I'm a posting fool today!!!

See how much I missed this??? It's taking up my whole day!!! Here are more pictures!!!

Oh, and don't forget to scroll way down... I posted about 7 times today!!!

TO MAKE UP FOR WORDLESS WEDNESDAY MISSED

My manchild, Will

Johnny and his new board!

Bill's Idea of posing... aren't I lucky?

Not quite the same effect as a shadow effect I love... but this will do.

Beach Camping Diaries Volume 4

Okay, this is the last Beach Diary... I didn't write everyday. Too busy collecting shells and having bonfires...

Bill worked this entire week. The good thing is that his office is only 10 minutes away... so coming home to us was easy... but he also went home twice to coach his baseball games, and that took him away from any semblance of a vacation for him too.

We did have fun with him over the weekend though. It's amazing how just being away from home for a while can help you remember what it was that made you fall in love with your spouse. He is funny. I mean really witty. I forgot what a great smile and teeth he has. I forgot how drop dead gorgeous his green eyes are. I forgot how much he loves his mom. He was excited she was coming to visit. It was cute.

I forgot how proud of his boys he is. I mean, peacock proud. I forgot how much he adores me. ME! I give that man no reason to love me sometimes... and yet... he does.

He also has a great laugh... and after almost 17 years together... I noticed I have adopted his laugh.

He drives me bonkers, procrastinates like nobody's business, and never remembers to turn out the lights when he leaves a room, but he is mine, and I am his, and two days on the beach, tickling each other in the sand, made me remember why.

Thanks Honey! I had a great time this week!

Ciao!

Beach Camping Diaries Volume 3

Rving is a funny thing.

I was relaxing in a chair after lunch today just outside our RV. 2 p.m. is check in time so there I was looking out at the ocean, when a line of Rv's start to line up to the entrance to the site. Some RV's cost more than my house 3 X's over, and some, not so much.

As I was watching... I noticed something... my sociology professor would have been proud...

I noticed the guys with the BIG "ar...ar...ar...", really expensive RV's drove vveerrryyy slowly and did a LOT of looking around at each person making sure they saw him and what he was driving.

Conversely, those with the not so fabulous RV's just look straight ahead, looking for their spot number. It was like a bunch of peacocks showing off their plumes. After about 5 RV's I was able to predict what each driver would do. The women drivers showed no difference at all.

THEY showed off their "feathers" in other ways, if you catch my drift.

The womens feathers weren't a big metal box on wheels, but are more of the silicone persuasion.

The weather is warm, so the new purchases are being displayed, as soon as possible.

Might I venture to say, that while some looked like they just enhanced their beautiful forms, some "over invested" in their new purchases, and back pain is just a few years away?

What pained me, and other mom's too, because we discussed it... was the amount of teenagers with new purchases. THEY HAVEN'T EVEN STARTED GROWING YET! The mom's would help the daughters "showcase" themselves, right out in the open! I wanted to scream at them

"Give her a chance to be a young girl! Let her body grow up and mature first!!!"

Whatever... I think 16 is wwaaayyy too young... Thank God I have boys!

You know... I hate having to reach down to my knees to pick up my "girls" and if I ever wanted to go under the knife to "perk them up" that would be my decision... because I'm 40! But 16-25? Too young. Too too young.

Does anyone else agree?

Ciao, bellisima!

Beach Camping Diaries Volume 2

Day Two

86 degrees in March! I LOVE CALIFORNIA!

We woke up whenever we darned well pleased, ate a leisurely breakfast and headed out to the water. Catalina looks so close you can touch it.

Since it's Easter, I've planned a dinner of Shrimp Cocktail, Alaskan Salmon, steamed potatoes, and my famous Goat Cheese Appetizer on fresh Baguettes. YUM!

Bill didn't tell me until we were already here that his Mom was coming to camp for a night at the campsite. I just don't understand men, and the gene they lost to fully disclose happenings in their lives. I would have loved that information ahead of time... you know?

There is a sweet little girl next to us that is in a wheelchair, and when they take her out of it, she scoots all over the sand and has a blast in the sun.

Last night, during the baseball game on the sand, I saw the kids taking turns carrying her all around the bases. My heart bleeds for her... such a lovely little spirit, unable to use her legs... but such a lucky girl to have all those handsome men carrying her everywhere she wanted to go!

Her family is so sweet, and they stayed as long as we did, so the kids played together alot.

Maxine (Bill's Mama) and Hank (not Bill's Mama), came around 2 p.m. ish. We had a nice dinner then retired to their gorgeous new RV just down the way.

I had a terrible case of swollen feet, and Max gave me a stool to put my feet up on, in her spacious, house like RV! We played Cranium and had fun. Now I need an RV with popouts.

