Get Ready to Gasp...Or Something

First if you haven't entered to win a fantastic nursing cover, please do so here.

I just finished getting my assignment together for the photography class I am taking.  It's Saturday night (as I write this), and Keely sent me the questions ahead of time so I could get this post done.  Isn't she swell?  I think so.  Why not head to her blog after reading this to see what others answered to the following questions?  Heck...while you're at it, copy and paste the questions to play along.  Just remember to link back to Keely :)


1. Would you rather bungee jump or sky dive?
Really?  Hmmm...would I rather plunge to my death via faulty parachute or faulty rope?  Guess I'd say parachute.  It would probably most resemble the feeling of flying, and because I fly in my dreams I'd love to see what it's like in real life.

2. When using a public restroom to you squat over the seat or sit?
Always hover.  Never sit. YUCK!  As gross as this is, I even use my forearm as a barrier between the seat and my daughter's butt when I take her to the bathroom in public.  I can scrub my arm, not so easy to do with her butt.

3. Favorite flower?
Tulip or calla lilly or tulip...I can't decide.  I love them both...had both in my wedding.

4. Pedicure or manicure?
There once was a woman who actually had time for this sort of thing.  Where did she go?
5. How many siblings do you have?
One fabulous brother. Three years younger than I.


6. Do you pee in the shower? (gasp!)
Gasp?  What do you mean gasp?



7. Bikini, tankini, or one piece?
Hazmat suit, thank you very much.


8. Where do you hate to shop at, but go there anyway?
The grocery store.


Inquiring minds want to know....what are your answers?  Leave 'em here or post and link 'er up!

Warning...I Use the Word Bastard

I have been remiss.  It has been at least a couple of weeks since I have participated in Five Question Friday with Mama M.  Not very cool of me.  Afterall, I would hope that if I ever started a meme that people would play along.  Hint hint at (maybe) something to come.

1. Do you sing karaoke? If so, what is your go to song?
I used to love karaoke.  This was before my mommy hood days.  When I could drink a six pack of beer for courage first.  Not so much anymore.  However...wanna see me shame myself with some vocal un stylings? Then go see this post.

2. What is your favorite coffee drink?
Actually, I do like a good flavored latte.  Like caramel.  Usually, though, I just drink flavored coffee at home with a little creamer.

3. If you could choose your own name, what would it be?
I actually find it impossible to come up with anything that just doesn't seem odd.  Can't imagine anything other than Shannon.

4. Were you ever bullied?
In sixth grade...yes....by a BOY!  The little bastard.  That is, until one day I punched him and he cried...all the while complaining that I hurt his sunburn.  Pft...yeah right weenie.  Never bothered me again. 

5. How often do you eat fast food?
Could I have a definition of fast food please?  I never eat anything like McDonald's, etc.  I do eat Chipoltle on occassion, and have been known to have the odd Subway.  So if that counts, then maybe once every other week I guess.


How about you?  Would love to see your answers.  If you have done your own 5QF post, then let me know so I can come check it out.  If not, what's wrong with you?  Really, if you just don't want to, then how about some answers right here in the comments.

Humiliation at Its Finest

This is lame....I mean really lame.  This may be the one and only opportunity you will have to see me in a video post...and may I say I hope not many of you see it!  I was given a little assignment of sorts by Kate, accompanied with a due date and everything.  I can't put it off, or I'll make myself sick fretting over this thing.  Brace yourself.  I'm serious.   It's pretty rough.





Alright...let's have it!

Giveaway Time!! Nursing cover by Cami

For all you breastfeeding moms, or soon to be breastfeeding moms, or friends of breastfeeding moms...this one is for you!  Cami from Covers by Camilla has offered a free nursing cover to one of my lucky readers.  Cami is a sponsor a local swap that's this Saturday the 27th. Be sure to check out http://www.fraserfields.blogspot.com/ for more details. 
I have to say, I have a nursing cover that was given to me by my mother in law and I love it.  It is not your ordinary little cover that you just drape over baby.  It is just like Cami's, and I couldn't have done without it.

Each nursing cover is sewn by Cami personally and includes the following features:

• lightweight cotton fabric keeps you and your baby cool
• rounded boning in neckline allows eye contact between you and your baby
• adjustable neck strap held securely in place with D-rings so your baby can't pull the cover down
• pocket in right corner to store nursing pads or other small items
• wash cloth in left corner for wiping up small messes
• generous size accomodates big babies and provides full coverage for you

Here's how to win: (Separate comment for each entry please)
Mandatory entry:
Head over to Cami's blog and look under the shop tab.  Come back and comment to let me know which cover you would choose.

