AN OPEN LETTER TO THE BASEBALL DUDE ON SECOND BASE

Dear Baseball Dude on Second Base,

Don't think for a minute that I was not watching the baseball game last night. I was. It was MY son who hit the awesome line drive to center field. Yes, the one that your center fielder scooped up and threw to you. The one that you then rocket launched into my sons back. The last time this mama checked the rules of the game, there was no rule that allowed a player to throw the ball AT a player. Yet, that is exactly what you did. My son hit the ball. Actually, he hit the crap out of the ball. He ran to first. As he rounded first base, headed for second...you threw the rocket. Did you forget for a minute that you were playing the game of baseball? Because from where I stood, you looked like you were in "Dodge Ball Mode". Was it really necessary to throw the ball AT him? Do you have any idea the enormity of the bruise you left behind? Huge! Bigger than the state of Texas.

My husband said it was an accident. He said you were just throwing it to the first baseman and our son got caught in the crossfire. He said it happens. Bruises are part of the game.

I say the score was 7-1. Our favor. Accident? I am not buying it.

Sincerely,

The Mama whose son you left a bruise on the size of the state of Texas

(* Please note this was all in fun. I would never harass a child. That is not my style.)

THINGS I HAVE LEARNED THIS WEEK!!!

*No matter how hard you try, it is impossible to attend a baseball game *and* a softball game at the same time, on two different fields, on opposite sides of town.

*Children can survive on concession stand hot dogs and snacks twice in one week.

*They may even ask for it a third time.

*If you plan to go to the gym at night...your husband will work late.

*Or the ballgame will go into extra innings.

*You will not be as motivated to go at 10:00 pm.

*You will also not be as motivated at 6:00 am.

*It may be years before you find the bottom of the clothes hamper.

*Or the bills!

*Your Google reader is overflowing too! Unlike the laundry and bills... You feel a need to get to the bottom of it.

*Blog reading is far more entertaining than laundry and bills.

*You can not over schedule your kids this summer. The more camps and activities you sign them up for, the less likely you are to hear these three little words: "I. am. bored!"

*When your daughter turns nine...you. will. not. believe. it.

*One computer in the house is not enough. Every time you have a great idea for a post... someone is on the computer.

*Writing down your post long hand is more time consuming than typing it.

*It is also a waste of time since you have to type it anyway.

*Driving a suburban is great for transporting a big family.

*It also provides lots of ample space for groceries, bat bags, dance bags and dog kennels.

*Driving a suburban will blow your gas budget.

*You may need to take out a second mortgage car loan to pay for the ridiculous amount of gas needed to drive a suburban.

*Having a neighbor that owns "peony" farms can be very rewarding.

*Your house will have lots of pretty bouquets of flowers and it will smell heavenly.

*Having a sister that is the GM of a minor league baseball team can be very rewarding too.

*It is possible to be just as excited as your child when he is asked to be a "bat boy" for a daytime game.

*It is possible that standing in the hot sun trying to get just the right shot of the "bat boy" can cause your arms to get fried.

*Your mind will also feel fried as you try to take pictures of the "bat boy" in the hot sun while your four-year-old runs wild in the box seats.

*Four-year-old children are great multi-taskers.

*They can flip over the railing, hang over the dugout, drink a Gatorade, and talk to strangers while whining to go play on the playground.

*Whining can induce headaches.

*Silence really is golden.

MY BABY GIRL IS NINE!!!

Nine years ago today my little princess was born.

It seems like just yesterday that we brought her home from the hospital.

She was so tiny.

She was so dainty.

She had beautiful olive skin like her father.

She was perfect.

Until 9:00 pm.

Then the colic episodes began.

They went on most of the night.

Every night.

Chad and I took turns.

I am not sure who was more worn out.

Just when we thought we could not do it another night...it stopped.

After four long months we were able to finally enjoy our little girl.

Enjoy her we did.

She was a quick learner.

It did not take her long to figure out if she could be mobile, she could go places.

She sat up too early.

She crawled too early.

She walked too early.

She was into everything.

Everything needed to be touched and explored.

