Live. Laugh. Pull your hair out.

Wouldnt it be nice to get a few cats?

2012-01-31T18:50:00.000-05:00

Wouldn't it be fun to have a black cat named Blackie?

And it would probably be great if Blackie was a barn cat so the mice would stay away.

I think it would be pretty neat to have cats that only live in the barn so my allergies wouldn't act up...
...and I wouldn't have to constantly clean litter boxes...
...and clean up hair balls.

Wouldn't it be great to have barn cats so they could keep each other company and not require much cuddling and lovin' because I am just too darn busy to cuddle another breathing creature?

I am pretty sure Ike and Duke would love a few more playmates

Wouldn't it be great to have a few male barn cats to do a job around the farm?
I promise I wont get attached to them.

*deep breath*
OK, I am totally in love with these cuties and it is my life mission to make Blackie love me. I {try} to cuddle this feral feline at least 3x a day {with gloves} and have been known to use the names "Blackie Wackie" and "Pookie Wookie". Phew. Glad I got that out. I feel much better now. Side note-- We were told these beauties were male but have yet to find any male "parts" at almost 1 year old. Hmph.
*donations being taken to pay for both cats to be spayed*

8

2012-01-31T07:59:00.000-05:00

This boy is 8 years old.
January 31, 2004, this boy decided to make a very fast entrance into this new world.
This boy has reigned control over our lives ever since.

This boy, at the age of 8, wears a mens size 8 shoe.
Yes, really.

He loves boxers...
yo dude shoes...
and hoodies.

This boy is the spitting image of his father...
...and his uncle...
...and looks nothing like his Momma.

This boy loves Zoodles...
...and orange juice.
Gummies...
..and...well, just about anything with lots of sugar!

This boy still says "blanklets" instead of "blankets".
"Mom" instead of "More".
"Tomatoes" instead of "potatoes".
And the "f" sound instead of the "th" sound.

This boy could be a sports star if he didnt let his anxiety get the best of him.
An A+ student if he would just take the time to do his best work instead of simply getting the work finished.

This boy is an expert at one-liners.
Quick with his comebacks.
And quite possibly the funniest human I have ever known.

This boy has no interest in reading...
...playing on the computer...
...or anything that requires him to sit still for long periods of time.

This boy prefers physical work...
...or wrestling.
But forgets that he is stronger than most.

This boy knows how to drive a tractor...
...use a lawnmower...
...ride a horse...
...drive a snowmobile...
...and a dirtbike.

This boy is never quiet.
When he talks.
When he walks.
When he eats.
When he sleeps.
When he showers.

This boy loves to cuddle...
...kiss
and hug.
Although he would never admit it.

This boy loves to go to bed early...
and wake up early.
Just like his Dad.

This boy has my heart in the palm of his hand.
He knows how to make me smile...
...cry...
...think...
...laugh.

This boy is my everything.My whole ball of wax.My whole caboodle. My whole enchilada. My whole shebang.You get the idea.

Happy Birthday to My 8 Year Old.
*sniff*

What did you wash this week?

2012-01-27T20:52:00.000-05:00

My family is very aware that I do not check pockets before throwing their very dirty clothing in the wash.
But after years and years, they still forget.

In The Winter.....

2012-01-26T18:48:00.000-05:00

Dirty Vehicles Sit

Naked Trees Sit

Dead Grass Sits

Old Man Studley Sits

Snowy Swings Sit

Well-Used Toys Sit

Much Loved Tractors Sit

In The Winter, not much happens around these parts.
We just sit.And wait for nicer weather. The End *I dislike winter. Alot. I would like to get a job in Florida. A high paying, low-stress job in a warmer climate where I can never, ever experience snow and freezing rain again.Please and thank you*

Hosted by Cecily and Lolli

Stuff I Dont Want In My Obituary

2012-01-25T20:15:00.002-05:00

I am having a tough day.
No reason why.
Other than PMS and hating the world.
But whatever.

Life stories. We all have them. We all have stories that we can never, ever let go of.
Yes, even me.

1. I once fell when getting out of the tub. Right on the sliding door track. My yoohoo was black and blue for weeks.

2. I once wanted to show my mom a cool way to go down the stairs by sliding and not bending my knees. I fell, hit my back, knocked the wind out of myself and thought I was forever paralyzed.

3. In grade 1, I told everyone, including my teacher that my birthday was December 4. I remember losing sleep the night before parent interviews because I was terrified everyone would find out I lied. I also remember everyone singing Happy Birthday to me...on December 4.

My birthday is May 13.
Honest.

4. I lost the emerald ring my Nanny and Grandpa gave me {when I decided to wear it to school secretly}. In the grass. Because it was 5 sizes too big.5. At a sleepover, I fell asleep before a few friends. Apparently I dreamt about being She-Ra and talked in my sleep.
So what.

6. I once got caught chewing bubblegum, and blowing the worlds biggest bubble.....by the school principal.

7. I once picked our entire crop of, what I thought was green onions, only to be told they were not-yet-grown round onions. So what.

8. On my wedding day, I felt the need to bring my purse in the limo. My purse, with my wallet, our honeymoon tickets for Jamaica the next morning and all my ID ended up 90 minutes away in my dear friend's car. My sweet Maid of Honour made the drive to get it so we could get on the plane at 4am the next morning.

9. I used to wear Polo cologne..and roll up my pant legs...and safety pin my pant legs.I was cool.

10. I used to tape myself singing, and planned on sending my "demos" to the music big shots. I had myself convinced that I was going to be the next Tiffany or Debbie Gibson.
Don't judge.
I am only human.
Thanks to Google Images for the photos

The Fight Club

2012-01-24T19:16:00.000-05:00

This is a regular event in my home.

Some parents might try to break this up.
Yell.
Punish.Even weep in the corner .
Because brothers shouldnt be fighting with one another.

But I just grab my camera and snap away.*click**click**say "cheese" boys* Breaking it up doesnt work.
Yelling doesnt work.
Punishing doesnt work.Momma's crying doesnt make it stop.

Brothers DO fight all of the time.

And I am tired.
Spent.
Wilted.
Weary.
Hold me.

I held a newborn recently

2012-01-23T18:42:00.002-05:00

HUGE announcement!
You might want to sit down for this.
Take a deep breath.
Get a drink.
This is so huge that I have had to re-think writing this post more than few times because I just wasn't 100% positive that it could be true.

I held a newborn recently.
My {notsolittle} cousin's newborn, almost 6 pound beauty.
I smelled her.
Admired her.
Smelled her again.
Admired her again....
and again.

Then I gave her back.
And did not wish to have another one inside my body.

Pinterest Stuff Reviewed

2012-01-22T21:06:00.001-05:00

I am completely obsessed with Pinterest.
Facebook can go chew on rocks because Pinterest is my new best friend.
The cool best friend that I want to spend all of my time with.
I.Love.It.So.Friggin.Much that I would make out with it if I could. But, just so rumours don't start I would not make out with a cool best friend, unless she was Angelina Jolie or Sofia Vergara.
Anyways....

I have found so much cool stuff on Pinterest that it makes me feel all "Icancook/craft/decorateanythingandveryonewillwanttobelikemeandIwilllivehappilyeverafter".

Does that make sense?

You get the idea.

Anyways....

I try stuff out when I am in the mood, and because I am nice and love all of you, I will let you know how it all turned out.

You're welcome.

Egg Brunch Casserole

I was so excited to find something to cook overnight, so we could enjoy a nice breakfast on Christmas morning. It was very tough to sleep all night when the smell of eggs and bacon filled our house. The brain confusion for both hubby and I was unbearable because our tummies wanted us to wake up and eat but our minds were exhausted from the Christmas celebrating.
Verdict: It was OK. We found it bland and needing more meat...or something. The kids wouldn't touch it.

Broccoli

Roasted broccoli. Parmesan cheese. Olive oil. Three of my favourite things. I don't know about you, but I get tired of the same old steamed broc with cheese sauce so was so excited to find a simple alternative.
Verdict: YUM! It gets crunchy and crusty. I load it with parm cheese and garlic but I am sure it would be good with any flavour of vegetable seasoning. The kids wont touch it. Whatever.

Peanut Butter Ball

Holy Mother of Gosh Darn, this is my version of crack! Peanut butter and chocolate. If I could have both in a constant drip on an IV, I would. This has been made a few times now and gets rave reviews every time. I must say, that I prefer dipping with apples over any other treats {Teddy Grahams, graham crackers, wafer cookies}, but it is all good. Confession......I have eaten it by the spoonful more than a few times.
Verdict: You cannot go wrong with this. Unless there is a peanut allergy in the room. This stuff is Awesome with a capital A.

Crack Potatoes

I must admit that I did not make this exact recipe but it is very similar so I am including it. I used ham instead of bacon...and alot of it. Ever heard the saying "A moment on the lips will be forever on the hips"? So true for this. I am sure I gained 12.2 pounds eating this stuff...and licking the bowl.
Verdict: YUM! Will definitely make again.

Baked Spaghetti Casserole

As soon as I saw this recipe given by one of my favourite chicks, I knew I had to try it. Not only does this gal have cute kids and family members who love farm animals and tractors, but she also makes good food! This dish has become a regular on our menu. I do, however use ground turkey and whole wheat pasta, just so I can justify eating it on a regular basis and call it "kinda healthy".
Verdict: One of our favourites. Highly recommended with garlic bread.....
...and sweet pickles.
But that's just my opinion.

Have you joined Pinterest? Follow me and we can hang out.
Facebook is for losers.

Cold. Freezing. Brrrrrr.

2012-01-18T20:00:00.000-05:00

I live in Canada. Sometimes I wish my ancestors packed up and made the trip down south towards Florida...Texas...even Georgia. But nope. They stuck it out here for all those years in the cold, wintery weather. And now here I sit freezing my tushy and my toes.

These are my slippers because my feet are always cold and I refuse to wear socks when I am in my home.

These are Princess' feet because her feet are always cold and she refuses to wear socks or slippers when in her home.

This is Ike the horse.

See the steam coming out of his nostrils?
That is because it is friggin cold.

This is an icicle coming out of an eavestrough at the back of our barn.

The icicle is there because it is cold and the eavestrough is dented because Ike likes to bite it.
Whatever.

This is the frozen ditch in front of our home.

My children like to walk in it but they usually get their feet soaked.... ..and then they whine and complain that their feet are cold.

I am convinced that they do not understand the cause and effect concept, but whatever.

These are the naked trees at the back of our property.
It is cold back there.
And everywhere.

Click here{on Thursday} to check out more "cold" photographs!

3 Years 9 months

2012-01-17T19:43:00.000-05:00

..is the best age.
If I could freeze my children, I would at this exact age so I could keep them this way forever and ever.
They sleep, use the potty, have some independence, love Disney movies and most days are just 100% enjoyable and adorable.
But anyways.....

My daughter is this age.
She has a vivid imagination which allows her to play with all of her imaginary friends and even sometimes include her Mommy in on the fun.
She doesnt care how she looks when she gets dressed in the morning because, in her mind {and mine} she is the prettiest girl in the world.
As long as she has her hairband in her hair, she is a happy girl.

Everyday she learns something new and still gets excited about it.
She is a sponge, absorbing everything going on around her.
Even when her brothers use some inappropriate language, she takes it all in and then uses the terrible words in a totally nonsense way because she has no idea what it means.
I like it when they are still innocent.
Her personality is flourishing. Her vocabulary is stretching. She makes everyone around her laugh. She says "I love you too" when you tell her you love her. I often find myself just looking at her, watching every move she makes.... ...etching it into my brain, so I never, ever forget this age. 3 years 9 months.

20 ways to embarrass your children

2012-01-16T20:50:00.002-05:00

Being a parent is all sorts of awesome when you can embarrass the poop out of your kids.

I figure since they have spent the last 10 years embarrassing me, the least I can do is get them back.

And now that they are getting older and more aware of what others think, I am having a ball testing their limits.

It doesn't take much to create some red cheeks and hear the words "Stop embarrassing me", but, in some weird way I find it therapeutic to laugh at myself and create uncomfortable situations for my children.

Reason number 79579467 my children will need therapy.

1.Dance to Rihanna while driving your mini van in traffic.

2.Pretend to pick your nose while driving.

3.Sing very loud while listening to Lady Gaga with the windows open while driving in traffic.

4.Better yet, sing in an opera voice.

5.Sing in an opera voice when your children have friends over.

6.Or head bang.

7.Dance. Any kind of dance you do will embarrass your children because they think you are old and have no rhythm. Little do they know that you used to get all groovy and stuff on the dance floor at all the cool clubs.

8.Use the word "groovy" while chatting with their friends.

9.Tell all of your friends and blog readers about the time your kid crapped on the neighbours lawn.

10.Or the time he peed in the driveway and you took pictures.

11.Or the time he overdosed on cough syrup.

12.Kiss your spouse. They hate that.

13.Yell "I love you" as loud as you can when you drop them off at school.

14.Leave love notes in their lunch bag.

15.Call them "sweetheart", "honey", "pookie wookie" in front of others.

16.Talk about your..umm...success or no success in the washroom with family members

17.Toot and then blame it on them.

18.Use the word "dweeb".

19. Or say "Wassup Dawg?" with your pants low riding when they enter the room with their buddies.

20.Create a blog.

You're welcome.