Optional Entries:
Follow my blog through the google follower widgit....comment

Head to my Blog Frog community and start/participate in a discussion for two entries...comment twice

Tweet with a link to this post for one entry....comment

Blog about it with a link for one entry...comment

Oh yes...and I feel compelled to mention that if you have been here for previous giveaways, there is often a little twist.  I'll keep you in suspense over what that may be!

That's it.  The contest will start now, and end Thursday of next week (March 4th). Good luck!

I was not compensated in any way shape or form for this giveaway.  I am hosting this item because I believe in its usefulness and want to support a fellow mother in her efforts to earn extra income for her family.

You Knob

No, not you.  I would never call any of my blog readers knobs...well, not most of you ;)  I like Heather from Traveling Down the Tracks with D and H.  She's easy to read, and she participates in a lot of picture stuff.  If you have been reading my blog for any length of time, you might know that I love photography.  I am an amateur photographer (I inwardly cringe at even calling myself a photographer at all) at best.  I soak up all I can from everyone I come across like an Arizona Desert parched sponge.  Anyway, Heather participated in this photography link up on Sailor and Company.  The theme this week is door knobs, and the idea is that you can not edit, in any way at all, your photo.  So here it is...my knob.

Pretty special, isn't it?

Tasty Tuesday Wednesday- Featuring Heather

This week Heather of Traveling Down the Tracks With D and H is sharing one of her favorite recipes with us all.  It looks delicious and I will certainly give it a try.  After taking a peek at the recipe, please go say hello to Heather and be sure to check out some of her photo posts.  They are great as is she!!  So why not follow her while you are at it...I do ;)

**This is a recipe from Rachael Ray's mom that was featured on her site. You can click on the link here, to be able to print it out easily**

Beef Burgundy

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided, plus additional as needed
4 slices bacon, chopped
2 1/2 pounds sirloin or sirloin tips, cut into large, bite-size pieces
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/3 bottle red burgundy wine
2 cups beef stock
1 package frozen pearl onions
2 teaspoon sugar
5 tablespoons butter, divided
1/2 pound mushrooms, quartered
2 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon orange zest
1 pound wide egg noodles
A handful chives, mincedInstructions:

Preheat oven to 375°.
Salt and pepper the sirloin tips and set aside. Preheat Dutch Oven and olive oil. Chop up bacon(easiest way to do this is to use kitchen shears). Cook in the pot until it is brown and crispy.

Remove bacon and add beef. You may have to do this in a few batches. Add more olive oil as needed and brown all the sides. Remove the beef and add 1/3 of a bottle of wine. Stir it to release any brown bits from the bottom. Let it bubble and reduce slightly.

Then add 2 cups of beef stock and the beef and bacon back to the pot. Cover and place in the oven. After 1 hour prepare water for the noodles. Then, place the onions in a pan to cook. The recipe calls for sugar to go in with the onions, I don't add this, I just add the water and it is fine. Then get a pan ready for the mushrooms. Add one tablespoon of olive oil and one tablespoon of butter. Cook the mushrooms until brown. After they are done cooking add salt and pepper. When the onions and mushrooms are done, combine them by putting the mushrooms in the onion pan. When the meat is done cooking in the oven (30 minutes after you started getting the water, onions and mushrooms started) take it out of the oven and place on a burner. I don't add the onions and mushrooms yet. First, I get the roux ready by heating up 2 tablespoons of butter and then sprinkle the flour over it. Cook it, stirring constantly for about a minute. Then add liquid from the pot and stir until thick. Add that to the pot and stir. Then add the mushrooms and onions and let it simmer for a few minutes. When your noodles are done cooking add a tablespoon of butter and the chopped chives. Serve the beef burgundy over the noodles.

Enjoy!I changed this recipe slightly by omitting the sugar and orange zest.

Thank you, Heather!  Now please go say hello at her blog.  I linked to a photography post I enjoyed...sure you will too.

Oh, and on a sidenote...I have some fun giveaways coming later in the week, so stay tuned!

I blinked and She is Three

My Dearest Addyson,

Three years ago today you took your first breath...and in many ways so did I.  When you made your way into this world, mine changed forever.  Instantly my heart swelled with love, joy, pride and fear.  Oh I had heard all about how the love for one's child is unmatched by any other...but I didn't really get it.  Not until you.  When I gazed upon your face for the first time, I understood.  My love for you was immediate and immeasurable.  Love so strong it almost hurt.  Love so strong I never fathomed that it could grow any more.

I was so wrong.  With each passing day my heart and the love within are ever growing. You astound me with your intelligence.  With your capacity for compassion.  With your love for me, your daddy, and your brothers.  Every day you bring me to the brink of my sanity, just to reel me right back in with an unexpected hug or kiss.  You are a challenge, knowing exactly what you want and how you want it...accepting no substitutions nor any delays.  You are a pistol, a never ceasing font of energy.  You stretch my patience to the limit, then sweetly melt my heart not moments later.  You are tender and wise beyond your three little years.