Everything needed to be pulled out and torn up.

My somewhat together life became chaos.

Colic and Chaos, doesn't every mother dream of that?

As if that was not enough, she talked too early.

In complete sentences.

Without taking a breath.

She still does. (She is her mothers daughter)

We fondly referred to her as our "Claire Bear".

We did.

Until she was in the first grade and wanted a skirt.

She didn't want a dress, or a bow in her hair.

She wanted a top and a skirt and a shoe with a heel.

She got the top and the skirt.

The shoe remained flat.

She sashayed down the hall and proudly announced,

" It's Good bye Baby Claire Bear....Hello Claire!"

So she is...our Claire.

She has a huge personality.

She is growing into it.

She is the most thoughtful girl I know.

She loves deeply.

She oozes creativity.

Her imagination is never-ending.

Her happiness and smile are infectious.

She is growing up to be an amazing young woman.

Happy Birthday Claire!

You will always be my little Claire Bear!

I AM HAPPY AND TOGETHER!

I was reading a recent post on the MCMommy Chronicles.
She took a test here.
I have been a mommy for twelve years and no one has ever told me what my "style" was.
This was information I needed to know.
I took the test.
What do you know?
I have style!
I am happy and I am together!
Who knew?

Your type is "The Happy Together Mother"


“I like it when my children are happy on their own, but i love it when the whole family is happy together.”

The ESFJ mother has a highly developed sense of family and what it takes to be happy in life. Capable and personally invested, she strives to create a happy family where togetherness and harmony flourish. Whether it’s taking her children to the park or putting on a holiday feast, her efforts are directed toward having everyone be “happy together.”

To many, the ESFJ personifies motherhood. She promotes traditional values, tends to the practical and domestic, provides the family with order and structure, and is directly involved with her children’s day-to-day living. The ESFJ mother is a “doer,” and she’s never happier than when she’s “doing” for her family.

Believing the home is central to family life, the ESFJ mother excels at creating an atmosphere that is attractive and offers security. Energetic and people-oriented, she is drawn to community and the social scene. She helps her children discover the joys of people and groups.

That is what the test says anyway.
And tests don't lie.
So...are you a mother?
What is your "style"?
What type are you?

Mexican Memories and Routine Reality

One year ago Chad and I were leaving on a jet plane to Mexico.

Cancun, Mexico

I had many reservations.

Chad had none.
It was to be the busiest week of the year for my children.

We were going to miss a lot of important events for them.

We were leaving them in the care of my parents.

Their wonderful grandparents.

But....

It was going to be a busy week.
One that included baseball games, end of preschool picnics, dress rehearsals, and dance recitals.

A week EXACTLY like this week!

So...instead of letting the anxiety of the week overcome me, I will remember how I spent this week last year...relaxing in Mexico.

Care to join me?

This is the view from my hotel balcony each morning.

Isn't the water the bluest blue?

The locals told us they painted it once a month.

They did a good job.

This is just one of the many pools at the resort.

We tried them all.

Our favorite was the one with the swim up bar.

We ordered a Miami Vice at least twice a day.

Okay, three times.

We ate at fabulous restaurants.

We were wined and dined.

We were treated like royalty.

We were spoiled.

I loved the spoiling.

We drove our own speed boat and toured the jungles.

We snorkeled off the reefs.

We parasailed.

We swam.

We baked in the sun.

We napped.

We had an incredible time.

Thanks for indulging me and letting me take a few moments to relax and remember.

I will not be boarding a jet plane today.

Today I will be chauffeuring my children.

I will be frolicking in the park with my four year old.

I will watch as my daughter takes the stage tonight and performs her dance recital.

I will be there.

With them.

And I will not think about where I was a year ago.

I CAN DO IT BY MYSELF!

This morning Cole wanted to do everything by himself.

He insisted on picking out his own clothes.

He insisted on dressing himself.

He insisted on making his own breakfast. (with a little help)

He insisted on picking out his snacks for preschool.

He insisted on packing his lunchbox.

He insisted on brushing his own hair.

He had lots of "wild hair" this morning.

