oh yea, it just got better...

He said he told me, but really, REALLY?  Do you think I'd be standing around here half in the bag in my underwear if I knew your mom was bringing traveling friends with her for the week!!!!!  

Yea, sure you told me. 

The house is a pit, I spilled something rank in the fridge about a month ago...it has congealed in the bottom of the fridge....

Ilin dropped an entire "party pizza" through the racks in the oven, where I decided to leave it and let it "burn off".  

Yea, I really don't think you told me extra people would be staying in the 1970's urine smelling basement.  

 very nice...very effin nice...

Now I must  go BACK to Target to get some matching towels, without hair dye stains and bar soap and you know all that stuff normal house guests expect.

I should have gone to work, it was time and a half and I could have just played dumb.

Laziness...360 days of my life #155

Right now I'm having a beer in place of my breakfast for a multitude of reasons.

1. It's easier than making coffee, and it was right in the garage fridge, staring at me.

2. I worked all night, came home zonked then the Universe only allowed me to sleep for 3 hours. 

 Damn the Universe

3.  It has less calories and carbs then whatever I would cram in my trap for breakfast.

4. It makes the teenagers who live in my basement cringe.

5. It's Friday

6. Bobby's Mom is coming today, and there is still dog pee on the carpet.

360 days of my life #154

summer braids, sundresses and blankets

There is just something about her.  No matter how angry I get, she still just looks like this.

garden is growing

beans, beets and basil...I think I need to tie the beans up, they don't really  want to go up the poles...

Bad, Pole Beans

Oh yea, the start of the bottle edging

Lemon thyme, Lilies, and Shasta Daisies, couple of dead things and some garden junk from Olive

MMMM Toms...they are huge.

I have another Heirloom on the other side , called Mr. Stripey (real name)

But no toms yet on that one

not too shabby

360 days of my life #153

momma and olive, originally uploaded by v8grrl.

Long day, then a beer or 6 as you can tell by how I don't even care if they are taking  y picture at such close range...and man, Olive has a large Cabasa.  We were in Downtown Grand Rapids at some joint called the B.O.B, all I cared was that there was an awesome custom bike show going on, the kids weren't arguing and they had beer with higher alcohol then 3.2%

Righteous and Pious

this is not her 


A friend of mine's kid is having a baby...probably today.  It's exciting, especially for her.  

I gave her a little advice, well from inside my head. 

 "Don't be getting all Pious and Self Righteous all of a sudden". 

 Yeah, in a few hours and possibly through most of the pregnancy, you will, and have, felt enlightened and above many of your friends.  Yea yea, you have had moments of anger and self doubt, usually when you have to throw away your T-back underwear for Big Belly Underwear that won't roll down and fall off under your maternity stretch top jeans, but for the most part...you have probably felt like now you have basically risen above all of your low life life friends and such...(this goes for all people who have had a baby). 

 Let me tell you something...

You have been allowed to join the secret club, but don't be all self righteous to us Mom's, especially your very own mom.  You may think in your head... " I wish she would shut the heck up...it's MY baby."..."I know what to do."  And yes, you will know what to do 90% of the time...ok maybe 47% of the time then the other 33% of the time you will make shit up, but I will righteously tell you, as an older mom,...you are gonna wish, at some point, and it may be in hindsight, that while your mom was quietly nodding her head and agreeing with you, with a smile, that she would, or would have, just told you the easy way, or the right way to do it.  Plain and simple...

Because, you know what Miss High and Mighty? She all ready knows what you have yet to learn.

There may even be a day you are sooooooo fricken tired, you just want to put the baby in the carrier, under the shade of a tree, and run to the nearest hotel and sleep for a week...you will feel angry, mean and pissed...But you won't say anything, or hell, maybe you will, and you will say it all righteously, like, "I DESERVE THIS SLEEP"....and you will be right...but no one will care...except your mom, or the other older mom down the street.  If you are lucky they will quietly hold the baby, smile gently, and not say a word and you will sleep...

