the fresh water streams of the Northeast.

Thanks again Jen for trusting me with this project - I had A LOT of fun doing it and creating it with you. I hope Flipper enjoys it for years to come in his man-cave. Thanks again - stay safe and watch out for all that damn snow we're suppose to get tonight. My kids are praying for a two hour delay...

it's the not so little things...

2010-01-04T14:43:00.004-05:00

I am blessed, truly I am. I have a husband who can make my children's and my dreams become realities. We really take for granted how talented he is and capable. The kids had requested a TV on our kitchen, I seconded the motion because I was tired of the kids eating in the toy room and making a crumbly mess. I am really tired of yelling at Jon to finish eating breakfast because he still has to brush his teeth and I can see the bus coming. All of this could be eliminated if we could have a TV complete with cable in our kitchen. Let me preface this by saying that I am not a big TV person. I'm not. If it weren't for our blessed DVR I would never watch TV because I undoubtedly will not be in front of the TV when a show I enjoy is on. Now I can record them, but even so I only watch a couple of shows so even if I had no TV I would survive (I would miss my Joel terribly though). What we have is a large TV in the "TV room" -this is Ryan's entertainment space that he has wanted for eons. We have my old Zenith that my parents bought for me when I graduated college in the kids "Toy room" so that Ryan and I wouldn't be subjected to Cartoon Network or Nickelodeon when a Colts game was on. A TV in the kids room isn't a necessity, but the damn thing won't die and I'm not a fan of throwing a perfectly good albeit beast of a TV away. When my mom passed she left us with her adorable 15" flat screen that she had in her room. It's a cute little deal and has been stowed away in the storage area for later use - the plan was to hang it in the kitchen. All we had to do was get an overpriced mount for the wall and Ryan would work his voodoo - handy man magic and get cable into this part of the house.

Putting the TV in the kitchen was one of those projects that was suppose to get done over the holidays since Ryan took some time off. Being a man of his word, the TV is up and running. Of course there were a few obstacles, like the fact that mom's TV wouldn't fit our new mount or any mount for that matter because it has a permanently attached base that can be attached to a wall, but wouldn't swivel - which is what I needed for the kitchen so I can be inspired by the Food Network or like last nights episode of the Kardashians while making chex mix. What to do, what to do?

So Sunday I hit a mothering wall - after two weeks solid of the kids with no break except for one coffee date with a dear friend for 2 hours, I needed out, in a big way. So I looked at my husband with those eyes and said nothing - this is what he translated my look into - " You want me to call Andrea (our neighbor home from college) to watch the kids so you and I can go to the store and buy a TV for the kitchen right?" This is one of the benefits of sharing a brain when you are married, we can have full conversations without saying anything. He was absolutely correct - he just missed the part where I needed to go to Pier One and buy some faux lemons for my hurricane in the kitchen, but we've only been married 10 years - we'll get there.

So we called and she came and we left and we bought and we came home and I was refreshed. Fortunately for us the stores were still having great deals on TV's. So we brought home a darling little 19" TV for our kitchen and Ryan got the whole thing up and running in less time than it took to go out and buy it. I am spoiled, very, very spoiled to be married to such a handy fella. Needless to say the kids are in love and I have much more company than I did before in the kitchen - which is A-Okay with me. Here are my little darlings getting ready for breakfast this morning (Drew is absent because he was the only one with school and had already been picked up).

Exploring with Dora in the morning

Who's one of the cutest bed head kids around?

Penny really enjoying her adventure with Dora - accompanied by her beloved "lamby" and sitting on "soft" her blanky. It only gets better with a sippy of 2%.

My sincere hope is that this spring I can paint this wretched kitchen and it will be the color of Cumin (see small square painted on wall next to TV and remote) with white trim - we shall see. If I can't renovate, maybe I can at least put a little makeup on the lady and make her presentable. As a side note, my daughter is sitting next to me saying "I so pretty, I so pretty" perhaps I compliment her too much? Ah - I didn't think so! Thanks!

First on the Resolution Agenda: Cleaning Out

2010-01-02T09:40:00.004-05:00

Tired of hearing about me organize and purge? Then don't read on, I'm talking about it again. I got the wonderful opportunity to meet up with a couple of girlfriends after Christmas -part of my "girls" that I often road trip with and do my girl get-aways along side. We met up to eat and then go for a showing of New Moon. (I promise this isn't going to talk at all about New Moon) I remarked that my dad and I stayed up and watched an episode of Hoarders, on A & E and we were horrified by the conditions people would allow themselves to live in. That the majority of these individuals, although they may seem normal to meet them, clearly had mental issues that were causing this destructive and often dangerous behavior. I remarked that while watching, I just couldn't wrap my arms around how you get to the point where you are on a show like hoarders. Watching things like that show and Clean Sweep, make me want to go home and refine my purging and organizing. My girlfriends laughed and said I should create "Hoarders of Indiana" and single handedly organize one person at a time. While that seems pretty awesome- and I am flattered - for right now I'm just purging my kitchen.

