What's going on....hey, what's going on....

So, we put an offer on a house.....and it was accepted.

On, or before 30 November - we will be moving. And this is so much more of a house than we had ever imagined we'd be in.
Good things come to those who wait? I'd like to think so.

It's not in the town we live in...and surprisingly enough, the kids are not disappointed about moving to another town and school system. My son even volunteered to switch schools which to me - was a shock. I'd planned on keeping it very low key and commuting them, but now....life will be much easier on all of us. And they are so excited too - they went to the open house with us, and they loved the house as well.

It's exactly 6.2 miles from my present house; the other house in the same town that we looked at on Friday night, interestingly enough - was 6.3 miles from my present house.

Funny how it's almost the same distance apart, which truly makes the move seem that much less significant, in terms of keeping in touch with the kids' existing friends.

Today we did a little shopping for furniture, and my head was spinning. I don't think we're going to have enough furniture to fill the place..... !

I'm a Barbie Girl, in a Barbie World...take two!

This afternoon Princess Petunia and I were playing "hair salon" with all of her Barbie dolls - and as I was restyling their already perfect hair, I found myself commenting on how beautiful their hair is - even when messy, and it triggered the memory of a post I wrote a few years back. Today is a perfectly apropos time to re-share it!

Without further adieu, here's the post and I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it!

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So, the other day I was playing with my daughter and all of her Barbies. She's only 3.5 yrs old - and already has about 12 Barbie dolls. It's interesting, when I was young I might have only had one or two real Barbie dolls; they were very expensive and so I more often than not had the generic versions. But who knew, right? They're all perfect little people and I was just as thrilled with them as I was with any other trademark brand. But I digress....

As I was saying, we were playing Barbies with her Barbie Dream House - that ugh, takes up 3/4 of her room might I add. Which got me thinking as to all the different reasons why it would be fun to be a Barbie. I thought I'd share a few…

The Barbie Dream House: Um, hello - have you seen that thing? So not the Dream House from when I was a little girl. It's a flipping town house, and about the size of a real life one! The door bell rings, the stove works, the toilet flushes -- there's a washer and dryer in the unit! Three levels, and I'm sorry -- food! Wine glasses, cakes, pizza - just to name a few. And she's got a bedroom that is more like a boudoir with those really fun tuille canopies that ties off on each side. If only she had a good sound system with a little jazz playing and high definition television and an inground pool with an outdoor grill and fireplace it would be perfect! Moving on...


Barbie's Vehicles: Where else can a girl have a Pink Corvette, and still look hot? Between the Corvette, the Horse Drawn Carriage (because what, Barbie doesn't feel like a Princess every now and again??), the Hot Tub Barbie Bus (where she and all the other hot dolls get to hang out), the Beach Jammer, the Jammin' Jeep -- she has got it all. Who wouldn't be envious of that?

Fashion Sense: Barbie is the only girl that can wear teensy tiny short skirts - and not fear anyone calling her a tramp or any other negative name. And let's be honest, she looks adorable no matter what she wears! Barbie has the best girly clothes, the best workout gear, and hello -- her shoes are nothing short of spectacular. Her boots - to die for. And, it all fits her perfectly. Have you seen her hamstrings? She clearly is the more athletic Barbie of the Millenium than the skinny minnie dolls I grew up with ; sure they had a great chest, but really were lacking in the leg area. And let's be honest, a good pair of gams make any skirt and high boots look amazing.

The best hair...ever. I finally figured out why Barbie looks good, no matter how ratty her hair gets after a child has gotten a hold of it. You can twist it, twirl it - cut it even - and she looks gorgeous. You know why? Barbie doesn't need bangs. Even when she has them - they're almost an accessory - she doesn’t need them. She's got a perfect little forehead which makes her hair look amazing no matter what funky hair style you give her. Which is quite a challenge for those of us who are, um....working with an eight-head instead of a forehead. Yes, I guess I am a little bitter about that one....

