The Tuesday Ten, vol. XVI

I have recently discovered Pinterest and I am *kinda* addicted. (and by kinda I mean very) So to honor my new found love of this combination of social media and blogging this week's Tuesday Ten is Ten of my favorite finds from Pinterest this week!

Enjoy!!


-1-
I couldn't find these exact zinnia at our local garden center, but they inspired me to plant two different varieties in our garden this year. I think zinnias are lovely!

-2-
I love these wall butterflies! I want to whip up a few (dozen) and hang them in Madeline's bed room ASAP!

-3-
Fun Food Fridays? Yes, Please!

-4-
This post makes me want to head to the fabric store to purchase yards of satin to turn into the gorgeous bouquet.

-5-
And from the same blog as the flowers above I found this tutorial. I need these.

-6-
I believe this to be true with ever taste bud I have. Dr. Pepper is the key to world domination.

-7-
As soon as we have a storm door and I feel like it is safe to put wreaths on our front door again I am totally making one of these. Genius!

-8-
I am planning a rainbow birthday party for Madeline and this is on the top of my list of things to make!!!

-9-
Pinterest as also introduced me to a menagerie of sweets that I can not wait to try. Like this owl cup cake that is almost too cute to eat. And homemade Girl Scout Samoa Cookie bars? Oh Yeah. And who is going to make these for me? Anyone?

Ok, now I'm hungry.

-10-
So you want to know more about Pinterest? Check our their information page here. Right now they are still in the Beta phase so you have to request and invitation, but if you know someone who is a Pinterest user (like me!) you can ask them to invite you to join the pinning. Why do I love it so much? I read a million blogs with google reader and although you can star specific posts there is no way to organize them by subject. For someone as visual as I am Pinterest is a perfect way for me to organize all the cool stuff I have found on the web in a way my brain can process it! I LOVE IT!!! Will you?

The Tuesday Ten (on Thursday), vol. XV

-1-
I am late again with my Tuesday commitment. Ah life.

-2-
I have kid birthday parties on the brain. I am way more excited about this kind of stuff than I should be. Especially since there are all of three other kids coming to Madeline's birthday party in a few weeks.

-3-
Lydia is a challenge lately. She spends a lot of time following me around the house requireing my full attention. I feel loved and smothered. I can't be pleased.

-4-
The weather here has been divine the last two days! In the 70s and sunny. We've spent quite a bit of time outside taking it all in. The rain sets in tomorrow. Ugh.

-5-
I was the mommy helper at Madeline's preschool today. I am exhausted and have come to the hard conclusion that I really don't like kids. That is unless they are mine, or very well behaved.

-6-
Of course I am kidding.

-7-
Kinda.

-8-
I feel like I have a ton on my plate right now when in reality I've been a heck of a lot busier in the (even recent) past. I just hating feeling this disorganized and out of control. I could do something about that. I could.

-9-
I recently discovered Pinterest and I am hooked. A way to visually capture and organize everything I find on the internet? Yes, please and THANK YOU!!

-10-
I painted my toes this week and it makes me feel more like a human being. They are a lovely shade of hot pink.

The Tuesday Twenty, vol. XIII and XIV

I missed last week, so I am going to try to do twenty this week.

Wish me luck.

-1-
After weeks and weeks and weeks of illness I finally feel like we are all mostly healthy. The girls still have slight coughs and I worry about Lydia because she can't tell me if she is feeling unwell, but I really just think we all need a few more good nights sleep and we'll have kicked this junk out the door.

-2-
I recently bought a pair of shoes that are biodegradable. I was worried they'd melt in the first rain, but they are surprisingly sturdy. :)

-3-
I am watching What Not to Wear on TLC and although I'd love to go on that show I am realizing that I am not nearly enough of a mess to be a guest. Although the idea of having money and guidance to build a whole new wardrobe is a fantasy.

-4-
Saturday was Olive's 9th birthday. It is hard to believe that she has been our kitty for 7 years. (We got her when she was *estimated* two years old.) Madeline and Lydia picked out some treats for her and I gave her a very thorough brushing, her favorite.

-5-
Our best friends had a baby a week ago and she is totally adorable. (See for yourself.) It is taking all of my restraint to not pack up this circus and head for Georgia.

-6-
My next 48 hours is crazy busy and I am kinda stressed out. But it is all fun stuff and I just can't let go and enjoy it. I have about 12 hours to start having fun. I need to get with the program.

-7-
Madeline's birthday is fast approaching. I have been working on her friend party (her first one, eep!) invitations and I am beyond excited about them. I love party planning.

