Sometimes My Brain Is Not On...

I went to Costco this morning with my sister.

I LOVE me some Costco. I always say that I could live there. The concession food is good and very cheap, there is endless entertainment (picture me with a stack of newly released books in a lazy-boy chair down the furniture aisle), I could try on a bunch of new clothes, and I could clean up any mess I make.

Do you realize they have Mocha's for a buck!? Well, it's like $1.08 with the tax. And if you smile really nice they might add extra chocolate for those people who tend to like (need) a bit of extra chocolate.

I had to restrain myself from getting two. Get one before you start shopping and down it while you pick out your chicken nuggets and laundry detergent and try the teriyaki rice bowl sample, then pick one up on the way out to fuel the drive home.

Because it is so stressful and all.

Actually, our trip took a smidge longer than planned today. We were walking to the car, Becca wrestling with the over sized shopping cart laden with Costco goodness and me digging in the abyss of my purse to find my keys.

Which we finally spotted in the ignition.

I must have been so hyped up on all the Costco possibilities that I forgot to take them with me. Good thing it's covered by our insurance. Lance had emergency roadside service added to our plan a few years ago.

I think my husband knows me too well.

So, half an hour and a $92.00 receipt to submit for refund later, we were back in our car.

See? Sometimes the brain takes a little break. Hopefully it is well rested now.

To make myself feel better, I did some shopping. Here's a link to the new ring I picked out.

A

Things About Me...

Shauna over at Blah Blah Blog tagged me an embarrassing amount of days ago, so here I am, finally doing it!

Favorite person (outside family)? Do I even dare answer this? Nope!

Favorite food? Hmmm, right now I would have to say Symphony Toffee with Almonds Milk Chocolate. Oh wait, I say that ALL the time.

Quirks about you? I sleep with 4 pillows. Head, knees, back and tummy. Got used to sleeping that way when pregnant with Bubbalu...and have never looked back.

How would the person who loves you most describe you in ten words or less? I would ask. He is not home. We'll see if he gets home before I go to post this. Or maybe, he should make a little comment and tell you people about me.

Any regrets in life? Not singing Karaoke on our cruise. Seriously, that is all I can think of.

Favorite Charity/ Cause? Anonymous donations/gifts to someone you know in real life who really needs something that you can easily provide.

Favorite Blog recently? Uh, check out my blogroll, do you really think I can pick just one?

Something you can’t get enough of? Hearing Bubbalu laugh. The beauty of his laugh actually makes me cry.

Worst job you’ve ever had? Dishwasher at a local Dutch restaurant. The food was delicious, scrubbing plates was not.

What job would you pay NOT to have? Professional diaper bomb changer...oh wait, I already DO that!

If you could be a fly on the wall, where? I actually want to watch Bubbalu while he goes to sleep. I want to see him play with his stuffed animals, jump like a monkey, and babble to himself.

Favorite Bible verse right now? Ditto Shauna : Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Guilty Pleasure? Being lazy during Bubbalu's nap time.

Got any confessions? Sure, I like the show 'So You Think You Can Dance?'.

If you HAD to spend $1,000 on YOURSELF, how would you spend it? HellO! Shopping!!

Favorite thing about your house? Well, let's not talk about the house I currently am in, let's talk about the house I am moving into in 3 1/2 weeks. I would say my favorite thing in our new house is a dishwasher that is actually IN the kitchen...and space, mucho space...and a garage! I finally will have a garage!

Least favorite thing about your house? Our new house still has a dirt backyard, so that's probably not conducive to keeping a house clean, what with a toddler who LOVES dirt and all...

One thing you are bad at? Talking on the phone. I just don't like it. It's hard to hear people with iffy coverage, you can't see their face and therefore, their emotions, and I prefer to email or see someone in person.

One thing you’re good at? Talking to new people, keeping the conversation going...because I fear SILENCE in a conversation. It makes me uncomfortable. So, I ask a ton of questions.

If you could change something about your circumstances, what? I would move out now and into our new home. AND, I would take all of my friends from Seattle home with me.

Who would you like to meet someday? A niece or nephew from my side of the family...hint hint.

What makes you feel sexy? New outfit, hair done and makeup on.