Ken who? Ken, schmen. Who needs 'em. Barbie is clearly entirely self sufficient, maintaining several positions as either a ballet teacher or dog walker - maybe even an early education teacher playing with Elmo. Which leaves her plenty of money and time to hang out with her friends -- go shopping, take yoga - do whatever. Without having to answer to anyone about anything! I bet you that at some point, Barbie is going to come out with her own line of adopted children! Angelina Jolie has been the pioneer in the world of adoption with out a Daddy - I can so see Barbie jumping on that bandwagon! She's high speed, low drag. When you're a girl that looks like Barbie, and has the attitude that Barbie has -- men just bring you down.

And on that note…this very "un-Barbie" like real girl, is going to put some lip gloss on and prepare to go get herself a smoothie for lunch.

Ahhh but it's fun to dream….!

Retail therapy does a girl some good....

Today, finally - after two long years - I made it back to Wrentham.
And yes, the angels sang as I turned off the exit.

I was on a mission - this wasn't a frivolous shopping excursion. I had definitive goals: shoes, sneakers, sweats & clothes for school. The kiddies go back on Tuesday - which is right around the corner, and so I wanted to be sure that they had a good base to go back with.

Once they were done, I did pick G up a few shirts at Eddie Bauer.
And yes, Momma got a brand new bag.

I went to Ann Taylor and browsed, and browsed....I actually had a few hundred dollars in gift cards on me, and as much as I wanted that money to burn a hole in my pocket - I just couldn't! See, when I worked at an office I had to dress up all the time and so I had a need for new pretty clothes. But now..... well, the need for me to dress up is few and far between. It's more occasion driven now. I wear sweats and yoga clothes for my day to day at the store. I could wear nice jeans and shirts but not on days that I'm getting deliveries, which is 3-4 days a week typically; plus I can't wear heels any more unless they're wedges because I'm on my feet all day lifting cases and boxes, so....the days of my getting to look like a girl are fewer and further between. Well, a girly girl anyway.

So, out I walked and yes, I was sad that I couldn't bring myself to spend money on things I didn't need. Isn't that what frivolous shopping is all about? This is what happens when you're just not a frivolous shopper. Who am I kidding - I'm not frivoulous about anything, I'm serious. Moving on...

Coach was having this great sale; I went in just to browse but as I walked in, the sales girl shoved a "30% off" sale ticket in my hand. So as I'm looking - I wandered into the clearance section. I knew I needed a new wallet anyway, but imagine my surprise when I found a wallet that was on clearance AND I really liked it. Then even better, I found a purse that was also 50% off - and with the additional 30% - I ended up spending more than half of what typically one purse would cost! I tried finding a picture to link to but there are so many online and none of them seem to be exactly what I got. It's a brown signature cross body bag, with a poppy fabric strap and a poppy stripe on the bottom quarter. It's pretty....and though pink isn't usually my choice of color, there was something about it I liked. And the wallet is great, it's white and silver leather - no logo - which is nice because it's small and can go in any pocketbook without being "matchey matchey". I don't necessarily like that when it comes to purses and bags - I prefer classic versatility.

In any event, I felt great when I left because I got something for everyone - and I didn't spend all my money -- and yet I got alot. I can't wait to put everything into the kids closets and get them all resorted and organized.

Since we're having a hurricane this weekend- or so the rumor goes -- I think that is going to be my task at hand on Sunday. A nice cozy day in pajamas and getting the kids clothes all set and ready to start a new school year.

It makes me smile just thinking about it....

Monday's Musings....

1. Who gets mosquito bitten...in the face?!?!? Um, yeah...that'd be me. Seriously! I have three huge welts on my face right now. We were at a friend's house for a Tastefully Simple party tonight - and we were doing a little wine tasting in their fabulous backyard - when clearly, the mosquitos in the area decided to be more like vampires than bugs. I feel like I'm a True Blood character, but I didn't get the opportunity to choose between good vampire or bad vampire...

