Friday, August 29, 2008

A little inspiration...

It’s not only children who grow. Parents do too. As much as we watch to see what our children do with their lives, they are watching us to see what we do with ours. I can’t tell my children to reach for the sun. All I can do is reach for it, myself.

~ Joyce Maynard


I found this awesome quote over on Writer Mama.

I'm still reaching...

***If there are any other "writer mama" wanna-bes out there, be sure to check out her back to school giveaway during the WHOLE month of September!

Thursday, August 28, 2008

A Thousand Words Thursday...


Her button nose, curled eyelashes, baby cheeks, and cherry-flavored lips...such a little cutie. She sure loved her first snowcone! (April 2006)

Share your favorite pictures on...

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

My 100th post & 1st giveaway!!! - 100 Things Nobody Told Me About Motherhood

And now the moment you've all been waiting for...

My 100 Things post...but with a twist!

Instead of 100 things about me (which I know you were dying to read), this is all about motherhood and the wonderful, crazy, surprising things that come along with it. As I "tackled" this monumentous feat (over the last few days), I was reminded of my past posts and a few from other bloggin' mamas so check out the linky love!

Once you make it through this LONG list (I promise it won't take as long for you to read it as it took for me to write it), I'd love to hear what it was that surprised you most...and be sure to enter my 1st giveaway!

So here we go!

100 Things Nobody Told Me About Motherhood...

1. mustard poop
2. daily diaper blowouts (usually right when you are walking out the door.)
3. Circumcision care is nerve racking.
4. “projectile” spit-up
5. I’d change the baby’s clothes at least 3 times a day.
6. I would change my clothes at least 3 times a day.
7. never-ending laundry
8. Dreft is overrated. (ALL Free & Clear is good too & half the price!)
9. Clorox Bleach for colors would become my best friend.
10. I would understand why Kate gets so freaked out about stain removal.
11. My belly button would never be the same again.
12. lopsided b00bs
13. Breastfeeding could be so painful.
14. Breastfeeding would become so natural.
15. Some people would be so supportive.
16. Some would be so insensitive.
17. Weaning would be harder for me than for the baby.
18. I’d feel like a walking zombie. (My kids didn’t sleep through the night until they were 9-10 months old.)
19. I would fall asleep standing up.
20. I would fall asleep nursing.
21. There's nothing I'd love more than snuggling my sleeping baby against my chest.
22. There are SO MANY sleep methods. (I probably read all of the books! Jodi Mindell’s book worked best for me.)
23. There’s so much DEBATE surrounding sleep methods.
24. “Nap when the baby’s napping” is great advice, but becomes pretty much impossible when you have a toddler too.
25. I would consider checking into a hotel just to get a good night's sleep!
26. So many people would tell me “You look tired.” I KNOW! Do ya really have to rub it in?
27. Co-sleeping (at some point) is inevitable.

28. I would appreciate my mother so much more.
29. I'd learn to do all kinds of things with one hand like…
30. … eat
31. … do laundry
32. ….go to the bathroom
33. ….type
34. …make breakfast
35. …make lunch
36. …make dinner
37. Some mornings, I’d forget to brush my teeth.
38. Some evenings, I’d be too tired to brush my teeth.
39. A trip to the dentist without the kids could be relaxing (unless you’re getting a crown…)
40. A five minute shower would be a luxury.
41. 2-n-1 shampoo and conditioner becomes a time-saving necessity.
42. My curling iron would collect dust.
43. Make-up application would take less than two minutes.
44. My toenails would be neglected.
45. Pedicures would be so therapeutic.
46. Going to the park would be so exhausting.
47. Going to the grocery store would be so exhausting.
48. Free cookies at the store’s bakery would be a godsend…(distracts the kiddos for at least 5 minutes.)
49. Going pretty much anywhere with two little kids would be so exhausting.
50. I would suffer from The Shoe Shoppin' Blues.
51. Five o’clock is the bewitching hour…
52. …that is, until Daddy comes home. (They love their daddy!)
53. I would break my promise not to own a minivan.
54. I would grow to like my minivan (of course, it’s no Mustang.)
55. My van would be forever littered with Goldfish crackers, Happy Meal toys, empty juice boxes, etc…etc…etc…
56. Removing and washing a car seat cover is more complicated than it looks.
57. There’s nothing cuter than a kiddo zonked out in his car seat.


58. Going to the bathroom alone is a rarity.
59. Having a complete thought is a rarity.
60. Talking on the phone causes mass chaos. (unless you give the kids a piece of gum, but mine are still too young for that.)
61. Sometimes moms just need chocolate (or ice cream or a Crepe Diablotin).

