IT'S OFFICIAL...

TODAY WAS THE BIG DAY!!

My 3 monkeys before we left for the courthouse.

Right after court! I just had an awesome experience; something I have never done before. I was shaking with nerves and there were tears. And then the attorney said, “Please tell the judge why you want to adopt Izaiah.” How could I explain to the judge how the baby that came into my life almost 2 years ago immediately fit into our family like the last piece of a puzzle? In a few short sentences, how could I sum up how the size of my heart has grown over the past two years to make room for one more set of first steps, one more first word and millions more hugs and kisses? When we started our foster care journey almost four years ago, my husband was stumped. He couldn’t understand what made me think we needed to have another child. Matthew and Emily were finally at the age where we could take them anywhere and it was easy. No U-Haul of paraphernalia followed our minivan anymore. We are an on-the-go kind of clan. “We have one of each, they don’t make anything else,” he would say. The only way I could put into words the ache in my heart for another child was a visual that had flashed through my head from time to time for over a year. I explained to him that when I look into the future in my mind, that proverbial “where do you see yourself in five years,” our family is sitting on a couch posing for a photo and I can clearly see Ken, myself, Matthew and Emily but there is one more joining our group. A small child sat on my lap but I just couldn’t see its face. I truly believed God was saying, “I have one more.” Many years ago I was talking to my mom about having more children and she was thinking I had lost my mind because Matthew and Emily came into the world one right after the other. “Well, how many more,” she asked. I explained that I would never stop at three because that would make Emily the middle child and she is the more sensitive of the two so it would have to be two more. Four children. “Unless,” I clarified, “I could guarantee that 3rd child was a boy, then she would be the only girl and maybe that would off set that middle child syndrome.” We both agreed that it was not a possibility to guarantee gender. Now, I know, never say never. Almost four years ago, when we were starting our journey with the Child Welfare system my friends would ask me, “How are you going to give the children back?” They knew me and if you know me you know that my love for children is embedded in my fingerprints. It is just a huge part of who I am. I had no answer. I didn’t want to think about it. I couldn’t explain. I, too, couldn’t fathom how I would be able to give back the scared and abused children we would love but I had an unexplainable peace about it so I just trusted God. Around this time I had a dream. You know those dreams that stick with you for days. The ones you just can’t shake? That was what this dream was like. There was a baby, a strawberry blond, tiny little boy. The dream lasted only a few scenes and I awoke but I felt like I knew that baby. For days I would get a jolt only a mother could get, “Gasp. Who’s got the baby?” It was almost as though I had been given a divine responsibility to that child. Little did I know, I had. Just the other day as I was looking through an old journal, I came across the entry about that dream. I did the math. I had that dream right around the time Izaiah was conceived. The time was coming. April 25, 2006 our third child came into our lives as a scared, very tiny, strawberry blond 9 month old. A child that would nervously visit his birthparents at the courthouse weekly. A child who we were told would go back home soon. Well, because God works miracles, today, April 9, 2008, twenty of his fans (closest family and friends) filed into a courtroom and witnessed Izaiah’s adoption finalization. And then there were three. The past two years of first words, scraped knees and other childhood milestones was summed up in four words. The judge declared our adoption final and our five best friends held up an Izaiah-sized t-shirt with the words, “FINALLY A BROWNLOW” printed on the front. Izaiah reached for the shirt and squealed, “ME!”

Happy Adoption Day, buddy. We love you!

The shirt!

His Fan Club!

The Grandparents!

The Angels (case workers) of Berks County Children & Youth Services!

Such a blessing from God! Such a beautiful day!

Kim at Bugs and Bunnies was quick with the fact check today...

TODAY IS NATIONAL SIBLINGS DAY!

The next American Idol...

Well, Manic told me she had too much goin' on to blog live so she did semi-live....I guess that got me out of trouble...cause I didn't do it either. You know what they say..."The best laid plans..." sidebar...why does that finish, "of mice and men?" Do mice and men really have that many plans? Really? I am not sure I get that! So, this is the POST IDOL SHOW DOWN!! (haha I like that! kinda catchy) First up, Michael Johns......Three words... Y U M! I just love this guy, so does Manic!! He is just so smooth and already a rock star in my book! Then, Jason Dredlocks. Great job! He just has the cleanest face, doesn't he? Do you think he has EVER shaved a day in his life? I doubt it. I just wanna feel his cheeks. And, who woulda thunk (yes, I am a 'hick' and yes, I know that is not a real word!) that someone would perform on Idol with a Ukulele...that took...ummmmm....chihuahuas! Hmmmm, Kristy Lee Cook. I got nothin'! NEXT! Quirky Sayesha was my early favorite! I loved her voice tonight! She rocked the house, I think. I still really like her but I am not seeing her connect with the crowd like some of the others. A little nervous for my girl! I like David Cook! I didn't love this song! Loved the hand-thing! All about supporting a passion! This was my least fave performance for David, though. Carly PaintedArm has an amazing voice! I love it! But I have to agree with Simon....wait, did I actually just say that?...she sang ANGRY tonight! Good, but angry! My wee little one, David Archuleta! (or as my new friend, Haley calls him, "the little brother of America!") Need.to.squeeze.his.cheeks. I think, besides his unFREAKINGbelieveable voice, I love his humility! The looks on his face when the girls squeal, watching his chest heave as he breathes deep when Simon gives him praise, it is just too much for me. I cry! Last but not least, Brooke the Hippy! I really like Brooke. She is the 21st century Edie Brickell, who I loved in college. She is like Natalie Merchant. However, her rendition of "You've Got a Friend" didn't WOW me like she has in the past. Hmmmmmm. So, my prediction (like you even asked) ... BOTTOM THREE: Sayesha, Carly and Kristy Lee SAY BYE-BYE TO: Kristy Lee! (sorry) ***************************************** Adoption is Wednesday at 10:15! I AM BEYOND EXCITED!! HUMBLED and OH SO GRATEFUL! Will try to post pictures for you tomorrow but am totally relying on friends with cameras b/c ours got dropped over the weekend and is DEAD!!

A mini-John Deere rollin' down Peanut Butter Cracker Lane...

