NaBloPoMo: Day 30!!!

PHEW!! I can't believe I actually did it. Seriously, as silly an accomplishment as it might be, I have to say that for me, it is quite an accomplishment, nonetheless. I have spent many, many years starting various things - - journals, hobbies, resolutions, etc., and rarely do I ever follow through on anything. I'm not sure what it is about me, but I am constantly disappointing myself with my inability to finish what I start. I decided to participate in NaBloPoMo on a whim - - I think I was reading someone else's blog and saw that they were participating, and thought, "What the heck!" but secretly knew I'd probably post a couple of times and then quit. This time, however, I've surprised myself, and saw it through to the end. This was also a good writing exercise for me - - it has reminded me how much I enjoy writing, even when I don't have anything particularly witty to say. So, I think going forward, I'll be posting on a much more frequent basis.

So, if you've been checking in every day, I thank you. I've enjoyed all of your comments, and I hope you'll keep them coming!

In other news, it turns out I have a bad filling and need to have it replaced, but that won't happen until Monday afternoon. In the meantime, I'm chewing on the left side of my mouth, and drinking through a straw. I was kind of hoping the dentist would be kind enough to shoot me up with a weekend's supply of painkiller, but no such luck!

Steve has just come in with the Christmas tree, so it is time to decorate - - yippee!! Camden has been asking all day (and all week, for that matter) and we thought he'd explode if we didn't get right to it.

Digging Deep

So, I'm two days away from the end of NaBloPoMo, and I find myself without much to say tonight. Actually, I am just really, really tired and I want to go to bed! I know two little boys who gave their mother a run for her money last night, so I really didn't get much sleep. Combine that with the martini that I had earlier this evening, and I can barely keep my eyes open!

The Christmas decorations will be coming out in full-force this weekend, much to Camden's delight. We've slowly brought out this and that throughout the week, but Camden won't be satisfied until the tree is up. He is already asking, "Is tomorrow Christmas?" multiple times per day, and it isn't even December yet!

I find myself with some sort of major dental malady, so I am off to the dentist at 8:00 tomorrow morning - - can't drink, can't eat, etc., without a massive nerve zing - - not pleasant. Hopefully it is a defective filling and nothing more. All I know is that I want lots of Novocaine and I want it fixed!

Rascals

I've been attempting to get a photo of the boys together for our Christmas card, but it is so hard! When one is looking at the camera, the other isn't, when one is sitting, the other isn't, etc.. So, we'll see what I can come up with in the next couple of days. I swear, they are so silly with each other.

Steve was supposed to be home from his trip tomorrow evening, but he just now called and will be home tonight - - yay! There's a storm rolling in, and he wanted to avoid that, obviously.

I'm hoping to finish up my Christmas shopping this weekend and I hope I can do it! I got a great deal on a play kitchen for the boys today and I am so excited about it. Camden just loves the play kitchen at school, and I know he and Griffin will get lots of enjoyment out of having one of their own.

I've got one boy in the tub, and one fussing in my lap, so I must run!

First Snow

We woke up to a dusting of snow this morning, so of course Camden was asking to go out before we even had daylight. He's out there now, while Griffie and I are inside, baking some cinnamon hazelnut biscotti. We don't often get snow that "sticks" to the ground in these parts, so even a dusting is cause for major excitement.

Now, Camden is back in the house, and as I was helping him take his boots off, I remembered sitting with my back up against the red refrigerator, while Mum would yank my boots off, feet covered in bread bags, in case of leaks.

Camden is warming himself up with a cup of cocoa, and I must scurry and get ready for story time at the library this morning. Our topic today is "snow", which should be a big hit!

Snow Globes

I love snow globes. I can't say exactly why, but I've always been fascinated with them. Now, Camden is, too. On Thanksgiving day, Candy had a tray full of all the things we would need to make our own snow globes. It was really a project for the boys, but I dare say, Kasey and I were just as excited about it. Of course, the project came from Martha. What doesn't that woman think of? This picture just doesn't do these snow globes justice - - they are so darn cute. You can use old baby food jars, peanut butter jars, or anything similar. The rest of the supplies are readily available at your local craft store. Tomorrow, we'll take our snow globes with us to story time -- we're going to use them for props, when we read stories about snow.