62. A kid will eat anything dipped in Ranch dressing…almost.
63. All chicken nuggets are not created equal.
64. I would let my kids have ice cream before dinner...once in awhile.
65. “Poo-poo” and/or “pee-pee” would be mentioned on an hourly basis.
66. Potty training could be considered cruel and unusual punishment. (for the mama not the kiddo.)
67. Timing is everything.
68. There are such things as blueberry diapers.
69. Poop art may adorn the walls. (Luckily this hasn’t happened in our house yet…ugh!)
70. I would have “Mommy Dearest” moments.
71. I’d watch the Today show maybe 20 minutes a week.
72. I’d be oblivious to the latest news headlines…
73. …or what music is topping the charts…
74. …or who is starring in the latest blockbuster movie.
75. But I would know all the characters and the theme song to Blue’s Clues…
76. and Dora…
77. and Wonder Pets…
78. and Backyardigans…
79. and Max and Ruby. (My kids LOVE this show!)
80. Nick Jr. and Noggin would become my two favorite channels.
81. I would avoid Barney like the plague.
82. I’d listen to the Baby Genius Nursery Rhymes CD probably 100 times.
83. My CDs would collect dust.
84. I’d sing karaoke with my kids.
85. My two-year old boy would wail out 80’s love songs…”Baaaaaaaaby, yeah, yeahhhhhhhhhh, yeah, yeah.”
86. There would be an obstacle course of toys, blocks, balls, etc…in my house.
87. Some days it could take an hour and a half to unload the dishwasher.
88. Little boys travel at the speed of light.
89. I would seriously contemplate how to nail the chairs to the kitchen floor to keep my boy from scooting them over to the counter 15 times a day. (Any ideas?)
90. I’d use WWF moves while trying to change a diaper.
91. My kids would climb on me like a human jungle gym.
92. I would give in to my daughter’s pleas for a pet…against my better judgement. (yes, we are getting a fish.)
93. I would laugh more than ever before.
94. I would cry when my kids got their shots. (I make Daddy come with us.)
95. I would cry when signing Abby up for preschool (just signing her up…she hasn’t even gone yet. I’m such a sap.)
96. I’d get weepy packing up outgrown baby clothes.
97. Time would fly by so fast. (People did tell me this, but I didn't realize...)
98. It was possible to love so deeply and selflessly...a kind of love I could have never imagined.
99. I'd lose my mind….
100. …but I would find my soul. (adapted from quote by Lisa T. Shepherd)


As much as I would love to treat you to a Crepe Diablotin for your heroic efforts as a mom (and for reading this post), I don't think it would fare too well in the mail so instead I'm giving away this inspiring book...

Moms need a little "chicken soup" once in awhile to lift our spirits and remind us how important our roles are as mothers.

So leave a comment and share your biggest motherhood surprise by Saturday the 30th and a winner will be announced on Monday, September 1st. Wow...it's September, already?

Friday, August 22, 2008

Photo Story Friday - The Butterfly

PhotoStory Friday
Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek


The kids and I had just gotten home from running a few errands and were walking across our deck to the back door, when Noah noticed a forgotten plastic blue cup sitting on the deck.

"Mama! Mama! Look! Look!"

I was completely surprised at what I saw. I had to grab my camera...
















As much as she wanted to keep it, Abby let the butterfly go.
They both kept calling after it, "Bye, Butterfly! Bye!"

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Sincerely 'Fro Me to You - School Talent Show


This week's "Fro" is dedicated to Cindy, my "Love Ya Like A Sister" BFF from elementary school. (She's fairly new to blogging so go on over and leave her some comment love! I didn't tell her I was posting this...SURPRISE!!!)

Ahh, the good ol' days. Skating parties, sleepovers, supervised trips to the mall, and of course, school talent shows...

This picture was taken in 5th grade after our Broadway-bound performance of Barbra Streisand's "Second-Hand Rose". That's me on the right with the GIGANTIC glasses and Cindy, on the left, with the floppy black hat. The girl kneeling down in front of the paper mache unicorn (it wasn't in our act) was a friend & classmate of ours, Amanda. All dressed up with our matching hats & pearls...we had to look the part!

As the lyrics say...(yes, I still remember them)

I’m wearing second hand hats
Second hand clothes
That’s why they call me
Second hand Rose...
Second hand curls
I'm wearing second hand pearls
I never get a single thing that's new...


