Whims...

I live by the motto, "Go big or go home."  It's something I've always done. 

Adventurous?

Maybe.

Risky?

Usually.

Fun?

Almost definitely.

A week or so ago I auditioned for a role in the community theatre's production of Annie.  Anyone who knows me understands how much I want to play Miss Hannigan.  Ever since I was 8 I recognized the truly greatest character of the show.  Annie?  No.  Who cares about Tomorrow?  "It's only a day away."  Whoopee.  Now, Miss Hannigan is a different story.  A drunk wanna-be-floozy who sings about how much she hates little girls?  Now that's art.

Emma had asked me to audition with her, so we took Abby along and sang our hearts out.  Unfortunately, none of us were cast.  Oh well.  As much as I would've loved to play Miss Hannigan, I'll just wait and make my Hannigan debut on Broadway instead of community theatre. 

But we went on a whim and took the risk.  We were in near fits of impatience waiting for the cast list to post, but otherwise it was fun to just go out and do something a bit unexpected.  I especially loved that my girls were so willing to do this with me.

I find a bit of a delight to go and do the unexpected.  It clears my head.  Like a restart.

So my last whim sent me to the beauty salon.  Okay, it was only Great Clips. But I told the girl I wanted something dramatic.  Something short.  I got a short cut, a bit shorter than I expected, but I still like it.  It helps me feel renewed. 

Lately, I've noticed some changes in my physique.  That's what working out five days a week will do for you, I guess.  And today I wore a shirt I bought six years ago knowing it was too small for me, but hoped I could get away with it.  Today I finally got away with it.

Between the haircut and my new-old clothes, I'm feeling a bit.... whimsical.

I enjoy my whims.  They help me make sure my feet aren't too heavily grounded. 

Mother of the Year

It's only April, but I know I've already proven that I am a contender for Mother of the Year.

Let me state my case:

Last Monday the kids brought home a flyer explaining all the fun things they'd be able to do for Spirit Week at school.  This is especially exciting because the kids' school is a traditional school, meaning uniforms and everything.  So to have the opportunity to dress up, wear something other than slacks and polos, and have a week of letting a little loose is going to be fun. 

Our prep work began last night.  Abby wanted to dress up as Hermione (from Harry Potter) so we gave her some French braids last night so her hair would be nice and unmanageable.  The other kids gathered their supplies and costumes.

We had fun this morning getting ready.  Emma wanted to be Harry Potter (she's on Book 5 -- she started Book 1 this fall) so she wore my old graduation gown, we sprayed her hair black, drew a lightning bolt scar, and wore her glasses.  Abby had her run-away hair and wore Josh's old graduation gown (pinned so it wouldn't drown her).  Each girl used a drumstick from Millie's little drumset as their wand.  Matt decided to take a different route.  One of his favorite books is "Treasure Island."  Matt wanted to be Jim Hawkins.  He had a ripped white t-shirt and frayed-edged shorts with a red bandanna around his head.  Man, they all looked great!

So, how am I the mother of the year?  Because we were so awesome this morning?  No.  Because I forgot to take a picture before they headed off to the bus this morning?  No.

I am the mother of the year because I walked them to the bus, like usual, and watched them get on the bus.  Suddenly something struck me as odd.  No one else was dressed up.  It was at that moment that my photographic memory finally kicked in.  The flyer had indeed said that Monday was "Dress as your favorite book character" day, but Monday, April 25.  Today is April 18!! 

I frantically yelled for my children to come off the bus, hoping the other kids wouldn't make a big deal out of our mix up, and we rushed home to change into the proper clothing.  Emma had the added challenge of having to take a shower to get the black out of her hair.  We quickly drove to school and only arrived about 3 minutes late. 

I don't know if the kids will get teased for our mistake today.  I really, really hope not.  But I can tell you that they'll look incredible next week. 

So that's my nomination.  Why I deserve to be the Mother of the Year.  I'm not sure if there are any other ways to embarrass your kids more than that. 

But please, if you can top me, please do.  I'm in need of some thing/one to laugh at/with!!

Ode to a 10-year-old

Ode to a 10-year-old

Not a kid

But not a teen

You find yourself

As a Tween

Some menus now

Will make you eat

The pricey meals

Not processed meat

Emma's first birthday celebration, about a week early.
(Her grandparents were in town but were going to be gone on her birthday.)

Admission prices

Go up as well

You're not a kid

Your cost will swell



Emma with her dad, siblings, cousins, aunt, uncle, grandparents, and great-grandma.

With double digits

Your age is graced

I see the joy

Upon your face



Emma asked me to make her a cake resembling her Littlest Pet Shop.
Not too bad, if I say so myself.

Because you think

With all this proof

That you, my friend,

Are child-proof

I was so nervous about messing up her cake that I made three of them. 
This was our "Leftover" cake: leftover frosting and leftover cake.

But I have news:

There is no way

My baby girl

You'll always stay

Mom and Dad got her the Lego Harry Potter Nintendo DS game.
Happy girl!

I love you, Dear

I always will

Through good times

And times of ill

Tonight with her cousins and siblings.

Happy birthday

Sweetheart dear

I'll celebrate

With you this year



We only put candles on the Leftover Cake.  The other one was too pretty.

But I can't help

But wish for you

To stay my baby

All year through

My big girl, letting me know how old she is!

Love, Mom

The Tube

I've decided that when I grow up I want to be Jessica Fletcher.  You know, the lady on Murder, She Wrote.  I remember watching the show quite often when it was in syndication, but I watched a few episodes this afternoon as I was folding laundry.

She's awesome.

She's an older woman.  She lives on the coast of Maine in a quaint house.  She's an accomplished author.  She runs and rides her bike everywhere.  Because she's a woman and older, she's generally treated with respect, yet she can finagle her way into open murder investigation in her vicinity.

She's just plain cool.

And I can't help but share the story of Millie and the TV.  We were watching something (I can't remember what) and Millie took this little Cinderella doll up the screen so she could chat with the characters in the movie.  Then, for the first time, I heard Millie change her voice to pretend to be the doll talking.  But if you thought Cinderella had a high, sweet voice, you were wrong.  According to Millie Cinderella has a low, guttural voice.  And all she says is, "Hey guys!  Hey guys!"