that's how my morning started. I needed to go to the bathroom be out of the room for a minute so I set up little snack for my little DESTRUCTO man, put in Finding Nemo and headed off to relieve myselfget some stuff done. I was in awe of the peaceful sounds coming from the living room. Dory and Nemo. I was mesmerized by the "just keep swimming, just keep swimming....." Then, WHAMMO, from around the corner bursts in my little fire plug and he says in his cutest of voices, "eeeeewwwwwwwwwww, Mama, eeeeeeeewwwwwwwwwwwwwww!" I look down at his bright green John Deere her drove in and notice something smashed between all the tread. PEANUT BUTTER CRACKERS!!!!! I gather myself and walk in the living room to a large garden of crumbs and PB mashed into my carpet....my light beige carpet. "Nice Harvest you got there, son...Do you know what DADDY is gonna say when he gets home?!" And with that, he took off like Dash from The Incredibles, grabbed a dish rag and started scrubbing. Why is MY reaction not enough to halt these ridiculous shenanigans? Why does he not FEAR me?? I am the one who will soon have a nervous twitch and a speech impediment from the stress-induced stroke he causes me! Thanks to the Stanley Steemer guy who talked me into Scotch Guard, it came up effortlessly and Daddy will never have to know! I then welcomed my mom in and headed to the "feet in the stirrups" doctor. BLECH! I unloaded on her the painstaking life of a mom to a special needs child and she said "make time for you and seek counselling." "Can you write me a prescription for the extra day in the week it will take to add those two things? Do you even HAVE kids? Sheesh!" ******************************** This time next week Dawn, Mimi and I will be in the Oprah audience!!! Some of you seem to be CONVINCED we will be ON the show! Puh-lease!!! Kendra told me that the reason we got that specific date was that we "fit that day's audience profile." Hmmmmmmm. So, she is doing a show on "women who are so desperate to get away because they do way too much and have more than they can handle within four walls so they travel across state lines to meet complete strangers who could be axe murders but at least they will have some grown up time." Great! She's got US pegged!! Remember, it is a LIVE taping which means it will air THAT DAY!! Watch for us!!! ********************************************** Kendra update! Kendra will have 5 (ugh, FIVE) radiations this week. All of you who are known for your powerful prayer - GIVE 'EM TO HER!! And the rest of you....GIVE 'EM TO HER!! Even if you have never prayed a day in your life, she needs YOURS, too! She is in great spirits!! Her daughter said she can only attribute her "glow" to the radiation!! LOL! Go to her site and give her some love!! Maybe even leave your prayer in her comment section so she can read and re-read it over the week. God Bless you, sista!! ************************************* Manic Mommy and I are planning a couple FUN DITTIES these next couple of days!! We, believe it or not, confuse our readers...sometimes I get comments from people thinking I am Manic and she gets comments from people thinking SHE is ME! Check us out on Tuesday night as we BLOG LIVE during AMERICAN IDOL!!!! And then check back and brush up on your Manic and Semblance trivia...we decided to keep you all guessing...there's a combo contest in the works!!!

Thursday's GABBIN' MAMA Video Blog...

ARGGHH, dang flabbit! My camera battery died so you get the rest of the "scoop" via written/typed word! (ps - I am still giggling as I imagine Goose's face when she clicks PLAY!! BWAAAAHAAA) Anyway, I was going to give you the Oprah scoop via my video but, alas, no such luck today! But if you are a visual learner, as I am, you will have a mental note of it if it is right in front of your eyes! Monday, April 14th is when we are going to Oprah!!! And, the producer made sure to let us know that it is a LIVE taping so it will air THE SAME DAY. Whatever time she comes on in your town is when you may see us hootin' and hollerin' in the audience!! :) I told Mimi, who has a new BLOG, last night that I got my hair done, (no new 'do' - I just always wait too long in between appointments) and she cracked me up - she said, "GREAT! Now you won't lay down to sleep for 10 days so you don't mess it up!!" HAHAHA! I am not THAT concerned, the show is NOT about me!! :) Thank Goodness!! I already don't like the outfit I bought yesterday at GAP! I am pretty sure it DOESN'T have to do with boogers, pee and butt-munching, though. I think it is pretty but it is a bit too tailored, I think. Not me. I am more of the arty-style - a bit funky - kinda girl!! I think I will keep it b/c it was on sale and only $26.99 and it would be nice for all the places I go that I need to look "tailored." BWWAAAHAAA - hmmmmmm, I don't think I go ANYWHERE that I need to be tailored. Just too funky for that I guess! So, how about Idol!! Any of you as addicted to it as I am? We have never watched it from beginning to end....ya know, the whole audition-thing to the voting off episodes. This is our first time. Even my kids are addicted! We tape it for them on Wednesdays so they are not up late. I think after this week, I would be OK with Kristy Lee Cook going but I really like the rest (sorry Kristy). The boys are rrrrreeeeaaaaalllllllly cute!!! Don't ya think? Especially that MICHAEL JOHNS, how 'bout it Manic??!!! Man-oh-Man!! And I just LOVE LOVE LOVE David Archuleta!! He is just too adorable (and very humble!)!! I guess Jordin Sparks (last year's winner) is putting all her $$ on David Cook....??? Hmmmm, like him but not so sure he is the ONE! I think it will come down to Michael Johns and David A! With the Miley Cyrus/Jonas Brothers hype and all the teens with cell phones texting their votes - David will win by a landslide, just my opinion! So, enough said. I gotta go, I am on a cleaning jag - not sure where that came from but my husband will be thrilled! Pray for Kendra!

PS - I am not TRULY concerned that we will get kicked out of Oprah - I am quite certain that Dawn, Mimi and I can be on our best behavior as a testimony to how thankful we are for our gift from Kendra!! (just a disclaimer so we are not UNinvited!) :)

What's GROSSER than GROSS...

Apparently, my day! SHEESH! It all started this morning with the GWELACK-ing sound of my oldest son. You know that sound...borders on 'cat-with-hairball' but has a 'juicy' ring to it...you know the one? "MOOOOOOOOOOM!! He has a booger!!! MOOOOOOOOOOOM!!!!" "Well, get it," I said with my head in the dryer trying to multitask as everyone got ready for school, "grab a tissue and get it!" "GWELACK! Mom! I am gagging because it is in my mind! You can't actually expect me to touch it!" I giggled as I threw the last of the laundry in the basket, "Honey, it sounded like you were going to say, 'I am gagging because it is in my MOUTH!' " "GWELACK!" I hopped the baby gate, looked on the kitchen floor to make sure that was, in fact JUST a dry heave, grabbed a tissue and wiped the face of my booger-donning little man who was standing like a deer in the headlights wondering what all the fuss was about. Poor guy! One little booger and the house freaks out! Then... oh yeah, there's more!! We'll call him "Booger" and I get the big kids on the bus, I shower and we head for the mall so I could find an outfit to wear to Oprah!! The mall we go to has a cool playground inside by Children's Place (quite the marketing stunt, if you ask me!) so I did the ole' "if you are reeeeaaaaallllllyyyy good while Mama drives the GAP sales girls crazy looks around and tries on everything in the store some clothes we can go to the playground until you are hungry and I can bribe you away with the promise of McDs for a while." While we were playing I saw it....someone's pee. Now, boogers I can handle. But, pee? In a bag? At the mall? Come on! Before you all jump on me for being insensitive, I am SOOOO the most sensitive person you will ever meet! And I totally get it if there is a health issue and you need a catheter, I have had one, I didn't go to the mall with it in my purse, but I have had one! I truly think it is wonderful that this dear person decided on this beautiful day to get out of the house and head to the mall, but....could I NOT SEE YOUR PEE...PLEASE??!!! Could you make a little bag - like a Vera Bradley-type pee-bag cover? PUH-LEASE!! Then...oh, I am not done...you couldn't bee so lucky...don't you know bad things come in 3's??! As I am trying not to look at "the Bag O' Pee" I catch a glimpse of this little boy under the slide. He is hunched over on his knees on the floor with his forehead on the dirty play mat. Hmmmm. Strange, but whatever. I make googly eyes at my cute booger headed down the slide and I catch another glimpse. This time he is peeking out from under the arm he has his head now resting on. He is obviously trying to be sly about something - but what? I should have looked away. "Please God, remind me to look away next time I see that look (on someone ELSE'S kid)!" He dives in. His left hand slides between his Spiderman undies and his pasty white butt cheek. Oh, he has an itch, I think. Nope. He quickly diverts to the path of no return...the crack. NO! PLEASE, I am having trouble looking away, PLEASE!! No!" Then, he does it. The unthinkable. He goes IN! IN, I tell you! (fire in the HOLE-style) Why little boy? Why??! Like a pick-pocket, he is OUT. Thank the LORD! And then back in..... but this time his finger goes IN HIS MOUTH!!!!! HOLY HECK, KID!! WHERE IS YOUR MOTHER? I CAN'T TAKE ANYMORE!!! GWELACK! Needless to say, we left for McD's soon after, I chose a coffee to settle my innards. BLECH! Oh yeah, and I got a cool outfit and jewelry for Oprah - of course, it will forever remind me of my booger-lipped, pee-bag carrying, butt-digging little friends! Thanks for the memories!

