On The Nightstand

So Far So Good

Guess Who Is Coming to Dinner?

I am having dinner guest, 2 of them. Oh and as my the title of my home indicates, I have a bit of dusting to do.

Not Your Mother

When it rains, or is too cold or too hot. I will run "the collective" down to Barnes and Noble. I will try and enjoy a cup of chai, and catch up on reading. "The collective" will read, or play trains. We normally NEVER do this on a weekend.

Yesturday, the rain had squashed all plans of yard work, so all members of Casa De Dust-inclusing DH, made the trip.

First of all TOO many people. Too many unsupervised children, being VERY NAUGHTY- and disrespecting property. It drove me NUTS. We even met a little boy with a gold necklace, must have been 4 or 5, he told us "my dad has weapons, and will kill you". Oh, and the little gold necklace clad heathen said it in front of his Mom. Nice huh? I am sure this little boy has a bright future.

Another thing that had me freaked out, the number of books strewn all over the floor, torn up, and being walked on. Seriously made my skin crawl. My argument for homeschooling grew yesturday.

Murmuring

It is Saturday, and the rain is taking care of my lawn. It is also "taken care" of any plans to weed or mow. It will be a good day to go to the bookstore, have a chai, and let the kids play with the trains. Heck I may finish a book.

Listening To Murmur

Whatever Gets You Through The Night.....

I had the good fortune of meeting Mr. And Mrs. Bozik, during my last trip to D.C. with Mr. Blackfive, Andi, and Princess Cat
I was over at Mr. Blackfives place this morning, and noted this fantastic piece on Joey and Jayme Bozik. Such a young and impressive couple.

You must go visit The Bozik's blog, and YOU MUST click on the links to the photos....Very inspirational this morning. There are photos of Joey rock climbing sans prosthetics, folks remember Joey is a triple amputee.

Damn. Just Damn Impressive Sir.

If I were Emma Peel.....

I would be running my fingers through my hair, instead of running the vacuum over the carpet.

A Funny Thing Happened on the way to the Conference

So I show up at Fran O Brians, and right away I recognize Some Soldiers Mom. Who immediately lets out a scream, I do the stompy thing, and we scream and hug one another.

Here is the rest of the Conversation that follows....

(Oh, SSM, if this is not accurate let me know....Everything a little blurry after meeting like 150-200 people in 72 hours)

Me: "I recognized you right away, I want a hug"

SSM: "Oh Homefront 6!" (continues squeezing)

Me: "ArmyWifeToddlerMom"

SSM: (scream, pulls back looks at me again, more squeezing)

SSM: "see that blonde guy over in the corner, go over and give him a hug, tell him SSM sent you"

Me: (walking over to SOM DH, hugging him) "Hey SSM, sent me over I am AWTM"

SSM DH: "Who is SSM? This is my first time here. Who are you?"

Me: Thinking (Jesus, I have done it again, I have humiliated myself in public again! I kept thinking to myself, I really need to stay at home more and more. Seems as if every time I leave the house, there is some sort of misadventure. I am hugging random men at a bar...JESUS help me.)~yeah it seems I hugged the right guy. He was totally screwing with me. Just you wait Mr. Next time I am gonna get you sucka!

Why it is ALWAYS good to come home

When I returned to, Casa De Dust Sunday evening "the collective" were in bed. I woke Monday morning, to hear the pitter patter of footsteps, and giggles. It seems DH let them into our bedroom. So they climbed into bed with me, and snuggled, covered me in kisses. They were suprised to see me, and kept saying "You have come back to life, you have come back to life!!"

I did come back to life.

I did not burst into flames, but I may have the mark of the devil....

My Dearest Sister is till in town visiting. Today cold front. Very strange, since it was like 95 degrees about 7 days ago. So we have to find an indoor activity. My Dear Sister chose the "Clinton Presidential LIEbrary". I have not ever been, so I give in, and decide what the hell.

First of all yes it totally looks like a trailer house, a fancy one, but just a trailer.

So we gather "the collective" and head in. I think it was 13$ to get in, tooooo much. They also offered no military discounts to military dependents.

So, I walk in with my "tickets", and they give us stickers, which I refuse to apply to to any of our clothing, and then I was asked to put on the sticker by a security person. Apparently "a sticker" means I am "ok" to be in the LIEbrary". (thank God for 21st century technology, shit all we need are stickers?)

We enter, and I do not burst into flames, even though I refused to put "said stickers" on my offspring.

My impressions of the place were, boy this is SIMPLE, laid out simply. Crazy shit all over the place, an actual recording of Former President Clinton talking about "the success of the gun ban", I almost puked.

I ran through most of it, because frankly it is "the LIEbrary", and is filled with them. I did note a small section dedicated to Whitewater, Impeachment, and other scandalous issues. I also noted only about a paragraph on each topic. Which totally had me reeling with laughter. My laughter did not sit well with the other visitors to the LIEbrary.

In typical fashion I noted one paragraph about the impeachment. However, there was an entire section devoted to "gifts people had sent to the Former President". Do you know there are 3 paintings of sox the cat, and in said paintings sox is playing the saxophone? Yeah one paragraph on the impeachment, and 3 paintings of a cat playing a fucking saxophone.

Those crazy democrats, they always amaze me.

Why The Hilton Corp. needs to take notice......

I met Mary Ann from soldiers Angels Germany, Friday night at Fran's. I even had the pleasure of sitting with her over cocktails. I have an entirely separate post about Soldiers Angels coming.

However, if you read anything today, you must read this.

"The atmosphere was... Incredible. There were diners doing the limbo under a crutch. I saw Paul Wolfowitz sitting at a table. A Marine at the bar desperately needed his missing right arm to complete the hand motions for a dance, and yelled "arm!"

.

I also met FBL, and had the pleasure of speaking with her. However our visit was not nearly long enough. I also hope I took the time to thank her as well. She also writes a fantastic piece about the visit to Frans.

Then he paused and after a moment said, "Now to the f***ers upstairs, with a look to the ceiling. The crowd murmured and muttered, boos and growls erupted. The next few minutes he spoke with anger and even more animation. Swearing a blue streak and staring at each of us in turn as he continued to stalk around the bar, he added, I'm telling you, don't you ever spend a dollar in a Hilton hotel again.

Thanks for the great reminder ladies, you put it eloquently.

