A Final Farewell

I began blogging in 2008 as a way to connect with family and let them know what's going on in our lives.  Through blogging I've found an amazing network of women, mothers and friends.  More than posting myself, I enjoy reading your posts, what's happening in your life.  I find humor in your family circus, inspiration in your faith in God through hard times, endurance during trying times. 

Since the beginning I said when I'm done I'd create a book of my blog posts.  Now is the time to do that.  I've been moved to stop because a couple of much loved bloggers also stopped feeling guilty for this that and the other.  They are too busy to blog.  Other things in life are too important and deserve that time.  I never spend family time posting.  But I spend hubby time.  Study time.  Cleaning time.  Reading time.  Please-for-the-love-give-yourself-a-pedicure time.   I'm taking back that time (even though you can see I haven't spent much time or thought lately).  I'd like to create a catalogue of memories in photo books, not a public website.  Something tangible and tactile that we can enjoy as a family. 

For those family members that might feel like you'll lose touch, let's not.  Let's visit more, email, call, send snail mail, whatever it takes.  For my bloggy friends, thanks so much for coming back for so long.  I've really appreciated the sense of community you've provided me.  I'll continue reading blogs I enjoy. 

Thank you all so much for your support and encouragement to keep going.  It's been a real joy.  I'm very excited to spend this time doing things I may value as much.  And I'm a little flakey and indecisive, you know, I may come back.  For now...farewell.

5QF - Clean Freak

It's Five Question Friday time and as always I love it, I love that it's Friday but today...today I have a dental appointment.  And I'm scared of the dentist.  Not because of what she said.  I really like her and she helps me feel comfortable but eihhh, the needle, the pointy things in my mouth, the gagging feeling.  I dread it.  I'm also reading to B's class directly after which should be funny since half my face might still be numb.  I'll be a hit with the kindergartner set.  Then on to B's skating party tonight.  That should be tons of fun since I wiped out last night and hurt every part of my body.  Did you know I'm accident prone?  I totally am.  Anyway, onto the show!  And here's your warning, I'm talkative today!  If you want to link up head on over to My Little Life and give Mama M a shout out for me!

1. Have you worn the same outfit more than one day in a row?
Guilty.  When I buy something new (under garments aside) I don't wash them at first.  I wear it a couple times and if I really really feel good in it, those times are on consecutive days.  Then I wash it.  You know it never fits the same after a wash.  Especially for someone like me with long gorilla arms.

2. If you had to choose any LARGE city to live in, which would it be?
Well I kind of live in one don't I?  I pick Kansas City.  It has everything for a family.  There are 50 communities united as one so we don't have to live "in the city".  There are so many activities, festivals, museums, restaurants, and venues for the arts that it really can't be beat.  I can get anywhere in 20 minutes or less, traffic isn't hideous and some smart fella planned the roads out to run north/south/east/west so no winding freeways, confusion and chaos I've seen in other cities.  Now if we can get Nip's family to move here!  T'would be really perfect!

3. Fly or drive with the kids on vacation?
I used to scream from the top of my lungs FLY!  But now that Bitty is a little older I'm not sure I could handle that.  She's a wonderful baby but very busy so I'm not sure I could entertain her.  And she doesn't watch tv so I couldn't distract her with that.  I think I want to drive to Colorado for spring break.  Ten + hours?  Well living in Louisville we drove the 11 hours to KC and back once a month so I think we could handle it.  And I've never seen the other side of Kansas which I hear is nothing to see but I've also heard God cleared the path so we can see clearly there.  I like the thought of that. 

4. What is your idea of "spring cleaning"?
Ewwww (excited squeals) I just love spring cleaning.  It's a fresh start, it ushers in the daffodils and warmer days.  I've already started actually.  It's a several week process around here.  I cleaned my car, had it detailed, put things up, cleared out toys to toss and give away (they are everywhere!), when I do my regular cleaning I also get the baseboards, dust around the upper corners of the rooms, ceiling fans, blinds, picture frames, lamp shades, move the furniture and vacuum there, toss old food, clear out clothes (more on this later as I'm participating in my 1st consignment sale at the trade center soon-any suggestions or helpful hints please???), I strip the beds of wintry linens and put down nice light spring ones, buy fresh flowers, dust off my shoes (yeah, I know) and clean up the yard.  Mmm, I love me some cleaning!  Call me Monica Gellar.

5. What is the best book you have ever read?
I wish I had more time to read but I just don't.  And honestly, the books that give me the best memories are those I read to my kiddos.  So I love You Can Do It Sam, Mama Llama series and Oh My Baby, Little One but my favorite?  Guess How Much I Love You.

Who Likes VD?

I'm a day late linking up with the RHOK but here I am.  Baloney told me to.  I do what people tell me. 

The ladies ask how I celebrate Valentines Day.  This is one of my favorite days of the year.  Not my favorite holiday.  I don't consider it a holiday, just a very special day.  But I love it.  It's a day for love, paper valentines, candy, flowers, pink and red and white, hearts and glitter, cookies, strawberries, a fine meal and decadent dessert. 