What is the hardest part of your job? Uh, diaper bomb changing...duh. That, and trying to figure out what to do about day to day frustration without losing my mind.

When are you most relaxed? In the evening, Bubbalu in bed, dishes done, clean house...just my husband and I and a movie

What stresses you out? Money...and the lack thereof.

What can you not live without? Adequate sleep. Really. I turn into a scary crabby monster version of myself.

Do you agree or disagree with the recent article that reported that blogs are authored by narcissists? Uh, hellO!? Who wouldn't want to read about me!? And Bubbalu, and diaper bombs, and fashion!?

Why do you blog? It is REALLY cheap therapy...

Okay - rules:
1. Answer the questions
2. Link back to whoever tagged you
3. TAG some people...

Hmmm, lets see... I tag Will Blog for Shoes, SAHMmy Says, 3 Girls And A Guy, Miller's Wharf and Real Life Adventures. And, if the notion of doing a meme should appeal to you, consider yourself tagged as well!

A

Backpacking It...

In the interest of yesterday's post displaying all of my baby carriers, I figured I must also include Lance's favorite carrier of all, the Piggyback child carrier.

Surprise surprise, it comes from his other home, REI. Or, in our case, a kind neighbor who just wanted it out of her closet and willing to part with it for penny change.



It has lovely hip and back support, and is fully adjustable for height of the carrier, and the age of the child.

Awww, look at those chubby arms!!!



It also has a zip-off day pack that I usually use on our longer hikes. You can see it lying on the ground in this pic:



See? Happy baby!



We love this carrier and highly recommend it if you are a hiker with a little one running around. It has allowed us to continue hiking while Bubbalu enjoys the ride.

Here's the most recent pic of us hiking Little Mount Si :



Any of you hikers?

A

Slinging it...

There is a baby carrying carnival over at Adventures In Babywearing, and to join in the fun, here is my favorite pic of Bubbalu slinging it with Mama:



I whipped that sling together in about 30 minutes. With a colicky crying baby, a sling seemed the best thing to calm him down. I'd put him in there and start doing the dishes, and soon enough he'd be in snoozeland. I wouldn't really consider myself an attatchment parent, but I sure needed to carry Bubbalu around during those difficult first 4 months.

What? You don't believe me? This is what I did for 4 months:

Well, either that or this:

Either way, I was carrying/holding him all day. It was the only way to stop the incessant crying, so that is what I did.

I also have a picture of Bubbalu in the Bjorn, which was actually used mostly by Papa...



And I'm sad to say I don't have a picture of Bubbalu in my favorite carrier of all time, the Moby wrap. It was the most comfortable carrier for me. I never had sore back or shoulders. And, the added bonus of cuddling with my non-cuddler baby.

If you used one, what was your favorite baby carrier?

A

Colorful Colors...

Pottery Barn now has their Summer 08 Benjamin Moore picks out for your viewing enjoyment and room inspiration.



Which one do you like? Now be honest, which one would you actually use?

I like Stone House #1039, and would actually paint a whole room that color. Color meaning neutral beige. I don't think I could commit to an entire room full of Pear Green or Poppy. Could you?

Not too long ago I helped my sister paint her spare room a color really close to Key Largo Green. We are SO in the know of color trends.

Actually, I am hopelessly devoted to my dear chocolate brown. Any other chocolate brown addicts out there?

A

My Dilemma...

I am ecstatic that my wonderful husband, after nine long years of post high education, is graduating from Dental School two weeks from Saturday! I couldn't be more proud of him.

We have always felt like we are kind of playing house. That we are not really adults, we're just pretending to be married with an 18 month old running around.

However, we ARE adults, we DO have an 18 month old, and we are most definitely married.

Anyways.

So graduation is approaching rapidly, which leads to my dilemma. I'm gonna need some help on this one.

What do I wear?

Is a dress too formal? A sundress? Classy bermuda shorts and funky top? Svelte jeans with a trendy top? Ahhh! Help!

Seriously, help me. Give me some ideas. Keep in mind it'll probably be 60ish degrees with a chance of rain, cause that's just how it is done in Washington...

A

Sad Sad News...

One of our favorite Christian music artists, Steven Curtis Chapman, lost his 5 year old daughter yesterday to an accident that happened in their driveway.