Max is the one that literally gave us our RV for a steal, so I'm not complaining... but once you go popout, it's hard to go back...

I will not covet... I will not covet... I will not covet...

Hey! I'm Italian! Coveting is in the genes!!!

Ciao!

Beach Camping Diaries Volume 1

I kept a diary of sorts during our little trip to the beach last week. Now that I have finished washing all the linens from the motorhome, I can post... enjoy!

Evening 1

Wouldn't you know it... we get to our site, eat dinner, (I made a Taco Dip and we bought crab salad) and who moves their gorgeous, 40 foot mansion on wheels right next door to us, but a gorgeous family, chock full of gorgeous, teenaged 14-16 yr old SON STEALERS! (that's my name for girls)

I'm beginning to think that not only does God had a fabulous sense of humor... but he just might be the teensiest, tiniest bit sadistic when it comes to me and my Mamadom. (To my God fearing readers... that was not meant blasphemously, only in jest... God knows my sense of humor... after all...He gave it to me!)

The weather is warm, sweet, and condusive to skimpy clothing, perfect eye candy for my sons. I'm thinking of getting them all braces with headgear that must be worn only during the day, feeding them nothing but lunchables and sundaes, and buying their clothes from Geeks R Us.

Sound like a plan???

Here I was... thinking that during our Spring Break Vacation, I could have some great bonding time with my men, and just as Will and I get into a great conversation about whatever, one of those gorgeous, two legged, bronze skinned, bikini clad, son stealers walks by, and he can't remember the next word in his sentence. It's cute... to an extent... but people! I'm not READY for this! I am NOT mentally prepared! William just got here, a mere 14 years ago!

I need/want/must have/ MORE TIME!

I was just chatting with Kathy C the other day at our game, "it was just yesterday when I was holding him with one arm, cradling his head, cooing at him to make him smile, and now he's this 5'8", 160 lb, hairy, MANCHILD!"

I blinked, and here is this handsome Manboy, and all I want to do is cradle him, stroke his cheek and give him sippy cup!

And then there is Johnny. He is seriously girl crazy. At any given time, if you ask him how many girlfriends he has, he will give you a number between 30-40. The BEST part is that I am in the number 1 spot! SEE! THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKIN ABOUT! That's a boy with his priorities straight!

Oy Vay... I have an entire week if this!

Oh yeah! That evening, and entire swarm of son stealers moved in to nearby spots and asked if my sons wanted to play beach baseball. I've never seen Will move so fast in my entire life. He was up and out in 2 seconds flat.

I'M DOOMED!

But hey! They were fully clothed, and not once did one of them mention that some random baby was theirs! PROGRESS!

Thanks for reading!

Ciao!

I'm BBBAAACCCKKKK!!!

Boy oh Boy did I miss you!

Every day... I was looking at the gorgeous ocean and thinking... I want to blog about this... right now!

The weather was PERFECT, I am toasty brown, the kids had a blast and I have so much to blog about!

Too pooped tonight, too much laundry, but in the morning, I will be rarin to go!

It's good to be back!

ciao

MASTER WORDSMITH... MAYA ANGELOU

I want to leave you for the week, on a high note. This is my most favorite poem of all time.

I'll be back... writing everyday, next week... until then...

Have a wonderful holiday, stay safe, have fun, and I will try to think of you while I am reading a wonderful book, on the edge of the country.

PHENOMENAL WOMAN

by Maya Angelou

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies

I'm not cute or built to suit a model's fashion size

But when I start to tell them

They think I'm telling lies. I say...

It's in the reach of my arms

The span of my hips The stride of my steps

The curl of my lips.

I'm a woman Phenomenally Phenomenal woman

That's me. I walk into a room

Just as cool as you please

And to a man The fellows stand or Fall down on their knees

Then they swarm around me

A hive of honey bees.

I say It's the fire in my eyes

And the flash of my teeth

The swing of my waist

And the joy in my feet.

I'm a woman Phenomenally Phenomenal woman

That's me. Men themselves have wondered What they see in me

They try so much

But they can't touch My inner mystery.

When I try to show them

They say they still can't see.

I say It's in the arch of my back

The sun of my smile

The ride of my breasts

The grace of my style.

I'm a woman Phenomenally Phenomenal woman

That's me. Now you understand

Just why my head's not bowed I don't shout or jump about

Or have to talk real loud

When you see me passing

It ought to make you proud.

I say It's in the click of my heels

The bend of my hair

The palm of my hand

The need for my care.

Cause I'm a woman Phenomenally Phenomenal woman

That's me.

UPDATE: New school, or not..., NOT!

I have decided to keep the kids where they are for another year.

This morning, I went to the school to judge the art exhibits the kids made in grades k-6.