Something to Try: Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

I've always been more of a "traditional" whoopie pie kind of gal (because my mother raised me right), but I've been wanting to try a particular recipe for pumpkin whoopie pies for some time now. I saw it in a recent issue of Everyday With Rachael Ray magazine (great read, by the way). The boys and I are having company for lunch tomorrow, so I thought these might make a perfect dessert. Well, the recipe did not disappoint, let me tell you. The pumpkin cakes are light, airy, and oh-so-rich. I must admit, I substituted half of the white four with whole wheat pastry flour, and I was afraid it might make the texture too dense, but it didn't at all. The cream filling was simply butter, cream cheese, vanilla, and confectioner's sugar, and the consistency was just perfect. The recipe states that it make twelve whoopie pies, but I ended up with nine. I think next time I will shoot for ten, because the end result was quite a large whoopie pie. So, if you have some extra time on your hands today, and have a can of pumpkin lying around, you may just want to give this recipe a try.


Pumpkin cake ingredients:
1 stick unsalted butter, melted
1 cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 cup canned pure pumpkin puree
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 2/3 cups flour


Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and the brown sugar until smooth. Whisk in the eggs, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Using a spatula, fold in the flour. Drop by heaping tablespoons full onto baking sheets. Bake until springy to the touch, 10-12 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely.


Cream Cheese Filling
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
pinch of salt
1 cup confectioners sugar


With electric mixer, cream the butter and cream cheese. Add the sugar and salt, then beat on medium speed until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Spread the flat side of each cake with filling, then top with another cake.

Another Wonderful Day

Today, Steve and I took the boys to Boise for the Festival of Trees - - it is a fundraiser one of the local hospitals has each year, and there are tons of Christmas trees that have been decorated by local businesses and organizations. Today was "family day", so there were extra things for kids to see and do. Camden's favorite part by far, was the Lionel train exhibit. He even got to operate one of the trains for a bit, and would have been completely content if we'd skipped the whole tree part and just played with trains. After we'd had our fill inside, we went out and wandered around the Capital City Market, which is open again for the holiday season. It is typically a farmer's market that runs May-October in Boise, and it is fabulous. Camden and I were happy to see our favorite vendor, the mini-donut guy, in full swing. Of course, we felt obligated to purchase a dozen, sprinkled with confectioner's sugar, along with a side of maple cream dip. I'm not sure what Camden likes more - - the donuts, or the little machine you can watch make the them. I tell you, there is nothing like eating hot donuts, right out of the oil, on a brisk winter day. Today was the first time that Griffin got in on the donut action, and had a couple himself. As you can see, he thought they were delicious.



When we got back home, we went to Rex and Kasey's for a visit, and through some bizarre alignment of the planets, Kasey and I ended up going out to eat ALL BY OURSELVES. Oh yes, we left the little guys with the big guys and took off for a local restaurant where we enjoyed a glass of wine, and some fabulous patty melts. Yum. We must remember to do that more often.

Both boys seem to be on the mend from their sniffles, just in time for me to have a bit of a nagging sore throat. I'm hoping that it doesn't amount to anything, since Steve will be away on business next week. Mind over matter!

Slumber Party, Martha Stewart, & the Broncos

Camden wanted to have a "slumber party" tonight, so after we put Griffin to bed, the three of us piled into our bed with a bowl of popcorn, and the movie "Elf". That movie cracks me up. I think Camden was just happy to have the two of us all to himself. Tomorrow we'll take the boys to the Festival of Trees in Boise.

I have to admit, I actually did a little shopping today - - I hadn't really planned to, and was even more against it after watching the morning news. The mall in Boise opened at 1:00 a.m. for Black Friday, and they showed footage of people screaming, pushing, shouting, and getting trampled, all so they could be the first ones in the mall. I'm sorry, but I don't get the appeal. Anyway, Griffin and I made a quick trip to Michael's today, mostly because I wanted to check out the Martha Stewart craft supplies there. T.J. Maxx was right next door, so I really couldn't head back home before stopping in there, too. I'm glad I did, because I was able to cross a couple of more people off my shopping list. Yippee! I'm almost done with my Christmas shopping!