I was amazed that within two hours I got it all ship shape - I make no secret that I hate my kitchen, it's ugly, the cabinets are warped, the drawers don't always work and the only redeeming thing in it is my refrigerator and the fact that my stove (not my fav) is new. One day I'll have that new kitchen, with the gleaming counter tops and cork flooring, but until then I deal with my sweet 80's kitchen. Living in this kitchen has been a good exercise I think because it has taught me to live within a small cabinet space. I have condensed my kitchen down to what I actually need and use, verses holding on to utensils, plates and cookware that rarely, if ever sees the light of day.

I also took some time to go through my recipes - I was the recipient of my grandmothers and my mothers recipes. Some I remember, some I couldn't read and some I wouldn't make if I had a gun to my head and a knife to my throat. I cleaned out those and condensed so that they fit in the containers I have. I also found a few of duplicates of my grandmother's favorite recipes in her handwriting -I am sending those to my cousin - who is also a fabulous cook, to have - I think I might frame mine - especially my Yia yia's banana nut bread - she made it every single week. You never left her house with out a loaf of banana nut bread out of the freezer - it was her signature. The recipe I have is so loved and stained, I couldn't possibly banish it to the recipe box - so I will matte it and hang it where I can see it and enjoy it every day.

So yesterday was a refinement of my current possessions - we are getting to a point where we no longer need children's silverware. My kids are capable of using the big people stuff. We are getting close (although not there yet) to not needing the plastic kid dishes or at least all of them. Same thing with cups - we're down to a few sippys for morning milk for Penny, but other than that we can all wield a cup. It makes me happy, but a little sad that we are moving into that next phase. I will say that once those items are no more I will free up yet another part of a cabinet. My goal ultimately is to have open shelves for my plates and cups - the quintessential organized space in my opinion.

Next up is my dining room, there isn't much there, but I need to go through the linens, the napkins, the place mats I don't use, serving pieces, etc. I've hosted a few holidays now, so I know what I use and what I don't. It's won't be a big project because I've done this in the past. But like a well-visit to the Doctor, I'm just doing a check up.

I think that is where most people probably struggle the most. They work so hard to clean out and to organize and then they leave it and live. I mean you're done right? Sure you are, but unfortunately we accumulate "stuff" through out the year - pictures from or of our kids, drawings, bills, paperwork, a gift, a great bargain, a hand-me-down, etc. before you know it you're back where you started - but you're organized, right? Contrary to what you might think, I'm not OCD, I don't follow people around with a dust broom and I don't compulsively give things away for fear of hoarding, but every year once or twice I get the urge to go over what I have and clean out. I figure once my kids are older, this won't happen as frequently because they won't be going through these "phases" - like needing plastic plates and silverware or toys or giving me 10 drawings a day because they love me. At some point I will have pared down to my perfect place and my cleaning out will be an annual spring thing. One of the reasons I really like to do my cleaning out now is that I'm taking Christmas down and cleaning anyway, so why not do a really, really good job? One day this will be it, it makes me excited and a bit bittersweet at the same time.

I've got quite a bit to blog about so stay tuned - I may even talk about more organizing and purging! (Aren't you excited?) I have a painting to post, two more that I am starting and I am getting my large ass in gear and will be hitting the workouts hard. I discovered pictures of myself after I had Jon, when we were renovating our last kitchen. I was disgusted at the difference. Although I need to consider the fact that it was 6 years ago, I've had two more kids, cared and lost mom and had a husband that has had jobs that have taken him away for periods of time - this all just irritates me and I've hit my breaking point. So I will be chronicling that journey as well. We've also switched web hosts, so I'll be redoing my website, recreating my blog through Wordpress and more. So stay tuned - we've got lots going on at the Page household and for Penny Pickles. Thanks again for reading and take care!

New Year, New Me?

2009-12-30T10:13:00.003-05:00

Sure it's cliche to have New Year's resolutions. But I'm a fan of goals and lists, mostly lists, but goals too. I find that if I list them out, they become kind of an obsession and therefore I focus on them. Let me preface by saying that if I don't accomplish all of my goals, I won't consider the year to be unsuccessful - I am lofty, but in the end fairly realistic. Here are some things I have been thinking about and well hopefully accomplish by the end of the year...

Fall in Love with Running again:

I've been running since I had Jon, it ebbs and flows, I hate it, but I love how I feel when I'm done and I am certainly happier with my appearance as a result. I ran a lot last summer, it felt great, but then Ryan started a string of side jobs this fall and my evening runs became few and far between. I'm an evening runner, I love to have dinner and then go out for a run. I'm stiff and cranky in the morning, my runs suck and then I'm exhausted by mid afternoon - so I love running in the evenings. This proves to be harder in the winter, so I am resigned to my treadmill, which I am happy to have, but hate with all my being. So my goal is to get back on the treadmill, as well as don my new outdoor running duds I received from Ryan for Christmas and do a few chilly runs. I am planning to sign up for the Geist Half in May and we'll see beyond that race.

A Sprint Tri:

I've wanted to do a sprint triathlon for a while now - Ryan bought me an awesome new bike for my birthday this year and I am really enjoying it. I didn't know how much I would like bike riding, but with my shiny new road bike, it is easy to enjoy my time out. So between riding and running all I have left is swimming and I am a strong swimmer and know with a bit of time in the pool I'll be fine - it's getting a swimsuit on in front of a crowd that has me a bit concerned - so hopefully with all this running and bike riding, my ass will be a tad smaller before "T" day - there are several sprint tri's in the area this summer, so I'll figure out which will work and go for it.