Usually we go out for a nice date close to the day.  Last weekend when Nip's parents were up visiting we went to Garozzo's, our favorite Italian restaurant in KC and saw True Grit at the movies.  Apparently we don't get out much because the theater has gone gourmet.  I had caramel popcorn covered in three types of chocolate drizzle, caramel and chocolate chips.  I have craved them since.  It was a nice night to throw on a skirt and some heels.  I don't get to do that very often. 

I'm a sucker and can't wait until the day of to give someone their gift so I gave Nip his gift Friday night.  Yesterday I took B to school then set about making 2 dozen sugar cookies for his class to decorate during their party.  I split all the non perils, sparkles and sprinkles in different cupcake liners, cut 2 pounds of strawberries and gathered the stuff for the games.  His party was really great, much better than Halloween so I guess I'm learning. 

After school B and I played out in the wonderful weather a while and a dozen roses were delivered to me.  Nip got off work, grabbed our baby girl from daycare and stopped off at Carraba's for some carry out.  It was a wonderful low key evening with valentine cards for each other and my gift.  I thought it was strange I got Nip a funny card and he got me such a sweet one.  I guess that's who we are.  I couldn't believe I received a card, flowers and a present.  Too much!  But I'll take it and love it!

My Gift

And now that I've bored you to sleep I'll lull you a little more.  Our first Valentines occurred only a month or so into our relationship.  It was so weird and uncomfortable for me.  I make a big deal out of this day but I didn't want to scare him off by going overboard.  So I did what any crafty girl would do.  I bought him a heart shaped box and filled it with his favorite candy.  Then I made dinner.  A stuffed steak with roasted potatoes and asparagus.  It was amazing.  It hooked him.  Little did he know it cost my entire month's grocery budget to make.  I was a single mom after all.  No no B didn't starve.  I just ate spaghetti for a month.  It was so worth it because it worked!  And I haven't made that meal since.

Red Roots

Today, in honor of Valentine's Day I'm rocking red roots in my hair.  No, no, not a full head of lusciously beautiful red hair.  Just red roots.  You see, my sister suggested I use some root touch up stuff to extend my visits to the salon.  The price and amount of time it takes is getting to be a lot and apparently my hair is growing like I'm pregnant again (I'm so not) so it's only been 6 weeks since my last visit.  So I put the stuff in, kept it on longer like she said, rinsed, let dry and oh my!  Red roots.  My sister must be a chemist because this isn't anywhere near the dark blonde/ash brown the box showed. 

Have you ever done this? 

Luckily I have an appointment this week to get that fixed right up.  Good thing I didn't cancel that appointment before I tried this stuff because my girl books up 6-8 weeks in advance!  SO, as room mom I'll be at B's school party today and all the other mom's can gawk at my red roots.  But I'm going with the excuse that it's part of the theme.

5QF - Now I Want Chips Dipped in Chocolate

It's Friday again!  I love how predictable it is.  I love it.  Love.  Well since I've been so busy enjoying life these are my favorite posts because I don't have to be creative.  I just lay it out there for you.  If you want to join head over to My Little Life and link up!

1. Would you rather be on ABC's Extreme Home MakeOver or TLC's What not to Wear?
Really?  Really???  Do you know how much I love Clinton Kelly!?!  I will keep my opinion of Stacy London to myself.  I'm sure we agree though.  And I could use some help.  I feel like I have a few stylish pieces but I can't put stuff together.  I can't accessorize to save my life.  So I would feel happy to have their help.  I just wouldn't throw all my clothes away for it.  It's not like my closet is chock full o' vinyl crop tops and mesh skirts.  On a side note, I would absolutely love to be on Extreme Home Make Over.  Not a recipient because I'm so undeserving of something like that.  I want to work with the kiddos and create a room beyond their dreams.

2. Do you have any tattoos?
Okay, I always skirt this issue but you know what that means.  When I was 18 I got one.  It's not small, it's not pretty.  I'm ashamed of it and some day I'd like it removed.  I've already told B in graphic detail how a tattoo is done.  I think I've scared him enough that he won't ever get one.  And I'd share the SNL skit with you about the mini van mommy tramp stamp because it's so funny and so true but I can't find it and as a matter of fact the only things you find when searching that are VERY dirty.  That makes me feel even worse.  If anyone spots it, I'm mortified.  So listen to me kiddies, don't get one!  It really is forever!

3. Do you tell your kids about things you did growing up?
I have but they have been mild so far since it's mostly about sharing, making friends and bullies.  But in the future when it gets more serious I do plan on being open with my kids.  I want them to trust me and communicate with me and I think being open and honest is the only way a family can succeed.

4. If the traffic signal turns yellow, do you stop or speed up?
Well it depends how close I am to the cross-walk and if there's a car behind me.  Say I'm 5 feet away and there's a car 20 feet behind me, I'm going to speed up and get through it instead of slamming on my breaks.  But in our area we have some HUGE intersections, seriously, like 10 lane intersections so in those I stop if I sense the light will turn yellow.  I'm not playing chicken with my babies in the car!

5. What's your preference: chocolate or chips?
Haven't you seen the chocolate dipped Ruffles?  Mmmm.  Why choose.  Salty and sweet are a heavenly pair.