Read more about it here.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to their family.

A

Where Have You Been???

What, didja miss me or something? I can't just take a week off without notice? Here's what I've been up to:

• Worked my last 12 hour shift as a Labor and Delivery RN on Saturday
  
  
• Ate a yummy tuna subway sandwich with olives, pickles, mustard, light lettuce, hold the tomato while driving up to our hometown Saturday night. (Hello! 5 bucks for a foot-long! ) And NO, I didn't eat the whole sandwich. What do you think I am, a glutton?
  
  
• After Sunday morning church, put Bubbalu down for a nap. Cringed in embarrassment because a certain someone ripped a 2 foot section of wallpaper off Grandma's wall instead of taking a nap.
  
  
• Got a mild sunburn while watching Bubbalu swim in his kiddy pool at Grandpa and Grandma's house and chatting with my newest sister and the rest of the fam. And when I say watching, I mean critical scrutinization, as Mama stupidly forgot the swim diapers at home ( hey! I packed AFTER working 12 hours, I'm lucky I remembered Bubbalu! ) and allowed the poop king to go commando under the swim trunks. Daring, I know. Flirting with disaster? Yes.
  
  
• Laughed when Grandpa came out of the house with his swim trunks on and joined Bubbalu in the kiddy pool.
  
  
• Started touring listed homes with my MIL while Lance has a business meeting all day Monday.
  
  
• Monday afternoon I provided bridal support for my new sister-to-be as we braved le bridal shoppe. Gladly ate M & M's the entire way home. Women + wedding dress shopping + fabric store + chocolate = a perfect day.
  
  
• Tuesday was the Great Tour Of Homes day. We viewed 18,000 homes and finally narrowed them down to our 2 faves. Managed to eat a lovely Caesar salad and steak dinner while watching American Idol. Fell into bed exhausted after collecting Bubbalu from my Mom, who was gracious to watch him all day long.
  
  
• Wednesday, we went to the park and de-stressed a bit, Lance had more business meetings, had a lovely late Mother's Day dinner with my family, and we started writing an offer on our house that evening. Realize at 11 pm that we forgot to watch the American Idol finale, and look it up on Yahoo. Not exactly an exciting way to find out who won.
  
  
• Early this morning we met with our bank person, and our agent is presenting our offer in a few minutes.
  
  

See? We've been BUSY! We are quite tired, but realize we are blessed. I'll try to get back into bloggyland soon!

Miss you...

A

Climb Every Mountain...

Turn your back for one second and it goes from this:



to this:



We've been having LOTS of fun over here, how about you?

Been standing on your table lately?

A

Música Silenciosa...

I was reading a blog post over at The DiaperDiaries about the most common blog peeves that people have. What was the biggest one? Music that played automatically. Hmmm...

I like to listen to music on blogs and am a huge music fan. However, in an effort to keep the interpeeps happy...I've taken away the auto-play feature on our lovely music.

Why am I caving to this? It's MY blog, I can do whatever I want!!

Actually, it is because I have SO been there, with a sleeping baby in my arms, just getting some fun bloggy reading time, when loud music starts up and wakes my sleeping child.

However, I will continue to change up the music on my lovely blawg, you just now have to actually press the play button.

Where's the music? It is on the right side just under my profile. Not too hard to find!

And, may I make this disclaimer...if I don't like the silence, I may change it back! 'Cause like I said, it's MY blawg...

Comments? Thoughts? Discuss...

A

Mother Goose...

Our little family went out this morning for a quick jaunt in the protected wetlands area by our house. Lance wasn't due at school until after lunch...such a senior slacker! Lance often takes Bubbalu there to get some energy out and see the ducks and geese.

I am a protective Mama. I see the possibility of bad things in most situations. For instance, when Bubbalu is walking along a trail and two large geese (larger than he is) notice his presence. Um, not good. Yes, it is the spring "we're making goslings and I'm a protective Mama goose" season Also, I am sure these geese are no strangers to goldfish cracker handouts. I get a leetle nervous when he gets too close.

Have you NEVER seen America's Funniest Home Videos? Or AFV for those who watch it daily. It is one of my all time favorite television shows. It always makes me laugh.