2012. The Year I Get My Ass Back

2012-01-15T13:56:00.000-05:00

*Warning. This post is full of very short sentences.*

OK bitches. Enough is enough. It is time for "Project GetmyfatassarmsandthighsinshapebeforeIhavetoputonshortsandswimsuits". Over the Christmas season I ate alot of crap. And I enjoyed every second of it until my pants got too tight and I felt like dog poop. Then I got depressed and ate more junk food and continued to feel like death. It's a never ending cycle. You see, I have this condition. I like to call it Denial. I can look in the mirror for months and think I look good but then one day I wake up, put on my jeans and notice that I am cushy-mushy. I am at the point now where I am not happy with the way my clothes are fitting and the way I feel. I don't want to suck in my gut all day every day. I don't want to wear long sweaters to hide my ass. I do not want my children flapping my arm wings any longer. And these zits. Man, I don't know about you but I have more zits now than I did throughout my entire teen aged life. Life is cruel. So I have decided to do something drastic. Like, I mean friggin monumental. 2012 will be the year that I put myself first. *gasp* I will go to the gym. I will go running. I will run a 5k...maybe even a 10k. I will not feel guilty about taking "me time". I will allow myself to do the things I want to do because I am realizing that life is too short to put things off...to put myself last. I went to the gym three times last week and worked out for 90 minutes a day. It felt so good to sweat and hurt. I almost even sang out loud to my workout tunes but thought people might look at me funny. And when I was doing weights, I might have even grunted a bit. *dontcha hate when people do that?* I am determined this time. Except I refuse to step on the scale. I just want to feel good and have my pants fit. And lose the jiggly wigglys. That's all.

Dance class

2012-01-12T19:58:00.002-05:00

My life is complete.
Princess takes dance lessons. With the ballet shoes and body suit and pink tights
She loves it with all of her precious, beautiful heart.
This makes me very happy.

Because I used to take dance lessons

With ballet shoes and a body suit and pink tights

Except I sucked

And she doesn't.
I just know she will be the best little dancer in town.

And then she will teach her Momma how to have some rhythm

OK.
Maybe not.
Because I will never, ever look good in any sort of dancing outfit again.
And my life is complete just watching her
in her pink tights
and bodysuit
and ohsocute ballet slippers.

Hosted by Cecily and Lolli

Parenting Crap

2012-01-11T19:42:00.002-05:00

I bitch alot about this parenting career I chose 10 years ago.
I had everything planned.
I would cuddle my baby.
Sing to him/her.
Dress him/her in nice clothes.
Play.
Smile.
Enjoy every second.

Then my children got older and more demanding.
And they even figured out how to talk back.
And get dirty.

They found many ways to embarrass me. {have I ever told you about the time my kid crapped on our neighbours front lawn?}
To test me.
To make me cry.

How dare they, after all of the loving and cuddling I had given them since their birth?

But the reality is that I love being a parent and would do it all again in a second if I didn't hate being pregnant so much. I would be just like that Duggar lady if I didnt blow up like a balloon and get acne on every inch of my body. I would pop those suckers out if my bowels wouldnt bung up for weeks at a time and I didnt pee every 20 minutes all night long. I would birth 20 children if we had a TV show and made millions of dollars to actually support the little buggers.

Ok. Not really.
But it sounded good, right?

Why do I love being a parent so much?

Ummm....... I am thinking.........
....really hard.
Hang on. It will come to me.......
....
....
....
....
....
....

*I enjoy cleaning my house 15 times a day
*Laundry is one of my hobbies
*Opening toy packages is fun
*Wiping kids asses makes me smile
*I enjoy being broke
*Cooking grilled cheese is one of my specialties
*Mini vans are sexy
* I LOVE putting Lego together
...and playing Princess every second of the day
*I don't mind being unappreciated

Annnnnnnnnd,

*Kids are cute {especially mine}
*Watching them accomplish new things and hit new milestones every day is the best feeling in the world
*Hugs and kisses are my favourite
*Witnessing the little humans I helped create grow up into independent, smart, good looking, bigger humans is the greatest reward to all of my hard work

Don't tell them, but I really do love playing Lego and Princesses. As long as I can put the stickers on the creations and be Belle.But I really friggin hate the laundry.

Stuff I love about Studley

2012-01-10T19:44:00.000-05:00

Man, oh man, I love my Studley. I love it when he snores so loudly during the night that it wakes me from a deep sleep. I love it when he rubs snot all over my windows when he wants in the house.
I love the way he rubs his stinky ears along the front of the sofa so we have a constant reminder of his stink when sitting on it. I especially love it when he moans and groans during a "deep sleep session" .
I love it when he pees right outside the front door because he is too lazy to actually walk to the grass/snow areas around the house. And it is really great when he runs into things because his eyesight is so bad.
I love it so much when he steals Princess' sandwich right from her hands. And then when he pees and poops in the horse's stalls because he knows that Ike and Duke do it.
I love to hear him toot and then watch him jump because it scared him out of a good sleep. I love to lift up his hind end to help him get up the stairs.

Sorry for this.

I just love my old dog so stinkin much.

Stuff I say to my boys regularly

2012-01-08T19:52:00.000-05:00

"Stop touching your penis."
"Get your hands out of your pants."
"We never, ever punch another boy's penis."
"Ball sac is not the correct terminology."
"The correct terminology is not balls, or jewels, or giblets."
"LIFT THE TOILET SEAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
"FLUSH THE TOILET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
"If you are angry with your brother then use your words and tell him."
"The washroom is for peeing, not the driveway."
"Boys are gross."
"Haven't I taught you any manners?"
"WEAR UNDERWEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
"What on earth convinced you that that was a smart thing to do?"
"Why on earth would you do such a thing?"
"Can you draw something else instead of a penis?"
"I don't want to see that."
"Don't come crying to me when someone gets hurt."
I'm mean? You haven't seen mean.....yet!!!!" "I love you even though you drive me crazy." I need new material.Share your best lines so I can copy.kthanksbye

Favourite Photos of 2011

2012-01-04T21:00:00.000-05:00

By now, I probably don't need to tell you how important I think it is to take pictures. Of your life. Your surroundings. Your family/friends. Moments. Nothing makes me happier than capturing moments that brought about an emotion. Expressive photography is what I like to call it. I am sure that is what all of the professionals call it too.And, yes, I really do get giddy when I look at pictures taken years ago and it brings me right back to that exact moment and emotion. It makes my heart happy.Because that is why I took that picture in the first place.Duh. Anyways, I went back through all of my thousands of photographs taken in the year 2011 and picked my favourites. A very difficult task for someone who takes so many pictures of events and emotions I wanted to remember. Sure, most of them aren't the best quality but there is a reason why I love each and every one of them. Sit down. Stay awhile. And I will tell you why. Duke the Horse looking handsome and distinguishedObviously I took hundreds of photographs of the newest members of the famdamily, but this one sticks outbecause, deep down in my heart I believe at this very moment, Duke was saying "OK, bitch, I will give you this perfect photo if you just stop following me around calling me Dukers." All three children sitting beside each other without hitting/biting/yelling is a moment to remember. And this day was one of my most favourite of the entire year.We went for a hike in the woods.Princess wore pants.Princess refused to wear a coat and whined alot.All three children whined about all of the walking.And my husband wore his big, clunky work boots.Ahhh.....the memories. This is joyand pure happinessall rolled into one photograph.Me loves it. My daughter and my grandmother in the same unposed photograph at my favourite place in the Universe.I think I took about 27 pictures just like this because I wanted to absorb the moment.This will be treasured forever. A spur of the moment photograph that showcases Rowdy's personality, handsome faceand fashion taste.And those green eyes make even his Mommy amazed that she had a part in creating him. Oldest and youngest child.She worships the ground he walks on......and he protects her every move. Eyelashes.Quiet moment.Beauty. Ike the Horse and I are thisclose.He is a rascal.He displays alot of inappropriate behaviour that reminds me alot of a child going through a difficult phase.But it makes me love him even more because he has personality.And smiles when I bring out the Nikon.Now tell me this photo didn't stir up a happy emotion when you saw it?? Feet.In Cuba.This week was one of my proudest..scariest...and most emotional of the entire year.My little brother got married.I took pictures.My little brother got married.It still makes me tear up. My family.In Cuba.The day my little brother got married.Without getting too emotional, let me just say that this photograph evokes MANY emotions.Including sadness over my face lines.Whatever. Heaven on Earth.I must move there.And live happily ever after.
OK.
That's it.
The End.
For Now.

Randomness

2012-01-03T20:01:00.000-05:00

It's been awhile and my mind is overflowing with random stuff that needs to be released.
You're welcome.

*Oldest child made these today and Holy Mother of Everything Sweet, they are friggin good.
And sugary.
And really sweet.And I think I now have 6 cavities.
Sugar coated pastry like biscuits is heavenly in my mouth but not on my ass.
New exercise routine begins January 9.

*We have been watching Little House on the Prairie ALOT here at our little house along the dead end road. Hubby was given the entire series for Christmas.
Entire series =55 DVDs.
We are on disc 4.
As children we were both obsessed with the show/books and everything Ingalls family-related. So now as we watch each and every show, I search all of the characters online to see if they are still alive.
Sick?
Nahhhhhhh.

Mrs. Oleson is still alive by the way. I thought she looked antique back then.........

And Michael Landon (Charles Ingalls) and Victor French (Mr. Edwards) both died years ago at the same age very close to one another.And Nellie Oleson has a book that I have ordered on Amazon.

Little House on the Prairie Quiz coming up in the very near future so study now folks.

*Conversation with middle child today
"Mom, what song can I search on iTunes to put on my iPod?"
"How about Rihanna stuff? Or Lady Gaga?"
"NO. PICK A GOOD SONG!!!"
"I don't know. How about Selena Gomez?
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO......HELP ME PICK A GOOD SONG! I DON'T KNOW WHAT SONG! THINK OF A GOOD SONG NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
"OK. Look up a song called "I'm a Spaz"

*I watched the Justin Bieber Christmas special and I think I am in love with him. That isn't weird is it?

*I need a haircut

*It makes me giggle when I give Ike and Duke the horses peppermint treats and they chase me around the field wanting more.

It's the little things.
Or I am just a complete wanker.

*I received an email today to promote a product.
What was it you ask? It was for a book called "Tickle My Tush".
Seriously.
Honest.
So I checked out the website

Oh.My.Goodness.

I saw the word Analplay and I think I blushed.....
...and then read some more...
....and saw the topics Heinie Hygiene and Frequently Assed Questions.

I am sorry, but if you don't know how to keep your Heinie clean, than the book shouldn't even be in your thoughts.

Ew.
*gag* So now that I have already promoted the book without any compensation, I think I will just pretend I never received the email and hope that the folks with Apple...or Nikon...or Sony call me.

Annnnd....if you, by chance purchase the book, don't tell me but let the author know I sent you.

Thanks muchly.

*thanks Google images for the pics above. xo

Is it just me?

2012-01-02T19:09:00.000-05:00

Is it just me or did the Christmas season feel a tad overwhelming?

Is it just me or does one of your children crap or puke all over their clothes as soon as you finish all of the laundry?

Is it just me or does winter feel like it lasts 10 months long?

Is it just me or do you find sippy cups full of milk under your sofa 2 months later?

Is it just me or do you think this is the cutest puppy ever created (except Studley of course)?

Is it just me or do you get the baby itch when you see a newborn?

Is it just me or do you call your dog "Boobie"?

Is it just me or do you wish you were somewhere warm right now?

Is it just me or do you want Barbara Walters to retire like yesterday? Phew.Thank goodness.I was starting to feel like a weirdo.

*pic of dog found on Pinterest. You should join...and follow me.

How we spent the last day of 2011

2012-01-01T11:29:00.000-05:00

On New Years Eve, most people spend time with family and good food reminiscing about the last 364 days.
They might drink some alcohol, listen to some tunes or even go out and celebrate with a large group.

Not us.

Us folks here at the homestead hooked up Ike and Duke the horses.

Then we hooked up the children's GT sno racer...sleigh thingys.

And Ike and Duke got to work.
Pulling shrieking children behind them through the forest and the field.
You're jealous.
I know.

Maybe next time we will charge admission so you can view the excitement or even join in the fun.

Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

May 2012 not suck monkey balls for your family....and mine too

2011- Year In Review

2011-12-29T15:00:00.002-05:00

2011 sucked monkey balls.
OK, it wasn't that horrible I guess.
...yes it was.
I am forcing myself to look back on the year to find some of the good things that happened in hopes that I will forget the bad.
....wishful thinking I am sure.

January.
My second born son turned 7 years old. I am still having a difficult time with this because it feels like just yesterday that he came into this world before the doctor was able to attend. I also started running...err...jogging...err walking fast.

February
My oldest child turned 9. His last year in the single digits. I am still having a very difficult time with this because, well, I am not old enough to have a kid this age. My daddy celebrated a birthday. Husband found Duke the horse. It was love at first sight. We left for Cuba to attend my little brother's wedding.

I consider our trip to Cuba to be one of the highlights of this craptastic year.

March
We spent the first week in Cuba. It was heaven. I didn't want to come home. I decided I would like to move there. My little brother got married and he and his newlywed wife celebrated birthdays. I was still running. Husband found Ike the Horse. He fell in love.

April
Princess turned 3. How is that possible? Husband celebrated a birthday. He is old. Prince William and Princess Kate got hitched and she wore the same wedding dress as me. Ok...almost the same. My mommy celebrated a birthday.

May
I had a birthday and fell into a deep depression because I am old, have acne, wrinkles, cellulite and gray hair. Whatever. Ike and Duke came to live at our house. Princess decided that she would only wear dresses and flip flops. Rowdy had a needle and screamed so loud, we had to be let out the back door of the doctor's office because of complete embarrassment.

June
My dearest Grandpa passed away on his 60th wedding anniversary. Smokey and Blackie the barn cats came to live at our house. School ended for the year. I fell into another deep depression because my children would be home for two straight months.

July
We celebrated Canada's birthday. I tried my hardest to keep my children busy so they would not kill each other. My grandma turned 80-something.

August
We said goodbye to Clyde the bunny. Grandma and Grandpa celebrated 75 years of wedded bliss. Grandpa turned 95. We said goodbye to the crib and I fell into a deep depression because our lives as parents of a newborn were over forever.