My name is ArmyWifeToddlerMom and I am a diarist....

Why did I go to the mil-blogging conference? I am not a "mil-blogger". I know. I am a diarist. I write about far less serious matters than my counterparts. I did not blog while my DH was deployed, because I just did not have time or energy. I did start my blog, almost the moment he returned home.

I will add here a certain level of my sanity (some of you may disagree) was saved by the mil-blogs. Scouring for news after getting the babies to sleep. Looking for some other news than the reel that repeats itself. The story the MSM likes to pat itself on the back for getting to us. The news was frustrating. I will add here, that my DH, plays by the rules. He never discussed anything other than life "back home", and I rarely asked anything outside of that. So I would sit in my computer lit kitchen and dig for news.

So I started reading Blackfive. My DH 's unit lucky enough to have a journalist embedded with them and I was treated to her stories every couple of days. I was also lucky that this journalist told the real stories coming out of Iraq. There was My War, reporting daily from theater. I also started reading Sgt. Hook. Smash. Oh and Mudville Gazette.

So I learned quickly I was not alone. One of the best gifts I have been given by the blogosphere. You see my DH is A National Guardsman currently, and I am stuck in the suburbs, my family 12 hours away. And while he was deployed, I would pack up the babies in the stroller and head to the park, just to break the monotony of every day. I would push my babies in the swings and I would hear the women next to me complain "my husband is going to be out of town for the weekend, what am I supposed to do?" I would stand, swinging my babies and think about the 18 month deployment and wish it was a weekend, or a month, or a year.

I would fear returning home after the park, and was always worried pulling into our block about seeing the military sedan parked anywhere on the street.

I would fear coming home to a message on the answering machine. You know, the one that would say..."baby, its me, I had time to call and the lines were short. I miss you and love you, squeeze the babies."

So to the mil-bloggers, thank you for reminding me I was not alone, and that it takes strong men and women to do our fighting for us.

Why The Mil-Blogging Conference was Important...

I have found myself, quite busy on my return home. My Sister is here, "the collective" missed Mom "terrible", and I them. DH, very busy with very complicated issues at work. So I have been trying to come up with my "take" on the conference.

Besides, thanking Andi, for organizing, what I think may be the largest blog-meet at this time, and the first "conference" there is thanking her, for coming up with the idea. Oh, and for the months and months of hard work. We did not stand, for fun darling.....Thank You. To bring so many like minded people together in one room. It is amazing. It was amazing for me to meet so many other wives, and Moms. I will attempt to do this through the week, by featuring people I was sooo happy and thrilled to meet.

I really wanted to share this. A piece written by Steve Schippert, who was on the first panel of mil-bloggers. Mild mannered, well spoken. I also see I was not the only person, that was touched by Steve's presence on the panel, as well as his blog. So, honestly, I am asking you to go over to ThreatsWatch, and see for yourself. The mil-bloggers, are about honoring service, memory, and spirit. That is why this conference was important.

~Thanks for your service "John".....

Marketeering

A lot of talk at the mil-blogging conference about "sexy". Making a story "sexy", "sex-selling", MSM's infatuation with "sexy" stories. So, Jimbo offers to Mr. Blackfive's t-shirt babe. Mr. Blackfive declined the offer, thinking it was simply a bad idea based on the "audience" of Blackfive. So Uncle Jimbo offered to be my t-shirt babe.

I told him, my readers would have the ULIMATE say, all 20 of you NEED to let me know. Hot babe, or Jimbo. Plus, I do not think it is very fiscally responsible or wise to get 20 pink cap sleeved t-shirts with Jim as the model.

I think Marketing research is in order. This may be just another way Uncle Jimbo wants to dominate the blogging universe. First the mil-bloggers, and now the Mom-bloggers. I must investigate this Uncle Jimbo character further.

If I were Emma Peel.....

Someone would have bailed me out of jail by now.

Tying Up Loose Ends......

I have some things I must attend to, I will see you all Monday Morning upon my return to Casa De Dust.

It also looks as if The Mil-blogging Conference has an ideal location for an ice-breaker of sorts.

Positions of the Week

Moon Salutation.....

"vision without action is a daydream. Action without vision is a nightmare."

- Japanese Proverb

On The Nightstand, and on the plane....

If I Were Emma Peel.....

I would be sprucing things up around here, and getting ready for a trip to the The Milblogging Conference!!

That is News to ME....

The Mil-Blog Wire. A fantastic idea, and will be a great place to get news. Those of you tha have a loved one deployed, this will be a great resource.

Spring, in like a lamb, and out like Satan

Ok folks, 95 degrees here today with considerable humidity. Oh and the Grande vanilla skinny latte, that was spilled inadvertently in the interior of my beloved "truwk"....

yeah in 95 degrees and 2 days later, my truck smells like ass.....

must get the resolve and scrub as soon as I can tolerate the heat and odor.

*wondering if I can sue Starbucks for making me nauseated?

Unloading

I am trying to complete my chores tonight, waiting for the floor to dry, unloading a dishwasher, watching Easter Parade with Fred Astaire, Judy Garland, and Ann Miller. I had forgotten how pretty Ann Miller was, and legs for days.

I might take up dancing.

Mopping

I spent this Easter Day looking at my children. Some mornings I wake to find them looking much bigger than the day before. Today, was one of those days. Dash seeming tall, Pink Ninja is just legs and arms. Pink Ninja with her duck fuzz blonde hair. Dash getting freckles across the bridge of his nose. Today was the kind of day that makes me tear up watching them.

There were fantastic moments. To see Dash running throught the yard with the huge Easter basket, collecting eggs. My child who is unable to see the trees from the forrest. Yes, he located eggs.

Pink Ninja on the swing, with Easter Jewelry on, and a dandelion in each hand swinging herself contentedly on the swing. Anxious to kiss and hug me every 15 minutes.

The kids even took turns pushing one another in the swing. Yes I managed some pictures of that.

Dash even asked me to walk with him while he rode his bike down the street. He was greeted by about 4 neighborhood "older" kids, telling him they loved his cool bike. He asked them, "would you like to be my traveling companions?". They rode with him for a while. It was nice of them, it was very confidence building for him to ride a big bike with big kids.

So tonight I mop up my kitchen floor, and a couple of tears as well.

I was warned they would grow fast.

Putting all of our eggs in one basket.....

