Miracles

This is fantastic news.

Eureka!

I have found it!! This years swimsuit. Probably heavy when wet, and not exactly "cooling". What can I say, summer came quick. Maybe next year.

Overheard at Casa De Dust

*Pre-script* Pink Ninja and I are sitting on the couch, she is talking sweetly to me, and touching my face. It is a wonderful moment....until....


Pink Ninja: "Momma, what is that?"

Me: "It is a pimple"

Pink Ninja: "It wooks wike a moquito bite."

Me: "Fantastic"

$40, and you could own a 2006 Harley Davidson Softail, and help The Patriot Guard Riders...

DH and I just joined the Patriot Guard Riders, and so I see this. A great idea for a fund raiser for The Patriot Guard Riders.

"The wonderful folks at the Greeley, CO VFW are raffling off a brand new 2006 Harley-Davidson Softail with the proceeds going to the Patriot Guard Riders. They are doing this in conjunction with their annual poker run that will benefit us, Rocky Mountain Military Moms, and sending real care packages to the troops. The contact for the VFW if you are interested in raffle tickets is Jeff Policicchio and he can be reached at 303-829-7922 or apolicicchio@msn.com. There will only be 600 tickets sold for this bike and the VFW has 200 spoken for. Below you will find a picture of the bike and the flyer for the poker run. Get ahold of Jeff quickly as the remaining 400 tickets will go fast at $40."


Ok, so there are only about 175 tickets left folks. You must call Jeff Policicchio, at the above #, he will set the tickets aside for you. Then please mail your check or money order to...

*check made out to VFW benifit 2121*

c/o Jeff Policicchio
261 East Holly Street
Millikin, Colorado
80543

You must also send a SASE, with your check.

Raffle ends on May 17th!!

Just imagine how smoking hawtt you will look on your new bike!!

Somewhere Over The Rainbow....

Someday I'll wish upon a star
And wake up where the clouds are far
Behind me.
Where troubles melt like lemon drops
Away above the chimney tops
That's where you'll find me.

~music by Harold Arlen and lyrics by E.Y. Harburg

I promised "the collective", we would go to the park yesterday, but it was overcrowded. Overcrowded, with the "Stepford Lilly Pulitzer" set. So, I promised them we would go today instead.

I woke this morning to perfect temperatures, a blue sky, sun shining, and birds chirping. A fantastic morning, kisses from "the collective", hot coffee. A great morning at yoga. Perfect. So I packed up "the collective", buckets, shovels, and a ball and we head to the park.

The park... And enlightening experience for me today. I guess Dash thinks "Mom" needs her "surviving coolness" checked again. (Although, I promise you it does not, being in labor took all of my existing pride, and vanity years ago)

So,all is well until I look out the corner of my eye, and see my son's bare butt, at THE HIGHEST point of all of the equipment. I also note, he is peeing of the side, giggling, and quite proud he can pee from such heights.

The "Stepford Lilly Pulitzer Set", yeah they had a few there, and yes they saw the entire thing. They were horrified. There was even a collective gasp.

For Christmas, I am asking for a hot tub.

*I deserve the hot tub, this is not the first time I have been embarassed by poor judgement in re: to the restroom example 1 example 2.

There are days I miss it...

Being A Nurse
by Melodie Chenevert

Being a nurse means. . .
You will never be bored.
You will always be frustrated.
You will be surrounded by challenges.
So much to do and so little time.
You will carry immense responsibility
and very little authority.
You will step into people's lives
and you will make a difference.
Some will bless you.
Some will curse you.
You will see people at their worst--
and at their best.
You will never cease to be amazed at people's capacity
for love, courage, and endurance.
You will experience resounding triumphs
and devastating failures.
You will cry a lot.
You will laugh a lot.
You will know what it is to be human
and to be humane.

If I Were Emma Peel.....

I would have celebrated National Nurses Week, by wearing "my cap"....

Run for the border....

@#%*ing repeat about 100 times. The shit is flying around here. We are not happy.

Fashion faux paux

I called Boudicca this morning to check on her after her trip to the land of the "riche rat". I wanted to make sure she was "ok". You know survived her trip with her 3 boys.

