There once was a blogger from Nantucket...

It's time for Lori's Annual Limerick Chick Contest.
I've already entered my limerick about Kym (click here, you really need to read the whole story) but I felt the driving need to come up with one more limerick. I started and discarded at least half a dozen until inspiration truly struck. Here's my second limerick...

Infertility, needles, and loss
are three things we’d want to toss
like garbage in a can
Instead we will band
Into groups ‘cause of Mel whose the boss

There are some brilliant entries this year (but I still think y'all should vote for me) so click on that nifty picture above and check them out.

Cruzology

Hey you! Yes, you and you and you and, especially you! Any of you reading this. You're tagged. After you've gotten to learn more about me than you ever wanted to know, take a turn and play the game. It's fun! Let others know a little more about yourself, repost this as your name followed by "ology."

FOODOLOGY:
What is your salad dressing of choice? Asian Ginger dressing for salads and ranch for dipping veggies
What is your favorite sit-down restuarant?
What is your favorite fast food restaurant? Quiznos
What food could you eat every day for two weeks and not get sick of?
What are your pizza toppings of choice? ham and pineapple or ham, chunks of tomatoes, and onions
How many televisions are in your house? two (one is only hooked up to a dvd player)
What color cell phone do you have? don't have one

BIOLOGY:
Are you right-handed or left-handed? Right.
Have you ever had anything removed from your body? my appendix, 2 wisdom teeth, 4 failed pregnancies
What is the last heavy item you lifted? a 50 pound bag of dog food
Have you ever been knocked unconscious? Nope
Have you ever fainted? Again, no.

BULLCRAPOLOGY:
If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die? absolutely not
If you could change your name, what would you change it to? I wouldn't. I like my name
How many pairs of flip flops do you own? Two
Last person you talked to? Gabe

FAVORITOLOGY:
Season? Fall - I love the cool, crisp days and the cold nights.
Holiday? Christmas.
Day of the week? usually Saturdays
Month? November
Color? purple and green
Drink? diet coke or peach tea
Alcoholic? I love a really good frozen margarita

CURRENTOLOGY:
Missing someone? Yes ;(
What are you listening to? Gabe and Vic doing puzzles together. Vic is trying to teach hom how to look for pieces...too cute.
What are you watching? TV and my computer screen.
Worrying about? nada
What's the last movie you saw? Percy Jackson & the Lightning Thief Sorry, I forgot to edit this answer. Last movie I saw was Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Do you smile often? I try to.
If you could change your eye color what would it be? Green
What's on your wish list for your birthday? lots o' crafty goodness
Can you do a chin-up? What?!?! Are you on crack?! Hell no! (copied Mrs. Gamgee's answer)
Does the future make you more nervous or excited? I think it's split equally between both.
Have you been in a car wreck? Yes.
Have you caused a car wreck? Yup, my van started hydroplaning and I plowed into the back of a small SUV. My van won.
Do you have an accent? depends on who you talk to. Up north, they say I have a southern accent. Down South, they say it's a more northern accent
Last time you cried? yesterday when I read someone's good news
Plans tonight? going out to dinner with the family
Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom? most definitely
Name three things you bought yesterday? only bought two things...two romance novels (ebooks)
Have you met someone who changed your life? Yes, my Beloved.
For the better or worse? Beyond better.
How did you bring in the New Year? At home with my hubby, my bff, and the kids.
Would you go back in time if you were given the chance? Not to change anything. If I could go back and observe (even events outside my life), that might be cool.
What songs do you sing in the shower? nope
Have you held hands with someone today? yes, my little one Gabe
Who was the last person you took a picture of? Marty and my MIL last night at the Blue and Gold banquet
Are most of the friends in your life new or old? Both.
Do you like pulpy orange juice? Yup, I sure do.
Last time you ate peanut butter and jelly? about 2 weeks ago
What were you doing at 12 a.m. last night? Reading blogs
What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up? what the hell are those children arguing about

Thanks to Mrs. Gamgee who brought this meme to my attention. JOIN THE FUN!

To Vajazzle or not to Vajazzle, that is the question

Thanks to Eileen over at WeGotHitched.WeBoughtThe4BedroomHouse.NowWhat?, I've learned about the latest in celebrity led self adornment trends. That's right ladies, put away your Bedazzlers. It's time to get Vajazzled. Led by none other than Jennifer Love Hewitt, the Vajazzling phenomenon involves getting a Brazilian Wax and then having Swarovski crystals glued to the newly shorn area.