(Although, I think the talent show was in the spring, and this was my Easter dress my grandma bought for me at Dillards. A 5th grade girl these days wouldn't be caught dead in a cutesy dress like that. No Limited Too, Aeropostle, or American Eagle stores back then, girls.)

Of course, no outfit would be complete without this popular 1980's accessory I'm sporting on my wrist...

Yes, my friends...I'm wearing a SWATCH watch.

Was I cool or what?

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Awwwww...


8/08 - Cruising the beach on a family bike. (I'm peddling and snapping a pic at the same time, impressive, huh?) I just had to capture this sweet moment. I hope they always love each other this much.



*Share your sweet moments on Wordless Wednesdays.

Monday, August 18, 2008

Meme Monday - Me and My Guy

Things have been kinda nuts around here for the past few days so I've been somewhat M.I.A. Sorry! I'm excited that so many of you got a kick out of our crazy cake fight pictures. 37 comments! WOW!!! I'm feeling the love...comment love. (How am I ever going to be able to top that??? )

In keeping with the lovey-dovey newlywed theme here, I thought I'd post this cute meme I saw over at Miss Elaine-ous Life. I figure he's been embarrassed enough by my posting our wedding cake pics with his skater haircut (which I loved), what's a few questions about him, right?

What is his name? Pat (Patrick)

Who said, “I love you” first? He did. I was speechless...

Who is taller? He is about 2 inches taller. (He's 5"10)

Who drives most when you are together? He usually does...

Who’s more sensitive? Me...I've been known to cry at Full House episodes...that music that plays as DJ and Stephanie have their heart to heart talks gets me every time. hahaha :)

Who does the laundry? That would be me...he might throw in a load a couple times a month. (What is it with guys and laundry?) He does help me fold it though so that's a plus.

Who sleeps on the right side of the bed?
I do...always have...don't really know why...

Who pays the bills? Used to be me for the first 8 years of our marriage, then he took over when I was pregnant with Abby and teaching school full time. I do not enjoy paying the bills (like anyone does) so he set up automatic drafts and such.

Who cooks more? Me again! Not my favorite thing to do. Pat helps out if he's home from work. He does bake more than I do...He makes a mean chocolate chip cookie.

Who is more stubborn? I plead the 5th. :)

Who is the first to admit they are wrong? He usually does (please see question above. haha)

Who has more siblings? I have 2 brothers and 2 sisters. He has 1 sister.

Who wears the pants? This is up for debate...I prefer capris in the summertime. :)

What do you like to do together? Go to the movies (when we can get a sitter), watch American Idol, LOST, and The Office, have fun with the kids, beach trips, play Scrabble, share that chocolate truffle tower cake from Cheesecake factory, golf (I just like to drive the cart.)

Who eats more sweets? I have quite the sweet tooth, but he likes 'em quite a bit too. Hostess chocolate donuts are his weakness. Anything chocolate is mine...

How did you meet? Some friends of ours were dating so they introduced us. I first met him on Halloween after seeing "Dracula" at Dixie College in St. George, UT. I was kind of on a date with another guy at the time. We went on some group dates (we were paired up with other people, but talked to each other more than our dates) and hung out in a big group of friends all the time. I would go by the mountain bike shop that he managed (hence the skater cut) to say hi. I had a little crush...

Who asked whom out first? Hmmmm...I'd say it was a joint effort. He finally asked me out a month after we first met - At my 19th birthday party (yes, 19th), I literally nudged him in the arm jokingly with my elbow and said, "Geez, I wish SOMEBODY would ask me out." He called the next very next day.

Who kissed who? I think that was a joint effort too. :)

Who proposed? He did...funny story though. We had been talking about getting married so I knew it was coming. I just didn't know when. I wanted to show my cousin a simple, pretty ring I had my eye on in the jewelry store in the mall and when I rounded the corner, he was in there...buying a ring! I jumped back and pretty much ran out of the mall so he wouldn't see me. I knew the proposal must be coming later that night...and it did. He even picked out a nicer ring than the one I had seen. I didn't tell him I saw him in the store until after I had said, "Yes". Here he was thinking he was so sneaky and that I had no idea. It was so funny.

His best features & qualities? His kind heart and genuine smile. He is a hard worker and a wonderful father. I've never seen a daddy so in love with his kids. Abby has him wrapped around her little finger. And Noah already has a Cowboys jersey just like his daddy and loves to throw the ball and swing that golf club. I wonder where he gets that from?