It hardly seems fair that three years have already passed.  I wish I could soak up every second and every moment so they may be stored at the ready for me to relive any time I desire.  Every day I memorize each line of your face, count every new freckle.  And every day I watch you as you become someone I never dreamed you'd be.  Dreaming of the person you are would have been impossible.  You have surpassed my every expectation, my every desire, my every hope.  You have fufilled my every wish, Addyson.  You have not only made me a mother...each day you teach me just what that means.

Happy birthday, little peanut.  I love you simply more than you will ever truly know.

Love,

Mommy 

Calling All Arizonans

Jeni of Frasier Fields Swap is an Arizona blogger and she is hosting a Swap on February 27th in Mesa.
A swap is a great and inexpensive way to trade in some of your old stuff.  To participate, you will need to drop off at least three items.  They are accepting them between Thursday and Saturday, and must be there before 9am on Saturday.  In addition to the items people bring, Jeni has some great spnosors lined up, who will be there with their wares.  They are listed on her blog...so go have a peek.  There will also be breakfast.   You can click the button in this post to head over to her blog and learn all about the swap.  She explains in great detail what it is, and what you can expect.  It looks like a lot of fun to me!  Aside from that, it's a great way to support a fellow blogger and meet in real life ;)

Here are just a few details:

Location:
Fraser Fields Historic District
on the front lawn of:
213 N Fraser Dr W.
Mesa AZ 85203

Cost:
There is a 3-item minimum to participate and a $10 participation fee.
Drop off your items Thursday thru Saturday before 9am

Please RSVP either by emailing fraserfields@gmail.com
or
with Pay Pal (you can access this on her blog)

At the very least, please head over to her blog to read more about it.  I know you must have some things you would like to get out of your house, right?  Don't we all?

Are My Hair Washing Rituals Really That Interesting?

More than likely as you read this, I am sitting in my photography class dutifully soaking up as much as I can from the instructor who, thus far, lectures by reading from the FREAKING book.  Ah well, I am holding out hope that he steps up his game.  In any case, the most fabulous Keely is not only hosting her Sunday "Getting to Know You" again, she also sent me the questions ahead of time so that I could participate like the good little follower I am. 

You too can be a lemming supporting follower by copying/pasting these questions, answering them in a post of your own and linking up with Keely. Or not.  You can always give me your down and dirty here in the comments.  I love comments...don't you?

Without further horse$h!t ado, here are the questions:

1. How often do you wash/change your sheets?

Lately it has been about every other week.  That sounds pretty good.  Let me just throw in that it is due to my daughter having two accidents during naptime (she will only nap in my bed) within the last month.  Prior to that, let's just say I'd be embarrassed to fess up.


2. When is your birthday?
El once del Abril.


3. Have you ever met a bloggy friend in real life?
Not yet.  But I just learned that a blogger I like a lot lives like 6 houses away from me.  I won't say who she is though, she is part of the witness protection program, and I don't want to single handedly send her family into a state of panic, causing them to uproot for the thousanth time in their lives...okay, really it's because she is more open about the city she lives in than I am...yet.  Pst...hey neighbor...don't tell ;)


4. Brad Pitt or George Clooney?
Brad Pitt, as long as he is Thelma and Louise's Brad Pitt. 


5. If you could change one thing about your body what would it be?
Currently, I guess it would have to be the saggy flaps of skin on my chest that used to be known as breasts.  Don't want them bigger, just...well, perkier.


6. How often do you wash your hair?
You mean there are moms out there who still do? 


7. Do you have pets?
Are horses pets?  If so, then yes...two horses.


8. How many social networks do you belong to..if you had to give up one, what would it be?
Four.  Twitter would get the boot with nary a tear shed by me.  I am not in love with Twitter, but I am trying.


Wasn't that short and sweet, and easy to read?  Can't wait to check out what everyone else has to say later tonight.  So, be sure to let me know if you played along.  Or, like I said before...just comment here and I'll still come see what you have goin' on.

You Know You Live in the Desert When...

...it's February and the A/C in the car is already set to 69 degrees.

...it's February, and you can comfortably sport a tank top and flip flops to the park.

...you're worried about the little ones getting a sunburn when the rest of the world seems to be bundled up just to keep warm.

...a dog barks outside, and your 3 year old says "Oh, I hear the coyotes!"

...spring means checking the yard for snakes before the kids go out to play.

...spring means it won't be long before you melt into a puddle in about 2 seconds flat upon stepping outside.

...summer seems to be a game of survival.

...summer means the park is pretty much off limits...leaving you scratching your head to come up with alternate means of fun.