While I'm all for freedom of expression, sexual and otherwise, I have a few problems with this idea. First of all, I have issues with the name. Obviously, the brilliant marketing minds behind this thought "Hmmm, bedazzling adds sparkle. Bedazzle + Vagina = Vajazzle. " Someone forgot to mention the bedazzler basically shoots rhinestones into/onto things. Even though that's not the way they do it, the name Vajazzle gives me an instant mental picture of them shooting crystals into me and, ummm, hell no! Second, the glue supposedly lasts 5 days. What happens when the crystals start coming loose? They aren't big enough to cause the kind of friction you want down there but they are big enough to be uncomfortable...think about how irritating grains of sand can be. Finally, we all know how uncomfortable rug burn can be. How bad do you think Vajazzle burn would be on your partner...OUCH!

If you are feeling particularly brave, you can see a Vajazzling video. Honestly, it is safe for viewing even with children around (unless you don't want to explain why someone might be getting vajazzled...hell, all I'm saying is nothing too private is shown).

So ladies, what do you think? Vajazzle or Not? Weigh in with your opinion.

I thought weekends were for relaxation

Oh man, I thought we were suppose to be able to relax over the weekend. Today, we had Marty's family birthday get together. I made his cake, Chocolate Raspberry Mousse cake (and, oh man, was it GOOD), my mom, dad, my two nieces, and both my sisters came over. We had pizza, and cake and the went to the circus. It was so much fun seeing it through Gabe's eyes. His favorite part was the tigers. Tomorrow, Marty has his weekend science camp and they have the closing program which families are invited to attend at noon. We'll get back, have a couple of hours, and then we have Joey's cub scout Blue and Gold Banquet. We will be there from about 5 pm until 8. We have such a HUGE pack that it takes that long for everyone to get their rank badges and for the older Webelos to bridge to boy scouts. I'f I'm still alive and functioning Sunday morning, we have Sunday school and church and we promised to take the boys out to dinner. Somewhere in there, I want to try and finish the last 30 blogs on the ICLW list cause I am so close to iron commenter again that I can taste it. Oh well, at least I won't have to cook this weekend.

Laugh Along With Him

Now, anyone who has read my blog for any length of time knows how infectious Gabe's laugh is. Well, Marty and I were sitting here doing our respective work this morning and Gabe was watching a Go Diego Go episode on the DVR. Next thing we know, Gabe is laughing so hard he is almost falling over. Of course, we had to go rewind the episode so we could see what was so funny. It turned out that is was this Huggies commercial...

and he thought it was just as funny the second time around. I couldn't resist finding it on youTube and getting a recording of his reaction. So, here I present Gabe totally losing his shit. I mean the kid was laughing so hard he was crying.

Sock It To Me Baby!

My brilliant and lovely thug sista Kym came up with the idea of a sock exchange last year. She said

It’s The Great Sock-It-to-Me Exchange. The warmth you feel from your bloggy support is a warm and fuzzy pair of snuggly socks. Take the support with you for a trip to the stirrups. Wear them when you’re chasing around your battle-won little person. Put them on when you have something to celebrate or when you need a hug. Wear them as a physical reminder of all the people inside your computer who you know care for and are thinking of you.

This week, we are celebrating the 2010 Winter Sock It To Me exchange and posting the links to our celebration posts over at her blog.

I got the most wonderful package from Alexicographer! Not only did I get a truly wonderful pair of dragon socks made from bamboo fiber (they are sooooo soft and silky) but she included the cutest book for my boys - The Dragon In The Sock Drawer (Oooh, now I'm really excited. It's part of a series). I can't wait to read it with Joey.
I can't begin to express how much this community means to me. I've made friends who will last a life time. Y'all helped save my sanity when I was struggling (and occasionally still struggle) with the feeling and issues infertility brought out. These socks are a physical, tangible reminder that there are people out there who care and I will always remember that when I wear them. THANK YOU!

SHOW AND TELL: Crafty Time

Welcome to our weekly expedition into the land of Show and Tell. Y'all know Show and Tell is wasted on the elementary schoolers. Join us weekly to show off an item, tell a story, and get the attention of the class. In other words, this is Show and Tell 2.0.

This week I want to brag a little bit about myself. I've been on a creative streak lately. First, Joey and I came up with an awesomely cool design for his Pinewood Derby car this year. He decided he wanted to do an animal head. Well, given my, umm, affection for dragons, we naturally went for a dragon head car. Her, in all its glory, is Joey's 2010 Pinewood Derby car...I also recently designed and crocheted a hat as part of my Pay It Forward commitment. Aunt Becky wanted a hat just like the one her darling daughter Mimi has. This is what I came up with...I hope y'all don't mind me focusing the spotlight on me:)

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To see what everyone else in class is bringing to SHOW AND TELL, take a trip to visit the Miss Mel, Goddess of the Infertility Blogosphere.

