A quick summary...

Just to update you what's going on, since I still haven't really found time to do a nice big blog about it all (well, that and I can't think of how to start) I'll sum up..

Da Boy is now with us 1 week at a time. 1 here, 1 there, repeat. Also, his biological father moved about an hour away, which makes getting Da Boy to school on time rather difficult.

Sissy T is getting married. In September. To a boy we haven't met. Yeah.

I have been diagnosed with Endo. Now, I have to have a hysterectomy. On Monday (no joke) And I'm scared. A Lot. So much for almost 4 years of trying to get pregnant. To be honest, I can't even form sentences about how I feel emotionally about this subject.

We started going to a new church. Full of wonderful people. Now the people at our old church barely speak to us and I feel like they don't want to be friends with us anymore.

I've been painting, and crocheting, and spending WAY too much time looking at Tumblr browsing #Merlin.

Mr. Man has been diagnosed with functional dyspepsia. Only problem is, the meds seem worse than the disease. Now he's having chest pains and tingling in his hands and feet. And I'm scared. A lot.

However....


I got a new camera for Christmas ... no joke, I don't think I've ever been so excited. It's a Canon, with a separate lens. Sheeeaaahhh!

Ok, that'll have to do for now. Da Boy leaves in an hour and I've gotta get his stuff together. Ciao for now, I will try to post more later today.
~M

No one ever called me Betty Crocker

Well it's just the truth, ya know?  

(make sure to click the pictures to see them bigger!)

My Grandmother, yes, absolutely - the woman could cook anything!  My Mom was the same way, I even have some of her handwritten recipes (not that I can really read them, but that's not the point) 

 (Mom and I making biscuits)                                               (Mom's recipes)

 

My Aunt can cook very well, my friends can heat up the kitchen (A la Princessa!) but me? I could heat it up, but you'd probably need a fire extinguisher by the time I was done.

 No, no (I can hear you Wendy and Chris) I'm not giving myself enough credit. That is what this blog post is for...

So after what seems like years weeks of ....

Mon: hamburger patties 

Tue: chicken breasts 

Wed: frozen pasta bowls 

Thu: repeat

Mr. Man and I have decided to start "trying new things" as far as meals go. So, I broke out the cook book and we started looking through it.

 

So far we've tried TWO new recipes this week and both were home-runs! 

 And, all though I didn't get any pictures of the Pepper-Lime Chicken, I did manage a few of the ribs! I made the sauce (changed it, there was just no way I was going to put 2 frickin teaspoons of chili powder in there!), Mr. Man did the grillin', and even Da Boy joined in and "painted" the ribs with our sauce! 

 (I still think ours look better than the book's picture of the ribs!) Anyways ... we've picked out a ton of other recipes from the book, and  if I remember I'll post about how those turn out too! I may not be Betty Crocker, but at least the boys and I won't starve ;)

~M

Today sucks.

Just like it has for the last 16 years.  Of course the very first June 2nd that meant anything to me was WAY over the top of Suck-ass Mountain, but of course, when you’re 15, death of a parent is always harder.

My Dad was a great guy… liked by many and deeply loved by those that loved him. He was tall and strong and funny. He knew Karate. He loved to dance and listen to music.  He could knock it out of the park when it came to one-liners. He loved his daughter.

Now he’s gone. Does he know he has a grandson that looks so much like him, sometimes I can’t believe my eyes? Does he know that I finally found the guy I was meant to be with? Does he know that I’m loved, safe, protected, and happy? Does he know that I can’t believe I ever got this far without him? Does he know that I still need him, love him, miss him, hate him for leaving me without him?

100 Day Challenge

I will not be doing these everyday - I will take my time and do them when I want to, but as close to "daily" as I can. I am also posting these on FB!