To those of you that have children, you know that the words "family vacation" are an oxymoron. "Family Vacation".

Family vacation means Moms are in charge of feeding, clothing, snacking, packing, drying wet swim trunks, keeping tennis shoes dry, and referring fights in public, all while on a budget that is ruled by time and money.

So, Boudicca assures me "all is well". Of course she is, because we have to be. There is no choice. Even when the umbilical cord is cut, it remains intact.

I also note she has just returned from a blog meet in Austin, and I from a meet in D.C. We both traveled sans children to these events.

We spoke with people, without small fingers poking us in the ribs repeatedly and saying "Mom, Mom, Mom, Mom.." We both actually spoke with other adults, without interrupting a conversation with the sentences "do you have to pee?"

When Boudicca returned from Austin, she shared photos of her trip and I mine. Guess what, we both had WHITE SHIRTS on. Something you would normally never do with children around. A crisp white shirt is an invitation to be used as a tissue, toilet paper, napkin, vomit bucket. When I mentioned this to Bou, she retorted with "I even wore mine out to barbecue"....

A Mom, wearing a white shirt out in public, it is almost as insane as wearing pearls to make dinner.

To all of the Moms I know, your favorite t-shirt does make the best of accessories when out and about with the kiddos. It does. There is no worry about cheeto prints, or dirty hands. Your favorite t-shirt looks great with no make-up and a ball cap.

Sometimes however , it feels nice to have a crisp white shirt on, even if it is only for 3 hours.

Mil-Blog conference video up!!

For those of you that did not catch any of the Mil-blogging Conference, Gunn Nutt has some video up!

Serving those who serve....

I just listened to Mr. Blackfive on Pundit Review. A fantastic segment highlighting the work of Patti Bader, and Soldier's Angels.

Joey's story is one of personal strength and bravery. It also is a great way to show you what your money and support can do.

Thank You Patti.

Mom Says...

Waynes Mom, has not been blogging nearly as much since her son has returned from war. I miss her....but she wrote this yesturday.

Be Vewey Quiet....

Casa De Dust is Quiet. I feel as if the house will buckle at any moment. I think "the collective", and the constant motion and noise, hold the roof up, and nails in around here. Very quiet. I did manage a walk, a long walk through the Arkansas hills, I am sweaty and everything.

I am off to the patio now, to rehydrate, and read the Suday paper. I am even going to put my tennis shoe clad feet on the table. As Eric says, "its a rough life, but some one has to do it "rubberneckers"..."

Sun Comes UP...

Ok, it is Mother's Day here at Casa De Dust. My DH took "the collective" for the day as a gift. AHHHHHH.....although I feel guilty that I slept until 9:47am, and that I am enjoying the peace and quiet. I am going to have my morning coffee, read the paper in peace, and then I am going to clean uninterrupted. Cleaning? Yeah a wierd way to spend the day, but it won't take me long because I do not have helpers. Then I am going for a 5 mile trek. The birds are singing and the sun is shining.

Mothers Day is a bittersweet holiday for those of us that have lost our own Mothers. We are grateful for our own children, and feel blessed to have become a member of such a fantastic group. However we do miss the woman that taught us how to Mother.

So, I am going to spend the day, assesing how the last year has went, what improvements I can make. Oh, and the most important gauge of all, how happy are my children and my Husband. That is the most important question of all.

So to my fellow Moms, enjoy the day. I hope you got to sleep in, or got your favorite breakfast, some flowers, some smooches...and some rest.

You Asked, I Answered..........

OK, I told you to ask almost anything. Some of you did. I answered ALMOST all of them.

Oh, and there were more than 5 questions!!
Thank You.

Easy Company

This was brought to my attention by Dear Husband over dinner last night...

Please read and go sign.

Dear friends:

As many of you already know, a lot of people have been writing letters to our government with the hope that the military will finally award Major Dick Winters (EASY COMPANY) his Medal of Honor. Unfortunately as many of these things go, it has been caught up in red tape. Well this week they have started an online petition for Major Winters and you can help this man get what he rightfully deserves.