2. New York was amazing. Truly. We must've walked about 20 miles within 24 hours, between where we stayed in Carnegie Hill to all of Central Park, from the East Village and Chelsea to 5th Ave - we saw so much more than we expected to. We walked the High Line which is a MUST see if you are ever there. This visit was definitely an education in greenspace in the concrete jungle and I loved it. I do think that I'd like for us to see about buying a small condo sometime so we always have a place to go and stay....
2. Momofuku Noodle Bar rocks. Kudos to the staff for their very creative menu, attentive staff and talented chefs that we had the pleasure of sitting in front of. By the way - the buns are amazing. I haven't quite figured out the whole genre of the menu - it's almost Asian meets Indian meets Korean fusion; the person sitting next to me was eating this unbelievable Kimchee dish that someone had them custom create; I think the dish I had might have had Korean sausage actually -- I'm not sure. But whatever it was - it was fabulous, and a flavor profile that I haven't had before. I love creative and exciting cuisine and for what it was - this didn't disappoint. Actually - my expectations of a noodle bar were rather low, having not been before - so this was really a pleasant surprise.

3. I can't believe school starts next week! And yet I'm stil so behind. I have to take the kids to get their school supplies and backpacks this week - which isn't that big of a deal really. I'm going to Wrentham this week (fingers crossed!) to finish up their school clothes shopping and I can't wait. It's been a long, long, long time since the angels have sung to me as hit the city limit - and even though I'm not going shopping for me - I'm just going to be happy to be there. I love buying the kiddies clothes. It just makes me feel so happy.......they look cute and adorable, and I guess that just makes me feel good. Who knows what makes us Moms tick....

In my daughter's eyes...

Some people have a gift for art.
A knack for creativity.
Princess Petunia -- she has it.
Now while tonight's events aren't artistically driven - they are pretty darn well thought out and creative for a 7 year old.

She announced tonight that she has come up with a week's worth of activities for us, and it started this evening with "Glow in the Dark Dance Party". She found all these toys that light up and glow - right down to sneakers that glow that she can use as tamborines - and we danced to the latest hits on Kiss 108. She made a snack mix for us all - and brought us appropriate drinks should we get thirsty. Cute, right?

(Let's back up a bit. Before she announced what the event was, she changed her outfit - put on a black glove with cut off fingers, and had me curl her hair - but ONLY specific pieces. She then put on her most favorite hat and then said she "felt like a pretty girl". I'm so loving my tomboy turning girly girl. Back to the story....)

Tomorrow night is Game Night. Pictionary is on tap for apres dinner.

The following is Pajama Movie Night - complete with bowls of ice cream.

And I don't know what the following night is but I'm sure she's got it covered.

So I asked Miss Petunia what made her decide to come up with this fun little week long event and she said "I just wanted quality family time". Did I want to bite her cheeks right there and then?? Yes I did. Loved the answer. Loved it! I never in a million years would've expected her to say that.

Not that we don't try to instill that into the kids, but because -well, they typically don't regurgitate our words so much at this stage any more.

I can't wait for tomorrow.

Friday night lights....

dusky sky. fresh basil. citronella. laughter in the background. crisp, cold water. beginning of crickets chirping. wet cold puppy dog nose. red wine with hints of vanilla. turquoise & yellow accessories. tomato plants blooming with fruit. contentment and quiet.

Things that make you go "hmmm...?"

Okay, I'm not going to lie - I feel like I'm getting old.

See, in the a.m., I might have a fabulous idea on what to do a blog post on...and then by night time when I actually stop to write it, I can't for the life of me remember what it might have been.
So I'm just going to rant today on a variety of topics, but mostly the same ol' same ol'.

1. Hate that I haven't been working out. At all. Not even a little. HATE IT.
2. Irritated that the people we're dealing with on trying to hammer out a lease negotiation on a new store in Boston are just drama filled and ridiculous. It's causing so much tension and friction. Completely unnecessarily, might I add.
3. Very excited... to be visiting NYC in the immediate future.
4. Saw the "Smurfs" movie with Princess Petunia, which was probably the last kid's movie I'd ever want to see; I didn't like them when I was a kid - but I have to tell you, it wasn't all that bad. Even I was singing their "la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, laaaaaaaa" by the night's end.
5. I made a Lime & Cilantro Corn Chowder tonight...and I'm not going to lie - it was rock the house good.
6.Beyond irritated that we haven't sold our house - but even more irritated that now the house that we really wanted previously and then fell apart - G wants again. I can't keep up sometimes.
7. I think I've become a Nag Champa addict. Truth that.
8. Not only do I need to work out to get back into shape - I really need to find center again. There's a certain clarity that yoga provides, that if you never practiced- you won't understand. It's amazing how things won't irritate you as much and perspective is better held. I definitely feel as if I need to find ME again. I'm feeling a little, underwhelmed with myself these days.
9. Music is not finding me these days. I don't know why? I think because I used to love to go to Newbury Comics at lunch and find myself a hidden gem acoustic artist; and now, I don't leave the store so much -- I don't have that need to "escape" really, and it sort of bums me out that I'm not jazzed on any one special. Adele was my latest/greatest - but I need to find someone else to feel my soul with. Suggestions on who to try - lay them on me, I'm all ears.
10. Despite all my grumblings tonight.....life is but a dream - and if you don't have any, you won't aspire to anything. Keep reaching, aiming and soaring. If life hands you lemons - you have to make lemonade. Sure it sounds kitchy, but it's true. And I'm living proof.... if you believe in yourself, others will believe in you too.