When I met all the other Mamas in the quad, they all came rushing up to me asking why I was taking my kids out of the school, and which school did I choose and why?!?

I just stared at them blankly for second and then I knew which of my little snitches told on me.

I asked them "Are you relying on an 8 year old source for your information?"

They all nodded and laughed.

I assured them we aren't going anywhere just yet... but that I had gone to LLA, and had campus envy. They all understood, laughed and we got on with our task at hand... to judge the budding artists.

Wow! There are some really talented kids! Of course, I didn't judge 3rd or 5th grade, that would have been biased... even though I have no problem saying Alex is NOT an artist when it comes to drawing or other mediums. He is more of a performance artist, he likes being the center of attention in class and loves doing stand up. I have NO idea where he gets it. He only LOOKS like a shy kid.

Johnny saw me at school and ran up to me, grabbed my hand, told everyone I was his Mama, and I was a judge. He smothered me with kisses and then, much to my chagrin, pointed to a child that terrorizes him and yelled "That's her Mom, that's the one who needs soap in her mouth... just like you said!"

If you EVER need to know something... Johnny is the man to ask. I swear! I turned 15 different shades of red, backed away slowly, and realized that the girl's Mama was one of the ladies I was judging with. She pointed at me... asked if I was Johnny's Mama, and said.... "I am so sorry for what my little girl did..." I was floored. I, too, apologized for his retaliation, and we just talked and talked for another half hour. Raising kids is hard... trying to raise good ones is even harder.

Sheesh! It's been quite an emotional roller coaster of a week for me.

I hope your Holiday is wonderful!

Ciao Ciao!

THURSDAY 13 Things I love about the Beach!

1. The ocean spray on my face.

2. The clean smelling air.

3. The sound of the ocean.

4. Making sand castles with my kids.

5. Everything tastes better at the beach.

6. Bonfires every night.

7. Shells, lots and lots of shells

8. Seeing dolphins swim past every evening before dinner.

9. The sheer joy my kids have while surfing.

10. Lifeguards... need I say more?

11. Sunsets that blow me away.

12. Standing on the very edge of our country... the very edge, is kinda cool!

13. The calm I feel knowing how powerful the ocean is, and there is nothing I can do to control its strength. It's one thing I don't want to control.

HAPPY KEESTER!

Wordless Wednesday V

This is how my hair looks on a bad hair day.

This reminds me of my boys... guess who's who!

This is where we will be next week!

This is what we are having for dinner tonight!

I'm sooo confused!!!

This is how I feel today.

AAAHHHHH!

Yesterday, William had an away game. It was at another private school... oh boy was I coveting.

This school is very close to home, it has every concievable amenity...

immaculate grounds, lots of students, uniforms (which I love), tons of corporate sponsorships, and the tuition of a large private university (okay, THAT, isn't an amenity)

Actually, it isn't much more than we pay right now for tuition, and even though our school is growing by leaps and bounds each year, we still don't have a gym. During the game, I happened to be sitting in front of one of the board of directors of the school and I asked many, many questions (during time outs, of course.)

He was so gracious. He answered each one. Now I have a dilemma.

I called the school this morning, requested applications, and inquired about placement. YIKES!

What I thought was going to be a very difficult phone call to my hubby, turned out to be a very good phone call. He just sweetly said for me to do what I felt was best for our kids. I was floored! And now I am torn.

My kids have been attending their school now since Kindergarten. We know EVERYONE there, I get privileges that many don't, and the kids adore their school.

Johnny, upon arrival to the other school, yelled from the back seat... "Mom, I wanna go here!"

So maybe adore was a strong word. Johnny is all about comfort.

OY VAY!

I'll just wait for the applications and see... yes? No? AAAHHH!

I already paid my registration for 2008-2009 school year yesterday at our school.

Ugh!

Maybe I'll look back at this entry in a few weeks and laugh.

I sure hope so.

bye for now...

Catching Up with Longtime friends...

This week, while waiting at school for William during his Basketball practice, I decided to make a few phone calls to friends that I haven't talked to in a while.

One lives in Texas and one lives in Murrietta.

I met both in Pampered Chef. Andrea, I met at a show, she wanted to join my biz that day, and Nancy, I met at her house. She is a Director too, and we became close during a Las Vegas retreat.

I was so happy to get an e mail from Andrea the other day. She is pregnant with her second child and I was shocked and thrilled at the same time. The last time I saw her, while she graciously took Nancy and I shopping in Dallas in 2007, she was not going to ever have another child. My, My, My... how things change. ;)

A little about Andrea. She is kind of a shero of mine. She and her husband, are risk takers. No, not the bungee jumping, base jumping sort... I don't think!,

but risk takers in business and in life.

