Men are from Mars and Women are pretty.

Mike and I often find ourselves plotting our future home.
Land.
Solitude.
Room to play.
We get excited as though money is no object. The conversations go a bit like this...

She: A big basin sink! With butcher-block counters!!!

He: A giant flat screen! Linked to the computer, linked to the game system, linked to my phone...

She: A big back porch! With charming rocking chairs for sunset admiring. Awe!

He: A shooting range... right off the back porch!

She: A guest cottage, with cute rustic bunkbeds!

He: A paintball field, with bunkers!

She: Cobblestone walkways! to the house, to the garden, to the guest cottage...

He: UNDERGROUND TUNNELS!! to the workshop, to the bunkers, to the blast-resistant fallout shelter!!

Cool place, eh?

I inherited my obsession with homes and home plans from my mom. At 16 I had dozens of house plan magazines tucked under my bed. I would consult with mom about plans I liked and how I would change them. (Always careful to mark the changes in pencil, of course.) Now I have become a self-proclaimed architect with my floorplan computer programs. Wanna see my current dream plan? (It changes every year-or-so)

(That's a half-wall separating the kitchen and family room)

As you can see, with this plan I have captured the country feel with dormer windows, a stunning stone fireplace, and an easy flow out the back- where you will be welcomed onto a large porch, perfect for those hot summer evenings. heeheehee!!

So who knows, maybe someday these plans will become a reality. And while I'm shopping for claw-foot tubs and bird houses, Mike will be gathering monster-truck tires for his paintball field... Aren't we fun??

(Meanwhile, we are very blessed in our warm and comfy home-sweet-home.)

There's ice-cream in the freezer...

The noisy wind kept us up during the night and the rain has kept us indoors all day. Therefore it's been a day of naps
and books
and tickles
and movies
and chores
and jumping on the bed
and more naps.
(and munching)
Speaking of...
My sis-in-law and I were talking the other day about "escaping" into good books and movies. So where do I escape? Here: A bit here:And here:These seem to be common threads with the gals. When I meet a fellow "closet-romantic" who hasn't heard of any one of these I'm immediately squealing and insisting... I bet it's pretty annoying actually. (I'm yet to read "Wives and Daughters", but it's on my list.)

If you were to ask Mike where he escapes it would be here:here:and here:(Mike will gush over his without the high-pitched squealing.)

So what came from netflix today? (sigh)
It's been a while since a truly GREAT movie has come out. (Mike has high hopes for "Clash of the Titans.)

But the glass is half full because at least it's better than the kids' "escapes"...

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Mike and I were talking after a particularly chaotic day and decided that when we turn 70 it's nothing but TV and doughnuts forever more. How's that for aspirations? Though I may have to add in all the books that I keep talking about reading...

Am I forgetting any FANTASTIC escapes?
(Yes, I'm opening the flood-gates.)
(And yes I've got many others on my list: The Education of Little Tree, Jane Eyre, anything Jane Austen, anything Lynne Austen, Seinfeld...)

My dad'll like this one...

Two guys walk into a bar. You'd think one of them would have seen it.
--Daniel Lybra

Stephen Colbert-
We invited Mother Teresa to respond to these charges.
Honesty may be the best policy, but it's important to remember that apparently, by elimination, dishonesty is the second-best policy.
--George Carlin

“I wonder if other dogs think poodles are members of a weird religious cult.”
Rita Rudner
Happy Sunday everybody.

What have we here?

Not to play favorites but I was digging through old pictures on the computer and found some Brenda moments that I just had to share. (She just gives me SO much material.)
Here's Brenda, last summer, in her homemade, above-ground pool:And here she decided that Garret's room needed a TV:
And here is Pirate-Brenda, and Bozo-Brenda:
Yes, these were ALL HER. I only took pictures.
But don't be fooled by this little sweetheart. With this delightful imagination comes grief as she is currently in time-out for using toothpaste to give the living room lampshade a "face". (Oh DARN IT. I should've gotten a picture of that!!)

$ for the advertising??

Today the kids enjoyed the beach. Garret found a nook where he could laugh at the sand in private. Brenda buried herself. Suzie "babysat" her cousin. And I frolicked.