-8-
What to assure your children develop hearing loss? Buy them this toy. Madeline played with it today and I am pretty sure she is now partially deaf. It will be re-hidden in the closet asap.

-9-
Speaking of which, my master closet is eating at me. I have a one foot square to stand in there. It is about time for yet another clean out. Anyone else have one area of their house that is the catch all for the stuff you don't know where to go to when you have guests over? No. just me huh?

-10-
TEN! I'm half way there! I can do this... maybe!

-11-
I am kinda obsessed with Harvest Cheddar Sunchips. They are delicious.

-12-
My feet are freezing.

-13-
I got this book in the mail today. I am very excited to start reading it, but I know I am going to need Kleenex nearby!

-14-
I recently got a new to me sewing machine and am really enjoying the simple projects I've been able to create with it. That being said, I need to work on some new projects but I feel like I've maxed out my skill set. I bought a pattern to make dresses for the girls, but I am so confused by it. It is intimidating.

-15-
I only have 24 minutes to publish this. Eeep!

-16-
When Madeline was little her hair was super curly. This meant it stayed out of her face without much fuss. Lydia on the other hand has very little curl in her hair. I am constantly swiping it out of her eyes. Why not put a bow on her? Because it ends up in her mouth. I think, no, I know, she does it to get my goat. This little stinkas know how to push momma's buttons early.

-17-
Do you watch Jimmy Fallon? I wish he wasn't on so late. He is freakin' hilarious! He's the reason I am not going to post this before midnight.

-18-
I have at least 5 loads of laundry in need of folding. Two are left over from last week. I hate laundry.

-19-
I discovered the instagram app for my phone this week. I am obsessed. I'll have to do a post with my favorite photos soon. They are awesome.

-20-
There you go... the Tuesday Twenty. I hope I never have to do this again!

The Tuesday Ten, vol. XI

-1-
Lydia woke up 110% better than she was yesterday. Her eyes have cleared up and she was a happy smiley girl all day long.

-2-
I cut my finger whilst making myself a sandwich, yep a sandwich. I am trying to type with a band-aid on my finger and it is stupid difficult.

-3-
We are currently watching a history channel show about if a presidential book of secrets exists. They can't say presidential book of secrets without sounding ridiculously dramatic. I giggle every time.

-4-
The Warblers sang Blackbird, one of my favorite songs of all time, on Glee tonight. It was lovely. Not as good as the original, but I liked it.

-5-
Yep, I watch Glee.

-6-
I'm ok with that.

-7-
It snowed yesterday only confirming my desire, no need, for spring. Like, now.

-8-
The only problem is that my feet are totally NOT ready for flip flop weather. I just last week removed the last of the toe nail polish that was applied on August 4th of last year. It was a sliver of paint, but still. I want a pedicure like no body's business! If I had unlimited funds that is totally something I would treat myself to. I love having my nails done (both feet and hands) but can't justify the expense. Maybe some day.

-9-
Madeline has been talking about taking swimming lessons lately and informed me today that she can't go swimming until she has lessons. Why? Because it is against the rules and just wouldn't be safe. That girl is so much my daughter it is scary sometimes. She's my little rule follower.

-10-
I feel like sewing something, but I have no idea what project to start. Any suggestions?

The Tuesday Ten, vol. X

This was hard this week. Promise to be more cleaver in the future...

-1-
Laissez les bons temps rouler!

Happy Mardi Gras! I celebrated this "holiday" by eating leftover Cajun Chicken Pasta. It wasn't nearly Cajun enough for my taste and much better as a second day dish than it was last night when I originally made it.

-2-
After last week's storm and a tree falling in our yard crushing the slide on our play structure we were very surprised to receive a new one today at no charge. It's a long story, but we were very happy to catch a break after a few weeks of stressful events. Thank you Leisure Time Products!

-3-
We are currently watching Chicago on TV and I forgot how much I love that movie. Richard Gere as Billy Flynn? Genius!

-4-
Why is choosing a preschool classroom so difficult? I mean why in the world are there so many choices and WHY is it so hard? Please someone tell me the right choice to make. Please?

-5-
Is it spring yet? I miss being able to feel my toes (because they are always cold) and sunshine.

-6-
Increasing the amount of water you drink in a day means frequent trips to the bathroom leaving your children more time to destroy things in your absence. Not a consequence I could have projected but a reality none the less.

-7-
Charlie Sheen = train wreak I can't stop watching

-8-
I am kinda embarrassed about #7. Don't hold it against me. I just have really poor taste in reality TV and this week has been like gold for reality junkies like me.

-9-
I'm even more embarrassed about #8.

-10-
I think I'll end the embarrassment here. 'night!