Continue to Blog:

I've come to enjoy blogging immensely- more than I could have ever imagined. I enjoy doing the Indy Star blog - but I am finding blogging about life is a bit more enjoyable and frankly the negativity of people out there is amazing. I'm not sure in what capacity I'll continue - only time will tell.

Enjoy my Garden more and Expand:

I love to garden, but found it more challenging this year then in years past. This year I am going to expand, yet again, my vegetable garden to the entire side of my house. I am also going to pull out the remaining overgrown bushes around my house (I guess Ryan knows now what he'll doing this spring!) so I can expand my roses, grasses and lilies. I want to spend more time outside, last year I was a bit of a hermit, so my goal is to be out more and do more and include my children to do more so they can develop the love of gardening as well. I am also going to break into composting -so wish me luck!

Truly Clean Out:

If you know me, I am not a hoarder. In fact I was sent into giggles when a couple of girlfriends suggested I become the Indiana version of "Hoarders" like you see on TV. While that could be fun, I am pretty sure I wouldn't be able to handle some of the neurotic tendencies these clients have. But for myself, I am always looking around my home and trying to keep only what I use, as well as not putting emotional associations with things. (Which is hard now that mom is gone - when you've lost someone close it is very easy to slip into the mode of keeping) I know it may seem silly, but when I'm cleaning I try to think about if I lived in India or some other country of the like and all I had was a one room space. What would I need? Certainly I am blessed to not live in that situation, but do I always need everything that I have? This is a constant balance and study and now that it has been almost two years since mom passed I am going to truly reflect on what I have and what is truly sentimental. Also, I am starting to purge the few baby things I've kept. I haven't kept much, but I do have some things for my brother and for any friends that will start there families in the next year or so. I am paring those items down too.

Starting a Career:

So it has always been the plan that after the kids go to school that I would go back to work in some capacity. I have never planned to go to work full time because I think as my children get older it will be as imperative for me to be present as it was when they were young. So a part time gig is in my future. It has always been the plan that I would work so that we could supplement our savings, college savings and retirement. We are blessed that we are still in that circumstance. I have been doing a lot of soul searching and thinking about what I would like to do when I go back to work. Of course I am trained as an Urban Planner, but I am so out of the loop that I don't think I could just jump back in with much success. I also know that I didn't enjoy it much when I DID do it, so I am guessing I would like it less now than I did then. Comprehensive plan charettes and zoning ordinances aren't really my passion. So what the hell do I do? Sure I paint, and I still enjoy that immensely and will keep my online store open. I'm trying think of ways to upgrade and revamp so expect some changes in 2010 - but I want a bit more consistency and with the economy - artwork isn't a necessity. I am hopeful with time and economic recovery that I will paint a bit more, but for now I am enjoying the break. I have be faced with an opportunity that I am doing some thinking and praying about. My yoga studio is offering a training class to become a certified yoga instructor. My instructors are encouraging me to attend. I am strongly considering participating - it will be about 6 months long - 200 hrs. It is a commitment, but I think I actually could be quite good. I love yoga, I love how I feel physically and mentally and emotionally. Yoga was integral in my healing after losing mom, I was able to connect with my pain and my mom. My meditation time allowed me to speak to her, to hear her voice and know I was going to be okay. I see so many benefits for yoga practice beyond the physical that I really love sharing it with the people around me. Upon completion of this training I would be a certified instructor - I would like to tap into one on one instruction in people's homes rather than a studio - but I certainly wouldn't pass up the chance to do studio work either. In the studio, I think I would be happiest doing beginner and children's yoga- just because when you start off it can make or break your experience. I know that my instructor made it so that I wanted to come back and then I evolved with just wanting to do yoga - not just to work with my instructor. I'm still not entirely sure if I will do take this opportunity now or in another year or so - but I'm leaning towards now. Being a stay at home mom with my own schedule has made me a bit of a commit-o-phobe. So I am making peace with losing some of that control and we'll see what happens.

To Strive to be the Best that I am Everyday -for Me, for my Family, for my Friends :

I think developing ones self is an ongoing education. When I die, I don't want people to remember me for a clean house or organized pantry, I want them to remember me as a person you could pop in or call at a moments notice and I would welcome you with open arms. I want my kids to remember me as a mom that kept them in line, was strict, but also soft and nurturing of their individual self. I recognize each of my children have their own distinct personalities - I try to embrace them for who they are - some days it is easier than others. I want my husband and family to know that although I take time for myself, they are the center of my world, that when I do things for myself it's because I want to be the best version of myself for THEM. I want to them to feel loved and cared for and protected.

These are my goals for 2010 - some will be accomplished, some will be attempted, some will be started and ongoing through my entire life, but as the saying goes - "The distance is nothing, it is only the first step that is difficult." Madame Marie du Deffand

I wish for you a happy, healthy 2010. Be safe, be merry and thanks for an awesome year of support and love!