My BIG break...

So, I heard from an agent in NYC today. She loves, loves, loves Macy-Sue! Just like you all, she couldn't imagine bookstore shelves without her dancing around and curtsying to those who picked her up to read her pages. She offered me a 5-book deal (I have 3 written already) and said if I was interested, she would overnight the contract for me to sign and it would be a DONE DEAL! She is talking book tour, Macy-Sue dolls, a PBS cartoon and some other stuff that I couldn't hear over my screaming and giggling!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh, and...... APRIL FOOLS!!!!!!!

Get out your PRAYIN' HANDS...

Well, do I have a story for you! Get ready - you are gonna fall off your chair! For those of you who are new to my blog, you may wanna go back and re-read Dec 3 - Jan 20th before finishing this post...it will catch you up. For the rest of you - all you have to do is look to the right of this post and see the sweet face of a little King that stole our hearts and still holds them in his little hands as he gallops through Heaven with his fellow cancer-free playmates! King Juju, as we like to call him. He touched the world during his short, not quite 1 year battle with Medullablastoma. There was one person in particular, Kendra, that was not only touched by Julian's story but was in awe of the friendship that Mimi, Dawn and I share b/c of Ju; even having never laid eyes on one another. A friendship that was orchestrated by someone much bigger than the blogosphere! In one of the many, many, MEMES I get invited to do, I answered the question, "Who would you like to have lunch with?" with my all-time mantra, OPRAH! Soon after I posted that MEME I got an email from a regular reader, Kendra. Kendra is an amazing woman and another very good friend whom I have never laid eyes on. Kendra's email said that she scored 3 Oprah tickets. They were for me, Dawn and Mimi...if we could commit to a trip to Chicago at a moments notice. This was a gift from her heart to ensure that the 3 of us would meet! We have all been so excited for the last few weeks of our impending trip to the WINDY CITY...and we have BEGGED Kendra to join us. She maintains that this is a trip for just the THREE of us and she was simply happy to be an integral part of us meeting. Friday Dawn called me to ask if I got an email from Kendra's daughter. I quickly checked and there was nothing. Dawn read me what she had just received and I lost my breath. Kendra was in the hospital and had just undergone emergency brain surgery last week to remove a tumor. And the doctor's also found lung cancer. This is a woman who had no idea she was sick. She was battling a couple of ailments but had marked it up to the winter germ spreading that happens when you are the children's storyteller at a public library. I talked with Kendra on Friday night via IM...from her hospital bed. She is in good spirits with a room FILLED with flowers but she is scared and needs our prayers. This is a woman who gives and gives, she is a blessing to everyone around her and she NEEDS US now! Please send your prayers and well-wishes through this post and I will make sure Kendra knows you are pulling for her. Those of you who have prayer chains, please put her on them. FWD this post to anyone who would post a prayer for her or leave her a scripture to lift her spirits. God bless you Kendra! We love you!

Just Me and Kenny Rogers...

Look who I found on the boardwalk outside of the TROPICANA yesterday...

Just kidding - it's just my dad! Handsome, isn't he? Actually cuter then Kenny R! Since I can remember, we don't go anywhere without people stopping him for an autograph, asking if he IS, in fact, Kenny Rogers, or just feeling compelled to let him know THEY think he looks like him! It's funny!

We took a bus from Reading to Atlantic City yesterday and spent the day together - just me and my dad! Two years ago for Father's Day I gave him a hand-made gift certificate for a trip to AC, just the two of us. Since then, he has been socking away quarters in a big jar. He said when his jar was full, we would go. Well, a couple weeks ago he plunked the last quarter that would fit into his jar and we set a date!

We tried to break the bank and win this JACKPOT but no such luck! We came to the realization that with the computer age came the end of "luck" when it comes to slot machines. Most of the machines aren't even the old-time spinners, they are a computer screen with virtual spinners. That computer knows what its doing. It ain't gonna let you win the MILLION! Sucks!

Anyway, we had a really great time. We 'walked the boards,' giggled, texted our friends and pretended we needed $$ wired, and had some yummy snacks. My dad is the greatest! And I had him all to myself ALL DAY yesterday! Sounds more like a gift to ME than a Father's Day gift to HIM!

:) Love ya, Daddy!

Would it be a sin to...

So, I am just wondering if you could answer a few questions for me. We're all friends, right? So, I can lay it all out there, be truthful, honest, maybe a little "off" - ya know, in need of medication? You'll support me, right? I have been having a lot of stress lately, mostly related to my toddler. So, I am trying to think of things to lighten my load. Clearing my plate of things that could cause me more stress would seem the easiest remedy. Yes?

So, that is why I need to run a few things by you...

Would it be a sin to just throw away the disobedient plants in my house? How is it that I can keep 3 children, 2 adults and 1 dog and cat alive but anything green is DOOMED once it enters my life? The sad plant on the right is actually a piece of a plant that was my husband's grandmothers, it was carefully harvested and replanted by my mother-in-law and given to me...that day I felt the stress of the world sitting on my shoulders. "Really? Thanks. You are entrusting me with a plant that is older than any human I know. Wow. I don't know what to say...(whispering: except, 'where can I buy one when this one bites it?') Now, in my mother-in-law's defense, she KNOWS that I missed the 'green thumb' give-a-ways so, I feel complimented that she had more faith in my abilities than I did.

Can I shave the dog, throw away 1/2 the toys, bleach my rug, or paint the linoleum when no one is looking? If I had a dollar for every minute that I vacuum (or even hand pluck) the dog hair from the floors, stepped on pointy toys, tried to clean spewed purple Tylenol liquid from my white carpets or 'magically erase' the skid marks on my white linoleum from a mini-stunt triker, I wouldn't have needed the trip to AC with my dad yesterday!!

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Would it be a sin to donate all the towels in my house to charity and put an extra roll of TP in each bathroom for the kids to dry off with so I don't walk around each morning gathering piles like this.

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Would it be a sin to have a freezer that looked like this

but when the Spring Fundraisers are delivered, turn to this?

(notice the empty spaces?)