Day 01 - A picture of yourself with fifteen facts.
Day 02 - A picture of you and the person you have been close with for awhile.
Day 03 - A picture of the cast from your favorite show.
Day 04 - A picture of something you'd like to do again.
Day 05 - A picture of your favorite memory.
Day 06 - A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day.
Day 07 - A picture of your most treasured item.
Day 08 - A picture that makes you laugh.
Day 09 - A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most.
Day 10 - A picture of the person you do the most fucked up things with.
Day 11 - A picture of something you hate.
Day 12 - A picture of something you love.
Day 13 - A picture of your favorite band or artist.
Day 14 - A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without.
Day 15 - A picture of something you want to do before you die.
Day 16 - A picture of someone who inspires you.
Day 17 - A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently.
Day 18 - A picture of your biggest insecurity.
Day 19 - A picture of you when you were little.
Day 20 - A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel.
Day 21 - A picture of something you wish you could forget.
Day 22 - A picture of something you wish you were better at.
Day 23 - A picture of your favorite book.
Day 24 - A picture of something you wish you could change.
Day 25 - A picture of your day.
Day 26 - A picture of something that means a lot to you.
Day 27 - A picture of yourself and a family member.
Day 28 - A picture of something you're afraid of.
Day 29 - A picture that can always make you smile.
Day 30 - A picture of someone you miss.
Day 31 - A picture of a tradition you have.
Day 32 - A picture of a crazy night.
Day 33 - A picture of the house you grew up in.
Day 34 - A picture of your currently most played CD.
Day 35 - A picture of your favorite place to eat.
Day 36 - A picture of your ‘other half'.
Day 37 - A picture of the people you spend most of your time with.
Day 38 - A picture of the best part of your day.
Day 39 - A picture of your favorite movie.
Day 40 - A picture of your favorite Disney character.
Day 41 - A picture of your pet.
Day 42 - A picture of your dream house.
Day 43 - A picture of something you can’t function without.
Day 44 - A picture of someone you’re told you look like.
Day 45 - A picture of your room.
Day 46 - A picture of where you wish you were right now.
Day 47 - A picture of your favorite place to shop.
Day 48 - A picture of your favorite actress/actor.
Day 49 - A picture of where you live.
Day 50 - A picture of your most frequented place.
Day 51 - A picture of your dream car.
Day 52 - A picture of your favorite sport.
Day 53 - A picture of someone you think is hot.
Day 54 - A picture of the one thing you would bring if you
were stranded on a deserted island.
Day 55 - A picture of the last movie you saw in theaters.
Day 56 - A picture of something that makes you happy.
Day 57 - A picture of your favorite holiday.
Day 58 - A picture of your favorite animal.
Day 59 - A picture of a random item that you own.
Day 60 - A picture of your pet.
Day 61 - School class picture
Day 62 - Last place you traveled to
Day 63 - An Award or Certificate you've received
Day 64 - Favorite childhood book
Day 65 - A picture of you and your best friend
Day 66 - A picture in your room
Day 67 - Something Green
Day 68 - A magazine you like
Day 69 - Something Red
Day 70 - Something you borrowed from someone else
Day 71 - A picture of your favorite piece of jewelry
Day 72 - A stuffed animal
Day 73 - Your lunch
Day 74 - Something you found under your bed
Day 75 - You and a friend
Day 76 - Something that annoys you
Day 77 - The last thing that you bought
Day 78 - Your sunglasses
Day 79 - A ticket from somewhere you've been
Day 80 - Your favorite childhood movie
Day 81 - Something you baked
Day 82 - The most embarrassing thing in your closet
Day 83 - The moon tonight
Day 84 - Your favorite pair of shorts
Day 85 - Something Pink
Day 86 - Something your mom bought you
Day 87 - Something you hold dear to your heart
Day 88 - Your bathroom
Day 89 - What's in your fridge?
Day 90 - Your latest drawing/art/craft.
Day 91 - Something that made you smile today
Day 92 - Something weird in your house
Day 93 - The view from your bedroom window
Day 94 - What your doing right now
Day 95 - Something yellow
Day 96 - A place you went today
Day 97 - Something heart shaped
Day 98 - Your favorite nail polish color
Day 99 - Something that makes you feel accomplished
Day 100 - The final picture of yourself

The one in which Da Boy steals my camera

 I plugged in the camera this morning to upload a photo of Da Boy I had taken last Wednesday, the day before he left for his birth dad's house. Then I saw that he had gotten all "photographer" on me again and took 97 pictures with it when I asked him to bring me the camera. 97 yeah. Most of which were out of focus snaps of the TV and the cats. Oh, and his feet. He did, however, get a couple of Mr. Man and I that aren't too bad at all! Here are the pics I had planned to post, and a few of his best shots.