Lying and why Santa can be a bit of a jerk

2009-12-27T16:05:00.003-05:00

I'm a fan of lying to my kids- I am. I know some people who are totally against this practice. To you I say, FOOLS! There is a narrow window in their little lives when I can tell them things and they will rarely question me. Now let me preface all of this, I don't lie about really important stuff. If they do something wrong, I reprimand and explain consequences, when my mom was sick and dying, I explained it in a way they could understand, but I didn't sugarcoat, so when I say I lie, I mean about lighthearted things. Santa, Easter Bunny, St. Nick, the tooth fairy - these are all the fodder of my lies. Recently Jon has been questioning Santa a bit, not really questioning, but telling me about a handful of kids he knows that don't believe. This really took me a back because I really thought we would have more time with no questions. It's unfortunate because these kids he's encountering honestly live harder lives than they should at their age. They don't celebrate Santa, not for religious reasons, but because mom or dad can't be bothered. I saddens me and then it angers me because it steals the magic from us. Jon is a pretty straightforward kid so when he tells me so and so doesn't believe, I say "that's too bad, because when you stop believing Santa stops delivering and mom and dad have to pick up the slack." That seems to suffice for now. I am pretty sure that if this wasn't the last year, next year will be. While I am comfortable lying - even I have my line in the sand. If Jon point blank asked me, I would have to tell him the truth. So I guess I'm not exactly lying, I'm just embellishing and avoiding the truth.

I came up with a new lie this year that seemed to benefit us tremendously. My children are early risers, I am not, so Christmas morning can be excruciating for me. Last year it was 5:30 - which is no easy feat when you go to bed at midnight and then are expected to host, cook and smile all Christmas day. So I decided to tell my children this little gem. Santa may deliver the presents after midnight, but they are still magical and if you get out of bed before 7 a.m. then the presents will disappear. At 6:57, Drew had to go to the bathroom - I hear Jon quietly yell - "No Drew it isn't 7 yet! They'll disappear!!!" [Drew] "Jon, I have to PEE!" We hear Drew run to the bathroom and he was in there for a bit and then we hear Jon - "It's okay Drew, come out now" and they ran to the living room and then back to our room to get us up. GENIUS!

I heard another one - that I plan on using next year, this one is really good - one mom told her kids that the individuals at the end of the registers (like at Target or Kohl's or Walmart) are actually elves and their headsets were connected to the North Pole and they reported bad boys and girls who acted up in line. Apparently this set her kids straight and they were angels on the look out for elves at all of the stores they entered. Once again- GENIUS!

Here's why Santa is a jerk. So when Ryan and I had our first Christmas we decided that we would only get one gift and a few stocking stuffers from Santa. We then would buy a game for the family to play and a couple of books and one toy from us. We didn't want to overdo it for Christmas because eventually we'd like to take family vacations instead of presents and my parents have always picked up the slack. So my children will sit on Santa's lap and tell him the one thing they want and every damn year the fat bastard says "only one toy?" "what else do you like - or how about I get you x. y or z" I suppose these mall Santa's are used to kids that come in with a laundry list of items they want. We don't do that - you ask for one thing - you always get that one thing. It has worked out marvelously for the duration of our family. So this year we saw a very nice, very authentic looking Santa. The kids warmed up to him quickly and they each took turns on his lap. Penny was easy, but pulled a last minute switch (see below). Drew - he kept it general - Harry Potter legos. Then it was Jon's turn, he told Santa he wanted Harry Potter, Chamber of Secrets Lego set - Santa then said, "Is that all? Do you like transformers? How about Optimus Prime?" Jon looked at him and said "Sure" I mean if Santa was offering, you don't want to be rude, right? So on Christmas morning Jon was excited, but had a bit of a puss - so I asked what was wrong. He said that Santa didn't get him an Optimus Prime. I told him that the Santa we saw was probably his cousin (because mall Santa's are either an elf or a cousin) and he's used to greedy kids, so someone who comes in with one thing is unusual -but that we don't need to ask for more than what we need. That seemed to suffice and he purchased a new Optimus with his gift card money from my dad. All is right with the world.

I get particularly frustrated with Santa because this has happened to us two other times now - first when Jon was three he wanted a Buzz Lightyear - then last minute he pulled a quarterback sneak and wanted a "Blue Buzz" which of course was more expensive and I already had the regular Buzz. But when your kid asked for one thing, you kind of need to deliver. Then this year we struggled with what to get Penny, I mean she loves Dora and we have everything Dora and Diego from the boys. She loves puppies, but we've reached our quota of stuffed animals, she loves horses, but ditto on the stuffed version and figures. The only thing we could think of is American Girl stuff - but her birthday is in February and we're planning a trip north the store to celebrate her day (mostly because my mom made me promise I would take her to the store for her third birthday - I can't break that promise). So what to get? We were lucky, one of my closest friends has kids the exact age of my own - only opposite sex - they had an extra Leapster in pink that they didn't use anymore - so she gave it and the backpack to me - all I needed to do is get a few games. Great! We did that and we were good to go and then Penny tells Santa she wants a Mermaid Barbie. Then she starts telling EVERYONE she wants a Mermaid Barbie - so on the 23rd at 10pm I went to Walmart with the rest of the nut jobs and bought a Mermaid Barbie to go with her Leapster. Once again all is right with the world.

I think it was a great Christmas - I know I enjoyed it - I'm pooped from all the prep, but happy because everything seemed to like their gifts, enjoy the time together and embrace the season. It's all over, so much work and thought - there is a definite sense of relief and I am looking forward to the winter season. I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday - take care and thanks!