It's easy and you basically don't have to do ANYTHING but click on a link, type in your name, email address and city/state. That's it. So please jump on board and join a very good cause. Please pass this info along to your friends and family.

http://www.petitiononline.com/Winters/petition.html


Thank you so much,

Marion J Chard
Proud daughter of Walter (Monday) Poniedzialek
540th Combat Engineer WWII
http://www.6thcorpscombatengineers.com/

Hanging out Laundry

Taking the day off....not much to say.

I have spent the last couple of weeks, very plugged in to the Casa De Dust and those surrounding it. Almost to the point of requiring a some sort of emotional surge protector. I am afraid AWTM, is a bit of an emotional sponge. I am empathetic with others to a fault.

DH, very busy with work right now. Which normally I can deal with. However 2 wars can change a person. He has come home this round in need of a space, a cave he can go to. Although I am afraid there is none. So I have tried to help him dig one out. Trying to give him his empty space.


It is hard to explain, although I know there is a Wife, or a Mom right need reading this....and maybe understanding what I am saying.

I have arranged a date tonight, maybe that will help. I think a ride on the bike may be in order....

Excellent Listen....

What a wonderful way to begin the day!!

Tesco does it again with New Order.
~Ceremony~This is why events unnerve me,
They find it all, a different story,
Notice whom for wheels are turning,
Turn again and turn towards this time,
All she ask's the strength to hold me,
Then again the same old story,
World will travel, oh so quickly,
Travel first and lean towards this time.

Oh, I'll break them down, no mercy shown,
Heaven knows, it's got to be this time,
Watching her, these things she said,
The times she cried,
Too frail to wake this time.

Oh I'll break them down, no mercy shown
Heaven knows, it's got to be this time,
Avenues all lined with trees,
Picture me and then you start watching,
Watching forever, forever,
Watching love grow, forever,
Letting me know, forever.



Tesco, and ALa-we missed you at the conference. We thought you would bring the music. There was NO dancing.

News?

When I woke this morning, I did the usual, grabbed my coffee and then turned on the news. I, for some reason was VERY insulted when the morning folks at FOX spoke about American Idol for 20-30 minutes. They were seriously discussing American Idol as though it was news worthy.

For the love of Pete.

One Day At A Time

Was Snyder gay? I don't rememeber. I do remember, Bonnie Franklin used to say "damn Julie" all of the time.

Position of The Week #18

Balasana (Child's Pose)

Balasana is a restful pose that can be sequenced between more challenging asanas.

(bah-LAHS-anna)
bala = child


Gently stretches the hips, thighs, and ankles
Calms the brain and helps relieve stress and fatigue
Relieves back and neck pain when done with head and torso supported

Anyone?

Is anyone going to BlogHer? I sooo wanted to go last year, and missed it. Anyone?

FYI

Did you know, you can get in trouble, while sitting in the corner?

Yeah, you can, it has been proven not once, but twice today.

Torrential Rains and Angel Food.....

Boudicca, brought up Tori Amos the other day, in a post about memorial, and remembering those who are left behind. It is raining, and I am finding us at the mercy of Casa De Dust-- yet again.

So, I get out my Tori Amos, and I think I have found the music for the day. Although, I am reminded that May is a hard month, it is the anniversary of my Mothers death soon. Today, while listening to Tori I too recollected moments, brief moments of laughter and smiles, and tears. Those last words I had heard from her. The words, which I thought I would not forget, have been clouded by the "real meaning"... Which at the time was too hard to say.

The moment, I sat down with my brother and asked with him to allow her to go. Only to have him look at me with questioning eyes. Knowing, that after he said them she would exhale one last time.

He said them. He told her "God would take care of us".

It was what she needed to hear.

And although she had been laying in her bed for days with eyes closed, and unable to speak, or eat or move.

A tear fell from her eye.

And She did it...one final breath.

One final goodbye.

And there were tears in the hallway.

And all I could think was, how absolutley beautiful she looked, finally free from pain.

And for a moment, I hated myself for telling my Brother to let her go, because it worked.

