Organized Chaos!!

Time to face the facts...

2012-01-19T18:52:00.000-05:00

So, I'm sure I'm exaggerating a bit here, but I feel like I've tried all the diets and I have failed them all!

I think that I have come to the realization that if I tell myself I am dieting, I am setting myself up to fail. So I tell myself to "WATCH" what I eat!! Yup, I watch it go from plate to mouth!! :)

As with all other aspects of my life, I really am not a fan of being told what to do. You tell me what to do with out being the person who signs my paycheck, I guarantee I will dig my heals in and not budge.

This apparently is even true when I tell myself that I can not have a certain food! If I say I'm going to try the South Beach diet...I will crave breads and pasta, cupcakes and candy! When I eventually cheat, I don't even have the will power to stop!

If I cheat while on a diet, say I have a candy bar....I will eat the whole thing in one sitting, because if I'm going to cheat, I might as well eat it all now and then there won't be anything to cheat with later when I get back on the wagon! Convoluted, I know!!

So, I think I finally have come to the realization...

Yup, if I'm going to eat all the treats and pizza galore, then I'm need to exercise, and get my booty mov'n!!

I started the "Insanity" exercise program Tuesday night, and I'm excited to say that I can walk down the stairs, and it doesn't HURT....

MUCH!!!

Blessings,

Monica

So this is what my blog looks like...

2011-12-14T20:01:00.000-05:00

My last post was in August, shortly before the start of school, and I was at the VERY early stages of organizing the parent organization that I'd joined and volunteered to help run....

The sun was high in the sky,

            The pool was still open and warm,

                                  The leaves green and the flowers were blossoming....

F A S T        F    O   R    W   A    R     D.....

                                                        NOW STOP!!!

                                                              It's December....

                                                                         The sun is low and often hidden behind grey clouds...

                                                                                       The pool is covered and sometimes iced over ....

                                              The leaves have long left the now bare branches ....

Magic and Wonder is in the air....

                     The hustle and bustle of the season is seen on the faces of everyone....

                                                                Young and old...

and I am left wondering about the 4 months that just flashed by in a blur r r rrrr....

It's nice to be back...for at least a moment...just to say hi and to wish you all the ....

                    BEST HOLIDAY SEASON EVER!!

Blessings,

Monica

Six Word Memoir...

2011-08-23T18:52:00.000-04:00

School begins very soon: Enough said!!

Blessings,

Monica

Summer Entertainment....

2011-08-18T21:35:00.000-04:00

Since the weather broke and the pool has been open, I have been scouring Craigslist for a movie projector...nothing spectacular or expensive, but something to enjoy movies with the kids on the weekends. I grew up with several Drive In movie theaters in the area, but as with all good things...they must come to an end. Why is that anyways?

There is something about sitting in the car, or in a chair on the tail gate of the truck and hanging the old metal speaker from the car window that reminds me of simpler times.

I found a projector...F I N A L L Y...right in our home town, did the research and contacted the seller. We made arrangement for pick up and off I went later that evening to pick it up...by myself!

I didn't really know where I was going...I just had a pretty good idea of were I needed to be, that is good enough, right? As I started down the road, the houses were all numbered nicely...even numbers on the right, odd on the left, and if I'd gone to far, I would meet Lake Ontario. But then as I progressed further down the road, I noticed that the house were no longer nicely numbered, so I began to slow down (to see if the numbers were on the house instead of the mailboxes)..still no numbers...when I finally get to the point that I am sure I've passed it, I come to a house with a sheriff's car...OH NO...I'm not part of a sting operation am I?...It's just a movie projector, and not even a good quality one at that...so I pull out the phone and turn on the "APP" and swear to myself, that if that's the house, forget the projector, I'm not going to jail for that...and Phew...I'm safe...I'm not the target of an under cover operation. And there you have it ladies and gentleman, the result of a vivid imagination, too many late night watching Criminal Minds, and one sorry female making her first purchase from Craigslist....

We started our movie night with Pizza made on the grill!

Invited some friends over to watch the movie!

A photo of the boys enjoying "Despicable Me"

Hope you've enjoyed my little story...and perhaps you even chuckled at the expense of my over active imagination!!

Blessings,

Monica

A Fall treat...that I can not wait to enjoy...

2011-08-17T21:03:00.000-04:00

Okay, not that I am in any hurry to wish the summer away, but I was so excited to see the September issue of Family Fun in my mailbox this afternoon!!

Each month I quickly scan the magazine logging into my memory bank, all of their fun ideas for crafts and tasty treats...

As always this issue did not fail to please me or my taste buds....I simply can not wait until it's appropriate to make this adorable Nutty for Acorns treats! B O U N U S !!!! They are bite size...so that means you get a whole lot of taste without over indulging!!

Unfortunately, they do not have this on their web page yet to link too, so here is a scan!!
Do you get Nutty for fall treats? What's your favorite one to enjoy?

Blessings,

Monica

Making time to make memories and re-live some too!

2011-08-07T13:31:00.001-04:00

One of the things that I had my heart set on doing this summer was to take a day-cation (my definition = cheap & close by) to my husbands Alma mater..Syracuse University.

It's been 13 years since he graduated....and this was my first time back to the campus since we rolled out of his apartment driveway following his graduation.

I returned on Thursday with the kids, I thought they would enjoy a day trip, as well as the chance to see where their father went to school; you know the place he lived, worked, studied and played for 5 years...an opportunity to make memories, and re-live some too!

So everyone please sit down, fasten your seat belts, please keep all appendages in the vehicle at all time, and enjoy the short tour...

The place he studied...

The place he played...

A place he lived...

A place he worked...

The Addams Family House....(or the inspiration/model for the house)

Hope you enjoyed this short tour...you may exit the ride when the vehicle has come to a complete stop...

Thank you for stopping by!

Blessings,

Monica

Wordless Wednesday...August 3, 2011

2011-08-03T15:29:00.002-04:00

PUZZEL TIME

It is hard to believe that in one short month, she'll be going to pre-school!!

Blessings, Monica

Memories...July 30th, 2011...

2011-07-30T11:11:00.000-04:00

Even as I write this post, my husband is taking Ry Guy to the doctors office...with what we think is a case of strep throat! I posted a picture of "G" Man on Thursday, resting! He came down with a fever on Sunday that lasted through a good part of Thursday, Miss Sassy came down with her fever early Saturday Morning, and hers lasted until Wednesday with an ear infection thrown in to the mix as well. Grrrr...so over the sickness!

I captured these two this morning watching a little television...

A wise Proverb...Those who are sick together...recuperate together... Yes, I did make that up!

We celebrate "G" man's 8th birthday today...WOW, were does the time go?

Have a great weekend!

Blessings,

Monica

.... Memories...July 28th, 2011....

2011-07-28T11:35:00.001-04:00

Today marks the start of what I hope will be a daily if not weekly post of our memories. An opportunity to capture the small things in our life. I've been inspired by Melissa @ Adventuroo to start a virtual scrapbook, if you will, of the daily happenings in our life. Melissa had been great at reminding me that our simple daily routine, although somewhat mundane and some what hectic at times, is the essence of our family, and should be documented. There really are some spectacular photo opportunities to be had!

For instance...

Here I captured the "G" Man resting! After having run a high fever since Sunday, and missing all week of summer camp, he rests, hoping that tomorrow, he'll wake fever free and ready to participate in tomorrow's field trip to the Science Museum...

Thanks again Melissa for the reminder to not take the everyday "Stuff" for granted!!

Blessings,

Monica

Cake-a-Palooza

2011-07-27T21:27:00.000-04:00

So, my short stint as a part-time baker, part-time (Payroll/Administrative employee) and FULL-time Mother has come to an end.... for now, that is!!

In my previous post, I showed you several cakes that I have been baking and decorating for friends and family over the last couple of months...the last two were delivered on Sunday....and based on the voice mail I received on Monday, they were ecstatic with the results....

This young man wore green sneakers with yellow stripes for Cross Country

Sharp Corner....Yea!!

He also competed on the Alpine Ski Team

And was a member of the Lacrosse Team!

Gum paste diploma

2nd Cake - Same young man. Loves Cow's, 4H, Tractors and is attending Morrisville State College in the fall.

So after this weekend, when we'll celebrate "G" Man's 8th birthday, I'll be done with cakes..until October anyways...

Blessings,

Monica

A long time coming...

2011-07-22T19:42:00.000-04:00

So even as I hammer out this quick note to say hello....the canvas of yet another cake or cakes in this case are drying....
Yup, you guessed it, I've been busy since the middle of June with cakes...I've had at least one cake each weekend, and after next weekends cake...I am done for a while....

So here is what I've been up to...

So there you have it...a quick look at what I've been up to this summer...Looking forward to spending some time with the kids before they are back in school ~ How has you summer been?

Take care,

Monica

And then it turned into oh no, what have I done...

2011-06-04T14:51:00.000-04:00

Right now I have a litany of country music lyrics flowing through my brain….for instance:

And then it turned into oh no, what have I done…(Carrie Underwood ~ “Last Name”)

So I sit here and wonder to myself…What the hell was I thinking? …(David Pedersen…”What the Hell”)

You might think I’m trashy, A little too hard core…But in my neck of the woods I’m just the girl next door…(Gretchen Wilson “Red Neck Women”)

Well, there are things in life I regret and even more that haven’t happened yet …(Brad Paisley “Some Mistakes”)

You get the idea….

I went with a friend yesterday, for what was suppose to be an "informational "trip to a

T A T T O O parlor .

I’ve been thinking of getting one for a very, very long time. In fact, since I was 18! At that time I wanted a Soccer ball on my ankle…can I just tell you how

H A P P Y!!

I am that I didn’t go through with it….way back when…

This time around, I new I wanted something to signify my children. I wanted it small and tactful, something that fit my Type “A” personality, and I wanted it on my foot!

This is what I chose:

My research unveiled, that the Triple Spiral or Triskele, represents the three powers of maiden, mother and crone. It is a sign of female power more significantly, power through transition and growth. It’s sometimes also used to represent the three realms of land, sea, and sky, and based on research of the early Celtic symbols, the Celts gave great significance to things coming in threes: earth, water, sky; body, mind, spirit; birth, death, rebirth, past, present, future.

I give great significance to the number three too! My three children! Each color (Red, Blue and Purple) represents one of my lovely children…

So as I berate myself over my impulsive decision…there is one thing I now to be true…

There won’t be any….

”OOPS, I DID IT AGAIN!”

for this mom… ha ha

Thanks for stopping by!!

Capture the Everyday ~ Something You're good at

2011-06-02T07:51:00.000-04:00

Melissa over at Adventuroo writes:

Capture the Everyday is about getting you to capture those everyday moments in your life! Each Thursday, I’ll issue a simple challenge to capture something that’s a part of your daily life. You can post just a picture or add some words to go along with it. You’ll have a week to get it done and then I’ll issue another. It’s a quick, easy way to start capturing those little parts of life we sometimes take for granted.

This weeks assignment is to capture SOMETHING YOU'RE GOOD AT...