It's cheap Chinese & Chardonnay....

So how are you celebrating the beginning of the weekend?

This girl is having cheap chinese food & a not overly impressive Chardonnay. It was going to be an expensive Chardonnay but I ended up going with one that's less expensive - but unfortunately, entirely unimpressive. Disappointing is truly a better descriptor. Note to self -- do not bring this one in to sell.

Moving on.

So we have another family party tomorrow, which is always a fun thing to have. It's so much fun to get together and have a good time, and it definitely makes for a fun weekend. Sometimes. it's lousy when you have something every single weekend - but this summer it doesn't feel like much of a pressure cooker, it's just fun.

I can't believe school is now less than a month away! This weekend I've got to take the kiddies to get their new backpacks and school supplies before the mad rush is on with all the stores. Last year I waited until the big sales and trust me - it was so not worth it! So if I have to pay a little more now to avoid mayhem later, it will be worth it.

And that's all this girl has got for today.... I hope you have a fantastic weekend, and whatever you do - I hope it's filled with laughter, and love.

I get a little sicker each time.....

There has been such a rash of parents absolutely abusing their children.

A woman in Boston, was arrested for hitting her 1 year old child so hard he bled from his mouth. Prior to hitting him, she actually called him a racial slur! Are you kidding me?!?!

Poor little Celina Cass...who you know passed at the hands of her stepfather. Clearly the state is being quiet about their information so that they don't jeopardize the case. Trust me - the story will come out on that one.

Or the father in Malden who slammed with brute force his 7 week old infant onto the ground.

Or the father in Boston who also slammed his 3 week old infant to the ground.

Where is the justice system when we need it...???

Lyrically speaking, of course....

Made a wrong turn, Once or twice
Dug my way out, Blood and fire
Bad decisions, That's alright
Welcome to my silly life

Mistreated, misplaced, misunderstood
Miss "no way, it's all good", It didn't slow me down
Mistaken, Always second guessing
Under estimated,
Look, I'm still around.

Happy Birthday Princess Petunia....

Seven years ago today, my Princess Petunia brightened my world.

She's fiesty, and fiery.

Sassy & Sensitive.

Artistic & Creative.

Witty,Thoughtful & Bright.

She is my constant growth - as she is always challenging me to be a better parent. (Code for she is totally giving me a run for my money!) She is going to go far in life -- she's strong willed, comfortable in her own skin and doesn't put up with anyone's crap. (Being the only granddaughter out of 8, she didn't have much choice. She'd have no one to play with otherwise!)

She is the one & only Princess Petunia Mini Marshmellow.

And I'm so very glad that she's mine.

I had the time of my life.....

So while the vacation I was just on was not exotic....it was definitely relaxing. I can't remember the last time I ever wasn't on a schedule - and that in of itself was priceless.

G actually relaxed which was something I don't think I've seen in years....we had no concept of what time of day it was outside of watching the sun in the sky. Great company, good food, fabulous weather, and a perfect seascape.

Ironically, the photo in my previous post actually shows the house we stayed in! Who knew?? It was a random photo of the beach we were at, and yet in retrospect, two of the three houses we were in is in it. How were we in multiple houses you ask? Well, it was a group vacation. Three families, three houses - one beach.

Good times....good times.