I suggested he spray a little detangler to help control some of the wayward strands.

He agreed.

He wanted to be left alone while he coiffed it into place.

When I returned this is what he looked like.

I could not help the laughter that ensued.

It was uncontrollable.

Here, look at the side view.

Pretty funny.

I am not sure if he will set any trends at school today.

No, I did not let him go out like that.

I re-combed it.

I wish I could be THAT Mom who would let her child go to school with his own "style".

I haven't been able to do that yet.

I reminded him on the way out the door not to forget his lunchbox.

Guess what greeted me when I returned from preschool?

He still needs me!

To comb his hair and get his lunchbox anyway.

JUST READ THE BOX DUMMY!

Have you ever had something come across your desk that was life changing?

Have you ever found a tip in your inbox that made you sit up and think, "WOW!"

That happened to me yesterday.

I usually don't read forwarded emails.

I read this one.

I wanted to share it with you, my interpeeps.

I have been using aluminum foil for more years than I care to remember.

I love the product and its many uses.

Sometimes it can drive me nuts.

Like when I am trying to tear off a large sheet of the stuff and the whole darn roll comes out of the box.

Then you have to try and re-roll the foil back on the roll.

Let's face it.... it never goes back on easily.

Or very "prettily".

Pay attention, this is where the sharing comes in.

The email "tip" I received said to read the end of the Aluminum foil box.

Well, of course I did.

Don't tell me you are not already in your kitchen drawer digging out your box.

I know you are.

Right on the end it says, "Press here to lock end."

Are you kidding me?

All these years of fighting the AF roll and I could have just pressed and locked?

How long has this little locking tab been there?

I have some Aldi brand Aluminum Foil and Saran Wrap.

That means it is generic.

Guess what?

Press and lock tabs there too.

If you already knew this... simply close this window and step. away.

Don't make me feel dumber than I already feel.

If I have just shared with you the secret to a happier relationship with your food coverings:

Leave me a comment.

Please tell me I am not the only person that did not know about this.

Please tell me I have saved your life.

Or at the very least, made it easier.

SIX LITTLE WORDS

Carrie tagged me for an interesting meme.

It originated here.

Speaking of interesting, I learned from Jamie that meme rhymes with theme.

All this time I thought it was me.me. (as in it is all about ME!)

Thanks for "edumacating" me Jamie!

Back to the meme. (that rhymes with theme)

Here are the rules:


1. Write your own six-word memoir.
2. Post it on your blog and include a visual illustration if you want.
3. Link it to the person who tagged you and to the place of origin.
4. Tag five more bloggers, with links.
5. Leave them a comment and invite them to play.


I was tagged a week ago.

I have been thinking about it every day.

I have written a dozen or so six-word memoirs.

I will share a few of them with you.

The first one I thought of was:

Beginning each day with a prayer

Which is true.

I need all the help I can get.

My next thoughts were about the joy I experience just being a mom.

Southern Mommy who loves her kids.

Living with laughter, chaos, and love.

My life IS a reality show!

I also thought about my disease.

Which sparked these memoirs.

O C D that is me!

May I alphabetize that for you?

Which brought me to my final memoir and one I think works best for me.

Moments away from a Straight Jacket!

Sadly, I think it fits.

I am going to break the rules a bit here.

Because rules...they are always meant to be broken.

I tag ALL of you.

All of my 3.5 readers.

If you are reading this, consider yourself tagged.

Get writing and let me know if you do this so I can read your memoirs.

I can't wait!

MAY, MAY GO AWAY!!!

Have you ever looked at your calendar and said, "How will I ever get through this week"?

I am having one of those weeks.

Or months.

May is always busy with all the end-of-year school things, recitals, and ballgames.

May is busy for everyone I know.

Except maybe my kids teachers.

No hate mail please.... I am one.... I just don't understand the logic behind all these last minute projects.

"Mommy projects" as I refer to them.

Last week Claire had to finish the Math project from hell.

Here was her assignment: Create a board game using math skills and technology.

A board game?

Math?

Technology?

