Is this thing on??? Hello?

Does anyone read this little old blog of mine?
The corner of the internet that I claim?

Well, if you do, you may wonder where I disappeared to.

This might give you a clue:

All I will say is it's been rough the last 6/7 weeks.

I will get through it.
I am having my up days, my down days.

I'm not sick, either is anyone in the family.

The family is, how shall I say broken.

Vague? Perhaps.  I do not want to air semi-dirty laundry on the world wide web. Know what I mean, Vern?

I am still doing Weight Watchers.  I will post a great recipe soon.
Cheeks is doing great in school.
Summer is really here & we are looking forward to going to Disney at the end of it.

As much as I want the vaca to come, that will mean the end of summer & I will have a 4th grader.
Where did my 11 pounder go? The big blue eyes & the fat cheeks!

He's grown into the class clown.
That's where.
He got voted that today.
So proud. Ha!

I hope you will stick around & see what is to come.

Leave me a comment if you still read MMM.
I'd love to know you are out there.

With that, I'm out!

2015 Goals...Are you on track?

So, it's officially one month down in 2015.
February 1st is upon us.
Super Bowl Sunday.
Shortest month of the year.

My question to you is, how are you doing on your 2015 resolutions/goals?

We are doing ok.
Our main goal is to save money to pay off the debt to save money again.

I think a lot of people are doing this goal.

We took the month of January on like bulls in a china shop.

Not going to lie tho, we did send out for pizza approximately 4 times.  One of those times was completely free except for the tip.  SCORE!

Other than that, our biggest money drainer is eating out.  So I have been meal planning and buying breakfast & lunch items for us.
Those are my two downfalls.  It is just so much easier to stop & pick up, then have to think about & make to bring.

We were able to pay off a huge chunk of our cable bill.  I let it go.

Next is our electric bill.  Eek! I don't even want to look at it.

I have applied to lower my car payment per month.  The van is just sitting out back...dead.
Waiting to get my taxes back so I can get it fixed.
Fingers crossed it isn't more than my tax refund.

Haven't done much of anything that cost money.  The weather is so awful, between snow, rain & bitter cold, we don't want to go anywhere anyway.

Hopefully February will be just as good as January was to us.
I went shopping today.  Even with great deals and coupons, I still spent $170.
Boys, they eat you out of house and home.

Well, tell me, how are you doing with your goals & resolutions?

Update, update, update

Hola my peeps.
As you can see I have not been that great at keeping up with the bloggeroo.  I was doing well with my Sunday Confessions but I didn't really see any feedback so I figured not really anyone was into it.
Then again, they are not overly juicy.

Cheeks has been taking karate since last March.  He has missed a few belt tests due to not enough classes, being on vaca etc.
Well this past Saturday he got to take his test.

He was so focused and determined.

Even Mr. Tony singled him out in the start of the class to have him show the other kids how to do some kick.

Proud mommy moment!!!

He passed his test.

Woo!

Here he is with all the kids and instructors.

Karate is great for him.
He even takes leadership, which they get to use weapons in.  Of course, those are his favorite classes.

Taking karate is really helping him focus in all aspects of his life.  He is doing much better this year in third grade.  He has an aide but she steps back..a lot.  He doesn't like it but he needs that little bit of guidance.  The ADHD is getting better.  Some children will out grow it.  Keep your fingers crossed.

Tell me, what activities do your kids do?

You know....

You know you have been to the WaWa one too many times when the cashier waiting on you says:

"Where's your Sizzli? You usually get a French Toast Sizzli"

You know that you pick the hairs on your chin in the mini van a little too much, when your 8yo son picks up said tweezers, flips the visor down & says "I have to pick the hair off of my beard!"

So, what do you do a little too much?

Doing Dishes: Men vs. Women

Bobster did the dishes the other night.

Usually this falls to the 15yo boy, who thinks as long as they are done by the next morning, everything is a-okay.

Oh, so not true.

The real story is how “doing the dishes” is done by the men in my family and by me, the sole female.

Bob had the dishes done in less than 10 minutes.  It takes  me approximately 20 mins to half an hour.