Happy Easter morning.

"The Collective" woke this morning to find the Easter Bunny left bicycles, I chocolate bunny per child, and eggs filled with jelly beans hidden all over the back yard. Grandma also sent matching play clothes for the day , photos should be coming. there will lots of candy and choclolate smeared faces. The Easter egg hunt. A HIT......especially for Dash.

Ham -check
Pretty Salad- check
Hash Brown cassarole- check
Green beans-check
Roasting ears-check
Iced Tea-check
deviled eggs-almost done
Coconut cake- check

I carried "the collective's" small table out and found a small pretty light blue embroidered table cloth, and cut my white iris's this morning and put them in a vase for them. DH had bought my a gorgeous spring colored dozen roses, and they are opening so beautifully. I just had to put them on the big table. The patio is covered with pollen, despite my almost daily attempts to sweep. So I took my sudafed and swept the back.

The climbing white rose I bought in memory of my Mother is finally planted, below my kitchen window, and is fitting the trellis beautifully.

Our first Easter in our home in a while. So difficult for me to recollect where the time has gone.

I think it should be a wonderful day, and I hope the children remember Easter fondly...

Now back to those eggs.....

Ounce of Prevention

Let me entertain you
Let me make you smile
Let me do a few tricks
Some old and some new tricks
I'm very versatile
And if you're real good
I'll make you feel good
I want your spirits to climb
So let me entertain you
And we'll have a real good time, yes sir
We'll have a real good time

So I got the damn tree trimmed today. Entertaining, to be sure. Me, and one of those long handled tree trimmers. Yeah, hilarious. A couple of the neighbors drove by just to watch. I did not get killed by a branch. Oh sure I got hit in the head a few times. No real injuries. My hands are just plain shot. Tired.....my arms look like I was in a cat fight.
Just my luck the neighbor across the street,(who is also a lesbian, so I call her nesbian) is having a garage sale. A busy garage sale. So I not only trimmed the tree, I entertained the nesbain, and all of her customers. I should have asked for a cut of the garage sale profits.
The most interesting customer I got to see, was driving a white Chevy truck, with a magnet sign on the sign that said "tarot readings". I was very curious to see what the "tarot reader" bought, but missed it.
Too many branches to be sure. Today was a great lesson, in an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure....

If I Were Emma Peel.....

I would be getting my bags packed for the Mil-Blogging Conference!

I'm Positive

I woke this morning, and tried to drink enough coffee to wake up.....and then it was off to 8:15am pilates....

Ygh. I do not like to excercise in the morning.

So I get to class, and the instructor says.

Peppy: "Oh, ArmyWife, I thought you would have the kids at the park on the Easter egg hunt?"

Me: (eyes still looking like almonds) "crap, I forgot".

Fast Forward to after class.

I need to go to the bank.

I drove into town, to find out bank is closed on Saturday.

So, to turn the trip into something productive and thoughtful, I decide to swing by Starbucks, and pick up skinny lattes for DH and I.

I pull out of Starbucks, and my latte spills all over my truck interior. I managed to save Dear Husbands.

Crap.

I head over to the library to return a book, and pick up a couple of new books.

They do not have the books I want.

Crap.

Now, I am headed out to trim my crape myrtle up front, ( I did the back crape myrtle last week).

With my luck today, I might get hit with a branch and die.

I will be out of doors all day, trying to spiff up the back yard for our Easter Celebration.

I need to plant a climbing white rose, and get my trellis for it in the ground. I still have a windchime that needs hanging, a patio to sweep.

Spring, just might kill me.

On The Nightstand

Excellent read, go get one.

NBC

Watch NBC PrimeTime tonight....

Sew Much Comfort will be featured!!

I am unsure of time......damn

Thanks Andi!!

Get Your Hair Did

It is a long time coming....

When Dearest Husband went off to war, I chopped my hair off. Off. I am unsure why I did it. I am unsure if there was a sort of sociologic response, or if it was pregnancy hormones....

So, I have spent the last year or so trying to grow it back.

With each pregnancy, my hair became darker and darker. My natural hair color....although I can see an unsightly 2 inches of it at my roots. (yes 2 inches of root....faux paux).....It is almost black. My brown hair hair has turned black. With a smattering of 5-15 gray hairs at my crown, which get plucked out by me.

The concensus on my new very brunette hair. Ick, all my close family and friends, prefer my locks to be of caramel color. So, I have given in and will get it colored.

So I am off to Nula's today. It is been a while. I need a trim, and color, and style. She will be horrified to see the 2 inches of roots. Maybe I should wear a cap.

However I do sit here, and wonder why I cut my hair off, when I sent my husband off to war. Was it as simple as it being easier to care for? Or was it more than that?
In WWII, it was said short hair and bobs became a look because of a hairpin shortage, women were going to work. Native Americans cut their hair to mourn....

Listen.......

Another Great Band from Aquarium Drunkard.

Venice is Sinking. Check the Tour Dates, particularly the Southern bloggers.

take a listen...

Funny what I remember

*photo taken 2 days after our wedding 15 years ago, at Dear Husbands Grandparents home. Dearest Husband had been home about 1 week from Desert Storm after a 9 month deployment. Dear Husband's favorite photo*

Today is the day we celebrate 15 years of marriage. I still cannot believe I am old enough to be married 15 years.

It is funny what I remember from our wedding day.

I remember, getting ready in my apartment in Lincoln, Nebraska.

I remember, my Dear Husband buying my shoes to be married in. I still own them and wear them. Ivory pumps...

I remember, wearing my roommate's gold barrette.

I remember, Dear Husband walking into my apartment with my wedding bouquet. (I had seriously forgot about the flowers.)

I remember it rained, so instead of the little park, we were married at my church.

I remember my room mate telling me, "if it rains on your wedding day, you will be rich someday".

I remember, how handsome Dear Husband looked in his maroon beret.

I remember, my roommate had a camera, otherwise, we would have no photos.

I remember, borrowing a ring for Dear Husband, because I was not done paying for his.

I remember, having a nip to calm down before going to the church.

I remember the drive.

I remember being glad that we chose to make it private.


I remember saying "until death parts us"........And understanding what that meant. I remember crying one tear at that time. Because it meant...One of us would die, and leave the other one someday.......

I remember hoping "until death parts us"....Would be after 80 years.