Hmmm...My husband would say that I am good at managing the household...hence the title of the blog, but he'd also say that I could work harder on the laundry portion... lol

I believe I am good at my job...aside from being a full time mom and wife, I work at contractors office were I input and process the weekly payroll, answer phones, order office supplies...etc., 4 days out of the week. I've been there 10 and half years, so I guess you could say I'm good at my job - they keep me around anyways!!

But, I think I received one of the best compliments possible this evening...you see I decorate cakes for family and friends! This evening I returned a call to a friend/neighbor that was looking for me to bake and decorate her sons first birthday cake. Unfortunately, the day that she wanted to celebrate the party ,Saturday, is also graduation day for both a niece and a cousin, as well as a yearly pig roast hosted by some friends of ours. So I call to decline, explaining that there were to many things going on to tend to on Saturday. Here's the compliment: ..."Well, if you can make it for Friday, I'll move his party to Friday"... Someone is willing to move theirs sons birthday party for one of my cakes...WOW I'll take that compliment...and yes, I said I would make her son's first cake...how could I say no to that!!
Here are a few photographs of me doing something I might be good at:

Free Hand Yellow Power Ranger ~ Butter Cream

Free Hand Pikachu ~ Butter Cream

Baseball Field ~ Butter Cream

Free Hand Max ~ Butter Cream

Oink ~ Oink!! Butter Cream

Stacked Wedding cake ~ Butter cream

Did I mention that I am self taught, I have never taken a class...wish I had the time to take one, it would be beneficial!

Go ahead...Capture the everyday...you'll be glad you did!

Blessings,

Gone Shabby...

2011-05-30T10:00:00.000-04:00

So lately I've been in the mood for a change....like maybe re~doing the living room paint, or maybe the bathroom curtians. Nothing huge, but of course it all costs money...money I really shouldn't be spending, so I decided to re~decorate my blog....

Before...

sort of boring...and a whole lot of RED...not one of my favorite colors...not sure why I picked it to begin with...

And well, you can see the after...

What are your thoughts...a change for the better or not so good! Be honest, I can take it!

Have a great day!!

Blessings,

Long time coming...

2011-05-29T17:53:00.002-04:00

So it's Memorial Day weekend...could anybody please tell me where May went? Perhaps it was washed away with the record amount of rain fall we've had!

None the less, complaining about it won't bring it back!

So, back to the good news: my kids F I N A L L Y got to hear the words that they have patiently been waiting for. Nearly 8 months ago we started a project...and we are still working on the project, but they finally heard the words...

"WHO WANTS TO GO IN THE POOL?"

As I mentioned, it's been a long, long process...one that is nearing the finish line...and personally, I can not wait to celebrate!!

The water is really chilly...nothing close to the 84 degrees I require...so I'll watch there little teeth chatter from the comfort of my chair, all the while writing this post!!

So very thankful for the break in the weather the last two days...and my heart goes out to all the families in the mid west dealing with the tornado's!

Let us not forget, it's Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial start of summer, Yea!!

But more importantly, it's a time of remembrance and reconciliation! I would very much like to thank all the members of our armed forces for giving their time and for some service members,

their lives...Bless You!!

Hope you all have a great rest of the weekend!!

Blessings, Monica

p.s. - this post is linked to

I know I'm not offically in the photo's, but this is what we'll be doing as a family the whole summer!!

So....How does that saying go?

2011-05-25T18:37:00.004-04:00

Oh yea, I remember it now....

When the Cats away the Mice will play...

google image

So the Mr. is away for a few days at a training seminar...you know what that means for me and the kiddos? Yup ~ a change from the normal routine!

They get to pick a out of the norm dinner ONE of the evenings...

google image

THESE...

make for an QUICK dinner and an Easy clean up!!

Then it's homework time for the kids.....bath time, and bed time!!

Then and only then, is it mommy's movie time....Yup - you got it!! A good chick flick!!

google image

Tonight's Movie...

google image

It comes highly recommended....We shall see!

Oh and my dinner choice....

google image

Mozzarella Sticks - Yum!

Can't wait...Okay kids it's only 6:30, but it's time for bed!!

If your significant other is away, do you let lose and change up the schedule?

Thanks for stopping by!

Blessings ~ Monica

Mother's Day 2011

2011-05-08T15:35:00.000-04:00

Happy Mother's Day!!

Today has been a great day!! I've had breakfast made for me, my bed made for me, and I have received some wonderful crafts from my children!! To top off this wonderful day, Mother Nature graced us with a great spring weekend!!

I just wanted to show you a photo I took of my wonderful children this morning!!

I hope you all have a great Mother's Day!!

Blessings,

Monica

Hugs & Kisses and Smarties too!

2011-05-07T09:47:00.000-04:00

Continuing with the Teacher Appreciation theme, here are Wednesday's and Thursday's gifts!

These are actually duplicates from last years celebrations...Made the same as Tuesday's gift!

Thanks for stopping by!

Blessings,

Monica

They do "Good & Plenty" for us...

2011-05-06T13:26:00.000-04:00

Here is the second gift for this years Teacher/Staff appreciation week...

Using the word processor software on my computer, I created a 4 row table. Then I added the wording, the image from google images and printed. Two labels to a sheet of paper. I then filled 2 snack size zip-lock baggies with Good & Plenty, folder the label over the zipper part and stapled!!

I cute and quick gift for the favorite teacher in you child life!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Blessings,

Monica

One way to say Thank You!!

2011-05-04T18:51:00.000-04:00

It's Teacher Appreciation week, and to celebrate the first day of the week (Monday), I made Cupcake Jars!!

I've seen these on many blogs, way to many to mention or link to. But I will share with you the link to Skip to my Lou. She had a recent post for Cupcake Jars that included a recipe for Apple Cinnamon Cupcakes {yum, yum} and printable labels!! You'll have to check it out!

I did not make the Apple Cinnamon cupcakes or frosting, I actually made white and chocolate cupcakes instead, and used butter cream frosting!

Here's how they turned out!!

The teachers and assistants loved them, and they were so simple to make!!

Check back tomorrow for Day #2 gifts...

Blessings,

Monica

Earth Day 2011

2011-04-23T12:10:00.001-04:00

So this year I have to admit, I dropped the ball on Earth Day!

So, I did not have a fun activity planned to entertain the kids on their last day of spring break vacation....but I am not a complete Big "L" Loser...we made DIRT!

DIRT DESSERT that is! And it was Oh so Yummy!!

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Sorry for the blurry photo!

If you'd like to make this yummy dessert, this is what you'll need:

1 lg. pkg of Oreo Cookies
1/2 stick of butter (room temp.)
1 (8oz) pkg. of Cream Cheese (room temp.)
1 cup of powdered sugar
3 1/2 cups of Milk
2 pkgs of instant French Vanilla Pudding
1 (12oz) carton of Cool Whip
8 inch diameter (at top) new clay/plastic pot
(we used a sand pail from the dollar store)
Artificial flowers to insert into the dessert

First you'll want to crush the package of cookies really well! This is a great project if you have little ones helping!

While their crushing the cookies, you can cream together the butter, cream cheese and powdered sugar with a blender.

In a separate bowl, mix together the milk and the pudding mix. Let set a few minutes.

Add the pudding to the creamed mixture, and once you have it blended well, FOLD in the Cool Whip.

If your pot is an actual flower pot, you'll need to plug the hole in the bottom with a plastic lid or something. Begin by placing a thin layer of cookies in the bottom and then a layer of pudding mix. Keep doing this until you are near the top of the pot. Be sure to use your remaining crushed Oreo's for the top layer of "Dirt".

Refrigerate until ready to serve. Placing flowers in pot for decoration before serving!!

For a real special effect, you can use a "new" spade to serve your dessert!!

Hope you give it a try...is really is a delicious dessert!!

Blessings and Happy Earth Day Everyone!

Monica

It’s just not enough….I need more…

2011-04-21T15:34:00.001-04:00

The two baskets of clothes waiting to be folded…

The clean dishes that need to be put away…

The back packs that need to be checked…

The home work that needs to be ~~forcibly~~ done…

The never ending house work that needs attention…

The Baseball practices 2 nights a week…

The laundry that needs to be done following Baseball practice…

And all of the other countless things that make up my day, my week, the month…

N O N E O F I T I S E N O U G H…

Nope, apparently, I am not happy with just that…

I

W
A
N
T

M
O
R
E
!

So…I joined a local committee…

And unleashed upon these poor unknowing members...

…all of my wonderful ideas {okay, so I am a little bias}!!

..because my daily day to day life wasn’t fulfilling enough for me (cough, cough). And, I want to have absolutely no time to myself, and I enjoy waking in the middle of night to jot down a new idea that I can ~~push~~ present at our next meeting.

So, PLEASE keep the other members in your thoughts…they truly had no idea what they were getting themselves into when they accepted me in to their set.

And…YES, I am CRAZY like Mother Nature in spring time….and, YES, I am excepting donations toward therapy!! Please contact me if you’d like to make a donation, or have words of advice {smile}! I think I really need it!!

Blessing,

Monica

p.s. - this post was totally written for the benefit of my own sarcastic humor…sorry!!

So, What have you been up to?

2011-04-20T20:48:00.000-04:00

So, what have you been up to?

Probably reading and writing a lot more blog posts than I have!!

Oh, I have been reading A LOT, but not from a computer screen. Nope, I've been so engrossed in novels and book series, that I haven't had time to write. I'm not sure what happened to me, but all of the sudden, I can NOT stop reading!

Please do not fret, I have had a few creative ideas during this time of hibernation (lets face it, that's what it feels like after the winter we had), would you like to hear about one of them?

Hmmmm....

Sure you do, because if you didn't you'd have just left the page!!

This was the best April Fools Day by far...My children never saw it coming! Now, it's important that I tell you that my kids love April Fools Day, and they look forward too my ideas every year!! They wake up asking what I have planned. With that said...here is this year's joke!!

After sweating it out at my hour long ZUMBA class, I took my sweaty self to the grocery store and purchased 3 powdered donuts. Hind sight is always 20/20, right...I should have included the husband in the plan...but I was nice and I really thought I was going to need his help....

To SUCK out the filling from each of the donuts!

Unfortunately for me, the store only had blueberry filled donuts left, and the husband was too "busy" to help, while I was preparing the prank. Please note, if you choose to use this idea, I hope for your sake that there is something other than blueberry filling left...do you know what it's like to suck a blueberry through a straw? Hmmm, Do you?

Okay, then, I proceeded to carefully fill each of these scrumptious donuts with...

KETCHUP!!

Yup... You are say'n "Oh, No she didn't" ...Oh yes, I did!! I placed the donuts back in the pastry box, all ready for the morning, strategically set up my camcorder, and went to bed....

to READ!!!

April Fool's morning, Ry guy woke me up saying he didn't feel like going to school...I didn't take the bait...I just let it go, I didn't want him to know that I knew what day it was.

"Hey guys, I got a treat for you..."{beep, beep} {camcorder on ;0)} did they hear that, nope, they were oblivious...they were to busy fighting over who's sitting where at the table.

"Okay, guys here you go....I got you a special treat last night when I stopped by the store"
"I hope you enjoy"

G-Man - 1st bite...pushes plate away..."I don't like it"

Ry guy - 2nd bite..."I like it!! Tastes fine to me!"

Me - "Why don't you like it G-man?"