I'd like to go to sleep right now, but I'm dying to know if BSU is going to win tonight or not! It's 26-24 Hawai'i right now, with 9 minutes left in the 3rd quarter....GO BRONCOS!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Here's how we started out the day - - both boys in my bed. Griffin showed up around 2:00 a.m. because he was stuffed up, and Camden showed up around 4:00 a.m. because he "had a bad dream". I was sandwiched in between them until I removed myself to take this picture.

Banzer, on a yogurt drink bender, inside his grandmother's fridge

Sweet little Griffin - - a little under the weather today, but still has the biggest, most beautiful blue eyes you've ever seen

Candy and Camden, after Candy happily gave Camden a bowl of whipped cream for dessert, because that's what he wanted! Candy and her husband Rod have always been so special to Camden - - he was so excited to spend Thanksgiving at their house today.

We spent the day in Weiser, at Steve's brother's mother-in-law's house. We love Candy and Rod - - they include us in so many family gatherings and it means so much to us, since our parents all live back on the east coast. Candy is a fabulous cook, and we always have a great time when we go to their house. I brought my camera, but I guess I was so busy eating that I just didn't take many pictures. Drats!

I need to upload my Kodak software onto my laptop, because to post pictures now, I have to go sit at the old, super-slow computer, and wait FOREVER. Then, I post the pictures to my blog, but switched to my laptop before editing. Unfortunately, I have not yet mastered editing without a traditional mouse, so my layout leaves a little to be desired tonight. Everyone in the house is asleep, so I guess I might as well go to sleep, too. Nighty-night!

Fa La La La La

I've just returned from a speedy trip to Target - - I had a little Christmas shopping to take care of. Speaking of which, my mother and I were recently discussing online Christmas shopping. We were both commenting on how, although it feels somewhat impersonal, it is oh-so-satisfying to click your mouse a few times, and suddenly you've shopped for six people on your list in the time it would have taken to simply buckle your seat belt and back out of the driveway. I am attempting to be organized and efficient this year, and although I am off to a good start, I usually tend to burn out and get frantic in mid-December. Not only do I have the stress of shopping (usually with two unruly boys), but then also the added stress of mailing everything on time. All the more reason to shop online - - so many merchants offer free shipping. Another thing I need to take care of is Christmas cards. Haven't exactly decided what I'll be doing this year, but I need to hurry up and make a decision. Mostly, I can't believe that the holidays are upon us already - - where did this past year go??

Playing With Fire

Immediately following dinner this evening, I witnessed Steve, oh-so-casually digging into my jar of Dark Chocolate Dreams peanut butter, then smearing a huge glop of it onto a peanut butter cookie. Apparently this man has a death wish. Time to move it to my sock drawer, where it will be safe.

A Little Blog Disclaimer

I've been doing some thinking about my blog - - I believe it has been brought on by a recent surge in readership. I think that is a result of a couple factors - - 1) that I'm actually posting regularly, and, 2) My blog is listed on the NaBloPoMo website, so I'm getting a lot of new readers. Anyway, I have really enjoyed writing regularly, even if on some days I didn't have a whole lot to say. I suspect I will be posting nearly every day, even after NaBloPoMo is over. I enjoy it, I look forward to it, and I'm hoping I am getting a little bit better at organizing my thoughts.

I've been thinking about what I want this blog to be. When I first started it, the purpose was to simply be able to keep my East coast family and friends up to date on what we were doing. I suppose that is still a large part of it. However I am in hopes that this is also evolving into a creative outlet for me - - where I can write about the things that interest me, and hear about what interests you. By my calculations (okay, Steve's calculations - - math makes me mental) only about 8% of the people who read this blog ever leave a comment. Then again, I rarely, if ever, respond to any one's comments! So, I'm working on changing that. I am hoping that this blog will become a little more interactive. I'm interested in what you have to say, so please say it. Just the same, if you are happier lurking (as I do on so many blogs out there), then please, keep right on lurking! I'm just glad that you are here.

Now, for what you won't find here. While this is largely a blog about my experiences as a mother and wife, you won't be finding me complaining about my husband, or what hard work it is to be a stay-at-home mom. Do I argue with my husband? Yes. Do I get overwhelmed? Do I get overtired? To I wring my hands at times, worrying that I'm not doing all that I can for my boys? Do my kids make me nutty sometimes? Do I get so consumed with caring for this houseful of boys that I sometimes neglect myself? Yes, yes, yes, yes, and yes. I get annoyed with day to day life, just like you do, but I really don't feel like blogging about that. Will I whine from time to time? Oh yes. But, if you are a regular reader, then you already know that!