Have you seen the videos of kids getting attacked by various large fowl? It's one thing if you are ten or eleven, but Bubbalu is only 17 months old.

I pictured these huge geese running at him feathers flying and attacking him. I just couldn't let that happen. So, I quickly picked him up and carried him.

Lance made fun of me. "I let him walk past geese ALL THE TIME, it's not like their going to attack him or anything".

Am I paranoid? Probably. Did the geese attack him today? No. Did Mama feel like she was protecting her offspring? Yep.

It's just too bad her precious protected offspring danced in the goose poop...

A

What???

I've decided on my new spring wardrobe must-have :



Oh yeah baby! Totally gettin' the Bikini-pants. The best part? They're only $88 bucks. What a steal!

A

Pretty Big Shoes To Fill...

Uh Dad? Can I borrow these for just a sec?


I'm concerned about the wear pattern on your tread. Are you sure you're not supinating?


See Dad? They look better on me anyways...


Now, how do I get these things off?

'Cause my feet are getting sweaty...

A

Just An Ordinary Day...

Walking on the trail, peeking at the ducks, we may have fed them a goldfish or two from Bubbalu's emergency stroller stash. Folks, this pic was taken only two weeks ago. TWO WEEKS. And yes, he is wearing a hat, full coat and cozy blankie in this pic. Hello!? Where is our spring? ~sigh~



Ladies and Gentlemen, we have finally discovered the wonderment of dandelions:


Ooo, I want THIS one...


We also discovered Mama won't let you eat the dandelions.


So, we moved on to sticks :


Which were VERY exciting, until we discovered that Mama won't let you eat those either.


So we went back to the dandelions, hoping Mama would forget. She didn't.


Just another ordinary day...

A

Flowers and Such...

Christy over at Real Life Adventures gave me eflowers today! Thanks girl!

My husband gave me REAL flowers, and the greeter at church gave me a bright red Gerbera Daisy. I'm feeling blessed with blooms.

My own Mom and my Mother in-law are two very special blossoms in my life. They are SO much more than just 'Mom' to me. They are two friends, confidantes, mentors, encouragers and cheerleaders in my life. Saying a cliche "Happy Mother's Day" greeting doesn't even begin to convey my feelings regarding them. Mom and Mom, I love you SO much. Thank you for being who and what you are in my life.

I'm also blessed to have my Bubbalu. He's too little to wish me a verbal Happy Mother's Day greeting. But every time he snuggles with me, lays his head down on my shoulder, or stares into my eyes with his mischievous sparkle, he tells me.

My husband tells me every time he helps around the house without being asked, bringing me an extra blanket in bed when I'm cold (even though he'll be roasting soon), or just smiling at me when I'm holding Bubbalu. I KNOW he thinks I'm an awesome Mom. He tells me this often. We both know I make mistakes, have hard days, crabby days, or just plain lazy days. That isn't the measure of a good mother. I love my Bubbalu, and am raising him in the best way I possibly can.

To all you Mama's out there, a sincere and heartfelt Happy Mother's Day to you. I pray you have been blessed.

"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it."
[Proverbs 22:6]

A

Chicken Fajita Lime Marinade...

This is a fantastic marinade to kick your fajitas up a notch.

Fajita Lime Marinade

• Juice of 4 - 5 Limes
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp light molasses
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Preheat oven to 350. Mix ingredients together, pour into freezer size ziplock and marinade uncooked chicken in refridgerator for at least one hour. Remove from fridge and bring to room temp before cooking. Cook chicken over medium heat, spooning extra marinade over chicken until mostly cooked. Discard any left over marinade. Add sliced veggies (green bell pepper, onion, mild green chile and a red chile pepper) to the chicken and continue cooking until sizzling.

Serve with warm tortillas, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, sliced green onions and chopped tomatoes.

How to warm tortillas:

• Oven at 350, wrap stacked tortillas in aluminum foil and heat in oven 15 minutes or until hot.

Be sure to invite me over for dinner if you are making this, I'm good for the guacamole, sour cream, green onions and chopped tomatoes...

See? Doesn't that look fantastic!?

A

Her Uterus Must Be Tired...