September
BACK TO SCHOOL!!!!!! Princess started taking dance lessons. Studley wasn't doing too hot and we prepared ourselves to say another sad goodbye.

Butheisstillhereandhappyandhealthyandwelovehimsomucheventhoughhesmellsbad.

October
Messy tried out for the school volleyball team. A HUGE accomplishment. Ike and Duke were the stars of the community. Studley turned 12. Oldest child chose to go trick or treating with his friend instead of his own family. I fell into a deep depression because my children are growing up.

November
Hubby and I celebrated 11 years of marriage on the 11th day of the 11th month in the year 2011. I received a nasty blog comment. and fell into a deep, dark depression because there are people in the world who don't like me. We went to Disney.

I consider this to be another highlight of this shittastic year. The Disney trip, not the nasty blog comment.

December
I got sick. We said goodbye to Fluffy the bunny. Princess got sick. Rowdy got sick. Christmas overwhelmed and stressed me out just like it does every other year..... and I fell into a deep depression because another year of my life is gone.

Happy friggin New Year.

Our Christmas was full of.......

2011-12-27T21:47:00.001-05:00

Excited children...

and parents.

Too much food....
An upset tummy
Some vomiting....
and diarrhea...
And even vomiting ON the diarrhea because there was no time to flush. Too much info.
Sorry.

Our Christmas was full of happy children...and adults...and even animals. There was family time...lots of memory making.And many smiles.
I hope your Christmas was as perfectly, perfect as ours was.
Minus the poop soup/vomit/sniffles.
Love Momma

Merry Christmas From My Family To Yours

2011-12-22T10:48:00.000-05:00

It's Christmas.
I have not baked a thing.
I am not finished wrapping.
I still have a few more things to pick up.
And alot of groceries to do.

I am also extremely emotional.

This happens every year.

I hope you enjoy a relaxed holiday.
Plenty of desserts.
And alcoholic beverages. May your credit card debt magically disappear.May you watch Elf at least 52 more times.And still laugh at Buddy singing in the washroom.

I hope your children appreciate
and love all of their gifts for years to come.
While also remembering the reason for the season.

I hope you smile.
Take a deep breath.
And realize just how frickin lucky we are to be alive.

Merry Christmas. Hugs and smooches to all of you.

Hosted by Cecily and Lolli

Animal Kingdom

2011-12-20T14:36:00.000-05:00

So, it has been over a month since we went to Disney and I have barely written about our trip.
Shame on me.
I took approximately 73821947 photographs and feel the need to share them all, and talk about how much I
love Disney.

I love Disney.
Ahelluvalot.

If Walt was still alive, I would stalk him. I would want to have his babies so our babies could have some of his genius DNA and then they could grow up and rule the world.
I would also have free access to the Disney parks/food/characters/souvenirs......and...umm....money.
Gawd, the money that company must bring in.
And alot of it is our money because we love everything Disney.

But anyways, we went to Disney.
These are pictures taken at Animal Kingdom.
I love it there.
But you already know that because I love Disney.
Ahelluvalot.

If I had more time, I would tell you about the awesome, amazing safari ride that totally made us feel like we were really in Africa.
I would also tell you about almost peeing my pants because the ride was so bumpy.
I am too young for Depends but was wishing I had some by the end of this ride.

Animal Kingdom is totally rad.
I am not one for animal parks because it makes me feel sorry for the animals contained within fences and cages. I feel the need to take them all home so I can send them back to their homeland where they can live happily ever after.
...but Animal Kingdom is different. The space the animals have. The natural habitat. And the animals just looked happy and healthy.

Good job Disney.

Anyone know Walt's sons/grandsons? I am sure hubby wouldn't mind if I stalked them......................Check out more Wordful Wednesday stuff here

How wrapping has changed in the last 10 years

2011-12-19T14:43:00.000-05:00

10 years ago....
I used to love wrapping Christmas gifts.
I would spend lots of money on pretty paper, sparkly bows, handmade gift tags and even fancy schmancy tissue paper.
I would gather all of the gifts, bring them down to the family room, turn on the Christmas tunes and pour myself a yummy drink.
The candles would be lit.
The Christmas tree lights sparkling in the background.

I would be excited.
And totally in the Christmas wrapping mood.

Then I would spend hours wrapping each gift perfectly, topping them with a matching bow and neatly written gift tag.

Now......
Wrapping is not so enjoyable.
I buy the largest amount of wrapping paper for the cheapest price knowing that it will just get thrown out or burnt anyways.
I do not buy bows.
Gift tags are actually stickers from the local dollar store.
No candles are lit.
I turn on the CD player and listen to the Mini Pops because that is the only music around.
During the few hours a week that all three children are out of the house, I pull out a few gifts at a time and wrap them as fast as I can.
Then I stuff them away back into their hiding spot until Christmas.

Repeat over and over again until Christmas Eve at around 11pm when I can finally put them under the tree and relax.

Ike the Horse and Fluffy the Bunny

2011-12-18T19:14:00.000-05:00

Ike the Horse and I are very close.
Ike will actually push Duke out of the way when I try to show him some attention, just to show him that I love him more.And I do love my Ikey Wikey. Except he is...umm...simple
A rascal.
Troublemaker.
Shit Disturber.

If there is trouble to get into, Ike will find it.
So it isn't weird at all to walk into the barn in the morning to find Ike out of his stall....
...hay everywhere....
...poop everywhere...
...wheelbarrows on their side...
...shattered cat/bunny bowls
...crushed plastic drawers...And Ike...
all four legs inside the bunny "stall".....
.... with Fluffy the 30 pound rabbit sleeping peacefully at his foot.

True story.
Next time I will take a picture to prove it.

***OK....maybe not, because, not too long after I wrote this, Fluffy the 30 pound cat passed away peacefully, alone in her stall.

I am convinced she had a heart attack due to her fear of a 2000 pound horse.

RIP Fluffy

We are now a bunny-less household.

And I am ok with that.

Christmas Decor at Momma's House

2011-12-15T22:04:00.000-05:00

Hi.
I am Momma and I love all things Christmas.
I especially love Christmas when there is snow on the ground and it actually feels like the Christmas season.
But right now, it is green and rainy.....and mild.

Huh?
I know.
I am in Canada and my kids didn't have a coat on today. The boots have not been worn yet and we don't even know where our hats and mitts are.

But anyways, the house is decorated and I try to get myself in the mood by playing Christmas tunes and watching Christmas movies. We even have Ike and Duke the horses who could be taking us out for sleigh rides with their jingle bells on.
Except we don't have a sleigh...or jingle bells...or snow!
My decorating skills are very "un-Martha Stewart-like". I blame it on lack of money, lack of creativity and lack of motivation. Maybe when my children are older and do not ruin every single breakable ornament, I might get more into it, but for now.....well.....I like simplicity.
We have a few trees. This one is fake, sits in our dining room in front of our large front window. It is full of ornaments given to me while growing up, family ornaments that I buy every year and the kids ornaments that I buy for them every year so they can take them with them when they have their own tree. Basically, it is full of stuff I love.
It also houses the kids Santa pictures that get taken every year.
I plan on forcing them to sit with Santa until
they are 27! That isn't weird is it????

Tree #2 is small, fake and greets visitors at our entry. It is full of ornaments my children have made over the years.
It makes my heart happy. I plan on forcing them to make homemade ornaments until they are 32. Totally not weird, right?
Tree #3 is large, real and I love it so much I could marry it. It is full of "natural crap" that fits our decor perfectly. Pine cones, birdhouses, bark wreaths, birds {fake, of course}, feathers, twigs, wood stars, wood
ball things with a few sparkly, shiny things added in.
You get the idea.

Like I said....I like simplicity and if I can find stuff in my yard to put on my tree, I am a happy girl.

Most of the decor throughout the house is something thrown together quickly that can be interchanged over the years. I like things that are all matchy matchy so I can change it up if I choose without spending a fortune.
I also like using stuff already used in the house to fill with Christmas stuff.
Because I am cheap.
And suck at creativity.I throw some garland on the railings with some pretty flowers and shiny balls.
Because I like balls. *cough*
Sometimes, if I feel like it, I will add in some pine cones and other craft "picks", but this year it is the bare minimum.
I still haven't bought battery operated lights to add to it like I planned in 2008, but I will get to it one year
before I die.
Maybe.

Pine cones are my friend.
Scented pine cones are my best friend.

I ran out of pine cones while filling this thing and am very sad about it.
Our mantel is verrrrrrrrrrrrry plain and simple, but one of my most favourite decorating "areas" in the house. There is nothing like a roaring fireplace underneath a sparkling mantel while watching Christmas Vacation.
Something that was not happening here...but it still looks cozy right???

More "natural" {and very simple} decorating scattered throughout the house.

There you have it.
My house during the Christmas season.
Not much clutter.
Not much sparkle.
Not much originality.
{Is that a word?}

But I am happy with it.
For now.

I am linking up with Kelly for her Christmas Tour of Homes

annnnnnnd

The Nester who I want to be in my next life.

Check them out for some awesome, amazing, fantabulous, wonderific decorating ideas.
And then come to my house and make it look pretty.
Thanks.

Princess and Her Pants. Yep, I said those two words in the same sentence.

2011-12-13T21:00:00.000-05:00

There were screams..
...tears...
...OK..the ugly cry.

There were alot of "No"s...
...and a few "NowayNoteverYoureBeingBidiculousMommy"s.

There was some running away...
...and hiding in the closet.

OK, that was me, but whatever.

There was alot of whining...
...and too much yelling.

But eventually she put on pants.
With socks.

And then wore them like this for the rest of the day.

In public places.
Around other people.With horsey rubber boots and ear muffs.People commented about how cold she must be.And how she will get sick if she doesn't bundle up.They informed me that her pant legs were pulled up.And that it wasn't summer.Duh, really? I just smiled and informed them that my sweet, stubborn, diva-like daughter does not enjoy wearing pants but was forced to by her Mother because she had to wear snow pants.And I felt like being "The Boss" for just one day.I haven't had that same feeling since because it drained every ounce and patience from my almost 37 year old body.
I will laugh about this one day.

Check out more Wordful Wednesday stuff here...on Wednesday.

I Heart Faces

2011-12-09T21:41:00.001-05:00

You know me. If there is an animal to be photographed, I am right on it. Not right on the animal....you know what I mean. Especially Ike and Duke the horses aka my photography guinea pigs. Sure there are pretty trees, flowers and even my good looking children, but nothing compares to getting a great expressive photograph of a creature that moves alot, doesnt talk and would rather be crapping out in the field. But anyways..... here is my submission for this week's theme at one of my favourite sites on the whole entire world wide web. . Go to I Heart Faces to see more photographs of furry friends

Things I learned while trying to be all photographer-like

2011-12-09T14:12:00.001-05:00

Recently I was given the hugely, huge responsibility of taking pictures of a wonderful, beautiful family that is family of my family, if that makes any sense.
Basically it means I love them dearly and consider them family.Mush. I know.
But anyways, this family consists of two adult children and their parents.
No pets.
No babies.
Just grown ups.
Add in me and my camera.

Ugh, the stress was enough to produce multiple zits on my chin.

And the weather was dark, rainy and just all around craptastic.

Bad weather+adults only+inexperienced photographer=poop soup cramps

But anyways, I have never been one to run away from a stressful situation. I suck it up, take a few Tums and go with the flow.
Pun intended.
After looking back on my time spent pretending to be a photographer, I took a few moments to just sit and digest what I learned from the experience.

*I know nothing about ISO, aperture, f-stop crap and I am not sure I want to for fast paced sessions. I prefer to capture spontaneous moments rather than playing around with the many settings on the camera.

*Maybe once I understand all of the above stuff, my photos will be much nicer
*I prefer natural, outdoor lighting. Probably because I dont understand all of the above crap

*Sometimes the little things make a photo so much more than just a photo. Sure, it is nice to have the family shot, but I enjoy thinking out of the box and capturing other things about people that make them stand out. I
must work on this.

*Capturing a spontaneous moment is so difficult with self conscious adults!! It is easy to capture the parents cuddling with their new baby or newlyweds who still love eachother (haha), or even animals chasing their tail, but finding the magic trick to get adults to let loose is a skill I have yet to succeed at. Probably because I totally understand the "uncomfortableness" of the situation.
*I need to develop a list of desirable locations for the perfect session. I am a big believer in making anything work but would love to give families the option of places to go. That way I can also have photo ideas in my head before arriving at the destination.
*I like people. Seeing them smile gives me the warm, fuzzy feelings inside
*I want a new lens. Maybe even a flash thing that goes on top of my camera. Now that would be cool. Except then I would have to learn about more camera crap and all that stuff just overwhelms me which causes more chin zits.Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

*I know some pretty good looking people

*I must learn how to make a watermark for my photos

*And then I MUST get more practice.

Thank you to this beautiful family for trusting me....again.

Cats and snot.

2011-12-08T19:30:00.000-05:00

Hubby is allergic to cats. Can someone tell him to just suck it up so I can let Smokey the barn cat in the house? And we can cuddle. And smooch. Me and the cat, just in case you were confused. And then can someone remind me to clean the darn windows because they are covered in dog {and cat}snot and look ummm....snotty? Thanks muchly. Go check out more photostory stuff here

Christmas ornaments and my mental issues all in one post.

2011-12-07T20:07:00.001-05:00

I am a sucker for homemade crap.
I am unable to part with anything my children make or create, because, to me, it freezes a moment in time that I never, ever want to forget.
In the back of my mind I know that my little brats will grow up to be big brats and I will miss each stage of their childhood.
So, as a way to ease my anxiety about them getting older, I save it all. And I am overwhelmed with crap scattered throughout my home, in binders, photo albums, closets and boxes.