And she was gone.....

Time has passed, and the day to day seems to have gotten a bit better. However, the moments that you can feel the moment of loss, see it, and feel it. Those moments are fewer, but seem to get harder.

I will be returning to my Mother's kitchen soon. I have been asked to collect her posessions that I would like.

I want the Angel Food cake pan that my Mother baked my birthday cakes on. The angel food cake, that would sit upside down on the counter top on a glass coke bottle.

~ now where on Earth do I find a tall glass coke bottle.

If I Were Emma Peel.....

I would kick this guys ass!

If I Were Emma Peel.....

I would skip yoga, and go fencing.

Makes me feel....

There is some surreal shit going on here at Casa De dust.

It is May. This means Graduation announcements getting sent to the house at an alarming rate. SO, May means poor.


I was never much of a babysitter, I have had a regular employer since the age of 15. Well, until I became a "Stay at Home Mom".

However I did babysit, my cousins daughter, while I was in college. One time. She was 2.
Yeah the little rolly polly baby, has turned into a blonde gorgeous girl, and has graduated High School.

So I sit here and look at the picture, thinking......where did 18 years go?

Ain't That A Kick In The Head?

All Yaw'l, must head over to The Cat House. Offer her Congratulations on her Masters Degree!! Hooray, you did it. So wish i could watch you walk....damn. I am very proud of you!

Oh, and while over there, it seems as though Miss Cat, has not had the good fortune of sitting through "guy movies". Consider yourself lucky. Make some suggestions to add to her list.

I am honestly suprised, the girl has not seen Caddy Shack, but has her Masters Degree, where are your priorities?

(Personal note to Cat: Also after the museum trip, with the school children yesturday, your ovaries are probably disabled for the next 2 months, if you miss that "shrinking feeling" I have a bed here darling with your name on it. Though the toddlers are cute, they have been known to work as great birth control!)

That is what little girls are made of...

Pink Ninja spent most of yesturday, planting a garden with Dash and I. No, that is not the unusal part of the day. You see, she made a friend yesturday. After spending hours digging holes through the back yard, she managed to come up with 3 worms. She lost 2 of them while pushing them on the swingset. She did however, take the time to name all of them... Sherman. Yeah, clever for a 2 1/2 year old. She gave all of them a bath, and let them ride her bike. Heck she even kissed them. I did try and get her photo kissing the worms, but with the delay on my camera I missed it.

This morning, she is wearing a tiara, 2 tutus and a pair of Moms heels....

Now that is versatile.

Do You Know?

My Friend Air Force Family, write about sending a Husband away.

It sounds hard doesn't it? It is harder than you can imagine....

Trendsetter...Moi?

"Messy hair" and little or no makeup is "in" for Spring and Summer 2006!

-also "in" "the messy bun", which I mastered after child #1.

If you are not a Mom, and have no idea how to do "messy bun"....here are directions.

For Longer Hair: A Sexy-Messy Bun

"The idea is to give hair a bit of a roughed-up, textured, slept-on look," says Bean Longo, the Beehive Salon.

Step 1: Use a setting gel like the Fresh Styling Gel on damp hair and dry with a diffuser. However, if your hair is very straight, try a few hot rollers to get the texture you'll need for this look; just roll them halfway up in two-inch sections.

Step 2: Pull your now roughed-up hair back into a ponytail and secure with a covered elastic band. To give even more texture, use your fingers instead of a brush to comb.

Step 3: Depending on how much hair you have to work with, divide the ponytail into four, five or six sections.

Step 4: Wind up each section (visualize wrapping thread around a spool), creating a spherical, flowerlike shape. Secure the ends with bobby pins.

Step 5: Finish the look with a mist of hairspray. Bean recommends Fresh Poppy Hairspray.

I promise my way, is much easier,

1. wake up
2. pee
3. wash hands
4. grab a hair clip
5. put hair up
(combing hair not neccesary)

Now, if I convince the masses that overly thin, is a bad look. An extra 10-15 pounds is hot, stretch marks are sexy, and "looking spent" is foxy...I will be Queen of the land.

