Tribute Tuesday to a Terrific Terror

I have a dog just in case you didn't know.
His name is Studley.
Not his real name but I love it so I sometimes call him Studley in real life.
People look at me funny.

Today is Studley's birthday.
He is 10 years old.
Which is 70 in dog years.

Studley is a senior.
But that doesnt matter because my family loves him more than anything.
He is my first baby.
He will always be my baby.
Even if he is older than me.
And has more gray hair.
I couldn't imagine my life without Studley in it.
The kisses.
The cuddles.
The belly rubs.
The unconditional love.

Even though he steals food.
Runs away.
And gets sprayed by skunks.
I don't care.
I love him.
Couldn't imagine my life without him.

Happy Birthday Studley!

*Oops, found out too late that there was a theme to this week. Favourite body part. But I can connect the two as Studley is always around me, a little overweight and doesnt move very fast. So in a way, he is just like many of my body parts. So there*

*Oops, found out that todays topic is fall indulgences. So find a way to connect Studley to the topic and you win something from me. A huge, wonderful virtual hug.

Go here for more Tributes about body parts and/or Fall stuff. I am confused.

Friends....again.....for now......

Mother Nature and I were not on good terms for most of the winter.

We had some words.

I let her know exactly how I felt.

I was not happy with the snow, the cold temperatures and the overall dreary-ness of the entire season.

She responded with snow storms, -30 degree (Celsius) temperatures, wind and ice. Everyday.

She is a bit of a control freak.

But things have changed.

Our relationship is on the mend.

I like her again.

We have hugged and expressed our feelings letting each other know just how important we are to each other. Basically she cannot live without me. And...well....I let her know I will always love her as long as the weather is nice.

It was a moment.

Too bad you weren't there.


She has done some wonderful, terrific things lately.

Look. I have proof.

Our duck friends who like to hang out in our lake size puddle.

And eat our bird feed.

Trees budding.

Dandelions taking over.

A perfectly created nest in our barn rafters.

Cherry blossoms

Farmland being worked over.

Across the street from our house.

Makes for very happy little boys.

Mother Nature is swell.

So happy we are on good terms again.

Now if she could just give us more than 2 days in a row without rain.

I am not asking for too much am I?

A Pressing Tribute

I am on an ironing strike.

I have been my entire life.

I do not iron.

Never have.

My idea of ironing is throwing the piece of clothing back into the dryer for a few minutes. Or..umm...the Permanent Press cycle. The word "press" is in there for a reason people!

Apparently this is an issue with Mr. Momma.

Apparently he gets teased at work for coming in with wrinkly shirts and messy collars. Here I am thinking I am doing a wonderful job being Mrs. Domestic, washing, drying AND putting his clothes away. I guess not. I mean, if my husband is being teased for his clothing and not being teased for listening to bluegrass music, it must be bad.

Reeeeaaaaaaaaaaaallllllllllllly bad.

Now, apparently one more task is being added to my list of duties. Let me just say that he never mentioned me doing it for him. He only mentioned me not doing it.

Does the job description for stay at home moms ever get shorter?

I don't mind at all. I mean, I sit on my tanned butt all day eating bon bons so I need more to do. Really. I can iron in between my soap operas and reading my romance novels. I can iron while the children play nicely together for the afternoon. I can iron while Princess plays with her toys and not the dog's eyeballs.

No problem.

I will put my apron on and smile.

Because I am nice like that.

Real Life Fairytale

Once upon a time there was a boy with a bowl cut. A cute blond boy who wore car wash t shirts, busy brown sweaters......

....and blue socks with shorts. *gasp*



Despite his poor fashion taste, he was a nice boy. I should know because I grew up with him. He met me in grade 3....1983 to be exact. He seemed like a nice kid but I was a girl and he was a boy and at that time boys had cooties so I stayed away as much as I could. As we got older and ended up in the same class here and there, we became friends.

He was nice.

He was smart.

He helped me with my work.

I was a straight A student because of him and so was he, so we stuck together.

Throughout our schooling years we hung out. We talked on the phone all of the time but he was a good kid and me....well.......thats another post for another time. So when he was getting ready to go to bed I was getting ready to go out. He woke up early. I slept in. He enjoyed "working" on the weekends. Me, not so much.

I said we were friends but I never said we were alike.

Then one day in my 21st year I woke up. I realized he wasn't that bad after all.

Even though he went to bed early, worked all of the time, had poor fashion taste and woke up at the break of dawn I realized that he was pretty neat.

Neat is a nice word. Nifty is too. Just sayin'.

The rest is history.

I married this man on November 11, 2000

This man is swell.

This man is the best father in the whole world...

and the best husband.

I dedicate this post to this man because

* he is nifty

* he lets me sleep in when he gets up early

* he lets me buy him clothing so he doesn't wear blue socks and brown sweaters

* he lets me have the TV when he goes to bed early

* he is handsome

* he is my best friend

* it is his birthday today

Happy Birthday Mr. Momma aka Busy/Lovie/Bluegrass Daddy!

xo

Dear Mother Nature....