Yes, and she also had to create the moving pieces, tokens, cards, and the box it would be stored in.

She also had to write a set of rules.

How many third grade children do you know that could take that on?

Alone?

Claire couldn't.

Not without my help, her Dad's help and her Papa's help.

Mostly her Papa's.

He always did enjoy a project. (Thanks Dad!)

Chase has had three large projects due recently.

The latest was a book report.

Oh no, not a report with the important information like main characters, plot and setting.

This report needed to be more creative.

This report was to be made out of a cereal box.

Lucky for her my family eats cereal.

We just happened to have a box.

A cereal box that we taped, and painted and decorated with pictures from a magazine, stickers, and glue.

Then we had to add the important information like main characters, plot, and setting.

The nice catch to this little project was NO INTERNET could be used.

Ouch!

It turned out pretty cute, but it took most of last weekend to complete.

I know my kids teachers have children of their own.

Have they forgotten how hard this month is?

EOG's, dance recitals, late night ball games, the pressure of completing all reading and math goals.

Where are the field trips and parties?

What happened to "free" days... with a movie and popcorn?

I say bring on the fun and save those projects until next year.

This Mommy is tired and needs a well deserved vacation.

What about you my "interpeeps" (thanks Lisa I love that word)... are you still doing projects?

Are you in need of a vacation?

REALITY TV SHOWS FOR MOMS

One of my BFF's came by with a Mother's Day card for me today.

Awwww how sweet!

The card was entitled "Reality TV Shows for MOMS"

How did she know I was thinking of this very subject?

She is the best!

I would just scan the card and let you see it, but alas I don't have a scanner.

That would have been a nice Mother's Day gift. *ahem*

Instead, you will just have to visualize as I share with you the Titles.

"Reality Shows for Moms"

"America's Next Top Multi-Tasker" ( Amy, you are good at driving and nagging, but Susan here can do all that AND chat on her cell! Sorry!)

"Laundering With The Stars"

"The Simpler Life" (You have to drink this margarita AND lounge by the pool. Can you handle that?)

"Project Runaway" ( Trying to run from the chaos within)

"Pimp My Minivan"

"Super Naggy"

Finally, I received an email yesterday telling me about another reality show in the making.

Actually, it is a spin off of "SURVIVOR".

You know how much I love reality t.v.!

I know, I know, another unknown fact about me.

I will share with you the following description of the program.

Let me know if it is something you think you would watch.


THE NEXT SURVIVOR SERIES

Six married men will be dropped on an island with one car and three kids.

They will stay on the island for six weeks.

Each kid will play two sports and either take music or dance classes.

There is no fast food.

Each man must take care of his 3 kids; keep his assigned house clean, correct all homework, and complete science projects, cook, do laundry, and pay a list of 'pretend' bills with not quite enough money.

In addition, each man will have to budget in money for groceries each week.

Each man must remember the birthdays of all their friends and
relatives, and send cards out on time.

Each man must also take each child to a doctor's appointment, a dentist appointment and a haircut appointment.

He must make one unscheduled and inconvenient visit per child to the Urgent Care.

He must also make cookies or cupcakes for a social function.

Each man will be responsible for decorating his own assigned house,
planting flowers outside and keeping it presentable at all times.

The men will only have access to television when the kids are asleep and all chores are done.

The men must shave their legs, wear uncomfortable yet stylish shoes, keep fingernails
manicured and eyebrows groomed.

During one of the six weeks, the men will have to endure severe
abdominal cramps, back aches, and have extreme, unexplained mood swings.

During this week he may never once complain or slow down from other duties.

They must attend weekly school meetings, church, and find time at least once to spend the afternoon at the park or a similar setting.

They will need to read a book and then pray with the children each morning and night, feed them, dress them, brush their teeth and comb their hair by 7:00 am.

A test will be given at the end of the six weeks.

Each father will be required to know all of the following information: each child's birthday, height, weight, shoe size, clothes size and doctor's name.

He will also need to know the child's weight at birth, length, time of birth, and length of labor.