Must SEE!!

Go over to Andi's and see what is on TV tonight...

SOMETHING WORTH WATCHING

Drumroll....

My MRI bill.......

tatatattatattaa

$9.87

Thank God

I can afford an MRI, but not razors.....

There is gonna be a showdown

Cool Hand Luke has nothing on "The collective". The eggs we spent the morning coloring.

2 have been eaten.

2 1/2 dozen to go.

Thank God I have ceiling fans.....

Anyone?

Does anyone care to co-sign a loan so I can by razorblades.....

Good God.

$21.74 for 12 razor blades.

Perhaps, I could get Gillette to become the official sponser of ArmyWifeToddlermom Inc. ?

Or maybe I can convince men that yeti is a hawt look?

Can I write them off as a tax deduction? After all they are a necessity to my "job" as Domestic Engineer.

Anyone?

Preparations

Soooo much to do.....in preparation for Easter.

*like fattening up this Easter bunny, so we can roast and eat him.

yummmy!

Anniversary Week

So, Dear Husband and I will be celebrating our 15 years of marriage together this April 13th.....

15 years of marriage.

ANNIVERSARY SONG (Michael Timmins--Cowboy Junkies

Have you ever seen a sight as beautiful
as that of the rain-soaked purple
of the white birch in spring?

Have you ever felt more fresh or wonderful
than on a warm fall night
under a Mackerel sky,
the smell of grapes on the wind?

Well I have known all these things
and the joys that they can bring
And I'll share them all for a cup of coffee
and to wear your ring

Have you ever had the pleasure of watching
a quiet winter's snow slowly gathering
like simple moments adding up?

Have you ever satisfied a gut feeling
to follow a dry dirt road that's beckoning you
to the heart of a shimmering summer's day?

Well I have known all these things
and the joys that they can bring
And I'll share them all for a cup of coffee
and to wear your ring

And I don't know how I survived those days
before I held your hand
Well I never thought that I would be the one
to admit that the moon and the sun
shine so much more brighter when
seen through two pairs of eyes than
when seen through just one

Have you ever seen a sight as beautiful
as a face in a crowd of people
that lights up just for you?

Have you ever felt more fresh or wonderful
as when you wake
by the side of that boy or girl
who has pledged their love to you?

Well I have known all these things
and the joys that they can bring
And now every morning there's a cup of coffee
and I wear your ring

Sign of the Times

I woke this morning, and the kids are both still sound asleep......

Yeah, that ought to tell me something.

We have, had a few VERY tiring days.

Overheard at The Dental Office

Dentist: "Ok Dash, do you see my little pokey stick, I am gonna put it in your mouth, and count your teeth."

Dash: (looking at me, like I am an idiot for bringing him to this Dentist, and then looking at the Dentist like he should not have a degree....)

Dash: "Dr, that is called an explorer, it is a dental instrument".

Spring Cleaning.....

There is something about Spring, that is overwhelming to me. The need for everything to be DONE NOW. There is a brightness and a light that comes with Spring, that allows us to see in the corners. The corners need scrubbing, the house needs a good pressure washing, flower beds in need of a weeding, and fertilizing, pots need to be filled to the brim with colorful blooms, crape myrtles need pruning, closets that need cleaning, trees that need trimming, hedges need pruning, babies teeth need cleaning, Mom's hair needs to be colored and trimmed, birthday cards sent, anniversary gifts bought, Easter ham rounded up, and a menu planned, eggs that need to be colored......Oh, and the Easter Bunny is bringing bikes, that will need to be built, and I want it now....

I want it all done NOW!! NOW...And I promise you, the last 3 days have left me.....Just tired. Plain old fashioned exhausted.

The weekend was a long one here at the Casa De Dust. Lots of catching up that needed to be done, and there was t-ball. Yep, I gave in to some good advice, and we went back. Dash did fine, made a couple of base hits, made it to the bases, wore the helmet, got a name for his team (The Braves), and most IMPORTANT---HE HAD A BLAST!!

Today I spent most of the day preparing Dash for "his first trip" to the Dentist. (We had been before, but were sent home, because it took to long to coax him in the door. No easy task. ) In fact, I have been preparing him for a while now. We have read every book, we have read so much about the Dental profession, that it is now his #1 choice in profession, followed by engineer.

So, we spent the morning, coaxing him into the office, then into his room, and then into the chair, and then sitting back in the chair ad naseum..... Dash is brilliant, but he does not ever see the "trees in the forest", he sees alllllll of the forest, and then tries to decipher any pattern, and wants to know the purpose of every leaf, every cloud, any irregularities are noted ALWAYS.

So he made it through his cleaning. The bright lights, the cameras, the instruments in his mouth, the crinkle sound of the plastic on the chair, and the plastic bib, and the electric chair......all of it.. after about 1 1/2 hours, and then a cavity was found.......which meant, we have to do this AGAIN....

I convinced them, that today would be the best day for this, otherwise, we would have to do this again.....and NO ONE wanted to do this again.....

So I bribed the collective with McDonalds, and the Park.......and from about 10:30-2:30. We all played at the park only to return to the Dentist.

Guess what, we had to do the same rigamarole AGAIN.......and this time with the added bonus of a nitrous oxide mask, and a drill. Fun, really a great time was had by all. I had Pink Ninja climbing on my back while I straddles the Dentist chair, rubbing Dashes legs and hands......

repeating this....Open big like a crocodile.

and hearing Dash say:

"Mom, this gas, is refreshing".

I have a Polaroid of Dash with the mask on....Poor little guy.

I wish they would have given me the mask instead.....It was seriously exhausting.

The good news, no tears.


Dash described himself to the Dental staff as "brave and shy".

and I will agree.

Sunday night......with Grandma

Does anyone else ever watch Sue? She can be very entertaining on a Sunday night....

Or, I am one sick woman.

Please tell me I am not the only one watching Sue.

At least someone is funny around here on Sunday nights.

After Easter dinner

I like coconut, but have never been a HUGE fan of the stuff. I come from a cowtown in the Midwest. Coconut is considered.....Well exotic. Plus, my Dad hates the stuff, so we never ate much of it. Unless you count the German chocolate cake icing (which would only be 1/2 iced, because my father does not like icing either...Yes my Dad is spoiled). I digress.....