I have issues.

One child of mine even wrote "I love you" on a sticky note months ago and it is still "stuck" on my cupboard because I cannot bear to remove something so sweet that happens so rarely.

Note to self. Ask doctor to increase dosage of my happy pills.

Sooo...where the heck is this post leading to?
Christmas ornaments. I am madly in love with all ornaments that are personalized or homemade by my children.

Pictures of my children with Santa. .

They are put into small frames every year and displayed on one of our three trees. I love them muchly and can remember each visit just like it was last week

And every single ornament my children have created at school are proudly displayed. We even have a small tree at our entrance completely decorated with ornaments they have made themselves.

Just because.

I am such a friggin sap for crap like this.

I don't even want to think about the day my kids choose not to have their picture taken with Santa.

Note to self. Go back to therapist to discuss my attachment issues.

See more stuff at this wonderful lil' spot

I am old. Just ask my children.

2011-12-06T17:39:00.001-05:00

Remember when you were young and knew everything about everything and thought your parents were old, didn't know anything and were out of touch with what is cool?
Yeah, I have hit the olddontknowanythingoutoftouchwithwhatiscool stage and it is great fun being made fun of by my children.
Apparently the song "Sexy and I know it" is the best song ever. To me, it just looks like a bunch of party animals shaking their jewels.

And this is a pretty good song too but is getting "old" don't ya know? To me, this guy has a really annoying voice after you hear it over and over again.
Apparently it is cool for 7 year olds to wear droopy pants with plaid boxers hanging out at the top. And it is funny to see how many gummies you can stick in your mouth before Mom notices. Farting is a skill. And belching is great fun while sitting at the dinner table. Wearing gloves and hats is totally for little kids.......until they have to stand outside to wait for the bus. Calling each other a "bastard bitch" makes sense. Teaching your sister to say the a-word makes all of your friends laugh. Signing out a super cross magazine from the school library because there are pictures of women in bikinis is totally fine....for a 7 year old. Giving the argument that it is OK to stay up until 930pm on a school night because then you will love me tomorrow makes total sense...to a 9 year old. I am still baffled. Minecraft is the greatest game ever invented and all 9 year old children should be allowed to sit at the computer for 24 hours at a time building crap out of bricks.If 9 year old children are not allowed to do this, then apparently their Mother is old, mean and are not allowing their children to learn valuable skills.Because maybe they will be designers, architects or high paid engineers when they grow up. A pretty genius attempt at convincing the Mother that she knows nothing.Except I know something. I need the computer to blog.

Stuff I Love

2011-12-04T10:30:00.000-05:00

I don't know about anyone else, but when I search online for gifts for other people I spend more time looking at stuff I love.
It's a sickness.
So, as a favour to you and a way to delete some of my bookmarks, I am posting some stuff I love.
This is only the beginning of many, because, well, I have issues and apparently want alot of stuff to fill my house.
Yes, I like love and happiness and all of that mushy crap, but a few camera accessories/pairs of shoes/books etc would make me happy too.
Anyways, lets start............
Owls. I like them alot. Not real owls because they kinda scare me but anything with a cute little owl like the one on this bracelet catches my attention.

Owl bracelet
Horses. Apparently I am a horse person now that we have Ike and Duke destroying our property. Yes, I am allergic but I still kiss them on the mouth, because they are cute and I love them. Anyways, I want one of these chalkboard horses. But it must be a Percheron so it is big and I can write lotsa stuff on it.
{btw, I think "lotsa" should be a real word. And "kinda" too}

Chalkboard horse
Dogs. I love my stinky Studley, but I sure would like one of these lil' guys. I think I would name him Dudley...
or Luther.

West Highland Terrier

I.Want.A.Lens.Like.This
One that can be used for portraits, scenery and everything else in between.
Thanks

Nikon 50mm 1/8 lens

I do not read enough books but vow to start spending more time relaxing instead of cleaning.
So I plan on pre-ordering this book by Stephanie Nielson.
If you don't know her story, you should.
If you want to know I can fill you in because I follow her blog like a stalker.

Heaven is Here
Stephanie's blog

I am not a big jewellery person, but if it has owls or is personalized in some way, I am hooked.
I would like one of these with a "v" please and thank you.

Initial ring

There are many signs that tell me I am getting old, but when I want a pair of ugly lined clogs to wear as slippers around my house, it just confirms it.
My feet get sore walking on hardwood and tile floors all day, so I want something that is comfortable.
Ugh.
Before I know it, I will be asking for granny panties.

Crocs

So there you have it my friends.
List 1 of 368568327563 of my favourite things.
Stay tuned for more.
Now tell me what you love so I can add it to my bookmarks.

The way things used to be.......and now

2011-12-01T18:12:00.001-05:00

Once upon a time there was a man named "Mommas husband".
He spent months and months...hours and hours...$$$$$ and more $$$$ preparing his beautiful property.
Bulldozing, digging, planting grass seed and alot of tender loving care turned our back field into a beautiful bath of soft green...umm.....grass.
Many people told us that we should open a driving range because of how beautiful and lush it looked.

I like the word lush.
I should use it more.

True story. When I used to get all motivated and stuff I would even run laps around the field because I didn't want to be seen in public running.
Studley sat in the middle and supervised.

The boys would dirt bike around the field over and over and over again.
Then they would snowmobile around and around until their fingers were too cold.
Or they fought with each other and had to come in the house.

I had dreams of becoming a rich and famous photographer using our property as a special location for sessions.
Or we could rent it out to other rich and famous photographers for alot of money.
A girl can dream right?

But anyways.....

Now we have horses and our field looks....ummm....a little different.

Hosted by Cecily and Lolli

Stuff that happened in the last 24 hours

2011-11-30T19:07:00.000-05:00

*7 year old child wore his father's deodorant because he says his armpits stink and he "just can't take it" *same child bathed in his father's cologne before going to school but I made him change because it made everyone around him gag *he told me I was the worst Mother in the world *it rained non-stop for 24 hours *it also snowed *and was very windy *9 year old told me hated me *7 year old told me he hated me *3 year old told me she loves me *I cried. I have issues. *3 year old washed her hair with my body lotion 10 minutes after having a bath *7 year old decided to shave. With his father's razor and shaving cream. He shaved his face. He is 7 years old and did not need to shave *I was horrified *I am terrified he is going to have a beard by the age of 9 *I cried again

Disney Captures-Epcot

2011-11-29T14:45:00.000-05:00

I am in love with Epcot. As someone who used to love rides, but now gets sick to her stomach every time she goes on something that spins or goes too fast, I now love buildings. Scenery. Doors. Windows. Animals. Anything that is pretty or unique gets me excited. And chocolate.But anyways.......Epcot is full of pretty and unique things which means I ignore my family the entire time I am there, and just take pictures. I don't know how many times my kids gave me crap because I got lost in the crowd behind them as I took pictures of birds.And other stuff. What is Epcot you ask? It is a Disney theme park that showcases the world, the future, space the environment and alot more cool, awesome "stuff". There are rides. There are shows. There are restaurants featuring foods from the different countries showcased throughout the park. It is non-stop picture-taking heaven if you ask me.

Have you been to Epcot?

Do you love it?

Lets ask Disney to create a photography excursion trip so we can go and take even more pics.
For a discounted rate in exchange for blogging about how much we love Epcot....and all things Disney.

Gawd, that would be fun.

Totally geekish, I know.

I bet this lovely lady would go

I need drugs....and zit cream...and softer toilet paper

2011-11-28T13:34:00.001-05:00

Hi.
I am alive. Barely.
Apparently, my body felt the need to go to Hell and get all sick and stuff at a time when I am too busy to be sick.
I think it was the Universe's way to tell me to sit down and breathe.
Except I cant breathe because my nose is full of snot and my lungs are full of lung snot and my body hurts and I cough so much that I almost bring up my breakfast.And I had the poops.Like poop soup, poops.
Fun times.

And I have a zit.
The kind of zit that grows under the skin to the point of feeling like there is a huge alien about to escape from my chin.
So I try to help it along.
Except it doesn't do anything.
Except bruise my skin and hurt even more.
What did I ever do to deserve getting more zits at the age of 36 than as a teenager?So, until I get better or go to the doctor begging for strong drugs, I will sit with tissues stuck up my nostrils feeling sorry for myself.

Pray for me.
And my hubby who has to look at me with tissues stuck up my nose and a huge bruised zit on my chin.
Thanks.

Little Girls and Makeup

2011-11-27T10:34:00.000-05:00

Told you she likes makeup.

She also likes putting it on all by herself.

And then making a dramatic entrance.
And demanding to have her picture taken.

While making her "pwetty face".

Hold me.

Blue

2011-11-23T19:13:00.000-05:00

I'm late. Late, late, for a very important date.
Beth posted her You Capture stuff early because of the American Thanksgiving holiday and totally caught me off guard.

So, I walked around my...umm....kitchen and living room and found these lil' treasures.

A Lego toy on a table instead of a floor waiting for me to step on it.
A-mazing.

The three year old daughter girl's artwork

Blue jeans and bling-bling

Beautiful blue lil' toenails.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of my American readers/friends.
I am thankful that you stop by this ol' blog of mine and support me as I walk through this journey called Life.
Thank you for accepting me.
Not judging me.
And allowing me to put my thoughts into writing.
I am forever grateful.

Go here to see more Blue photos

Short and Sweet

2011-11-22T18:09:00.001-05:00

See this?

It is snow.

I f-ing hate snow.

That's all.

It is a memorable day in Momma's blog life

2011-11-21T19:59:00.000-05:00

I received my first nasty comment today.

Wow your a bitch no one forced you to meet the characters so don't get mad when you have to wait in line. Just saying.

I am not sure if I should celebrate because someone took the time to read my blog and then comment or if I should cry in the corner because someone doesn't like me.

I am a real people pleaser and have been known to go out of my way to get everyone to like me.

And then I turned 36.

Now I just don't care.

So, to the anonymous reader who took a few moments out of their day to form an opinion about me and expressed themselves without letting me know who they are, thank you.

I hope that one day, you feel comfortable enough to leave your name so we can discuss the topic of Disney Princesses further.
And...maybe I can teach you some grammar and spelling lessons.

Love Momma.

*Question for the people who still love me even though I am a bitch. Do you allow anonymous comments on your blog????

Studley Stuff

2011-11-20T19:23:00.000-05:00

If Studley could talk, I am pretty sure he would say this
"I know I smell like stinky ass jam, but please love me anyway and allow me to live out the rest of my days sleeping comfortably on my bed.....

and licking plates that you have put in the dishwasher.

and drinking out of the toilet."

I am pretty sure he knows he smells like something that died weeks ago.
But he is getting around just fine.
Eating alot.
Putting weight on.
Looking like a handsome old man.
And we all still love him.
Even if we have to hold our breath when we walk past him.

A Studley story that I must never forget.
Messy was sick so did not go outside to wait for the school bus with Rowdy.
As soon as Rowdy headed outside, Studley barked to be let out {after he had just been out 10 minutes earlier}. I let him out.
He headed right out beside Rowdy and laid down on the grass until the school bus came.
He stood up as Rowdy got on the bus...watched the bus pull away and then slowly made his way back to the house.

I am positive that our family will never again have a dog who will ever compare to our sweet Studley.
*sniff*

Some of my proudest moments

2011-11-17T19:36:00.000-05:00

There are moments in my life that I am not proud of.
Moments that cause me to cringe
or shake my head when I remember how stupid they were.

And then there is Disney.
I morphed into the crazy mom who waited in line so her daughter could say hi to fake Princesses.

I got angry at the other moms who took too much time chatting with Ariel about Sebastian and Flounder.
I mean, really. They aren't even real so don't tell the fake Princess that your daughter wants to marry a fake Prince Eric when there are 50 little girls {and their mothers} waiting behind you.

duh

I ran to the line up to beat the two little girls and their daddy who were walking calmly to Sleeping Beauty's line up.

I lined up 30 minutes early so we could meet Snow White.

I woke up a sleeping daughter so she could meet Tinkerbell.

I conversed with a very "odd" grown man who built Sebastian out of Lego and waited in line for 45 minutes so he could get a picture of his masterpiece with Ariel.

Yes, really.

I got angry with grown adults who waited in line to meet Pocahontas while little girls anxiously waited to meet the "Nice Hair Pwincess".

They didn't have any children.
What kind of creepy pervert waits in line without children?

I cried a little when my little Cinderella met the fake Cinderella.

I cried some more when she danced with Belle.

And I might have even told Belle I loved her dress
and wanted her job.

I am sure Cecily would never do such a thing

Fun

2011-11-16T20:43:00.000-05:00

Fun. It's a wonderful thing.
I need to participate in more fun, because lately I feel like my life is anything but.
Cleaning. Cooking. Laundry. Grocery shopping. Chauffeuring.

That crap might be fun to some people, but not me.

A kid with a nagging cough that keeps everyone up all night. A dog that smells so bad, I put him out in the barn when we have people over.

Not fun.

But these pictures of my handsome, happy boys are.

My fun is experiencing their fun.
It makes my heart happy.

See more fun stuff here

Disney Post 2 of 67

2011-11-15T21:38:00.001-05:00

So this one time we decided to plan a family vacation to the most wonderful place in the Universe. It is also one of the busiest and a vacation that is anything BUT relaxing.

Totally crazy.

It would have been so much easier to pack a suitcase with swimsuits and sit at a tropical beach for a week, but that is not our style. When we do something, we pick the most stressful, chaotic option and go for it.

Completely crazy.

But after our second visit as a family of five, I now consider myself a Disney expert and am here to help you folks in any way possible to make your trip there successful. You are welcome.

Pay me with Disney cards so I can buy more Minnie Mouse stuff just because I love her so.