Yep, the Duggars are expecting their 18th child. Read more about it here.



If I was her Labor & Delivery nurse, I would be very afraid. Very afraid.

Why?

Her uterus is tired. Tired uteri don't like to work as well as they did back in the single digit pregnancies. She's at a huge risk for hemorrhage. I pray that she is just fine with this little one.

Wonder what she'll name this one?

A

It Has Happened...Again...

OK, I give up. I surrender. I'm done. Whatever I'm being punished for, I humbly apologize and ask for forgiveness. Just please make it stop.

Remember a few days ago when I mentioned something was up with Bubbalu and his, ah, digestive system? That he got naked and had the wet paper towel scrub down in the Barnes & Noble bathroom?

Well.

I was hanging out in the computer room, enjoying my "it's Mama's nap time bloggy freedom!" hour and heard this large boom sound. I looked out the window thinking those pesky construction guys were being loud again, trying to wake my sleeping baby. Couldn't see anything, so forgot about it. After all, I was bloggin'. Hello, priorities.

Megs came over after her OB appointment and we decided to go and get Bubbalu, who had been talking and whining in his crib for the past half hour or so. We opened his door and were blown back by the stench emitting from his room.

It's the kind of smelly bad that is actually funny. You're holding your nose saying, "that is RANK!".

So. Bubbalu had another...um...episode. Megs said she normally would have volunteered to change his diaper (which she does with an alarming frequency) but being that I had no gloves, she politely declined. She DID hold his arms so as to not make matters worse.

I was up to my elbows in you know what. We actually snapped some shots because we knew we needed photographic evidence to support our story. I am not sure bloggyland is ready to see them yet. Also, they are still on Megs camera. Kinda makes it hard to post them.

Here's how we handled the episode:

1. Windows WIDE open.


2. Strip child down.


3. Attempt to wipe off majority of filth with wipes.


4. Dirty clothes in plastic bag and sealed to suppress stench.


5. Diaper bomb in separate plastic bag to also suppress stench.


6. Put child right into tub (mental note to bleach the tub down later).


7. Scrub child head to toe.


8. Rinse child with the shower, as tub is completely contaminated.


9. Attempt to soothe child, who is now screaming with terror.


10. Second mental note to rebathe child after tub is completely cleaned.


11. Dry child.


12. Redress child.


13. Cuddles with Auntie Megs.

Meanwhile, Mama:

1. Strips down entire bedding.


2. Thinks she's got it all taken care of, but decides all animals of the stuffed variety are also RANK.


3. Strips down the changing pad.


4. Starts washing machine with bedding.


5. Remembers to spray down the tub with Clorox.


6. Wipes down the naked mattress and changing table.


7. Bags up all soiled laundry and brings to laundry room


8. Turns on fan, ensures window is WIDE open.


9. Closes door.


10. Rinses tub out and sprays it again with Clorox ('cause once ain't enough).


11. Switches laundry over to dryer and starts a load of animals.

To be honest, I couldn't even THINK about dealing with the clothes, I kept them rotting in their little plastic bag until I had a chance to thoroughly spray, soak, bleach, and launder them.

And I am PROUD to say the white onesie (that sustained the majority of the attack) is still, in fact, white.

For the whites I used spray and wash on the obvious soilage areas, filled the washing machine with water, put the normal amount of soap in, then threw a 1/4 cup of baking soda and about a 1/2 cup of bleach in for good measure. I let it soak for a good 3 hours (a little long 'cause I forgot about it) and then restarted the machine. And Presto! they came out white. I SO rock.

I did the colors today, same story minus the bleach. Yep, all is good. I STILL rock.

I am alarmed that my blogging has taken such a fece turn lately. But hey, I'm keeping it real. You wouldn't believe me if all I wrote about was sunshine, flower petals and ladybugs.

Remember that large boom sound I heard earlier? Yep, that was the Bubbalu explosion. He is SO his father's son.

A

Guess Who Dressed Me Today?

This is what greeted me this morning when I woke up...



Uh, Hon? May we have a word?



However, after some punny jokes about not being able to find him, I have to admit that Bubbalu looks rather happy. Cheerful in fact. There is quite a happy little grin on my camo covered child.