In addition, he will be responsible to know each child's favorite color, middle name, favorite snack, favorite song, favorite drink, favorite toy, biggest fear and what they want to be when they grow up.

The kids vote them off the island based on performance.

The last man wins only if...he still has enough energy to be intimate with his
spouse at a moment's notice.

If the last man does win, he can play the game over and over and over again for the next 18-25 years eventually earning the right to be called a MOTHER!

So, what do you think?

I would watch.

Heck, I am volunteering my husband as a contestant.

I will call the executives at Survivor as soon as I make the beds, call the Moms with their assignments for the PTA, wash the dishes, finish the 15 loads of laundry, run the kids to their activities, bake the cookies, complete the Math project, go to the grocery store, visit my neighbors, cook dinner, buy new cleats, volunteer at school, bake the bread, teach at the preschool, help with homework, hem the dance costume (*ahem* have someone else hem the costume), take the pictures, give the baths,.....(well, you get the picture)


Hope your Mother's Day is a little escape from reality.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!

I AM MUSIC TEACHER, HEAR ME SING!

It is over.

I did it.

Do you remember my first post, "I am Blogger, Hear Me Roar!" ?

It seems like a lifetime ago, and yet it was just four months ago.

January.

In that opening post I wrote about my
incredibly-demanding-outside-of-the-home-paying-job.

" Oh, and if my life is not fulfilling enough with my own three, I teach a Creative Movement class once a week at my son's preschool. For those three hours a week you may also add: "move it-groove it-run it- hop it-shoot it-STOP IT-jump it- twist it-bend it-toss it- shake it-but don't break it or dislocate it" to my title"

Creative Movement teacher.

One day.

Three hours.

Easy peasy.

There is something I haven't told you.

For the last eight weeks, I have also been a sing it- hum it- drum it- tap it-clap it- snap it-twinkle, twinkle little star it.

That is right.

I. am. the. music. teacher.

I teach music.

ME!

The girl who cannot carry a tune in a bucket.

The girl who knows NOTHING about pitch, measure and what the heck a quarter rest is.

Go back to my first post.

I wrote this:

" I cannot write songs like my father, nor can I sing. I do not have the gift of music that flows in the blood of the men in my family. (I cannot play anything except the radio, and it usually plays things like, "Wheels on the Bus".)

Why then am I the music teacher?

The former music teacher had some health issues that caused her to retire early.

She was unable to finish out the school year.

There were only eight weeks left.

I can only assume they asked me because of my bubbly personality.

Or, possibly my easy nature with preschool children.

It was certainly NOT my musical ability.

Alright... They. Were. Desperate.

It has been fun though.

Today was our annual Mother's Tea.

It is tradition that forty or so children adorn the stage and belt out scream sing about eight songs.

Lead by the music teacher.

Me.

That tradition continued today.

I was quite nervous.

Parents of preschoolers can be critical.

I led.

They followed.

All eight songs were sung loudly, with the right actions, and just a dash of drama.

Only one child had to be taken off the stage by a parent.

Only one child pulled his shirt up over his head.

Only one child put his finger up his nose.

Okay...two.

I would call it a success.

The ovation...it was standing!

Enrollment did not plummet after our performance.

Oh, and the Director of the Preschool asked me if I would be the Music Teacher next year.

I am thinking about it.

* if you know me or have heard me sing...please stop the insatiable urge to laugh as you read this post!

It's Party Time!

In the words of Pink....I'm coming up so you better get this party started!!!

I told you yesterday that I was getting ready for McMommy's 30th Birthday Party.

I am all dressed and ready to go.

McMommy asked us all to send in a photo of the shoes we will be wearing.

I always do as I am told. (stop laughing)

I am always fashionably late.

My pictures were sent on Tuesday evening.

Just before the deadline.

I chose these cute shoes for the party.

Because the party is all day, I needed to be comfortable as well as look good.

Thus the reason for my choice. My first choice was Rainbow's

Besides, who else is going to show up with foliage on their tootsies?

Click here to view the incredible slide show of all the fabulous shoes.

McMommy is having an incredible McShoe contest.

She will be choosing the fab 5 shoes of the party.