G-man - Shrugs shoulders, curls his upper lip

Ry guy - 3rd "HUGE" bite..." I don't know what your problem is G-man...Hey Mom? Why is the filling a different color in the middle?"

Me - "Hmmm...I don't know, perhaps it's because the air has gotten to the outer filling, causing it to change color"

Ry guy - Licks the "red" filling...Looks at it...Stares at it bewildered...as I

S
H
O
U
T

A P R I L F O O LS!!!!

I have video of my Awesomeness, but Ry guy refuses to allow me to share it unless I pay him $15.00!

So at this time, I'll keep that little piece of video for black mail!!

Oh, and by the way, because I am a SUPER nice mom, I had bought each of the kids their very own "Favorite" donut to enjoy before the school bus came!!

So...see I still have a little smidgen of creativity left in me...

How about you - do you have a "Fools" prank to share? I'm trying to plan for next year!! {wink, wink}

Great talk'n with you!!

Blessings,

Monica

Baptismal Cake...

2011-03-10T07:34:00.000-05:00

I had the opportunity a couple of weeks ago to decorate a Baptismal cake for some friends of ours. They had their twin sons Baptized. They looked simply adorable in their outfits...

When we began the design process I showed Melissa some ideas of what I had in mind, and aside from the general idea I was free to decorate it as I wanted. She said she had full trust in me....

This is what I was able to deliver to them...

(fondant decoration on butter cream.)

They loved the cake when they took delivery and from what I hear, it was enjoyed by many!!

Thanks for taking a look at my most recent creation!!

Blessings,

Monica

A poem...

2011-03-09T19:48:00.000-05:00

I wrote this poem for Valentine's Day, unfortunately I was unable to post at that time.

So in honor or our FIRST DATE 19 years ago, here is the poem.

On a gray mid-November day, with the brightly covered leaves heavy with rain, I married my Best Friend.

Dodging rain drops, I arrived at the brick church, hearing the sound of my heart drumming in my chest a bit faster than that of the rain on the roof.

With warm smiles greeting me and the steady arm of my father, I walked down the aisle, lit only by candle light and the setting autumn sun.

With the day slowly giving way to evening, and amongst family and friends I held the hand of my Best Friend and wept my vows.

The old pump organ played the wedding march as we exited the church, nerves and well wishes warmed us where the weather could not. And as we exited the church, a wish I had hoped for came true…

Snowflakes began to fall on the day I married my Best Friend.

Blessings,

Monica

Pathetic Poster

2011-03-05T13:46:00.000-05:00

Dear readers,

I'm so sorry...I AM A PATHETIC POSTER! I mean, what else could I possibly be doing during this long, cold, snowy winter? It's not like I have anything better to do, right?

Well, okay I guess I still have laundry for five to battle daily, dinner daily, homework daily...and I just haven't been able to fit in the posts! PATHETIC EXCUSES right? See I can read your minds, I know that we are all in the same predicament.

If.... I really wanted to lay blame else where, not that I am that kind of person or anything, I could honestly tell you that it's my husbands fault. He's the one that decided to switch our internet connection from a "basic" level to a "light" level, in hopes of saving some money! Thing is, he didn't fess up until a couple of days later when I sat at the computer complaining about the connection...It literally took F.O.R.E.V.E.R to load blog sites! So I lost temporary interest, I am not a patient person, and as much as I love reading everyones adventures...It was taking toooo long!

He told me to go ahead and change it back...and not that I am stubborn or anything, but guess what BUDDY, I didn't make the change, so why should I be the one to call and due battle with the customer service rep.? But after 3 L.O.N.G. weeks I gave in and made the call...like I said I am not STUBBORN! {wink, wink}

With that said, please accept this note as an apology {cough cough, ~~for my husband unwise decision~~}, for my lack of posts recently. I will do my best not to allow this event to happen again {he wouldn't dare}!

Many Blessings,

Monica a.k.a Pathetic Poster

Have you heard?

2011-02-10T18:16:00.000-05:00

Have you heard? I been given an award, by a very special lady!!

Yup, Bethany from Stories of an Imperfect Mom, awarded me the

The term of acceptance are as follows, I must share at least 7 facts about myself, and pass the award on to other Stylish Blogger's...

So here are some random facts about myself

1. I adore P!nk - Her most recent material is great, and I "Raise My Glass" to her!!

2. I love Zumba, and only wish I could commit to 5 classes a week!

3. For years now I have been saying I am going to run a 5K - Well, I believe this is the year!

No more excuses!!

4. I {heart} historical romance novels.

5. I love my Diet Cherry Pepsi, and fear that I will have to give up my daily dose, as a result of a recent study involving the increased number of strokes and heart attacks patients among daily users.

6. I am a Twilight Fan, and I also secretly love the CW's teen show The Vampire Diaries.

7. While on the topic of T.V., I loved the AMC series "The Walking Dead"...I can not wait for the second season to return.

8. I could eat pizza everyday of the week, but it always has to be warm, I do not like cold pizza!

9. I secretly wish that for Valentine's day, my husband would give me the gift of some alone time...by myself! Sad I know!

10. Dislikes laundry and dishes...okay, added that because I couldn't come up with a 10th fact...and the dishes are staring back at me! GOTTA GO!

So there you have it, some very not-so interesting facts about me...The "Stylish Blogger"!

I would like to award the following ladies the Stylish Blogger award as well. They are:

Christine at A Rich Man's Family

and

Jenn at Rook No. 17

Please stop by and see these lovely ladies and don't forget to stop by and introduce yourself to Bethany at the link above!!

Blessings,

Monica

If only I had her imagination…

2011-02-08T20:13:00.001-05:00

With no warning, but a “Hey Daddy, listen to my story. You ready?”, Miss Sassy told her story to her proud daddy.

Then I hear, “Can you do that again for Mommy and her camera?” And with a response that should be beyond her 3 ½ years replies, “Sure, No problem”, and this is what I was able to capture!

I wish I had her imagination!

Blessings,

Monica

Groundhogs Day 2011...

2011-02-04T15:56:00.005-05:00

So it's been pretty cold and snowy in our neck of the woods...

View of our back yard

So it's no big surprise that I became giddy with excitement when the news reporters announced that the Groundhog had not seen it's shadow!!

Did you know, that apparently, in all the years of this tradition, the groundhog has only gone 15 times with out seeing his shadow...perhaps it's because of the huge snow storm that rocked half of the nation, there was no sun to cast a shadow!

Excited as I was with this announcement, I decided to mark this monumental occasion with a fun dessert!

Using Teddy Grahams for Groundhogs

Crescent sheets for the Groundhogs burrow

Marshmallows to create the shape of the burrow
Vanilla Instant pudding for the filling
Melted Chocolate Almond for the tops

and a cookie sheet

I created

THIS...

The kids were excited, and I believe that I succeeded in surprising my husband with my resourcefulness...they tasted just like an Eclair...or so I was told {wink, wink}!!

So did you celebrate Groundhogs day! What are some of your Groundhog day traditions?

Thank you for stopping by!

Blessings,

Monica

There's a New Sheriff in town...

2011-01-27T15:37:00.000-05:00

There’s a new sheriff in town…

google image

Yes, sir-ee…and she’s tired of the goings on around this here establishment. She’s done taking it on the chin from these rascals…

So, new rules are being put into place…gone are the days, that the sheriff kindly neatens the rooms up after the kiddos are in bed, placing their toys neatly in a basket outside their rooms…nope, there’s change in the air, and toys will be held hostage…

Yup…you heard me…and this here is the jail cell…

…for the left behind, discarded toys!!!

Clutter will no longer rule the living room and dining room table…

…BEWARE…

If it’s left out after you’ve gone to bed…the sheriff and her pose will come in and take the clutter to the damp, dark jail cell…where they’ll await sentencing and if lucky possibly bail… Baw ha ha ha!

You’ve been warned!! We don’t want no more clutter in these parts!

So go on..git out here!!

Blessings,

Monica {wink, wink}

The letter H h...

2011-01-26T17:59:00.000-05:00

So... as much as it ~~excites~~ pains me to say this, Miss. Sassy will be starting pre-school in the fall. We are fortunate to have a UPK program, grant funded at our local school. We are even more fortunate that they provide transportation to and from for the classes. So in anticipation for the fall, each week we are going to learn a letter. Many of the letters she knows, but there are some she doesn't...so we will take our time and share some time together learning our alphabet!

Last weeks letter ...

CSN stores image

Here are a few things we did to celebrate the letter.

* We made the Letter H cookies, and had fun decorating them.

* Using Happy Face stickers, we decorated the captial letter and the lower case letter on paper.

* We incorporated the letter H in to our foods as well...one evening we had Hamburger, another Ham, breakfast ~ Hash Browns, and extra helpings of each!

* We'll traveling the big kids helped pick out and point things out that started with H.

I hope you found some fun ideas to help teach your little ones the alphabet...do you have any other tried and true methods? I would love to hear them!

Blessings,

Monica

Frugal Tip Friday...

2011-01-21T15:45:00.000-05:00

There are several things I do around the house that are

F R U G A L...

but they don't all revolve around money...obviously most do, but I'm also F R U G A L with my time...there isn't 36 hours in a day, and that's what I would need if I wanted to get everything done! So here is a F R U G A L Tip...

Kitchen sponges...I don't know about you, but the typical size of a sponge is actually rather large for my hand, and further more a waste when you are changing them often...so I cut them in half to use them. They fit my hand much better, and they last twice as long!

Do you have a F R U G A L Tip to share?

Blessings,

Monica

Things I've learned this past week...

2011-01-20T15:48:00.002-05:00

So I was thinking back over the past week or so, and I reflected on some things that I have learned.

1. Book suggestions are not always as good as they were described to be! I recently read Harvest Home, by Thomas Tyron. This book was originally publish in 1973, a year or so before I was born! It was advertised as a real bone chilling page turner...but apparently not enough for me. I finished the book, taking much longer than I normally would, and although the story line would probably make for a decent movie, it wasn't the page flipper suspense I was looking for.

2. Sometimes, just sometimes, your husband may be right! I hate admitting this, but perhaps the food color/water/spray bottle, snow painting kit idea wasn't everything it cracked up to be! No, the kids did not spray each other as the husband anticipated!! Thankfully the kids spared me that "I told you so!", but perhaps I accidental splyrayed our white vinyl siding, while fine tuning a spray bottle. I sure hope the magic eraser works come spring! Eeek! And, perhaps the bottles leaked on the tile floor when the kids brought them in and left them laying on the floor....I thank my lucky stars it didn't stain the grout. At least the kids did enjoy it!!

3. Birthday's don't really bother me...as long as I continue to tell myself that I am 29!

4.Dieting sucks!! In my best "Forest Gump" impersonation..."That's all I have to say about that"

How about you, have you learned anything new lately?

Blessings,

Monica

Buzz by Thursday...1/13/11

2011-01-13T08:11:00.000-05:00

Good Day....I am participating in Buzz by Thursday....

If you feel up to it take a few moments to buzz by and visit Fashionably Organized, The Two Savvy Sisters, Emmy's Closet and Sunny Bug! They're the wonderful hostess of this fun blog hop!! You are sure to meet new peeps, and they have a wonderful giveaway going on right now! Go check them out!!