Hi. It's me Momma. You know. The one who writes many letters to you throughout the year? Yes. I am the skinny, *cough* pretty one. I am so glad that you remember me.

I am writing this letter because I have a beef with you. I am not quite sure what having a "beef" really means so I will say it in other words.

I am angry with you.

That's right.

Momma is not a happy Momma right now.

Because of you.

Don't walk away. And DO NOT throw out this letter until you have read every single word.

Please.

I understand that I live in an area of the world where we are privileged to experience 4 very different seasons. Each of them having many pros and many cons. Each of them providing many opportunities for different activities, scenery and experiences.

I like it actually.

But when the calendar says that the season is Spring, I get excited. Usually that means more sun.

Birds chirping.

Trees blossoming.

Flowers peeking.

Children playing outdoors.

No more snow.

Did you read that last one?

NO MORE SNOW!

So when you decided to pound us with a snowstorm last week I was taken aback. I had already washed snow pants and packed them away. Winter boots were taken to the basement and rubber boots brought out.



What on earth were you thinking? Did you just want to have the last word? Were you trying to make some sort of point that I am clueless about?

I almost cried. The tears came but I held it together for my kids.

I realize that you are much bigger than me and have much more control but I am begging. I am on my knees pleading with you to stop the snow. Stop the cold temperatures.

Please.

It is Spring. I would appreciate it if you warmed things up a bit so I could rewash and repack our winter clothing. I would appreciate it if you made it warm enough for my kids to spend more than 10 minutes at a time outdoors.

What do I have to do? Is there something you want? You tell me and I will do it.

Within reason of course.

Thanks muchly.

Momma




A Jay and Deb Production.

A Three Word Tribute

I love you.

Alot.

Ok. It was four words.

Now wipe off the drool.


Take a deep breath.

Go here to read a letter to the Walmart Lady because that is Jay's prompt this week and I always do what a teacher says. I know, I know. It is an old post. I just haven't had any recent bad experiences with retail folks. Us Canadians are friendly peeps. Most of the time.

Thanks.

xo

*And if you do not know what that picture is.....shame on you!

*Annnnnnd if you haven't entered for my giveaway......double shame!

A Jay and Deb Production.

Tribute to a Junkie....a Creative one

* Go here for my giveaway.

* Go here for my Wordful Wednesday post

A new week.

A new tribute.

New rules.

Mr. Jay gave us a prompt this week. I enjoy prompts. Coming up with my own ideas is quite difficult and often results in terrible posts like this one. I admit it.

But it is a new week and this week we are to do a tribute to a specific blog or website.

My daily circuit of websites is a long one. Very long. Everything from Perez Hilton to the Weather channel to CNN.

And my blog list....well...it keeps getting longer and longer as I find some writers who I want to be like.

So this was a tough decision. A very tough decision.

But in the end I narrowed it down to a writer who entertains me with every single post she writes. She doesn't need to use pictures or links to keep me interested. Her writing is one of a kind. Funny. Creative. Everything you want in a good book or movie. You just don't have to spend any money to be entertained.

Now that is what I call swell.

Swell is a great word isn't it? Unless you are describing an injury to your extremities or other body part. I just love how it just rolls off your tongue without any effort.

Anyways..........

The Creative Junkie

Entertaining

Interesting

One of a Kind

Funny

Creative

Free

There is no reason not to check it out.

You will not be disappointed. I promise.

I love every single one of her posts and that is a hard thing to do. To bring the reader in and keep her interested EVERY SINGLE TIME she visits. Impressive. Here are a few of my favourite posts just to show you how fabulous she is.



Go here.....and here.



Now go on. Check her out. But just don't desert me because she is brilliant and I am not.



Tell her I sent you. And when she asks who the heck I am, tell her how great I am.



Please.



Thanks muchly.

*FYI I had this post ready for yesterday but then discovered that it was down for maintenance. I forgive her though.

A Jay and Deb Production.

Ode to my razor

Oh razor, how do I love thee
Oh razor, you make me soooo happy.
Dearest razor you make my skin smooth
afterwards applying my lotion
oh does it soothe

Without you dear razor
I would be a hairy beast
but you allow the hairs to be released.
I love you dear razor,
this tribute is for you
because without you in my life
I would be so blue

A Jay and Deb Production.

Tribute for a Princess

I dedicate this weekly tribute to my Princess. Just when I thought I had experienced all that parenting has to offer, she has quickly shown me that I haven't seen anything yet.

I need to put on my big girl panties.

And be a Real Mom.

A mom who thinks of every possible safety scenario and makes the necessary precautions before the consequence.

Antecedent.....Behaviour....Consequence.....

Momma, you know this stuff from your BC (before children) life. Remember? You were once a Behaviour Therapist who worked with children. Get with it. You have three of your own children now.



That Mother of the Year award is in your reach . Just remember these lessons that Princess has taught you.

Princess has taught me to always close the washing machine door. Or better yet, close the laundry room door.

Enjoy it. Don't sweat the small stuff Momma. Before you know it, she will be a prissy teenager who doesn't like to touch dirt.