...people still think the same old saying "Yeah, but it's a dry heat" is clever.  It's not.  Not a little bit.

...half the population doesn't own a lawn mower.  Who needs to mow gravel?

...October means it's beginning to cool off.  Finally it's only 99 degrees instead of 100+.

...the sunsets are so beautiful they nearly take your breath away.

I Have to Share...You Simply Have to Read

Do you want a good laugh?  Like tears streaming from your eyes laugh?  Then you absolutely must go read this post at the Peanut Gallery.  Don't skim, and don't scroll ahead.  Just humor me.  Follow her post as it unfolds, and if you have even a small sense of humor, I can almost promise a little fit of laughter.

Then tell me if you thought it was as funny as I did.

When is Your Birthday? These Awards May be for You!

It seems I have been sitting on some awards once again.  I want to do this post so I can thank the people who thought of me, but I am telling you up front that I will not be following the rules tonight.   I certainly want to mention all of the wonderful people who thought of me when passing out the awards.  But when it comes to scratching my a$$ while simultaneously standing on one leg with my left arm in the air and bending over at the waist...I am just not up for the work.  So I'll tell you what.  I am going to pass all of these awards on to any bloggy friends who share my birthday month.  That's April.  Is your birthday in April?  I want to know!  And please, take any or all of these awards.

This Sunshine award was given to me by Diana of My Lifesong. Diana and I are newly acquainted and I have been enjoying getting to know her better. Becky of In the Trenches also gave me the award...Becky is simply the best.  I can't remember now how I came to find her, but I am so glad I did! It was also given to me by Rose of We Live in a Zoo.  Rose and I are also fairly new to each other.  I do happen to remember that she decided to follow me on a Post it note Tuesday, and she said "Glad to hear you're going to treat me right." Rose, I hope I have so far! There was one more person who thought of me with this award.  I am not usually so bad at keeping track of these, but because I put it off so long, sigh, I lost her :(  If you read this, and recognize that you are missing from this list...please let me know.  I will do another post all about you!! ;

The Beautiful Blogger Award was given to me by Suzi at Confessions of a Fitness Instructor.  You want some great exercise/health tips...go check out her blog.  She even will answer direct questions in a post if you have any.  Who doesn't need any fitness tips?

The Master of Karate and Friendship (freaking strange) award was given to me by Desert Rose of Desert Rose Moments.  Desert Rose is a fellow Arizona blogger with a fun blog.  Please go tell her hello!

This last one, You're Going Places, was given to me by Elizabeth of Our Journey Through Life.  Elizabeth has been with me faithfully since nearly my blog beginning just 4.5 short months ago.  She is a sweet woman with a tender heart for her family.  She is a great commenter, so if you go give her some love, I am sure she will return the favor!

Will you all please do me a huge favor and go check out all of these wonderful womens' blogs?  I think we'd all agree that there is nothing better than receiving comments...others letting you know they have taken the time to read what you have had to say on any given day.  Be a giver today ;)

Tasty Tuesday-Peanut Butter Cheesecake

In case you've missed one of the thousand times I have mentioned that I have a sweet tooth, I am saying it again.  I have a sweet tooth.  Heck, I don't think I have a tooth in my whole mouth that isn't a sweet tooth.  That said, this today I am pushing my need for sweets onto you.  I made this for Andy's birthday because it combines three of his favorites: peanut butter, chocolate and cheesecake. Top that!




Peanut Butter Cheesecake:

Ingredients:
Peanut Butter Chocolate Crust (ingredients/recipe below)
1 package (8oz) softened cream cheese
2 Tablespoons lemon juice
1 1/2 Cups Reese's PB Chips
1 1/3 cup (14oz can) sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated!)
1 Cup heavy whipping cream

Instructions:
Prepare PB chocolate crust; set aside. Beat cream cheese with lemon juice in large mixer bowl until light and fulffy. Combine PB chips and sweetened condensed milk in medium saucepan.  Cook over low heat stirring constantly until chips are melted and mixture is smooth.  Add warm mixture to cream cheese mixture.

Whip cream until stiff. Fold into PB mixture with a spoon, and blend well. Pour onto prepared crust; chill several hours or overnight.

Crust:
1 1/4 cups vanilla wafer crums
1/4 cup Hershey's cocoa
1/4 cup confectioner's sugar
1/4 cup butter (melted)
1/2 cup Reese's PB chips (chopped into tiny bits, but not in blender)

Combine wafer crumbs, cocoa, confectioner's sugar and melted butter. Stir in chopped PB chips.  Press into 9-inch springform pan.

This treat is super rich, but oh so yummy!  You won't regret trying this one.




P.S. Want to feature a recipe here?  Let me know here in the comments...I'd be happy to feature you!

