Forget Chicken Soup, Bring on the Candy!

We are still experiencing the plague around here.

I am not sure when it will end.

I have not left my house but once since Thursday night.

I have no idea if my car will still start.

A sweet friend brought us some much needed Coke yesterday.

She pulled up, lovingly placed them on my back steps, and ran back to her car.

She didn't even take the time to retrieve the cash I left her in the door.

I think she was afraid she might catch it.

I would be scared too.

A few minutes later my doorbell rang.

I thought my friend changed her mind and was going to just chance it and visit.

No, it was another familiar face.

Nana.

And she was holding something in her outstretched hands.

Visions of chicken soup and homemade bread danced in my head.

I cracked the door.

Yes? I am not sure you want to come in, we have the plague."

Making her way in anyway she said, " Yes I heard that you have all been sick. I brought you a little something"

I waited with eager anticipation at what was in the bag.

She was kidding right?

Candy bars?

Maybe she misunderstood.

Maybe she missed the part about the vomit and uncontrollable diarrhea.

Maybe just maybe she knew something about the medicinal uses of candy bars.

And then she asked to use my bathroom.

What?

I would probably go to ANY bathroom in town except mine.

I can't even imagine the germs multiplying in there.

I came *this* close to telling her to just use the urinal on my front steps.

I behaved.

I opened the door to the bathroom and let her in.

I guess when she has the plague next week I will know exactly what to take her to make it better.

Not Me! Monday

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.


We are at the beginning of another week.

And you know what that means.

Another week to share with you all the things I have NOT done.

So I shall.

Cole did NOT wake up Friday morning throwing up.

That would have been a very bad start to my day.

A fever and upset stomach did NOT soon follow.

Claire did NOT come home from a party early on Saturday morning.

And it had nothing to do with a headache and chills.

I did NOT take her temperature only to find she too had fever.

Nope, NOT me.

And I certainly did NOT start feeling bad myself later that day.

I did NOT have a huge Geography online exam that had to be taken Saturday night.

And I did NOT take it while running fever and wrapped in blankets.

Which of course is never good.

I did NOT try all day Sunday to nap or rest.

No one else in my house was interested in that plan.

Cole did NOT jump on me and whine most of the day.

I did NOT almost lose my patience.

NOT once.

I most certainly did NOT lock myself in my room later so that I could watch the Oscar's.

I did NOT participate in an Oscar Twitter Party.

Which did NOT begin at the red carpet and end with the Best Film.

And that certainly would never have taken over 15 hours.

I would NOT exaggerate.

I did NOT fully intend to share my thoughts on the Oscars.

This post is NOT already too long.

I will not share tomorrow.

What about you?

What haven't you done this week?

Go join in the fun at MckMama's!

Because I Can

Has it always been a lifelong dream of yours to write upside down?

¡ǝnɹʇ ǝɯoɔ sɐɥ ɯɐǝɹp ɹnoʎ

Want to know how?

¡ǝɹǝɥ ʞɔılɔ

¡¡¡unɟ ǝʌɐɥ

And That's What It's All About

Friday was a huge day at the preschool.

It was the Valentine's Day/ Dad's Day program.

Where songs would be sung and cupcakes devoured.

Where the hokey-pokey was danced and art work was revealed.

Doesn't he look just like this guy?

Yeah....I thought so.

Look at the size of those hands.

The better to pull up trees with my dear.

What?

At the bottom of Cole's drawing his teacher wrote what she thought Cole said his favorite thing to do with his dad was.

And of course that would be "pulling up trees".

I am not sure I have ever seen my husband pull up a shrub much less a tree.

When I asked Cole what he told his teacher, his reply was "playing on the Wii".

Pulling up trees...Playing on the Wii.

Yeah...totally the same thing!

She Wasn't Switched At Birth After All

I love my Claire.

I adore her in fact.

But there have been quite a few times when I have questioned if I brought home the right baby from the hospital.

She looks exactly like her father.

Exactly.

Sometimes it is scary how much she looks like him.

I often tease that it is like seeing Chad in a dress.

Which could be really scary!

She is quite the drama queen.

I feel certain that she acquired that lovely trait from my mother me.

So there are a few things about her that would assure me that she is in fact my daughter.

But there are also a few things that have made me question it.

She is probably the messiest little girl I know.

I don't mean just a little untidy.

I don't mean oops, her clothes are not hung according to color and length.

I mean full blown F5 tornado touched down in her room messy.

It is enough to drive this mama c-r-a-z-y!

I probably on average clean, straighten, organize, and pick up her room 4 times per week.

Just for my sanity.

It doesn't bother her at all.

She kicks her shoes off wherever.

She drops her back pack wherever.

She leaves her wet towel...where else?

On the floor.

Sometimes I think she is completely unaware of her surroundings.

But Friday I received a call from my messy little girl that let me know without any doubt she is mine.

I had asked her to call and let me know if all the party food that had been assigned was in fact at the school.