What do you believe in or did Men In Black have it right?

I know y'all remember the movie, Men In Black, with Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith. Well, all the continued news coverage of the John Edwards/Rielle Hunter debacle that we've been getting here in North Carolina got me thinking.

Now hang with me y'all. I know you don't see the tie in between these two things yet, but I promise you will.

This story of their affiar and the child they conceived was just sitting there waiting to be discovered. From all accounts, any one of the major news organizations could have followed the trails these two idiots left. Did any of them uncover this life altering, politics altering story? Hell no. It took what is commonly referred to as a trashy tabloid to do it. It took a supermarket tabloid to throw the truth in our faces.

Here it comes. Here's the tie in.

Do you remember the point in Men In Black when Tommy Lee Jones' character told Will Smith's character that the only newspapers out there that told the truth were the supermarket tabloids? Well, here we have a real life example of that. And, that got me thinking. Do you ever wonder if those out there, supernatural things that only the tabloids talk about are real?

Yeah, I know. I have a really screwed up thought process...LOL.

Now, I'm not saying I believe the tabloids. I don't think there are two-headed alien babies left in every cabbage patch and I don't believe Nadia Suleman got her stomach that flat after octuplets without surgical help. I'm just saying there seem to be a lot of things science can't explain.

What paranormal or supernatural things do you wonder about? Do you think all the stories about UFOs are bunk or do you think there is an element of truth? What conspiracy theories do you think have some level of merit and which are utter bullshit?

I know I think UFOs exist. When my mom was in her early 20s, her family was on there way to Japan. Towards the tail end of the flight, my mom saw something off the wing of their plane that definitely did NOT fit any known aircraft parameters. My sister has also had a classic "lights in the sky" UFO experience. Before you just dismiss these as people not knowing what they are looking at, both my mom and my sis grew up around Air Force bases and know what planes lights look like and these were NOT plane lights.

How about reincarnation? Now, I don't think that all reincarnation stories, like some of Shirley MacLain's wackier stories, are true. I do think there may be some souls out there that are reincarnated...or there would have to be another paranormal explanation for the things that happen to these people. A person near and dear to me lived over in Europe years ago. One time when they were doing the touristy thing and visiting sites with historical significance, this individual had a very odd experience. While on the way to a specific battlefield, this person started having vivid images pop into his head. These images were like memories. He was seeing actual scenes from the battles that occurred there during World War II. These scenes were from a combatants point of view. This particular battle was not one that was famous. It was not one that was taught about in American schools. Because these images were so vivid and seemed so real, this person went on a research mission when they got home. He ended up having to look in German books and resources to find the information he needed but, it turned out that everything he saw in his visions had actually happened during that battle. Definitely qualifies as a thing that makes you go hmmmm!

And, finally, people in my family have learned to pay attention when our inner voice is screaming at us to either do something or don't do something. It's usually not good at all when we ignore that voice. A very small example of this occurred when we were moving back to the US from overseas. We had a dog that my dad went jogging with every night. This one night, my dad was getting a weird feeling. For some reason, he was getting a feeling that they should skip their evening run. But, on this occasion, he shook off the feeling ans decided to go running because the dog was so full of energy. While they were out running, our dog Tinkerbell got hit by a car and died. This is just one example of many, many times that a person in my family (my dad, me, my sister, my niece) have gotten a feeling or a message (for lack of a better word) that has proven to be true.

So, once again, What paranormal or supernatural things do you wonder about? Do you think all the stories about UFOs are bunk or do you think there is an element of truth? What conspiracy theories do you think have some level of merit and which are utter bullshit? Come on and sahre with us.

Perfect Moment Monday: He's Still My Baby

Lori over at Weebles Wobblog says that "Perfect Moment Monday is more about noticing a perfect moment than about creating one. Perfect moments can be momentous or ordinary or somewhere in between."

I'm a touchy feely person. I love hugs. I love snuggling. My boys are getting so big that I rarely get to do this anymore. Sure, I get hugs from them but it's not the same as snuggle time. Sunday night, Gabriel, who never slows down, was so tired that he not only snuggled for a long time with me but he fell asleep in my arms.It's hard to believe this precious boy, this boy who took so much struggle to bring into this world, has gotten so big...

Aaaah well, he will always be my baby and I'll treasure these moments while I still have them.

Go check out the other perfect moments at this week's Perfect Moment Monday on Weebles Wobblog.