Many Blessings,

Monica

I had an idea...

2011-01-12T19:45:00.000-05:00

I had an idea…a F A B U L O U S idea…well sort of my idea…okay. I found this

F A B U L O U S idea on the Family Fun Magazine web page.

After searching 2 days for materials…and finally be able to bring this ffabulous idea to fruition…it turns out that I was NOT the only blogger out there who saw Family Fun’s idea. I found the duplication on another MUCH more popular site…not only was it the same idea but they had also bought the same exact spray bottles, that I had spent two days looking for.

So I decided to scrap the post…

Tick tock, tick tock

Then I decided to do it anyways…perhaps I have a reader that doesn’t read the other, more popular, interesting blog, (slim chance, I know) but anyhoo here it is!!

Using spray bottles (one for each color), water and food coloring, we created …

SNOW PAINT!!

That’s right…the kids can go out and paint their snow man/snow women, snow angles and their snow forts all kinds of colors!

I personally choose Blue, Green and Purple. Leaving Red and Yellow out of the equation for obvious reason…I’m mean who wants “yellow” snow…{wink, wink}

FYI – your spouse may ask you “You’re really going to give the kids dye in spray bottles?” and you can reply “Yup…Isn’t it a F A B O L U S Idea!”

Enjoy & many blessings,

Monica

I’m not mad…really…it’s okay…

2011-01-11T21:13:00.000-05:00

Dear Ry Guy...

I am totally F I N E with you not wanting me to make you your 9^th Birthday Cake…

I mean I am totally capable of baking and decorating cakes…

Really, look at the cake I just made last weekend…

But I understand…

it’s not enough that I had to have you, my first born,... via cesarean section because you were “Frank Breach” a short 9 years ago…

It’s okay that I am scared for life because of it…

and I am totally over the fact that you would not nurse…

even after 6 long weeks of trying!

Yup, It doesn’t bother me at all to buy you !this! birthday cake …

Nope… it doesn't bother me at all, because it’s what you want for your birthday!

I can take it…I promise not to give it a second thought…(until next year, and the year after that, and the year after that… )

Sincerely,

Mom

Wordless Wednesday...1/05/11

2011-01-05T17:50:00.000-05:00

Today I thought I would share with you the photos of my {snicker} 2 "Wise Men" and my {cough, cough} "Angel". The photos were taken a few weeks ago when the kids participated in our church play...

Wise men

An Angel - with crooked wings

I hope you enjoyed...they did wonderfully!

Blessings,

Monica

Happy New Year 2011...

2011-01-02T15:10:00.001-05:00

Like sands through the hourglass... so are the Days of Our Lives... (Dr. Thomas Horton Sr.)

This is a busy time of year for us…, I know, I know…it’s a busy time of year for everyone, but this year was “special”. Typically Halloween/moms birthday is the beginning of what is the fastest quarter of the year. November steam rolls right through to February! December and January literary felt like I was stuck in a snow storm…I was disoriented and everything was a blur! (I might add we had quite a few snow storms this December…we actually set a record for December snow fall in our area, bad roads did not help with my stress).

This year the “busy-ness” started in September…The kids began school, we were in the process of purchasing some land behind our home, as well as contemplating the possibility of an addition….

A

POOL!!

(Ha, you thought I was going to say a baby)…

and the look of our rear “Façade”.

October ~ is best explained in photos…here are some lovely before (or not so lovely) shots….

Rear Facade
Rear Exterior Door and Dinning Room Windows

Back Yard ~ Chicken Coop!

And here are some exciting during and ending shots!!

Our "New" rear Facade!! So excited!!! {squeal}

Our new pool - already named "Summer Vacation"...as we can not afford "vacations" now!
November ~ brought us our 12^th Wedding Anniversary…another family birthday, Thanksgiving, and for the first time ever… “Black Friday” (I am so upset with my self for having waited, ok that’s a lie…avoided this tradition for so long).

December ~ brought a nephews birthday, my husbands birthday, and the hustle and bustle of Christmas and New Years!

January ~ brings my birthday (need and unlike button for blogger) as well as Ry guys birthday, and a nephews birthday…and it's around this time that I’ll take a breath and wonder what happened to the last 5 months…

Our family has truly been blessed this year in all ways possible…and for this I am truly thankful.

So I raise a glass to you all and wish everyone a happy, safe and prosperous New Year!!

Oh, and I promise to get back to posting, reading, and leaving you all comments!!

Blessings,

Monica
　

Ten Random answers...

2010-12-15T19:07:00.000-05:00

Inspired by a disscussion at Julie and Martins' Community on Blog Frog, I am answering 10 random questions! I lack all creativity right now, so this finally gives me something to post about!

Ok so here we go...

1) If you were a color, which would you be and why? Well, that is an easy question…Lime Green…I have a new fascination with this bright hue! It started with my Laptop skin, then my cell phone guard, then my Ski Jacket…and now it’s the color of my dining room placemats …can you say “Obsessed“?

2) What was the first music CD/album you ever purchased with your own money? Hmmmm…well I am old enough that I can say that the first Cassette I bought was by Tiffany, and the first CD I bought was probably Rob Thomas and Matchbox Twenty… “Smooth” huh {wink}

3) What was the best gift ever given to you? My engagement ring! My husband wrapped it in a shirt box…so that it wouldn’t be so obvious…and guess what it definitely worked!! He walked in with three shirt box wrapped gifts (automatically I was depressed, I really thought it would be the year)…the first was my ring!! It was placed in the middle of the box with evergreens, roses and ribbon surrounding it. The second shirt box was a Michael Peterson’s CD, with the song “From here to Eternity”. It was our wedding song… And for the life of me…I can not remember what was in the third box, I wonder if he‘d even remember!! It was such a surprise and of course it has been a Happy Ever After!!

4) If you were stuck on a day of the week (like Groundhog Day), which day would you want and why? Saturday…even though it’s always about laundry and cleaning…I can get up when I want and can read a book here and there through out the day!

5) You have a choice: a belly button piercing or a tattoo on your shoulder (of anything you want). Which do you pick and why? Neither…sorry, but after three adorable children…nobody is seeing my abs! The Tattoo ~ I am not opposed to, but I would want it on my foot, not where it would make it difficult to dress…I don’t like to see half of a tattoo sticking out of someone’s sleeveless shirt…I’m nosey I want to know what the rest of looks like!

6) Quick! Can you name all the Halloween costumes you've ever worn?! I grew up in the 80’s so I would have to say that I was a Punk Rocker at least three times, and as a young kid I was witch, ghost, a vampire, and Holly Hobby. Most were homemade throw together costumes…Holly Hobby and Casper were those plastic costumes that came in a box complete with a molded plastic mask! I may have even worn this one, it looks very familiar!!

7) What's your favorite drink? Diet Cherry Pepsi…

8) What television shows or movie can you watch over and over again and never get bored? Scooby Doo…love the old episodes! “White Christmas” with Bing Crosby, “The Proposal” with Ryan Reynolds and Sandra Bullock and “Four Christmases” with Reese Witherspoon!

9) Someone just created a dish named in your honor. What is it? Homemade Macaroni & Cheese made with sharp cheddar…yum

10) If you could revisit an entire year of your life, which one and why? Ahhh…this is a difficult one…Should’ve, Could’ve, Would’ve…Hind sight is always 20/20…with all that said we all can probably look back on some events in our past and change the direction we chose, for instance opting out of the Accounting Degree (after the first semester) for a less stressful career, to only end up in an accounting field! Or maybe I should have played soccer that first year of college instead of walking away from the game when school was over…I can’t honestly say! Part of me would like to re-wind to the year 1999, (the year before my Grandfather passed away)…I’d spend a heck of a lot more time with him! And then there is 2010…knowing what I know now, I would have been able to prevent a few things from happening…but overall I’m ok with all my “many” years!

I hope everyone is enjoying this holiday season...Many blessings for you and your family!

Monica

Re-purposing Cake!

2010-12-14T20:00:00.000-05:00

Here is a re-post from earlier this year...Earth Week to be exact!! Enjoy!

So keeping with the "Earth" week theme, I decided to re-purpose cakes! I like cakes! I like to bake them, decorate them, and eat them!! My favorite flavor is white cake with homemade butter cream frosting. Part of process in decorating cakes, is leveling the cake when they have cooled. This gives you a nice flat surface to decorate on rather then a domed surface. Here are a few cakes that I have leveled to decorate.

My family usually reaps the benefits of eating the "dome" tops, but sometimes there is so much cut off that it goes to waste. Recently I started freezing the extra cake so it wouldn't go to waste, but didn't really know what I would do with it. Then I saw the Cake Balls on http://www.bakerella.com/! When I saw her red velvet cake balls, I knew that my cake pieces had a new purpose! I started off by mixing my cake (white), and homemade butter cream with my mixer.

Once, the ingredients were mixed together, I rolled them in to balls, and placed them on wax paper with a toothpick in each one. Then off to the freezer for a short stay!

I melted almond bark in the microwave, and rolled the cake balls in the melted chocolate. Once the cake balls were well coated, I placed them back on the wax paper to set. Once set, I pulled out the toothpicks, and put a dot of butter cream on each cake ball to cover the hole left by the toothpick!

They are delicious, so easy to make, and they help to reduce waste!! Oh wait...they reduce waste, but probably do not help reduce waists {sorry...that was kinda corny, but I just couldn't resist}!

Thanks for stopping by!!

Blessings,

Monica

Christmas Spirt....

2010-12-12T16:19:00.000-05:00

The Christmas Spirit is alive and well in our house hold....I guess you could say, that is why I haven't been hanging out with all of you wonderful peeps lately, I've bee spending it with my lovely family!!

We have decorated the Christmas tree ~

We have our Christmas Decorations out and adorning our house and other "things"{wink} ~

We have taken several ( and I mean several) pictures in the attempt to find the perfect one for our family Christmas cards ~ The kids simply love this task...and it shows!!

Shortly there after the fighting begins ~

I am SO PROUND!! {wink, wink}

Yesterday we visited our local mall to see one of Santa's Helpers ~

Miss Sassy would like a doll from Santa!

The G man asked for a DSi XL/XL/3D ~ He has big dreams... {smile}

The Ry guy asked for the NFL "Pink" (Breast Cancer Awareness) Receiving gloves, he even had a picture to show Santa!

Then off we went to MACY'S to deliver our letters to Santa, each letter mailed from MACY's is a $1 donation to the Make a Wish Foundation! MACY'S provides a wonderful link from their web page for writing letter and to decorate them!

After we delivered our letters, we had a ride on the escalator...

"Oh what fun it is to ride...a one way Escalator"

How are your holiday plans shaping up? I am spending my day today making all of the cookie dough badder for next weekends baking/decorating/party filled weekend!!

Happy Holidays to everyone!! I'll do my best to hang out more often!!

Blessings,

Monica

Thinking....

2010-12-02T19:31:00.001-05:00

Yup...that is the sound I am hearing in my head right now as I try to think of a worthy post!!

EPIC FAIL...