Here is my list of peoples who would approve of this look:

• My Father-in-law, hunting expert...
• My Father, outdoors enthusiast...
• My collective hunting minded/outdoors enthusiastic Brothers-in-law...
• My Sister, cause she loves her some camo...
• Bubbalu's Glamma's, because let's face it, they think he's cute no matter what he has on...
• Uh, and his FATHER, of course. He was rather proud of his outfit picking and matching skillz.

And just so you know, Bubbalu changed into jeans before we left the house. It was his request, not mine... make of it what you will.

A

Maternity Swimwear Debate of '08...

I am leaving the quiz up for a while, but as we stand right now:

• 33% say go for the Bikini
  
• 67% say go for the Tankini or Maternity one piece

A total of 18 voters. That's it?! No one else has major maternity fashion advice? Hmmm, are you sure?

Mkay, I promised to reveal my intense feelings and deep thoughts over maternity belly fashion.

• As most of you know, I am a Labor and Delivery Nurse. I see pregnant bellies all the time. I think large preggers tummies are adorable and healthy.
  
  
• They signal job security. I think to myself, "yep, there's another one, looks like I'm still in business".
  
  
• I like seeing pregnant women. When I see someone who is visibly pregnant (I first make SURE I know she is) I usually meet their eye and smile with the universal "I know that you have a miracle growing inside of you, I've experienced it too and am happy for you" look that many women give to each other. The same sorta look is exchanged between Mama's pushing strollers and carrying little their bambinos in their respective Moby Wrap/ring sling/Bjorn/Ergo, etc.
  
  
• HELLO! the first time in your mature woman's life where you don't feel the need to suck in while wearing a bathing suit! In fact, people admire your tummy with approval. Bikini? Yes please.
  
  
• Pregnancy is not something to hide. Why be ashamed? It's not a disease or an unsightly blemish. ( Granted, I may feel that way because my pregnancy with Bubbalu was free from nausea, puking or stretch marks. Before you send me hate comments, know that I paid my dues in the end and in the first 6 months of Bubbalu's life. Maybe someday I'll tell those stories.)
  
  
• It is a MIRACLE.

So, I am in favor of a bikini on a pregnant woman.

Whaddyall think? On my side or not? And, just for kicks, go here and vote if you haven't participated yet...

A

The Loot Report...

I mentioned over a week ago that my sister, Mom and I were heading out to a huge community wide garage sale happening that Saturday. The day turned out be full of sunny weather, good deals, and full bladders. Oh, and a few laughs.

OK, so here we go, the official loot report.

The grand total for the loot pictured here is $1.25, however, my Mom said the crayons were WAY overpriced. Actually, they weren't priced and I offered a quarter. Mom said she woulda offered ten cents. That lady drives a hard bargain :

We popped the Martina CD in the car and sang (screeched) Independance Day while joyriding from one sale to the next. It was glorious.

By the way, when you buy CD's at a garage sale/thrift store/estate sale, whathaveyou, be sure to look inside the case and ensure the actual CD is still in there. Not that it's ever happened to us, I'm just sayin. Cause maybe my Dad would be listening to the Doobie Brothers right now if that ever DID happen to us. Like I said, I'm just saying...

And now for some some lovely action shots of the garagers.

This is my lovely sis, BrownEyedGirl, gloating cause she stole shotgun from me:

Or, maybe she's just looking to me for support in cajoling my Mom to stop for a bathroom break because seriously? We each drank one of these:

I realize you can't see the picture very well, but it's a 24 ounce Venti Starbucks water cup. Notice it's empty? That's because all the liquid was in my bladder screaming to get out.

Also, notice the person you can see through the windshield? That might be our creepy garage sale stalker guy. He befriended my Mom, cause she's cute and all, and wouldn't stop talking to her. She looked at us with the universal, "get me out of here, he is creepy!" look plastered on her face. We tried, oh yes we did, but he just kept showing up at the other sales we went to. We'd jump back in that Blazer before he could say (again) ,"hey, funny seeing you guys again!".

Ewww. ~Insert involuntary shudder~

Mkay, moving on, here's Mom holding her garaging power juice cup (Starbucks) and wondering why she can't get the gas pump to work. We had us some troubles at the AMPM station. We finally figured it out and motored off in search of more sales.