Happy Birthday Marty

13 years ago today my boy came into the world an almost 9 lb screaming bundle of energy. I could never have imagined the challenges and joy parenthood would bring to us. I'm trying not to gush here 'cause he's a teenage boy (OMG, a teenager) but I am so thrilled with the young man he is turning into. He's a great kid who willingly takes care of his baby brother and isn't afraid to show affection for his family. Sure, there are times he makes me want to pull me hair out (he and I are so much alike in so many ways) but I know that stubborn streak will serve him well in the long run. Hehehe, my real biggest complaint is that he is resisting getting a hair cut. I think he is trying to grow a full blown afro (and, yes, I will try and get a picture). Then again, maybe him not getting his hair cut is a good thing. I am NOT ready for him to look as old as that will make him look. He just turned 13, is over 5' 7" tall, and has a voice as deep as my husband. I am really NOT ready for him to look and seem as old as he does. So, before I start to gush about what a great kid he is or before I start to sniffle because my baby is so grown up, I'll sing happy birthday to him.

Hippo Birdie 2 Ewe
Hippo Birdie 2 Ewe
Hippo Birdie Deer Marty
Hippo Birdie 2 Ewe

I love you big guy!

Friday Photo Challenge: WHAT IS IT?

Welcome to this week's Friday Photo Challenge sponsored by The Steadfast Warrior from Destined to be an old woman with no regrets... This weeks theme is What Is It? Make sure you head over there and check out all the other participants this week.
So, what is it?

Let's Talk About Sex Baby (maybe not safe for work reading)

Let's talk about sex, baby
Let's talk about you and me
Let's talk about all the good things
And the bad things that may be
Let's talk about sex
Let's talk about sex
Let's talk about sex
Let's talk about sex
by Salt 'N' Pepa

I was reading a post by Mrs. Spit the other day and it got me thinking. She was talking about running into a woman who didn't know how to use a tampon and was embarrassed to learn, won't use birth control because it will make her fat, and was clueless about her menstrual cycle. All I could think was, if she is that clueless about her own body and is embarrassed to learn, how in the hell does she talk to her partner about sex? I can't even imagine being in her shoes.

See, I was lucky and sex was never treated as an embarrassing subject when I was growing up. I remember having at least a basic idea about reproduction when I was as young as 6 years old. And, my mom always made sure there were books around so I would know the truth about how things worked. Hell, I knew enough and was comfortable enough talking about sex that I was nicknamed the Dr. Ruth or my freshmen hall in college. Sadly, many people never get that comfortable with their own body or with the subject of sex...and, without that level of comfort, it makes it much harder to have those Oh My God, toe-curling, muscle twitching orgasms that romance novels make seem so common.

Now, I know all of you who are members of the ALI community have become intimately familiar with your body and its cycles and rhythms. Because of our difficulties with family building, that knowledge has been forced on us. But, knowledge about our cycles isn't the same as being thoroughly comfortable with sex and sexuality. Even people who are comfortable enough to chase an orgasm like that with sex toys and adventurous partner often won't admit they own any adult toys. So, step up to the plate and fess up. Are you one of the 53% of American women who own a B.O.B. (or battery operated boyfriend)? Not only do I own one, but my hubby and I have used it together. In fact, my manly man hubby was the one who bought me my first vibe. I knew I was madly in love with him before that but that truly sealed the deal.

As far as long term relationships go, I think you are cheating yourself and your partner out of something pretty damned incredible if you can't talk about sex and what you like and how you like it. That's not saying you have to be into anything freaky or out there but openness and honesty is paramount to having the most fulfilling sex life possible. Besides that, sex talk can be more than titillating, it can be pretty freakin' hysterical. Talking about all the myths about sex or the oddest story you've heard related to sex can be damned entertaining. What's the oddest tale or urban legend you've heard about sex? Remind me to tell you the story about the guy, the flashlight, and the trip to the ER someday. Do you have a question you've always wanted to ask someone but didn't know who to ask or how? Well, ask away?

We all know there are times and places that are inappropriate for sex talk. This isn't one of them. So come on y'all. We're all friends here. Let's Talk About Sex Baby!

Anonymous posting is welcomed if you don't want to put your name to your comment. All I ask is that you are respectful of others opinions and that no one turns into an ass clown. Ass clownery will get comments delete.

Let people speak for themselves

Dave from Rolling Around In My Head has a great post about letting people be their own advocates. The post is raw and powerful and I think you are missing something important if you don't read it.

I've kirtsy'd the post in an effort to get it out to a wider audience so, Click Here and then click on the title of the article to vote for it and read it.

Now, GO READ IT!

SHOW AND TELL: Gabe Tells A Joke

Welcome to our weekly expedition into the land of Show and Tell. Y'all know Show and Tell is wasted on the elementary schoolers. Join us weekly to show off an item, tell a story, and get the attention of the class. In other words, this is Show and Tell 2.0.

