Saturday, February 28, 2009

Needs

I am pretty sure I need garden gnome soap. On a completely related tangent, does anyone else remember that Christina Applegate comedy from the mid-90s? She had a really dumb brother. The most memorable scene from the show was this one:

Bro: Garden ga-nomes?
Other person: The "g" is silent.
Bro: Oh! Arden ga-nomes!

MP

Have you been on The Molly Patch blog lately? There are a few new things over there!

Friday, February 27, 2009

Photo Friday


Team Day for Spirit Week at school. Go Eagles (next year!)!!

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Idol Prayer

Please bless that Normal Gentle will get to stay in the competition.

Amen.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Weight Loss Wednesday

I haven't posted about my weight loss journey in a few weeks. It hasn't been the highest priority of mine lately. And that's okay. But I'm ready to get back on the wagon and start my weekly weigh-ins again. Just not today. Today is the day I start back on the program. I've put on a pound or two in the past few weeks. And that's okay, too. I've had to take a break from the gym as well, and I am really looking forward to starting that again. I have missed my Zumba classes.

This afternoon we are going out to get Flower. She stayed home from school again yesterday. She just has a cold, but it's a miserable one. As a special treat on Wednesdays, we let her stay up a little late and watch American Idol. Not the whole show, just about 40 minutes of it. She loves it. It gets her excited about singing and performing and then we are treated to a Hannah Montana-like concert in the Living Room. It's usually a sold out performance complete with background vocalists and dancers, AKA Mini-me and Patch. If you'd like to see the show, just call. I'll see if we can squeeze you in.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Mini-me's Perspective

Mini-me took some pictures the other morning. They show what is important at age 5.

Her hand.

Her drink.


Her cereal.


Herself.




Herself. Again.



Monday, February 23, 2009

Manic Monday

It's not quite a normal Monday around here. We have 4 members of the family who are quite sniffly. Flower stayed home from school today. Her eyes were so dull this morning, and she was complaining of the headache/stomachache/throatache trifecta, so we declared it an official Sick Day. I checked out some movies from the Redbox after taking Mini-me to school. The kids are now enjoying Snow Buddies, which is a heartwarming tale about a bunch of golden labradors who somehow become sled dogs. I'm a little fuzzy on how. I am not feeling a need to clarify, either. Following Snow Buddies, we'll pop in High School Musical 3.

Did you watch the Oscars last night? I sure did. Hugh Jackman is my new boyfriend. He sings and dances and is awesome as a wolverine. His musical numbers were to die for. My favorite moment of the night was when Ben Stiller came out dressed like Joaquin Phoenix on Letterman. Man, that was funny.

This afternoon, a lady from the quilt shop is coming out to help me with the MEGA QUILTER. I really hope we can get it back up and running. The thread has been breaking and I cannot figure it out.

So, that's today for us. Oh, and in case you're wondering, the one well person in the house is me. Of course.

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Saturday, the Special Day

Today is going to be busy. Curly left for work before 7 am. Mini-me got up just after 7. I tried to get her to go back to bed, but she wouldn't. Then Patch woke up, destroying any hope I had of sleeping in. We just finished our breakfast of waffles (made in the coolest waffle maker ever that flips for even cooking), and the girls are playing together while Patch chases Gracie. Before they ran upstairs, Flower said to Mini-me, "Let's pretend we're sisters." Indeed.

There is a winter carnival at Mini-me's school today. We will make a brief cameo before heading to Rowan's birthday party. Somewhere in all the fun, we need to do some grocery shopping. We are out of Diet Coke and need a few other necessities.

I am hoping to get some studio time in today. I have an order to finish up for a friend who just had a baby. The baby was early, and is therefore bumper-less and in desperate need of a crib skirt. I also need to make some headway on Patch's new quilt. We are hoping to move him into a big-boy-bed sometime in the next month.

Well, there is now a narrow window in which I can take a shower. Until next time!

Friday, February 20, 2009

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

A Word (Or Two) About American Idol

Last night's Idol was, um, interesting. We tried to vote at the end, but could not get through. I was voting for Danny Gokey, Curly wanted to vote for Anoop. It makes me nervous that only 3 go on to the top 12. What if people vote for the weird girl who sang a Sting song and winked the whole time? Or worse, what if they vote for Tatiana?!