The Tuesday Ten, vol. IX

10 things I ♥ about Madeline

-1-
When she smiles at me like the photo above I just can't say no to her. Please don't tell her that. She would use it against me.

-2-
I love the way she "coughs" and "sneezes" to get sympathy, gain attention and, I think, relieve stress in new situations.

-3-
I love how helpful and loving she has become with her sister.

-4-
I love when she blows kisses to me at bed time. There are always four. One for my cheek, and three to put in my pocket for Kevin, Lydia and Olive.

-5-
She loves to cook just like her momma.

-6-
I love the way she says "Wydia." It melts my heart and I am savoring that little speech snafu because I know one day we'll wake up and it will be gone along with the last little traces of my little baby girl.

-7-
Madeline makes up songs to narrate her day. Just today I heard her making up a song about cleaning up the blocks in the playroom. They were being bad and she was sending them to their "room."

-8-
"I know just what to do!" is her favorite phrase.

-9-
She is teaching me patience. I lesson I desperately need and am still working to master. My guess is she will continue this lesson for years to come.

-10-
I love the way she laughs at her own jokes. They are the worst jokes I've ever heard but she thinks they are the funniest bits of language ever.

The Tuesday Ten, vol. IIX

It's been a week. That's all I have to say about that.

For this week's Tuesday Ten I harassed my children by following them around with my cell phone camera all day. I hope you enjoy it more than they did.*


-1-
Today was hat day at school. Madeline borrowed Granny's crazy bat hat. It was the craziest hat by far.
























I promise she smiled like .45 seconds after this photo... but doesn't she look pathetic?


-2-
While Madeline played at school Lydia and I played at home. Well, we tried to play. She is in the point and scream and throw a fit stage.
























But she's cute so that makes up for a lot of it.


-3-
Then we went to target and we found out what freedom smells like. It's kinda like a crisp fall day in October.
























Man am I funny or what? Don't answer that.


-4-
After naps Lydia gets ready for Mardi Gras.
























...kinda.


-5-
I made potato soup for dinner. I am totally obsessed with this soup. I'll share the recipe soon.
























It isn't really that yellow in person. Honest.


-6-
The squirrels occupied themselves while I cooked.
























Be advised, this is rare.


-7-
Dinner was yummy.
























And very colorful.


-8-
Lydia likes to smear food into her hair.
























Her hair stuck like this until bath time.


-9-
You can't head to a bath without a little dessert...
























Why yes that is Redi Whip in a can? No, you can't have any.


-10-
Bath time might just be Lydia's favorite part of the day.

Madeline tolerates it, at best.

Bonus -11-!!!
Then I got to deal with the three foot pile of laundry in my bedroom.
























I am happy to say it is now all folded.

Happy Tuesday!

__________
*Of course I am kidding. They didn't really hate it. Ok, maybe Madeline hated it a little (see #1), yikes!

The Tuesday Ten, vol. VII

Keepin' it real edition.

Just in case you might be laboring under the impression that I am super mom after I admitted to cooking not one, not two but five different homemade items for Valentines day yesterday I thought I'd give you ten true to life snip its of the world as I know it, today.

-1-
My back hurts crazy bad and nothing I have taken seems to help. Laying flat seems to work, but there are two crazy (sugared up) squirrels running loose in my house so laying flat all day isn't really an option.

-2-
I ran the dishwasher twice yesterday but have yet to unload it for the second time which means my sink and counters are full of dirty dishes including the dinner dishes from last night, breakfast from this morning and lunch today.

-3-
I mooched dinner off my parents. See #1 and #2.

-4-
I have two baskets of clean but needing to be folded clothes on my bed room floor.

-5-
Yet, all of Kevin's work shirts were dirty this evening when we discovered there was no clean shirt to iron for tomorrow.

-6-
Doing laundry at 10:45pm is fun. (or at least that is what we are telling ourselves...)

-7-
Madeline's bookshelf has three shelves. There are approximately 15 books on all three shelves. The rest are scattered to the four walls of her room. It isn't pretty.

-8-
There are three laundry baskets in Lydia's room. I am pretty sure all of the contents are clean. I mean, pretty sure.

-9-
I don't think I brushed my teeth today.

-10-
I did shower though, so that is at least one win for me.

The Tuesday Ten, vol. VI

-1-
Whilst doing laundry tonight I bent down to get the reds out of the dryer and came face to face with a cricket the size of my thumb. I freaking hate crickets.

-2-
Madeline's valentines day party is this Thursday. I am stoked. I have her valentines all ready for her to 'sign.' Madeline seems completely unaffected. Just my luck.

-3-
I went to Target to get one thing today. I came home with 5. Within an hour of returning home I added two more things to my Target list. Life is cruel some times.