Keep paper out of her reach. Offer cardboard or plastic books as a distraction. Paper=choking hazard. Duh.


Stay close by at all times. Especially when Princess is around newborns. Provide toys as a distraction. If that doesn't work, restrain her. Poking out some one's eye is not something you want her to be famous for.


*Gasp* BAD MOMMA ALERT. NEVER, EVER let this happen. The scary consequences are endless. Note to Momma. Hide this picture from the panel of judges who decide on the Mother of the Year award. They cannot see this. Ever.

*FYI....new highchair has been bought that prevents this from happening. It makes for a very cranky baby but she is safe.

Babies do this. Climbing over computer printers isn't exactly the best climbing toy. Find something different....but make sure it is safe. Or just find some musical toys that light up. That should catch her attention.

So I thank Princess for reminding me that babies are much more than cute little creatures. They are cute little creatures who can get into a lot of trouble. They can find many possible ways to hurt themselves. They can make Mommas gasp and lose their patience.

But no matter what, they still remind us that perfection does exist.

Even if they do get sweet potatoes on your clothing.

A Jay and Deb Production.

T is for Tribute- M is for Machines

A Jay and Deb Production.

I had many ideas for today's tribute. But this one by far outweighs the rest. Literally.

We moved to this wonderful home last year. It was my father in laws, and when he passed away unexpectedly, it was very important to my hubby that we keep it. It looks nothing like it did a few years ago as we basically rebuilt it, but at least we have the property.....and the memories.

I digress.....I seem to do that alot.

Anyways, there was a shed here. The original home that was on this property-but was transformed into a shed. Yesterday we had it knocked down.

My post is dedicated to the kind Italian man (who barely speaks English) who brought his excavator to do the job.

Why you ask?

Because they kept my 5 year old excavator- loving boy entertained for 4 hours.

I am quite certain that my child's idea of heaven is a huge open area with dirt and rocks...even boulders. Add in some bulldozers, loaders, excavators and dump trucks. Then allow boys to drive them any way they want and do whatever they want with the dirt and rocks.

The kind Italian man (who barely spoke English) allowed my child to ride in the machine with him while they demolished a building. He even let my boy have the controls once in awhile.

Maybe I could have him and his machine over twice a week for a play date.

Time for a Tribute

A Jay and Deb Production.

There are many things I love. Many things that complete my life and make me thankful every single day.

My children.
My hubby.
My health.
My family.

And, my happy pills.

Without them I am miserable. Without them everyone around me is miserable. I live in a home with three males and a male dog who enjoys running away. I live in a home with a 10 month old baby girl who sleeps when she wants to sleep and wakes at about 1am for a solo party more times than I wish to count.

My happy pills, well, they make me happy. Not happy as in silly but happy as in being able to handle the chaos that is my life.

They complete me. How is that for tacky?

So I dedicate this post to the little white prescription pills that I take every morning. I appreciate all that they do for me and my family.

I also want to thank the TV show Intervention because watching it makes me appreciate my doctor prescribed medication even more. When I see what other people do who are not happy with their lives, I am thankful that I got the help when I needed it.

Now all I need is some quality "me time" more often and I will be as cheerful as a Disney character in costume.

Tribute Day

A Jay and Deb Production.

Gummy worms. Gummy spiders. Gummy teeth.

Why my tribute this week is dedicated to these sugary treats.

*they are yummy

*kids love them

*adults love them

*they can be used to decorate any kind of children's treat

*adding them to something children don't usually eat will magically make them yummy

* they are affordable.

*they can be served at kids birthday parties

*they can be put in a bowl in front of 6 seven year old kids and be devoured in minutes

*kids can be sent home after filling their little tummies with these sugar-filled treats

*the kids go home and tell their parents that they were at the best birthday party ever because they ate gummy teeth/spiders/worms AT LUNCHTIME

Thank you Gummies!

Another Tuesday, Another Tribute

A Jay and Deb Production.

I dedicate this post to a wonderful woman.

She is one in a million.

I consider her my hero.

She is who I want to be.

This tribute is for my dear Grandma.

Some numbers for you.

Years she has been in this world- 81

Number of husbands- 1

Number of children- 3

Number of grandchildren-8

Number of great grandchildren- 9

Number of times her husband (my grandpa) has been in the hospital in the last year- too many to count.

Number of times she has driven to the hospital to visit him- also too many to count.

Some facts about my Grandma.

At 81, she is still running a business.

She has been a member of her church for 70+ years.

At 81, she is still a member of her church band.

Still cooks a family dinner every Sunday

She puts on a happy face even when times are tough.
Takes treats for my grandpa to stash in his hospital room drawer every time she goes to see him.

Visits my grandpa every day with a smile on her face.

Plays crokinole as often as she can with her lady friends.

Has many lady friends. Thank goodness.

Cooks the best coconut cake EVER.

Printed out the recipe for her dearest granddaughter who eats ALOT of the cake whenever it is there on her counter.

Reasons why I dedicate this post to my hero.

She still laughs.

She doesn't look a day over 60.

I love her.

More than anything.

And, she cooks a mean coconut cake