CRAP

TIME IS ALMOST OUT...GET OVER TO BASIL'S, AND ASK A QUESTION, ANYTHING, ALMOST ANYTHING.

YOU HAVE UNTIL MIDNIGHT....

CRAP

Imagine Rain

This morning, "The collective" and I decided on a camping trip. So this morning while dressing, I made theme pick long sleeved shirts, and pants, for the hike you know. One never wants to go hiking and camping with the wrong clothes. I also spoke with them about the dangers of exposure, and they each picked a hat to wear. They even picked a wool winter hat for Mom.




So after all were dressed, a trip to the store was in order, so we set up a grocery store up in Pink Ninja's room, complete with a cash register, plastic food, small plastic cans, and boxes. Dash was the store manager, and a greedy one at that. Pink Ninja and I filled her backpack, until we could barely zip it.

PinkNinja, then insisted we bring 4 baby dolls camping with us, Pink Ninja is brave. I tried to tell her 4 babies in the woods would be a lot of work, but she could not leave them.

So we packed the rest of our supplies, pots, pans, bottles, spoons, plates, sleeping bags, flashlights...


We trekked to the living room, to find a nice even, and clean site, and set up the Dr. Seuss tent. Dash was in charge of the fire pit. Which he was very particular about, it took at least 30 minutes for him to decide he wanted the cooking area flat and symmetrical.



Pink Ninja, was in charge of tucking babies in the tent, gathering bottles, and toys, and books for each of them.

Dash ended up cooking most of lunch, and fed 3 of the babies...

Not a bad day here at Casa De Dust, and the lunch of whole fried eggplant, and tuna and tomato soup was the best lunch I have had in years....

Today I did not mind the rain....

Third Eye

Every night I sit in the rocker recliner, and I read to "the collective". And during story time, there is a spot on Pink Ninja's forehead, that even at 2 1/2 is baby soft. Baby skin. It, is the softest skin I have ever touched. I sit and rub this spot, and eventually she will relax. I have noted, over the last couple of months-however, it is changing. It is no longer baby skin.......not as soft, it is disappearing. So now, every night when I sit, I contemplate skipping it entirely, because one of these nights "the spot" will be gone. The last of the baby skin in the house will be gone.

Last night, was no different, I turn on the lamp, and we sit in dim light and begin to read. My Dash, wraps his little hands around my forehead, and leans into my face . He then says, Mommy your forehead has wrinkles that look like a rainbow".....

I wonder what my own Mother would have thought of my baby skin evolving into a rainbow of wrinkles?

One of The Sweetest Voices...

It is Saturday, and that means hunting music here at Casa De Dust...

So, most of the morning I have spent listening to Rilo Kelly, who I have mentioned here before.

The great news is lead singer Jenny Lewis, has released a new album without the other members of Rilo Kelly. The new album, Rabbit Fur Coat by Jenny Lewis and The Watson Twins.

The new album is simple, not gospel, not country, not pop, not folk......I am in love with this....TAKE A LISTEN..I think this song, probably is my favorite, she sounds amazing!!

If I Were Emma Peel.....

I would seriously run over to SWG for this fish out of water tale.

All of them

Joisey Jimbo's first day snooping

Socailizing

The answering machine

lastly

Scoots PeaPatch...

Sisters in Arms...

One of my favorite things about the mil-blogging conference, the women. The Angels, and the Wives, the Mammas, the Organizers, the News breakers, the Women in Uniform, the menders, the Filmmakers, and the Volunteers. What an inspirational bunch.

I really was proud to stand by you, and sit by you, and talk with you.

Brave women, all of them in their own rights. It seems as if those, that have been hit the hardest had the biggest smiles of all.

I got to thank a lot of the Soldier's Angels. I tried to make a point of thanking each one of them.

You see, when my Dear Husband was deployed for 18 months, I prayed for the best, and prepared for the worst. There were days, I was afraid to come home, or watch the news. There were the 72 hour blackouts, in which these families would be receiving notification of deaths....