When the entire country was purchasing too big of homes, going into too much debt, just buying things to keep up with the Jones's, SHE and her hubby went the opposite direction.

They sold their HUMONGOUS, custom built home on acres of land and bought a house they could better afford, with a payment that wouldn't break a bank, and became virtually debt free.

BRAVA! BRAVA!

They chose to work to live, not live to work. It was inspiring. It really helped me make my decision NOT to sell my house and buy a bigger one. It helped me see that I could make my little house lovely and functional and not owe on it until our deaths.

They put their dreams into action. So many people don't do that these days. Andrea and Eric are inspirational people, and I have missed talking with her more often.

Hopefully, this blog will help us stay in better contact.

Nancy, Nancy, Nancy... is an exceptional person. We have been roommates for 7 years at all our Conferences and Leaderships all over the country.

Quite possibly the most positive person on the planet!

I call her the Disneyland Mom, because being her daughter would be like being in Disneyland all the time. She was one of those Mama's that sewed, baked, giggled, entertained, danced, cryed, and just about did everything with her daughters.

Her 3 daughters are grown and getting out of college soon, (one set of twins, and a singleton) and do you know what Nancy told me she is going to do now? She and her hubby are going to become Foster Parents!

I know!!! WOW!!!

You should have heard the passion in her voice when she was describing the kids they met. It was awe inspiring! They will make the best Foster Parents ever. If those kids real parents ever come to claim them from her, those kids will kick and scream not to leave her. It's hard to go "Nancy Free".

I really have to get better about keeping in touch with my buddies. Living far away is not an excuse. At least not anymore...

Thanks ladies, for inspiring me yet again.

Have a show today, gonna go get ready for it.

Have a great day!

Ciao!

Snack Bar Stories

I worked the snack bar at our local baseball park for the first time ever last night.

Holy Cow, it's like a job!

Like real work job!

I haven't had a 'real' job in... oh, I don't know...15 years or so.

I had a bunch of teenagers in with me.

It was fun, and tiring, and educational all rolled into one.

I will say this... There are teens with a real work ethic, and it made me feel good about our future leaders.

Those young people worked! Hard! I was so proud of them and for them!

I felt very old, very uncool, but they were a joy to be around.

Good kids, all.

I have tons of ideas about how to maximize the profits of our little enterprise, and get more kids involved with serving others and making some extra money on the side.

My favorite part of any job I have ever had is customer service. It is SUCH fun dealing with the general public. I try to make it my mission to make even the most sourest of faces, smile when they are just buying a hot dog!

We ran out of hot dog buns, and we had prepped a bunch of hot dogs ahead of time. I hate to see that go to waste, so the ladies and I came up with a name for a new concoction to as not to waste anything and lose profits. Since there were no buns, we made a "Carb Free Hot dog" just a hot dog with a little chili and cheese and a fork. It went over well!

One lady came to the window and conspiratorially asked me if I hated working with a bunch of teens. I took mild offense to it. She had come up to the window a little earlier, and was just a tad bit rude to the teens. I noticed it, but didn't want to make a fuss... but when she asked me outright, I went ahead and gave her a gentle education.

I told her that, like all people, teens react to how others treat them. IF you come at them with respect and treat them like a person, and not an underling, they will rise to any occasion and show you how mature they can be. They just want to prove they can accomplish something, and do well... just like everyone else.

I had a ball with these young people. I found them polite, respectful, hardworking, trustworthy, and above all, the ones I had in there with me, gave service to our customers with a smile.

That woman just stared at me, paid for her food, and promptly turned around, clearly upset she didn't have a comrad in arms with me.

I am proud to say, one the hardest working kids was my own son William. It's amazing how completely night and day a kid can be at home or working outside the home.

I was pleasantly surprised.

They all worked hard.

Brava, Bravo people!

Teens are people too!

Ciao!

Thursday 13

THURSDAY REASONS I LOVE BEING A MOM!

*********************************************

1. I love watching my beating heart walking around outside of my body. It's scary, joyful, heartwrenching, fantastic and awful all rolled into one!

2. I can say "Because I Said So" and it makes sense! (to me, anyway)

3. The second I became a Mama, I understood my Mama better, and liked her more, instantly.

4. They love me, flawed, broken or bad, they love me. It is truly miraculous.

5. Deep down I know the TEEN years won't last forever, and my wonderful children will eventually come back to me.

6. It is so exciting seeing my kids turn into people I would totally hang out with if they weren't my own kids. They are all so different and unique and have all their own likes and dislikes! It's like living in a mini United Nations!

7. Unlimited hugs and kisses from gorgeous men!

8. I LOVE BEING THE ONLY GIRL IN THE HOUSE! I RULE THE ROOST!

And they know, and don't mind!!!

