A moment of of unbelievable humiliation..

Thanks to my sweet, precious, adorable, perfect daughter, I have experienced a level of humiliation I previously thought

unattainable

Ash and I went to Michael's tonight to pick up a few things (thanks Rebecca!) and we were in line to check out. The lady in front of us had a few returns, and a few purchases. Needless to say, we were in line for quite a while. While in line, Ash struck up a conversation with the sweet lady returning things. Ashli had that lady and the cashier laughing and smiling with her cute and sweet ramblings, her screeching laughter pierced the silence of the store. FINALLY... It was our turn to check out and Ash was sweet talking the cashier like she always does. I was half paying attention to her while I was digging in my purse for my wallet to pay. Then it happened. I heard that sweet, angelic voice pipe up and say, "Wow! You've got a BIG butt!"  I looked up just in time to see the cashier return from her bent over position and stare at me with a half shocked / half disgusted look on her face. My heart sank all the way to my shoes and my jaw dropped even lower than that! Of course I chastised Ashli for her rude and extremely improper outburst and had her apologize to the still shocked woman and then we RAN for the door. OH MY GOSH!!!!!!!!!  Ashli was SO upset. She didn't understand what she had done wrong. When I told her that she had hurt that woman's feelings by saying her butt was big, she replied by saying, "But mom, all giants have big butts." ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh Lord...

What is a mom to do?

I {heart} Technology...

If you read my blog on any kind of a regular basis you know that I am CONSTANTLY losing my keys, or locking my keys (and cell phone) in the car. I swear this is an every-other-week thing with me. It's so rediculous at this point that it's even kind of comical.  No, not really.

Today I had a VERY special and VERY delicious lunch date with Ashli at her pre-school. The children worked very hard and prepared  a lovely meal of Pumpkin bread and Pork & Beans with hot dogs. Mason and I arrived for the meal, and when it was time to go I came to the all-to-familiar realization that the keys (and the phone) are locked in the car. AGAIN! Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

I went back into the pre-school and started calling home. Home is the only number I know by heart (the rest of the numbers are programed into the damn phone... in the damn car).  Gregg of course is asleep because he works nights. Any phones within his earshot have the ringers turned off.  I sat in the class room for about 40 minutes calling and calling and calling. Hoping that he might just wake up and hear the phone...   I began to get pity looks from the other parents in the room, and one lovely mom who obviously felt VERY bad for me even offered to give us a ride home. Then, like a brick to the forehead it hit me.  

*I have OnSTAR*

(Cue the orchestra, and let the angels sing)

DUH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I'VE HAD ONSTAR FOR A YEAR NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Why just now do I realize this????? Do you know how much aggrivation this could have saved me if I'd have realized this MONTHS ago?

I called Onstar and explained to the sweet guy on the phone that I was locked out of my car and trapped in a pre-school room full of 4 year olds. He understood the urgency of my situation and offered to help.   This man, in God knows where America sent a flippin' LASER beam from OUTER FRIGGIN' SPACE  down to my car, and popped the locks! NO SHIT! It took him a half a second to break into my car from... uhmm..  I have no idea where! I am so in love with OnStar! Ya, I'll be renewing my service contract with them, I'm just sorry it took me so long to realize I had this tool in the box!

I've been a busy girl... doing something for ME!  YAY!  I have been wanting to create an advent calendar for my kids for a really long time. This week I finally got it done! (Thanks Amy for helping me find the right calendar).  This is a Karen Foster 8" x 8" x 1.5" countdown box. It has 25 drawers that measure 1.5" x 1.5". Ya, I know. I went cross-eyed working on this one! LOL!

I very proudly used Cosmo Cricket's "Wonderland" line for the papers here. They are my alltime favorite Christmas line out there... and for good reason!  I also used the following products: 

Rubz- Basic Grey, Cosmo Cricket

Stickers - K&Co, Mark Richards (gems)

Stickles (Uhm helloooooooooooooo! Love these!)

Lots and LOTS of thickers 

Prima flowers (of course)

Colorbox fluid chalk

Mod Podge

Front View

From the back. The script reads, "In the air there's a feeling of Christmas".

Some cose-ups of the drawers

Lemme tell ya, i.5" x 1.5" is NOT a lot of workspace!