Anyway, years ago we were in North Carolina visiting my Brother in law and his wife (they are now divorced, another long story in a story). I digress....

Well my former Sister-in-laws, Dad's girlfriend. (HA) brought the most delicious cake. It was a white cake, with coconut. I actually almost passed on the cake, because I was full #1, and #2 not a big fan of coconut.

However everyone at the table insisted I try this darn cake.

"Darling, you really must try it, the recipe is a family secret."

So I ate a huge piece, and then ate 3 more hugungeous pieces, making a regular pig of myself...

Really, that cake made me make sounds that normally are reserved for lets say more intimate moments. A fantastically delicious cake. In fact probably the best cake I have ever had to this day.

I did beg and plead for the recipe, and was denied it for 5 years.....

However, after years of trying, I have the recipe.......

and "Darlings, you really must try this cake, I am not kidding."

Ingredients:

1 (18.25 ounce) package white cake mix
1 can cream of coconut
1 cup sour cream
2 cups white sugar
1 (14 ounce) package flaked coconut
1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
Directions:

Prepare cake mix as per package directions for a two layer cake. Once cake is cool split layers with a thread to create four layers. Mix together sour cream, sugar and all but a portion of the coconut (some should be reserved for top). Ingredients:

1 (18.25 ounce) package white cake mix
1 cup sour cream
2 cups white sugar
1 (14 ounce) package flaked coconut (frozen coconut works better)
1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
Directions:

Prepare cake mix as per package directions for a two layer cake. Once cake is cool split layers with a thread to create four layers. Mix together sour cream, sugar and all but a portion of the coconut (some should be reserved for top). Set aside one cup of this mixture. Spread remainder between layers of cake. Combine whipped topping and the reserved sour cream mixture. Use this to ice the cake. Take remaining coconut and sprinkle on iced cake. Store in the refrigerator for three days before cutting. The longer it is refrigerated, the better it is!

Set aside one cup of this mixture. Spread remainder between layers of cake. Combine whipped topping and the reserved sour cream mixture. Then poke about 14 holes in the cake with a wooden spoon...and pour the can of cream of coconut mixture on top. Use this to ice the cake. Toast remaining coconut and sprinkle on iced cake. Store in the refrigerator for three days before cutting. The longer it is refrigerated, the better it is!


*Please note no one was injured obtaining the recipe, but if this woman know I had it, she would die!!********

If I were Emma Peel.......

I would always be ready for my close up.

Aerobic shopping.....

is not fun.

Dear Husband took Dash to see Ice Age The Meltdown, this afternoon. I thought, it would be a good time to 1)pick up air filters at the hardware store. 2) Figure out what size jeans I need.

So I pack up Pink ninja. Who really should be tired. You see I spent the morning, at least 4 hours at the park with Dash and Pink Ninja this morning, we ran, and played for 4 hours. We even attended the dedication of the Veterans Memorial at the park. We collected caterpillars. A busy day for all.

I really thought my two year old daughter would show a certain degree of gratitude, by acting like a big girl at the store.

Ha, she sweet talked me out of the cart, and then

Yeah, that was all she wrote.

Shopping, an aerobic activity. Great for the body, I am sure. Not great with a "worn out" looking Mom who spent the morning at the park, with only a smidgen of powder bronzer on, and lipstick and some of my naturally curly hair in a clip. (the other hair unable to fit in the clip looking windblown and wild. I really wanted to "BLEND". One cannot blend while chasing a giggling 2 1/2 year old girl.

I wasn't in the mood, I grabbed her up, and lectured her the entire way to the truck.

There was a pair of $150 dollar jeans, on sale for $29.00......and they were cute. I was sooooo busy chasing Pink Ninja, the jeans are in a cart crying out for me as I type........

However, I might have to thank her for helping me loose and extra cm or 2....

Replacements....

My pre-pregnancy 501's were thrown out a long time ago, knowing I would never ever be able to fit in them. They were soft, and worn and frayed. Beautiful perfect jeans, a perfect size 5. I threw them out, when I know I would NEVER fit in them again.....And I was ok with that.

So I replaced them with another pair of "larger" 501's. They had become my new favorite jeans. They have gone everywhere with me. They are soft, frayed, worn well, I love them, Tonight I went to put them on, and they were baggy...

I was shocked, I looked in the mirror, I showed Dear Husband....They are too big.

So, they need replacing. I promise you, breaking in a pair of jeans is hard work. It takes at least 2 years before they feel the best.

I will add here, I have lost the tiny bit of centimeters the right way. I have worked hard, and have not been starving, because I want this to be permanent. I have been doing it right.

As much as I hate my "peppy pilates" instructor, I might pick her up off of the floor in the morning, and swing her around. Even at 8 in the morning....

The replacements, not a size 5.....and that is ok. I am stronger, and healthier, and I could so kick my old "size 5's" ass.....

Sweaters....

Ok, now what am I supposed to do with ALL of these sweaters? 82 degrees out. Spring Cleaning time is NOW, but impossible. I will need to wait for my sisters visit.

Pantry
Junk Drawer
Closets
Closets
Closets
Drawers
Closets


I have got a fever to clean, deep clean. However simple this may seem, no simple task. The collective must be occupied while I do this....

Storm Tracker

Ok, so I poke fun at Dear Husbands weather obsession today, only to have the storm tracker van race past us on the boulevard tonight....

Probably not a sign of good things to come.

Middle Age?

If you would have told me 15 years ago that My Dearest Husband and I would be thrilled and fulfilled with him: watching the weather channel, and me with a long hot bath, I would have told you.....

"You have lost your flippin mind".

However, it seems Dearest Husbands fascination with the weather may be due to his hour commute on the bike. The weather channel is the one thing I can count on droning in the soundtrack of my life. He flips to it, as soon as he gets in the door, right before bed, and at 4:30 a.m. It is certainly not the weather girls, which would make sense to me. But really, he is obsessed with the weather. Next thing I know, he will be wearing black socks with sandals, and driving 4 hours out of his way to save 3 cents on a gallon of gas.

The obsession, would really make more sense if, maybe Kate Bekinsdale was giving the report.....I am going to blame it on middle age.

Of sticky doorknobs.....

Ick....I hate sticky doorknobs, and finger printed mirrors, light switches and windows. I venture through my house daily, with a towel, moistened with cleaner, and scrub and scrub. I do the windows almost daily around here. I am always surprised to come around the corner to note a window or mirror with kiss marks on it, or a trail of saliva. "mirror licking" an apparent great way to spend the morning. Gross.