My older boys are always teaching Gabe something. Sometimes, they teach him things I'd rather he not know. Sometimes, they teach him useful things. And, sometimes the things he learns are downright hilarious. Here's the latest joke Joey taught Gabe...
Hope y'all got a good laugh out of that! If you're not laughing, you're not living.

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To see what everyone else in class is bringing to SHOW AND TELL, take a trip to visit the Miss Mel, Goddess of the Infertility Blogosphere.

Random Wrap-Ups

There have been a lot of things I have read about in the blogging world over the past two weeks that I've meant to write about. I collected all the links but kept forgetting to put up the post. So, here goes...

Heather over at The Spohrs Are Multiplying has had two really important posts up recently. On the 5th, she wrote about a new service called Text4Baby. It's a free service designed to help get important health info and tips into the hands of expectant and new moms. Go read her post and spread the word. On the 11th, Heather turned her blog over to a mom named Kristine who wants to educate people about Congenital Heart Disease and the simple test, a pulse oximetry, that can help diagnose these immediately after birth. Please, please go read this post and, if you are pregnant or hope to be soon, add this test to the list of things to be done BEFORE you leave the hospital with your baby.

Arian at Fractured Rainbows lost her grandfather almost 2 weeks ago on the 4th. She has two beautiful posts about how it has all affected her, Farewell to a Hero and There Is No Reverse. Please take the time to offer your support.

I know the Super Bowl is over but, if you haven't read it already, go read Mrs. Spit's take on the Tebow Anti-Abortion ad. She offers a unique perspective and really makes you think.

Fran over at Everyone else but me and Baby over at Bionic Mamas got BFN s this week. Go give them some support and love.

Eve at Pour Away The Ocean (formerly Infertility Rocks!) is dealing with the devastation of knowing one of her twins is dead while she hopes and prays the other one will continue to thrive and grow. She's had to deal with some remarkably insensitive behavior from a few nurses and techs. She could really use us to rally around her and help support her until her baby girl arrives healthy and safe.

And, finally, on a non-reproductive topic, what do y'all think of the whole situation with Kevin Smith getting kicked off a Southwest flight for fatness? Cecily referred us to a brilliant article by Kate Harding about this whole topic. Let me know what you think about this issue.

Finally, anything y'all want to share...anyone you know of who needs support...and topics you want opinions on...post 'em here.

Post Office Hell

Today we had a moment...and, what a gawd awful moment it was. Gabe had a meltdown in the post office that probably had people thinking they needed to call Nanny 911 on me. Let me back up a little bit. I had a shitload of packages I needed to mail off...3 big boxes (and I mean BIG), 2 small ones, and a large padded envelope. I had them all ready when I went to get Joey yesterday after school and he and Gabe gladly and happily helped me carry them into the post office. There was even a sweet man who grabbed a box and held the door open for us. But, damn it, I managed to forget that yesterday was a federal holiday so we had to turn around, schlep all the packages out, and plan to come back the next day (today).

Today was a different story. All was well until we actually got in line. Gabe started trying to climb things, kick my boxes, be loud and rude to me, and wasn't that great with Joey either. Now, Gabe knows I don't tolerate that kind of behavior but, he is also smart enough to know I was stuck (cause I really needed those packages to go out). I did everything I could think of to calm him down. I tried to get him to stand with me because he was pinging off of Joey but then he started screaming "I WANT TO BE WITH JOE." It really was a no win situation. I reached a point were I looked at him and said "One more time and you are going straight to your room when we get home" at which point he started screaming "I DON"T WANT TO GO TO MY ROOM!" I think I got one chuckle from someone when they heard me tell him that "First of all, I didn't ask if you wanted to go. I said you WILL go to your room. And, second of all, I love you very much but I don't like this behavior at all." He really needed a *sharp swat to his butt but people are so hair trigger to scream abuse that all I felt comfortable doing there was a light tap on his butt. It didn't phase him. I ended up filling out the customs form on one package with him slung across my shoulder because he was attempting to run away when he was standing on the ground. Of course, me picking him up just pissed him off further so the whole post office got treated to the dulcet voice of my youngest screaming at full volume. I apologized profusely as we left the post office. Once we got home, he got one sharp swat on his butt which was enough to cut the tirade short and get him to listen to me. After he spent some time in his room, he chilled out completely and had a good evening. Geez, I should have filmed his behavior and marketed it as teenage birth control. It was enough to scare anyone off. Guess it's days like this that make me understand why tigers eat their young. Seriously, it's a good thing I love him, I worked so hard to get him here, and he is so damned cute.

*Yeah, I believe a swat to his butt has a place in the disciplinary repertoire. It should never be done out of anger but it sure can help stop a spiraling meltdown.