And oh yeah, here I am in all my Cheshire cat grinning glory, so excited to be garaging after a long break from the sport:



See? Uncanny resemblance. Except I'm not a cat nor pink.



Can I just say I should win MVP of the day in the Garaging category? I researched, planned routes, and provided entertainment for all involved. Definitely MVP. Ok, maybe Sportsmanship award, cause Mom and Becca? They're crazy bargain finders. CRAZY.

Anways, here is a pic of some more loot we obtained. We hit the motherload of garage sales, a hip young woman looking to get rid of bags and bags of uber chic clothing, jewelry and shoes. And, all her profits went to charity, so we just had to partake.



So, that's not even the stuff that stayed in the back of the Blazer. We also purchased a Pac 'n play, two child-sized IKEA chairs, three wall mount shelves, one large wall cabinet, one medicine cabinet, one vase with flowers, one triple fold white wood cut-out fireplace screen, two lights and sounds cars for Bubbalu and really? I don't even remember what else.

What I do know? We had fun, we bought stuff, and our wallets weren't THAT much lighter.

I would say the day was a success...

A

I Just Wanted Some Coffee...

These are pictures from the Bellingham Herald, where a car drove through the front of a Starbucks. I grew up around there, so it kinda hits close.

I've been to that Starbucks...multiple times. I have family members who are probably known by face and license plate number when going to this store. Praise God the injuries sustained were not life-threatening.



You can read the rest of the story here.

A

Maternity Swimwear & Other Tactics of Humiliation..

Well folks, I went maternity swimsuit shopping with my Mother-in-law and preggers sister Megs yesterday. We were unimpressed with the store's selection, and Megs needs to continue her quest for the perfect maternity swimsuit.

Which brought me to a question for y'all:



I'm interested in what will happen here. AND, I'm not gonna tell what I think until later tomorrow...

A

Oh A Commenting We Will Go...

Beth over at I Should Be Folding Laundry hits the nail on the head regarding commenting for bloggers. It's a good read, and you can find it here.

A

Diaper Bombs...

What is with my child lately? Is there some evil diaper bomb plan that I don't know about? Why are there two onesies soaking in a bucket in my laundry room?

Bubbalu has already had two baths today. TWO. And it's only one in the afternoon. They were both necessary my friends, necessary. I wrote earlier about the latest diaper fiasco and like I said on that post, I thought I was done with all the diaper bombs/poop up the back episodes.

Apparently not.

I do want to spare you the details so as to not frighten off the non-parents out there, but seriously, I think an orange exploded in his diaper. Not a satsuma. Not a mandarin. A LARGE orange.

It's quite amazing really. Impressive. If there was a contest, he'd win first prize. We'd have the bumper sticker, 'My child is the diaper bomb champion'. I'm SO proud.

Good thing Lance was home both 'episodes'. After the second bomb, I yelled for help, and he replied, "I'm coming in for backup!".

We are an equal opportunity diaper changing household. We are both equally disgusted and offended by diaper changing, but we both pitch in and do the job. What about your house?

Well, at least for now I have a squeaky clean kid.

Until he wakes up from his nap...

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She Works Hard For The Money...Or Not...*Updated!*

Here's what REALLY happened today:

• Go see the opening of boat day here in Seattle with Lance and Bubbalu. *It rained so we quickly bagged that idea.
  
  
• Put away laundry from yesterday (*ahem* Tuesday). *OK, so LANCE put away Tuesday's laundry...we folded yesterday's laundry, and now it will sit on my bed until I go to bed tonight, at which time I will transfer it to the floor, where it will stay until the NEXT time I do laundry and decide I need the laundry basket.
  
  
• Fold and put away the laundry still in the dryer. *Folded, not put away!
  
  
• Make a roast in the crock pot. *LANCE made the crock pot roast, while I yelled directions from the couch. I was watching a REALLY good show. I don't remember what it was, but it MUST have been good.
  
  
• Pre-make cinnamon rolls for Sunday morning breakfast. *Haven't done this one yet, and I may still have time. The jury's out on this one.
  