E! True Noblesville Story: Annie Page (Chipper)

2009-12-22T12:46:00.005-05:00

No really, I am nuts - so if you belong to Facebook you've seen the 5'8" squirrel on my profile picture. Yes, that would be me. Here's the story:

My son goes to Forest Hill, our mascot is "Chipper" the chipmunk. Over the years Chipper has gotten kind of ratty and smelly and well it was hard to get anyone to really WANT to be Chipper - the costume is also a furnace - I mean all that fur zipped up - well it's no wonder polar bears do so well in the cold. So we had a phenomenal fundraiser this fall - raising more funds than we anticipated. So we as a PTO asked the teachers and staff for ideas on how to spend our extra money. One of the suggestions from our Principal was a new Chipper- the kids love Chipper and personally I think he has a thing for him too. So that was one of the suggestions and everyone was on board, except me. Now don't get me wrong - I think it's a fun idea - the kids would love it, but honestly they love ratty Chipper too - so while I have my own passion for squirrels - I did not rally for the new costume. Fast forward to our vote - the costume won - so we ordered it. At this point I need to tell you they are also closing our school in a year and a half and we will no longer be the Forest Hill Chippers - we'll be broken up a bit and my kids will mostly likely be going to Hinkle Creek and be the Cougars (can I tell you how thrilled I am about being a middle aged woman and wearing a "Cougar" shirt?) But that's for another post. So we have a year and half to use the hell out of this costume.

Our principal, Jack, is a riot and he loves to do special things for the kids - so on the last day of school before break he dons a Santa hat and reads T'was the Night Before Christmas to all of the students throughout the day. He had this fantastic idea that our new Chipper should make his grand entrance with a letter from Santa - the only problem was who to put in the costume. I received a reluctant call from our PTO president asking if I had any plans for Friday. Now I did have lunch plans, but other than that, I was free. So my dilemma was do I do the squirrel or be a total bitch and say no. Well as much as I would love to be a total bitch, I couldn't, I mean it's just a costume and I knew I'd have fun. So I said yes, that hell did in fact freeze over and to let Jack know he owed me. Big time.

Fast forward to Friday, I came, I put on the costume and let me tell you - NO ONE over 5'8" can wear this costume - I couldn't sit because my legs would show and Chipper has a bad case of thunder thighs, NO ONE with bigger than a size 9 shoe can wear the shoes because my feet were at the end - apparently people in Guatamala are very small (where it was made). The costume itself is hilarious - my hips were huge (my actual hips look svelt in comparison) and it was still hot as hell- I could have been dropped off at the polar ice cap and done quite well, for days. But then there was the head. This huge, heavy, ridiculous head. I popped it over my own head and ohmyheavenstobetsy, I can't see a damn thing. Nothing, nada, blind as a freaking bat - our mascot might as well have been a giant mole because I had ZERO visibility. The head has two little one inch openings on the two eyes of the chipmunk about 8 inches apart - you do the math - my eyes are not eight inches apart. Which means I spent most of my day staring out of a one inch circle with black mesh over the top. The head was so heavy that in the pictures (that you'll see in a minute) I look defeated, like the alpha squirrel kicked the shit out of me, because my head looks like it's hanging. I was introduced time and time again, walking in and out of the story time - the kids loved it and I will admit to everyone reading this I enjoyed it too - other than the open ended questions Jack would ask me and and then I would think, how the hell do I answer that without talking? "Did you go to the North Pole to visit Santa, Chipper?" "What do you want for Christmas Chipper?" "What do you think about the Senate version of the health care bill?" You get the picture - I would try to shake my head yes, but I feared it would pop off and that would freak a few kids out, no? A Marie Antoinette version Chipper - was not what I had in mind.

I also required a handler to walk me around since I could not see and at first I couldn't walk so well either - by the end of the day I could skip down the hallway -I am sure I was a sight to be seen. My handlers did the best they could, but kids love to hug and high five chipper. I nearly had the air knocked out of me by an overzealous fourth grader who ran head first into my abdomen to give me a hug. I also whacked a kid in the face as I was trying to reach and give another kid a hug. I stepped on one kid and knocked another over with my hips as I was trying to get into the reading pit - graceful Chipper I was not.

My first of two favorite moments of the day was visiting the Kindergarten room - that place was like an militant African minefield - little chairs, desks and kids - I was knocking shit over left and right. I suppose they don't have four foot wide Chipmunks frequenting their space, it was physical comedy at it's best. The next and my personal favorite was when reading time was over - our principal led me down the hall and he had a grip on my arm and was pulling me through a gaggle of kids, the kids were hugging me, grabbing me, giving me high fives - at one point he let go and I thought I would fall or be mobbed - hasn't he heard of leave no solider behind? He then came back for me and grabbed my hand and yanked me through. I knocked over a couple of kids in the process, slammed a few into the walls, and I am confident I personally squished at least six or seven small feet. I couldn't call out "help" or "slow-down" so I was dragged like a cave woman through the hallway, but at least he came back for me.