I don't know, perhaps its the three loads of laundry staring back at me wanting desperately to be folded and tucked away in their cozy draw...or maybe it's the thought of what lies ahead for this entire month...Picture of the kids for the Christmas Card, addressing the cards, mailing the cards, more laundry, shopping, wrapping, baking...and the list continues... {smile}

I hope you all had a wonder and happy Thanksgiving...and I hope to write something worthy soon!!

Blessings,
Monica

Turkey Day…Some Interesting facts!

2010-11-23T18:33:00.003-05:00

Google image

Interesting but useless information about the Thanksgiving holiday!

Dates:

· *1621 ~ The Pilgrims celebrated the first Thanksgiving celebration with the Wampanoag Indians. The 3 day feast was held to celebrate the bountiful harvest, and their Thankfulness after a particularly harsh winter in which many perished.

*1863 ~ President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving as a holiday on the last Thursday of every November.

*1939 ~ President Franklin D. Roosevelt proclaimed the 4^th Thursday as Thanksgiving to make the Christmas Shopping season Longer. And stimulate the economy.

google image

Places

· Plymouth Massachusetts ~ the location of the first Thanksgiving.

20 ~ the number of places in the U.S. named Plymouth or has Plymouth in the name.

3 ~ the number of places in the U.S. named after the gobbler ~ Turkey, TX, Turkey Creek LA., Turkey N.C.

8 ~ the number of places in the U.S. named Cranberry or have a similar variation.

Food

Minnesota ~ is top in turkey production, followed by North Carolina, Arkansas,

Virginia, Missouri and California

Wisconsin ~ is top in cranberry production (2005) followed by Massachusetts, Oregon, New Jersey and Washington

North Carolina ~ is top in the production of sweet potatoes followed by California, Mississippi and Louisiana.

Illinois ~ Top in Pumpkin Production followed by California, Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New York.

The Turducken ~ Originated in Louisiana…what is a Turducken you ask, it is a de-boned turkey, stuffed with a de-boned Duck that is stuffed with a de-boned chicken…any part not stuffed with meat, is stuffed with stuffing!

· More than 40 Million Green Bean Casseroles are served at Thanksgiving.

Google image

· A According to the Guinness Book of Work Records, the Largest Pumpkin Pie was baked on October 8, 2005, by the New Bremen Giant Pumpkin Growers in Ohio. It weighed 2,020 pounds, and measured 12 feet long. It included 900 pounds of pumpkin, 62 gallons of evaporated milk, 300 pounds of sugar, 3.5 pounds of salt and 250 pounds of crust!

Turkeys

· Turkeys can fly up to 55 Mph over short distances

They can run up to 25 mph on the ground

They have except hearing despite having no ears.

Turkeys can see in color!

They have been known to sleep in trees!

So did you learn something new about the holiday?
Have a Great Thanksgiving Holiday!!

Blessings,

Monica

Disclaimer~ information/statistics were found on various web pages. Including Suite101.com; FGI (Free Government Information); theholidayspot.com; coolest-holiday-parties.com and chiff.com

10 New Idea's for old things...

2010-11-16T19:09:00.000-05:00

We all have little things sitting around on a shelf or in a junk draw just waiting for a new life, a new purpose...so here are 10 items that I have given a new purpose!

1. Coffee Filter...They're round, and they make great paper snowflakes!

2. Missing a book mark, use a cute bobby pin...easy and simple!

3. Tall boots are all the rave, but how do you keep them look'n good! Place empty and clean liter soda/seltzer bottles in the them! They'll stand up tall!!

4. Garbage disposal a little stinky...use a little baking soda and some white vinegar! It's a quick and natural way to clean your disposal!

5. Tired of spotty shower walls...use some car wax. Just like when it's applied to your car, it will repel the water and help alleviate the water marks!

6. All out of facial toner...can't make it to the store? Use Witch Hazel...a natural antiseptic it is extremely effective and significantly cheaper!!

7. Oh darn...ready to walk out the door for the day or evening, and notice your shirt collar is not laying straight? Use your hair straightener! You can in most cases leave your shirt on, and the straightener warms quickly to fix those small issues!!

8. Loaning a book to a friend...use a mailing label to show ownership...you'll be sure to get the book back!

9. Putting your summer clothes away in a storage bin? Place some gently used fabric sheets in between the clothes to help keep them fresh!!

10. Are your Kiddos old enough to make their own PB&J Sandwiches, but can not seem to master the twist tie...leaving your bread to dry out? Use a clothes pin instead of a twisty...believe me it will save your loaf of bread!!

Hope you found some new tips to help you around the house! As always, thanks for stopping by!!

I love to hear feedback!!

Blessings,

Monica

Festive Place Mats for the kids...

2010-11-14T15:27:00.000-05:00

It was a crisp day, but sunny...so we walked and we talked and we collected leaves of different colors and different shapes...

Then we came home to make place mats with our leaves...

We took two lengths of wax paper and placed our leaves in between the wax papers. We also placed scrapbook embellishments to compliment the leaves! If I was a brave mom, I would have used some glitter too, but I am not brave!!

Then I carefully used a heated iron on a heat safe surface, and melted the wax papers together!

Now each of the kids has their own custom place mat for the fall season!!

A quick and easy project that brought us together for some outside/exercise and gives our fall table a unique look!! Just think of all the things you can do for the different seasons!!

Thanks for stopping by!!

Blessings,

Monica

What in the H. E. Double L. was I think'n?

2010-11-11T17:11:00.000-05:00

Back when the sun shined and the weather was warm…back when I didn’t need the flannel sheets, electric blanket and my leg warmers (I am so happy they are back in style!), you know just about 3 months ago!!

It was the beginning of August and in our little home town, there is a hamlet that everyone converges on between Memorial day and Labor Day. At any other time of the year, it looks like a ghost town. As with most towns founded on the waters edge…it’s the place to be when the nights are warm!

This particular weekend, friends from high school were in town and we had all made plans to be “There”…drinks, music, friends…and men!

Well, not for me, but as a divorcee, one of my friends was on the lookout…she was just look’n. Well, during one of her routine perimeter checks {wink} she caught the notice of a overly buff, intoxicated gentleman…he stood at best five feet maybe 5 foot 2inches…now I mention this only because it is an important piece of the story…I do not harbor prejudice on other peep's height…but again, it’s an important piece of information to the story…Furthermore, because it's important, I stand at 5ft 7 1/2".

So he saunters over, okay, let’s be honest he stumbles his way over to my friend. Taps her on the shoulder and proceeds to ask “hey, woulth you like to danth”, Ya it was that bad…she graciously declined indicating she wasn’t in the mood to dance. He persisted…again…and again…and again…this time placing his hand on her shoulder and gently turning her toward him. Now I say "gentle" because he wasn’t forceful in his attempt to get her attention, but my feeling is…if she has told you know…hands off…no matter how gentle you are about turning her…you shouldn’t be touching!!!!

Wonder Woman

I AM WOMEN...HEAR MY ROAR....

I watched this from approximately 3 feet, maybe four feet away…the music was loud, but between reading her body language and reading her lips I could tell that the funniness of this had worn off…and she was uncomfortable…

So I pulled up my big girl britches and closed in on this very athletic, bald, height challenged gentleman… I use the word gentleman loosely, and tapped on his shoulder…he turned and looked up at me…"Yea", he says with a smirk…I replied…”She said no thanks”…"What?" He replies… I lean in closer and bend down so he can hear me…”She said NO THANKS" "Oh…you want me to leave her alone?”…”Yes…she said she wasn’t interested!” …Okay, he says, turns and stumbles his way back to the bar and his drink! When I turned all of the ladies within our party were starring at me!!! What? I asked…they all started giggling, my girlfriend said thanks, and then it dawned on me… What the heck was I think’n…I guess you could say I have a fierce sense of loyalty, or I am really dumb!!!

I wrote this apart of Mama Kat's Writing workshop...so tell me, have you ever stood up for someone??

Thanks for stopping by...I love hearing from you!

Blessings,

Monica

Purse Contents ~ What do they say about you?

2010-11-10T18:49:00.002-05:00

Back in May I wrote a post about the contents of my purse. It was part of a meme going around at that time. The instructions were to empty your purse and photographed the contents...then you were suppose to write what you thought the items said about you!

Here is the picture from May...

Now...before I reveal the contents of the November purse, I first want to show you a photo of the purse that I have been carrying around for a while now....it's a business bag...a lot of room for organization...and to accumulate stuff!!!

And this...is unfortunately my purse contents in November.... WOW!! This could take a while...

So lets see...

1. Wallet ~ this wallet is actually a clutch, but I loved it because it is longer then your normal wallet, and therefore holds more receipts, and maybe a few more cards!! {wink, wink}

2. Make up case ~ with eye liner, mascara, and other female stuff! I have left the house in a rush, way to many times in the morning, only to come to a stop sign, flip down the mirror and scare myself, (I mean pee myself)! You laugh, but after three kids, it's not so hard to do!! After the last time, I started carrying duplicates with me! What does this say about me...I am afraid I would scare my co-workers!!

3. Check Book ~ I have to carry this with me, I never know when the kids might say, "Oh mom the rollerskating money is due today", as we are pulling into the babysitters driveway!! What does this say about me...I have kids, and I love them very, very much!! {smile}

4. Paper clips ~ For the times I do remember to bring my coupons with me to the store!! When I'm done, and I am trying to keep the kids out of the candy, it gets thrown in the bottom of the purse!! What does this say about me...I try to save money where I can!

5. Christmas Card with Gift Certificate to Applebee's~ Hmmmm....upon inspecting the gift card I found that it expired in March...well, lets see, I guess this says that we don't get out much... even when there is a free meal involved!! I'm really disappointed in this... {poutie lips}

6. Amusement Park flyer/ Department Store Bonus Card pamphlet/grocery lists/ and coupons~ Well it has been cold here for a month or more now...so the Amusement Park flyer just goes to show that I haven't had time to clean out the purse. The Bonus Club Card pamphlet, grocery lists and coupons all mean that I love to save money...bonus cards are a gimmick, but I guess I have to play along...if I want to get the "lower" prices!!

7. Car Payment book~ This says, I own a car and I need to carry my check book with me, because I have forgotten to mail the payment, and I have to go to the bank on my 1/2 hour lunch! It also says that I need to get better organized!!

8. Breath Mints ~ Self explanatory ~ it's to cover up the chocolate smell! Don't even try to say you don't know what I am talking about...you know...when you get the chance to go shopping by yourself, and you treat yourself to candy or french fries {smile} before going home!!

9. Ear Phones ~ for when I want "tune" the kids out!! {smile, wink}

10. Two and a half packages of Teddy Grahams ~ This tells you that I have kids and they get very ornery when I don't have food with me! The half package open at the bottom of my purse tells you that I most likely threw the package in the purse while exiting the store with a screaming kid or kids!!

11. Advil ~ Yea - a self explanatory item!

12. Cell Phone ~ I don't know how I communicated before this...I am way more efficient now...perhaps I should put a reminder in the phone to tell me to mail my car payment!

13. Hand Sanitizer ~ This tells you that I am conscious of sickness and I try to make sure that we are not "sharing" our germs with you!!

14. Tide Stain Stick ~ This tells you that I have kids...and that on more than one occasion I have gotten to work and found that the kids had left me a little stain to remember them by...ALL DAY!!!

