I realized something Wednesday as I walked back to my van after walking Riley into school. This is the first year that I actually don't feel overwhelmed and don't dread the holiday. In fact, I actually told someone "Happy Thanksgiving" yesterday - and I don't remember saying that at ALL [...]
Check over at Scrutiny, where I'm giving away a Wii Fit board and the newest Jillian Michaels Wii game.
There are also several new reviews up there.
There's a new post at Zwaggle, talking illness in your house and giving you some great ideas for homemade playdough.
AND. As if that [...]
This is the first of many questions that you all were so kind to leave for me.
Melissa S asks: I always wonder what the grocery list is like for a family of 8. I know you posted the kids' annotated list a few weeks ago, but how 'bout posting some of your shopping [...]
Neil, over at Citizen of the Month, did a great experiment last year, titled The Great Interview Experiment. History and a more elaborate explanation can be found here, but the basic gist is that every one, every blog, has a story to share. Sign up and you will interview [...]
Some days, you'd never know that my kid has an "issue". Something that places her on the autistic spectrum. Often, people express surprise when I tell them - and I am not a person who imparts this information all that early in a relationship. "She's so quiet - she must [...]
The idea for this blog post came from Twitter...
Do you like the following...
Nutella - NO
Wine - NO
Beer - NO
Bacon - NO, NO, NO
There you have it. Now you know how officially weird I am.
I'd love to know your answers to the above.
[...]Rant of the day:
Commercials are, I'm told, a necessary part of television watching. I understand that. Most of the time I ignore them. Some of the time I watch them. Occasionally I laugh at them. Super Bowl Sunday I'm obsessed with them. Some of them, though, I hear beginning [...]
But, whatever. It was for a good reason. The 14th was my birthday and I had grand, grand plans, y'all. They involved taking a Muay Thai class, shopping for clothes and taking a nap - all before my enormous birthday party.
You know what they say about making plans, right?
After my [...]
When I was a kid, I thought 40 was as close to death as one could be without actually being, you know, dead.
That was when I looked like this.
But now I'm older and maybe, just a teeny bit wiser. (I'm typing this while I listen [...]
It's not yet over. We are still in the middle of it - so say the doomsday reporters on the television. Here was our first day of riding out the storm, Masses style.
The reports began, I think, on Monday, forecasting the "STORM OF THE CENTURY!" with flooding rains and [...]
Since we've had so much drama and more than one heavy subject over the past week, let's change it up, shall we?
My dad and his wife breed puppies. Cute, cute puppies - who happen to need homes.
Now, [...]
Hey, time's almost up to win a $100 gift card! Check out my Ragu Review and leave me your comment. I don't know anyone who doesn't like Italian food and couldn't use $100.
Last night, my son Gabe came into my room at 3:17. In the morning. So, not last [...]
Because, really, nothing says Merry Christmas like my kids being silly.
My husband hates almost every picture I took. :)
This weekend was the end of season tournament for Mackenzie. It consisted of two games on Saturday - 9 and 5 - and at least one game on Sunday, two if they won the first three games. I love the team she plays on, the girls are friendly and warm [...]
I was prepared, somewhat, for the amount of laundry and the cooking. I knew that, realistically, I'd be stuck in the laundry room and the kitchen. I was ok with that - I like to cook and don't mind the laundry, except for the folding part. (That gets me every [...]
Jennifer asked: Hi Carmen, two ideas I'd like to hear about.. You've said before that your husband has other children. How do you handle being a step mom? I'm not a stepmom, but a step daughter and would be interested to hear how you work with that. And the other idea: I know [...]
My phone rang at 9:45 and it shocked me.
Ok, so, technically, 9:45 isn't THAT late. But it's late enough for me.
When my daughter answered the phone - for, really, if the phone rings it MUST be for her, especially since she's grounded (again!) and can't use her cell phone [...]
With party planning, that it. After all, I'm only turning 40 once. And this is my first birthday party since, well, I don't even know, and I'm not planning on having another until I turn 50. (If I live that long.)
So I'm planning.
I've already picked your brains regarding the [...]
Effective IMMEDIATELY, the following things are on notice with me:
sickness, illness, and any derivation thereof. For the first time in two weeks, EVERY kid is going to school - do not trifle with my enthusiasm. I'm looking forward to peeing in peace tomorrow. Mouths on children that are better suited to [...]