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Would it be a sin to just stuff some garbage bags full of TP (or old towels) and put them on the couch for the family's enjoyment so I am not constantly picking up my $20 pillows of the dog-hairy, Tylenol-stained carpet?

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How about serving only water so when the self-taught lesson in toddler surface tension are complete, the mess I have to clean up is not sticky...apparently the older two just moved their left-over breakfast to the counter and not the dishwasher...a toddler's dream.

. And after you help me decide what to do about these conundrums, you can get to work on these...

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How do I keep 40,000 crayons from being thrown around the room? Isn't coloring supposed to hold a child's attention? The actual adding of color to the pictures? Why does it end up being a "let's see how many I can fit in my fat little hand and how far I can get them to fly" game?

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How do I squelch the passion for putting stuff in his hair? Three days ago he had his hair plastered to his head - Elvis-fashion - with CUREL (yeah, the lotion). On this day, I walked in to bathroom and he was primping with orange anti-bacterial soap!

Why??

And the WINNER is....

Please post your STORY! Help us understand why...

We're down to the wire...

Alright...there are some front-runners for our PHOTO/CAPTION contest! Pooperazzi....I pooped on the potty....Is it Spring yet? Anyone can vote - so you lurkers....pick your fave and leave a comment on the PREVIOUS post! . Friday at 1pm is the DEADLINE - I will count votes when the baby heads to Naptime Nirvana and then I will produce the GABBIN' MAMA VIDEO BLOG...yes, I am Superwoman, laundry, dishes, lunchtime chaos, getting a crazed toddler to bed, counting votes and video production... . But I do it all for you! My faithful readers. (and because I am excited to see who gets THIS!)

If you have voted and you are just sitting there twiddling your thumbs waiting for GABBIN' MAMA to rear her somewhat-disheveled self, head over to Laura's Bead Biz and check out our sponsor of this contest!

Thanks Laura for your generous (and GAWgeous) gift!!

It's Me...remember me? I'm BAAACCCKKKK...

Contest FINALISTS at the end of this post! (ONE MORE ADDED Wed) (No, I didn't forget you!) Don't skip to the end....there's a lot of fun stuff in this post! . WOW! It has been forever and a day since I have last written more than three sentences for you all to enjoy! It has been even longer since it took .3 seconds to get online. That WiFi deal while we were on vacation was a MESS!! Frustrating as all get out! SHEESH! . Let's just chat awhile, shall we? Last Sunday morning at 2 am, we shushled (that's a PA dutch term, meaning jiggled or poked) our three sleeping children from their beds and put them in the car to head to the Outer Banks with our 5 bestest friends in the whole world and all their kidlets, too. . After an 8 hour drive, a couple of food stops and too many "pee" stops to count, we arrived at the pretty place I showed you in my last post! Funny enough, it is owned by Penn State Alumni and there was a Nittany Lion welcoming us over the front door! ROAR LIONS ROAR! . We all ran around peeking into rooms and checking out our new digs for the week...here are some pictures for you to feel welcome, too... This place was amazing...3 floors of fun!! 6 bedrooms, 6 1/2 baths, granite counter tops, a gorgeous view of the sound, big screen tvs, pool table, jacuzzi, and the list goes on! 2 kayaks were hanging in the car port so my boys could take a quick jaunt off the dock whenever they pleased! And a SLEEP NUMBER BED for moi! It was a great week! 7 best friends and 7 kidlets co-existed peacefully for all 7 days! We had a blast! The grown up girls got a couple chances to go it a lone and shop while the hubbies took a swing at the Domestic Goddess role...they were very good at it! So good, in fact, that we left a couple times! . I got a call on the second day from our Foster Care Coordinator to tell us that our adoption date is set! Our baby Izaiah will be a TRUE Brownlow on April 9th when we meet in the courtroom to finalize his adoption. We are so excited! It was a great place to get that news, surrounded by friends! . We did a lot of walking, got some Henna tattoos...

This was James, my tattoo artist - he had a very lickable head! NO, I DIDN'T REALLY LICK HIS HEAD! I was thinking of you all and took advantage of what I like to call a "BLOG FODDER OPPORTUNITY"!

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While on this amazingly fun, sometimes borderline pee-your-pants hysterical (after the children went to bed, of course) vacation I had trouble connecting with the house WiFi...but did get on long enough to get an email from a fellow-blogger that she got Dawn, Mimi and I tickets to OPRAH! Yes, go back and read it again, I did say OPRAH!!!!!! So, in a couple weeks, the three of us will actually SEE each other in person! Friends who have never met but who have been forever blessed by the hearts of the others. . I squealed my way through that day, giggling that I would be in Chicago with my BLOG BUDS! We went sight seeing, climbed a lighthouse, shopped, laughed, had a murder mystery (again, after the kidlets were in dreamland)...I was Candy Cotton, lover of resort owner, Coconut Joe (SWATCOP from my comments) but who was secretly in love with Jack Daniels, the bartender (my hubby)! It was so much fun! . One of the highlights came out of my youngest each and every morning...no, not poop! Since when is that a highlight? Sickos! Of the four women that we vacation with, 3 are named Michelle/Michele. So, we go with nicknames to keep the confusion to a minimum...it doesn't take much! So, I am Kemper, another is Goose and then there is Michele and finally, Anne-Marie. My youngest can say "Goose," tries to say Anne-Marie but it comes out "Giggy" and for some reason calls Michele, "Bob!" So, each morning when he woke at 6 or 6:30, he would walk around squawking, "GIGGY, GOOSE, BOB!" Looking for his 3 favorite people in the house (besides Mommy, of course!) BTW, "Giggy" in PA Dutch is another word for Va-jay-jay!! HAHA! Anne-Marie is our children's ministry director so when Izaiah runs across the room squealing "GIGGY!" on Sunday mornings she blushes!! :) . And, ladies....I have to throw this in there just to make you all seeth with jealousy...14 people, 7 days, 3 meals a day...WE LADIES DID NOT COOK ONCE!!!! NOT ONCE!!!! We have rockin' husbands, I tell ya!! And, for me...I didn't do laundry once either, hubby did! WOOFREAKINHOO FOR ME!!! . We sadly headed home before lunch on Saturday. Landed in Chincoteague, VA. Stayed for the night in a great waterfront hotel and did the wild pony/nature center thing the next morning. Arrived in PA just in time for the baby to finish his nap in his own bed and then head to my mom's for Easter Dinner! The kids had off yesterday as part of their Spring Break so that was a bonus as it gave us time to gently EASE back into reality before the alarms went off for school! . Thanks for being patient with me as I promised you a celeb panel of judges, a video blog and the five finalists...ALL of which did NOT happen! So, I am here to redeem myself...I will allow EVERYONE a finalist position...LET THE VOTING BEGIN! . Hmmmmm....Grrrrrr....the linky thingy isn't workin..... http://juliekirbyblog.blogspot.com/2008/03/oh-boy-another-contest.html http://ricetrio.blogspot.com/2008/03/help-me-win-this-contest.html (first photo) http://peach867.blogspot.com/2008/03/contest-entry.html http://multiplemomt.blogspot.com/2008/03/no-mommie-thats-not-poop-oatmeal-cream.html http://shanemerrittfamily.blogspot.com/2008/03/is-it-spring-yet.html http://wilsonscomingoutofthewoodwork5.blogspot.com/2008/03/yippie-reygann-went-poopy-on-potty-oh.html http://ascapecodturns.blogspot.com/2008/03/photo-contest.html http://alanem.blogspot.com/2008/03/phunny-photos.html http://common-place-book.blogspot.com/ (aka *Jane*) - scroll down to "spaghetti kid" photo . NOW REMEMBER...the caption is part of the entry...so take into consideration what makes the photo FUNNY! The best pairing of caption and photo will be our winner! . Invite your friends/bloggers/politicians to vote for your photo on THIS POST!!!