Stuff you should know when planning a trip to Disney.
*make yourself a pretty Disney folder to keep all of your papers/lists. It's fun.
*prepare a schedule. There are 4 Disney parks. You must visit them all. Magic Kingdom should be a two day visit. Just sayin'.
*stay at a Disney resort. It is worth it. We always stay at a value resort {cheapest and low end} but it is still nice, clean and perfect for a young family. We have had no complaints and will continue to stay at one until our kids are older and choose not to join us!
*sign up for the Disney Dining Plan and make dining reservations early because restaurants book fast
*there are no bad restaurants. I shouldnt say that I guess because everyone is different and has different experiences. I will say that we have never had a bad meal.
*when you stay at a Disney resort, you are given complimentary transportation for your entire stay. You do not have to rent a car or take a taxi. Just hop on Disney's Magical Express to get anywhere throughout all of Disney property. We love it!
*pack wet bum wipes because the toilet paper sucks
*research. Find out about any special events that may interest you during your trip and book them right away if they require separate reservations/tickets. Events fill up quickly and you must book them months in advance.
------we bought tickets for the Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom back in July for November. The night of the party and for the rest of the week they were sold out.
------Princess had a Princess makeover at Cinderella's Castle. I booked it in July for a November appointment and it was the last one for the entire week.

It was quite possibly the cutest thing I have ever witnessed.

I wanted to bring her back the next day so she could be Snow White
...and then the next day to be Belle.....
...and then the next day to be Ariel...

I even asked if it would be weird if I made an appointment for myself to be Tinkerbell.
They said yes.

Hmph.

More Wordful Wednesday stuff here

The famdamily went to Disneyworld and I came home with blisters and sore legs

2011-11-14T20:37:00.000-05:00

Hi.
Did I fool you with all of my posts last week? I bet you thought I was home writing and writing, being all creative and shit.
But nope.
I was at the most wonderful place in the world.

Walking.
I think I walked 39.3 miles.
I have the blisters and sore legs to prove it.

Walking so much that I develop blisters and painful limbs means I am getting old.

Anyways, while I edit over 600 photographs and figure out how to talk about one of my most favourite places, I will give you a craft.

This is as crafty as I get folks, so take it in and give me a huge round of applause.
It's good for my self esteem.

There are many characters throughout Disney. And the highlight of a trip to the big D is meeting these characters and getting their autograph.
You could spend $10-20 on an autograph book at the park or you could do what I did.
Go to the dollar store, buy a book, come home, decorate book with stickers.
Total cost out of my pocket $1

Then take your inexpensive book to the parks and wait in line for hours to say hi to a dressed up person.
Watching the expression on your daughter's face as she hugs them is well worth it.

And she didn't even care that it was a homemade book.
Amen.

11 11 11

2011-11-11T11:11:00.002-05:00

Today is HUGE people.
Like so huge, there should be a national holiday so everyone can celebrate with us.
So huge that I am sure only a handful of people in the history of the Universe have celebrated this milestone.

Today is our 11th wedding anniversary.
On the 11th day
of the 11th month
in the year 2011.

I know.
Just say it.
It is huge.
HolyMotherofAllThingsHolyHuge.

Send gifts please.
Or cash.
Or shoes.
Buy us a lottery ticket because I feel lucky tonight.
*ahem*

We were married on November 11, 2000.
It was a cold, clear, windy day. I was nervous but not as nervous as my poor father. I hated my makeup. My dress got very dirty. I took a pill so I wouldn't get the poop soup cramps in the middle of the ceremony. (I didn't crap for over a week). Many of our friends got drunk and threw up in the bathroom. My purse went missing. My purse was found. And we lived happily ever after.
*applause please*

3 children.
Career changes.
House selling.
House building.
Loved ones dying.
Friends disappearing/divorcing.
Health crap.
3 children.
Horse buying.
Garage building.
3 children.

And we are still here to talk about it.
Hugely successful of us if I do say so myself.

Differences between my brother and I

2011-11-10T06:59:00.000-05:00

I have a brother.

I don't talk too much about the family I have that lives outside of this house because I am afraid that they will disown me and never talk to me again because I embarrassed them.
But, today I am taking a leap.
And crossing my fingers that my little brother still loves me after I dedicate an entire post to him. *deep breath*

Besides the very obvious difference in our sex, there are many more.

*He is musical. He can play guitar and even once played in a band. Me. I didn't know how to whistle until almost high school.

*He has lived in Vietnam
...and South Korea. I live 5 minutes away from my childhood home.

*He can sleep in every weekend. And stay up as late as he wants because he doesn't have any children. My life revolves around three little brats.

*He is a newlywed. I am not.

*He has been to Thailand...
Cambodia...
Egypt...
China. He has seen the whole fucking world, and I have never left the continent.

*He looks good in hats. Me? Umm...no.

*He has the bluest blue eyes. I don't.

*He is a city boy who loves living in the big city of Toronto. We have 2 horses, 2 barn cats, stinky Studley and a 30 pound rabbit. Enough said.

*He is my kids favourite person in the Universe. They told me. They also told me that I should move out so he can move in and play soccer with them 24/7.

*He loves chicken wings. Ew.

*His writing is much better than mine. *He knows how to drive standard. My dad tried to teach me once. That's all I have to say about that. *He can speak/read/understand Korean. I know how to say "Hello" in French. So basically, I guess what I am saying is that I need to talk to my parents to see if the stork brought him down from the "Land of Perfect".

And then I need to go get a life. Geesh.

Dear Children

2011-11-09T06:10:00.000-05:00

I am not sure if you realize this, but I used to be a kid too.
And then I grew up and got smarter.
So when you quietly go into the cupboards and fill your pockets with cookies, I know.
And when you wet the toothbrush to make it look like you brushed your teeth, I know.
When you leave an empty cup in the fridge, I know.

Even when you tell me your room is clean, but really threw everything under your bed, I know.
The thousands of times you hide your snack wrappers under the couch cushions, I know.
And when pieces of gum go missing from the package, I know they didn't get up and run away.

I know exactly what you are doing.
Because I used to be a kid too.

Love Mom

Orange

2011-11-08T08:19:00.003-05:00

It is one of my favourite colours.
Especially when I can see it from my kitchen window.

Pinterest Picks

2011-11-04T20:53:00.000-04:00

We are going to Disney.
We love Disney.
If I could move to Cinderella's castle, I would.
My dream is to be Belle so I can walk around in a pretty dress with my makeup and hair all did, greeting little happy children with the biggest smile ever.
But I don't smile much so it might be difficult.
Unless they paid me alot of money.
And let me live at the castle.

But anyways.

To honour our trip to the most wonderful place in the world, I searched Pinterest for Disney related "stuff". There were approximately 17290729356894628963596596 pictures of the castle, which probably means it would be pretty tough to move in to it unless I wanted to live with every other female on the planet, but there was other stuff.
{longestsentenceever}

You are welcome.

Ariel cake. Yes, please.

I would totally wear this.
Minus the big bow and earrings.

Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

Hubba Hubba

Lovely, sweet silhouette wall decor!

No words needed.

Pillowcase dress.
I wish I knew how to sew.

Watch all of these movies and tell me if this is true.
Please.

Easy peasy.
Maybe.

Now, go check out where to find all of these fantabulous Disney related goodies on Pinterest.

But first leave me a comment giving travelling tips on the following.
1.How to survive 7 days with my husband.
2.How to keep my three children alive.
3.Where to find Tinkerbell
4.Preventing poop soup cramps on the plane

Merci

Horses.Boots.Cuteness.

2011-11-03T19:03:00.000-04:00

Someone got new horsey boots.
I think she loves them more than she loves me.

But that is OK, because there is nothing cuter than seeing my 3 year old toddle around the horse pasture showing Ike and Duke the {real} horses her new horsey boots.

My heart explodes when I tell her that Ike and Duke think her boots are "nice" and she corrects me by saying "No, Mom. They think they are pwetty"

I die.

Someone please freeze time so I will always have a three year old little girl.

But take away the tantrums.

Thanks muchly.

Dear Cecily. I like you. Lets hang out. Love Momma

One day my house will be clean

2011-11-02T18:37:00.000-04:00

The newest and most practical piece of home decor
It is used every day
Never gets dusty
And provides hours of fun for little kids

Who cares about knick knacks and chatzkes
Photographs and furniture
All you need to complete the look in your home

Is your vacuum

{sadly I use mine very single day and never put it away. Because, really, why would I go through the trouble when it will just be taken back out in a few hours? Agree? Good.}

I bet MamaKat has house cleaners who vacuum her house for her.

All I wanted to do was get in my jammies and watch DWTS

2011-11-01T21:09:00.001-04:00

But,instead I did the good parent thing and walked around with my children in the dark, cold neighbourhood which isn't really even our neighbourhood because we live in the country and are surrounded by senior citizens.

But anyways.

We survived a 20 minute freak out session because Princess didn't want to wear pants and a warm shirt under her costume.

Then she hated the feeling of the turtleneck shirt.
Then she hated socks.
Then she rolled up her pants so they were like shorts.
Then she refused a coat/vest or any other item of clothing that could possibly keep her warm in the cold.

3 year olds are a real treat.

Rowdy insisted on applying his own zombie makeup.

I had a problem with this.

Note to self. Allow children to grow up and develop independence. It is OK if it doesn't look perfect.
But there were a few smudges in the wrong spot that I wanted to fix all evening.
And I might have gotten the shakes because I couldn't do it.

I have issues.
Note to self. Call counsellor. It is a time for a session.

Messy went trick or treating with his friend (and his Mom).

He ditched us for a kid who wears baseball caps backwards and lets the top of his boxers hang out the waist of his jeans.
And his mom.
I am totally and completely saddened by the recent turn of events.
Recent turn of events=my children growing up.

Damn you life.
I do not adjust well to change.
Especially when it feels like just yesterday that we were carrying a small Minnie Mouse, skunk and Mickey Mouse to the grandparents house for just one candy.

Note to self. Do not lock children in the basement because they will still grow up. Call counsellor ASAP.

More WW stuff here.

Halloween Randomness

2011-10-31T13:08:00.000-04:00

Parenting Fail. We did not purchase or pick a pumpkin this year. Which means we did not create a jack-o-lantern. Which means we are terrible parents and have probably scarred our children for life.

I did, however, purchase Halloween candy and have hid it from my children so I can eat it all myself. This means that I am a horrible, selfish parent who only thinks of herself first.

*burp*

Things that scare me
-amusement park characters with big scary heads.
-snakes
-rodents of any kind

Things that scare Studley
-his own farts

Confession. I do not enjoy going out trick or treating with my kids. It is dark and cold and so much friggin work and money. Sometimes I think I could just buy them each a box of candy and call it a night. But that would make me a horrible parent and scar my children for life.

Parenting is a never ending guilt-fest.

Oldest child is going trick or treating with his friend (and his mom) tonight. I am completely heartbroken that he would rather be with his friend than his own mom, dad and siblings

Think I could change his mind if I bought him a pumpkin and two boxes of candy?

*sniff

Watch this video and tell me if you can spot the ghost. Turn up the volume though so you can hear the clues.

Cutie and the Beast

2011-10-30T18:10:00.002-04:00

Dudes. Momma has some drama going on at her house. Between a 6 month old cat {kitten} and a 2000 pound beast named Ike.
Drama=small cat thinks he can hang out and be all cool and stuff with the Beast.
Thank goodness Momma is around to supervise the play dates and document it all.
Don't worry. No one was hurt and nothing was broken during the making of this soap opera. Except my tummy because I laughed so much I almost peed my pants.

Smokey: Hey, lets hang out
Ike: Get the F away from me before I stomp on your head

S: C'mon. We could eat grass together. Just chat about life and women.
I: Dude. I am not your friend. Will never be your friend. My shits are three times the size of you. Get.Away.From.Me

S: You're just a big, fat meanie. I will go be friends with Duke instead
I: DUKE IS MY FRIEND! STAY AWAY OR I WILL HURT YOU BAD, MO-FO!

I: *stomp stomp*
S: MEOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!

S: OK. If I let you smell my bum, will you hang out with me?
I: *stomp stomp stomp*

S: I guess that is a no. Jerk.

I: OK. Maybe just a little sniff

S: OUCH! I didnt say to stick your nose up my butt hole so hard that it knocks me off of my feet. Geesh. The things we do to make friends.

Blackie {the other cat}: Don't worry Smokey, I will save you!
Now Ike, I am such a nasty, mean cat that I refuse to participate in any social activities with Smokey. He is lonely and just needs a friend to talk to. Do me a favour and be his friend so I can go sleep in peace.

S: I love you Ike. Please be my friend. I promise to stop peeing in your stall and pooping in your field. Pretty please.

I: OK. Maybe it will be fun to have another friend to eat grass with. To shit with. To roll in the dirt with.

S: Nah. I cant take the rejection anymore, Ike. I'm leaving you for Blackie the cat instead. Thanks anyways.

To be continued......

Linking up with one of my favourite bloggers today.
I wish she lived closer.
So we could, like hang out.
Check her out here.

Olden Days

2011-10-27T08:11:00.000-04:00

A simple list of activities hubby and I enjoyed together in the olden (before bratty children took over our lives) days.

*eating meals together. I now cook meals that he microwaves when he gets home from work
*walking around the mall together. I now know it was all an act. He hates the mall and hasn't been there since the day before we were married

*watch TV together. The TV still gets turned on, but we are both on our laptops.
*talk. I now email him when I remember what I needed to tell him when we were in the same room
*clean the house. Now we just don't clean because the brats mess it up in .2 seconds.
*go on dates. Now we stay home because we cant afford to see a movie.
*listen to the same music. After we were married, he informed me that he loves bluegrass music. We have been fighting about it ever since

*we never discussed or openly displayed bodily functions. Farting is now a part of our family
*spend every available moment with each other. Now I cant wait to get out of the house away from every living creature so I can just be by myself.
...and he has horses that I am convinced he loves more than me.