**** Da Boy's Photoshoot starts below!!****

Weekend of Awesome

Happy Monday, all! I can only hope your weekend was as full of awesome as ours was! Friday night, Mr. Man and Da Boy got crazy doing laundry, and I couldn't resist grabbing the camera. Most of the pictures that we took (Da Boy snagged the camera from me and snapped several) didn't turn out too well, seems like my camera doesn't do 'action' very well! :)

This is how it all started! 

Yes, that's Da Boy as Mr. Man dumps all the clean laundry on him

Then came the "sock fight"

I only wish I had thought to do a video instead of photos. 

Would have been epic!

Saturday, Mr. Man, Da Boy and I hopped in the car and drove over to the Nevada State Railroad Museum for our first family train ride.

As they blew the train whistle and I snapped this pic,  I realized how awesome it is to be Da Boy's Mom.

After the train ride, we gave Day Boy the first installment of his allowance - Three whole dollars per week, for doing his chore list. Which, by the way, is no simple task! It includes helping with dishes, taking out his trash and helping with the laundry (hence the sock fight above!). He's been doing great, so he got his allowance.  We took him to Target and he picked out some Hot Wheels cars and paid for them himself. I've never seen him prouder. Wish I'd had the camera with me for that! 

Later that afternoon we hooked up with my "adopted" parents, Alice and Lou, for church. Service and worship were amazing, as usual, and Pastor Bill really hit the nail on the head with some points about staying with God's plan, even when it seems like it's changing. It really made me think about this new blog design business I'm opening (tomorrow, hint-hint). But, we'll talk about that later...

After church, the whole famn-damily went to the chinese restaurant for dinner and then we headed out to see the Comstock Cowboys perform at the Carson City Rendezvous.  It was a lot of fun (except the part where Da Boy ran away, off into the grass all the way to the cars before I finally caught up with him and just about whacked him one in public!) The music was great and all the ladies and gentlemen in their costumes were wonderful.

Sunday we took it easy, and enjoyed a yummy dinner out in our front yard. It was pretty laid-back for the most part, and today it's "catch up" time. The grand opening for iSparkle Designs is tomorrow, and needless to say - I'm not ready. But - it'll work for now, and I think as long as I can get some more followers on that blog, it'll turn out just fine. Time for me to go, however, Da Boy is chanting "I unnnnry" at me and begging for lunch.

Missing Mom

Dear Mom,

It's been so long since I've heard your voice. Almost 3 years since I've gotten a letter from you in the mail. Forever since I felt your touch. I remember times when you called and I didn't want to answer the phone. Times where I didn't open your letters right away, even knowing that the coupons inside were expiring. What I wouldn't give to see your number show up on my caller ID, or to see your familiar script on an envelope in the mailbox.

I was looking through my letter box today, it's the mate to the one I bought you all those years ago. It's packed full of letters, pictures, postcards, and drawings that you've sent me over the years. There are even a few "Rosie" comics (they still make me laugh and cry at the same time) and I found my stories. The Princess Adventures that you wrote for me. I still have all 8 chapters, all folded neatly and stored in one of the original envelopes with the return address that of the villain, Droger.

You had such an incredible imagination!! I didn't really understand then - but I do now. I know the stories weren't just stories. They were love letters to your daughter, your only child. I'm sorry I didn't get it while you were still here so we could talk about it.

So many letters. In different color inks, most on different types of paper. Some with little scribbles and drawings, others so full of words the ink seeped through the page, making the other side hard to read. All in your slanted, fancy script that for so many years of my growing up, I couldn't read. I look at it now and it's so beautiful, so classy, so you.

I found one of the letters you wrote right after Nine Eleven. It's dated 9/23/2K1 at the end of the letter I saw something that caught my eye. You never were one for too much optimism, very realistic was my Mom. But this .. oh how I cried when I saw it. Now, as I type this, I am having trouble seeing the wavering words through the tears that I don't dare let fall until I am finished.