All in all I had a LOT of fun- if I could see better and the head was more stabilized, I could do so much more. My goal now is to modify how the head meets the suit to enable better movement and to take the pressure off of the wearers neck - I was sore the next day from its weight. The next item on the agenda is to see better -I don't want to look like an ass giving hi-fives to the air. I would wear this suit again (don't tell my principal) - mostly because I love squirrels and definitely because the kids were so much fun to perform for - they loved me! (to be fair they love Chipper, but I was inside so I'll take credit) With that here are pictures from my day as a giant woodland creature...

Pre-head, with my snack and yes that's a bow in my hair, festive, no?

With Annette, who talked me into this.

Chipper with our principal during the "coal test." Don't let Chipper's body language fool you, I'm happy to report that Chipper isn't getting coal for Christmas this year. (Chipper seems to have just have some osteoporosis issues)

I hope everyone has a marvelous holiday - check back, I'll be posting my latest painting, AFTER it's been given to the recipient. Take care and of course - thanks!

Nachos and Gingerbread

2009-12-18T08:00:00.001-05:00

On Sunday I worked the Colts game - Jon is on the swim team and as a parent I can earn money towards his monthly dues by working events at Lucas Oil. Not a bad gig - it's a lot of work and I'm gone all day (8-6), but I get to serve nachos and beer to enthusiastic fans and I get to hear the game and even get to see a player or two if I play my cards right. This week was a great game against the Broncos, but I will admit that after the hulabaloo with the health department they are crazy with regulations - most of which don't really make sense or make things cleaner, just more paperwork and red tape - they must of taken advice from the Feds.... Anyway after the game I get to deliver our laundry (shirts and aprons) in the pit of the basement- the drop off is right across from the press conference rooms and the locker rooms - this week I got to see Clint Session of the Colts and Brandon Marshall of the Broncos - pretty sweet!

Mandy and I at our first nacho serving gig

What the hell is my point - my point is that after a long day of nacho slinging I am pooped, pooped actually doesn't scratch the surface I am exhausted- kudos for people who do this for a living - I'm made of a much weaker stock. So I came home, took a shower so I would stop smelling like a Mexican restaurant and Cyd (our dog) would stop following me around hoping my limbs start to fall off because I smell so good, and plopped down on the couch to watch my DVR'd SNL with Taylor Lautner (not to bad - him as an Edward loving teenage girl was my favorite of the night). As soon as I sat Jon reminded me that we were suppose to build our ginger bread house -yes, yes we were, that was before mommy worked her ample ass off. Thankfully Ryan stepped up as super dad and offered to build the house with the kids -I mean he's an architect - if anyone can build a structurally sound, aesthetically pleasing cookie house it's him right?

Wrong, so very, very wrong.

I would like to say at this moment that it shouldn't reflect poorly on my husband and that he has never, ever had anything he has worked on go quite so wrong. He doesn't often use royal icing for mortar and rarely does he have three, overzealous children chomping at his heels to get his projects finished in record time (maybe lawyers or supervisors, but never kids) Clearly the structural quality of this house isn't what it should be - in my semi-professional gingerbread making experience, we have a clear case of not letting the icing harden enough before adding the roof and then the decorative embellishments. All the same - the kids can't wait to eat the hell out of the house, so whether it is standing or resembles a tornado-hit trailer they'll still enjoy the bounty it provides. I assured Ryan there is always next year - but by the look on his face I'm not so sure he'll be first in line offering his "assistance" in building our edible home.

Take care and Thanks!

Kaden

2009-12-16T14:22:00.000-05:00

So I have been painting, SURPRISE - I wanted to do a little painting for my nephew Kaden, who is about 15 months old. His room is done in navy, dark red and beige and in typical boy fashion: sports. His dad, my brother in law, is the only other sports lover in the family, so I appreciate this about him very, very much. We are few in number so we need to stick together and anything I can do to help Kaden along is fine with me. I decided to do his Christmas painting on an 8 x 8 canvas and modify my sports theme to suit their favorite sports. It allowed me to stretch my painting legs so to speak because I am working on a very large canvas (another Christmas present) that is different from anything I have ever done before - which is terribly scary and fun. So without further ado -Kaden:

Thanks!

The exact opposite of the Charlie Brown tree

2009-12-14T14:01:00.003-05:00

We love to get a big tree at Christmas time- we always have, I've already told you about our ornament legacy that we will leave behind, so in order to support all those ornaments we have to get a big tree. This year it got embarrassing. In the past we'd get a modest 7 footer to fit in our first house. When we moved here, we were geeked at the prospect of getting something bigger. The first year was 9', the next 10', last year we got an 11 footer and this year we got greedy and our eyes were bigger than our living room and we purchased a 12 1/2' tree. It's huge - when we brought it in and stood it up it bend at the top, it was so full it needed to be in the middle of the room in order not to scratch the walls. Hmm, this is a bit bigger than we imagined. So even though our roof peak in our living room is above 14' - we didn't account for the fact that the tree won't be right up against the wall. So what to do? We laughed, my dad, who had come down to visit for the weekend, just sat on the couch saying over and over - wow that is a BIG tree - it was one step above sucking his thumb in the fetal position. I personally was waiting for a squirrel to jump out of the tree National Lampoon's style -but fortunately we were rodent free. Bless Ryan's heart he hacked the back of the tree enough to get it into the corner and then had to whittle down the top for our star to fit on it - I'm not kidding our tree should probably have gone in the White House. The picture doesn't do it justice - you just feel really, really small next to this behemoth of a tree. For sense of scale the picture frame on the wall behind the tree are 22" x 28" ...