-4-
Agh... I just can't stop thinking about that stupid cricket. It was gigantic. Huge. Colossal. Gargantuan. Mammoth. Humongous. Immense. Jumbo. Monstrous. Whopping. Ample. Mutant.

-5-
Lydia cut another tooth this week which makes a total of 8.

-6-
If there were such a thing as the magic laundry fairy wouldn't ask her to do my laundry so much as locate my laundry on the main floor so I didn't have to deal with mutant crickets.

-7-
I read a (real, grown up) book in less than 48 hours this week. That hasn't happened since my undergraduate days. It was awesome.

-8-
I'm pretty sure that beast is going to haunt my dreams. They are just so jumpy and springy and you never know where they are going to land. (This may have something to do with the fact that most crickets in our basement are missing one of their back legs- Thank you Olive the ferocious beast- so they leap in circles)

-9-
Thanks to my 6 year old cousin Mia, Madeline has discovered the joy of Pop Rocks. Her world is a brighter, happier place.

-10-
Did I mention I freaking hate crickets.

The Tuesday Ten, vol. V

-1-
Today was SUPPOSE to be snowpocolypse 2011. Instead of the 1/2 inch of ice and then 16-20 inches we got a minimal amount of ice, a couple of inches of sleet and we MIGHT get some snow, but only a little bit. Kinda a let down really.

-2-
I did a redonkulous amount of laundry today. I still have a redonkulous amount I could still do. (Sheets and towels and the like...) but I think I'm done at least for today.

-3-
None of us left the house today. We probably won't leave the house tomorrow.


-4-
We are a little bored.

-5-
We are catching up on our DVR tonight.

-6-
But I spent the last 30 minutes on the IKEA website after a reference to the Grunka spoons on the TV show Chuck.

-7-
Why isn't there an IKEA in the greater STL area? WHY????

-8-
Why is it that TV newborns are always the size of three month olds? Not that I suggest newbies should be acting, but I mean, really?

-9-
Madeline announced today that she was going to have 5 children all at the same time and there names are going to be Acra, Bacra, Ama, Rama and Crama. I could not contain my giggles on this one. I hope someday I get those 5 grandchildren named Acra, Bacra, Ama, Rama, and Crama. I just hope I have enough arms. :)

-10-
And just cuz...

The Tuesday Ten, vol. IV

-1-
I am beyond ready for spring.

-2-
Santa brought Madeline wings for Christmas and they have lasted 31 more days then I expected them to. They've been bent, sat on, smashed, pushed and pulled almost in two. Today they were closed in the bathroom door. There is barely a scratch on them. Although they appear to be nylons and wire hangers I think they must really be made of titanium and gortex.

-3-
I slipped on a patch of ice this morning before taking Madeline to school. I am sure my knee will be a beautiful technicolor mess by tomorrow. See #1.

-4-
I made turkey stock over the weekend and although I got a lot of comments on Facebook about how I was crazy and why wouldn't I just buy it I felt super proud of myself and was totally excited about it. That was until this morning when I measured it and realized I cooked it for E-V-E-R and I only got 96 oz of stock, or the equivalent of three pots of potato soup out of it. It's a good thing it was a low maintenance project. I'm gonna be extra peeved if it tastes like shoes.

-5-
We are in so much trouble.


-6-
Yesterday Lydia had her first (and hopefully only) case of nursemaids elbow. We are unsure of how it happened because she was just getting up from a nap when she started crying (so we didn't see anything). I am pretty sure after all of Madeline's trips to the Dr. for this condition we are on some sort of watch list, moments away from being hot lined by a mandated reporter. You can read about Madeline's forays into the world of NME here and here.

-7-
Madeline let me do her hair today. It may have been the highlight of my day. Just maybe.


-8-
Please tell me I'm not the only person who saves bananas for banana bread but never gets around to making it. If not, please lie.

-9-
Negative: Kevin's schedule today kinda sucked.
Positive: We had dinner alone when he got home from work.

-10-
Last, but in no way least: One of my oldest friends (who I've known since kindergarten) lost her grandmother today. Although I am supremely sad for the family I know that Grandma Joan's love will continue to bless them as they move through their grief and begin to heal. The love she gave will be carried on by not just her family but by all who knew her, including me.

The Tuesday Ten (on Thursday), vol. III

-1-
So I know it is actually Thursday and I am two days late with my Tuesday Ten but I have no excuses and this is my bligity blog and I am totally ok with that. Mmmm-K?