Let's address the technical issues of the show, shall we? There were several weird camera shots of what I imagine was the floor. Then, when the video didn't work, and Ryan tried to save the show, he got yelled at by an off-camera woman. The mikes were picking up breath and sometimes had an echo. Some body mikes didn't work at all. Then, the funniest glitch of the night was when Simon was talking and a loud "eeeehhhh" sounded. I wondered if Randy had passed gas.

I don't like Kara. I find her superfluous. She agreed with Randy every time and then didn't seem to offer any new insight. It was bad enough to listen to 3 peoples opinion, but 4 just seems excessive. She also banged on the table too often.

Finally, let's talk about Tatiana. She's nuts. I really mean that. She had a complete personality change. Not only that, she developed a heavy accent when talking to Ryan. What happened to her crazy laugh? Her shrieking? One theory is that she watched the show for 3 weeks, was totally embarrassed, and changed her personality. In reality, you can't keep a crazy person hiding for long. She'll come out again. The thing is, she actually sang well. It was not horrendous. But her new demure persona was. I think she'll make it through. If not tonight, she'll sing again in the wild card round.

Monday, February 16, 2009

Bye-bye, Patch!

Patch was picked up this morning by his aunts. He is having a fun few days with cousin Wyatt down in VA. The house is so quiet without him. He was very excited to go and excitedly waived goodbye as they pulled away.

Mini-me and I took advantage of "girls only" and went to the sale at Sisto's. Their shelves were very bare. I asked the owner about it, and he told me that they will be getting fabric in only a couple of times a year now, instead of piecemeal. For me, as a shopper, it was very depressing to be in the shop with several empty shelves. When I go to a quilt shop, I like to see the shelves bursting with possibility. I left feeling a little sad. They did have plenty of thread, which I stocked up on, since it was 25% off.

For the rest of the day, Mini-me and I are going to chill. We checked out "Cinderella" from the library. I have never seen the musical before, and had no idea that Julie Andrews was in it. Then, tomorrow, I have a fun project planned that involves turning socks into animals.

Friday, February 13, 2009

Valentine's Eve

Today is the anniversary of my second date with Curly. It was a Wednesday. He picked me up at my office. The Congressman came out to meet him. I was a tad embarrassed. We ate dinner at my favorite restaurant, Jaleo. Curly ate duck. He bought a Valentine off a homeless man on the street. We went ice skating on the mall in DC. I brought my own skates. It was cold and oh so fun. Then, he held my hand, under the guise of falling on the ice, and he took me home to meet his parents. It was a great date.


The next day was Valentine's Day. He didn't call me. He said it was "too loaded." Instead, he went to a party with another girl, and invited her to his house for the following evening. I soon took care of that, and by Saturday, he didn't even remember her name.


Today is Mini-me's Valentine's celebration at school. Mommies are invited, but she told me I didn't need to come, because she doesn't cry when I'm not around. She made her Hannah Montana cards last night, complete with a heart lollipop. She also took a big bag of Nerds to share. School parties are so fun, especially when it's your first one.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

MS Walk 2009

It has been years since I have participated in an MS walk. In college, friends and I would go door to door, collecting donations. We begged for any amount; change if they had it. One guy gave us $20. I think he wanted a date in return. It didn't happen.

This year, my sister-in-law created a team for my dad's business. You see, the MS Walk is personal to us. We walk for my mom. In 1994, she was diagnosed with MS. This was not her first experience with the disease; it takes several "episodes" to create a diagnosis. Several years before that, she lost her sense of taste. It came back in a few months, but I remember being in Chi-Chi's in Fair Oaks Mall when she had to put on her sunglasses, because she was crying that her Mexican Pizza didn't taste right.

My mom's form of MS is called "Relapsing Remitting," which means it comes and goes in intensity and duration. She has been on some fabulous medication since "The Big One" in '94, but she still has problems. She leads a very active lifestyle now, but there was a time we doubted that would happen.

If you would like to join the cause, go to my personal page and leave a donation. My personal goal is $100. You can also go to our team, KGL Consulting, and leave a donation there. Our team goal is $275. You can also join our team, and walk with us in DC on April 25, or wherever you are that weekend.