When your baby has had Diarrhea for 3 days straight and you are on the way to the Emergency Room for every known test in the book because you know, and Google told you, that your child has a rare disease from the third world county we old Mom's call "Bounce Town", she will quietly and non chalantly say, " Have you checked his gums for new teeth?"  and you will announce, "Duh, MOM....of course I have! Jeesus."  and then secretly peek into his mouth and hang your head in shame as you decide not to go to the ER, because maybe he is feeling better now.  But us old Mom's, we won't really say anything.... We'll just bring over some frozen wash cloths and teethers and smile.

When you scream and holler that 

"OMG!!!! HE CANNOT EAT MASHED UP PEOPLE FOOD YET!!!! HE IS ONLY 4 MONTHS OLD AND MUST STILL EAT PEAS IN A JAR!!!!" 

 We will stop feeding him peanut butter and mashed potatoes....and follow your commands.

Then when you are on your second kid, you will think back and realize your baby survived eating mashed up people food from Gramma or Grampa (or the old lady down the street) and you will tell other first time Mom's, "Oh Please, what do you think they did before jarred food at Target? My Mom used to feed my Carne Asada when I was 5 months old and I'M still alive!"  and you will say it all righteously....and at that point you will have become....just as we have....moms who are just trying to help, because we know, not because we are righteous.

love you,

m

ps: I miss my mom...and I can't tell you what I would do to have her just tell me what to do once in a while...now.

wishing

We were back here today.

Frolicking our beer calories away.

Laughing and smiling and not worrying about a thing.

I need one more get away before this summer ends, just one more...

360 days of my life #152

waterlight, originally uploaded by v8grrl.

A brand new day

a new week a new blog roll.  Switching it up a bit.  Not that anyone pays attention, but sometimes I get bored looking at the the same old stuff.  I've kept my buds that I read often and then Jen, over at  LePetiteMorte, and I, decided to look for a few new blogs to entertain ourselves.

I'll be cruising around looking for some unknowns

runners

the hardest part: putting on shoes and going out the door

the scariest part: having to poop mile 3.5 no potties

the worst part: heat and cold

...and humidity

the best part:  The self accomplishment every time you do it

...and the fact it burns enough calories to have a good microbrew for lunch (if you don't eat any food)

The Smell of Teen Spirit

Today, I took the boys to this strange foreign phenomenon called an "internet cafe".  Sounds interesting right?  Internet/Cafe....can't go too wrong.  Oh how wrong I was.  This place is called CDX2 (or something like that).

Walked in,eyes adjust to the pitch black walls...hmmm, nothing like expected.  I guess in my lil feeble arty mind I thought of, let's see, Paris, France...people sitting around reading Poetry or Lesbian Literature, sipping small cups of Americanos and stepping outside to smoke clove cigarettes.   

bwahahahahaha

HAHAHAHAHAA

Uh yea,NO, not even close brotha...

When I walked in and my eyes finally adjusted to the non lighting and my nose to the smell of teen BO, 
this is what I saw:

not exactly Paris...

The boys started to get excited, they could smell the "teen spirit" coming from down the dark corridor.  The sounds of Pre Pubey cuss words, like "Damn it Dude!" and "Hellsa Yeah" were streaming from a dark area blocked off to normal eyes.

I told Master Nerd at the counter my ears were burning.  He just looked unamused into my eyes and said,

"they are teenagers, what's your log in name?"

no,no, no...not for me.  

The boys stepped up, or more like sprung to attention, actually the most movement I've see all day.

They got all signed in, picked silly boy "gamer names" and for a mere 12$, 3 full hours of teen ecstasy was purchased. 

We then walked around the corner to get them set up with their "internet gaming device"....

(and to make sure the weird( over the age of 50) gamer dudes weren't sitting too close to my (young virgin) gaming dudes.

