Today...

...I am 37 years old. I'm getting grayer, getting a few laugh lines. With one foot now firmly in my late 30's (I have told many friends that you are not all the way in your late 30's until 38) I have to look around and say:

I kind of don't care.

I guess I always thought that at some point I would begin to feel older, feel grown-up, feel, I don't know, the weight of adulthood.

I don't.

I mean, yes there are bills to pay and kids to care for and a home to maintain and careers and jobs to do, and that stuff can be stressful, but life is good. My life is what I wanted. I have an amazing husband, 4 healthy, wonderful children, helpful, loving parents, a nice home, fabulous friends, a fun extended family, food on the table, a few nice extras and my health. Not too shabby.

Happy Birthday to me. The past 36 years have brought me to a good spot. I expect nothing less from my 37th. Bring it on!

Happy Birthday BFF!

Love you!

Cheap Knock Off

I have a thing for vases and candles and bowls. Anything glass and pretty catches my eye. I could LIVE in Crate and Barrel, but I cannot live with their prices.

A while back, like a year or more ago, on a blog called Get Your Martha On (what a fabulous name!) I saw a cool, cheap project that even the most craft impaired person can do. And just look what I made:

Cute, right? And so easy. I bought the pieces at the Dollar Tree (please ignore the spilled tea leaves on the counter.)

I got rid of the sticker that were on the bottom of the vase. Then I Krazy Glued them together, making sure the candlestick was in the middle of the bottom of the vase (and even still I think mine's a smidge off.) Then I set a weight on it while it dried, just for good measure.



Then I made dinner while it dried. This is what it looks like empty:

And one more time, the finished product:

For a grand total of $2.16. (I had the Krazy Glue already, as well as the decor inside.)

Now don't get me wrong. I'm not nutty enough to think this is as beautiful and what you might find at Crate and Barrel, but it is nice and for $2, I'm good with nice. I like it. I will put Easter Eggs in it in the Spring, maybe lemons in the Summer, mini pumpkins and acorns in the Autumn. The possibilities are many and my wallet is happy. Go me!

No fair!

Stomp.

Stomp.

Sigh.

Stomp.

Growl.

Sigh.

Stomp.

"Peanut, what is your problem?"

"I don't have ANY super powers and I don't like it!"

Merry Christmas My Bloggy Friends!

I hope you have a wonderful day filled with love, laughter and Christmas magic.

Too funny

I take Christmas pretty seriously and I will fully admit to getting a little stressed out over the holiday season. Please note that I have 3 shopping days left, 4 kids and about 6 stores left to hit and that every time I think I'm finished I think of someone I have left to get something for. IT NEVER ENDS!

So I could use a good laugh. I think most of us could. I found it here. Don't be put off by the length. Read it. I couldn't breathe and had tears streaming down my face. Seriously funny stuff. Many thanks to my friend Sharon for linking it to me.

Time to wrap some gifts.

Sweet Boy

StinkyMan and I were snuggling last night at bedtime when he wrapped one arm around me super tight and said "I love you, Mommy and I'm going to love you forever."

I love that kid.

And we're back!

We went to Disneyland and it was wonderful! I discovered that Peanut is a roller coaster fan, Curly rather likes having the snot scared out of her, StinkyMan does NOT like Space Mountain AT ALL (he got a little teary eyed after we got off. He tried so hard to be brave, but he was terrified, poor little man) and BabyGirl really is an awesome little traveler who loves to spin on the teacups.

But now it's back to reality. There is much laundry to be done, homework packets to be completed, groceries to be obtained, a tree to decorate and four rather tired children to contend with.

And I can't wait until next year to do it all over again.

Christmas Love

Peanut "Oh, Mommy, our tree is so cute! Can I hug it?"

Mommy: "Sure, but be careful, not too hard."

"Why?"

"Because you might accidentally knock it over."

"It's kind of prickly, too."

"That's true."

"Maybe I'll just give it a high five."

"That would be good, too."

Um, no.

Dear BabyGirl,

When you are out of the tub and buck naked, ready for your diaper, I appreciate that you are happy to lie down cooperatively. What I think we need to work on is your penchant for hurtling yourself to the ground, throwing your naked tushie in the air, legs apart, and screaming "TA-DA!"

It's just not what any parent wants to hear.

Thanks so much!

Mommy