On the other hand, my in-laws love the baby prints, and kiss marks...And when we visit they NEVER clean the baby prints off of the mirrors and windows. Even those with cleaning ladies know better than to wipe the bottom 4 feet of mirror or glass in any of the homes.

You have been defeated.....

That One Guy, was in our neck of the woods again. We had planned on taking "the collective to the park for a picnic, but of course, the weather Gods have a different idea called rain. So instead of the traditional rib luncheon, "the collective" and I decided a trip down to the local Mexican eatery was in order. They really have fantstic food. So we stuffed ourselves, and headed to McDonalds Playland, so He could see the monkeys in a kids specific element.

Dash defeated That One Guy in a game of air hockey.....

I smashed Dashes fingers playing air hockey.....

I took That One Guy on the scenic tour, things ya just don't see up North.

We ended up at Casa De Dust, for a dinner of grilled pork chops, baked apples, green beans, and sweet potatoes. ( I was rude, and left to go to pilates class, but I promise you if I skip one class, skipping another class comes all to easy) That One Guy and Dear Husband ate dinner and talked bikes, corrupt Arkansas Politics, and the usual. I am sure the kids "showed out" at the table.

Always good company, That One Guy, he doesn't mind my inquiires, and imterrupting him mid sentence. I hope he enjoyed his visit to Casa De Dust.....and stops by again sometime.

What is on the breakfast table

Viparita Karani (Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose)

Said to reverse the normal downward flow of a precious subtle fluid called amrita (immortal) or soma (extract) in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, modern yogis agree that Viparita Karani may have the power to cure whatever ails you.



(vip-par-ee-tah car-AHN-ee)
viparita = turned around, reversed, inverted
karani = doing, making, action

Benefits
Relieves tired or cramped legs and feet
Gently stretches the back legs, front torso, and the back of the neck
Relieves mild backache
Calms the mind
Contraindications
Many teachers maintain that Viparita Karani is an inversion, and as such should be avoided during menstruation. Others though recommend the pose even during menstruation. Check with your teacher before performing this pose during menstruation. As with any inversion Viparita Karani should be avoided if you have serious eye problems, such as glaucoma. With serious neck or back problems only perform this pose with the supervision of an experienced teacher. If your feet begin to tingle during this pose, bend your knees, touch your soles together, and slide the outer edges of your feet down the wall, bringing your heels close to your pelvis.

Step by Step

The pose described here is a passive, supported variation of the Shoulderstand-like Viparita Karani. For your support you'll need one or two thickly folded blankets or a firm round bolster. You'll also need to rest your legs vertically (or nearly so) on a wall or other upright support.

Before performing the pose, determine two things about your support: its height and its distance from the wall. If you're stiffer, the support should be lower and placed farther from the wall; if you're more flexible, use a higher support that is closer to the wall. Your distance from the wall also depends on your height: if you're shorter move closer to the wall, if taller move farther from the wall. Experiment with the position of your support until you find the placement that works for you.
Start with your support about 5 to 6 inches away from the wall. Sit sideways on right end of the support, with your right side against the wall (left-handers can substitute "left" for "right" in these instructions). Exhale and, with one smooth movement, swing your legs up onto the wall and your shoulders and head lightly down onto the floor. The first few times you do this, you may ignominiously slide off the support and plop down with your buttocks on the floor. Don't get discouraged. Try lowering the support and/or moving it slightly further off the wall until you gain some facility with this movement, then move back closer to the wall.
Your sitting bones don't need to be right against the wall, but they should be "dripping" down into the space between the support and the wall. Check that the front of your torso gently arches from the pubis to the top of the shoulders. If the front of your torso seems flat, then you've probably slipped a bit off the support. Bend your knees, press your feet into the wall and lift your pelvis off the support a few inches, tuck the support a little higher up under your pelvis, then lower your pelvis onto the support again.
Lift and release the base of your skull away from the back of your neck and soften your throat. Don't push your chin against your sternum; instead let your sternum lift toward the chin. Take a small roll (made from a towel for example) under your neck if the cervical spine feels flat. Open your shoulder blades away from the spine and release your hands and arms out to your sides, palms up.
Keep your legs relatively firm, just enough to hold them vertically in place. Release the heads of the thigh bones and the weight of your belly deeply into your torso, toward the back of the pelvis. Soften your eyes and turn them down to look into your heart.
Stay in this pose anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes. Be sure not to twist off the support when coming out. Instead, slide off the support onto the floor before turning to the side. You can also bend your knees and push your feet against the wall to lift your pelvis off the support. Then slide the support to one side, lower your pelvis to the floor, and turn to the side. Stay on your side for a few breaths, and come up to sitting with an exhalation.
Anatomical Focus
Legs
Abdomen
Chest
Neck
Therapeutic Applications
Gheranda heaps praise on this pose (though that he's probably talking about a version more akin Headstand) and states that Viparita Karani "destroys" old age and death. "You will become an Adept in all the worlds and will not perish even at world dissolution (pralaya)" (Gheranda Samhita 3.36).

Svatmarama (who's probably got something more like shoulderstand in mind) claims that after six months of practice, "grey hairs and wrinkles become inconspicuous" (Hatha Yoga Pradipika 3.82). We should take these traditional benefits with a pinch of salt. Modern teachers do, however, believe that Viparita Karani is good for most everything that ails you, including:

Anxiety
Arthritis
Digestive problems
Headache
High and low blood pressure
Insomnia
Migraine
Mild depression
Respiratory ailments
Urinary disorders
Varicose veins
Menstrual cramps
Premenstrual syndrome
Menopause

more skin

Philip Larkin - Skin

Obedient daily dress,
You cannot always keep
That unfakable young surface.
You must learn your lines -
Anger, amusement, sleep;
Those few forbidding signs

Of the continuous coarse
Sand-laden wind, time;
You must thicken, work loose
Into an old bag
Carrying a soiled name.
Parch then; be roughened; sag;

And pardon me, that
I Could find, when you were new,
No brash festivity
To wear you at, such as
Clothes are entitled to
Till the fashion changes.

If I Were Emma Peel.....

I would serve dinner in this....