The Case of the Stinky Sippy Cup

Addyson and I were sitting on the couch yesterday when she picked up a sippy cup from the floor (Lord only knows how long it had been there) and asked me to open it.  I complied.  She sniffed the inside of the cup, and said "Oh, that stinks...did Daddy fart in it or something?  Seeing as how I have the sense of humor of a 3 year old, I laughed.

You might assume, based on her automatic question, that Andy makes a habit of farting in the sippy cups in our home then securing the lids to capture the stench for an unsuspecting child to later discover.  I almost want to let you believe that to be true.  It's not. He doesn't.  Why that was her first inclination is beyond me.

Maybe the people in this house have an unhealthy obsession with farts.  Or at least the people under 3 feet high.

Breathing Life into Your Blog

Recently I have read many posts which give advice on the "how to's" of blogging.  Don't fret, this is not one of them (though I do have some thougts on the matter).  I actually like reading those posts.  Oftentimes they offer some helpful tips on how to improve things.  Who doesn't want to improve?  I especially like it when it comes from the author of a blog I truly enjoy.  It's like free advice on how to become better received.

There is, however, one thing I don't like about some of these posts that I have read.  I don't want to be told about what I should or shouldn't blog.  I already have my own parameters.  For example, (with this minor exception) I will not blog about my husband's ex-wife.  Off limits...for me.  Does that mean I will think poorly of another blogger who does chose to write about that topic?  Absolutely not.  In fact, I quite enjoy it at times because I can certainly relate to some of the situations.  Some people are very religious, and like to express it openly for all to read.  Again, not necessarliy my comfort zone, but not going to turn me away either.  Often there are some very thought provoking posts on the subject...and it doesn't matter what religion it is, or how they write the post.  If it's not for me, I skip it.  No harm no foul. 

I love my blog.  I love my readers.  I love my avid commenters!  I want to be able to write whatever I feel, and not have to think about whether I may be offending someone.  Isn't that what blogging is?  A space of our very own to share our thoughts?  What fun would it be if we were all cookie cutters of eachother, spitting out the same tired thoughts on the same tired subjects?  I would lose interest in no time.

One of the many wonders of blogging is all the different personalities behind the blogs.  Some I turn to and I know I will always get a laugh.  Some usually leave me thinking of something in a way I hadn't before...and others are just plain fun.  Do I love every post, every time?  No.  That would just be impossible.  So, on those posts, I take a pass and come back again another day. 

If you are anything like I am, and you have worried about your posts and what others might think...I say stop it.  It's your blog.  Your space.  Make it yours.  Give it a life by breathing into it your voice...whatever that may be.  When you write what's in your heart, it will allow others to really connect on a different level.  Some of my favorite blogs are unabashed about sharing anything and everything.  Let's be clear, I am not talking about this tired old line about blogging boldly.  I am simply saying don't censor based on what you think others may like or not.  You will never please the entirety of the masses...but those who do connect will enjoy it all the more.  I certainly do.

Poor Planning on Your Part Does Not and Emergency Make on Mine

Drew is smart.  He's funny.  He's charming, and a major talker.  Drew also has the last minute syndrome.  Okay, I may be making the up the affliction, but I bet you know someone you'd diagnose with this as well. If so, then you are no stranger to the feelings of frustration induced by this particular trait.

My down time happens when my children go to bed for the night and my workout is done.  Unless Drew strikes...which he does...often.  It's 7:30, the two youngest have been in bed for 30 minutes, and I am about to go do my workout.  Drew strikes.  "Shannon, I forgot.  I need you to check my math homework, or quiz me for my spelling test, or proofread my peom (choose any of them)." I stare blankly at him, trying to reign in my fuming temper.  "Drew, why do you wait until the last minute?" (Though I don't know why I ask this, because the answer just makes me angrier...it's the same every time). "I don't know."  No longer can I look forward to a little relaxation after the workout...now I have homework to do.

It's Wednesday, and I have gone to the grocery store earlier in the day while Drew is at school.  I have dinners planned out for the next several days.  Things are looking good.  Drew comes home from school and begins his ritual of telling me about his day.  With feined interest (don't think me miserable, I can only be actually interested the first 100 times I hear the same story) I listen as he tells me how he scored the winning touchdown in flag football or how so and so told him his breath stinks (hmm, maybe I'm on to something with the whole teeth brushing thing, ya think?).  Then...Drew strikes.  He tells me he needs Valentine's cards for class.  I tell him I will get them when I can.  He informs me he needs them for tomorrow.  Somehow I fail to see why this should be yet another emergency on my part.  Somewhere along the way, I swear, our kids are supposed to get wise to the fact that waiting until the last minute never has a good outcome.  "Well," I say "if I can get to the store I will get them for you." That is not an acceptable answer for Drew.  He says "If I don't bring them, I can't participate in the party, and I have to sit and do homework while the others are passing out their cards."  Nice try, buddy.  Somehow I don't think it would fly for the teacher to punish any student who couldn't bring cards.  I have already decided that I will get the flippin' cards, yet I don't let him know that.   I want him to sweat a little.  Call me sadistic, I won't be offended.