You were right, Mom. You were always right, but no one ever saw it. I never saw it. Not until it was too late. Now, I sit here looking at a page out of the scrapbook I made after you died, and I think to myself - I wish I could just call, to say, I love you.

Loving you with all my heart,
S.P.H.B.
(Sugar-Pie, Honey-Bunch)

Hipstamatic!

Here are some pics from Mr. Man's iPhone app called Hipstamatic

Childlike Love

What is it about little kids that makes us melt? Is it their cherubic cheeks? Their messy hair that they think looks "coooool"? How about the way they run while wearing footed Buzz Lightyear pajamas? Absolutely! Those things really get me with Da Boy, but sometimes it's the things he says and they way he says them that really melt me.

We have a rule in our house... we pray before we eat. No matter where we are or who is around, we pray. We also have a fun way to do it - whoever sits down at the table first, says the prayer (or starts it). Da Boy makes sure he's always the first. How cool is that? Anyways... so here we are, sitting at the table, with the sweet smell of Salisbury steak wafting from our plates and I ask "Who gets to say our prayer for dinner tonight?" He smiles and says "I sat down first!" Here is the prayer that my son said last night:

Dear God,
I love you and I love you and I love you, and I want you to come out of my heart and come down here and love on me. 

Wow. I was blown away. I honestly could not have put it better myself. How apt, how simple, how genuine. Yes, that's what I want!! Not only do I want that, I want to be able to talk to God like that. I asked Da Boy (after he was done with his prayer and we were on our way to the church) "How did you learn to pray like that, you sounded like you were just talking to your Daddy." His answer? "I did, God is our Daddy. He's in our heart and in Heaven."

My Prayer for today:

Father God, let me love you like a child loves his Daddy; honestly, openly, without hesitation or reserve. Teach me to be childlike in my worship to you. I know that I'm not "deserving" and I know that that doesn't matter to you. Teach me to fall into your arms and know you'll catch me. I love you, I love you, I love you. Come down here and love on me. Amen

My weekend in review

This last weekend was a doozy - I'm still reeling from certain aspects of it, and I don't expect that to change anytime soon. A few months ago, we were notified that our senior Pastor would be leaving to start a new church in California, and needless to say, I found the news a bit... stressful. Last Tuesday we were notified that another of our Pastors would be moving on, and that the Saturday service would be a "send off" for him and his wife.So, sick though we've been, Mr. Man, Da Boy and I made it to church. The place was packed! The only time we have that many people on a Saturday is for Easter or Christmas services. After a stirring worship session and a powerful sermon, they brought up the Pastor and his wife. It was explained that they have heard the call of the Lord and will be moving to our newest affiliate church in North Lake Tahoe. Then, like 3/4 of the church stood up and walked to the stage! All of these extra people were from the other church - come to welcome their new Pastor. WOW! I was astonished! What a fantastic gesture! Then they said the name of the church. My eyes got big, my head snapped up, and all of a sudden I couldn't seem to breathe. It just happens to be the church I married my first husband in. It also just happens to be the church Mr. Man's ex-wife and husband go to. You have got to be kidding me. Then, as I looked into the face of our ex-Pastor's wife, I started crying. I don't know her well, we haven't become 'friends' or anything,  but I can't imagine her not being there anymore. She is the one that handed me the sponsor packet for our little girl in Africa. She called me by name when she handed it to me saying "Miranda, this one is for you." At the time, I didn't even know she knew my name. Since then, we've shared a couple of jokes (they are form Texas, I used to live there also) we've talked about Da Boy and potty training, and wished each other a Merry Christmas with a hug. So why was I blubbering like a baby? Because she had tears in her eyes? No ... it's because I'm so absolutely sick of losing people.  They just keep leaving, and it seems that when they do - they never come back. They either pass on to Glory, or move too far to visit, or whatever, but I never see them again and I'm totally fed up with it. There's a reason I like things the way they are. Seems to me when things change, it's not usually for the better. Hhmmmpp.