-2-
It snowed 5.5 inches at our house today but we feel a little gypped because not to much further north got up to 14 inches of snow. I should consult my husband before making this statement though because I didn't get out of my pajamas until 4pm and he shoveled our super long drive way.

-3-
Anyone know a good recipe for snow cream? We've never done it but since a million of my facebook friends keep talking about it I must try it.

-4-
My mom just sent my brother to my house with a piece of chocolate cake. It was yummy.

-5-
I need to stop eating chocolate cake and brownies and snow cream.

-6-
Madeline had her second snow day in a week and a half. She didn't cry today. :)

-7-
I made bacon and pancakes for breakfast. I love snow days with the whole family at home.

-8-
I watched the movie Friends With Money tonight. I'd take a pass on that one if I were you.

-9-
This post has taken me far to long to write because I keep getting distracted.

-10-
Oh... shiny!

The Tuesday Ten, vol. II

The Tuesday Ten-1.11.11 edition!

-1-
It snowed today. We played outside. Madeline and Kevin went sledding. I made chocolate chip brownie bars. Not one cup of hot chocolate was consumed. I think we need a do over.

-2-
We had a new bed delivered today. It is huge. I may never leave it. If you don't hear from me ever again you know where to find me.

-3-
Scott and Becky arrived back in STL today. We've decided we need to tell Madeline that Scott and Becky are arriving one day later than reality to avoid the constant stream of "are they here yet? is that their plane? are they coming here now? is it time yet? when are they getting here?"s spewing from her mouth.

-4-
Madeline played independently for almost 30 minutes yesterday. That is HUGE! I am half way to an episode of Oprah. (I'm (half) kidding!)

-5-
It is 10:15pm and Lydia is currently screaming from her room. I don't know why. I kinda hate this part of motherhood. (The not knowing why your baby (or 14 month old) is screaming therefore not being able to fix it.) (edit: it is now 10:27 pm and she isn't crying, fingers crossed...)

-6-
Kevin has to go back to work tomorrow after being off for three days in a row. I like having him around. I know he likes being had.

-7-
I am currently obsessed with potato soup. Snow is perfect soup weather. I think I may have to cook up a pot tomorrow. That would make five pots in four weeks. I tell you, this stuff is guh to the ood!

-8-
Or maybe I'll try a butternut squash recipe I was introduced to last week. It's pretty much potato soup - potatos + butternut squash. I bet it is just as yummy. I'll let you know.

-9-
Today I got a comment on this post from a blogger I L.O.V.E. Do you read Are We There Yet? You should. (but then again don't because you might like her more than me and then this here bligity-blog will seem even lamer... so never mind, forget I said anything.)

-10-
We had dinner out tonight. With other adults. It was ten kinds of awesome. (Thanks again Mr. H!)

I made it through another Tuesday Ten! Now it's your turn. Post as many as you'd like in the comments or post your own on your blog then leave a comment so I can read yours too!

The Tuesday Ten

As a way to keep me blogging I've decided to add some regular features to this here bligity-blog. So starting today, I will post ten things that are on my mind but may not be posts in their own right.

Feel free to play along and post one or two of your own in the comments, or if you have a blog of your own, you can join in. Just leave a comment with your bligity-blog url in the comments so I can check it out too! (I am operating under the assumption that more than 5 people visit this site, which I know is kinda a stretch! Here's to wishful thinking.)

Without further ado:

-1-
We took down the Christmas tree tonight. That is always bitter sweet for me. On one hand the house feels cleaner and less cluttered. On the other hand it means Christmas is over, yet again, way to quickly.

-2-
I kinda feel like junk. Of course this is just in time the last of my family (4 of them are teachers) to go back to work tomorrow. Isn't that just my luck.

-3-
Madeline started back to school today. She spent most of the afternoon totally whacked out. I hope this trend does not continue.

-4-
Lydia has been teething for the last week. That can not be over soon enough.

-5-
Before blogging I snuck into Madeline's room and smeared her chin with Vaseline. Her face is chapped and she won't let me put it on thick enough when she is awake because it "feels so icky!"

-6-
I made bread from scratch this week. It is a no knead recipe that you can store in the fridge until you are ready to use it in small batches. I might be my own hero.

-7-
Lydia cried the entire time I cooked dinner tonight. See #4. Most of that time she was hanging from my pant leg.

-8-
I made a batch of potato soup today but didn't have enough regular potatoes. I added a sweet potato instead. I'm not sure how I feel about it yet. I'll let you know.

-9-
Madeline and I took Olive to the vet today. Just before Olive got her shots Madeline said, "It's ok Mom. Olive will remember to be brave." Love that girl.

-10-
Why didn't I choose two? The Tuesday Two could have sufficed.


So? Whatcha think?