At some point during the party she will be crowning a winner.

There are some great shoes on the red carpet.

I think I may have been the only one who chose comfort. well, except for Amanda-that is comfort!

Did you see Bree's shoes?

She definitely went for "hawtness" and not comfort. Very sassy.

What kind of southern girl would I be if I did not show up with some southern delicacies?

Here are the goodies I have prepared for the party.

Chocolate Chip Cheeseball

1 8 oz. Cream cheese

1/2 c. Butter (1 stick)

3/4 c. Powdered sugar

2 TBS. Brown Sugar

1/4 tsp. vanilla

3/4 c.mini chocolate chips

3/4 c. pecans (finely chopped)

Cream together cream cheese and butter.

Add sugars and vanilla.

Stir in chocolate chips.

Refrigerate @ 2 hours. Roll in Ball. Refrigerate 1 hour. Roll in nuts. Serve with Graham Crackers.

Hot Mexican Dip with Chips

1 can Refried Beans

1 package taco seasoning mix

1 8 oz. Sour cream

1 8 oz. Salsa

1 cup shredded cheddar or mexican cheese

Tostito chips or Scoops

Mix the refried beans and taco seasoning mix. Spread in the bottom of a 9x13 dish.

Spread the sour cream over the beans. I do use a little more Sour cream. Next, pour salsa over the sour cream. Last sprinkle the cheese over the salsa. I like to remember it by layers of red and white.

Beans-Sour Cream-Salsa- Cheese. Yes, it is that easy and yes, it is that good!

Pop the dish in a 350 degree oven until it is hot and bubbly. Serve with chips. Enjoy!

These are two of my signature dishes.

I hope you enjoy them.

Click here to view all the party food.

I guess I am ready.

Shoes.

Check.

Food.

Check.

Gift.

Check.

I am just going to pop this dip in the oven so it will be nice and hot when I arrive.

I hope to see you there!

Ask, and Ye Shall Receive!

I made mention yesterday that I loved Google Reader.
I do.
Several of you left comments that you wanted to know more.
Ask, and ye shall receive!
I am sweet like that.
Also, I am flattered that anyone would ask MOI a computer question.
I am completely technotarded.

Why do I love Google Reader?
I read quite a few blogs on a daily basis.
If I had to click on each one to see if they had a new post, it could take a while.
Reader allows me to see at a glance who has a new post.
It is a beautiful thing!
I simply check my Gmail and Reader.
I click on Reader to read my favorite blogs and if I want to leave a comment I can go right to their comment section with a click of my mouse.
I have also just discovered another feature on Reader: Folders.
I have grouped all my favorite blogs into 3 folders.
Family, Real friends, and Blog friends.
Google Reader, you have made my blogging obsession much easier.

If you are not using Reader and you read more than a few blogs... you really should check it out.
Try it.
You will like it.
If you need more information, email me and I will share more of my amazing Reader knowledge.
Now the question is, "Wendi, am I in your Reader?"
Well, wouldn't you like to know?

Come Join the Party!

I am busy today.

I am getting ready for a huge party!

McMommy is having her 30th birthday party online tomorrow.

Isn't that just the most creative idea?

It will be my first online party.

Whew this is certainly my week of "firsts".

First blog award.

First online Birthday Bash.

The only way it could get better would be if it was MY 30th birthday! (yikes that was 8 years ago!)

That or my bathroom scales disclosed that it was the First time I lost 30 pounds in a week!

(yeah...I am counting on that!)

Check back with me tomorrow.

I will have my party shoes on.

I will post a recipe or two.

I just might provide a little entertainment.

See you tomorrow!

THAT'S WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR

This morning I sat down to my computer.

I needed to check my email and my reader.

Have I mentioned how much I love Google Reader?

(I guess that could be a whole different post.)

When I checked , the first blog to show a new post was
Loving Our Simple Life.

I always love it when Kristen writes.

She is one of my daily reads.

Imagine my surprise when I discovered that she was giving out blog love and yours truly was one of the recipients.

Shut up!

No way!

I even clicked on the link to make sure it was me.