I always like to know ahead so I can run out and get anything that might have been forgotten.

She called and assured me that everything was there, but I may want to pick up some PLAIN potato chips.

"But, I thought you said everything was there?", I inquired.

"It is Mom, but someone brought cheese doodles instead of chips and I am not sure that is appropriate for a Valentine's Day party. Orange is not going to look good on those pretty plates"

I didn't know whether to laugh or run to the school and kiss her.

Don't judge...but I promise that sounds exactly like something I would say.

Exactly.

She really does belong to me!

Not Me! Monday

The weeks just seem to fly right by.

And once again we are at the start of another.

I hope you are joining me for this weeks edition of Not Me! Monday in which I will share with you all the things I did not do.

I did not have a meeting at church on Wednesday afternoon.

I did not have Chase ready for his basketball game, Claire ready for dance and Cole well, just ready.

I did not have dinner in the crock pot.

I certainly did not feel like I had it all together and go to my meeting 20 minutes early.

I did not take my laptop and geography book in hopes of doing some homework.

I did not get to church, get all situated to work and remember I had forgotten to lock my suburban.

I did not run outside to lock it.

Upon locking the car I certainly did not realize that I had run out with only my car keys.

Meaning the church keys and my cell phone were inside.

I did not laugh at myself for trying to be prepared and still finding a way to screw up.

Nope, not me.

I did not plop on the curb and wait patiently until someone showed up to let me in.

And that would not have been 20 minutes later.

I did not have a wonderful Valentine's Day weekend with my family.

I did not over indulge in too much chocolate.

I definitely did not eat too many of these.

I know better.

My sweet husband did not buy me the most romantic of gifts.

He did not wrap it beautifully.

I did not know he had talent in the wrapping department.

I do not think he has been holding out on me.

The romantic gift?

A WiiFit.

I know.

Nothing says I love you like a fitness program.

I did not take it as "Getyourlazybuttoffthecomputeralready".

My husband would not have meant it that way.

I have not mentioned like 100 times I would like one.

My husband does not usually pay attention.

Or listen.

So, really he should get lots of credit for that.

He did not tell me he went to over 30 stores to find my gift.

I, of course, did not think he might be exaggerating.

Just a little.

I hope that you will join me at MckMama's place and tell us what you did not do this week.

I would love to hear about it.

Because My Love For You Knows No Bounds...

Today I thought I would deviate from the non-sense that usually goes on here and do some sharing.

I am going to share with you one of my favorite holiday recipes.

Valentine Pretzels.

Or Christmas Pretzels.

Or St. Patrick's Day Pretzels.

Or Cousin Vinny got a new tattoo pretzels.

Whatever your celebratory event is...take along a few of these.

It is sure to please.

It is the perfect marriage of sweet and salty.

Here is what you will need:

Waffle Pretzels

White Almond Bark

MnM's (I used the Cupid mix for Valentine's Day)

First begin melting the almond bark.

Melt it slowly over low heat.

Which also means: DO. NOT. OVERCOOK.

While your chocolate is melting, begin assembling your pretzels on a baking sheet.



Be sure they are in nice straight rows and evenly spaced.

Okay... that is only if you are me.


Moving right along.

Next, you are going to drop a little chocolate on each pretzel.

Like this.

Well, maybe not like the one in the top left corner.

Some one got just a little carried away with the chocolate dropping.

Finally grab your bowl ala MnM's and gingerly place one on each chocolate topped pretzel.

Like this.


It is best to work with about ten at the time so the chocolate doesn't harden before you have time to get the MnM on it.

Go find something to do for about 10 minutes and when you return...

Deliciousness.

I dare you to stop at one.

Go on.

Try it.

I hope you all have a wonderful Valentine's Day!!!

Not Me! Monday

Mondays seem to come faster and faster.

Or is that just me?

We all know what Monday brings.

School, a new work week, and MckMama's Not Me! Monday post.

I hope you are as excited as I am to tell you what in fact I have NOT done.

Shall we?

This past week did NOT seem unusually busy to me.

I never felt the stress.

Not. once.

And I did NOT ever find myself rocking back and forth in the fetal position in a corner.

Thank heavens!

Friday night did not find me with only one child at home.

I did not keep looking at the phone in hopes that someone would call and take the third.

I would never wish that.

Chad did NOT get huge brownie points for bringing home Mexican food for dinner.

He did NOT get a few more for renting a good movie.

I did NOT have to be asked more than three times to close the lid to my computer.

That would have been silly.

Chad did NOT mention that he did NOT want to share me with my friends on my computer.

I most certainly did NOT laugh.

We did not watch Fireproof.

I did not enjoy it immensely.

The storyline.

The acting of course did NOT need improvement.

My 4 year old did not reenact the "tomato juice" scene to a tee.

He also did not reenact the "brother from another mother" scene perfectly.

I did not laugh uncontrollably.

I did not think Cole did a far better acting job.