The wooden sign at the top is also by Karen Foster and reads, "No pouting allowed".  Too bad Ashli can't read yet... LOL!

I put this on the back so that hopefully, future generations will know I made it. =o) Awww Sappy sappy right?

Now, for more (yes, this post is SUPER LONG I have lots to say!)

You will recall that we just moved to our new neighborhood this past August. The one thing I miss noticeably about our old neighborhood are the rabbits. It was very common for us to have 1-6 cotton tail bunnies sleeping or sunning themselves in our front yard every day! They were pleasant to have around. There are NO rabbits at our new place. They are one of those things you really don't miss, until you don't see them anymore. =o(

But guess what!?!?!

Matani went APE nuts the other night when I let him outside. I've never heard this dog bark and go mad like he did, so of course I go running outside like mama Rambo ready to shoot someone and what should I see on the other side of my fence???? 

No silly, not a rabbit.

A DEER!

Who needs stinkin' rabbits when I HAVE DEER!!!!!!  

I desperately wanted to get a photo but it was REALLY dark out and she was just too far outside of flash range. Not to mention I didn't want to blind her and have her go running into the street!

Well folks,  TODAY I found her. Rather; Gregg found her! She was sleeping in between the neighbor's houses. So off I tramp camera in hand to finally catch a photo of her. She is a loner. No herd. I hope she will be okay this winter. I will be keeping my eyes peeled for her. I took this photo at 8:30 this morning. It's now nearly 2:30p.m. and she is still snoozing in the same place! 

Yes, I love having friendly woodland creatures!

Are those ears not the cutest ginormous ears EVAH?? I love them!

These are just some REALLY cool shots of an amazing sunset we had last night. I'm a sucker for a killer sunset... and a full moon...   *sigh*  Yes, I do love a full moon.... oh but that's a totally DIFFERENT Story that I probably shouldn't share with you people. So, here are some completely untouched sunset shots.

A Mommy Moment...

"I am thankful, for you"

said my sweet little Ashli tonight as she climbed into my lap and gave me a GREAT BIG hug.

Oh, out of the mouths of babes! She made my whole day!

Uhm... eww?

I have heard the term "window licker" a few times in recent past. I never knew what it meant, and thought I would be showing my uncoolness if I asked. I do believe I have finally discovered what folks were talking about when they used the term "window licker". What I did NOT realize is that all of those folks own South African Boerboels! Wow! Small world eh?

Yes, it's gross. Yes, I'm going show you more.

Oh quit complaining. You only have to LOOK at it. I had to CLEAN UP AFTER IT!

As I was watching the gallons of slobber drip down my sliding glass door, I was reminded of a fact sheet I read before buying Matani. This fact sheet was an integral part of our decision to purchase this particular breed. The author of that 'fact sheet' was a dumb-ass who OBVIOUSLY  has never had a South African Boerboel living in their home with them.  I shall now clear up some common misconceptions about the S. African Boerboel for you.

1. South African Boerboels very rarely bark. 

    My Ass!  Have you ever tried to talk to me on the phone? Call... and listen to my dog!

2. South African Boerboels don't shed.

    My Ass... again! This dog sheds more than any other dog I've had the pleasure of sharing my bed with. ICK!

3. South African Boerboels don't produce the mass quantities of drool that other Mastiff breeds do.

     MY ASS!!!!!!!!!  You saw the pictures right?

One could easily understand why I felt the sudden urge to strangle the shit out of the author of that fact sheet while I was mopping up all of slippery, slimy puppy drool.

Pleasant Dreams. 

For Mom

This is a special post for my computer illiterate mom who can't seem to be able to receive -furniture emails-  My mom wanted to see the new livingroom set we got, and no matter how many times I try to email the photos to her, she just isn't getting them. So mom, here it is.

Gregg's *man chair*

On a MUCH cuter note, it would appear that my little girl has a bit of a creative bug! Her and daddy built this beautiful birdhouse out of popsicle sticks and wood glue.

Then, Ashli picked out her own color and painted it. After it dried, mommy and Ashli embellished the heck out of it! I think it came out so cute! We're going to hang it in her room for her "pretend birds".

Argghhh little green Matey!