Well East Coast girls are hip - I really dig those styles they wear...

Beachin' it.

May the Weather Gods be with us.

Saturday Survey: Revisited

It's the 4th of July holiday weekend, and I am really excited to enjoy this nice weather we're finally having. This is the first long weekend that we've actually got the opportunity to have a few plans going; typically I don't know what we're going to do and we end up winging it. Today, the kiddies and I are going to our town's Family Day - complete with carnivals & fireworks. Tonight my son is having a friend sleepover - and then tomorrow we're going to a family BBQ. Tomorrow night - more fireworks, and then on the 4th - another family BBQ and more fireworks. Nothing is more fun on a hot summer night, then a good round of fireworks!

So in an effort to stay true to my Saturday posting of surveys - here is today's random things that you may or may not already know - or wanted to know - about me.

Coke or Pepsi? - Neither. I don't like tonic.
Regular pool or heated pool? - I'd take either. I just want a flipping pool.
Hot tea or ice tea? - Hot tea.
Sunflower or daisy? - Sunflower. Especially the bright red ones....
Red rose or pink rose? - Pink Rose.
Salt or pepper? - Salt. Preferably sea salt.
Red or Green Apple? - Green Apple, but of course...
Red or Blue? - Blue.
Christmas or Thanksgiving? - Christmas. No better time of year...
Pink or Green? - Green
Hamburger or Hotdogs? - Hot dog.
Music or Movies? - Music... words and music, words and music.....
Heaven or hell? - Heaven. That's a stupid question.
Comedy or horror? - I hate horror movies.
aol or aim? - I don't use either.
ipod or mp3? - MP3 all the way.
Purse or backpack? - Purse.
Parision or Sears? - Don't know what Parision is, but I've seen the softer side of Sears - and liked it.
Paris or France? - Hello, but isn't Paris in France...? I'd say all of France
Milky Way or Sneakers? - Um, I think they meant "Snickers." Milky way
Vanilla or Chocoloate? - The person who created this survey can't spell, clearly. Vanilla...
Phone or Internet? - Nothing beats a good phone conversation....
Steak or Shrimp? - That's a tough one. Depends on my mood.
School or Work? - My school days are over kiddies.... it's all about work.

A day in the life of.....

Scary Mom Moment #453231

Well, really the number isn't that high.
But I'm sure it will be at some point!

Today, we came home to hear that my son was hit in the head with a basketball that was kicked, and hit him so hard that it knocked him down and he cried. Which, is rather unusual because he's 10 and doesn't often cry when he gets hurt. And you know he was hurt because he had a friend over - and he cried in front of him. Actually, it was his much bigger friend who kicked the ball and felt horrible that it happened....

So, this took place about 45 minutes before we got home. And my son just didn't look right; I asked how he was feeling and he said he felt nauseous. Then he told me that he thought he was going to throw up right after it happened, but fortunately he didn't. He also said that his eyes were a little blurry and he was still queasy. That was all I had to hear....

I took him to the clinic around the corner from our house (it's actually an ER extension from the local hospital, which is nice that it's so close for times like this. They have everything from PeTScans to CaTscans - to labs, etc...) I got really nervous when the triage nurse asked him questions and he was slow to answer them -and got a few wrong.

Then I felt like I was the one that was going to throw up.

But fortunately - there was no waiting on this, they saw him immediately and truth be told after about 15 minutes of us being there, before the doctor even walked in the room - he looked much better, and was talking much better, and I felt rather relieved. The doctor confirming that there didn't seem to be a concussion - though to still watch him, incase he starts vomiting - was so good to hear - and like I told him, I'd much rather be safe than sorry.

So instead of a few years being taken off my life, today it was only a few months.

Eight days a week...

Saturday:

Wake up. Start some laundry. (Note that it's "some" laundry. I avoid the dastardly deed. Only have two loads to do, but still....) Make coffee. Make the kids breakfast. Call the store to make sure it's open and staff is ready to go. Clean the house. Steam the floors. Argue with the kids to get ready. Oversee brushing teeth. Break up multiple fights. Call the store to check in. Go shopping for birthday party gifts. Break up more fighting. (Who knew that siblings argued so much?!?!) Make it out of the store without a meltdown over not buying anything for my little people. (They're not usually too bad, but every day is a different experience with Princess Petunia!). Attend a birthday party. Call the store to check in. Maybe go food shopping if it's not too late. Go home, put groceries away. Fold laundry. (UGH, most dreaded...) Make dinner. Keep the kids occupied and happy. Send them to bed.