Happy Belated Valentine's Day

artwork by Joey CruzWhen I was watching the news yesterday, they were talking to a couple who had been together for 59 years and married for 54 years. When they asked the husband for the secret behind the longevity of their relationship, he said "You need to be willing to apologize even when you don't think you are really wrong." Do you think he is right? What do you think the secret to a healthy, long-lasting relationship?

This got me thinking about Vic's and my relationship and how much we've been through and how we are still going strong. While we haven't been together nearly as long as that couple, we have a solid relationship. I think there are two reasons our relationship is so strong...we married our best friends and we COMMUNICATE. I can't stress enough how wonderful it is to be married to your best friend. Not only do Vic and I love each other, but we genuinely like each other. He always makes me laugh. We love hanging out with each other. Now, that doesn't mean we like the exact same things, but we do enjoy a lot of similar activities and are both willing to do things the other person enjoys. And, we can and do talk about everything from politics to sex to money to history to (oh hell, I could go on and on but you get the idea). I firmly believe this openness and absolute trust we have in each other is why we made it through infertility with a relationship that was even stronger than it had been to begin with. What do you do to keep your relationship strong?

Friday Photo Challenge: CELEBRATIONS

Welcome to this week's Friday Photo Challenge sponsored by The Steadfast Warrior from Destined to be an old woman with no regrets... This weeks theme is variety. Make sure you head over there and check out all the other participants this week.

Nothing screams celebration to me like the exuberance of fireworks. Here are a few of my favorite fireworks pictures (all clickable to see bigger pics).

uPrinting Poster Print Winner

With help from random.org, a winner of the Poster Print giveaway has been selected. Dora from My Preconceived Notion is the lucky winner of an 18x24 Poster Print from the wonderful people at uPrinting.com. I hope you enjoy it.

SHOW AND TELL: Knotty by Nature

Welcome to our weekly expedition into the land of Show and Tell. Y'all know Show and Tell is wasted on the elementary schoolers. Join us weekly to show off an item, tell a story, and get the attention of the class. In other words, this is Show and Tell 2.0.

It's been a while since I've showed of any of my crochet work so I thought I'd bring these items to the table. These two pair (almost) of socks are for my Sock It To Me buddy. The blue and white pair are actually slipper socks. They have thicker soles to withstand the wear and tear of being worn without shoes. The second, autumn colored pair of socks are heavy but can be worn with shoes.

And, I know I showed you this other piece ages ago when it was a work in progress. Well, it is finally in transit to the sweet baby it is meant to wrap up. This 6 to 12 point star afghan is made mostly from chenille so it is wonderfully soft.

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Don't forget to check out (and sign up for) my the 18 x 24 Poster Print Giveaway from uPrinting.com. ENTRIES END TONIGHT. Winner will be announced tomorrow.

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To see what everyone else in class is bringing to SHOW AND TELL, take a trip to visit the Miss Mel, Goddess of the Infertility Blogosphere.

My Palm Autopilot

Niobe asked "What's written on your hand today?" and, well you know me, I couldn't resist the silliness of writing my to-do list on my hand.Well, what's written on your hand today? And, if you decide to play along, make sure you go leave a link to your post at Niobe's.

Tasty Tuesday

First of all, don't forget to check out (and sign up for) my the 18 x 24 Poster Print Giveaway from uPrinting.com.

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Tasty Tuesday is in honor of Julia S who requested the recipes for the chicken wings and the pork friend rice.Asian Chicken Wing
Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp oil
• 2 to 3 green onions, sliced
• 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup sherry
• 1 Tbsp corn starch
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 2 lbs chicken wings

Directions:
1) In 1 qt saucepan, heat oil over medium heat.
2) Saute green onions until tender and lightly browned (about 5 minutes.
3) Stir in brown sugar, soy sauce, sherry, cornstarch, and ginger. Cook over medium heat until mixture starts to boil and thicken. Cook for one additional minute at boil stirring constantly.
4) Place chicken wings flat in baking dish and pour sauce over chicken.
5) Cook uncovered for 45 min - 1 hr at 375 degrees

Chef's notes: I doubled the sauce recipe just because I knew how good it was and I knew I could use the left over sauce on rice. Also, I substituted regular onions diced small for the green onions and red wine for the sherry because that is what I had. It is WONDERFUL. A shout-out of thanks to the Apex 911 employee who supplied me with this recipe.