Our sweet Dobby came to stay with us this weekend. What a lovely visit! And what perfect timing too! I unpacked Ashli's pirate costume and dressed her up. With Dobby on her shoulder (or head as the case may be) he was the most perfect and precious accessory to her adorable little get-up!

These two bottom photos are my favorites! I touched them up a bit adding a softening filter to give them an intimate feel. Gregg says they just look "Blurry".  There's always a critic right?

Oh well, I do believe I have enough photos to complete Ashli's Pirate Princess acrylic album now! I've only been collecting odds and ends for it since JUNE! hahaha!

Hugs & Kisses...

**Sigh**

Now doesn't this look like a nice, warm, inviting place to just "be"?

Unsolved Murder

This is my very dear friend.  His name is Michael Brian Iverson. 

He was murdered. 

This case was never solved.

In 1994 my friend was shot and killed while walking to his house with a "friend". There has been controversy over this case from day one, with a single witness who suddenly couldn't remember anything about the people who shot his "friend". My ass. Somebody knows something. I believe the 'witness' knows something but for some reason, isn't talking. 

 It has been 14.5 years since Mike was taken from us and for whatever reason he is just so strong in my mind tonight. I pulled up his photo and tears just fell from my eyes as I looked at that familiar handsome face. Even now, the pain of losing Mike is raw. I miss him. The manner with which we lost him was so brutal and so very unfair.

 Mike was very special to me, as he was to so many others.   

A lot of people from Vegas read my blog. Please take a very close look at Mike's photo. Read the Cold Case file below, and dear God if you know ANYTHING... no matter how trivial it may seem please call the detectives at the phone number listed. Please. 

At approximately 4:30 p.m., on February 27, 1994, Michael Iverson was walking in the area of Arlington St and Wyoming Ave with several friends when they were approached by another group of teenagers. There was an exchange of insults. Two members of the opposing group pulled handguns and fired at Michael. Michael was struck in the chest. He was transported the University Medical Center-Trauma Unit where he was pronounced dead. The friends were not able to identify any of the suspects.

Anyone with information is urged call LV Metro Homicide Cold Case Detail at 702-828-COLD.

In the spirit of Halloween...

I thought I would post these photos I took of Mason when he was nearly 5 months old.

Hind sight being 20/20, I wonder if I didn't permanently screw up my son. I mean, I shoved him into a really big pumpkin in the name of awesome photographs and now? He won't even THINK about reaching into one of these things...    Things to ponder.

A little Trunk-or-Treat!

What a BUSY day! But really,  aren't they all busy anymore?  Today we had Speech Therapy in the morning, and then it was time to get down to PUMPKIN business! Every year I lop the top off of some hideously large, unsuspecting orange gourd and let my little princess dig in! Her favorite? Halloween activity is to get the "oooooey gooooey punkin guts" out of that poor vegetable. Don't laugh, it makes for GREAT photos!

Mason, on the other hand is very "Anti-Goo"  and would rather kick his feet up and supervise!

After Mason took his nap (and subsequently woke up with Croup) I decided it was probably time to try on our costumes and make sure they fit properly! Afterall, we had to meet up with Stacey, Curt and their kids in two hours for Trunk-or-Treat. It would SUCK if the costumes didn't fit!

Yeah.. she rocks. My little 'princess' thought better than to dress up as Ariel, Cinderella, Belle, Jasmine or some other form of pretty pretty. 'MY' girl says, "Momma, I wanna be a pirate".

YESSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!

My - Pirate Princess. (Scrapbook Album to follow) LMAO!

And to introduce you to the most adorable vegetable you have ever laid eyes on... 

*insert drum roll here*

MASON!!!!!!!  

And Matani wondering what the HELL we did to his boy!

Hehehe Just kiddin, here is the front photo!

The making of a Pirate.... princess.

Step 1. Dark eye makeup. I'm not sure why, but ALL pirates have dark eye makeup. 

Thank you Jack Sparrow!

Step 2. Glitter. All princesses must have some bling right? Even the pirate types.

Step 3. Ashli wanted a beard.  *shaking head*  I obliged.

This is her best, "ARGGGHHHH MATEY" look!