15. A Card holder - The leopard print is my attempt to walk on the wide side! It's great for all the "gift" cards I have {wink}! I like to shop!

16. The entire mess ~ Tells you that I am a mom of three (who I love with all my heart) who doesn't have time between the morning routine, the work day, the after school activities, the PTSA meetings, soccer games, birthday parties, laundry, and dinner prep to sit down and empty my purse!!

So there you have it ~ my purse contents and what they say about me!! Have you looked in your purse lately?? Take a look, tell us what your contents say about you!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Blessings,

Monica

New Music Tuesday...The Band Perry - If I Die Young

2010-11-09T18:04:00.000-05:00

I have so many posts saved as drafts...I do, I do, I promise...I also promise that I will finish at least one and give you something new to read very soon!!

Enjoy the music, I tear up every time I hear this song!

Thanks as always for stopping by!! I love hearing from you all!

Blessings,

Monica

Five Question Friday ... 11/05/10

2010-11-05T15:48:00.002-04:00

It's been a while so I thought I would join in the fun and participate in Mama M's...

Here are the rules for 5QF: Copy and paste the following questions to your blog post, answer them, then LINK UP!!
Oh, yeah...and most importantly...HAVE FUN!!

1. If you could have any talent and turn it into an occupation, what would it be?

2. Would you rather have a house at the beach or a cabin in the woods?

3. Is there any meaning or reasoning for the names you chose for your child/children?

4. What is your guilty pleasure? (I know we've done this one before, but I'm guessing people's "guilty pleasures" change frequently. At least, mine do!)

5. Do you live in a house that is deep cleaned or straightened?

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

1. If you could have any talent and turn it into an occupation, what would it be? Well, I'd like to take the talent of Cake Decorating/Bakery and turn it into a business...but honestly the early hours worry me, and I am always worried about how the cakes taste once I have delivered them... I know...I'm a chicken!! Here's a couple of recent cakes I've decorated!

2. Would you rather have a house at the beach or a cabin in the woods? This is a super easy one to answer...a house at the beach...we visited the Outer Banks earlier this year and it was heaven...we'll be going back!! This is the home we stayed in while visiting!!

3. Is there any meaning or reasoning for the names you chose for your child/children? When we began looking into names the only ones that seemed to really interest us were Irish/Welsh names...so all of their first names are Irish or Welsh. All but one of their middle names are after a family member. Seeing we have three (an uneven number) we chose to leave the last one with a unique middle name all to her self!!

4. What is your guilty pleasure? (I know we've done this one before, but I'm guessing people's "guilty pleasures" change frequently. At least, mine do!) I agree with the statement above 100%...my guilty pleasures are all over the place...but if I had to pick one right now, it would have to be Thursday Nights, when I get to sit down and watch the Vampire Diaries on the CW...I LOVE IT!

5. Do you live in a house that is deep cleaned or straightened? PLEEEASE....I am lucky if half the time the house I live in is straightened...I have high hopes though...the kids are getting older, I hope that they decide to start picking up after themselves soon...very soon!!

So there you have it!! My Five Question Friday answers!

Thanks for stopping by! I would love to hear from you, I love meeting new peeps!!

Blessings,

Monica

Did you do you Civic Duty?

2010-11-04T15:32:00.000-04:00

We did...all three children came to the voting venue with me! I experienced the new voting machines...pretty cool, gone are the monstrous antiquities...No more hanging votes!! I wanted to take pictures of all the kids, but Miss Sassy was the only one that would pose for me with her "I Voted Today" sticker!!

Thanks for stopping by!!

Blessings,

Monica

Wordless Wednesday...Halloween!

2010-11-03T17:36:00.001-04:00

It was a cold, spooky night...complete with frigid temps, rain, sleet, snow and more rain!! But, much like the unofficial US Postal Service slogan "Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds" ...we descended on the homes of friends and neighbors in search of precious goods!!

Miss Sleeping Beauty, Mr. Dracula, and a Snowmobile Racer!

Thanks for stopping by Wordless Wednesday!

Blessings,
Monica

New Music Tuesday....

2010-11-02T17:51:00.000-04:00

Florence & The Machine "Dog Days are Over"

So I thought I'd try something new...NEW MUSIC that is...it's seems to be a passion of mine right now to find catchy tunes, and I'd like to share them with you!!

Of course you may have already heard these tunes...but for those who haven't, I hope you enjoy!

Blessings,

Monica

The last piece of art I created...

2010-11-01T21:31:00.001-04:00

I had an odd request a week ago..."Hey Monica, your brother and I are going to a Halloween party as a redneck bride and groom. Could you by chance whip up a small redneck wedding cake?" Hmmmm...what do you say to a challenge like that, other than..."Sure!"

So, let me think...what comes to mind when you think redneck...

camouflage- Yup

beer cans - yup

and it wouldn't be a red neck cake if it didn't say

"Git - R - Done"

So here is the end result!!

I used multiple "camo" colors to make the camo draped fondant! The swans look real classy don't they!

Then I added a huge silk peonies flower to the top, with of course a sign saying Git-R-Done! And the two little silver things hanging from the string..yup those are the beer cans strung over the sign! I made the beer cans from a gum wrapper...always think'n!

And here she is...isn't she a beaut? I actually heard one person tell me that it was actually kinda pretty in a way!! Must be the way the camo is draped!! :o)

So what do you think about my latest piece of art work?

Thanks for stopping by!!

Blessings,

Monica

Why we go in pairs...

2010-10-29T16:06:00.001-04:00

This afternoon I treated myself to a Mocha Frappe while out running errands, by myself (Whoo Hoo). When I eventually made it to the grocery store, I needed to use the ladies restroom...I know, I know...but I was desperate!

Using the public restroom reminded me of an e-mail I received recently, and because I seem to lack any imagination right now, I thought I would share this women's experience with you...

Google image

When you have to visit a public bathroom, you usually find a line of women, so you smile politely and take your place.

Once it's your turn, you check for feet under the stall doors...every stall is occupied.

Finally, a door opens and you dash in, nearly knocking down the woman leaving the stall.

You get in to find the door won't latch. It doesn't matter, the wait has been so long you are about to wet your pants!

The dispenser for the modern "seat covers" (invented by someones Mom, no doubt) is handy, but empty.

You would hang your purse on the door hook, if there was one,but there isn't - so you carefully, but quickly drape it around your neck, (Mom would turn over in her grave if you put it on the FLOOR!), yank down your pants, and assume " The Stance."

In this position your aging, toneless (God I should have gone to the gym!!!) thigh muscles begin to shake..

You'd love to sit down, but you certainly hadn't taken time to wipe the seat or lay toilet paper on it, so you hold "The Stance".

To take your mind off your trembling thighs, you reach for what you discover to be the empty toilet paper dispenser. In your mind, you can hear your mother's voice saying, "Honey, if you had tried to clean the seat, you would have KNOWN there was no toilet paper!" Your thighs shake more.

You remember the tiny tissue that you blew your nose on yesterday - the one that's still in your purse. (Oh yeah, the purse around your neck, that now, you have to hold up trying not to strangle yourself at the same time). That will have to do. You crumple it in the puffiest way possible. It's still smaller than your thumbnail.

Someone pushes your door open because the latch doesn't work.

The door hits your purse, which is hanging around your neck in front of your chest, and you and your purse topple backward against the tank of the toilet.

"Occupied!" you scream, as you reach for the door, dropping your precious, tiny, crumpled tissue in a puddle on the floor, lose your footing altogether and slide down directly onto the TOILET SEAT.

It is wet of course.

You bolt up, knowing all too well that it's too late. Your bare bottom has made contact with every imaginable germ and life form on the uncovered seat because YOU never laid down toilet paper - not that there was any, even if you had taken time to try.

You know that your mother would be utterly appalled if she knew, because, you're certain her bare bottom never touched a public toilet seat because, frankly, dear, "You just don't KNOW what kind of diseases you could get".

By this time, the automatic sensor on the back of the toilet is so confused that it flushes, propelling a stream of water like a fire hose against the inside of the bowl that sprays a fine mist of water that covers your butt and runs down your legs and into your shoes.

The flush somehow sucks everything down with such force that you grab onto the empty toilet paper dispenser for fear of being dragged in too

At this point, you give up. You're soaked by the spewing water and the wet toilet seat.

You're e-x-h-a-u-s-t-e-d.

You try to wipe with a gum wrapper you found in your pocket and then slink out inconspicuously to the sinks.

You wash your hands with only water (there is no soap in the dispenser) and a dry them by wiping them on you pant legs (of course there is not paper towels) and past the line of women still waiting.

You are no longer able to smile politely to them.

A kind soul at the very end of the line points out a piece of toilet paper trailing from your shoe. (Where was that when you NEEDED it??) You yank the paper from your shoe, plunk it in the woman's hand and tell her warmly, Here, you just might need this".

As you exit, you spot your hubby, who has long since entered, used, and left the men's restroom.

Annoyed, he asks, "What took you so long, and why is your purse hanging around your neck?" ..................

Hopefully this will make you laugh and if your husband/boyfriend should ever ask you why it takes so long in the ladies room ~ SHOW THEM this e-mail!! It also answers their other commonly asked questions about why women go to the restroom in pair...It's so the other gal can hold the door, hang on to your purse, and hand you Kleenex under the door!

Hope this made you smile!!

Blessings,

Monica

Humbled....

2010-10-28T15:55:00.002-04:00

google image

All the readers of this blog are non-family members (that I am aware of), and although I’ve made some pretty wonderful friendship through blogging, none of you know me as the person I am outside of my blog writing. You may surmise many things about me, in fact, I’d be very interested to know how my blog portrays me; but only close friends, co-workers and family, know me for the overly nordic, compulsive worrier that I am. I will take an innocent statement from someone such as “I love your hair today” and twist and turn it and worry about the meaning of it until the next thing comes along for me to worry about.

I live by the motto, “always give 110%, nothing less” and I am fiercely loyal. I recognize that we are human, and humans make mistakes; and I can sympathize with everyone about their mistakes, but not myself. Because if I make the mistake, forget about it!!

Will.

Berate.

Myself.

I will talk to myself until I am blue in the face. After I apologize for and recognize my mistake to whoever the poor person is that I report too, I will investigate the mistake like a CSI crime scene. I want to know how I made the mistake and why. Once I have determined the how and the why, I will implement a plan that does not allow for the same mistake to happen again.

Ever!

This who I am and how I have always been, and I am fairly certain this will not change.

Excessive?

Maybe!

Based on this description of myself, you can only imagine the embarrassment I feel should my mistake be discovered by someone other than myself. These moments are so embarrassing for me, and it beats on my self confidence...as it did the other day.

I was humbled! The mistake I made, found by a fellow co-worker, although small as it was, was a Humbling experience. Something to learn from and grow from.

The Encarta Dictionary defines Humbling (adjective) as “making somebody less proud”

Wow, I suppose you could say that I was less then proud about my mistake, but this definition make it sound like a humbling experience is a bad thing. Don’t get me wrong, I wish the mistake had never been made, but perhaps a humbling moment is needed every once and a while to keep ones self in check.

Just maybe, my normally opinionated self has been a little over opinionated of late…or perhaps I have been a little too quick to temper lately…what ever the case, I recognize this “humbling” experience as a sign to step back and relax, get in tune with who I am and the person I want to be!