It was. *I blush.

This is my very first Blog award.

I will always remember this day.

I am so honored to receive this award from Kristen.

I remember OHMommy sending me to Kristen's blog to read about her husband and his brain tumor.

I have been reading ever since.

I feel like I know her though we have never met in person.

We are kindred spirits.

We love Vera Bradley bags, Nicholas Sparks books, the coast of NC, tulips, (now peonies too), and of course blogging!

We love children's names that begin with "C".

We love men's names that begin with "C" too.

She taught me about Google reader and how to delete less than desirable comments.

Thanks friend! (in my best Nancy Grace voice)

What good would an award be if it couldn't be shared?

So I shall.

I would like to pass this award on to OHMommy at Classy Chaos. She was the first blog that I read again and again. She was the first blog I stalked daily. She is a fabulous writer, a great mom to three adorable children, and an amazing photographer. She is also my blog friend. I have emailed her more than once and she has always responded. She always comments on my silly posts. She has been so helpful while I tried to enter this bloggy world. She has to be the first one I share this with.

Next, I would like to pass this award to Katie at A Trivial Smorgasbord of Insights Into My Life. I met Katie a few years ago in real life. I knew I liked her instantly. I knew if she just lived in NC we could be great friends. (I would never hold it against her that she is a lot younger, skinnier, and hipper than me.) Katie is also a wonderful writer. I never grow tired of reading her blog. I have learned so much about her since we have become bloggers. I most definitely consider her my friend.

Last, but certainly not least, I pass this coveted award to my friend Cecily at My Chaos My Bliss. She is an amazing mommy to three beautiful children. She is an excellent writer, a fabulous photographer and she is also a great commenter. When Cecily comments I sit up and take notice. If she thinks my post was funny... then it must be! If she thinks I had the best post she has read in a while...then I don't have to wonder. I know if we lived in the same neighborhood, we would be friends. We would share funny stories over a Diet Coke. I am sure of it.

Thanks again Kristen for this most special award.

I will display it proudly.

I feel so blessed today.

I have the most incredible friends in real life.

I also have the most incredible blog friends too.

(cue the music. "That's What Friends Are For" begins playing.)

CURB SIDE VOTING!!!

I have purposely avoided the topic of "politics" on my blog.
There are just too many opinions out there.
Mine being one of the biggest.
I really like my friends.
I really like my blog friends.
I would like to keep it that way.
Therefore, no politics will ever be discussed after this post.

Last Friday Claire had a friend over.
They were playing outside.
They were even including Cole.
I was able to clean the kitchen and prepare dinner without interruptions.
I was beyond excited.
I kept an eye on them through my kitchen window.
They were playing near the driveway.
Relay races. Sidewalk chalk. Silly jokes. Giggles. Bubbles.
They were having a grand time.
Cole was most excited to be one of the "girls".
I left the kitchen to take some freshly folded laundry to the bedrooms.
When I returned I heard laughter.
I heard loud laughter.
Was that screaming?
I looked out the window.
The kids were not in the driveway.
They were not in the side yard.
They were not in the backyard.
I could hear their voices.
It was not voices of please-help-me-I-am-bleeding-profusely-save-me-now.
It was happy voices, but loud.
Yes, it was happy, loud, screaming voices.
I ran out the back door.
I looked up and down the street.
No children.
I turned my head and gasped.
I found them.
They were standing on the curb in front of our neighbors house.
Each of them holding a sign.
They were waving them to and fro.
Screaming.
Vote for ------!
Vote for ------!
Vote for ------!
It was lovely. (please note the sarcasm)
A car honked his horn just as I reached them.
I screamed at politely asked them to get inside.
I then began my interrogation.
In my findings I discovered that:
A) The signs were stolen borrowed from several of our neighbors lawns.
B) The signs were political in nature.
C) Since I wouldn't let them have a Lemonade stand.... the next best thing was to hoop and holler at passers-by to vote for the neighbors choice of candidates.
Go figure.
I never knew I was raising such exuberant little politicians.
That...or bored kids who enjoyed screaming for someone they did not even know!