Bob put the one piece of chicken on a plate, uncovered, stuck it tin he fridge.  He put the mac & cheese leftovers, God knows where & he just put the green beans in the bowl they were in back in the fridge, uncovered.

He then washed the dishes and stacked them sky high to dry.

Walked out of the kitchen and called it a night.

Here is how I would have done it.

I would have wrapped the chicken in a piece of foil, put it in the fridge.  I would have placed all the leftovers in plastic containers.  So they are cover and will not dry out.

Then I would have cleaned the sink out from the dirty dishes, so I had room to wash them.

Commence washing dishes, stop when drainer is full, dry dishes and put away.  Commence doing rest of dishes, dry, put away.  Repeat til all dishes are done.

Then I put away the pots/pans that I keep in my oven.  Small kitchen, lack of storage.

Then I would wipe the counters down, dry them, wipe the stove down, dry it, wipe out the sink.

I would put away the salt & pepper shakers plus the butter.  Then I would wash the apples off and put them in the refrigerator.  I would also sweep the floor.

Then, if I decided to not bake something, I would be done.

Now I am just wondering, if, in your household, you have the male’s way vs. the female’s way.

When is it...

 

Seriously...when do you share to much on social media?

It's in our face. 24/7.  I love to share.  Pics of the family, quirky sayings, jokes, links.  The list is endless.

When does the filter in your brain kick in?

I recently read a blog post by someone who I follow.  She is pregnant with her second child.  I couldn't be happier for her.  Recently she suffered an almost miscarriage.  I understand her pain.  I had a miscarriage shortly after Cheeks was born...my children would have been Irish twins.
I digress.

I don't mind her sharing her story and struggle.  I didn't mind some of the photos.  Girlfriend actually posted a photo of the bloody pad she used.  This is where I thought, um, hello...filter?  She said it was real life and she did give a warning in the beginning of her post.  I kept reading though because I am a big girl.

It just kept popping in my head that maybe that particular item should have remained private.  All women at one point in their life will see a bloody pad & so will most med.  People in the medical field see it frequently.

Perhaps I am wrong.  I am sure it helped her get over the hurdle of an almost miscarriage.  It helped her emotionally.  She is in her 2nd trimester now, so things are going good.  It is just I thought...really?

What are your thoughts?
Do you think we share to much on the internet?

What? 3rd grade?

How did this happen?
When did this baby grow up to be 8yrs old & in third grade?

I guess since today.
He started third grade.
I remember third grade like it was yesterday.
Seriously.
Although sadly it was many, many moons ago.
Talking like mid 70's peeps.

Anywho, I got him up early because he will be attending before school care this year.
I was taking him today but I wanted him up!

He kept coming in the room, going "Can we go?"
Finally I told him "Look I know you are excited!"
He cuts me off & goes "It's not that."
"Well what is it?"
He actually said to me "I just wanna get it over with".

Yes, my little scholar hates school.
He says all they day is listen & write, write & listen.

Today was only a half day so his father picked him up.
His dad told me, Cheeks came home, grabbed some marshmallows, went upstairs and took a nap.

Guess school tuckered him out.

Well stay tuned to see what shenanigans third grade brings this household this year!

Sunday Confessions

I thought I would start a new feature on the bloggeroo.
I will do it every Sunday.

I am going to do confessions.  You know my guilty pleasures, embarrassing stories, photos and the like.  Whatever I am feeling at the moment.

Today is a confession.  Although it could double as a guilty pleasure.
I haven't told anyone but my sister.
She just looked at me like I was from another planet.

Ok, here it goes.

I enjoy the music of India.

It started years ago when I listed to Sting.  He has an Indian man singing on one of his songs and I thought "Oh, that sounds good!".  Then I would watch Bollywood movies late at night & toe tap along.

Now I might stop at the music channel on cable.

It's true.  I am proud to announce it to the world.

Now, tell me...do you have a confession to make?

I Love My Husband

I love my husband.
Adore him really.

I mean, look at him, how can you resist:

I have to tell you...he's been down for the count all weekend with back pain.
I feel for him.  I swear.
I've waited on him (which is normal but at least I'm not b*tchin about it), I've tucked him in, I've given him pain meds.

What I need to know is why does he feel it necessary to moan, groan & shout with every move.  I mean every move.  I think if he moves his pinky finger, you can hear "Son of a b*tch!" upstairs.