So, thank you, Dear Readers. I appreciate your interest in what I have to say.

Sunday Dinner, #3

We'll be going out of town for Thanksgiving this year, but I still wanted to roast a turkey breast, so I picked up a small (4 lb.) breast at the Boise Co-op the other day, and it is roasting away in my oven as I type. I was expecting Steve home around 4:30 today, but found out at 4:30 that he wouldn't be home until 6:30 or 7:00, so my mini-Thanksgiving dinner is a bit of a bust. Oh well. I'm also making some cornbread apple stuffing, peas, cranberry sauce, and potato. What I really want to do with this turkey is make paninnis tomorrow night - - turkey, stuffing, a bit of cheese, and some of the Cranberry Mustard I bought at Stonewall Kitchen while I was in Maine. Yum!

Peanut Butter & Co.'s Dark Chocolate Dreams

While I was in Maine recently, I happened upon this peanut butter at the Hannaford in Topsham. I'd heard of Peanut Butter and Co. before - - I think I'd read about it in a magazine, but it isn't sold in these parts. So, when I saw it in Maine, I eagerly bought a jar so I could see for myself what all the fuss was about. The jar just arrived at my house yesterday, because I uh, *ahem* bought a few more souvenirs than what I could fit in my suitcase, so I had to ship a few boxes home to myself - - sad, but true. I made a loaf of honey wheat bread this morning, so it was the perfect opportunity to give it a try. Oh. My. Goodness. If you live in Maine, drop what you are doing NOW, and RUN to Hannaford and get yourself a jar. I guess I should have prefaced that with, if you love peanut butter, Nutella, chocolate, peanut butter cups, etc., then go and get yourself some. It is nothing short of pure evil in a jar. I'm sure I could sit and eat it with a spoon until I got sick. I have a brother-in-law who would probably do just that, if he had some, so I'd probably ought to get some for him.

Yay, Griffin!

Finally, a little video clip of sweet Griffin, showing off his walking skills. He's made great strides each day, and today, he did more walking than he did crawling, so I think he is officially a walker now (sniff, sniff!). This past year has gone by much too quickly, and I'm just not ready to be done with babies. Griffie is, however - - he wants to be a big boy and isn't going to let anything stop him now!

The boys and I had a busy day of errands, topped off by our car breaking down in the parking lot of the new Dollar Store here in town. Of course, since we were "just" making a quick trip to the store, the boys only had fleece vests on (I wasn't wearing a coat), it was dark, raining, I didn't have a stroller with me, and of course, the emergency box that is supposed to be in the back of the car, was on the shelf in the garage. Oh, and it was dinner time, and Griffin knew it. AND, Steve was at drill weekend. I called the few people I know locally, but nobody answered. I'm feeling very thankful for the extremely kind stranger in the parking lot, who asked me if I needed help, then proceeded to obtain jumper cables from another kind stranger, jump-started my car, and sent us on our way. I'm glad I thought to back the car into the driveway, because the battery is dead as a doornail, so I'll need another jump tomorrow, to get it down to the auto shop. Ugh. I thoroughly dislike dealing with cars. I suppose that is what I will be doing tomorrow, though.

Camden and I are having a slumber party tonight, since Steve is away. We are currently snuggled up in my bed, watching the live action version of "Charlotte's Web", and eating popcorn. And, yes - - I am composing this post on my fancy new laptop, wireless and all. Pure bliss!

Mummy Loves Preschool, Too!

First and foremost, preschool is soooo good for Camden. He is such a social butterfly, and loves to go and see his friends. He goes Tuesday through Thursday, and on Thursday the class is rather small (most of the kids go 2 days per week), so they have Show & Tell. Each week, they bring an item to share that coincides with whatever letter they are learning that week. This week is the letter "P", so of course, Camden took a pirate ship. He was very excited about it, and I can't wait to hear how it went, when I pick him up this afternoon. The selfish side of me loves preschool even more, because it means a mental break for me. I love, love, LOVE my little break in the afternoon. After we drop Camden off at 12:30, Griffin and I come home and play for a bit, and by 1:00 he is down for a nap. I have to wake him in order to go and get Camden at 3:00. Mind you, Camden stopped napping somewhere around 28 months, so it has been a looooonnnnggggg time since I've had that little afternoon break that mothers love (and need) so much. I sure can pack a lot into those two hours, I tell you. I find that the first thing I do is wash dishes (while watching "Days of Our Lives", I'm not ashamed to admit). Then I move on to prepping dinner. I really love having a sit-down, family dinner when Steve comes home at night. I was just telling him last night that it is one of my most favorite times of the day. I'm finding that this bit of "free" time in the afternoon allows me to pull the house together in a fraction of the time that it use to take me in the evenings. For me, that is so much more relaxing.