9. I always have someone to play games with.

10. One day I will be a Nana! Then I can spoil them rotten!

11. My children have taught me things I never knew about myself. Some good, some bad, but all worthwhile knowing.

12. Having my breath taken away from me, in moments of sheer bliss, realizing that Bill and I MADE these people. They are uniquely who they are because two people loved each other so much, they were blessed to make a whole other person. I believe adoption to be the same type of thing. I think there has to be even more oozing love from people when they open their hearts to adopt.

13. Realizing that I would actually take a bullet for, stand in front of a train for, lift a car off of, risk my life protecting, hunt down and kill for, my three little darling, (sometimes bratty) (oftentimes me wishing I have a padded cell in the house) children.

Thanks for reading!

Ciao!

NOT SO WORDLESS WEDNESDAY V pt 3

Why, you might be asking... did I bother to post a picture of a man at the restaurant yesterday.

Well... let me tell you!

That man... right there...with the helmet on... had...get this...

10 fingers of

3 inch long hot pink painted

FINGERNAILS!!!!

I KID YOU NOT!!!

JOHNNY ALMOST CHOKED ON HIS LUNCH WHEN HE SAW THEM!

Of course, Johnny, being 8, and precocious, said very loudly...

"Hey Mom, that guy has pink, long fingernails!!! LIKE A GIIIRRRLLLL!"

I think I snorted a little bit of Pepsi from my nose... I was dying! and laughing... but mostly dying.

After I shot this shot, I tried to nonchalantly position my camera so that I might catch a glimpse of his luxurious nails. They were real too, because underneath was very discolored like real nails. But alas... no luck.

I wanted to ask him if he lost the bet... but thought better of it.

His table mates were a minister, the minister's wife, a 1 yr old baby girl and a young woman around 20 or so. The only reason I know this, is because at this restaurant, they play a game about the movie, Foresst Gump, which the entire restaurant is based on, and I won, and my opponents were the other table with "Male Nails". They were saying "Not fair, we don't watch movies that glorify drug use, and premarital sex, we're ministers"

Whatever!

Their tablemate had 3 inch long hot pink painted fingernails!

Dude!

So, yeah, yesterday was fun.

Johnny got quite an education... wouldn't you say?

Ciao, again!

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY V pt 2

Turtle Crossing!

Touching the sharks.

At Bubba Gumps with his new hat (Like Grandpa's) and Shark tooth necklace.

ALMOST WORDLESS WEDNESDAY V

I know! I know! I can't get enough of him!

Yes, sir... that's my baby!

Open! Open! Open!

WHAT A DAY!!!

Taxi... Oh Taxi!!!

That's what I felt like today. Tomorrow I'm gonna buy some yellow paint and paint my car bright yellow, and write

"Crazy Italian Mama's Taxi Service"

"Driver does not carry more than 50 cents at any given time."

"Payment would be great, but driver will take a kiss, a hug, and a "Thanks Mom" as payment"

Drove to Long Beach Aquarium for a field trip today for Johnny's third grade class. I have a car that fits 8, but I like to take just my kid when the drive is far, so we can have a "date".

We got there before everyone else, went to Starbucks, took some pictures, and hung out.

When the rest of his class arrived, we all filed into a classroom where we had a lesson on Sharks.

Then we were free to roam at our leisure.

Unfortunately, they took out the Jellyfish exhibit and only left a few jellies in other rooms, but Johnny adored the Stingrays, and would not budge until he touched every last one of the at least 5o in the tank. We went back to that twice. We bought some souveniers, and then everyone was to meet outside to eat their sack lunches. WE snuck out and had lunch at Bubba Gumps Shrimp Co. across the street. Hey! We were on a date!

We left early, so we could be home in time to spiffy up the house a little before getting his brothers, then it was basketball for William, Baseball after for Alex and Tae Kwon Do for all three. We got home at 8:45 tonight.

Remember that chant in high school in gym class...

"My back is breaking... by bra's too tight, swing your hips from left to right!"

That is what was going through my head all day.

I'll post pictures of today, tomorrow, on Wordless Wed.

I'm exhausted. Thank God I have a show tomorrow night so I can laugh and have a great time! I love my job! It's a party all the time!

My Director has a sticker that says

"My job's a party... what's yours like?"

I think it's funny.

I adore the ladies attending too. They are just too funny! They give me a run for my money! I have to me on my toes tomorrow night.

Just taped Idol. I love, love, love the rocker guy.

Love Him!

He sounds like the lead singer from Nickelback, one of my favorite Rock Bands. I love a raspy, deep voice. That David Hernandez guy, you know, the one that gave dudes lap dances? He has to go. He is not good.

I'm tired. Aren't you?

I'm going to go crochet myself to sleep.

Have a wonderful evening!

Ciao!