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Eating Habits

Patch is a very bad eater. He doesn't like to eat anything with pasta. He likes to have a "sammich," but only sometimes. He likes cheese, every once in a while, and only if it's cheddar. He's not even consistent with junk food. The only thing he will eat anytime anywhere is fruit snacks. Sugary-have-nothing-to-do-with-real-fruit-snacks.

Mini-me is a very slow eater. It took her over half an hour to eat one pop tart the other morning. I like to call her "Gammy Mabel," after my great-grandmother. I don't really remember eating with her, but it's what my mom used to call my sister when she ate slowly.

Flower has become more adventurous in her eating. She now eats salad (!) and crunchy granola bars. She has come a long way. She still won't touch syrup or powdered sugar.

I have to give all three kids vitamins. This is because veggies are not their friends. Patch will not touch one. I am hoping he grows out of this, as veggies are delicious. I may have to break out "Deceptively Delicious" in the next few weeks, even though Curly thinks it's a little weird.

Sunday, February 08, 2009

The Winner

Happy Sunday everyone! It is a gorgeous 60+ degrees here today. We have windows open and the house feels so great. Spring is just around the corner!

Today is the anniversary of my first date with Curly. We walked around the DC Mall until, oh, 2 am. It was a long date, but a great one. We talked and talked. He didn't even try to hold my hand. He also didn't want to walk me to the door. That is a deal breaker for me, so I told him to get out of the car and be a man. He likes it when I tell him what to do.

Oh, you're wondering who the winner of the necklace is? Well, I did the random integer generator, and could not quite figure out how to get that image onto my blog. I also can't figure out videos. I feel old. Anyway, the winner is #2 -- Losing my Needles! What a great day for you! Since I totally know her in real life, I don't need her to send me an email with her address. Also, if you're wondering if it went to someone deserving, wonder no more. She needs something pretty. She's potty training her 3-year-old, has been dealing with sickness at her house, and lost her father just a few months ago. She's deserving for sure.

I hope you all have a great day. I feel really good today. Life, while it may throw stuff at you, is really good.

Saturday, February 07, 2009

Also...


Happy Birthday to my Grandma!


PS -- I stole this picture from Aunt Lisa. Thanks!

One More Day

Only one more day to enter the giveaway! If you haven't entered yet, here's your chance. Leave a comment on Wednesday's post. The winner will be announced tomorrow.

Friday, February 06, 2009

Wednesday, February 04, 2009

Wednesday Giveaway!

I am tired of writing about my weight. Don't get me wrong -- I love being accountable to my viewing audience and I really like sharing my success. But, enough is enough. I know I lost again this week (thanks to the home scale), and I wanted to do something to celebrate. And, I wanted to say "thank you" to all of you who read my blog.

Remember when I blogged about Home Studio? They sent me a necklace to thank me for singing their praises on the internets. You're welcome! (I hope you read that in a sing-songy voice.) Anyway, I felt a tinge of guilt in keeping it for myself, so I have decided to give it away. To one of you! So, leave me a comment on this post between now and forever Sunday. Which is February 8th. Which is the anniversary of my cold first date with Curly. Go. Tell you friends. And, here is a photo of the necklace in question. It even comes with a ball chain!

Tuesday, February 03, 2009

Super Bowl Sunday

I know the Super Bowl was a couple of days ago, but I wanted to share my favorite shots of the night:
Patch was in heaven. He and Mini-me had the best time, and got to stay up until half-time. Crab legs were had by some, but a good time was had by all.

Sunday, February 01, 2009

February 1st

Today is a special day, and not just because it's Sunday. 7 years ago today, Curly and I locked eyes in York, PA. It didn't take him long to figure out that I was the only girl for him. Ever. Next Sunday is the anniversary of our first date. Ah, memories.

Today is also Chloe's birthday. Have I told you about Chloe? I don't think I have. Chloe is Curly's oldest daughter. Curly and The Ex were fairly young college students when they got pregnant. They knew at about week 20 that Chloe had some problems. When she was born, she was taken to Colorado, and Curly and The Ex went to the Ronald McDonald House in Denver. Chloe was a fighter. She lived 26 days. Today, she would have been 12. As I looked around church today, I took note of the other 12 year old girls. Who would she have been friends with? Would she be the girl who was friends with everyone, or just have one bff? What would she look like? Curly's DNA is pretty strong, so I have a feeling she would look like Flower and Mini-me and Patch. Today I have thought a lot about Chloe and, even though I never knew her, I miss her.