Less proud…yes I am!

Upset with my mistake….definitely!

Glad it happened…absolutely!

Will. It. Happen. Again?...most definitely!

I am totally okay with that?…not exactly, but if it’s what I need, then I except what I am given and take it for what it is…a less than proud moment that reminds me that I need to slow down, look inward and reflect.

Blessings,

Monica

You can now find me...

2010-10-27T18:28:00.002-04:00

On Twitter @ MyOrgChaos

Blessings, Monica

Home...

2010-10-24T10:12:00.000-04:00

Every once and a great while, I will come across a song that gets stuck in my head! Recently I came across this song on a blog play list and I fell in love...I went and downloaded it immediately!

All of this happened before the song was used in the recent NFL commercials! This isn't even my typical choice of music, but it is so catch-y!!

How about you...do you ever hear a song and it just sticks with you?

Thanks for stopping by!! I love hearing from you!

Blessings,

Monica

They are brown!!!

2010-10-21T16:20:00.003-04:00

Using a writing prompt I found yesterday....my creative juices have not been flowing lately...I am posting an imaginary conversation between my female self and my male self. Much like the cartoons depicting an angel on one shoulder and a devil on the other!!

The setting for my imaginary conversation.... where else..

in a shoe store!!

photo from Shoes.com

So here we go...

Female side {pink} ~ OH MY...these pumps are awesome!

Male side {blue} ~ They're brown.

They are the perfect shade, I don't own any thing in this shade.

They're brown!!

They have the perfect heel!

Just like the other three pairs of brown pumps you own!

Oh...NICE...they are on sale!

They are still to expensive...Why do you nee another pair of brown shoes?

Hmmmm....should I? I mean, I have been so good lately, don't I deserve it?

They're TOO expensive!

Maybe I shouldn't...what happens if I find another pair I like better at the next store?!

They are brown shoes...come on!

Oh wait...don't I have...{she fumbles through her purse}...YES, SCORE...I do, I have a coupon!

Well, I guess you have to buy them if you have a coupon...we wouldn't want to waste a coupon {spoken in a sarcastic rich tone}!!!!!!!!

Oh...but I shouldn't...!

Good decision, lets go!

But I just can't pass up a 50% off sale and a 25% off coupon!

Yes!! Yes, you can...your are still going to be further in debt then if you just left the store, coupon or no coupon!

...But!!! I REALLY need this shade!!

THEY ARE BROWN!!!!

I know!!! I can buy them and use them as an incentive to lose those remaining 5 pounds. I promise not to wear them until I've lost those 5 L.B.'s

YEA...that's going to happen!!

....15 minutes later...walking to the car....

Ohhh, my husband will be so proud of me, when he sees the deal I got on these fabulous shoes!

Much Later....

Hunny, I'm home...just look at the steal I got on these shoes, aren't they beautiful?

Husband: They're brown??? Don't you already have several pairs of brown shoes?

So I hope you have enjoyed the imaginary conversation between my female side and my male side...I found it rather humorous...and scary...this was one of the quickest posts I've ever written!! The post came to me so naturally!

Thanks for stopping by...I would love to hear your thoughts!!

Blessings,

Monica

To Twitter or not to Twitter....

2010-10-19T18:26:00.000-04:00

I need some help...and not the kind that requires a physiologist {well, maybe... wink, wink} Nope, I am looking for feed back. I need to know what your thoughts are regarding Twitter!

Melissa at Adventuroo has a weekly segment called Momcomm Monday, and she has written some wonderful posts on Twitter. These posts have tickled my Twitter interest! So, I pulled up my BIG GIRL BRITCHES, went outside my comfort zone, and
almost
signed
up!

Well...almost! You see, when I got to the section to pick my Twitter name, low and behold, Organized Chaos is already in use...what should I do?

The whole purpose of entering the world of Twitter is to promote my blog, but how can I promote it if the name doesn't somewhat resemble the blog name. Any thoughts on what I should use for my Twitter name {please be nice}? I would love your help!

Anyone else using Twitter, has it been helpful in promoting your blog?

Again, your thoughts and ideas are most welcome!

Blessings,

Monica

Fall the season of change...

2010-10-17T11:10:00.001-04:00

The weather has changed, and the colors are abundant! Change is in the air...and I can not wait!!

Here are a few clues...

Here is another clue...these changes were both on my
Bucket List!! Whoot! Whoot!

I can not wait to share them with you!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Blessings,
Monica

Socks...

2010-10-15T17:57:00.000-04:00

I think it is rather HILARIOUS that after I bought my husband two new packs (3 pairs in each package) of dress socks, that he felt the need to keep 2 pairs hidden for EMERGENCY Purposes....lol!

I know, I know...this act doesn't say much for my laundry abilities...but I am so OK with that!! Sometimes, YOU just have to laugh!!

When people are laughing, they're generally not killing each other. ~Alan Alda
Blessings,
Monica

Hello again...

2010-10-15T16:57:00.000-04:00

Sorry I have been a little absent lately, but I have a good excuse! I just returned from a FABULOUS trip to NYC! We packed so much site seeing in to two days, my feet are still sore!! I thought I would share with you a few pictures from my mini vacation!

Here we have the Elvis impersonator...this was the location of my one and only tourist mistake! On the 2nd floor they have a wall of all different colored M&M's. So I took a bag, and being the great mom that I am, I proceeded to fill the bag with first Grey M&M's and then Navy Blue M&M's...the color of the boys' favorite NFL football team...The Dallas Cowboys! Well, all was going well until I put the blue M&M's in the bag...WAY too many came out of the container! "Oh crap...this is going to cost me a fortune!" Sure enough...2 lbs of M&M's in NYC will cost you $27.00! They better really love them!

This here is a poor quality picture of Times Square! So much energy...I plan to live there for just a year...someday!! I have always lived the country life...so just a year of the fast paced life would be great!

World Trade Center #1

World Trade Center # 4

St. Paul's Chapel

The Statue of Liberty

Downtown Manhattan

(photo taken from ferry)

The Brooklyn Bridge

At the request of my son, I was to find the

Balto Statue

Central Park

Cleopatra's Needle

(Central Park)

Cleopatra's Needle

(detail of the needle)

So happy to be back home with the kids and husband...and I can't wait to go back again!!

Thank you for stopping by!

Blessings,

Monica

"Wow...I want some of that" Wednesday

2010-10-06T20:05:00.000-04:00

Staying with the pumpkin and the baking theme, I whipped up these way delicious Pilgrim Pies!

"What is a Pilgrim Pie?"...I am so glad you asked!!

Imagine a Whoopee Pie, you know the ones with two chocolate cookies hugging a ooey, gooey marshmallow-y center, well just imagine that cookie made with pumpkin and cream cheese....

DID
I
JUST
HEAR
AN
OOOOOH???

THOUGHT SO!! {wink}

Hear is what you'll need!!

For the cookies:
2 eggs
2 cups of light brown sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (15 ounce) can of pumpkin puree
3 cups of flour
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt

For the yummy filling/cream cheese frosting

4 ounces cream cheese - softened
1/2 cup of butter, softened
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 to 5 cups confectioners' sugar

First thing First ~ remove the cream cheese and butter from the refrigerator to warm and softened

The very next thing to remember...DO NOT THINK ABOUT THE AMOUNT OF SUGAR AND OIL YOU ARE ABOUT TO POUR INTO YOUR MIXER BOWL!!!

Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Beat the eggs, brown sugar, oil and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl until smooth. Stir in pumpkin until smooth. In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients and mix. Add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture a little at a time, and blend until smooth.

Drop a heaping tablespoon of batter onto an un-greased cookie sheet. Using the back of the spoon, flatten each mound. Bake the cookies for 12 minutes (watch them...mine were done in 10), then transfer them to a wire rack to cool. They are done when the cookie bounces back when you gently press on the cookie...just like a cake!!

While the cookies are cooling, make the frosting. Beat together the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract in a bowl until light and fluffy. Mix in the confectioners' sugar a half cup at a time, until the frosting is spreadable. If is gets to sticking(perhaps you added to much sugar) add a little bit of milk until spreadable consistency.

Assemble the pies by generously spreading frosting on the bottom side of one cookie, and topping if off with another...and there you have it...yummy, ooey, gooey Pumpkin Whoopee Pies!!

Recipe from Family Fun Magazine

I hope you find this recipe to your likeing, and if you try making it, please let me know what you think!!

I love hearing from you...drop me a line!

Blessings,

Monica

Halloween Decor....

2010-10-03T12:00:00.000-04:00

I got all crafty last weekend and made a couple of pumpkins for our front stoop, and I have to share the project with you all!!

What you'll need per pumpkin:

1 string of indoor/outdoor lights - 50 count strand in white, orange or purple

1 Fun kin Ppumpkin - found at craft stores (Fun kin's are hallowed and ready for carving)

1 Drill

5/16 Drill bit

You'll need to decide if you want a random look as I did or if you want to have a pattern. I chose random, so I began drilling holes in the pumpkin randomly about 3 inches apart form each other, counting each hole until I had 50. Then I began plugging the lights in to the random holes from the inside of the pumpkin! When you are done, plug it in and look at your master piece!!

Then I did a white pumpkin.... with purple lights!!

RESULTS!!

Spooky Huh?

This project took approximately 10 minutes to create one pumpkin, and it was so easy!! I'll be watching for the Fun kin Pumpkins to go on clearance so next year I can have a whole patch of spiky pumpkins glowing in the dark!!

Hope you enjoyed this project, and I hope even more I have inspired you to go out and make one!!

I would love to hear from you!

Blessings,

Monica

Breast Cancer Awarness Month...Just Click

2010-10-01T17:05:00.000-04:00

Years ago, I can't recall how many, I came across a web site for Breast Cancer Awareness. Each month this web page runs a campaign with one goal in mind. This "Goal" is to earn free mammograms for women in need!

When you click, the page displays ads from their site sponsors. 100% of the money from these advertisers goes to their charity partners, who fund programs to provide mammograms to women in need.

So please take a moment and visit www.thebreastcancersite.com and CLICK TO GIVE!!

The Breast Cancer Site has given 46,910 mammograms since October 2000.*

GIVE A GIFT TODAY...GO CLICK!!

Blessings,

Monica

BOO!!....Ghostly goodies

2010-09-30T16:27:00.004-04:00

I am inspired by fall...I feel all crafty!! Today, I took 10 minutes and made these creepy treats !! The best thing is, you most likely have all of the required ingredients with out going to the store!!

What you'll need:

18 Large Marshmallows

6 Wooden Skewers (points cut off)

1 cup white-chocolate chips

1 tablespoon vegetable shortening

12 cinnamon Red Hot candies

Black decorating gel

Step 1: For each ghost, push three marshmallows onto the end of a skewer; and set aside

Step 2: Microwave white-chocolate and shortening in a microwave safe dish on medium high for one minute. Stir. Microwave in 10 second increments until smooth.

Step 3: Holding the skewer, spoon the melted mixture over the marshmallows until covered; place on a waxed paper lined cookie sheet. Using 2 candies per ghost, place them on each Ghost for eyes.