I end by telling him that maybe next time he will not wait until the last minute to let me know something is needed.  That sitting in class doing homework while the others are getting a sugar buzz will be a good lesson.  He says he won't wait next time.  We both know that's just a pipe dream.  I sure wish I had a person willing to drop everything to pick up my slack when I drop the ball.  I think I need a wife.





Note- I have to say, for fear of being lashed, that my husband actually picked up the cards on his way home from work...but somehow, that detracts from the snarkiness of my wife comment, so I omitted it from the post ;)

Well I'm Your Huckleberry

I have recently come across a blog, appropriately named, Blogtrotting.  Go check it out if you haven't already.  Sign up, and sign into the region in which you live.  Then, when it's your turn, you post about your home! When it's not your turn, you can blogtrot all over the world meeting new people, and learning about new places.  So for my readers who are not a part of Blogtrotting, go join the fun!

So welcome to the Grand Canyon State (just click the link to see some amazing photographs), state capitol, Phoenix.  It is home to one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, and to me ;) Oh, and let's not forget the infamous fight that went down at the OK corral in Tombstone, Az.  Yep...the very one which was made into a movie.  The very one where Val Kilmer, portraying Doc Holiday, says *insert post title*.

Seeing as how I am not a fan of really long posts, I aim to keep this brief...filling you with some fun trivia about our hellishly hot state.  In case you are related to our local scorpion, and you live under a rock, you should know first and foremost that Arizona is hot. H-O-T.  I mean 115 degrees for consecutive days and weeks hot. That's pretty much when we hole ourselves up in air condidtioned spaces, fanning ourselves while cabana boys feed us grapes.  Well, at least the first part is true.

Winter months are glorious, hovering around a brisk 65-75 degrees.  Old timers Snow birds flock to our state in overwhelmingly annoying numbers.  They overtake our shopping centers, restaurants and roads...leaving the natives restless and edgy.

We have snakes.  All types, but none so well known and smartly feared as the rattlesnake.  The Western Diamond Back is perhaps the largest and most intimidating. 

As I mentioned above, we have scorpions.  The most prevelant is also the most poisonous.  It's the Arizona Bark Scorpion.  It's sting is rarely fatal, but dangerous none the less.

Roadrunners and coyotes make their way over our property and through our streets on a daily basis.  I should clarify that this is not true for all inhabitants of AZ.  We happen to live somewhat on the outskirts of town, bringing us closer to all the critters.  Javelina also run the streets. 

Arizona produces more than 1 million metric tons of lettuce each year.  Go have a salad on us!


The Castilian and Burgundian flags of Spain, the Mexican flag, the Confederate flag and the flag of the United States have all flown over the land area that has become Arizona.

In 1926, the Southern Pacific Railroad connected Arizona with the eastern states.

Arizona produces more copper than any other state. This is the reason for the copper star in the center of the Arizona state flag.

The original London Bridge was shipped stone-by-stone and reconstructed in Lake Havasu City.

The world's largest solar telescope is located at Kitts Peak National Observatory in the city of Sells.

Arizona is one of two U.S. states that do not observe Daylight Savings Time (we're such rebels).

Arizona's Valley of the Sun has more golf courses per capita than any other state west of the Mississippi River—2.5 million golfers litter the greens every year.

Saguaro catcti, which can grow as high as a five-story building, are native to Arizona.  This one is right in our backyard.

In the words of the great Porky Pig (who, consequently, is not from Arizona), that's all folks!

Friendly Request...With Repayment

Wanna do me a favor?  Not hard.  Will you go to my Blog Frog community and participate in one of the discussions there?  I will gladly repay favors. Leave me a comment with yours ;)

Tasty Tuesday- Chicken Cesar Salad

Want a super easy meal in minutes? This one is for you.  It's my own version of a chicken cesar salad.  By the way, I have mentioned a few times before, and I am mentioning it again here...if you have a recipe that you want to feature, let me know!  I will feature you on my blog for a Tasty Tuesday.  Just send me an email or leave a comment here. 

Ingredients:

Boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1lb)

1 bag  Hearts of Romaine lettuce

Croutons (we like whole grain)

Your favorite cesar dressing

Shredded parmesan cheese (approx 1/4 cup)

These next items are optional:

2 small jars marinated artichoke hearts

1 small can (approx 8 oz) sliced black olives

1 can hearts of palm (sliced)

1/4 cup pine nuts

Instructions:

Cube chicken and cook using your preferred method (either grill or pan sear).  Set aside.  Combine all other ingredients except dressing, and add chicken.  Add dressing to coat, and toss.  That is IT!  We love serving this with garlic bread (again, I prefer to buy a wheat french loaf from our bakery). Super tasty and super easy.