11 years later.
It seems to be working.

You can see more workshop stuff here

Pinterest Picks

2011-10-26T14:44:00.000-04:00

Confession time.
I do not decorate for Halloween.
And rarely do I attempt any crafts because I get so easily frustrated with my independent, head strong children.
Shame on me.
Just say it.
One thing I do during the Halloween season is eat mini chocolate bars. Alot of mini chocolate bars. In my "non-crafty, but wanna be crafty" mind, I have even thought about creating a mini chocolate bar wreath.
But I would have to hide it so my children wouldn't eat it.
And, c'mon, we all know I would totally eat it all in one sitting.

Since I don't decorate or do crafts during Halloween, I was nice enough to search Pinterest for all of you that I love so much.
You are welcome.
Go crazy with these great ideas and eat mini chocolate bars while making them all.

Q-tip skeleton

So simple for school treats {mini marshmallows}

Spider ice cubes

Simple foam letters and glitter on pumpkin topiary

Paper plate cat

Craft sticks inside mini pumpkins=spider

Worm wreath

Simple printable framed and displayed on mantel

Mr. T. Someone please do this and send me pictures.

All of these wonderful ideas were found on Pinterest. You are missing out if you are not there. Just sayin.

Happy Halloween.Boo!

Fall Hike{ing}

2011-10-25T19:05:00.000-04:00

temper tantrum-ing{because she had to wear pants}

whining{because they didn't want to go}

walking
jumping
laughing

leaf and pine cone collecting
milkweed picking

funny face making
tree climbing

picture taking
feet resting

story telling
name calling

hand holding

hanging
and falling

sitting
posing

smiling
screeching

singing
dancing

standing

whining {again}

The Ending

The importance of cropping and editing your pictures

2011-10-24T12:44:00.000-04:00

OK. Lets just get to the point.
I cannot stand busy photos.If you want a photograph of your child's messy face, than get a picture of their messy face. Not of the dusty coffee table and magazines in the background.
It is just noise that makes the memory unmemorable.
Make sense?

When people take pictures, it is because they experience a moment that creates some sort of emotion and they want to remember it forever.
But then they do nothing else with that emotion/memory and all is lost in a crappy picture.

This is where editing comes in.
Please, please, please spend some money on a simple editing program. Please.
Pretty please.
I have Photoshop and Lightroom.
But I use this one 99.9% of the time because it is so much easier and faster.

And I edit every single photograph that I save for my photo albums/blog/frames/facebook.
Let me show you a few examples.

SOOC {straight out of camera}

Edited

That took approximately 5.2 seconds of my life and I am so much happier with it. Sure, it isn't really a photo that stirred up an emotion but I just wanted to show you how a bit of cropping and colour enhancement changes the entire look of a picture.

Moving on......

SOOC

A photograph of myself and my boys all looking at the camera is a huge accomplishment but I don't really want to remember the coats beside us and I would love a closer view of our beautiful faces because that is what the picture is all about right?
Ahem.

Edited

Looking at this picture makes me smile.And cry.{look at my wrinkles}

And then there is this......

SOOC

An OK picture taken on our walk recently, but there is so much more that can be done to it to make it better. You can brighten up the colours, crop some of the busy-ness out, sharpen it up to see more details. But right now it just looks dull.
Blech.

Edited

My main concern was the sign because, my eyes automatically focused on it and that makes me sad. I edited it out, cropped it and changed to a simple black and white pic. Just like that, it becomes a completely different picture and one that I actually like instead of delete.

Editing is excellent.

SOOC

This picture is the perfect example of editing to create emotion and freeze a moment I want to remember.
My big boy was taking a quiet moment with his thoughts. He wasn't paying attention to his brother howling like a wolf or his sister whining because she had to wear pants. He was just one with himself looking over the bridge and I loved watching it. So I snapped. And then edited.

Edited

And just like that, I have the moment saved, the emotion remembered.

And a happy Momma.

Sunday Citar

2011-10-23T09:48:00.000-04:00

My dear old dog, most constant of all friends.
-William Croswell Doane There really is no better friend than a pet.One who loves you unconditionally.One who provides warm cuddles and licks when you most need them.I dread the day when all three of my children no longer have Studley to be their friend.And mine too.

More Sunday Citar stuff here

Pinterest Picks

2011-10-22T10:23:00.000-04:00

I cannot quit Pinterest.
I am totally, completely fully addicted.
It has become my bedtime routine.
Brush teeth, put on pjs, get into bed, search Pinterest.
Sometimes for so long that the battery dies on my computer and I have to go searching through the house for the charger because I.just.cannot.stop.
It's a sickness people.

Confession.
I am afraid to pin everything I love because then all of my "followers" will think I don't have a life.
Obviously I don't.
sigh.

You don't know what Pinterest is?
In simple terms, it is a site to organize everything you love that you find on the mighty web.
It is a stay at home mom's crack.
Find a recipe you love. Pin it to your "Recipe board".
Find shoes you love. Pin it to your "Shoes I Love" board.
You can decorate your home, plan a wedding, design your wardrobe.....basically anything you want to save, can be organized and saved on this one site.

Here are a few things I have loved recently all about Fall Home Decorating. Because it is Fall right now. And I dream about being the next Martha Stewart. And I love them both. And I love Pinterest.
Gahhhhhhh.

Next week: Halloween stuffI know you cant wait.Me too!Eep!

Are you on Pinterest? Come see me there.

Questions Answered

2011-10-21T13:59:00.000-04:00

Source:Google imagesBelieve it or not, I constantly get emails from readers asking some very personal and...umm...weird questions so I thought I would take the time to answer a few so I can empty out some of my inbox.

*yawn*

"I like your writing style, but why do you always use the "........"?Great question! The "..." is actually called an ellipsis and I use it because I like it. That's all.

"If you ever took an English class, you would know that you are not supposed to begin sentences with the words "And" and "Because"."Yes, I did know that but thanks for reminding me. Since this is my blog and I write in the style I choose, I will continue using both words at the beginning of some sentences. So there.

"Are you afraid your children will hate you forever for posting their private lives in such a public way?"Yes, I am. And we are saving up for future therapy bills already. But I do have to say this. I am very hopeful that they will appreciate their Mother's honesty and I am hopeful that they will treasure this online journal of their pretty fabulous life. There are many children who grow up to be messed up individuals even though their parents never publicly wrote about their life. 'Nuff said.

"Do you have any siblings?"I have one fabulous younger brother with the bluest eyes you have ever seen. I hate him for that. I ended up with shitty brown eyes. But anyways, I will write about him soon. He has a much more interesting life than moi.

"What is your favourite television show?"Umm......why?

"Will you be having any more children?"No, no and no. Absolutely not. This womb is closed. Can someone convince my husband to get fixed before I go on strike?

"How is Studley?" {this is the most common question I get}

He is still alive. But occasionally we have to lift up his ass so he can stand up.Fun times.

And now I will go apologize to my children for ruining their lives.
Because I don't want them to hate me forever.....and ever.

More to come...eventually....

Fall Fotos

2011-10-19T20:02:00.002-04:00

Fall.
Autumn.
The season before winter.
I love it so friggin much.
I wish we could skip winter and just have one very long season of oranges and reds and yellows.

A long season to enjoy fall hikes

A long season to enjoy throwing sticks in creeks and streams.
Are they the same thing? Note to self. Google "creeks and streams".
A very long season to enjoy a cool breeze and vivid colours.
Vivid. I like that word. Note to self. Use the word "vivid" more.
A wonderfully long season without snow and freezing rain.

Gosh darn, I love fall so friggin muchI will be very sad to see it go

You can go see more Fall Photos here on Thursday. That's tomorrow. Because I am early. As usual.

Peace Out.

Proud Mommy

2011-10-17T21:18:00.026-04:00

We live in a farming community.
Not to brag or anything, but we live in Ontario's vegetable growing capital.
If you live in Ontario and purchase vegetables, there is a good chance that they were grown right here.
Like just across the street from me.
Or down the road and around the corner.

Our farming community celebrates the harvest every year with a HUGE event.
Like REALLY huge.
Like so huge that it was in the newspaper and advertised everywhere around this lovely farming community.
I am sure everyone from here to Toronto knew about it.So it was HUUUUUUGE!And it wasn't just the vegetables that were popular that day.

Ike and Duke were too.
*squeal*
And I was just like a Mommy nervously watching her children in the Christmas concert.
Would they behave?
Do they look good?
Would they do something to embarrass our family?Please God, don't let them hurt anyone.

OhEmGee, my prayers were answered.They looked so good.
And they were well behaved.And no one one was hurt during the entire 8 hours they were out in public.
Back and forth, back and forth, all day long, they pulled and pulled.
They walked over bridges.
And on top of darkened pavement {that totally freaks Duke out}.
They looked good.
And didn't embarrass our family.
Amen.
Hallelujah.
I was a proud Momma.

Maybe, just maybe, I got a little choked up when I saw our {2000 pound} babies standing calmly while many, many people loaded into the wagon over and over again.
They looked so good.
And as I snapped pictures, I let them know how proud I was.

And then I kissed them on the mouth and went home to my warm house.

Go here to see more Wordful Wednesday stuff

I Likey

2011-10-17T13:16:00.000-04:00

My new blog design!
I have been feeling the itch for a big change for awhile.
I internally fought with myself because one part of me wanted to stop the blog and another part of me wanted to take it in a new direction.
But I had no idea what "new direction" to take it.
And, honestly, I still don't.
So, for now I will love up my new blog created by my wonderfully talented sister in law and write when I feel like writing. Feel free to tell me what direction to take this blog.
Photography?
Parenting crap?
Crafty crud? Please say no because I don't have a crafty bone in my body.
Fashion? BAHAHAHAHAHA

As you can see I am very limited in my talents.
But I am double jointed in all of my joints.
*ahem*
That's a talent right?

Thank you to my sister from another mister for taking the time and using your talents on this little piece of my life. My fingers are crossed that the change will get my creative juices flowing again.

Psst....she has a blog too. Go check it out.

I am one of those bloggers who writes about her animals {too much}

2011-10-13T19:02:00.000-04:00

But I love them.
And if I could, I would totally be the crazy dog lady who lives in a house full of happy dogs.
But I am not, so, for now I live on the farm with the happy horses, cats, bunny and sick dog.

Studley isn't well.

Today is his 12th birthday so be sure to leave him a "feel good" birthday message so he can smile just a little bit.
He isn't eating and has lost 10 pounds in two weeks.
He still smells like stinky ass.
He still prefers laying down over..well...moving.
Did I mention he has lost 10 pounds?
$500 in vet bills later and his blood work came back normal and there are no obvious signs of illness. His temperature is normal. His lymph nodes aren't swollen. His gums are pink and he pees and poops regularly. Pretty good for a 90 pound, 12 year old pooch.
If anyone wants to donate $1000 so we can get xrays and ultrasounds done to find out more, we would happily take it, but in reality, he is an old man who is...well.....failing. We accept that.
Do we want to find out it is something serious or do we let our old boy live out the rest of his life comfortably and as happy as he can be?

I vote for allowing him to live out his remaining days without being poked and prodded. We will find some food that he will eat and maybe even cook him up some chicken and rice with a side order of raw eggs here and there.
Just because we love him.
So much.

Ike and Duke are loving the cooler weather.
Duke bit me the other day because I had green gloves on and had my hand at his mouth.
He thought I was giving him some grass.
So he chomped.
I called him a bugger.
I am sure he was calling me a few names too.
Its OK.
I still love him.....and Ike too.

Smokey the feral barn cat has decided he would like to be an indoor house cat and spends his days at our door "meowing" to be let in.
Not going to happen because litter boxes smell.
But so does Studley so it would probably just add to the scent of our home.
Lovely.
Oh yeah. I think Smokey might be a female because at 6 months old there are no giblets.
Male or female, "it" is still cute.
And I love "it"

Fluffy the 30 pound bunny has a growth on her nose.
It looks funny but apparently is nothing serious.
She likes to escape from her outdoor cage and run right through Ike and Duke's field.
Ike likes to chase her but she always manages to get away.
I cant help but wonder why she always runs that way when she knows that HUGE animals will chase her.
Stupid, but I still love her.

Go see Cecily. She is rad.

More pictures I will be displaying at her wedding.

2011-10-11T20:12:00.001-04:00

"Princess, what are you doing down there?"
"Nuffin"
"It is quiet. Everything OK??"
"Yep-e-dee-doo-da"
*walk downstairs*
"I doin nuffin Mom"

Parenting tip number 7395686529.
When children tell you they are doing "nuffin", they are really doing something.

I am sure this Mama knows that.

Yo.

2011-10-11T12:12:00.000-04:00

Oh my goodness for the love of all things lovely, I am full.
Thanksgiving was celebrated here in this great country of Canada over the weekend, and let me tell you something.
I am thankful for turkey.
And stuffing,
And turnip.
And elasticized waist bands.

I ate alot.
Like too much alot.
Like so much that I almost made myself physically ill.

No I am not 10.

But when I see platters of steaming hot white meat and gravy, I get a little giddy and I don't think clearly.
I load up my plate {once or twice} and eat like I am in some sort of competition.
I eat as if I am never going to eat again.

It was fun for a few minutes.

Regular bogging to commence when I recover from my turkey hangover.

I Have Created a Monster..err...Model

2011-10-06T20:11:00.001-04:00

I enjoy taking photographs.
My favourite subjects are my kids of course.
And Studley.
And Ike and Duke the horses.
And barns.
And fences.

Anyways........

The boys hate seeing my camera out and give me plenty of warning to stay away from them.
So I snap when they aren't looking.
Or I pretend I am capturing the flower beside them.
Sneaky of me, I know.