Now, I love my kids. And seeing them enjoy the beautiful Oregon coast made my heart swell. But I have to say that my favorite part of the trip just might be this...

Can money buy happiness? For about 3 bucks, it's pretty dang close.

And while I'm talking about things that make me smile I want to say THANK YOU for the comments. (I gauge my self-worth on those treasures.) It's awkward not being able to respond like on facebook so...
Sara- I checked out "knock off wood", drooled for a while and decided to start with the picnic table. Want to try together?
Su- Here's my question- What is this awesomely rustic background doing with a "shabby-chic" brand name?? But I actually do like old. Just not "Hi, I'm pretending to be old.".
Mom- Good to know I've got groupies! -specially when they're cool ones.

...Should I leave responses in the comment box? Do people come back and check? What is the proper blog etiquette?
"I need to know. I need to know. Tell me, baby girl, 'cause I need to know..."

My craftiness continues...

Here's the before-Here's the after-All for $4. I like it OK, but here's the problem- I've realized I don't really like the "looks-old-on-purpose" look, AND it's "shabby-chic" while I am more "rustic-contemporary". So what do I do with it? Do a giveaway? Many blogs that I follow do giveaways and I am yet to win. So to send good-luck vibes out to the web world I will give it away! I don't want to pay shipping (moan from the croud). Better stay local. If this is JUST WHAT YOU'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR let me know! And don't worry, if nobody wants it I won't be discouraged on my quest for craftiness. You know, 'cause the stats of Babe Ruth's strike-outs, or somethin'...

And here's another quote by Mitch Hedberg-
"I opened-up a yogurt, underneath the lid it said, "Please try again." because they were having a contest that I was unaware of. I thought maybe I opened the yogurt wrong. ...Or maybe Yoplait was trying to inspire me... "Come on Mitchell, don't give up!" An inspirational message from your friends at Yoplait, fruit on the bottom, hope on top.”

normal

I've had people apologize to me for using the word "normal" when asking about our unique situation. And I've known other parents of handicapped children who say it hurts to hear about "normal" kids. I have actually never had a problem with this. Honestly, my kids are so DELICIOUSLY ABNORMAL that I feel inclined to apologize to other parents for referring to their kids as "normal". In fact, I hope nobody reading this is offended. Sorry about your normal kids. ;)

Remember, I'm not the best cook...

Thanks, Sue and others, for the encouragement to put up a music player but I've decided against it. (I actually decided this just the day after putting up the poll, teehee.) Sorry if you feel you have wasted your time, but I was curious to see your opinions. For the 6 of you who voted yes, a few of my favorite songs are on my photoblog (see side button). Follow the link and just minimize the page. It'll be worth it, I promise! Oh, and for the "no"s... I just made your day, eh? (I'm under this illusion that my blog-happenings are important to the masses.)

I'd like to share with everybody my triumph for the day...
Many of my friends are aware of the "spinach-smoothie" as it started with a Church activity. I've been using it ever since with my own diet and in deceiving my kidlets. Garret, part personality and mostly autism, is the PICKIEST eater I know. We decided, years ago, that of all the things we deal (I don't like using that word) with, his diet was not going to be the top priority. We still limit his sugar and encourage the healthier foods, but many days are just full of pretzels, bacon, and toast, and that's OK. Anyway, while Brenda has been an awesome eater, Suzie just does not like veggies. But today she GUZZLED this-

*a cup of apple juice
*a BIG HANDFUL OF SPINACH
*handful of frozen strawberries
*cup of peach slices

Looks yummy, yes? I change up the smoothie often with frozen yogurt, other frozen berries, and even flax seed. But don't forget the SPINACH! It really is delicious. (Today's was not very thick as I was low on the frozen products.)

Any other kidd0 diet tricks out there? My favorite recipe book is Jessica Seinfeld's "Deceptively Delicious". (FULL of great veggie-filled recipes.)

That's all I've got for today. Except that I think somebody peed on my computer chair.

My... er, uh OUR day

So with this St Patrick's Day being my 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY I would love to put some old wedding pics up. But wouldn't you know, I can't get the scanner to scan these ancient, non-digital images. If Mike wasn't working late he would fix everything and I would proudly stand by and shout, "REWEASE DA SEQUET WEAPON!!" (This'll make sense if you remember a certain scene from "An American Tale".) But in the meantime I'm stuck with what's on my hard drive...