I did take comfort in knowing an organization like Soldiers Angels existed, and that, if something ever did happen. I knew I could call on them. Because I knew I would not know what direction to go. I knew they had my back. So honestly, there were certain things I did not look into, that I probably should have. Simply because I could not bear the details. So my plan seriously included, calling Soldiers Angels if something happened. Those are big shoes to fill, and ladies, it is a lot for me to ask of you. However it allowed me to preserve what was left of my optimism.

The best part is, we did not have to ask you to serve us. You did it, because you knew we needed you. You knew what "we needed", when we did not, or could not bear to think about it. That is truly amazing.

My Family thanks you.



*apologies to anyone inadvertantly left out of this post, 200 people in 72 hours..ouch*

EUREKA!!

Found Over at Gaping VOID!! I think I have figured out how to make money at blogging!!

Come on already, I know you want to....

So the interview at Basil's place is round the corner. Questions close on 5/7....so hurry already. Ask me ALMOST anything. Boxers or briefs? DO I floss daily, what habit of mine most infuriates my Dear Husband? Get all of the extra boring details.

You know you want to.

*readers please note, if I only get 5 or so questions, I will die of embarassment, you do not want me to die do you?* >(There are children here that need a Momma, and DH is really too young to be a widow. )

Surely, Shirley

So, Uncle Jimbo made me an offer to be my t-shirt babe. Despite what he says "about me using smoke and mirrors".Uncle Jimbo, are you calling me a liar?

Now, I get this photo in my e-mail...hmmmm curious....

I am sure Uncle Jimbo sent it, in effort to appear more "toddlermom friendly"...
attached with it was a note that read.

"If Special Forces guys can wear prod-uct in hair, I can drink Shirley Temples."

signed-

not Uncle Jimbo

So I wrote the following reply~

*the job is yours if you want it*

signed-

not AWTM

Slow Dive

Last night, I was talking to my Sister in Law. She is by trade, and education, an elementary school teacher. She has 18 days left, until school is out.

T'was, a great reminder that summer is ALMOST here....damn summer and its hot temperatures. If this summer is anything like last, we will soon be sufferring 100 degree temperatures, with 97% humidity.

This means one thing, swimsuit season has happenned upon me.

Not exciting news, despite all of my hard work and efforts, I am not anywhere I was hoping to be.

The good news is, last years suit, a little big.

The bad news is, I spent a small fortune on the darn thing.

The good news is, I get to go shopping.

The bad news is, I will be standing under 500 watt light bulbs in front of a 360 mirror, in a swimsuit.......

What a frightening way to spend an afternoon.

Wrong Side of the Bed.....

I think as adults, we have "bad days". The days where we are not oursleves, grouchy, and unsure why. These kinds of days are often referred to as "I should have stayed in bed today", "waking on the wrong side of the bed".

Yesturday was one of those days for Dear Dash. Pink Ninja has few of those days. Oh she does have them, just not often. So I count on Dash to have a bad day at least once out of every 9 days.

It is sad to me, they are so frequent, and that somethimes NOTHING helps.

So yesturday, I had to plug in harder than normal, and tell him, even Mommy and Daddy have bad days. I also feel it is my job as his tour guide of this planet to teach him how to deal with bad days. I am no expert, I retreat on bad days.

Today seems better, there are art projects, construction paper, scissors and glue, boxes that were sitting in the garage with no purpose. We are "making creations"....

He is quietly cutting, and sitting. Pink Ninja chewing on crackers as a mid-morning snack... fighting sleep. You see Pink Ninja needs a nap every day at 10:00am. She rarely gives in to the sleep beast. She will fight her way out of a nap, before giving in....

And Mom, well even though I literally "rolled" out of bed because I am fighting my own beasts of time and gravity, it is a good day.

Twisted...

Heat is used in Bikram Yoga in order to allow you to go deeper and safer into a Yoga Pose. Your body becomes more flexible in the heat and since most poses used in Bikram are physically challenging, heat allows you to get into a pose that you never imagined you can do. It also eliminates the risk for injuries, promotes sweating and helps you release the toxins in your body. The poses not only work on your muscles but also your internal organs. Each pose stretches and strengthens your muscles, joints, and ligaments and, at the same time release the toxins and work on your internal organs like the Glands and the Nervous System.
Last night I attended yoga,at the studio. No pilates, no yolattes, straight yoga. Bikram and Ashatanga styles ruling the evening. A very hard practice last evening. I was pushed hard. I woke this morning sore. A lot of twisted poses, which help release toxins.