The best news is that we got ALL of our ornaments on the tree and NONE had to be relegated to the back. Our ribbon was short and at that point Ryan was short on patience so while I like to have my ribbon lay nicely with gaps and such, ours currently looks a bit mummy like because Ryan pulled it to work and that's with TWO different types of ribbon - we had a third, but as my mom would say - it would look too poleneshika (or Greek for "polish" sorry all my polish friends...) All in all though - it turned out well - and I am happy to enjoy it's amazing pine smell, which is strong since it's so damn big. But most of all I enjoy looking at all of the ornaments, the ones past and present. Ryan got one for me last year that by far is my favorite on the whole tree- it was in memory of mom and it kind of sums it all up.

Every life leaves something beautiful behind.

Thanks!

A Strong Mans

2009-12-11T06:27:00.000-05:00

So after dropping Jon off at movie night last week, Drew, like all my kids asked what the weekend agenda was. My kids are predisposed to planning things out because I generally run through our itinerary everyday so there are no surprises. I do this for two reasons - first because I was raised this way and well old habits die hard and second because if I repeat it enough maybe I'll remember exactly what we're doing and when we're doing it. I realize now why my parents did and do what they do - having kids is like the fast track to early onset dementia. So back to our itinerary - I tell Drew that Saturday morning he, Jon and Penny are going with Daddy to pick up our Christmas tree. As you will read we get a big one so we have to get a pre-cut - it kind of kills the going out and cutting it yourself experience, there just aren't any local farms with 12-14 ft trees around here. I digress - so Drew informs me that he is going to help daddy with the tree. You know help carry it because he is strong. "I'm strawng mommy, I'll help daddy. I'm strawng, right mommy?" Yes Drew you are strong. "It's because I'm a man. I'm a man mommy. I'm a man and Jon and Penny aren't mans. Right mommy?" Right Drew, Jon and Penny aren't mans.

Drew manning the fire while our "hobo dinners" cooked.

I find this discussion so funny because my poor Drew is always mistaken for being older than he really is. He's my Great Dane puppy - if I had a dollar for every time someone said, "he isn't in Kindergarten yet? I figured he might be in first grade!" Poor fella - one day being older looking will work well for him - like when he's 18 and in college. For right now, he's my baby trapped in a big kids body - but thank goodness he's strong and a man to boot!

Thanks!

the dark forces

2009-12-09T08:36:00.000-05:00

So in August I decided to take Jon with me to shop for some back to school clothes. He is getting to the age where he has a bit of an opinion and although he isn't a fan of shopping, if I get into a kids clothing store and let him loose he actually seems to enjoy himself and does a really good job of picking out some great outfits. We are embarking on that new territory where other kids make fun of you if they don't like your clothes. This frankly sucks and as an adult I find that 99% of these little turds dress terrible and their hygiene is questionable at best. Unfortunately these kids have a "way" about them - they know how to get to your core, they strike when you are vulnerable and you take their word like it was a Bible passage. I know, I've been there, it totally sucks.

If you know Jon he's a bit of a rocker - he likes that edgier style - skulls, motorcycles, skinny jeans, more fitting shirts -that isn't to say he doesn't enjoy loshi-ing in a pair of workout pants and a plain tee - he is the King of Plain Tee's. He has one in almost every color and that's his signature - the lack of embellishments on his apparel. So when we went shopping at Old Navy - he insisted on getting a pair of grey jeans with skulls and cross bones stitched on the pockets and skulls for rivets. They are awesome - really - he loved them too - until one day he learned this word:

GOTH

One morning I picked out some clothes for him to wear - his grey skull jeans and a black t-shirt with a motorcycle on the front and he said, "Mom, why are you trying to dress me Goth?" Say what? What the? Where in the world did you? Huh? So we lightened up the outfit with a plain red t-shirt. Much better. This is what kills me about Jon. He'll be thrilled with a purchase, a vintage Star Wars tee from the Gap for example and one punk will make one comment and BAM it is ostercized to the back of the closet for fear of being in teasing hell at recess.

Ryan has tried to explain to Jon that I dress everyone in this house and that I wouldn't dress us like dorks. That he (ryan) and the kids are my Ken and Kelly dolls and I wouldn't buy or put anything on them that isn't stylish or appropriate. I can't disagree with that logic. It is all very, very true.

We had a little lesson in Goth (which is scary because those weirdos wear chains and spikes and crap like that) we skimmed several pictures trying to find Old Navy grey jeans with skulls embroidered on the pockets. Our findings - amazingly there isn't a big population of 7 and 3/4 year olds in the Goth community. For now our investment is safe, but be aware my little teasing punks- you start messing with my kids head about his Gap clothes and your going to have a little taste of momma on the playground.

you be the judge - is this goth?

or this?

Thanks!

Where's Yia yia?