I WILL DO A FRIDAY VIDEO BLOG (instead of Thursday) ANNOUNCING THE WINNER!!

Wish you were here...

NOT TOO SHABBY, HUH?!

Having serious WiFi issues...

will have CONTEST "deets" when I return this weekend!!!

LOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

...a complete stranger contacted Mimi to ask if he could make this Treasure Chest for her!

Psalm 72:5 is on the top:

"He will endure as long as the sun, as long as the moon, through all generations."

Some random ramblings...

OK, this is going to be one of those posts where you question my brain waves. It will be all over the place! It's like when, on a car trip, my husband says all endearingly, "Whatcha thinkin'?" and I respond with, "I was just thinking that if I stuck my arm out of the car window back there when we passed that truck, I would only have one arm. That would totally SUCK, not to mention that would be a terrible way to lose a limb!" He usually responds with something like, "You are a freak!" or "Sorry I asked." or "Why don't you think the things other people think?" This is one of those posts...all over the place!! Excuse my Cindy Lou Who hair...there is actually an identical pony tail on the other side. I think this is my very favorite corner in my house. It is in the kitchen right by our patio door that looks out over our back yard and the community soccer fields. The shelf holds some of the most precious gifts I have ever been given. Those wobbly school projects, sand art, the many tea cups, a couple decorated eggs and so much more. I found the "These are a few of my favorite things" sign at a quaint little primitive shoppe in our town. The artwork over my left should was made for me by my daughter for Mother's Day a couple years ago...it reads "#1 Best Mom Ever, I (heart) U" These hand-crafted treasures are all around my house but the most precious ones are right where I can see them most of the time. (We all know how much time moms spend in the kitchen!) I look at them throughout the day and I smile. I thank God for the three sweet babies he trusted me with. His babies. What an honor! What a blessing! *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Go listen to these guys! One of my favorite bands to go see! LOVE SEED MAMA JUMP! *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Check out this website, just incase you ever get stuck on the phone and can't get off...this site has great sound effects that will give you the perfect excuse to go! Click here. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Have you ever had an invention idea? Something you wish you had but have never seen for sale in a store? Check out Parents of Invention. Sumbit your idea and get paid! I am doing it! Join me! *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* A cake I made this summer for a Gold-Fish-Phobic friend of ours!! Haha!

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Plugged-in Online is a great place to go to get a wholesome opinion of today's media. Whether you are looking for a movie, video games, books, etc. Keep your kids safe and their minds clean!

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So, I think I am done for now! Maybe. We will see. I am going to fold some laundry and if I think of anything else, I will edit.

Don't forget the contest! Post your photos (it doesn't have to be just one!!) on the Gabbin' Mama post. Remember that on Wednesday my beach-going girlfriends and I will choose 5 finalists. Then YOU will vote and invite your readers/friends and family to vote, too! Please know, to make it easier on those voting, I will snag your pics and drag them to my site for the vote. If you have a problem with this please leave me a message in the comments. Gabbin' Mama Thursday will once again be the video announcement of our WINNER!

Cindy Lou says, PEACE OUT!

Friday's PHOTOS ONLY A MOM WOULD TAKE...

Say, "AHHHHH-rtist!"

(yes, the paint is IN his mouth!)

This was my oldest about 8 years ago!

This has NOTHING to do with anything...

...but grab your DEPENDS!! Don't miss the MULTIPLE THURSDAY POSTS - Scroll down for video blog contest announcement and Thursday's photo.

Thursday's GABBIN' MAMA VIDEO BLOG...

(notice my GAW-geous necklace from Heather at Faith Creations, LLC!)

The Prize:

Laura at Bloggin' Mama is this contests' sponsor! And, of course, because she is so amazingly talented, I will be paging through thousands of entries b/c I know you ALL will want this beauty!! See her etsy store, here!

Contest Rules:

1. Post a photo with a hysterical caption on your blog.

2. Link back to My Semblance so your readers can join in on the fun and enter the contest, too!

3. Leave a comment in this post (THIS ONE!) with a link to your entry so we can all enjoy (and giggle, of course!).

4. Stay tuned for next Thursday's video announcement of our 5 (?) finalists.

Update:

Beth was our winner in our last contest - check out her blog to see what she got from Shiny Adornments!

Thursday's PHOTOS ONLY A MOM WOULD TAKE...

GULP, GULP!

GAK, GLUG, SPUTTER, GROAN

Wednesday's PHOTOS ONLY A MOM WOULD TAKE...

YOU'VE HEARD OF THE GAME...

PICK UP (PRETZEL) STICKS

(yes, it WAS a brand new bag!)

Tuesday's PHOTOS ONLY A MOM WOULD TAKE...

GIVE A CHILD A STICK...

AND HE WILL MAKE HIS OWN PET!

(yes, that is a pregnant dust bunny from under my 'fridge!)

Monday's PHOTO ONLY A MOM WOULD TAKE...

LARRY THE LOLLIPOP

A FURRY FRIEND YOU CAN COMB AND THEN EAT!

It's a Party...come join the fun!!

It's always a hoot here on My Semblance! Wait...hold the phone! Who says that? Why is it a hoot? Are owls really all that fun? If something is fun - wouldn't we pick a fun animal to signify something fun happening? So, if I were choosing a fun animal, my first choice would be a monkey. Monkeys, according to my toddler say. "Oooo Oooo" "It's always a Oooo Oooo here on My Semblance?" Ummm. No. It IS. But that just doesn't work for me! Another fun animal that makes a decent, spellable sound....waiting....brain is smoking....I'll get back to you on this... Well, I promised you a party so are ya ready? I have had a couple days of feet-up, wait on Mommy pampering (the stomach flu will do that to ya) and I am down a couple pounds so that makes my Monday ROCK!!! I am rarin' to go!! Here's the thing...a very, and I mean VERY cool mom over at 5 Minutes for Mom has once again organized a Blog Party for this week! It lasts until Friday! Anyone can go over there and join the fun, post your blog info and party at other blogs all week! Some people are even hosting after-party parties!! Now those are my kind of women - never stoppin' the fun!! And there are prizes!! Click on the link and then scroll down to find the links to over a THOUSAND PARTYIN' MOMMY BLOGGERS!!!! So, for the next week I will be partying with PHOTOS ONLY A MOM WOULD TAKE! So, each day this week I will be posting a photo from my tens of thousands on file that no one else on the planet would take, let alone save to disk. No one but a Mom!! Come back and check 'em out - you won't be sorry! I have a house full of crazies and the flashbulbs go off all day long - I promise you! Go check out the scoop at 5 Minutes for Mom! It's always a BLAST at My Semblance...I know, I know, NO ANIMAL says, "Blast!" but can YOU come up with something better?