Here's basically what the room looked like, except with flat screen TV's:

AND with more zits and pop cans.

The boys settled in, logged in, and just so that they remembered what an awesome mom I am I announced to all the Nerds, 

"Well, I just CAN'T imagine why there aren't any chicks here, I mean, If I was a teen age girl, man...this would be an ideal hang out...I mean, really, look at all the eligible, zit faced,over achievers wasting a perfect summer day inside sitting side by side, shooting people..."

I remember when I was young the boys had an old mattress out in the field/woods where they would enjoy the summer air and read their porno stash and dream about getting laid.

Not now, times have obviously changed.

needless to say, My boys had a blast. I think I even heard a Thank You when they got back into the van.

we miss it all ready

the kidds, originally uploaded by v8grrl.

Laundry in the washer, grocery shopping done, today it is going to be 100 degrees here in Colorado.  We aren't at the River anymore.  I think I will spend the first part of the morning looking for a vacation house, on a river or lake or something.

The kids don't ever really realize how cool certain things are, especially with video games around and stuff.

I wonder if they thought the River was as awesome as I did.

We took pictures of us Tubing down the Muskegon River with an underwater camera.  Can't wait to get those developed.

all together ...NOW

Let me just tell you a little story....   

It was a beautiful early Friday morning of vacation.  The teens were still sleeping, so i got the hubs and the wee one up and said, "let's get outta here and check out the Fulton Street Farmer's Market....It's only about 20 minutes away, or so."

I loaded Olive, the hubs, and the 2 dogs into the van and off we sped.  The air was crisp and clean, the heat had not arrived yet , and it was just plain purdy.

We got the market and saw the signs that said NO DOGS ALLOWED.  So we parked in the shade, I told the dogs we can go to a dog park in a bit, then strolled through the beautiful bounty of every type of veggie imaginable: blueberries galore, raspberries, and crafts.  There is nothing like a northern moist town to teach you about veggies and produce. 

When we were all done we hopped into the car and went one block over to the  

Hillcrest Dogpark

The dogs ran and played as we talked to a few of the humans.  We made small talk...talked about Colorado, how we were visiting and staying in Cascade.  What a great time.

They talked to our dogs we talked to theirs.

Time to go.  BYE!!!!   Nice meeting you guys...have a great day!!!  etc etc...

We load into the car, take a deep relaxing breath, everyone happy and satisfied and drive all the way back to cascade (20 minutes or so).

The ride was quiet and just plain nice.

We arrive home, and I open the doors,

"Bobby, is Sheeba in there?  Olive...where is Sheeba, is she in there?"   NO, Mamma she's not in here...Eddie is.

"Sheeeeeba!!!!"

(this dog is usually right under foot)

Bobby looked at me...I at him..."Holy Shit!!!We left her at the Dog Park!!!!"

We jumped back in the car and did the fasted drive the 45 mile an hour traffic would allow.  Halfway there I started Blubbering, "My mom is flipping in her grave right now, knowing I left her lil chihuahua at the dog park!"  I look down at the middle console and see her collar sitting there.  "She doesn't even have her collar ON!!!"

OMG, it took us about 25 minutes to get back, which put the entire escapade at about 45 minutes with a small dog running free in a strange neighborhood.  

We rounded into the park area and I start screaming for her.  There, in the middle of the dog park, are the two people who were not together, a man and a woman, holding Sheeba, waving and smiling.  

"We figured you would be back."

I leapt from the car and contemplating tongue kissing both of them then remembered Michigan is a very conservative state so I opted for full body hug.  The man said," I had to chase her into that neighborhood...she was following the car, you guys didn't hear those kids yelling at you?"

obviously not...although Bobby did comment on why was that guy pointing at us and he really looked like a pirate.  Well, now we know, he was pointing because there was a 4 pound dog chasing after us.

We are all back together, just like that Momma Possum up there....from now on I will promise to double check and head count.