I thought I had a viable video clip of Griffin walking, but when I uploaded it, it was far too dark. I will keep trying, so, stay tuned. He is walking like crazy and is so proud of himself.

I was just going through my Maine pictures, and I have quite a few that I didn't get a chance to post, so here they are:


Nana and her boys at the Children's Museum of Maine

Apparently, I "spoke" too soon. Blogger isn't allowing me to post any more photos, so that's all I have for today! I really don't know what is going on at Blogger, but many of the editing icons have vanished from the publishing page, and posting photos anymore is a total pain. I'm hoping that they will work out their glitches soon. Maybe I will have better luck tomorrow!

Ummm.....yeaaahhhh

So. Still no laptop. However, about an hour ago, the UPS man delivered the wireless module for my modem, so that when my laptop arrives, I'll be all ready to go with wireless. Well, I opened the box, only to find that they sent the module, but not the installation cds that go with it. I quickly called Qwest (my phone company) to ask them to send the cds. While on hold, I listened to various recordings, one of which said, "Did you know that most connectivity issues can be solved by simply unplugging the black power cord from the back of your modem, waiting 30 seconds, and then plugging it back in?" Well, we've tried everything else (on the dead computer), so I thought, what the heck, I'm on hold, I might as well make good use of my time. I unplugged the power cord, waited, plugged it back in, and, viola! The dead computer that I kicked to the curb last week, after purchasing a fancy laptop for myself, mysteriously works again. Seriously. I feel slightly like an idiot, but then again, I don't, because for the short time I've been on the computer just now, it is still exhibiting all of the crazy problems it has had for the past 2-3 months, so I'm guessing it is operating on borrowed time. Yay!! I don't have to go to the library after it closes tonight! A computer whiz I am not, what can I say.

***Update: Laptop just arrived

Drawing a Blank

I fear I don't have much to say today, but am posting because this will be my only chance to do so today, and good Lord, I don't want to ruin my posting streak! I just finished up story time, and it went really well today. I had some new kids and moms today, which was great.

Yesterday, after I had my hair cut, I decided to color my hair, for some unknown reason. I can't believe how well it turned out, so I was pleasantly surprised. I'd colored my own hair once before, and it was a total disaster. It is darker than I am use to, but it is a nice change. The best part was, my friend Terri said it made me look younger, so that is all I needed to hear!

Must rush Camden home and get him fed and ready for school! I am literally sitting by the front door, waiting for my laptop to arrive!

Monday Musings

I'm just blowing back into town, after having been in Boise this morning, at The Beehive Salon, getting my hair cut. Since I was in the area, I just had to stop at Java in Hyde Park, for a mocha, and a walnut & honey scone. Yum. Luckily for me, the library is closed today, so I am sitting here in the dark, all by myself. I really, really do not like waiting in line for a computer! I was so happy to have an email from Dell today, telling me that my laptop has been shipped, and should arrive in the next 2-4 days. Yippee!!!

I have really been enjoying this daily blogging. The only bummer has been that I have a lot of posts written in my head, but can't really type them out yet, because I have no way to attach pictures at the moment. So, in the meantime, you'll have to suffer through my lackluster drivel for another few days, until I am able to kick back on my sofa, in the comfort of my own home, and really do some writing/picture posting!

Must get home and relieve Steve so he can lock himself in his office and get some Army work done this afternoon. As for me, I have some bread to bake, as well as a batch of cookies. I suppose I should think of something to make for dinner, while I'm at it...