Don't get me wrong, I understand he is aching.  I do.  What I don't understand is why he is so loud and vocal about it. Every. movement.

Now, just so you don't get me wrong here, tonight he was strongly hinting that he wanted hot dogs & by hinting I mean "I could really go for some hot dogs".  When I didn't acknowledge or get up to get him one, he got up, made himself a hotdog & sat back down...all without making one groan, moan or shout.

Perhaps I just needed to vent but I swear if I hear one more "loud" noise from him, I'm gonna get the cast iron frying pan & take care of the problem.

Tell me, does your significant other make a lot of noise?

Summer Time & The Livin Is Easy

I have neglected this little ole blog, no?
Does anyone read it?
You know besides my mom & dad.
If so. would you leave me a hi in the comments.
Just so I know someone is reading.

What has summer 2014 brought us?
Lacrosse camp for Cheeks.  One week, every night for 4 days.  
He. Loved. It!
I see a future lacrosse player in years to come.
Or goofball as you can see from the photo up there. 

Chris has been doing what normal 15yo boys do.
Hanging out, playing video games & trying to find a job.
It's hard at his age.  No one wants to hire anyone under 16.  A few months and he will hit that magic number.

As many of you know, my oldest, moved to Florida almost a year ago.
He changed careers and is no working as a car salesman and boyfriend is making bank!
He also moved to another city in Florida.
So if you are in South Florida and are in need a car, let me know.

Bobster and I are coasting along.
I turned 28, 34, 39...ok, fine 44 on the 16th.  Do I feel different? No. Do I notice more age spots? Yes.  Age is just a number, isn't that what they say?

I've been reading up a storm but have neglected to do my reviews.  I really have to get back to that.  I just read a really great story and am currently reading Beautiful Creatures. 

Tell me, what have you been up to this summer?

Strong-Armed by a Second Grader

This is the story of how a 7yo boy strong-armed his mother.

His one and only mother.

Not like my older two…they have me, stepmom Meghan, and their mom.

They are lucky…two moms.

Of course, they have strong-armed me in the past as well.

This tale is how I got taken by the 7yo.  I think he has learned the tricks from his older brothers.

We went to Toys R Us on Saturday morning to buy a gift for a birthday party that was starting at 11am.   We to “mecca” at approximately 9:45am.  Immediately upon entering the store the whining began. 

“Please can I get something” “No, we are here for Gabe’s present”.

“Mom! All my toys are boring” “Well then when we get home you can donate them”.

“I’ll never ask for anything ever again” …I didn’t dignify that with an answer.

I grabbed the gift, while my son perused the aisles (note: aisle is what you find in a store, isle is a small mass of land surrounded by water…just a personal pet peeve)

Keep in mind for about 18 mos, on a daily basis, my entire family has heard how much my son wants a Lego Hulk.

I searched to no avail for it in stores and online.  Even Ebay.

Nada!

I did find one kit that had him in it but it was going for over $150.

No. no. no.

Well we sauntered over to the Lego aisle.  I told him if he could find something $5.00 or less, I would get it.

We looked and looked.  Surprise, nothing that cheap.

The he saw it. Top shelf.

The Hulk Smash Lab.

Cheeks eyes glazed over, he started to quiver and he goes “MOM! LOOK!”

I could see the light shining behind the lab, & I heard the same Angels Cheeks did, singing Hallelujah.

We checked the price and it was up there. 

At first I told him no.

The tears flowed and his lip came out so far I thought of putting a hook on it to hang my coat.

I held strong.

I made it all the way through check out where he began to sob.

That’s when I lost it.

Next thing I know I was in the checkout lane again buying it.

I am now the best mom ever.

He promises to be good til the end of time.

Of course, he will never be mouthy again (that lasted til this morning).

He has thanked me a million times and keep saying he thinks he’s dreaming.

And that is how I was strong-armed into buying the Lego Hulk!

Day 12 & 13 of 100 Happy Days Challenge

So I don't post every day.
At least I am still doing it, right?
That counts for something.
Yes? No?

Anywho yesterday's happy was my husband came home from being out of town.
I didn't let anyone know on the blog or Facebook because then no one could come & get me!