Sunday:
Repeat most of Saturday, but skip laundry. Make sauce & meatballs for dinner later. Skip shopping for gift, it's already bought. Attend a second birthday party. Give kiddies baths/showers. Layout clothes for school. Re-review homework papers. Have dinner with family. Put kids to bed. Wonder if I'm ready for bed myself.

This is all a typical weekend for me. Although, it's actually less busy than usual, since there's no basketball or gymnastics this weekend. Usually we have something squeezed inbetween.

Note that there's no time for me. There is no shopping, running, yoga, hair appointments, nail appointments or spending time with friends -- or even grownup date night with G.

That's just the way it is...and truthfully, I don't mind. I'm going to have the rest of my life to have time for those things -- because the kids are small for such a short period of time. Someday they're going to be too busy with their friends and other activities that they won't need me hovering over them. So, I run and do yoga - and any other activity during the day when they're in school - or I'm at work. When I'm not at work -- I'm Mom. And that's just the way it is.

And you know what - I wouldn't want it any other way.

Momma's got a brand new bag....

Or pair of shoes....

So, it's been some time since I bought myself shoes. I really haven't been to DSW -- and we all know that it's been some time since the Angels have sung to me at the Wrentham city limit, so....today, on my way home I had a few extra minutes to spare and I ran into Marshalls where I scored two fun pairs of shoes.

Of course, I went in there to buy things that the kiddies needed....bathing suits, summer shorts, etc. And I bought them all that they needed, but...I was going to put these fun shoes back. I asked the woman at the register to give me the the subtotal of my order, and the Mother's guilt kicked in. I told her I was putting them back.

But the cashier, an older woman - gave me my total and said "honey, I've been there. Can you afford the shoes?" and I said "yes....I just feel silly buying such dressy shoes for myself, I don't go anywhere....". And she said, "buy them. Wear them out for dinner with your family. Wear them cleaning the house if you want. You shouldn't hesitate on something for yourself - even if it's a fancy pair of shoes if it won't make you miss a bill. Life is too short."

I took her advice.

So these fabulous shoes which go for far more than what I spent - are incredibly comfy and I am so wearing them this weekend to a graduation party we're attending. They are sexxxxxxy. Period.

Now these, while high - are much more practical as they are black, and strawlike wedges which makes them suitable for poolside, or with jeans -- or even a dress.

My heartfelt thanks go out to the lovely lady working the register.
She was right.

TGIF

Hazelnut creme candle. Bliss Vanilla Bergamot Body Scrub. Fresh mint. Lavendar vanilla cream. Soft socks and fuzzy pants. Wild boar with orange, garlic, crushed red pepper & honey. Simple salad. Crisp white wine. Quiet conversation with little people. Happy & content.

God bless the beasts and the children.....

The defense attorneys for Casey Anthony should be horribly ashamed of themselves.
I don't know how they sleep at night.

Their latest efforts to place the blame on anyone BUT their client - is apalling to say the least.

Do they forget that they said that there IS a Zenaida Gonzalez that stole little Caylee? Do they forget that they tried to frame Ray Kronk, the person who found Caylee? And now they're trying to blame Casey's father for the murder?!

Do they forget that she partied for over a month before admitting her daughter was "kidnapped"? Do they forget that she told multiple lies about her whereabouts, how Caylee was "kidnapped", her employment....do they forget that during that month she lied to her parents, saying she and Caylee were together? Do they forget that she stole money from her friends to party during that time? "La Vita Dolce" - the sweet life - was the phrase tattooed while her daughter lay dead in a field.

Do they forget that it was cholorform - not chlorine - that was residiual on that beautiful baby's remains? Chloroform - which was googled on Casey's computer for home made recipes on how to make it - and use it.

The circumstantial evidence goes on, and on and on....

All I know is that justice best be served....and I hope it's served cold.