Pork Fried Rice
Ingredients:

• 5 (6 ounce) boneless pork chops, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
• 1 1/4 cup s finely chopped carrots
• 1 1/4 cups chopped fresh broccoli
• 1 1/4 cups frozen peas
• 5 green onions, chopped
• 1/4 cup + 1 Tbsp butter
• 5 eggs, beaten
• 5 cups cooked long grain rice
• 1/3 cup + 2 Tbsp soy sauce
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  

Directions:
1) In a large saucepan, saute the pork, carrots, broccoli, peas, and onions in butter until the pork is no longer pink. Remove from skillet and set aside.
2) In same skillet (do NOT drain), cook and stir egg over medium heat until completely set.
3)Stir in rice, soy sauce, garlic powder, ginger, and pork mixture. Heat thoroughly.

Chef's Notes: I originally found this recipe on allrecipes.com. I couldn't find it again in order to link to it. Instead of using boneless pork chops, I used a piece of pork loin. I partially froze it and cut it into thin strips (by partially freezing it, you can easily cut into thin strips without a huge mess). I left out the broccoli because one child HATES broccoli and we already had another dish including it. I also doubled the soy sauce amount becasue it didn't quite have the flavor I wanted.

Perfect Moment Monday: Our First Super Bowl Party

Lori over at Weebles Wobblog says that "Perfect Moment Monday is more about noticing a perfect moment than about creating one. Perfect moments can be momentous or ordinary or somewhere in between."

When I was talking about the Super Bowl last week, the kids decided we should have a Super Bowl party. Then, they decided we should have all kinds of Oriental food to eat at the party. So, I made pork friend rice

beef and broccoli

Asian chicken wings

and egg drop soup

Then, yesterday, we sat down to watch the Super Bowl for the first time since the Panthers' heartbreak in 2004. Once again, we were rooting for the underdog, the Saints. But, this time the result was very different. Who Dat won! So, not only did the family hang out and have fun and got to cheer on a winner but we also had lots of delicious food. I think this is going to become a yearly event.

Go check out the other perfect moments at this week's Perfect Moment Monday on Weebles Wobblog.

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And, don't forget to check out (and sign up for) my the 18 x 24 Poster Print Giveaway from uPrinting.com.

Friday Photo Challenge: VARIETY

Welcome to this week's Friday Photo Challenge sponsored by The Steadfast Warrior from Destined to be an old woman with no regrets... This weeks theme is variety. Make sure you head over there and check out all the other participants this week.

Like Ms. Steadfast Warrior, I was inspired while I was cooking earlier this week. Don't these veggies in their glorious coat of colors scream VARIETY to you?For the inquiring minds, I drizzled these veggies with olive oil so the Sazon would stick to them, roasted them, and served them over Parmesan Couscous.

Limerick for my Thug Sista

There once was a superhero named Kym
who partnered with Miss W, her IM
They made me laugh 'til I cried
and my son nearly died*
all from a convo started on a whim

I know this isn't the best limerick around but I had to come up with a tribute to the wonderful, whacked out sense of humor possessed by my thug sista Kym. With loving tribute and the earnest desire to share the laughs, I now present the conversation that inspired this post (she blogged it here)...

Skype chat with Miss W, my intended mother*

Miss W: I have a question for you.

Me: k

Miss W: Do you think Hagrid is infertile?

Me: Hagrid as in Harry Potter Hagrid?

Miss W: Yes, that Hagrid. And isn't it sad? He works with children, uses (scary) animals as surrogate children...

Me: hmm...

Miss W: I mean...ok, if you cross species, say a horse and a donkey -- infertile mule. A lion and a tiger -- infertile liger. So a giant and a human...

Me: I wouldn't think so. I think that in the scope of the books, he didn't get the chance to have kids. I always imagined that after the big battle at Hogwarts, he and the Beaubatons' headmistress (whatever her name was) hooked up, got married, and had little giant babies, lol.

Miss W: I think Madame Maxine is the only person he could have ever married.

Me: yup

Miss W: Because um...I think he would have killed a human female if he had sex with her.

Me: HAHAHAHAHAHA

Miss W: Now my next question...

Me: well, maybe a muggle female. maybe a magic female could have magic wanded her vag: "VAGINUS MAXIMUS!"

Miss W: See, now you are going in the right direction with my next question. Hagrid's dad was a wizard. His mom a giant. HOW THE HELL DID THAT WORK?

Me: HAHAHAHAHA

Miss W: I mean, I suppose it's much better than the other way around.

Me: ERECTUS PENIUS MAXIMUS!

Miss W: OMG -- that is exactly what I thought! Some kind of engorgement charm. Otherwise? I think he was just off by himself wanking somewhere when a giantess picked him up and inserted him tampon style.

Me: I am seriously losing my shit laughing over here. HILARIOUS.

Miss W: haha

Me: I am sooooooooooooo blogging this.