I'm BAAAAAAACK...

Hi there! I feel like I should re-introduce myself. I feel like it has been a year since I have been on line. Thursday I woke up with a headache and feeling a bit queasy. Throughout the day the queasiness got worse, to the point of purposely averting my attention from my belly woes so I didn't YAK and scare the baby. I make that sound heroic only because the real truth is PUKING SCARE ME! My puking, that is! I don't do it! EVER! It has got the be the very worst thing in the world to me! THE WORST! I just can't do it! Not morning sickness! Not the stomach flu! Nothin'! At about 5:30 pm, I called the hubby and requested that he bring a pizza home so I didn't have to think about/look at/smell food. I also forewarned him that I would NOT be partaking of the pizza-eating. I told him I would go upstairs to rest while they all ate. He laughed and said, "See you in the morning." But, it was the Thursday Americal Idol. I couldn't NOT watch it with the kids. Now, you have to know, we are self-proclaimed BEDTIME NAZIS! The kids are in bed at a decent hour every night! The 2-year old at 7:30 and the big kids at 8:30. I am a glutton for ME-time! I need it! It's how I roll. But this is the first season of American Idol that we actually caught the preliminary auditions for - those who-the-heck-told-them-they-could-sing auditions. We let the kids watch as long as they do their nightly reading ahead of time. If the episode goes longer than 9pm we tape the rest and they watch it when they wake up. So, I bore you with this sidebar about bedtimes because all of us watching it together has become somewhat of an event for us. So, me laying in bed would not be an option. I went to bed when the pizza came home, just for a rest. That's when the walls must have blown down and let the frigid winter air into my room because I started to shake. Uncontrolably. The chills. Man! I vaguely remember waking up feeling awful, breathing deep to keep the upchuck train DOWN and I rolled out of bed Friday morning at 7:45 am. Hubby had already started the lunches, fed the kids breakfast and signed their homework. WOW! I can be out-of-commission and the world will not stop its rotation. It goes on. That's a great feeling. I felt a weight lifted off my shoulders! Whew! I sent my husband to work, assuring him I would call if the baby and I couldn't co-exist through the day. But all was well. We did it. I didn't eat very much (which is very good for the diet I just re-re-re-re-started) and actually JUST ate more than one meal today. I just lapped up the luxury of having an excuse to do nothing. Of course it would have been more enjoyable if I was feeling like a million bucks but, it was a relaxing couple of days - thankfully over the weekend so hubby was home. Of course, it gave me time to think over a million different things - a new blog, a new book (a chapter book), some fun contest ideas, interesting posts, a plight for pediatric cancer awareness (after some Mimi-mail), etc etc etc. Guess my brain wasn't sick! Thanks again for all your well-wishes! I am honored to have so many fun friends!!

The SICK DAY is OVA...and it is time to PARTY!

Hey y'all (as Mimi would say!) Thank you SOOO much for all of your well-wishes and emails!! I feel so loved! You brightened my days! I am dragging myself out of the depths of Stomachbug City - BLECH! (No, Dawn, I didn't puke - but I probably should have!) UGH!! I will be back later today to give you all the scoop on a HUGE party you are all invited to!! Can't wait to tell ya! Check back after your kids are in bed and I will have all the 'deets' Catch ya in a bit! Have missed you all!

Takin' a SICK DAY...

...and maybe a nap...BLECH! But I couldn't leave you with a laugh-less day! GAG Reels from the BEST TV SHOW EVER!!

A reason to celebrate...

Well, you will all be thrilled to know that my dear dog, Morgan, has a head the size of my mini-van tire because of all of your "she's soooo cute" comments. Of course, I read them to her and now she thinks she is the spit! (in dog lingo spit is way cooler than the word that rhymes with it!)

Did you know there is a holiday almost everyday? Like an honest-to-goodness, someone-actually-filled-out-paperwork-for-this kind of holiday!

So, HAPPY LEARN WHAT YOUR NAME MEANS DAY!!!

Mine means, "Who Resembles God"

Thank you, thank you very much. But what do you do on that holiday? Are there streamers and plates with my name on them in the LEARN WHAT YOUR NAME MEANS PARTY STORE? Who comes up with this stuff?

I did my column for our paper today and I was searching for ridiculous holiday for March to illustrate a point and OH MY GOODNESS are there some!

Monday we missed the fan fare for WHAT IF CATS AND DOGS HAD OPPOSABLE THUMBS DAY! I kid you not!

Tomorrow is NAME TAGDAY! I dare you! (If you do, send me a picture and I will send you a prize!!)

March 9th is GET OVER IT DAY! There is an actual website for this! You are supposed to type in what you need to get over and then you can watch it go up into flames! I am afraid I would set my laptop on fire if I tried to get over everything all at once! Actually, I am not the type of person to hold onto things that aggravate me but there are a handful of things that I TRY to let go and get over but can't!

In my column I wrote this, "It’s fun to look at the lists of crazy holidays we never knew existed. But, what if we all added one more holiday to our list of reasons to celebrate? A holiday that we honored everyday. One that has been taught since time began. I vote that in the Tri-County area and throughout our country everyday is Treat Others the Way You Want to Be Treated Day! Hold a door, pay someone else’s toll, lend an ear, contact an old friend, forgive an enemy, say “I love you,” give an unexpected compliment, buy your mom flowers, leave a big tip, smile more, give an extra hug, slow down, let your guard down and have a really, really good day. Happy TOTWYWTBT Day!"

On that note, please remember Mimi this week.

March 4th, 2007 is the date that Julian had his first horrific headache that caused them to take him in for tests. If you haven't checked out his carepage in a while, you need to (click on VISIT and then the page is called JuliansWorld - type it with no spaces)...in honor of TOTWYWTBT DAY, send her a happy message letting her know you are praying for her. It's a really tough week for their family!

How do I love thee? Let me scoop the poop...

As we waited to be licensed foster parents, I could not dull my need to nest, the mothering ache was killing me so I forced convinced my husband that a dog would be a great addition to our family as our children were old enough to start learning how to not kill care for another living thing.

Memorial Day weekend of 2005, we added Morgan Rose to our family.

Little did I know that the foster baby would be an easier feat. This dog drives me nuts! Whose idea was this?

We took her to puppy boot camp right away. You are laughing aren't you? I am serious. The Perfect Pooch is bar none the coolest place around. You drop them off holy terrors and Dave gives them back 10 days later and VOILA, your very own perfect pooch. She was an ace and to this day is a fantastic dog - for my husband. It's that whole Alpha Male thing.

Quite honestly, the last three years it has been crazy as she is just a big black 80 pound toddler! When the baby came - I could have more easily dealt with twins, I think. She has disciplinary issues and I think should get Occupational Therapy during my son's sessions. She's a mess.