Manic Monday

Yesterday I spent the day prepping for the week as far as meals go... and in between that

I made the MASTER SCHEDULE for our little family.

I took 3 huge pieces of paper, a tea tin, some markers and 5 peoples schedules and made a

humungous calendar.

Each of us has our own color and each and every day we had a sport, work, class, Asb event, or game we plugged it in.

I kinda wish I had never done it. It looks pretty daunting... to see the goings on for the next 3 months on 3 giant pieces of paper. On some days I have to figure out how to be at three places at once. In the next 3 months, we have exactly 2 days where none of us has to be somewhere else. Bill took one look at that thing and just stared at it. Yeah, big waste of time. It just served to overwhelm us. I love being organized, but to see all you have to do in one big reminder piece of paper, is just too much. I know everyone else's lives are just as hectic, might I suggest not putting it all down where you can see it everyday. It looks much to much like we are trying to invent time travel or something.

Baseball starts tonight! I just love our team! Such a great group of nice people!

On Saturday night, we went to the drive in. We saw 10,000 BC and Fools Gold.

Don't know what to say about 10,000 BC. It was different.

My boys loved it.

We couldn't get over how the cavemen had such awesome white teeth, and their bodies were just filthy! I love that they caught that little overlook by the movie makers.

The leading lady is one of the most beautiful girls I have ever seen. She reminds me of Liz Taylor in National Velvet. They really made her eyes shine.

Okay, time for ear drops, coffee, watering my garden (I have lettuce and cilantro!)

and some long neglected Pampered Chef work.

Have a wonderful day!

Ciao!

Baseball Opening Day

Today was Opening Day for our little baseball league. It was a lot of fun.

Our team had a booth as a fundraiser for our end of year team party and other necessities for the team.

My Mama came by this morning... early and dropped off a HUGE load of

homemade peanut butter cookies and biscotti.

I made Pizzeles and Gourmet Popcorn with Angela

and Angela made a load of no bake oatmeal chocolate cookies. When she first said they were "boiled cookies" I almost gagged. There were yummy, and we switched the name to "no bake". ha ha!

The popcorn was not much of a hit, but we love it, so we will take it to the drive in tonight.

We also sold donuts, and those things are a gold mine.

Nothin' but profit.

It was fun because so many of us got along and helped out.

We have a lot of really nice people on our team, and we had lots of help.

Alex won a bat bag from a drawing! It was so cool! Isac won one too!

William took a Umpire class and Johnny just ran around looking cute. (okay, I'm his Mama, I thought he was cute... so there!)

Alex collected cans and bottles from the park and collected $17 for the day!

My little business man in the making!

I am pooped.

The ear is better. Finally got some prescription drops for them.

I can't hear out of it yet, but I hope to be able to soon.

Today, a lovely little girl, maybe about 6 came to our booth to buy a donut. Her Mama was signing to her asking her if she wanted a donut. The little girl had cute little purple hearing aids on, and I told her I loved purple too, and she noticed me pulling on my ear. She asked her Mom if I was deaf too, and I said to the little girl while her Mama signed to her "No, I am getting over a bad ear infection and my ear hurts, and I can't hear out of it unless I pull on it." She asked her Mama if she could please tell me where to get some cool purple hearing aids for me.

I laughed and she started pulling on her ears. I wanted to cry. I really wanted that pulling to work for her ears. Here I am complaining about my stupid ear infection,

and that baby can't hear at all, ever.

Kinda put things into perspective for me.

She was a sweetie. I hope she can hear someday.

Medical breakthroughs happen all the time now. And if she can't, I hope she continues to wish well on others, even though her circumstances pose challenges. If she keeps that attitude up, there is nothing she can't do!

How adorable was she to want me to have some purple coolness too!

Yeah, this little town a good place to live. Good people, good weather, good Mama and Daddies.

Have a great rest of the weekend!

Ciao! Ciao!

Friday Frenzy... For Real!

The ear is feeling better every day. No more pain meds... at all.

Giving my kidneys a much needed break.

Angela came over this morning and she made loads of Pizzelles and I made this Sweet and Salty Popcorn to sell tomorrow for our Yankee baseball team.

Lots of parents are donating lots of necessities and it is just great. It should be fun tomorrow.

I feel like I haven't actually "been" this week. Like... I was here, but not here. I was taking so much medication and sleeping off the pain during the days that I feel like I lost my entire week. Yesterday was the first day I felt coherent. I was forgetting entire conversations I had had, and answering the phone and not really remembering who it was or that I answered it.

I am a big girl, but medication really affects me. I don't know if it is from never smoking, doing any type of drugs or anything like that, my system just overreacts to even Tylenol. I was was mixing my meds... Antibiotics and pain meds just messed me up!