Today's happy is le wonderful.
I won not one, but two blog giveaways.

First I won from Sweeps4Bloggers the True Gentlemen Jerky giveaway.
I have won quite a few things from her blog.  It's the best giveaway blog out there, I feel.  Definitely check it out. 

Now the boys & Bobster will have some jerky.

Then I just got an email from Joy at Yesterfood, saying I won her Minute Rice giveaway.
Her blog is so great.  Love her recipes.

Look at what I won:

1 box of the all new Multi-Grain Medley

1 of each of the following: Minute Ready to Serve Whole Grain Brown Rice, Minute Ready to Serve Brown and Wild Rice, Minute Ready to Serve Jasmine Rice, Minute Ready to Serve Multi-Grain Medley, and the new Minute Ready to Serve Black Beans and Rice.

1 free coupon for any Minute Rice product

Winning makes me happy.
Who wouldn't be happy from winning.

Tell me, have you won anything lately?

Day 11 of 100 Happy Days

Today was an easy happy.

This kid did it for me today.

When he gets in his karate class, he totally changes into a different kid.
He pays attention.
He works hard.
He still shows off.
He is quiet...for the most part.

I really think they should have karate school, instead of regular public school.  I might get him there without a fight.  Ha!

It makes me happy to see him enjoying himself and taking it seriously.

What made you happy today?

Day 5 100 Happy Days

At first it was taking a lot for me to find stuff to be happy about today.
I was an hour late for work.
At lunch time, the school nurse called me & said Cheeks had a rash all over his tummy.
I had to leave an hour early to take him back to the nurse practitioner because they weren't there when his father took him & he couldn't take him back because the middle boy had hockey practice.

Then the nurse practitioner, who by the way, is the best, told me she couldn't figure out what the rash was from.  So some allergy med & prescription strength hydrocortisone cream later, we headed for home. 

Then I remember it's Friday.

That is what made me happy.

Plus the cold weather broke & it made it to 60 degrees today!  With a slight breeze.  My type of weather.

I'm off the next two days.
I can sleep in tomorrow.  It's supposed to be torrential rains, so it will be good sleeping weather.

Yea, I'm happy.

How 'bout you?

A Bit of a Fire on The 100 Happy Days Day 2

Fire.
Fire good said the caveman.  Right? Right.
Perhaps fire was good for them.
Me, not so much.

See I accidentally set my crockpot on fire last night.
Before you get all "OOOH! Electrical fire".
Nope.
Not even plugged in.
Now that is talent!

I have a very, very small counter next to my stove.
My lazy tushy decided that would be a good place to put my crockpot instead of away because I was planning on using it today.
Really, why would I want to go the addition 24inches into the pantry when the counter was right there.

Last night was pasta night.
I turned on the burner after I put the pot of water on & went to the dining room.
About 5 mins later I hear a loud Pop.

I go to investigate, don't see anything but smell the awful plastic burning.

Yes, folks, the crockpot was hanging just a tad bit over & when I turned the burner on, the flames decided to heat up the crockpot.
So much so, that it melted the base, has a screw hanging out of it and the little screen that tells you what you are setting is black.

For some reason I do not think this is covered under warranty.
Just sayin.

On a better note, today is Day 2 of the 100 Happy Days challenge.

What was I happy about today.
Feast your eyes on my little sculptor & his sculpture.

He made it all himself & painted it.
I see future artiste in da house!  Holla!

It's actually really cute and after a so/so day at work, this made me happy.
He is so proud of it and I am so proud of him.

What made you happy today?

MVP in Da House

Who won MVP for Offense in his hockey division?
That kid, right up there.

I have never seen a kid play so hard and with so much heart in my life.
He is so good that when is on "deck" the other coaches tell their kids to be all over him.  He usually has three of the opposite team players trying to block him...from anything.

He totally deserves this award.
I'm not just saying that because he's mine...I'll throw him under the bus if I have to but he deserves it! 

Now he's on a travel hockey tournament league.
We travel all over South Jersey.
They are good games.  The kids are the best of the best.
Chris plays hard, sweats hard & um, stinks hard.  Not gonna lie on that one.

Tell me do your kids play sports?