Sunday Dinner, #2

I don't think my idea of a mid-afternoon dinner is really going to work, so this week I'm just cooking up something for our regular dinner time. Today it is Slow Cooker Tuscan Beef Stew (my absolute favorite beef stew recipe), along with some cheese biscuits. I think I'd probably better make a tossed salad, too. I made some pudding parfaits for dessert, because I think Camden will get a kick out of that.

I thought today was going to be cold and dreary, but I was pleasantly surprised when the sun came out. I took Riley on a long walk this morning, and then Steve headed out on a long mountain bike ride. He's home now with the boys, and I'm here at the library, gathering things together for story time on Tuesday. Steve has tomorrow off, so I'll have the chance to head into town for a haircut, which I am needing quite badly. I'm thinking I'm going to need to stop at Starbucks for a peppermint mocha, as well.

Griffin continues to make great strides with his walking - - I noticed a huge improvement in his balance yesterday, and today he has been walking quite a bit on his own (without us prompting him). I just can't believe how fast he is turning into a "big boy" - - I sure wish he'd slow down a bit!

Must get some work done, so that I can go home and eat some of that beef stew!

Not a Fan of These Long Winter Months

Maybe it is the short days. Maybe it is because I live in a valley and it begins to feel as though the sun doesn't shine for days. I don't know, but I really don't like this time of year too much. I think I am also in a bit of a funk since being in Maine - - I am missing family and friends, and feeling rather alone way out here. Yes, I am whiny today. A little down in the dumps, too. Must not wallow though, not very productive.

On a completely unrelated topic, I am currently attempting to rid my home of toxic cleaning products. Why, you ask? Well, I just feel like since there are other options readily available, I want to give them a try. I've been trying a few things from Seventh Generation, as well as Method. I'm also going to try some things from Melaleuca, but haven't ordered anything yet. Yesterday, I bought some Method furniture polish, and it is great! I bought a container of the pop-up furniture wipes, because they were inexpensive, and I didn't want to commit to a big old bottle before I knew whether or not I liked it. I loved them, and a little goes a long way. I'm sure you will all be checking my blog daily, just hoping and praying that I will be posting another natural cleaning product review.

Back to the weather. Days like this make me feel like locking myself in the kitchen and baking all day. This is probably why people pack on the pounds in the winter, no doubt. I just want to bake breads, cookies, and all sorts of other carb-laden goodies. Maybe I will. So there.

Sitting in the Dark Library...

Today, I opted to wait until the library was closed, before coming down here to use the computer (one of the perks of having a key to the building!). I'm so glad I waited. Much more relaxing, not having a bunch of strangers packed in around me, breathing down my neck as they wait for a computer. Lots to blog about, but my brain is too fried to really organize my thoughts, so I think I'll just start spewing forth:

1. What, pray tell, should I make of this?
Yesterday evening, husband arrives home from work:

Husband: "Did you see Oprah today - - it was on at the gym while I was working out."
Me: "Yes, I did...why?"
Husband: "No reason, just wondering."

FYI, the topic of the show was "How to Look Great at Any Age", but, if you watched the whole show, you'd know that the topic was, more specifically, Dressing Age-Appropriately, and, Stay-at-Home Moms Who Have Let Themselves Go. Hmmmmmm. Interesting.

2. Attempted to go to Boise today, to do a few quick errands. Intended to be home before lunch time. Very constipated one-year-old son begans screaming and thrashing in the back seat. After some stunt driving, I end up doing a "poop-ectomy" (don't ask) in the parking lot of the Boise Co-Op. Crisis averted, or so I thought. We get in the store, when 4-year-old son suddenly declares that he "has to poop, NOW!" We rush to the rest room, where I am not about to put my baby on the floor, but have to help 4-year-old onto the potty. Twenty pounds under one arm, 40 pounds under the other, both squirming to beat the band. 4-year-old decides that he cannot, in fact, "take care of business" on this particular potty, but that he needs a potty, NOW. So, back in the car we go, where we proceed to drive to Steve's office, which is completely out of the way, but 4-year-old assures me that "Daddy's army work potty" is the only potty he can use.