* TAG - You're it! I love hearing about how couples meet so if you decide to do this meme, let me know and I'll be sure to drop by and leave a comment. :)

Thursday, August 14, 2008

My 'Fro & PSF Combo - Wedding Cake Fight

It's two-for-one special today & tomorrow, my friends. Click the links to join the blog carnival fun!Hosted by Kristen @ We Are That Family

PhotoStory Friday
Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek



I was so excited after my very first "Fro" last week & getting a record-breaking 25 comments (YIPEE!!!) that I've been racking my brain trying to figure out which slightly more embarrassing pics to post this week. Which pictures truly did not make it into the scrapbook? Or better yet...the wedding scrapbook?

These are Pop-Up Video Style, candid cake-cutting pics that my best friend (and maid of honor), Diana, snapped and mailed to me....taken 12 years ago this past June. (No emailing digital pics back then, folks.)

It started out sweet and innocent...

Yes, I smashed a little cake in my new hubby's face...just to be silly

Then it was his turn...I tried to dodge him and it went right up my nose!

You're going down, buddy!

It was a full-out cake fight! How dignified...

That's exactly what our parents were thinking...haha!

My make-up, my lipstick...pretty much gone, but I was still smiling. It really was hilarious, although I did have icing boogers for a week. (Sorry...too much info.)

Ahhhhh...to be young and in love.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

If I Only Had A Brain...

The squirrels have struck again.

Yesterday evening...

My husband had just pulled into the driveway and actually saw the furry criminal jump from the deck railing onto the bamboo arches holding up our plants, pull a tiny green tomato off the vine with its tiny claws, and start munching.

I've been meaning to "tackle" this & put some kind of fencing around the garden, sprinkle cayenne pepper, get a plastic owl or something. (I got all kinds of great tips from so many of you - Thank you!) but since the recent robbery pretty much wiped us out, there wasn't anything left to be stolen...until now!

So in an effort to protect the one little tomato that is left dangling from that vine, holding on for dear life, we took the kids and went to Home Depot. (Noah loves Home Depot...such a little man.) We got a plastic garden fence (which I hope the squirrels won't gnaw through), but I couldn't find a plastic owl. And when I asked an employee about them, she looked at me like I was a little off my rocker.

When we got home, I had an "a-ha moment"!

Why didn't I think of this before???



I had this guy in the garage the whole time!

If only I had put him out there before to scare those pesky squirrels away...

As Abby helped me place the scarecrow right in front of the tomato plants, I told her that, hopefully, this scarecrow would scare those squirrels and protect our garden.

She looked up at the trees surrounding us and called out, "Hey squirrels! We've got a scary surprise for you!" :)

I hope they think he's scary....maybe I should draw some fangs on him on something.

Monday, August 11, 2008

If At First You Don't Succeed...

This kid is not giving up, I tell ya.

Abby: Mama, I wanna get a pet.

Me: (sigh...Here we go again) I know, sweetie. But we're going to wait until you're a little older, remember?

Abby: But Mama, I wanna a pet now!

Me: (teasing) We do have a pet. We have Noah. (aka 2-year-old brother.)

Abby: (a little aggravated) MAMA! Noah is not a pet...He doesn't even have pointy ears or a tail or anything!

Me: (holding back my laughter) ...Pointy ears?

Abby: (very matter of fact)No! He's not a dog or cat or a fish! He doesn't go "woof,woof" or "meow" or "blub,blub".

Blub, blub??? Now I'm laughing...

I'm hoping that this little pet she picked out at Target today will tide her over for awhile...

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Sentimental Sunday - Gets Me Every Time...

In My Daughter's Eyes (Martina McBride)

In my daughter's eyes I am a hero
I am strong and wise and I know no fear
But the truth is plain to see...She was sent to rescue me
I see who I wanna be in my daughter's eyes

In my daughter's eyes everyone is equal
Darkness turns to light and the world is at peace
This miracle God gave to me gives me strength when I am weak
I find reason to believe in my daughter's eyes

And when she wraps her hand around my finger
Oh, it puts a smile in my heart
Everything becomes a little clearer
I realize what life is all about

It's hangin' on when your heart has had enough
It's giving more when you feel like giving up
I've seen the light...It's in my daughter's eyes

In my daughter's eyes I can see the future
A reflection of who I am and what will be
Though she'll grow and someday leave, maybe raise a family
When I'm gone I hope you see how happy she made me
For I'll be there...in my daughter's eyes



******My little sunshine girl (July '07)

Friday, August 8, 2008

Wayne Brady, Here I Come!