But Princess is a different story.
In fact, she tells me to get my camera so she can show me her faces.
Honest.
And while I go get it, she flicks her hair back and puts her hands on her hips.
She prepares for her runway show.
And then we both go nuts.

I click away while she informs me of the "face" she is making just so I am sure.

It's hard work being a runway model.
So we had some candy to wake ourselves up.
And then looked for toads.

Now, if only I could convince this gal to come here to take some more photos.

Go see Cecily and Lolli for more photostory stuff.

Vaginas

2011-10-05T19:31:00.000-04:00

I couldn't help it.
I have waited for years to title a blog post with that one simple word.
Its a fun word to say.
Vag.
Va-jay-jay.
Foo foo.
I love to say them all.

And lately I am in the mood to just cut loose and speak freely without worrying what others think.
So there.
Vag.Vagina.Vajayjay.Foo foo.Vag. Vagina.Vajayjay.Foo foo.Vag.Vagina.Vajayjay.Foo foo.
*giggle*

My husband and I are currently having a disagreement about something.
It has kept us up at night because we just cannot agree.
OK, maybe not. But every Monday night while watching Dancing with the Stars we have many heated discussions where I tell him that he is so close minded and old fashioned and he tells me I should have taken more biology classes.
Whatever.

Our heated discussions ~~arguments~~ are about Chaz Bono.

Who used to go by the name Chastity Bono.

I think he has done everything except change the....umm....foo foo.

So technically Chaz talks like a male, looks like a male, has the mannerisms of a male, has the boobs of a man and most importantly feels male.....but still has a vajayjay of some sort.
Apparently the hormones change the look of it.
Google it if you are curious.

So my question is this.
If you still have the female reproductive parts, can you be considered a male?I say yes.

If you agree with me I will love you forever.
And maybe I will even send you some of these.
Embrace the foofoo!

While youre agreeing with me, please include your special names for vaginas.
Just because it's funny.

kthanksbye

Go see MamaKat for more stuff

I Need More Happy Pills to Survive the Next 10-15 years

2011-10-04T19:25:00.038-04:00

Because I feel the need to share every stinkin detail about my life on this ol' blog, I must tell you that apparently I am the worst Mother in the world.

My kids tell me this often, and, because I am so mentally f^%$ed up, I am starting to believe it.

Parenting can suck it.

The reason I am such a horrible person is because I have not allowed my 9 and 7 year old babies to start up their own facebook account. I have not allowed them to be introduced to an open forum for weirdos and bullies and stalkers. I have not allowed them to spend hours upon hours wasting their time. And, most importantly, I have not allowed them to see what their Mother talks about.

Another reason they want me to eat rocks is because they do not have an Ipod Touch, their own laptop and a TV in their room. Excuse me while I go make myself barf in the toilet because I am about to sound old, but I never had any of those items when I was 16, never mind 9 or 7 years old.

The kicker is that all of their friends have these ~~expensive~~ gadgets.

Yes, I will say it again.

All of their friends have these frickin expensive gadgets.

Have I been living in a bubble or is the Universe going to Hell because I just cannot believe what I am finding out as I meet my kids friends??
Did all of my kids friends parents win the lottery so they could afford this shit?
Did I miss the memo that the stores were giving away free electronics to young children who cant even wipe their own ass yet?

Someone fill me in.
And then tell me what I should do because this parenting crap gets harder and harder every year.

Go ahead.
Discuss.

Maybe this gal has the answer

Anxiety

2011-10-03T19:26:00.000-04:00

Anxiety.
One of my children has it.
He has never adjusted well to change.
Well, I shouldn't say that. He does fine when the change has happened but leading up to it is Hell for everyone in this house.

He came home from school today in a panic because the grade 8 students have to have a needle {vaccination} and he doesn't want a needle when he is in grade 8.
He is in grade 2.

Totally breaks my heart guys.
My {not so little} boy is afraid to just enjoy life because he is always worried about what is ahead of him.
He feels like he has to know what is going to happen in the future to truly enjoy the present moment.

Then when the future is the present and he is forced to survive what he has been stressing about, he realizes there was no reason to be so worried about it in the first place.
But the cycle always continues with a new "stressor".

And all this causes Momma to be stressed because I just want to take his worries away and watch my kid enjoy just being a kid.
The day he goes to a birthday party without freaking out beforehand, I may just throw a party myself.
And the year we don't have to meet his teacher before school starts in September, I might just do a happy dance and buy him something expensive.

But I tell ya. If we make it to grade 8 {without strong drugs} and he walks in to get his needle without cowering under a chair, I might....just maybe take him on a vacation anywhere he wants.

6 years to go.

This Weekend

2011-10-02T19:26:00.001-04:00

Most people relax on the weekend.
Not us.
In fact I actually look forward to Monday because the weekends always seem to be full of chores.

We renewed a couple passports at the actual passport office. This means we sat in a room full of people anxiously waiting for our number to be displayed on the big screen so we could be asked a million questions and pay them alot of money.
Fun times.

I cleaned the basement.
I threw out alot of stuff.
I bought chrysanthemums and milk.
Husband cut the grass and seeded the horse pasture.
He also painted the barn door and touched up paint throughout the house.
I dropped off 5 bags of clothing/books etc at the local thrift store.
Princess and I played tea party.
Duke the Horse got a haircut.(this is the before picture)

Studley the dog had a bath.
And peed on the floor.
He is feeling better.

I watched the movie 27 Dresses. Would I recommend it? Nope.
Hubby let me sleep in both days. Actually, he lets me sleep in every weekend. Jealous much?
Took my Mama to Ikea. We bought stuff and had meatballs for lunch.
Princess had a bath.
The boys had a shower.
I had three.
Visited my Daddy. He was busy watching Pawn Stars so ignored me. That's OK though. I still love him.
Vacuumed.
Dusted.
Cleaned kitchen about 71.5 times.
Froze my ass.
Refused to turn heat on.

And how was your weekend?????

Caught Ya!

2011-09-29T20:34:00.000-04:00

Note to self.
Stash this photo away for the days she denies "digging for gold".
Bring this out to show her boyfriends.
Display it at her wedding.
Giggle every time I look at it.

Go here for more Photostory stuff

Green is one of my favourite colours

2011-09-29T10:47:00.001-04:00

You're probably thinking I spelled "colours" wrong, but I didn't. You see, in Canada, where I live, we add letters to words that cannot be heard and make absolutely no sense. It is because we are so smart........

Anyways...

I like green. It comes in so many different shades and just reminds me of nature and the outdoors.
Except this week.
Now it reminds me of dog puke and infected sores on the side of dog's faces.
Yum.

So instead of posting pics of disgusting green body parts, this is what I found when I walked outside my door.

Apple tree

Lil' Mushroom

Quiet Moment

Weeds are flowers too

Run Princess Run

The Leaves are Still Green

Dirty, green hose

Boy Child....with poison ivy

Go here to see more green pics and to wish Beth good luck on her {soon to be born} new baby!

Life Lessons Taught by a Three Year Old

2011-09-27T19:17:00.001-04:00

My life is spiralling out of control lately.
Sometimes I need my children to snap me out of my own depressing thoughts.
Like when I captured Princess running through the yard in her dress, jewellery and rubber boots, smiling and singing to herself as loud as she could.
That is all I needed to snap out of it and realize that life is good.
And it is OK to have messy hair.
And to run in rubber boots.
And sing like no one is listening.While wearing a crap load of jewellery

Go here and here to see more WW

Sick Studley-Part 2

2011-09-26T19:27:00.000-04:00

You all thought that Studley was healthy and happy now that he has hard drugs for his arthritis problem.
I don't know whether to laugh or cry about it but he is far from "OK".
Have I told you how much this year sucks rocks?
I think Studley agrees.
So, yes, he has arthritis that we don't know if we can fix because he is old and fat.
But he also has a horrible ear infection.
And he is the proud owner of entire body stink that could possibly be related to the yeast fungus growing in his ear.
Yum.

And then there is this.

I made it blurry on purpose so you don't have to see the oozing pus and blood.
I hope you weren't eating.
I haven't eaten in days because I cannot stand the look and smell of this disgustingly oozy flesh-eating hot spot.
*puke*
As we walked out of the vet clinic {again} with antibiotics, a shaved face and Elizabethan collar around his neck, I knew exactly what he was thinking.

I was thinking "Holy crap. This old washed up dog is costing us alot of money."
"But I love him"
"And he is worth it"

Poor Studley.
He is now on drugs because he cant walk...
...drugs for his yeasty-fungus-filled ear
....anti fungal shampoo for his yeasty-fungus-filled body
...drugs for his oozy pus/blood-filled-flesh-eating spot that is eating up the entire left side of his handsome face
...low calorie food for old, fat dogs
...and he has to wear a huge un-Studley collar that causes him to walk into walls...and doors...and furniture

I am thinking about asking for some hard drugs myself so I can cope with all of the stress

But he is so worth it

Look at how friggin cute he is

Sick Studley-Part 1

2011-09-25T20:49:00.000-04:00

Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy!
What a weekend we have had with old Studley the dog.
Let me start by saying that he is still alive and breathing. This is a huge deal considering we were sure on Friday that it was time to prepare ourselves and the kids to say goodbye. I had the scissors ready so I could cut off a "lock" of his gorgeous {but stinky} fur so we could tuck it away in our Studley scrapbook and treasure it forever.

I mentally prepared what I was going to tell the kids. How I was going to be strong and totally OK with it because Studley is old and we didn't want him to suffer. I prepared myself. Hubby was prepared to say goodbye to the dog he said he wouldn't miss.

Liar.

Studley couldn't walk. When I woke up Friday morning, Studley was laying down looking at me with the saddest dog face I have ever seen in my life. I knew immediately something was wrong.
It was kinda like this....but 1000 times sadder. Honest.

When I couldn't get his 100 pound body up, I found hubby quietly so the kids wouldn't know anything was wrong. He had to physically lift poor Studley up on to his feet. The old dog would walk a few steps, then fall to the floor. And he would stay there.
And he would look at us with the look of "Help me" on his face.
And I wanted to take all of his pain away.
And I wanted to curl up beside him and cry.
And tell him everything was going to be OK.

I am not a Veterinarian but I had diagnosed Studley with a stroke or a tumour or some rare incurable disease. I knew it was bad. Considering that he will be 12 years old in just a few weeks, I knew that he wouldn't improve.
In my mind, he was a goner.

We took him to the clinic. Studley didn't even pee on the floor when we walked in like he usually does to let every other animal know that "Studley was here". He flopped on the scale when they announced that he weighed 98.5lbs. They took him right in.

Arthritis. Hind end arthritis that flared up to the point of him not being able to lift his fat ass up. That was the diagnosis.
As well as a bad ear infection.
And bad stink.

No kidding.

Meds were given, and $170 later, we went home with directions to give meds for a week. If they didn't work, we would have to decide what else to do.
This is what Studley did for the next 24 hours.

He also cried and whined.
And cried and whined.
And tooted.

To be continued.......

Welcome Fall

2011-09-22T21:01:00.000-04:00

It is here.
Fall.
Autumn.
The season before the season that causes me to dive into a serious depression and want to hide under the covers for months.
Damn it all, I hate winter.
I love fall, but knowing that we are that much closer to snow and freezing temperatures saddens me.
While I am hiding under the covers, I secretly dream about moving south so I never, ever have to start my vehicle in -30 degree (Celsius) weather again.
I dream about sun, sand, tanned skin and the smell of sunscreen.
Year round veggie gardens and fruit trees, walking barefoot and a swimming pool in my backyard.

Then I get out of bed and see mountains of snow.

Damn you winter!

For now, I will try my hardest to enjoy the fall season and appreciate all of the little things before it all freezes over and I am in a cold, dark Hell.

Signs of fall around the homestead.

The onions have been harvested.

The sunflowers are suffering

The tomato plants are drying out

The leaves are changing

The apples are ready

We have gourds

The sweaters are being worn.
Can I just get a Hallelujah that Princess is wearing a sweater (with shorts)? This is huge people. The fact that she is wearing anything other than a tank top is a monumental occasion not to go unnoticed.

Happy Fall.
I guess.

Go see Cecily for more photostory stuff

Fall Fashion Must-Haves

2011-09-21T20:22:00.000-04:00

I am not sure if you knew this but I am totally up with all of the latest fashion trends.
Just because I am a stay at home mom who lives her life in jeans and work out clothes doesn't mean I am out of touch with the world of fashion.
Duh.

So, because I am all cool and stuff, I thought I would share with you the items of clothing every female must have for the fall season. I went searching on Pinterest....my favourite website ever, for everything you need to max out your credit cards. But at least you will look good.

Chunky sweater. Buy one in every colour. I would like one in green or orange....or blue or pink....or purple.

Ballet flats. Buy a pair for every day {and night} of the week.

A scarf. There are so many styles now. So just buy one of each to make sure you look all cool and stuff.

Anything with ruffles. Oh Em Gee I love ruffles. They make me happy. They make me feel girly. Buy anything you see that is all ruffly and people will be jealous.

A stylish bag/purse. I would like one to match every mood.

Simple, black platform heels. Just because they go with everything. I recommend also buying a bright coloured pair just so you can stand out when you wear that simple black dress.

Jeans. Make sure you have skinny jeans and flare.

Boots. If you don't have a pair, you are a loser. But I am sure you are a really nice loser.

Sweater. Make sure you buy one of every style in every colour, just because they look so amazing with jeans and boots/flats.

Cozy socks. Need I say more.

Now get out there and get everything you need to fit in with the cool crowd this fall. While you're out, buy me one of each, please and thank you.

Thanks to the stylish wannabes on Pinterest for making me realize I am old, out of style and poor.

I bet Mama Kat has all of this stuff!