3. Next, onto Target (finally!!). Let me first remind you that I am the lone female in a house full of gross boys. There have been occasions where, certain males, who shall remain nameless, might perhaps "break wind" and then say to each other, "Who stepped on a duck?" and then giggle and tee-hee like a couple of idiots. Well, while I was carefully reading lables in the cleaning products isle, my 4-year-old exclaims at the top of his lungs, "MUMMY! I HOPE YOU DON'T STEP ON ANY DUCKS IN TARGET TODAY!!!!" Um, yeah, he really did say that, and yes, there were other shoppers nearby. No, my son is not ill-mannered hooligan, but yes, he remembers everything he hears, and usually repeats it. Let me just also say that he is famous for saying really embarrassing things to me, whenever we are locked in a bathroom stall together in public.

4. My home computer is still fried, my laptop won't be here for another week or so, but darn it, I am still blogging every day! I cannot wait to be able to post some photos again, because these photo-less posts are driving me batty.

By this time next week....

I hope to have my new computer. I did it! I ordered myself a fancy Dell notebook and I am very happy about it. I can hardly wait until it gets here! Our desktop is a Dell, and we've always been happy with it (up until right now, but I don't think it is the computer itself, but the fact that it is bogged down and needs to be cleaned up). So, it should arrive sometime next week. I've got to order the attachment for my modem so I can get wireless access.

On the homefront, Griffin is taking lots of steps but still finds crawling a bit more convenient. He also started saying, "hat" yesterday. Right now, he is sitting in his stroller, screaming his lungs out, so I guess I'd better wrap this up. We've been at the library for music class, now must get Camden home and fed, and ready for school. I am really hoping I can get down to the library sometime soon, after hours, and post something a little more interesting. In the meantime, thanks for sticking with me!

Something Has Got to Give (and it is about to)

Okay, so I stopped by the library on my way to drop Camden off at school, so that I could look up some information on one of our insurance policies. Basically, Camden was sitting in my lap, and unfortunately got an eyeful of what the teenage boy at the computer next to me was leering at. These computers have filters, but apparently there are some loopholes. Needless to say, I covered Camden's eyes, he started screaming, "I can't see! I can't see!!!", and about 30 seconds after that, we'd left the library. We are back now (Camden is at school), but just so I can write this post, and then I am going home to wait for the representative from Dell to call me back, at which point I plan on telling her that I would, in fact, like to purchase the laptop that she and I discussed this morning. So, in about a week, I shall be a happy once again.

Computer Detox

Seriously, I might lose my mind. I cannot stand this! I just finished story time, so I am once again at the library, frantically squeezing in a blog post before I run Camden home to feed him lunch, and then head back out the door to get him to preschool. I did lots of hand-wringing yesterday, wondering how I would possibly survive without my computer. Today I am going to call my local internet place and see if they have a computer whiz that can take a look the hard drive. Unfortunatley, now I'm mad at my desktop for pooping out on me, so I've convinced myself that what I need now is a laptop, and wireless internet. In all seriousness, I use a computer A LOT, and with two little ones running around, a laptop with wireless would be SO convenient. As my friend Kirsten suggested, I'm going to check out Craigslist and see what I can come up with. In the meantime, be prepared for photo-less posts, peppered with lots of whining.

A Wrench in the Works

Ugh. I am a bit distressed. My home computer has died. I must be really dedicated to NaBloPoMo, because I am coming to you from the bank of computers at my local library. I am a little embarrassed to admit it, because in the grand scheme of things, it is JUST a computer, but I LOVE my computer and I am not sure HOW I am going to function without it! As a stay-at-home mom, my computer is my little lifeline to the outside world - - it is where I read the news, gossip, keep in touch with friends, do my work for my job, etc. So, right now I am trying to figure out what the heck I am going to do. Deep breath. Deeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep breath. Phew. So far, that's not working.

If you are trying to contact me, email may not be the best mode of communication right now! I'll keep you posted!

Sunday Dinner, #1

For quite some time now, I've been wanting to start serving a nice Sunday lunch around 2:00, and then just have dessert in the evening. It probably sounds a little strange, but my line of thinking is that I love making dessert, but don't often do it, because after a big meal, trying to stuff dessert in is simply adding insult to injury. Before you gasp - - no, I'm not going to feed my wee ones chocolate cake for dinner every Sunday evening - - they'll get their regular balanced meal. Steve will probably have a bite to eat, too. As for me, I intend to just savor a big slice of whatever it is I happen to make that week. This week, it was supposed to be oatmeal pecan pie, but I got sidetracked and never made it today. However, we did have our 2:00 dinner:

Slow Cooker Pork and Sauerkraut
4 large potatoes, cubed
32 oz. bag of sauerkraut, drained
1 large onion, chopped
1 large Granny Smith apple, chopped
2 tbsp. packed brown sugar
1 tsp. caraway seeds
1 clove minced garlic
1/2 tsp. pepper
2 1/2 lb. boneless pork loin roast

Put potatoes in slow cooker. Combine the remaining ingredients (except pork) in a bowl, mix well. Place half of the sauerkraut mixture over the potatoes. Place pork roast on top of it, and then cover the pork with the remaining sauerkraut mixture. Cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.