Have you ever had a deep tissue massage, and woke up feeling like you have been beaten?

I woke this morning feeling like that.

Yeah, I know hydrate. Just when I think I am strong, and fexible, I am reminded that I have not been working myself hard enough.

Ask Me ALMOST anything......

I signed up to be interviewed at Basil's. The questions close 5/7, so hurry and run over. I would be truly embarrssed, if there were no questions.

Oh, and you can ask almost anything. ALMOST..

Position of the Week #17

"Life isn’t measured by the number of breaths you take, but by the moments that take your breath away. (author unknown)"

Some call it King Dancer, others Nataraja-asana

The King of the Dance Pose
Translation: The Sanskrit word nata means dancer and raja means king. Nataraja is another name for Shiva, the Lord of the Dance, whose cosmic dance is the creation and destruction of the world.

The pose is gorgeous, even when not done as well as the young woman in the photo, it is a gorgeous pose.

Perform the nataraja-asana gracefully as if dancing, yet firmly with focused attention.

This posture helps to strengthen your sense of balance and concentration. The arch formed by the back and stretched leg gently aligns the vertebrae of the spine restoring suppleness and easing strain caused by poor posture or long periods of sitting. It tones the muscles of the hips and legs as well as stimulates the chest muscles.

In need of Prayer....

Tonight I am sitting here in my kitchen, trying to read some of the folks I met at the mil-blogging conference. So I go over to Most Certainly Not, and find Greg.

It seems Greg is 34, served his time in Iraq, and has just been diagnosed with colon cancer.
Say a prayer for him, and his family, and send a card, or note

Greg - Room 336
Wesley Medical Ctr.
5001 Hardy St.
Hattiesburg, MS 39402

I know you all will do your absolute best

Thank You

Awww

While my Sister was here visiting, we also took Pink Ninja and Dash to the zoo!!

I will leave the light on

So I watched the car drive up the lane, and they were gone. Pink Ninja and I left waving at the moving car. The sky blue, the birds chirping and my jasmine vine blooming...


I had the pleasure of playing hostess to very good friends.

I hear a tap- tap -tap on my rear kitchen door, and I peek out and see Tammi!!! So I go out and hug her, and drag her in my house kicking and screaming. I always forget how absolutely tall Tammi is. DH, walked in the kitchen, and I said..."I told you she was tall". DH who is a hugger, gave Tammi a big squeeze. Yeah, I think he hugged her first. That may be a first in herstory.

That One Guy, stopped in again. Always a great guest, he was immediately grabbed by Dash and pulled into playing trains. Dash also greeted T1G, by saying, "I defeated you at air hockey!!"

We got to dine on my meatloaf, a couple of cocktails followed and then cherry pie.

Bedtime was late, and Casa De Dust smallish, so T1G got the couch. Tammi got to room with Pink Ninja. (personal note to Tammi...did you knock your head on the petite chandelier?) I guess Tammi slept well. T1G claims I have a ghost, he did not sleep well and heard knocks, and noises all night. That, is just Great T1G, no ghosts, until you bring them from Illinois, or Austin or wherever you folks have been . On second thought, while T1G and Tammi were in Austin, they went to Stevie Ray Vaughns resting place. Heck maybe the house is now haunted by Mr. Vaughn now. I do not think DH would mind, but I for one, ain't a fan of hauntings...

This morning, it was coffee, breakfast, and watching Pink Ninja curl up on Tammi's lap, Dash making contraptions for T1G, T1G making paper airplanes for Dash. More coffee, and more Army Wife stomping her feet, "do ya have to go"?"

Safe travels, enjoy the meatloaf sandwiches, and when tired, pull over.

Oh, and I have lived down South for a while now, so I can say this

"yawl' come back now ya hear"

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