Step 4: Using the decorating gel, pipe on a mouth! Mini m&m's could be used for this as well.

Step 5: Refrigerate until chocolate has hardened!

Step 6: Enjoy!!

Obviously they are not a nutritional snack...but they are fun...and don't we all need a little fun once in a while? This recipe is from a fall 2007 issue of Parenting magazine.

Thanks for stopping by, I would love to hear from you!

Blessings,

Monica

Tasty Tuesday...Pumpkin Pie Spice Oatmeal Cookies

2010-09-28T17:45:00.001-04:00

One of my most favorite things about fall and the cooler weather is the fact that it's not to hot to bake!! Yea!!!...This weekend I came across this new recipe and I would love to share it with you!!

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature
{I used margarine}

1 cup packed dark brown sugar

1/2 cu granulated sugar

2 tablespoons corn syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 large egg

2 /34 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

2 cups old-fashioned oatmeal

With your electric mixer cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add corn syrup and vanilla and continue to mix for 3 minutes. Add the egg and beat until combined. Begin adding salt, baking soda, spices, and flour {lower mixer speed!!}. When the dough appears to be well mixed add the oatmeal. Place dough in refrigerator. Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees. When oven is ready, drop cookies from teaspoon (I used a soup spoon {ha ha}) on parchment lined cookie sheets. These will not flatten out much, so if you wish to have a thinner cookie use the back of you soon to flatten the cookie slightly!! Bake cookies for 12 to 15 minutes, allowing them to sit and cool on cookie sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack!

They are delicious...my hips have told me so!! {wink, wink}

Hope you enjoy, please let me know if you try them and what you think!!

Blessings,

Monica

More Cakes...

2010-09-24T10:00:00.000-04:00

As I mentioned in my post earlier this week Today's Creative Blog is giving away a wonderful gift today!! I have already named it...so I surely hope that I win her! I wanted to post a few more pictures of cakes I have made...in an effort to further help my case along!

Thank you for stopping by!!

Blessings,

Monica

My new favorite color is red…

2010-09-21T17:58:00.001-04:00

Move over lime green…so sorry, but the only color I am seeing right now is red! A beautiful RED Circuit Cake machine by Provo! I am tickled ~~pink~~ red, and so very excited about this giveaway. Today’s Creative Blog is giving away one of these …beautiful, and totally awesome machines!

Most of you know that I decorate cakes for friends and family, and I have posted pictures of some cakes here and here. Here are a few more cakes that I have decorated …

I am drooling over this wonderful piece of equipment…and although red is not the most complementary color for me…I simply do not care, I am in love none-the-less!!

I have been day dreaming about Babe, since she posted the giveaway yesterday! Oh, what…oh, who’s Babe?…I so sorry, I totally forgot to mention that I have named her… I will give her a good home and I will take such good care of her….so if you would please NOT participate in this particular giveaway at Today’s Creative Blog, on ~~Saturday~~, OK, I’ll play nice, on Friday, I would greatly appreciate it!! J

Blessings,

Monica

Therapy...

2010-09-17T16:47:00.000-04:00

If only I could provide you with a sound byte of my kids right now… because only then do I think you’d have a complete understanding of what it means to me to blog!

Blogging for me can be summed up in one simple word:

THERAPY

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With out all the wonderful women in the blogsphere, I think I may have been committed by now.

I have learned so many wonderful tips, and tried so many new recipes. I have committed to and finished so many crafts and baking projects, that I feel like I'm the next Martha. I have got to know so many wonderful people! They are my therapy!! I look forward to turning on the computer when I have a moment of silence and reading the posts.

My blog began as a digital scrapbook for friends and family living out of town, but has turned in to so much more!!

I have to thank the ladies at SITS for providing such an easy prompt to end this weeks challenge.

I have to give my self a pat on the back too, for sticking with the challenge and making it through!! Of course the wonderful prize was a little bit of an incentive! Who wouldn't want to win Thelma and Louise...they are a beautiful duo!!

Thanks so much for visiting. I would love to hear from you...Why do you blog?

Have a great weekend!

Blessings,

Monica

The People's Princess

2010-09-16T10:56:00.003-04:00

1981...I was seven and a half years old when I first met her...a beautiful soon to be princess, with a lovely flowing gown and train. There in front of my t.v., I sat mesmerized by her wedding unfolding half way around the world. I was at an age where romance and fairy tales mingled with true reality. A time for make believe and for dreams. I watched her that day, arrive in her horse drawn carriage shyly smiling...sadly, I would watch her again, glued to the T.V., a short 16 years later as she was escorted to her resting place at the tender age of 36.

I remember vividly, where I was on August 31, 1997, an occasion that is etched in my mind just behind the horrific terrorist acts of September 11, 2001.

The weather was warm, it was the end of the summer, and I was in enjoying time out with friends in a little town near Watertown, NY. A group of us had just entered a bar and were milling around, when I looked up at the various television screens and read/watched the emergency news bulletin...

I was devistated...all I could do was watch...

Diana was an iconic figure of the late 20th Century, and although her marriage was less then perfect, and burdened by affairs on both sides, Diana inspired others with her charity and ability to help the poor and mistreated. One of her many charitable acts was working with AIDS victims. She was was one of the first well known people ever to be photographed touching an AIDS victim. This you might not think of as anything special, but in 1987, our knowledge of the disease is not what it is now. Many thought you could catch the disease simply by touching an infected person, and this photo was important in changing this belief.

I was in awe of Diana, and would read every magazine that she graced the cover of. She was different from my preconceived notions of royalty. To me she was just a great mother and caring person, working to help those in need. Perhaps that is why she is often referred to as the People's Princess...

She was glamorous, and she was shy. She was a mother of two little boys, and a princess to many including myself.

As a side note, I really struggled with this writing prompt...I have been thinking, somewhat agonizing, over who I would write about since the prompts were posted last week. Being from New York, our local history is rich with information on Susan B. Anthony and her work for women's rights, and slavery. It seemed like a logical way to go, and surely an unquestionable inspiration, but as I sat here this morning, it came to me, and I knew exactly who I wanted to write about!

From the time I met her on her wedding day to the time I said goodbye, a sum of 16 years, I watched her grow and love her people, and that inspires me to be a more caring and nurturing person, and to reach out and help those in need.

This post was written for the SITS Back 2 Blogging Challenge.
This week challenge is designed to help bloggers get back in the routine of blogging, with the help of daily prompts!

I hope you enjoyed this post.... if you are interested in playing along, join in it's not too late. Should you decide to jump in feet first, look at what you can win....

An Electrolux Washer and Dryer, compliments for the the following sponsors:, Standards of Excellence, Westar Kitchen and Bath, and Florida Builder Appliances.

How cool is that!!

Thank so much for stopping by!

Blessings, Monica

SUPERSTAR...Back 2 Blogging Day 3

2010-09-15T17:57:00.000-04:00

Close your eyes {okay, not literally, because you wouldn't be able to read this post}, and imagine me hooting and hollering, because that is just what I am doing...

I am sticking with the program and have successfully participated in the SITS Back 2 Blogging Challenge for the third day in a row!! Now if only I could do the same when dieting!!

This week challenge is designed to help bloggers get back in the routine of blogging, with the help of daily prompts!

Today's prompt: Reload a post with a title that you are proud of and why. Well, I will admit the title is not all that spectacular...but I am extremely proud of this particular post. This post contains some of my sarcastic humor as well as tips for laundry malfunction. So, without further interruption, here is SUPERSTAR...

I AM A SUPERSTAR... (imagine Sister Mary Katherine Gallagher{smile}, played by Molly Shannon on SNL) ...I had a great weekend, with friends and family, (some might say, a little too much {wink}). I spend yesterday relaxing (re-cooperating, some might say), so today as I sat at work, and had time to reflect on "stuff", I realized that the Memorial Day holiday is this weekend, full of picnics, and my daughters birthday follows shortly there after!

WHAT.... HAVE I BEEN DOING...OH MY GOSH!! I DON'T HAVE TIME FOR THIS!! I AM GOING HOME TONIGHT AND STARTING LAUNDRY RIGHT AWAY, I AM NOT GOING TO TURN ON THE COMPUTER UNTIL THE KIDS ARE ASLEEP, AND I AM GOING TO FINISH THE GIFT FOR THE BABIES THAT WERE BORN ON THE 2ND (BEFORE THEY CAN NO~LONGER FIT INTO THE GIFTS)!!

BEST LAID PLANS....Oh I came home started a load of laundry, took the dry load out of the dryer, pulled out the sewing machine for the depths of the closet, underneath a few purses, transferred the washed load to the dryer and turned it on, went back up stairs to put some (allot) of things back in the closet!! Great I am doing well...

SIDE NOTE: I hate ironing, so my tip for our work clothes is to put them in the dryer for about 15 minutes, till they're almost steamy (no no...I am not talking about McSteamy from GREY's ladies), and pull them out one by one and hang them!! YEA, I don't have to iron!!

FAST FORWARD 20 MINUTES...I go down stairs and begin to take out our work clothes to hang them, and low and behold...there is blue crayon on my husband dress shirt!!!! In the 8 years that I have been a mom, I have NEVER had a crayon incident!! Needless to say...the computer was turned on before the kids were in bed!! I frantically searched "Melted Crayon on clothes", and found a question/answer site, that provided my with several recipes for removing the crayon! One person mentioned the use of an iron and brown paper bag...but we've already established that I do not like to iron, and we are talking about a full..scratch that...FULL load of laundry! Some mentioned WD-40 - uh mm ~ no thank you! Then there were the multiple recipes for using HE Tide, Oxyclean, White Vinegar, Shout, Borax, etc., is that safe? Anyways, I did not have any of those ingredients, I do not have a high efficiency washer yet!! I do not have Borax, don't know if I ever have, shout...nope, but I do have white vinegar and Tide with Dawn! So I mixed 2 cap fulls of the Tide with Dawn, a half box of baking soda, and about 3 caps fulls of white vinegar with the clothes on HOT, in a "heavy" wash cycle!

Side note ~ do you know what happens when you mix baking soda and vinegar? It foams! It's what you use when you are making a volcano for science class {smile}, sure hope I have clothes left when this is done!

I let the load agitate for a couple of minutes, and then I turned the washer off and soaked the laundry for about 30 Minutes. Then I turned them back on with 2 rinses!

WOW...I am a SUPERSTAR...every piece of clothing is completely clean of blue crayon, and I am sure our pipes leading from the washer are clean too!!

And I thought I wasn't going to have anything to post about this evening...who was I kidding!!

I never yelled, I did cry a little(but they were not home at the time), never asked who had the crayon, I mean...what difference did it make at that point; but, my youngest son confessed to having the crayon in his shorts before bed...those big brown eye's and long lashes...what a brave and considerate young man! I made sure he knew how proud I was for confessing to us about it... JUST PLEASE,PLEASE DON'T DO IT AGAIN!! {smile, wink}

Blessings!
Monica

I hope you enjoyed this post.... if you are interested in playing along, join in it's not too late. Should you decide to jump in feet first, look at what you can win....

An Electrolux Washer and Dryer, compliments for the the following sponsors:, Standards of Excellence, Westar Kitchen and Bath, and Florida Builder Appliances.

How cool is that!!