My house has fallen out of it's "almost always clean" mode, laundry has piled up, dinners weren't made and the boys made their own lunches this week. They were real troopers though. Never once complained, just trudged through and always asked how I was feeling. Such sweet boys to their Mama.

I did overhear Alex, my middle baby, say... "Oh good, Mom's feeling better, maybe we'll have some decent meals now!" Ah priorities!

They complain loudly when I take them anywhere near a drive through. Very rarely we go get fast food as a last resort, but they really don't like it. I have apparently "ruined" my kids for their future wives, as many of my friends tell me. They like their home cooked meals.

I don't cook gourmet, but I like to cook good, wholesome, easy to prepare meals that don't have a lot of processed food in them.

No canned soups, veggies, or canned anything really in my pantry,I use only real cheese, real or frozen veggies, & lots of leafy greens.

I'm thinking of changing my other blog to

"How to cook... every day... and not kill yourself in the process"

Because let's face it... Having to cook every day gets tiring and with work, sports, life... eating out just seems like the best choice... but I am here to tell you it isn't.

Every week, I set aside 2-3 hours to prep everything I will need for the week.

It is a system that works wonders in the kitchen, and I would like to know how many of you would visit a blog that will teach you how to set up a successful kitchen and prep schedule and get great meals on your table with time and taste tested recipes.

Beware though... My kids love ALL vegetables and eat Sushi and lots of out of the ordinary foods, and I can teach you how to get your kids to eat them too if you wish.

Picky eaters are not born that way... they are made.

So let me know if you would read a blog that has TONS OF IDEAS to get lots of different types of meals on the table that EVERYONE will love.

I'm back... with a vengeance.

I am sick of being bogged down with ear pain!!!

I am Mama, hear me yell!

Ciao!

EAR... THE END IS NEAR...

I think I can see the light at the end of the tunnel now.

My ear has completely swollen shut, I can't hear out of it, BUT the pain has subsided and I have switched from Vicodin to regular Tylenol for the pain. I'd say that is major improvement.

My Darling Director and friend Gayle graciously drove my kidlets to school for me this morning because I was so dizzy from medication.

She went way out of her way to do it... and didn't even hesitate when I asked her for help.

Thank you Gayle Shoemaker, for being there yet again for an ailing Mama.

I have had many ladies wish me well and sympathize for me, and to them I say thank you too!

Cheri, Letti, Angela, Jamie, Kathy C, My Mama and Gayle, Thank you.

I have learned a lot during this little ordeal.

I learned that I have limits.

I learned I can say no, and the world will not stop turning.

I learned I can tolerate a hell of a lot of pain (what woman can't?)

I learned I can lean on others and it's okay.

I learned why Vicodin is so addictive... That stuff makes EVERYTHING better! Yikes! No wonder it isn't given out freely! I used it sparingly because I heard about it's ways.

I learned I can gross even my boys out! That was great! Turn about is fair play!

I learned that Tylenol with codeine makes you very sleepy.

I learned why the phrase "Never put anything in your ear except your elbow" is such sage advice.

I am on the road to recovery. I can't hear anything out of my left ear, but I hope to be able to soon. Tomorrow is baking day with Angela and I can't wait. I will hopefully feel like I am in the land of the living again!!

Yeah!!!!

Have a wonderful rest of the day.

Ciao bella!

Before and After of my kitchen

My kitchen has been done for 3 years now... but there isn't a day that goes by that I don't breathe in a sigh and say... Thank you Bill! My husband did this all... by... himself. It took 9 months and a lot of nagging from me. He didn't deserve it, but I was cooking outside for those 9 months.

Before... really small... 1 drawer for utensils. The door is now the small window and the big window is still there, over the sink.

Same view... obviously after... It wasn't decorated yet.

Living room area... before

Same view... after... notice the wall is gone.

That window is where the sink is now.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY IV

SOME RANDOM PICTURES I FOUND. WHILE MY EAR HEALS, I THINK I WILL SHARE LOTS OF PICTURES. HOPE YOU DON'T MIND!

Sabrina, my cloned niece, Johnny, Alex and David, my nephew. Sabrina and David are twins.Oh How I love them so!

Last years Science Fair Project. Blood Pressure... that one was FUN! William, getting his black belt last year... He is very close to receiving his 2nd degree soon. It was a very proud moment. Master Kit Mattson ties the black belt on. He is a wonderful man, and role model, and he loves my men.

Italian Joke

Kathy C sent me this funny... thought I would share it.

A wealthy man was having an affair with an Italian woman for several years.

One night, during one of their rendezvous, she confided in him that she was pregnant.

Not wanting to ruin his reputation or his marriage, he offered to pay her a large sum of money if she would go to Italy to secretly have the child.