What? There's more, you ask? Oh, that's just the beginning of my weekend! After church, Chris (who also had tears in his eyes, thank you very much!) offers to take us to one of the casinos for dinner at their cafe. We get there, Da Boy has fallen asleep in the backseat, I carry him in and we sit down. We order our dinners - Chris got a sandwich with green chilies, Da Boy orders a hot dog, and I get a taco salad. We all color Da Boy's menu while we wait (I was going to scan it in for you, but I'm too friggin lazy. Just know that it was awesome) and begin to devour it when the food arrives.  Chris is done first (of course) and as I'm taking my 4th bite of salad his work phone rings. He answers it (because he's on call this week) and I hear "Yeah I'll be there as soon as I can". I look around the table - Chris is done, Da Boy is working on an onion ring and has half of his hot dog left, and I haven't even made a dent in my dinner yet. Ok. So I chase after the waitress and get two to-go boxes and the check. We hightail it out of there and race home. Chris jumps in his work truck and Da Boy and I sit down to finish our dinner. Da Boy asks when Daddy will be home and I say "soon honey, it won't take too long". HA! HA! Friggin HA! That was at 7pm. Da Boy and I played his little bingo game and two rounds of checkers. I gave him a bath and read him a story, I put him to bed at 9:15.  By midnight I was so tired I could barely stand and I'd cleaned everything short of the toilets and the floors. I'd read some of my book, I'd colored in my coloring book (shuddup, I like it) I'd checked my farm on facebook. Da Boy woke up at 12:30 and told me "I can't go to sleep" I put him back in bed where he promptly fell back to sleep. Chris finally made it home at 1:30 in the morning. Sigh.

Sunday (what, you think my weekend was only one day long?) was our "rest up" day. Da Boy woke up around 8am and I got up with him, trying to let Chris sleep a bit. I get Da Boy all settled with cereal and orange slices and Sesame Street, and I grab my coffee and head outside for a cigarette. I put my foot on the one step down to the garage, and fall. Seriously. Somehow as I am falling, I manage to spill all of the coffee in my cup, yet set the thing down softly and upright directly in front of me. I thought my ankle is broken. It's not, thankfully, but it certainly felt like it. I managed to get back up, hobble into the kitchen and call Da Boy to help me. He runs over, helps me out of my hazel-nut drenched sweater, and pulls up my pant leg to see if I am bleeding (I love my little doctor) Since I wasn't, I refill my coffee cup and head (slowly) back outside. By the time I get back in, Chris is up, and I am having trouble walking. My leg is fine, but my back is out. Grrrrr.

We spent the rest of the day, alternating between watching football, napping, and playing games - all with me on the heating pad.

You think Mondays suck? I'll trade you your Monday for my weekend anytime!

I can't believe I said that!

Since Da Boy was about a year and a half old, I've been making a list... a list of things I never thought I'd say. Today I thought I'd share a few of them with you.

We don't put color pencils in our nose
Mommy's going poopie. Yes, you can see.
Ummm, this is Mommy's diaper. No, I don't want one of yours, but thanks.
No, I'm not going to kiss your penis, even if it does have a boo-boo
Will you please take my bra off, it's not a backpack.
If you let me brush your teeth, I'll give you a candy.
No, I don't have boogers, get your finger outta my nose!
We don't touch the kitty's bottom with our faces, please.
Daddy's going potty... go see if he needs help. (heehee)
Where did you put the cat, son?! Cat's do not go in the closet!
Come here let me smell your butt.
Can I suck your thumb too?
Here, lemme get your booger.
No baby, we don't eat christmas tree.
I'll give you a candy if you promise to go away.
Those are my boobies, thank you.
Sorry baby, outside is closed today.
Don't put your tongue in my mouth.
It's finger paints - it'll be fun!
Of course you can use my pots for drums!
Yes you look very pretty in Mommy's headband.
Did it fall on the floor? Give it to me, I'll eat it.
No, we don't hide in the fireplace, please!
Do you want to go see Daddy Dusty? No? Then stop please.

and my favorite, and probably most traumatizing for Da Boy....

If you poop in them, I'm going to make you wash them out in the toilet.
(and he did too!)

Wordless? Wednesday

They say a picture can speak a thousand words.... Here are a few pictures to ponder (I'll post the words when I have a little more time) ;)

*this is the only pic I took, Da Boy took all the others!*