Anyway, almost 2 years ago, I demanded suggested we get one of those buried fences. I was tired of carrying the baby out in the elements 1400 times a day and walking around waiting for Morgan to "go." Really? As a mom, do you have time to do this? I was so ready to just buy a big fat CORK and tell her she had to wait until "Daddy" got home. It would be the dead of winter and snow would be blowing, I would get the baby situated on a play mat after getting the older two kids on the bus, I would sit down with a hot cup of tea and Morgan would come bounding in, knock over my cup into my lap and start whining - she had to pee. I would have to put the baby in his Siberian excursion outerwear and take him out to stand and wait...and walk...and sniff... I WANTED TO SCREAM!

So, the $200 was well-spent for the buried fence as I deemed it a necessity!

Are you doing the math? We got her in 2005, bought the fence in 2006 and it is 2008. Ask me how I am enjoying that fence...go ahead, ask me.

Thanks for asking but this is a real sore subject as that $200 box is still sitting on a shelf in our garage. (go ahead, ladies, re-read it, I know it is hard to believe) STILL SITTING ON THE SHELF. The dog has been trained to the collar that was in the box- but still no fence!

Please keep in mind, I am a very gentle person - we don't even spank in our house - so this shock-thing bothered me for a long time; hence the whole year of freezing my fanny off taking her out myself. I even made suggested my husband try it on himself before putting it on the dog. I said it was inhumane to give her a shock without knowing how bad it was. He tried it (on his hand, not his neck), I watched and he assured me it was "like sticking your tongue on a 9 volt battery." OK. Who does this? Maybe it is a guy-thing, but I have never had the urge to lick an Energizer! I don't get it!

Anyway, after a couple months and no fence, I boycotted scooping her poop. My excuse? I said, I was not about to brave the elements with a baby on my hip AND be expected to also use a bag to fondle her feces, too. Not happening! I just wanted to be able to open the door and let her out.

My poor children get dragged into this during lawn-maintenance season because my husband will call from the lawnmower, "Got grab some bags and scoop the poop!" My mom-ears can hear that request even with the windows closed and the mower running and I run to their aid. They both have that intense gag reflex that causes them to heave at the slightest disgust. Asking them to feel warm poo through a thin WalMart bag is just not right! Not to mention, my husband should feel for them as he puked IN HIS MOUTH numerous times while changing diapers. They all share the gag-thing!

He says now that he is waiting for me to decide to start picking up the poop before he puts in the fence b/c otherwise the WHOLE yard (instead of just the curb) will be crap-laden. Ugh. My plan has back-fired!

Why do I talk about poop today? Because this morning I found myself moved to scoop ALL of this winter's poop out of our curb grass while my little one played in the driveway with sidewalk chalk. It was starting to look like we had decided to use Doggy-Doo Mulch to cover our grass on the curb, I was a wee but embarrassed as many runners take their early morning jaunt right passed our house - that has to be gross! They have to notice it.

No, I don't deserve an award, I think I miss my man. He is headed back from a snowmobiling adventure out West with his dad and I miss him; did I say that? So, my boycott has ended, I guess, for now. I still want the fence put in but in the whole scheme of things, it's really not that big of a deal.

See Ken, I will even scoop the poo for you! Smooches!

And the dog? Yeah, she's still a big dork.

Yes, that IS a pumpkin!

Just one more MEME...please?

After you read just one MORE MEME - funny how these things suck you in! Right? Or is it just me? - Anyway, after the fun - scroll down for something VERY serious! Something I need your support for!

OK - onto the FUN! Tracy from Rambling Thoughts of the Neverending Mind tagged me for this MEME! She ROCKS!

1. What is your occupation?

I run a pretty decent sized corporation. I am in charge of running the whole gig. I have an assistant who really picks up the slack when I am out on the road or buried under other obligations. I am a Mom. A mom with a great husband!

2. What color are your socks?

Oh, shoot! I had really fun striped chenille socks on....but I changed into simple gray ones because I put on clogs and I had a paisley hair wrap on and the chenille on my feet and the wrap on my head didn't jive. Had I known I would have to tell you all what socks I had on...I wouldn't have switched!

3. What are you listening to right now?

Oprah's BIG GIVE! How did I not know about this show? This is a show MADE FOR ME! What a dream come true to have the time and the soul purpose to bless other people the way they deserve to be blessed. Now, a new show "The Newlyweds" is on - this looks like I will pee my pants before it is over! Yeah! This should be fun!!

4. What was the last thing you ate?

A sweet potato with lots of butter and salt and pepper. It was so good, I had a whole plate of it! That's it - just orangey taters for dinner!! :) The kids all ate broccoli and chicken and garlic bread and apples and PB but I just gorged on spuds!

5. Can you drive a stick shift?

Um. Nope. I have three kids. I am usually changing the DVD, adjusting the volume, pouring juice from a fast food cup into the sippy cup between my legs, refereeing the "he's on my side" argument in the back-back while driving and you want me to push in the clutch and shift, too? Really?

6. If you were a crayon, what color would you be?

Macaroni and Cheese - just because that is a hysterical name for a crayon - but based on color alone it would have to be PURPLE....it is my all time favorite color and why I love Bear In the Big Blue House so much - there are PURPLE OTTERS on that show!!

7. Last person you were on the phone with?

My best friend calling to tell me he loves me. :) My sweet hubby!

8. Do you like the person that sent this to you?

She is an absolute STITCH! I love reading her blog! She calls it ramblings - I call it therapy!

9. Favorite Drink?

Venti, non-fat, iced Carmel Macchaito during the day...on a date or out with friends I fill my MAMA CAP with big ole' MOJITOS!! Right SWATCOP??!

10. What is your favorite sport to watch?

"For the glory of old State, For her founders strong and great, For the future that we wait, Raise the song, raise the song. Sing our love and loyalty, Sing our hopes that, bright and free, Rest, O Mother dear, with thee, All with thee, all with thee. When we stood at childhood's gate, Shapeless in the hands of fate, Thou didst mold us, dear old State, Dear old State, dear old State. May no act of ours bring shame To one heart that loves thy name, May our lives but swell thy fame,Dear old State, dear old State."

PENN STATE FOOTBALL, BABY!!!

11. Have you ever dyed your hair?

Every 6 weeks I make the trek to The Bell Tower Spa to be pampered and that includes coloring my hair. My mom is a hair stylist so my whole life I had her at my fingertips to cut, color, perm or whatever mood struck me! I am an artist, remember! The mood changes with the phases of the moon!

12.Pets?

We are proud parents and siblings to a 14 year old tabby cat named Monte' and a 3 year old black lab named Morgan. They love each other....I don't always love them. Monte' has a poop issue and when he gets ticked off at me for something he poops on my daughter's bed! He stays outside unless it is horribly cold. Morgan just drives me up the freakin' wall sometimes. You know how labs are almost human - well she is like another toddler to add to my day-to-day chaos.

13. Favorite Food?

Gourmet salads...like the signature salad at Cosi or the Nutty Goat salad at Peace-A-Pizza!!! YUM! I am a huge ice cream fan, too. But I would give up ice cream for the rest of my life if someone would come make these salads for me everyday. Kind of a safe wager, because I know none of you will be headed my way to be my personal salad chef! Pass the ice cream!