Crazy? yes! Long shot? yes! But did I do it anyway? yes! This Karaoke-lovin' mama submitted a short audition video for Don't Forget the Lyrics just this afternoon. hahahahahahahahahaha! (I know you are laughing hysterically so I figured I'd join ya.)

I've been talking about doing this ever since the show first aired last year. My husband always jokes with me that I know more songs than anyone he has ever met so why not put this little talent to use, right? Never in my life have I thought about going on a game show, with the exception of Nickelodeon's Double Dare when I was a kid.

Remember that show? (I can't believe I found these...look at that poor kid!)


In this reality show day and age featuring ordinary people doing extraordinary things, I figure...Why not go for it and just see what happens?

So I did. (Thanks for being my camera man, little bro!)

Any positive bloggy vibes you send my way are appreciated. Cross your fingers for me!

I'll keep you "post"ed, of course. :)

I'm waiting by the phone, Wayne!

***Today's events inspired me to link up my previous "Karaoke Mama" post to Photo Story Friday. Click the link to read all about my previous karaoke venues...haha!

Thursday, August 7, 2008

My Very First "Fro"

A couple weeks ago I came across this clever, although potentially embarrassing, blog carnival created by Kristen @ We Are That Family. (Yes, that's Kristen with the fro.) I've been going back and forth on this one...but if she can do it, so can I!

Okay...deep breath, Kelli
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Here it is! Straight out the school "picture day" vault...



It's amazing what sleeping in sponge rollers can do.
Even more amazing than that, I actually SLEPT in those things...on several occasions.

Talk about uncomfortable!

Oh, the price we pay for beauty.

"Fro" more slightly humiliating blasts from the past, click here and link up. You know you want to!

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

WW - Down on the Farm


Brown's Orchard Farm Market, PA

For more WW, click here!

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Shoe Shoppin' Blues (Take 2)

Here's a little something for all you moms out there who are in the midst of "tackling" that oh-so-enjoyable "Back to school" shopping. I originally posted this back in April, but recently endured it again...this time at PayLess. Yes, all those same feelings came rushing back.

(To be sung in the style of Babysittin’ Blues from the 80's movie Adventures in Babysitting…sing “da DA da da da” between each line for the full effect! I’ll get ya started…)

da DA da da da
Took the kids to the store…
Had to buy ‘em some shoes…
Hoped it’d be quick and painless…
But now I feel so abused…

da DA da da da
Got some icees and popcorn…
That was dumb on my part…
Thought it would distract ‘em…
But it got all over the floor and my cart…

(Build up to the chorus)
And it’s so hard…baby, baby
Shoppin’ with the kiddos…oh yeah.
I’ve got the….shoe shoppin’,
Shoe Shoppin’ Blues, baby, baby…
Yeah…The Shoe Shoppin’ Blues..

da DA da da da
Noah is climbing…
Right out of his seat…
Abby‘s sitting in the basket…
I’m trying shoes on her feet…

da DA da da da
Need to call in some back-up…
Need Dad to bring in some force…
To get our boy back in his seat….
But Daddy can’t ‘cuz he’s on the golf course….

Ahhhhhhhh! (James Brown style)
I’ve got the…shoe shoppin’…
Shoe Shoppin’ Blues…oh yeah, that’s right.
(Back-up singers…)
She’s got the…shoe shoppin’
Shoe Shoppin’ Blues, baby, baby…the Shooooooe Shoppin’ Blues.


*Need a cure for the blues? Check out what other moms are tackling!

Writing Challenge - Short and Sweet

I saw this meme over on Cheaper Than Therapy a couple weeks ago and was completely fascinated. You can only give ONE WORD answers...I don't think I've given a one word answer since I was in diapers. I can be a bit long-winded at times...(Have you seen some of my recent tags? Click here, and here, and here). So I thought I'd challenge myself...

1. Where is your cell phone? purse
2. Your significant other? work
3. Your hair? clip
4. Your mother? understanding
5. Your father? cartoonist
6. Your favorite thing? snuggles
7. Your dream last night? weird
8. Your favorite drink? smoothie
9. Your dream/goal? writer
10. The room you’re in? kitchen
11. Your friends? loyal
12. Your fear? disease
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? teaching
14. Where were you last night? home
15. What you’re not? rested
16. Muffins? blueberry
17. One of your wish list items? Mustang
18. Where you grew up? South
19. The last thing you did? clean
20. What are you wishing? SLEEP
21. Your TV? off
22. Your pets? none
23. Your computer? Dell
24. Your life? nutty
25. Your mood? fluctuating
26. Missing someone? yes
27. Your car? silver
28. Something you’re not wearing? shoes
29. Favorite store? book
30. Your summer? humid
31. Loves? chocolate
32. Your favorite word? sunshine
33. Last time you laughed? morning
34. Last time you cried? morning

Geez, that was hard, especially since chocolate chip muffins are my favorite. (Blueberry is a close runner-up.)