Voila!

Not Me Monday

I was all prepared to not do a Not Me Monday post.  I feel like it's getting a little tired.  So I spent the morning cleaning my kitchen floor and the inside of my bathroom cupboards.  Not to mention the usual, making meals, picking up the same sippy cup a million times (well, at least 6 times), and refereeing the offspring.

Then I sat on my couch looked around my living room and said "This is not my house. Right?  Someone tell me when the place will resemble a liveable space again." So here I am.  Posting Not Me Monday. Go to MckMama's blog to see some more.

In order to do this post, I didn't send my children out back to play with some very flimsy rules about not shoving, and not throwing rocks.

I'm not still in my pajamas, hair a mess, and without a trace of deodorant. Pft...deodorant...who needs it?

I am not sitting here wondering what the heck we are going to have for dinner tonight, because I am always prepared ahead of time with something taken out of the freezer.  Nope, I'm not sitting here complacent with nary a plan in sight.

Finally, I received the sunshine award from three people (I will post it later), and I did NOT misplace one of the names of the people who forwarded it to me.  So when I do the post, and your name is not mentioned, please let me know, and I do NOT give you permission to beat me about the head with a big stick.

What have you not been doing lately?

I Eat Snails

Keely was so nice and emailed me the questions early, and I still dropped the ball and neglected to get this post up until now.  I started my photography class today...very excited. In any case, I am home now, and getting my answers in for Keely's Sunday blog hop. 

1. How many piercing's do you have?

Well, the answer to how many I have had, and how many I have now is different. I, at one time, had my ears pierced twice, and my belly button pierced. Now I just have my ears pierced once.  Not to say you can't see where the previous piercings were, but I consider them inactive.
2. I love the sound of.....?
Rain on the roof when I am trying to go to sleep.  Or anything other than my children screaming.

3. Favorite city?
Dublin, Ireland.  To date, but I plan on seeing so many more, that I reserve the right to change my mind.

4. Colts, Saints, or could care less?
Well, I don't care that much. Seeing as how I am being asked to choose, I will say Saints.

5. Frozen yogurt or ice cream?
What? Who came up with this? I suppose I copuld be all health conscious and say frozen yogurt, but that would be a big fat lie from my big fat ice cream eating mouth.

6. Favorite appetizer?
Is this assuming I only eat at one type of restaurant?  I mean, come one now...is it French, Italian, Greek, Mexican?  The choice is different at each.  I'll pick French. Escargot.

7. What item in your closet currently makes you the happiest?
Anything that I can stretch over my arse.

8.Favorite facial moisturizer?
Clinique.  Moisture Surge to be precise.

Now, I showed you mine...let's see yours! 

I See Dead People

I almost forgot that it was time for Five Question Friday.  Then I saw the reminder Mama M. left at The Blog Frog.  These may be some of my favorite questions yet.  Well, a couple of them anyway.  If you'd like to answer too, do a post and link up to My Little Life.

1. What are you most afraid of?
I used to be afraid of dying.  I still am, don't let me fool you.  But now, my biggest fear, beyond a shadow of doubt, is something happening to one of my children.  At times I even feel a little panick stricken thinking about all there is that could happen.  It's seriously a sick obsession for which I have considered seeking help.  Really, I have thought about talking to our Priest...but honestly don't want to hear about how I need to let go of my earthly bonds, etc.  If it were that easy, I would have done it already.

2. Do you use a flat iron or curling iron?
I have used both, but not for a long time.  My hair is as short as it is now because when it was long, I seldom managed to do anything other than pull it back into a ponytail.  Now it's just a round brush and hair dryer.

3. Hands-free or phone to the ear?
Phone to the ear. I have to say this...I don't have anything against the hands-free set, but when you are in a place where you don't need it, then get over yourself.  I don't mean you, the you reading this.  I mean the self-important morons who speak loud enough for everyone in a mile radius to hear, while sitting at a table in a restaurant, using hands-free (or vitually anywhere that its use would be just frivilous).  What the?  Serious?

4. Do you have a matching bedroom set?
Yes.  Me gusta mucho!

5. Do you believe in the paranormal?
Hmmm.  Let's see.  My normal answer would be, I just don't know.  However, this is catching me at an apropos time.  Andy has been out of town the past two nights, and I have been awake until the wee hours, jumping at every little noise, straining to see shadows in the dark, and avoiding looking towards the location on the walls which house mirrors.  Make of it what you will.