If she stayed in Italy to raise the child, he would also

provide child support until the child turned 18.

She agreed, but asked how he would know when the baby was born.

To keep it discrete, he told her to simply mail him a post card, and write "Spaghetti" on the back. He would then arrange for child support payments to begin.

One day, about 9 months later, he came home to his confused wife.

Honey, she said, "You received a very strange post card today."

"Oh, just give it to me and I'll explain it," he said.

The wife obeyed and watched as her husband read the card, turned white and fainted.

On the card was written:

"Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti. Two with meatballs, one without."

Ear infection... The sequel

I have a scratch in my outer ear canal that has become infected.

It. hurts. SO. Badly!

Ciao for now!

Sick day...

I have an ear infection! What adults get ear infections!

I was supposed to go to the movies this morning... get a pedicure at 2 p.m.,

and grocery shop for the week today... and I can't move my head!

My son brought me my computer in bed so I could look up Adult Ear Infections on Google.

I just licked my lips, and I feel the onset of a fever blister forming on my already huge lips.

Okay... I saw "The Secret", I know how to apply the power of positive thinking.

"I do not have an ear infection,

my lip is not "Angelina Jolie"

I do not have an ear infection...

My lip does not look like a hot air balloon

I do not have an ear infection...

My lip does not have it's own zip code...

Okay... we'll see if that works.

Okay... I'm going to go put a warm compress on my Non ear infection, and some medicine on my totally normal lip.

I'm just glad the kids don't have this.

Thank God for small favors...

Have a great day...

Ciao!

Sunday...Sunday...Sunday!

It's windy, my skin is drier than the Sahara and my pool is full of gunk!

There, complaining over. Just thought I'd vent a tiny bit.

On the bright side... I got my hair colored yesterday by my most favorite woman on the planet... My Mama, and the boys had their "beach bum" bleach done to their hair. I love it when their hair is bleached. It just looks so cool. I forgot to bring my camera for the "bonnet" my Mama put on their heads to pull out the strands of hair to be bleached. No, not their whole head was done, just some strategically placed ones. The bonnet is put on their head so it is less invasive to their scalp, meaning the bleach never touches their skin, just the hair that is pulled out.

My gray hair seems to be growing at a record pace these days. My "bangs" have already grown out well past my eyes and I needed a professional's touch up.

I received an invitation to one of my Zia's in Pennsylvania's 50th wedding Anniversary and we are going to attend! Penn. is one of the few states my kids have never been too, and they were thrilled to have a "real" vacation again. Yeah, my spoiled rotten kids don't consider any vacation a vacation unless they travel by plane. I used to be the same exact way. Still kinda am.

Johnny had requested Jet Blue, because they have TV's in front of each seat in the headrest ahead of you, or British Airways, because they have the same thing. The boy knows what he wants. I played the "guilt" card and told him his behavior must be exemplary for the remainder of the year to earn his seat on said plane. I saw him make a mental note.

William and Alex on the other hand, were worried the trip would coincide with their respective class trips this year... Alex to Hume Lake and William to Catalina and Long beach on some boat, not to mention Alex's baseball games and Williams basketball games at his school. I stared at them in disbelief... and wondered aloud... "When did you guys get LIVES?" Where did the times that all I had to say was "We're going..." and they would scream with delight about the prospect of traveling ANYWHERE... go? Sheesh! I'm gettin old.

I feel really young though. I have been on this sort of detox thing, no dairy, minimal bread, loads of veggies and fruit, and lots of fish for about 3 weeks. I feel great. I had one little "go with the flow day" and had a small popcorn and a huge Icee at the movies. Funny thing is... I rarely get popcorn when I go to the movies. It just sounded good, and it was. I left almost 1/2 in the bag. I'm trying to get healthy and not get all up in my own case about it. Just kinda eating raw, drinking loads of water, a little wine from time to time, very little, and cooking fish 3-4 times a week.

Johnny and I love Michael Buble, and we have been dancing all over the house together for little 10 minute spurts of exercise throughout our days.

You know... I had lunch with a long time friend from high school a few weeks ago, and she looks EXACTLY like she did in high school, and as she walked away to get our food, I just made a mental note that I want people to think that about me too. She is a dietician and gorgeous and healthy, and I deserve to be like that too. Thanks Andrea... you never once said a word, but spoke volumes with your actions and your obvious love and sensitivity! What a great role model you are, to your lovely daughter and to ME too!

Okay, I'm gonna go get some whole wheat scones started for breakfast in the morning. Gonna add some flax seed meal to them for 11 extra grams of fiber, and make 4 lunches for in the morning. School tomorrow!

Have a great night!

I'm going to tape Oprah's Big Give and see what it's all about.

Ciao bellas!

Buona Notte!