  
• Maybe go to REI to pick out some gifts for Hubby. *Hey! Lookey there, I actually did something on my list! Woot woot for me! Actually, Woot Woot! for Lance, he got the newest TOPO and map printer paper. Not on the top of my list for a gift, but he's smiling!
  
  
• Probably clean the house. *Like I even have to say...
  
  

Did anyone else ditch their Saturday chores or was it just me? At least I worked out, that's gotta count for something. I washed my hair! I also took a nap around noon because I had woken up early expecting to go to work.

So clearly, I had a hard day...

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She Works Hard For The Money...Or Not...

Well, I was unexpectedly cancelled from work today, yippee! So here's my to do list:

• Go see the opening of boat day here in Seattle with Lance and Bubbalu.
• Put away laundry from yesterday (*ahem* Tuesday).
• Fold and put away the laundry still in the dryer.
• Make a roast in the crock pot.
• Pre-make cinnamon rolls for Sunday morning breakfast.
• Maybe go to REI to pick out some gifts for Hubby.
• Probably clean the house.
  

Good ole Saturdays...

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Let's All Talk About Some Hair...

I have medium length brown hair, with an amazing cut, courtesy of my Beautificationist. And can I say, having a REALLY good cut is completely worth the money. It save tons of time and energy, and tends to last a long time.

Case in point : I woke up late this morning (Bubbalu slept in) and didn't have time to wash my hair before meeting with my prayer group ladies. So, flat-iron a few sections, hairspray here and there, and presto! Uber chic hair.

Now, I normally wouldn't talk about myself so much (ha!, who'd you think this whole blawg thing is about anyways?!), but I get more compliments on the days I don't wash my hair and do my presto flat-ironing than when I shampoo and do the whole product/blow dry/flat-iron/hairspray/finishing spray/glossy stuff regimen. WEIRD. It's totally given me a showering complex. Do I shampoo? Or not? They won't like it if I shampoo. They will withhold compliments. They are watching me...

Anyways, moving on.

My Beautificationist says it can be very drying to shampoo daily. All I can say, I am GLAD there is a reasonable reason (excuse) for busy Mama's to ditch the shampoo on a daily basis. Bubbalu will only last in the pack 'n play for one Veggietales, so my time better be well spent.

I DO have to say that I always shampoo after I run because, and I'll be completely honest here, my hair is NASTY after a long run. Ewwww.

What about y'all? Shampoo daily? Weekly? Monthly!?

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Special Maternity Request...

In response to my sweet, preggers, beautificationist sister Megan, (she is one of two sisters of mine who are expecting) who asked about needing a cute maternity swimsuit. Here are some options for looking uber cute and summer chic while pregnant.

This 2-piece Tankini from Walmart is a great deal with cute colors and a halter tie around the neck, for only $25.88:



And, if you are walking around at your pool party (which I AM invited to, right!?) and want to be covered up a bit, here's a nice denim banded short, again from Walmart, for only $13.97:



If you are feeling super girly, here is a great Junior Chain Halter Dress from, where else, Walmart. I saw this one in the store, and it had PLENTY of room for a nice beautiful belly. Guess what? It's only $12.88:



Throw some comfy flip flops on with this one, and you are pool party ready. Just bring your sunscreen!

Here's another cute basic black Tankini Top and Bottom from Target for $32.99 :



If all else fails, you always have Old Navy for a Mix and Match tankini suit at the price of 2 for $28.00. Their website also says free returns on all Maternity styles. Not too shabby!



OK Megs, hoped this helped. Let us all know what you end up with! And Laura, let us know what chic summer maternity styles you'll be rockin'...

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Wallyworld Picks Dos...

I'd throw this dress over a pair of boot cut jeans any day:

And stiff high heels? Forget it! Go with some wedge chocolate brown flip flops, which give you height, comfort and toe breathability.

• The Print Jersey Summer Dress costs $14.72.

• The Levis Boot Cut Jeans cost $19.68.

• The Wedge Flip Flops cost $4.88.

Grand total comes to $39.28, but what are the chances that y'all have great jeans already? Goodness knows I do. So, total without the jeans is $19.60. Not too bad, huh?

This outfit would be great for an afternoon picnic. Wanna host one? I'd totally come, and bring watermelon and chips. Let me know when it starts...

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