Your turn.  Don't care to post, leave me a comment or two with some answers. I'm interested in what people have to say to numbers 1 and 5 the most.

Oh, and do you have any quirks that others view as off the wall?  I do...you can read about my crazy here if yo haven't yet.

These Pretzels Covers are Making Me Thirsty Crazy!

My husband tells me I'm neurotic.  He says I have full blown OCD when it comes to the covers on our bed.  He says I am passing that neurosis on to our daughter.  This might be true.  As a cover control freak, I see the signs.

In the morning, I leave my bed in precisely whatever state of chaos it has managed to become through the night.  It remains that way all day.  Unless we are having company, and there is a greater than small chance they may see our room, I never make the bed. 

Yet, when the time of day rolls around for me to crawl in and make my way to slumber land...the covers have to be perfect.  I mean, perfect.  They have to be pulled up and flipped back neatly, they must be covering both sides of the bed an equal amount, and the pillows have to be lined up.  It causes me distress when Andy gets in the bed before I have had the chance to go about my ritual of crazy.  I do it anyway...and this drives him right up the wall.  It's not new.  It's not something I have taken to doing since we've had kids, or since we've been in this house.  No, I've done it always.  I figure, he oughtta be used to it by now.  He's not.

When he is in the bed first, I start on my side and work my way to his.  He sighs and moans and complains the entire time.  "Build a bridge" is what I say, "and get over it."  I don't do it to torture him, though I bet he thinks I get some sort of impish satisfaction out of imposing my quirks onto him (hmph, he may be right...a little).  The main thing is that I simply can't sleep unless the bed is "just so."

Anyway, I was just sitting here wondering why I seem to be afflicted with this particular brand of strange.  The rest of the house is in constant disarray...and if you've been reading for a while, you've even seen pictures in this post.  So what is it?  What is this freak of nature need for neatness at bedtime?  What I've come up with is nothin'.  A big fat zilch.  Oh well, I'm tired and the messy covers are playing a siren song. 

Through the Eyes of a Child

I wonder what is going through his active little mind when he looks like this.  All the world is still a wonder. Trees, birds, dogs...fascinating, all of them.  Often I tell myself I should try to remember to look at the world through the eyes of a child. Seldom I do.  How jaded we become as adults. How wary, weary, and burdened.  What a refreshing change of pace it is when we can get down on our knees, next to our child, and look at an object in unison.  What a wonder when we can rediscover that object and marvel at how it brings light to the face of someone we love so much.  In a moment such as this, all else fades away.  As it should.  Too quickly, this child of mine will grow.  Unfairly,  time, like a thief, will steal away the innocent way he views the world.  That same world will make him wary, weary and burdened.  Until he, like I have, gets down on his knees, and looks at the world anew, through the eyes of a child he loves.

How I Do Psychological Damage to my Children

It's been building for a while now.  I've felt it coming.  Today it all broke loose.  Like a torrential outpouring, I was flooded with the pent up frustration I've been carrying around for who knows how long.  Now that it's been released, I honestly can't say for sure what has had me in such a state.  Is it the perpetual mess in which I find myself daily?  Is it the constant won't let me breathe can't poop in peace incessant need of my time and attention?  Certainly I am not performing any feats above and beyond my peers.  Yet, at times, I feel absolutely defeated.  Sigh.

So today, I was having a challenging telephone conversation with my husband, and in the midst of it, a basket full of my hair ties, barretts, etc. were dumped out (by my children) and cleaned up (by me) four times.  My children always have impeccable timing.  They seem to know just when to attack...to plot against me.  Well, upon hanging up the phone, I croucehd to my knees to clean up (yet again) the articles that were strewn all over my bedroom floor.  This added to the frustration my phone call left me feeling, sent me over the edge. I cried. I yelled something about being tired of cleaning up all the messes.  Something about the living room always being a disaster.  Addyson, having never seen me do this, started crying too.  Talk about adding insult to injury.  Immediately I thought "oh perfect, what sort of psychological damage am I doing to her?" 

I pulled my crap together and told her not to worry, that sometimes mommy's had a hard time. Then, I instructed her to go wait for me in the living room while I put Colton down for a nap.  So I changed his diaper, and put him down. Bless this baby for being such a wonderful sleeper.

As I come out toward the living room I see Addyson carrying a box of pasta from the living room to the pantry. Curious, I make my way to the living room to see that she has cleaned a large portion of the room.  All the toys that she could manage were put back in the toy basket, and the accent pillows were put back on the couches.  Immediately tears sting my eyes.  I can't believe that my little daughter has such a huge amount of compassion already.  I can' t believe that I made her feel so insecure that she felt like she needed to please me that way.  Now...to figure out how to do that every day ;)