K is for Kid, K is for Karate, K is for Kids Karate

Yes, we have a karate master in the house.
At least according to him.
Him being Cheeks.

Signed him up for karate.
I gave him a choice.
Flag football or karate.
He chose karate.

I didn't think he was going to make it.
First class was Thursday night and he sat against the wall & didn't participate.
See he was wearing the "uniform" and all the other kids were wearing blue shirts.

Then his friend, Stanley, showed up.
Did I see a glimmer of hope that his 'tude would change around?
It didn't.
At least not at first.

When he got home, his big brother called from Florida to tell him that he did karate when he was Cheeks age and that he has to stick with it.
After some coaching from his brother & dad, he decided to give it another try.

I had another child on my hands today.
He participated.
He has a great time.
He learned moves.
He wore a blue shirt.

He earned his white belt:

Take a bow kid, you deserve it.

Most of all, I heard him yell "Yes sir, No sir" and actually listen to the instructor.

Keep your fingers crossed.
With this and his behavioral help that he gets once a week, maybe his 'tude will change.

In the meantime, meet the new generation of Karate Kids!

I can't stand the cuteness!

What do you kids participate in?
Give me ideas.

Best Kept Secret on the East Coast

So, got married.
Yep.

Made if official.

For those of you who have read my blog a long time or have known me through different groups or whatever know that I was married before and met Bobster quickly there after our separation.

Our courtship was short and sweet and almost exactly a year to the day that we met, our son was due.  Of course, Cheeks was a rather large baby, so he was taken 10 days early.

I digress.  We knew we would always get married but it just never seemed to happen.

So a few weeks ago we just decided it's high time to do it.
We told no one.

We picked a date.  Showed up. Got married.
It was over in about 5 mins.

I couldn't stop smiling though.
I was a very happy woman.
Cheeks told me we had to get married in a different room because the one we were in wasn't big enough.  Then he wanted cake.
He told me there is always cake at weddings.
True but not ours.

We ended up going to a quiet dinner with just Cheeks.
Tim is in Florida now & has been for quite some time.
Chris was with his mother for the weekend.

So no one knew. Our announcement was done on good ole Facebook.
A sign of modern times.

Tell me, have you ever kept a really good secret?

What's Your Superpower?

Forgetfulness.
Yes.
Tis true.
That, my friends, is my superpower.

Perhaps it comes with age.
I did turn 43 this past summer.
Now longer early 40's...mid 40's.

I take meds.
None have a side effect of being forgetful though.

Take today for instance.
I was running to Michaels to get a new rainbow loom for Cheeks.
I purposely took out this little book that I have with coupons on it & laid it next to my purse.

I put my coat on, got Cheeks to get his coat on, grabbed my purse & left.

I imagine the little coupon book waving at my back as I walked out the door.
Didn't realize I left it on the table til I was looking for it when in Michaels.

He still got the loom but I didn't save 40%.
Hmph.

Take this blog.
It's been since mid November since I visited.

That may not be forgetfulness as much as lack of excitement to write about.
Who wants to hear how I am bribing the 15 yo to do his parents laundry with money?
I admit it.
I pay him.
I hate laundry.

So anywho...tell me what is your superpower?

You Make Me Proud New Jersey

I am proud today I am a true Jersey girl.
Born & bred.

Nothing has made me more proud, today, then knowing New Jersey has become yet another state that has legalized gay marriage.

You go NJ! You go!

I am sure I will lose some readers because of this post.
You know what? Buh-bye!

Here's the thing...everyone deserves to be happy.

It is not for us to judge what is right or wrong.  That is for Heavenly Father and Jesus. 

The only difference is between a straight person and a gay person is what goes on behind closed doors & honestly, that's none of my business.  Everything else is the same.  We all put our pants on one leg at a time, we all wear coats if it's cold, we all have to eat/drink to survive and most of all, we all want to be happy & loved.

So now, thanks to the new legalization, everyone in the state of NJ can be fully happy.

For those that are more religiously zealous than others, see the comment above about not judging.  Tsk. Tsk.

So this LDS girl, whose straight, in a loving relationship and a mom to three is thrilled that her friends can get married and be happy.

Mazel Tov!