Spring means....Remember you

I need to remember to exfoliate more often. Ladies don't you love the feel of your skin, freshly exfoliated. Spring is here, and I must take better care of my skin, really. I need to drink more water, and use sunscreen in my moisturizer, and moisturize, moisturize, moisturize.


Great skin is one of our greatest accessories....

Nebraskan writer and poet on April....

April The maiden
writen by John Gneisenau Neihardt
Longings to grow and be vaster,
Sap songs under the blue;
Hints of the Mighty Master
Making its dream come true.

Gaunt limbs winter-scarred, tragic,
Blind seeds under the mold.
Planning new marvels of magic
In scarlet and green and gold!

O passionate, panting, love-laden,
She is coming, she sings in the South--
The World's Bride--April the Maiden--
With the ghost of a rose for a mouth!"

Imperfections....

I have a new one to add to the list. According to the MRI, and my Orthopedist. I am missing a 2mm piece out of my patella. Either by an injury, or a gentic accident. However a 2mm piece of missing bone is not likely the culprit of the swelling and pain. Although it could be causing the plica to be catching just right on my patella. It is likely a "soft" ligament. Which will have to be investigated and repaired by orthoscipic surgery, and will likely have me "out" for about 2-3 weeks. So due to my own choice. I am going to wait until fall. I am not taking myself out of my "battle of the bulge" this spring or summer". It ain't happening. Age has made me vain. Vanity has won out. However, if I stick to my daily ibuprofen regime, and come in when I need a steroid shot I can make it to fall. It is currently "doable". If it becomes to much a of a problem, I will DEAL with the knee, however the "imperfection". That was a blow.

the possible problem:

The medial collateral ligament is located on the inside of the knee and is taut when the leg is straightened. It is a strong ligament but can be sprained or completely torn (ruptured) when the straightened leg is twisted at the same time as being knocked sidewards. This can be during a contact sport, as with a football tackle, or without contact, as can happen in a fall while skiing.

The injured knee is painful and swollen, especially on the medial (inner) side. By examining the knee and seeing how much the lower leg can be moved outwards, while the upper leg is held still, doctors can usually establish how badly the ligament is sprained. Grade I (a sprain) and grade II (partial tear) injuries of the ligament, are more painful than a complete (grade III) tear. Many grade I or II sprains will heal by themselves. A grade III tear usually requires surgery.


*note* I do note play football or ski

Overheard at Casa De Dust...

The following conversation was overheard by me.....during goodnight stories....

Dash: "But a turbine is not a wheel."

DH: "It is a wheel of sorts, lets look in the index."

Dash: "But a turbine is not a wheel."

DH: "I have a degree from The University of Nebraska Dash, I took a physics class, and, even if it is a "liberal arts college" we discussed and studied movement."

*For some reason I am guessing, this is not the last of this discussion. *

Attention!!

Tomorrow morning, Wednesday of this week, at two minutes and three seconds after 1:00 in the morning, the time and date will be 01:02:03 04/05/06.

That won't ever happen again.

You may now return to your (normal?) life.

Happy Anniversary Princess Cat....

Go over and wish her well...
Another great excuse to post photos of Beckham.

News Item of the month.....

Blonde Sagacity, brought it to my attention that David Beckham suffers from OCD. Thank you ALa, you are right, this is an important healthcare issue, and a great excuse to post photos of Beckham....

I think this is a story of such importance, that I might have to post photos of him monthly, just to make sure he is doing ok.......

Bou, where do I get one of those day passes?

And We are off.....

Today is busy. Yoga, and then to the Orthopedist to talk about some results from an MRI. Oh, and about the MRI? Honestly folks, even as a nurse, I am not sure about the entire MRI thing, sounded like Monkeys with hammers in a barrel if ya ask me.

Treasure Chest

I spent part of the morning, and some of the afternoon out of doors with "the collective". However, it was not usual sand box, swing set fare today. You see Spring has sprung.

Dash has been digging up the yard with a child's blue plastic shovel, looking for treasure, and has been unlucky until today. He managed to dig up 2 worms, which he named, put in a bucket with about 3 inches of dirt. He promised the worms he would take them fishing.

Pink Ninja joined him in his worm digging efforts, and spent her time lifting rocks, and finding bugs and ants. The children must have sat and watched ants and some sort of little white larvae looking things for 30 minutes.

We have been going on long walks when the weather will allow. I imagine they are long walks, especially for little legs climbing the neighborhood hills. We have been entertained, with the blooming Forsythia. Pink Ninja wanting to collect one of every blooming plant she notes on the way. She usually ends up with wild purple phlox, or a bouquet of yellow dandelions. Today we were lucky enough to come across the fluffy dandelions. So we blew on them, and covered the skies with seeds, that I hope do not find they're way into our yard.

I have a neighbor that feeds the Finches thistle seed regularly, and there must have been at least 200 of them in the trees around the block, all singing praises for the lovely lunch. Pink Ninja, loves to hear the birds singing. Every time she hears a bird sing, she says "Mommy, I hear birds singing, birds are my favorite". She says it in such a sing song, lilting sweet voice. I wish you could all hear her.


We were also lucky enough to find Maple seed. So I made the children stop walking, and pick them up. I instructed them to throw them as high as they could. "Watch them come down, they spin like the blades of a helicopter". They each collected a handful off of the street and brought them home.

The Monarch butterflies are in town, there were easily 100 of them flying along weaving in front of us, and over us all day. The children tried to chase and catch them. Suprisingly, the butterflies did not seem to mind. They seemed to enjoy the game.

Dash and Pink Ninja better finish off this jar of pickles, so I can poke holes in the lid, and find us a caterpillar.

On the night stand

What I am reading.

She Has Arrived!!

The Buckethead Household is 33% larger!! Congratulations, and I will toast her properly when I see you in D.C.

Hanging On....

I haven't posted about my brother much. He is the families Golden Boy, seemed that whatever he touched turned to gold. Nice guy, great athelete nice looking, popular and well liked. So yeah, you kinda see where we might have an issue with one another. I am kinda a scrapper, stubborn, and independent. My Brother and I might be cut from the same cloth, but we are really different people.

Anyway, so when we were headed to t-ball I call "Uncle Rico" (He would totally hate that I am calling him Rico, so I am going to ). Anyway so I call Uncle Rico, and tell him we are on the way to the ball diamond. I give Dash the phone, and Uncle Rico gives him baseball advice.