Daughters and Dancing

2011-09-20T20:49:00.002-04:00

She is over 3 years old and takes up alot of my time, but I still have to pinch myself when thinking about being a Mommy to a little girl.
I never knew how much I wanted to have a daughter until I had one.
And now that she is out of diapers, in love with princesses, dresses and all things girly, I am realizing just how girly I am too.
So when we went to the local dance apparel store to purchase her "dancing clothes", I think I was maybe just a little more excited.
OK. Alot more.
Upon stepping into ~~the best place on Earth~~ the dancing store, I might have let out a loud squeal and jumped up and down...then twirled...and skipped over to the skirts and tutus.
I will never tell.
They had skirts and frilly tutus and princess wands and tiaras and even ballerina Xmas tree ornaments and ballet shoes and bags with tutus on them.
I.Was.In.Heaven
And so was the girly daughter of mine.
In fact, she was so overwhelmed that she actually sat on the floor with a wand in one hand and tiara in another and said "I never want to go home."
Or maybe that was me.

Is it wrong that I wanted to sign her up for jazz? And Tap? And buy her absolutely everything in the pretty pink store?

Is it wrong that I wanted to sign myself up for ballet so I could wear pointe slippers and a pink tutu?

I restrained myself.
Until our next outing.
Gosh darn, I hope she never decides to be all "boyish".

Dumb Mom is a mom to dudes!

I like her alot.

Life is a Big, Fat Hairy Bitch...Sometimes

2011-09-19T10:58:00.001-04:00

Soooo.....last week the boys decided to build a fort..or a trail...or they just wanted to dig in the mud alongside our property because boys like to get dirty. Whatever. I am not a boy so will never understand the enjoyment they get from doing dirty, gross things

If it involves shovels and dirt, then my boys are usually knee deep into it without a care in the world.

Soooo....last week, everyday after school, they would run over to their play area with their knapsacks still around their backs and continue where they left off the day before.

Momma was happy.
Momma loved that her boys were playing together.
They were getting along.
Communicating without cursing.
No physical violence towards each other.
They were working as a team.
Momma couldn't have been happier that they were outdoors, away from the television and computer...and kitchen cupboards.

Life was good.

Until they both ended up with poison ivy.
On their face.

Their arms and armpits.
Between their fingers.
Up and down their legs.
Even on their private parts and bum crack.
Proof that they always have their hands down their pants.The boys are convinced that playing outside is no longer safe so I am sure they will live in front of the TV for the next 10 years. Dear Life.Sometimes you suck.From Momma

A Song That I Cannot Get Out of My Head

2011-09-17T21:28:00.002-04:00

One of these things is not like the others,
One of these things just doesn't belong,

Can you tell which thing is not like the others
By the time I finish my song?

Did you guess which thing was not like the others?
Did you guess which thing just doesn't belong?

If you guessed this one is not like the others,

Then you're absolutely...right!
--Sesame Street 1.The smelliest dog on the planet. We are thinking of shaving him bald and bathing him in vinegar.
2.The snobbiest, scariest looking cat in the Universe who wants nothing to do with humans.3.The largest, most gentle horses I have ever been around. Yes, I kiss them on the lips.4.The largest rabbit anyone has ever seen. She is also very snobby. And she poops alot.5.Princess' best friend.

More Sunday Citar stuff here

Mommy Time-Out

2011-09-15T19:44:00.000-04:00

Sometimes I need to take a time out.
I am usually pretty good at blocking my children out and ignoring negative behaviour, but when it directly affects our schedule and makes absolutely no sense, I struggle.

Princess refuses to wear pants
long sleeved shirts
socks
dresses with shirts underneath
"tie up" shoes
pyjamas
jackets

Shall I go on?

I don't care if she walks around in her underwear when the weather is nice and we have nowhere to go, but when it is time to actually go out into public and she refuses to wear clothing, I have a hard time keeping my cool.

30 minute tantrums because she refuses to wear a long sleeved shirt on a very cool morning is...ummm....ridiculous.

And the fact that I used to work in the field of behaviour irks me to no end because sometimes I feel like my children are testing everything I have ever known about ummm.....behaviour.

So I give myself a time out.
Take a deep breath.
Remind myself that it is a great thing that my daughter knows what she likes and what she doesn't like.
Remind myself that this is small on the scale of parenting life.
And I don't give in.

Until we come back home and she strips down to her undies.
Moral of story.
Girls are hard.

Or is it just my girl?

Linking up here and here. Check 'em out!

Momma aka The Infant Knowledge Expert cough

2011-09-14T20:52:00.000-04:00

I am a mother. To three children.
I have conquered the land of Infantdom. The land of no sleep and alot of crying.
I have conquered the unknown world of Toddlerhood. It was a rough place but we all ~~barely~~ got out alive.

I am currently making my way through the huge city of SchoolAgedville and it could just prove to be the toughest place yet. I compare it to a dangerous crime-ridden city, where there is alot of attitude, bad words and violence. So far, I am making it through but we still have a long way to go.

Please pray for me.

As I have made my way through these deep, dark unknown destinations, I have learned alot. So I wanted to share my findings with you newbies close to buckling in and going for the drive yourselves.

First of all, I am praying for you.

Lets start with the Land Of Infantdom.

After coming home from the hospital, you may feel euphoric. You have just pushed a human being out of your vajayjay so you should be very proud of yourself. It was a huge accomplishment. Your milk likely hasn't come in yet so get one last look at "The Twins" before they become painful and engorged. They will never again look large and perky. Kiss those days goodbye girlfriend. Before long they will look like deflated balloons.

Secondly, you are probably very tired. Exhausted is a better word actually. Well, get used to it because you will not sleep again for the next 18 years. Sorry to rain on your "Yay is Me Parade" but a full nights sleep will not exist until your children are grown and out of the house. But by that time you will be middle aged and not sleeping due to hot flashes and bowel issues, so, well...........yeah, deal with it.

Thirdly, everything you ingest, your new baby will ingest. If you drink coffee or soda, be prepared for an over-stimulated (also known as "wired") baby. If you drink milk, be prepared for many poop soup explosions (out of your baby, not you). If you like spicy food, GOOD LUCK with that. Let me know how it goes. So for the length of time you breastfeed, you will have to eat crackers, drink water and just look at tacos and burritos.

The life of a new mom is wonderful isn't it?

It is OK to cry. Hormones are raging throughout your body and your body is going haywire. Yell at your husband. It is OK. He will understand.

Your baby will cry alot.

Usually during the night when everyone else is sleeping. Do what I did and cry too. Or eat chocolate. Alot of chocolate. But just remember your baby will get chocolate through your milk and you know what chocolate does right? It keeps you awake. Uh huh. It is a cruel, vicious cycle.

Remember the days of putting your shoes on and going out to the mall just for the heck of it? Those days are over. You will now need to get up before the sun rises to shower, eat breakfast, get dressed, get baby fed and dressed, pack a diaper bag, get baby in the car seat. Oops....poop soup explosion alert. Baby has just dirtied his/her clothes and your clothes. Now you have to start all over.

Last but not least, bring baby into your bed, cry, eat chocolate and enjoy every possible second that he/she is this tiny, because it does not last long.....

You are welcome.

*This post was originally written 2.5 years ago and I never did give my Toddlerhood advice. Stay tuned.*

MamaKat probably didnt need any parenting advice

The Cat Whisperer

2011-09-13T21:13:00.000-04:00

Guys, it has happened.
I have fallen madly in love with Smokey the barn cat.

Smokey the barn cat is one of two feral kittens we brought to live in our barn so they could protect us all from...um...mice.

But I think the farmer people lied to us because Smokey the barn cat is nowhere close to a feral cat.
He is, in fact, the most lovable, social cat I have ever been around, and I love him.
I love him so much, I want to bring him in our house, feed him expensive tuna and cook him up some fancy cat treats.

One problem.
He doesn't love me.
He loves the three year old undies-wearer who enjoys pulling his tail and pushing him in her stroller.

He follows her everywhere she goes.
Even in her tree house thing and in the back of Daddy's pick up truck.
If she is in the garden, he is right beside her.

If she is on the deck, he is laying right there with her.
When she runs up towards him, he stands there waiting for some lovin' instead of running and hiding like a feral cat should.
And he gets it.
Some gentle cuddles and soft, kind words.
She even calls him "Sweetie".
She.Calls.Him.Sweetie
and I totally die from all of the cuteness.

But when I call him Sweetie, he flashes me his butt hole and walks away.

I like Dumb mom. You will too.

Stuff Princess Did Today

2011-09-12T20:11:00.000-04:00

Wore alot of jewellery

Got a boo boo

Danced

Pretended to be a model

Caught a toad

Played in the sandbox

Went on the swing

...for a very, very

...long time

In her panties.
Just because.

9/11

2011-09-11T01:00:00.002-04:00

Ten years ago today I was at work.
Wearing green overalls.
Wearing my hair up in a ponytail because the child I was working with enjoyed pulling my hair.
Wearing a white tshirt.

I was pregnant.

I didn't hear the news until my lunch break because the family of the child who pulled my hair did not watch TV.
I was providing therapy to their gorgeous little boy who has autism
Teaching him how to play Mr. Potato Head
Print his letters
Ask for help using sign language
Use the potty

I was pregnant
And unaware that the world was in danger

Until I ate my lunch in my 1988 Mazda 323 in the parking lot of a Wendy's.
I ate a baked potato
I turned on the radio
I found out that the world was in danger

I was pregnant
and terrified.

What kind of world was I bringing my child into?
How would I keep him safe?
How would I hide my fears so he could grow up enjoying life without any fear?

10 years later, I think the world is a safer place.
And I think my almost 10 year old child is enjoying life without any fear.
Yet.

Where were you on that day?
Do you remember every little detail like I do?

au revoir ete

2011-09-08T20:10:00.001-04:00

That means "goodbye summer" in french just in case you were wondering.
Momma is here to teach.
This post is a compilation of my favourite photographs taken this summer just because I feel the need to reminisce and drown myself in my sadness over the end of the season.
Fall=less daylight, cooler temps, depressed Momma, increased dosage of happy pills

On a side note, don't you love the words "compilation" and "reminisce"? I must figure out a way to incorporate them into every sentence I speak/write.

Annnnyways, without further ado, here are my favourite pics from the Summer of 2011. Feel free to tell me which one you love/hate the most and then tell me that you need happy pills too. My self love increases when I know there are other humans as screwed up as me.

Thanks muchly.

And last, but certainly not least, one of my most favourite pictures taken this summer.

* This favourite photo of mine above is being entered in the Goodbye Summer, Hello Snapfish photo contest sponsored by Snapfish at parenting BY dummies. If voted the best summer picture I will win a photo canvas and other prizes from Snapfish & pBd. http://bit.ly/pRciVU

*Please comment and tell me how much you love it too. The more comments I have, the more of a chance I have to win....and I never win anything. So not only would I win a great prize, I would also be happy which means my need for happy pills might not be so high.

The contest info and other entries are right here.

See more Photostory stuff here.

And here

Yes, another back to school post.

2011-09-07T20:59:00.001-04:00

*lover of pink*
*skirt/dress wearer
*almost potty trained
*big girl bed sleeper
*peanut butter and jam sandwich eater
*dancer
*singer
*preschool student
Love of My Life

*plaid shirt wearer
*funny face maker
*his father's "mini-me"
*tractor driver
*horse lover
*toad catcher
*Grade 2 student
Love of My Life

*toothless grinner
*cookie addict
*skinny jean wearer
*computer genius
*horse lover
*TV watcher
*Grade 4 student
Love of My Life

Can someone make time slow down because I just cannot stand seeing my children grow up? I cant stand watching them walk into the school yard without holding my hand. My heart just cannot deal with all of this independent crap.
*sniff*

I am sure MamaKat's kids still need hugs and kisses before walking into school.

Hmph.

I am also linking up with YouCapture today. Go here to see more!

A {very} short story and a video.

2011-09-05T18:26:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow my life changes.

Peace Out.

How to Take a Good Picture of a Cow

2011-09-04T20:53:00.001-04:00

Yes, you read that right.
The famdamily went to a country fair this weekend and I learned another lil' thing about myself.
I enjoy cows.
Bulls.
Anything bovine.
I think I took about 72 pictures and 65 of them were of cows.
I am sure the cow people thought I was odd, but that's OK because everyone else does.
I knelt down in manure.
Stepped in manure.
Made funny noises to get their attention.
And I showed them some love.
That is all they want. Just a little bit of lovin will get you far with a cow.Think outside of the box. Stall. Whatever. You don't always have to take a picture of your subject's face to capture an interesting picture.
DO NOT piss off your subject because they could give you the evil eye, break free from their rope and stomp on you. Safety first people.
Capture what catches your attention. I liked the "hairdo" on this beauty and felt the need to snap away just because. In the end, I captured what I wanted to and it made me happy. And, afterwards I realized that I snapped a photograph that sets off an emotion. Capturing an emotion is my number one goal when I photograph anything.
Capturing an emotion makes Momma happy.
Do whatever it takes to get your subject interested. If you succeed, you cant go wrong.
Composition. Focus. I didn't want a picture of the farmer dude eating poutine or the many other bovine bums close by. I wanted a picture of this beauty and that is all. So many people screw up photographs by capturing "stuff" that has no value to the picture. Know what you want and then snap away or don't snap at all. Or at least know how to edit so you can eventually end up with a half decent photo.
Same goes for this one. When you look at this photograph there is no doubt in what is in it. Your eye immediately goes to this big...very big animal. There aren't people, piles of poop, food platters or anything else to take your eye away from the subject.
I wanted a picture of him and him only. So that is what I got.
Sometimes a moment happens when you least expect it. Like this one. A moment that is full of emotion is what I love to capture. Just because.

Love Momma