So here's a picture of me from my bodacious, surprise birthday party put on by the best friends a gal could ask for. My sister-in-photography, Sara, set up a rough portrait studio and things got mildly crazy. You can find more of her creative work *here*.

ANYWAY, back to my anniversary... It's been a good decade, but I don't want to get mushy.

Here's the BEAUTIFUL LDS temple we were married in-Here's us at about the 6-year point. (Baby #3 wasn't even a thought, yet.)
We're not planning anything too exciting. We've got some house projects on the horizon, and want to make sure we've got the cash. But don't worry, down the road we promise we'll go BIG on anniversaries.

My age is kinda hitting me with this momentous day. But I probably shouldn't get caught up in that emotion. I'll save that introspective moment for the next big anniversary when I'm REALLY old. haha

So leave a comment and tell me either what you did on your 10-year day, or what you want to do on that day when it comes, you know, 'cause you're SO young.

And just for laughs, here's a couple quotes from the genius comedian, Mitch Hedberg-
“I'm sick of following my dreams. I'm just going to ask them where they're going and hook up with them later.”
“If you had a friend who was a tightrope walker, and you were walking down a sidewalk, and he fell, that would be completely unacceptable...”
Later!

Living to post?

Saturday's nice weather inspired a family outing. There was a lame, WAY-overpriced mini carnival in town where we blew 14 bucks in about 6 minutes. But the kids liked it so hey. (We didn't think Garret liked it at first, but he couldn't stop giggling after getting off.)
Then it was off to the park to enjoy some food and sun.
Hey! Pictures of me! How did that happen?? (Thank you Darlin)

Mike got the kids a happy meal just 'cause he wanted the Star Wars toy.
Suzie got some more walking in.
With the blog in mind I'm already better at getting the camera out.

And just because I'm sure you're all wondering I have found my dream vacation home...
I found this fairytale cottage here and it was love at first sight. (There's even a fairytale village to go with it!) You're welcome to come for tea (or, more likely, cocoa).

Can you all tell I like the 'text color' button?
AAAH!! Jason Mraz is on Sesame Street!! Gotta go!

Special musical guest, Mr. Mellencamp.

So what are we all doing this fine Saturday night??
Mike is under the house replacing our subpump as there is 6 inches of FREEZING, ICKY water in the crawlspace.

I'm at the computer thinking of the song "Wild Night" by John Cougar Mellencamp. Catchy song, but not nearly as good as "Jack and Diane".

Entry number ONE!! The Blustery Day...

Well, I've thought about making a family blog for a while now. I can't imagine that anyone is really interested in my average-but-not-to-me life. But if you are then here you go! I plan on making journal books out of this here blog so good for me!! OK...

Though the weather was icky and our noses sniffly, we each did find something to amuse ourselves with today.

Suzie was hit the hardest with the sniffles and therefore spent a good part of the day cuddling Mommy and enjoying "Winnie the Pooh". (That's one of my favorite kids' shows. It's charming and easy to tune out.) Brenda was ecstatic when I dusted off the karaoke machine. She planted herself in the perfect spot to be able to see the TV and keep an eye on the rest of the household. We enjoyed her amplified songs and witty commentary, "Twinkle, twinkle, li- MOMMY! COME BACK HERE!!"

Garret discovered new places to hide socks. It is pretty rare that I can get a good shot of the little prince, as he cares nothing for my art, but today he seemed amused by it...

See the sock? (Pay no mind to the messy room behind the boy, please.)

Between baby cuddles, and "Mommy, I'm hungry" moments, I finally finished this-

I recently decided to become crafty. I went to Goodwill, spent $3 on an old gnarly candlestick and a wooden bowl. Glued the two together. Sanded. Primered. Painted. Hated it. Stripped (the paint!). Then started over again...Next project I'll remember to take 'before' pictures.

As for my Mike, he worked and napped. I dropped the ball and didn't get a picture of either. Oh well, something to look forward to on the next post! (He works and naps often.)

Thanks for visiting!