14. Last movie you watched?

The Game Plan with The Rock and Madyson Pettis. How cute! We had family movie night last night! It was a really good movie! The kids loved it - I cried - we giggled! Totally off the subject - my sister's college roommate's father was The Rock's high school math teacher! So, I am 4 degrees of separation from The Rock!

15. Favorite day of the year?

Christmas!

16. What do you do to vent anger?

I wish I could tell you that I exercise or take a time out but that would be a lie and I couldn't lie to you all! I EAT! I'd like to tell you that I reach for those yummy salads, but unfortunately that is not the case ... when the baby throws a tantrum and I put his down for an early nap - it is chocolate ooey-gooey ice cream ... after a hard day and everyone is in bed and I have the munchies - it's nachos pile high with cheese and sour cream ... if I am on a diet and I just had an unsuccessful weigh in - it's General Tsao's Chicken!!

17. What was your favorite toy as a child?

Totally easy. Lite Brite! Lots of purple pegs and a bright light! WOOHOO!

18. What is your favorite? Fall or Spring?

Fall means the kids leave me and head back to school - I hate that! Spring means that it is "teaser" weather...not quite warm enough for the beach or the pool but too warm for big comfy hoodies. SUMMER gets my vote!!

20. What kind of pie?

Not a fan of pie...too much fruit, not enough goop! I would like a chocolate peanut butter pie! That would be yummy! But with an oreo crust - no flaky crust for me (don't enjoy it!)

21. Living arrangements?

Hubby and three kidlets in a 7 year old colonial in a big development that sits on a former dairy farm! Our house back up to two tournament-sized community soccer fields...so when soccer is off, we have a HUGE back yard! :O) Gorgeous countryside sunsets with the bonus of playdates you can walk to! Gotta love it!

22. When was the last time you cried?

January 19th when Julian left his Mama and went to be with Jesus. Miss you, Juju!

23. What is on the floor of your closet?

Lots of clothes that I flung off when I was headed to bed and was too tired to put away or throw in the hamper, clothes headed for Good Will, boxes of mementos, summer shoes and heels I don't wear often ever!

24. Who is the friend you've had the longest that you are tagging?

Patti who has a dormant blog but is one of my oldest friends. We have been through Footloose marathons and cheerleading tryouts together and remain sweet friends. She's a great quesadilla cook, too! Now you have to update your blog, girlfriend!! :)

25. The friend that you have known the shortest amount of time that you are tagging?

Theresa who is a devoted commenter and has a wonderful spankin' new blog! She is a wealth of knowledge...add her to your faves!

26. Favorite smell?

Brand new baby heads! Oh my! Absolute HEAVEN!

27. What inspires you?

EVERYTHING! Drives my husband bananas! I am always coming up with ideas for new businesses, blogs, crafts and inventions. He says quite often, "Can you just pick ONE thing. Just ONE thing to be hog wild over?!" Poor guy...I can't. I really, truly can't.

29. Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburgers?

Swiss cheese and mushrooms, please! With a Nutty Goat on the side!

30. Favorite cat breed?

My tabby cat is my favorite but I think Scottish Folds are a close 2nd. They are the ones with folded ears...

31. Number of keys on your key ring?

Ummm...too lazy to get up to look but I think 5. How many do I actually use? 2

32. How many years at your current job?

10 lovely hugged-filled, giggle flowing, giant smile years! I couldn't be happier!

33. Favorite day of the week?

Friday - nothing pressing to get ready for ... just a fun evening with the fam. We usually do pizza and a movie on Fridays. Thank God for Blockbuster Online!

34. How many provinces have you lived in?

None. eh?

35. How many countries have you been to?

England, France, Germany, Switzerland and Austria...and my stompin' grounds of America the Beautiful!

Thanks Tracy! If you are enjoying this with me, consider yourself tagged. If you were reading this dreading to see if your name was one of my "tagged" friends, I am sticking my tongue out at you! :)

Scroll down for my latest SOAPBOX!!

Gettin' on my "SOULJA BOY" soap box...

Alright, if you are a mom or if you simply have a supreme interest in keeping the kids in your life wholesome as long as you possibly can - DO NOT LEAVE THIS PAGE UNTIL YOU HAVE READ THIS POST! I am pulling up my soapbox and stomping my heart out! Get ready! Last night a couple of friends and I took our kids out to a show. At the end of the show the cast did the SOULJA BOY dance. I had heard this song before and saw Ellen try and do the dance on her show once. It's a cute dance and a very catchy song. Here's the dance done by some sweet innocent children for those of you who don't have a clue as to what I am talking about... Cute, huh? My friend and I sat and watched the cast perform this dance. We discussed how we wish we knew what the lyrics were. We watched as our children grooved and bopped to the pumping music as they watched closely and soaked in all the dance moves. When the show was over they rushed up to us with, "Can we download that on our iPods? PLEASE?! Can we, when we get home?!" Luckily, I keep good company and my dear friend and I had the same answer, "Before you pump that song into your brains, WE will find the lyrics and decide together whether that happens or not!" We both thought the word "Ho" was in the song. I get home. Put the kids to bed and GOOGLE away. I have to tell you that what I read makes me unable to watch those sweet dancers from YOUtube performing this song. This song is more x-rated, degrading, hurtful and offensive than I could have ever imagined. The entire song is about sex. Those babies are dancing to a song that is talking about what this degenerative song-writer is planning to do with the sleeping girl next to him who just said "no" to his advances. Click here to read what I am talking about! How is it that a movie can be deemed unfit for those of a certain age but we can blast this CRAP across the airwaves for our children, our girls to be hurt by? I just don't get it! How is it that we live in a world with knowledge at our fingertips (I spell it G-O-O-G-L-E) and parents don't take a second to dial up the info that will keep the innocence in their children just a little bit longer? It hurts me to think of the kids who are being influenced by this song. By the way - you know how teens think it is funny to pull something over on their parents? Been there - done that! Well, the rap star making millions off the sale of his song is a mere SEVENTEEN YEARS OLD! He pulled one over on the world! And we are standing by, WHY?! Please don't be that person who says, "The kids don't know what the words mean. They don't know what "superman" is referring to." If they are any older than 12, I guarantee you that they absolutely KNOW what that song is saying. They absolutely think it is cool! They have absolutely pulled something over on you. It's no wonder that teens are pregnant, kids are getting killed in the cafeteria, there is more mental illness in our country than ever before and girls feel they have to 'put out' to be popular. We are these kids' parents. We need to step up. We need to take the responsibility for their actions, we need to say "NO" to inappropriate songs so they can say "NO" to inappropriate behaviors! You don't have to be a Christian to care about the innocence of your kids. It's about being a productive member of society, being a role model to those around you. Just being a good person. It starts with a skanky song but we all know it doesn't end there for some kids... Good Lord, people. STEP THE HECK UP! Please FWD this to everyone you know who has a child - whether a mom or a teacher. We have to help our fellow parents stay in the loop...maybe that's an idea for a sister blog IN THE LOOP! If anyone is interested in being a contributing writer for a blog that will help parents stay on top of new trends their children will be faced with - please email me directly. Whew. Peace out!