Cool right? This is my pumpkin all lit up. I gave it the Pirate look, as it seemed fitting with.. well.. you know. The whole PIRATE thing we have going on here. 

Off to Trunk-or-Treat with some good friends, and one very cool Brat Cat! This is Ashli with her "bestest friend" Calista. I love that she has someone her age to be silly with!

I just had to put up this photo of Calista's big sister Tori. This little lady is just a knock-out and I love how this pic came out! A beautiful witch... with some SCARY hair~

I really like this photo of Ash and Calista. I wish It would have come out a tad more clear, but hey, I'll take what I can get when I have ZERO light!  Hope yours came out better Stacey!

One of the kiddos. I just realized I didn't get one shot of the older boys tonight! I'll have to take a few extra tomorrow night!  (Tomorrow is actually Halloween). 

Have a SAFE and Happy Halloween all!

A little bit of YUMMINESS for you!

Today I'm gonna tell ya about a new recipe I tried that you are going to LOOOOOOOOVE, yes, LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE!  It's a clever twist on the standard Roasted Potatoes w/Rosemary that we've all managed to screw up one time or another. 

(Or maybe it was just ME who kept screwing it up?)

INGREDIENTS:

1  1/2 lbs potatoes cut into small chunks. (I used Red Potatoes, Fingerling Potatoes, and Purple Potatoes, these potatoes are what made the dish!)

About 7-8  baby red onions chopped and separated. (4-5 of these suckers makes a handful and they are YUMMY!) If you can't find baby red onions use 1 small, or 1/2 large onion.

1 red Spanish Spice pepper, seeded and cut into strips

1 FRESH FRESH FRESH 4" stem of Rosemary.  (Did you get that it needs to be FRESH?)

INSTRUCTIONS:

Mix all ingredients in med-large bowl and drizzle with Olive Oil. Mix until well coated. Place in a single layer on a foil-lined baking dish. Sprinkle with FRESH chopped Rosemary leaves. Bake at 425 until lightly browned and tender (about 20-25 mins)

This is a 'before' photo. Sorry, when this dish came outta the oven it smelled so good I forgot to photograph it. I just DUG IN! This is a really PRETTY dish too isn't it? I just love all the colors! This one will look GREAT on my table this Thanksgiving! This was a perfect accompaniment to a nice steak and some french bread.

Apparently, Mason wasn't nearly as excited about my Potatoes with Rosemary as I was.

As you can probably tell by this post, that whole "Cleanse" thing is over. It was over 72 hours into a ten day cleanse.  Lets face it, drinking that lemon concoction became a horrible chore. The more I drank it, the more I hated it! Eventually, I stopped drinking it and the hunger kicked in. That's when my loving and supportive? husband lopped a big fat plate of fresh Calamari in front of me.  I was powerless to defend my 'cleanse'. 

*Note* After not eating for 72 hours, that was the BEST damn Calamari I have ever had!

Look Ma! No Ponies!

Just a quick little post tonight to show you a lovely photo that I took of Ashli this  morning. The poor thing woke up with no voice! I told her that I would have to keep her home from school today because she was feeling so poorly. She mustered up the sweetest (croaky) voice she could and said, "Look momma! I'm feeling better now! Can I pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease go to school?" I told her we'd have to wait a few hours and see how she was feeling when it came time to get ready and she politely reminded me that she just HAD to go to school today because it was picture day!

 How can I argue with that? 

So today, was the first day I actually "did" Ashli's hair. Curling iron and all. Not that her thin silky hair will hold a curl, but hey.. I tried. *shrug* We ditched our usual pony tail and opted for a more elegant down-do. She looked so amazingly beautiful that I just couldn't take my eyes off of her! Then it hit me... School photographers (for the most part) suck! So, I grabbed my own camera and snapped off a few shots before that beautiful hair got ruined on the playground.

I was telling myself, "self.." I call myself 'self'. I said, "Self, you sure do have one beautiful little girl, and you know what makes this little girl so incredibly beautiful? The simple fact, that she is the most gorgeous person this world has ever seen... on the inside. That inner beauty just radiates through every pore in her beautiful little face."

P.S. Mason waved and said, "Bye" probably 15-20 times today!

 I'm a very lucky momma. =o)