The roast was really good and I will definitely be making it again. I made a loaf of beer bread to go along with it.

*The other news for today is that Griffin took his first "real" steps tonight. He's been taking one or two steps here or there over the last week or so, but I classify what he did this evening as full-fledged walking. The reason I know this is because I went in my bedroom and bawled my eyes out after he did it. I can't believe how quickly his is turning into a "big boy" - - it's killing me!!

The Joys of the Batter Bowl

So. While I was in Maine, I fell in love with this batter bowl, after Jen pointed it out to me at Stonewall Kitchen. However, I immediately thought what a pain it would be to try and get it back to Idaho without breaking it. What's the big deal about a batter bowl, you ask? (Or, if you are married to me, you are more likely to be asking, "Why do you think you need another bowl? You already have at least 6 or 7!!) I think it would be perfect for making pancakes (I make a lot of pancakes, people), as the spout and handle would make the job so much more efficient. It is just a good idea. Furthermore, since I do the majority of cooking and dish-washing in this house, I've decided to just go ahead and embrace my love for all things cooking, end of story. That includes cookbooks, spatulas, bowls, gadgets, etc. SO...I continued to daydream about the Stonewall Kitchen batter bowl, until I saw my Aunt Jean's melamine batter bowl. Lovely. Lightweight. Much less likely to break. I asked her where she got it, and of course, like any woman who knows ANYTHING about good shopping, she replied, "TJ Maxx". By the way, if you haven't experienced the joys of TJ Maxx, then please, drop what you are doing, get in your car, and drive yourself to the nearest TJ Maxx location. Earlier this week, Mum and I visited the Brunswick TJ Maxx, and I was hoping to find myself a nice, melamine batter bowl. They didn't have any, but on the Halloween clearance rack, they had this:



Yes, it is purple and has bats on it, but it is melamine, and it only cost $2.00! And that, my friends, is my batter bowl story.

Back in Idaho

We made it! I was up at 3:30 this morning, and heading for Portland at 4:30, and now here I am, back home in Idaho. Riley bawled his eyes out when he saw me, of course. He is very devoted to his mother. The trip was super-smooth, thank goodness. My biggest concern was how far we would have to walk, in-between terminals, at O'Hare Airport. Someone was obviously watching over me today, because we landed at gate F12, and then our flight to Boise took off from gate....F12. What luck! Oddly enough, Senator Larry Craig was sitting next to me as we waited in the terminal. Did he follow us to Maine or something?

As for the boys, here is how they looked for a better part of the flight home:




They were real troopers, I tell you. We've just finished dinner, and Steve and Camden have gone down to the river to throw rocks. Time to bathe Griffie and start unpacking! It feels good to be home, but at the same time, we are missing Maine, and everyone there.

Let the Blogging Begin!

Today is November 1st, which means this is the start of NaBloPoMo (National Blog Posting Month). Basically, if you join, you are committing to post every day, for the entire month of November. So, late last night, while bleary-eyed and whacked out on Halloween, I signed myself up. I've been feeling that my posts have been rather lackluster the past couple of months, and at times, few and far between. So, I thought it would be a good way to challenge myself a bit - - do a bit more in-depth writing, and make this creative outlet a priority, rather than something I do if and when I have a few minutes of spare time. Haven't stopped to think about how I will make it happen yet, but happen it will!

So, Dear Readers, by November 30th, you will either know all kinds of new things about me, and the twisted workings of my brain, or you will be bored out of your skull. Happy reading!

Since I am still in Maine (and fighting with this iMac), I am unable to include nice, neat, "pretty" links, so, if you'd like to read more about NaBloPoMo, please visit www.nablopomo.ning.com.