Are you up for the challenge?

Sunday, August 3, 2008

Sentimental Sunday - Childhood is a Gift...

Childhood is a gift...the innocence, enthusiasm, literally jumping up and down in excitement, belly laughs, genuine smiles, giving hearts, it's how we all should be. I actually envy it. What a better place this world would be if after we talked to someone for just a few minutes, that person was now considered our new "best friend". Children are so uninhibited, unassuming, and non-judgmental. Sure they have their crazy moments, but don't we all? Childhood should be cherished...and for those people out there who can't appreciate that...well, I feel sorry for them.

*****This is a comment I wrote in response to a great post written by Kelly @ Don Mills Diva. I was reminded of this gift at church today as I watched my son (and the other two-year-olds in his nursery class) enthusiastically do every single action to one of their favorite Primary songs, "Popcorn Popping", with smiling eyes and joyful little voices. Of course, I couldn't help but sing and do the actions along with them. :)
Abby and Noah under a "popcorn tree". (Easter 08)

Friday, August 1, 2008

"WE'VE BEEN ROBBED!"

Well, I spoke too soon. Maybe I jinxed it with all the excitement from our very first "harvest". We've been waiting TWO MONTHS for these tomatoes. TWO MONTHS!!! There were about a dozen green tomatoes on the vines. Abby would check on them everyday to see if they were red yet. She absolutely LOVES tomatoes (almost as much as strawberries, crazy, huh?) and couldn't wait to pick 'em all!

One tomato had actually started turning red. Then on Monday morning, my husband calls me after he's left for work and says, "Something took a bite out of the red tomato."

"Really? Darn!" I say, kind of annoyed. "Oh, well. At least we have a bunch more," I reassure myself, not really thinking about the potential threat to our precious tomatoes.

The next day, Pat comes in the door from work and says, "Did you guys pick the tomatoes?"

"Not yet. They're still green..."

"Aw, crap...they're all gone. I think the squirrels must have got to them."

"WHAT???" So I rush outside (Abby following behind) to find this...

And this...

No tomatoes anywhere. Even the green one that had fallen on the ground a few days before is gone.

"Oh my gosh! We've been robbed!" I say in a bit of shock. I know, it's a bit dramatic, but we've been waiting so long for these...

Poor little Abby is in tears. "My tomatoes!!! The squirrels got my tomatoes!"

"Aw, sweetie. I'm sorry. Those squirrels must have been hungry...More will grow..." I try to comfort my disappointed little girl, but there is no consoling her.

Trying to come up with a solution, I say, "Maybe they'll bring them back. They won't be able to eat all of those tomatoes."

She is still sniffling, but that thought seems to give her new found faith in those pesky squirrels.

Late that night, Daddy makes a quick trip to the grocery store for me.

The next day, when Daddy gets home from work, I slip outside for a sec and strategically place these...

Abby comes outside and gasps, starts jumping up and down, and yells out, "Mama! They brought them back! The squirrels brought them back!!!"

She was so ecstatic to have them back that she didn't even question the fact that they had grown to twice their size and turned red over night. Gotta love four-year-olds!

*****Calling all Gardeners - Any advice you have about how to keep the squirrels away, I am all ears!

What's your photo story? Link up here!

My Husband Would Beg To Differ...




You Are 18% Evil



You are good. So good, that you make evil people squirm.

Just remember, you may need to turn to the dark side to get what you want!


********************************
Mamasphere sparked my curiosity when she posted her results. (Yeah, right...I don't believe it for a minute.) I thought my score would probably soar through the roof. Prolonged sleep deprivation does not make for the nicest Kelli as of late. (Transition to the big boy bed hasn't been so smooth.) Anyhow, I took the quiz a couple times just to make sure I didn't overlook something. Not that I WANT to be evil, but this score makes me sound pretty BORING. So for fun I hypothetically added in a few worst ones to see if I could beef up my score a bit...but it only increases by 2% for each answer no matter what it is. So "killing someone for $1,000,000" (yikes!) has equal weight with "making a prank phonecall". Um, yeah. I don't think so.