T-ball wasn't exactly a hit today.


So, after the game I panicked, and I talked myslef into a tree, not really a typical Army Wife move, but I have been known to do so on occassion.

Guess who talked me out of the tree? Uncle Rico. I think it was a first. I am ussually the member of the family that is the "reasonable" one. However, I am telling you, sometimes when it comes to my children, I am uber sensative. I think ten steps ahead. Even when I know better. I like to think ahead, I do not like surprises. It is not my style.

I was reminded today, that sometimes when you think ten steps ahead, you can't hang on to your children's hands.

Springing Forward

The time change, is officially screwing with me, I sit here blogging and see it is 11:37pm. Damn. I hate "springing forward". It is my least favorite day of the year, just ask DH.

Today was Sunday, which meant drill weekend for DH, and t-ball day. Drill weekends are long, and remind me of DH's deployments. I grew accustomed to despising the weekend, really. While he was gone I dreaded the weekend. So drill weekends, remind me of the deployment. Probably not a bad thing entirely, in actuality the weekends serve as a reminder of promises, I made myself.

T-ball,now there is a story I am not up for telling at this late hour. I will not go into details here, it was a long day. I spent most of the day re-hashing events of the day with DH, family and friends, and in my head. In short, Dash really does not want to play t-ball right now. T-ball is a SLOW game for 4 year olds. A lot of down time. Some kids are ok with this, Dash is not. I think our Sundays will be better spent playing ball in the back yard, going to the park, or going to a fishing hole. When he is ready he will let me know. I am ok with this decision tonight as I sit hear listening to the wind, thunder and rain. We gave it a try, and it is ok.

April has turned into a busy month here, the calendar full of appointments of all types, for all members of the house. Lots of family flying in and out. We have our wedding anniversary coming up. 15 years.....15 years. I, am old enough to have been married 15 years. I don't feel a day over 20, except for this damn knee of mine which by the looks of the calendar will be taken care of in a couple of days. Too bad the Dr. Can't do anything about the mirror, it has been a long day.

Mil-Bloggers......Out

It is Sunday, I am trying to play catch up and read some of my favorite folks.
Sean is already in Iraq. Then I stop over at Dogtolusba, and he is out as well. Go over and wish them well.

Sundays remind me of fried Fried Chicken

Quiet morning here, catching up on music....

Lots of good new music found a lot of places.

First off a Band called A Brown Leaf. They played here in town this week. Acoustic, nice easy to listen to this morning....Go over and take a listen. I particularly liked the track bloodclot, which is the first song listed.

Second aquarium Drunkard, who always manages to find great stuff. This week posting James Apollo, Southern, folk, interesting. Also provides a link, where you can hear the album in its entirety.

Aquarium Drunkard also introduces me to a band called HEM, that actually covers R.E.M.'s So. Central Rain. He provides a link, so you can listen to both songs back to back...the cover does not disappoint.

An Irishman, by the name of Ryan Doyle....3 separate songs. You can go listen to, soothing voice.

Finally Tesco, did a great post last week on The Sundays, an album great for Sunday morning. A must listen, especially if it is quiet around your place.

If I Were Emma Peel.....

I would have Sunday morning tea, and Sunday afternoon tee...

The Human League

"Oh, God! Oh, God, I've killed a hippie! I've killed a hippie, and now I'll have to pay. Oh, God. Vyvyan's bound to tell on me, and I'll get sent to prison and raped in the shower by Mr. Big who's in with the wardens."

Spring Break reminding me of Summer Holiday episode.......

Position of the Week #16

Vrksasana (Tree Pose)

Vrksasana clarifies just how challenging it can be to stand on one leg.




BenefitsStrengthens thighs, calves, ankles, and spine
Stretches the groins and inner thighs, chest and shoulders
Improves sense of balance
Relieves sciatica and reduces flat feet


Contraindications/CautionsHeadache
Insomnia
Low blood pressure
High blood pressure: Don't raise arms overhead


Step by StepStand in Tadasana. Shift your weight slightly onto the left foot, keeping the inner foot firm to the floor, and bend your right knee. Reach down with your right hand and clasp your right ankle.
Draw your right foot up and place the sole against the inner left thigh; if possible, press the right heel into the inner left groin, toes pointing toward the floor. The center of your pelvis should be directly over the left foot.
Rest your hands on the top rim of your pelvis. Make sure the pelvis is in a neutral position, with the top rim parallel to the floor.
Lengthen your tailbone toward the floor. Firmly press the right foot sole against the inner thigh and resist with the outer left leg. Press your hands together in Anjali Mudra. Gaze softly at a fixed point in front of you on the floor about 4 or 5 feet away.
Stay for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Step back to Tadasana with an exhalation and repeat for the same length of time with the legs reversed.

American Bandstand

My Sister is 7 years my Senior, and I am quick to remind her of that as often as I can, however one of the benefits of having an older sibling used to be "pretending to be 7 years older".

We grew up in a household, in which Mom and Dad both worked, which meant Saturdays were not cartoon, or play days. Saturdays were "cleaning days". (Mom German, and obsessively tidy) Ick, I almost to this day cannot stand a Saturday, if I know it will spent cleaning.

The one person we could count on was Dick Clark at 11:00am. He would save of us from our life of drudgery. At 11:00, we could turn off the vacuums, and lay down the dust rags, only to pretend we were as cool as the coolest of the dancers.

Who helped me escape cleaning day? Performances I recall...

Prince
madness
Public Image Limited
Madonna
Elton John
Billy Joel
Janet Jackson
ABBA
The Beat
Berlin
The Gap Band
Blondie
Haircut 100
INXS
Rick James
Grace Jones
Psycholdelic Furs
Lou Rawls
Rick Springfield
Sugarhill Gang
Talking Heads...

There are others I am sure.

We also felt if we practiced our dance moves, enough we would surely be discovered by Dick Clark himself. We would be able to leave this sleepy Midwestern town that smelled of alfalfa and cowshit, and be feature dancers. Of course being feature dancers would lead to a career as famous performers.

So I spend this Saturday raising my coffee cup to my Sister who remains in the sleepy cowtown. Here is to a happy day vacuuming, and you are seriously one of the best dancers out there.

I need to dust off the TV.

Drawn funny

Gaping Void...Always funny