*of embarassment

uPrinting Poster Print Giveaway

That's right y'all...uPrinting is offering another AWESOME giveaway through little ole me! This time, the giveaway is for a Poster Print - an 18 x 24 in. print of your favorite photo or design. The contest starts TODAY February 5th and you can continue to enter until February 11th with a winner announced on Friday, February 12th.

Giveaway Prize: 18x24 Poster Print for One (1) Winner
Paper Stock: High Gloss or Semi Gloss
Specifications: 1 Business Day Turnaround
Shipping: FREE UPS Ground Shipping
Eligibility: Limited to US Residents

Per FCC regs, I have to tell you that I am getting a Poster Print too. That's right...I'm getting free stuff too! Was that loud enough FCC?

Y'all, you really, really want to enter this! I can't sing uPrinting's praises highly enough. They do amazing work and you will be THRILLED with the results. The only thing you have to remember if you win is you need a high resolution picture file...300 dpi or higher.

Oh yeah, did you notice it is FREE SHIPPING this time? The awesoem folks at uPrinting are springing for the shipping this time!

Sooooo, here's how you enter (one comment for each entry; you don't have to do all four, but you MUST do #1 to be eligible for the other entries)...

1. comment on this post and tell me what kind of picture you want on your poster (required)
   
2. Tweet this giveaway and come back and provide the link. You can Tweet once a day and get one entry per tweet. Don't forget to provide one link per day. - Great Poster Print Giveaway from @uPrinting and @dragondream http://bit.ly/dfzOUX #giveaway
   
3. blog this giveaway and come back and provide the link
4. follow my blog (and, if you already follow me, let me know)
   

Don't forget to comment one time for each of entry.

*Don't laugh at Kym's entry 'cause I forgot to make a change when I typed things up.

SHOW AND TELL: Fun in the snow

Welcome to our weekly expedition into the land of Show and Tell. Y'all know Show and Tell is wasted on the elementary schoolers. Join us weekly to show off an item, tell a story, and get the attention of the class. In other words, this is Show and Tell 2.0.

We only got about 4 inches of snow last weekend but we had so much fun playing in it.


My three sons

The snow was too powdery for a real snowman
so we made a face on Vic's car

Gabe and me

Jack and Jolie wrestling in the snow********************
To see what everyone else in class is bringing to SHOW AND TELL, take a trip to visit the Miss Mel, Goddess of the Infertility Blogosphere.

Wii, this is fun!

We are having yet another day off school (ugh) and I got roped into playing Mario Kart Wii this morning. Once we were done (I kicked some serious butt), I decided to have some real fun with the Wii. I downloaded the internet channel and I'm blogging via the Wii. Marty's response to my discovery had me rolling. He said, "Oh God, Mom can blog on the TV. Now we'll never get to watch it."
Hehe, there are two things that will keep that from being true. First, the resolution on our TV SUCKS. We don't have an HDTV and it shows. Second, I don't have an extra keyboard. So, I'm stuck typing his all in with the Wii remote and the virtual keyboard. Can we say slow?
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Oh, one more piece of news. We did our taxes and I absolutely, positively get to go to BlogHer!!! Woohoo

Oh the weather outside was frightful

Almost 60 hours after the snow and sleet stopped falling, this is what my yard still looks like. Now, I know for those of you up north, this is nothing but, for us Southerners, this is pretty damned impressive. The road in front of my house is clear because it gets hit by the sun almost all day but there are a LOT of secondary roads that are still completely covered. Hehe, the only reason part of my driveway is cleared is that I took advantage of my slave labor older children and had them shovel a section of it. Sadly, anything that melted on Monday (but didn't dry out) just refroze last night so there are a lot of treacherous spots out there. Yes folks, that means the school system is having its second snow day in a row...aaaarrrrghhhhhh, help me. Seriously though, it isn't that bad because Joey has been feeling completely better since Sunday and he spent yesterday hanging out with his friend Troy. Poor Marty has school today despite the school system being out. Oh, the joys of being home-schooled.

Despite all the snow and crud on the ground, I still got to see my friend Kristina on Sunday. Kristina, her children, and her charming significant other are in the country from England and are taking a trip up the east coast. They got to experience Southern hospitality at its best when two gentlemen pulled their car out of a snow drift on Saturday and didn't charge them anything for it. I hope the rest of their trip up the coast is less eventful. I also hope that the next time I see them we get more than a few hours to spend with each other.

On the home front, everyone is currently healthy. Once Vic started feeling better, he promptly lost most of his voice. Luckily, that issue cleared up. I almost succumbed to the nasty flu(like) illness going around the house but, I listened to my body and slept for a huge chunk of time one afternoon and that seemed to be what my body needed to avoid getting sick.

* Sadly, I just found out that while my driveway is safe to go down, I can only currently make it halfway up before there is enough slush that I lose traction.