2009-12-08T08:00:00.001-05:00

So this past weekend on Sunday we celebrated my mom's birthday (today) by having my dad, brother and sister-n-law over for a lunch of all my mom's favorite things (if you remember from last year, it's all "nice" a nice salad, a nice ham, etc.). This year mom would be the big 6 - 0. December and January can be such an emotional roller coaster - joyful because of all that we are blessed with, the season, the charity, Jesus, our family, warm fires, gifts, traditions, you name it there is so much to embrace and enjoy during this time of the year. Every so often though, melancholy sets in and I think of mom not being present for all this joy. Sure I know she's here inside me and my family, but I can't help but sometimes want her HERE sitting next to me sipping on some hot cocoa. Not to be a total drag, so back to lunch. We started doing this meal last year and it's a tradition I hope to continue until I'm not here anymore. I mean I can't exactly "celebrate" someones death, so I prefer to celebrate her life - and what better day than her birthday. I'd like to say we spend the whole time talking about mom, but I think even after two years it's still a bit fresh for us and lets be honest my dad and brother are quintessential men and aren't big ones for "discussing their feelings. " So we do what we do best, laugh and joke and think of some of the ridiculous things mom did, like the time that Dad ordered her a banana cream pie (her favorite) from Baker's Square (formerly Poppin' Fresh and mom never did get over the name change) and they picked it up and it was lemon meringue. Holy shit-fits batman, mom threw a toddler sized tandrum and carried on about how all she wanted was a banana cream pie for her birthday and off they all went to exchange pies. Mom didn't take food lightly.

All last week we kept telling the kids Silly Papa is coming down and he's going to babysit you and then we're going to celebrate Yia yia's birthday. Penny really gets into birthdays - "birfday, at my house?" "a birfday?" I think she thought Yia yia would finally show up. I mean we talk about her all the time, we have pictures of her - but in her little brain I think she thinks - "where is this elusive yia yia?" I confirmed that when she said, "where yia yia?" When I was setting the table on Sunday. It's kind of cute and sad all at once. It is one of the things that breaks my heart the most besides just wanting to talk to her about nothing from time to time. So in honor of my mom, I say Happy Birthday to you - I love you, I miss you and you are never, ever far from our thoughts!

The best part about this picture (other than my mom's killer fro and the adorable 15 month old me that she is holding) is what she wrote on the back: "Christmas 1977, aren't I glamorous." Yes mom, you were!

Thanks!

best mom EVER!

2009-12-07T03:43:00.000-05:00

So I've been informed that I am the best mom ever, EVER, did you hear me, EVER! Why? you might ask or How did you achieve such prestigious status? I can't put my finger on the exact moment, but I think the turning point was our trip to Tennessee over Thanksgiving. We went to the Dixie Stampede and if you've never attended such an event the meal is served to you while the show is going on. Here's the exciting part you eat the whole thing with just your hands. No silverware anywhere, at all, none, nada, zip. Now I'm a fan of chips and dip and cheese and crackers. I can even wield a sandwich, but the majority of my meals include silverware, plastic, real, silver plate, sterling, I'm not picky. So went the server poured my bowl of soup and dropped an entire chicken, albeit a small one, but an entire chicken on to my plate I was concerned not only for myself, but for my kids. Sure they're kids, they're messy and sloppy and like to eat with their hands anyway, right? Well both of my boys turned to me and said, "uh mom, where's the fork and spoon?" I was proud, very proud - hell they might as well have walked across the Harvard stage getting their diploma because I have children that are moderately civilized. So back to why I am mother of the year, for real.

For a long time I have fought the kids having toy guns - I personally don't have a problem with firearms so don't get all second amendment on me. But I want my children to understand that guns are not toys and should not be taken lightly. Not because I am concerned on my own turf, but you never know what someone has under their bed or in their nightstand or you get the point. I wanted my kids to understand that guns are real and you could die from them. So my plan was to make sure they just didn't have any so they wouldn't "play" guns or whatever it is little boys do during their imaginary heists. We had been doing well, they really didn't bug me about it, they had light sabers, so handled lasers that can cauterize your arm off or some other appendage were a okay. In the words of my great friend Leslie, "when he started biting his toast into the shape of a gun, it was a losing battle," I couldn't agree more. So after seeing my angels enjoy the show, eat with their fingers best they could, I didn't feel like I could deny them this one thing, this piece de resistance of boyhood toys. So I bought them each a pretend gun, it's kind of a rifle, but shorter, but not a revolver. Hell I don't know what it is, but I bought it. I imagine the looks on their faces when they turned the corner to see my booty were pretty close to what a 25 year old girl and a Tiffany engagement ring proposal might look like. "Oh my gosh mom, really, really? We can get them? You are getting us guns, we can buy guns???? OHMYGOSHYOUARETHEBESTMOMEVERRRRRRR!!!!!" And that my friends is how you become the best mom ever.

The boys have been really good with their "presents" the rule is you can't shoot someone in the face, you can't hit someone with the gun and please for the love of all things holy don't aim it at any of your sisters baby dolls or stuffed horses or the wrath of God will come down upon you (from Penny) and the guns will be thrown in the trash (by me). So we're all living nicely together so far. Our time together is relatively short, so we shall see, but I am confident that my little hooligan-er angels will follow the rules- because after all I am the best mom ever, which means I make the best rules ever, its that way or the bad boys home (we don't even offer the highway as an option).

Thanks!