I did NOT have 3 computer tests Saturday night.

Because remember....I am NOT going back to school.

I did not make a 100, a 98, and an 18.

No....definitely NOT an 18!

Who makes an 18?

Certainly NOT me!

Especially when only 2 problems were missed.

I mean what kind of grading scale would that be?

I have definitely NOT tried to reach my professor for answers.

I have not lost 15 followers in the last month.

Who would quit following someone who has quit posting?

I mean...really!

I am trying to learn to juggle better so I can find more time for you, my friends in my computer.

Please don't give up on me yet!

What about you?

What haven't you done this week?

Join us at MckMama's place and fess up!

My Many Needs

I saw this on her blog and her blog.

I am nothing if not a follower.

Here is what you do.

Just go to google and type in your first name followed by the word needs.

Google will provide the rest.

Wendi needs...

1. to wait a few years to be a successful part of the WWE. Um, I had to google WWE to see what it even was. So glad I had no idea. It is World Wrestling Entertainment. Can't you just see me in the ring? I think we can all wait a few years for that!

2. to return to work. return to work? Are you kidding me? I work harder and longer at this mom gig than any job I have ever had. But sure...it would be nice to get paid for it!

3. alcohol freedom. Did someone slip something in my Crystal Light, because I am pretty sure that is a non-alcoholic beverage.

4. a new tattoo. I have aversions to needles and pain. No thanks.

5. a brain massage. Seriously, if it will help with my horrible memory...where do I sign up?

6. special needs toys. Just what are you trying to say here?

7. advice. Definitely. Currently I need advice on what to do with my hair? Cut it? Color it? Grow it? Layer it? Shave it all off and start over? All advice welcome.

8. a virtual hug. A hug is always needed and if it can't be in person...virtual is the next best thing!

9. to get it all together. I have been trying to do this for years. It's bound to happen one of these days!

10. The Wendi Plan. You betcha...now tell me what that plan was again?

I kept scrolling and looky what else I need:

11. a babysitter. Every other weekend please! Oh, and I need her to be FREE!

12. computer education. Google is psychic! I am taking an online computer course right now. I do hope it educates me!

13. the money. Especially since the money tree I planted in the back yard still hasn't taken root.

Gimme a "C"!!!

Last week Last month Elaine over at The Miss Elaine~ous Life was passing out letters.

No, not the kind that come in your mailbox.

The kind in your ABC's.

Or your alphabet soup.

And if you were lucky enough to receive one, you were to make a list of ten of your favorite things that begin with that character.

After much begging and pleading, Elaine finally bestowed upon me a letter.

"C"

And I jumped up and down and burst into song.

"C is for cookie that's good enough for me..."

How ever did Miss Elaine know of my love for all things "C"?

In no particular order, my list of favorite "C" things:

I met, fell in love with and married a boy whose name starts with a "C".

1. Chad

There is plenty I could say here, but due to time constraints, let's just say I do not deserve him.

All of the other crazy people in my life My children also have "C" names.

2. Chase

3. Claire

4. Cole

See, I told you I love this letter.

I still have six more to share.

5. Cooking

I really do love to cook. I am not saying that I am great at it, but I love to be in the kitchen.

I even have a recipe blog Because Wendi Cooks Too!

I have started adding recipes to the site as I can remember to take photos.

Go. Browse around. Find something you like and make it for your family tonight.

6. Computers

Really...did I even need to tell you this?

I have already admitted my addiction.

The only thing that needs to be added is that my addictions may possibly have worsened.

My dear, sweet, husband surprised me last week with a new laptop.

I am head-over-heels in love with it.

7. Chocolate

Not even just the dark, good for you kind.

All of it.

Dark, milk chocolate, nuts and raisins drenched in it, white, cheap, expensive.

Just give it to me.

8. Coke

Of the diet variety.

I swore off all soft drinks a year and a half ago.

I didn't have any desire to drink it any more.

Until Thanksgiving.

I have no idea what happened, but I am guzzling Diet Coke again.

Why must it be so good?

9. Carrot Cake

Not just any carrot cake.

My mothers carrot cake.

I will have to post the recipe for all to share.

It is so incredibly delicious.

Your taste buds will thank you for weeks.

10. Cleaning and Conquering Clutter

You knew I couldn't write a post without allowing some of my OCD to come through.

I know admitting I enjoy cleaning and labeling could get me a lot of hate mail and nasty comments.

Please. be. gentle.

I don't mean I get all excited over scrubbing the toilet.

That I do not.

I just love the satisfaction it brings me when a closet, room, drawer, or shelf is clean and orderly.

I love being able to find something in an instant.

I love the pleasure I feel when labels are straight and facing out.

And ABC order is a given...right?

So there you have it.

My favorite "C" things.

What about you?

Would you like a letter?

I will gladly assign you one.

Just leave me a comment letting me know.

C'mon I promise it will be fun and painless!

* I need to add photos, but they are on my other computer. Check back later for photos.