And yes, I know, at least it wasn't one of the kids.

relaxing, finally

ilin lake michigan, originally uploaded by v8grrl.

Lake Michigan...Hagar Park, we could bring the dogs. What a nice relaxing day. South Haven was pretty, but we relaxed here, got sunburned here...we liked here.

michigan: land of lakes, humidity and

apparently strep throat.

Murphy's Law:  perfectly healthy kid will only get deathly ill when you are going on vacation.

360 days #133

360 days of my life, originally uploaded by v8grrl.

I had to go and figure out approximately WHAT day I should be on.

about 133.

I took a series of these, thought at some point I would have them enlarged and hung in the living room, or my bright orange dining room.

For Small Town Mutha

My blogger friend over at Small Town Mutha just posted a post about car needs and wants.  If she gets that Sunshine Family Van...we could be bestest buds

I, too wanted a car...

About 15 years ago I bought a car from my neighbor's brother.

A 1967 VW beetle. 

it looked like this, but rustier. She was 500$ that I didn't have and came with 0 seats and a beehive, oh yeah! and a horn which randomly went off.  She was crap, but she was mine.

I sat in the back yard tinkering.
 I had no money, I got the hippie VW book...

and did my best, which was not good enough.  I got her to run...but she was really really crap.

Then I met Bobby.  "Fix it or dump it", he said.

He called a friend who said he would make it work.  

(that friend now states he will never work on VW's again...but he was oh so proud when done)

I bought a newer engine $1200, I bought seats: $400,

batteries, fuses Oh MY...

I ended up with this...my baby.

My one cool thing that is mine.

She leaks oil like a sieve, there is NOTHING automatic, and she is straight from Germany.

Shell pink (thanks to Bobby's great knowledge of 1950's cool guitar colors), and cream.

and she has a nice Ass to boot.

VW love...1967

ps I have a motorcycle in the garage too...

soon, soon

The small list.

Sometimes the days are sooooo long, and the nights - even longer.  I came home this morning to a quiet house.  Bobby and Olive all ready gone, Ilin asleep with computer on his bed, and dog pee on the floor.  Its a beautiful thing.  I peeked in Olive's room to notice she didn't make it though the night without a pull-up just as the dog did not make it through the morning with the dog door closed.  It's like the Yin/Yang of my life.   Exhaustion, but no break.

I was looking at my friend, Jen's list of things she wants to accomplish...some rigamaroll about 101 things in 1000 days...

I started my list this morning.

1. throw out all period panties...period. (these should not exist)

2. cut my hair into a short hair cut (even if I have a big nose and stick straight hair and am sure I will look like a scary person)

3. Learn Spanish ( so I can speak to the people I take care of and not resort to bad restaurant Spanish...or at least to travel and get something besides a Corona)

4. Learn how to fall in love again.  (with anything, so I can prove to myself I'm not as cynical as I know I am)

5. Go get my "lack of eyebrows" waxed ( tighten that shit up)

6.  Teach Olive to pee in the potty at night, not in her bed, "even though she is sooooooo tired"
7.  clean the house from top to bottom without falling on the floor in tears.


***are 7 things enough?***

its good enough to start....
 gotta go steam clean.
and throw away period panties.
have a good day

Bad Mom, then I recovered

oops, at least she can't see it...

so we decided to cook out, and the grill ran out of propane, so we pulled out the standby.

talk about ghetto...

But I made up for it with Homemade Oatmeal Raisin Cookies from "Smitten Kitchen" blog.

yummy (although I felt they could have used chocolate chips)

And because OUR fireworks were basically rained out, Bobby purchased $14.99 of fun in a box, state approved, so somewhat boring, but when you are performing for a 6 year old, they haven't a clue

Boom chuckalucka!!!

Friday we leave for Michigan with 3 kids, 2 dogs and an 18 hour drive. woop wooop

July 2nd

first of all

Happy Birthday Liz!!!

ok...

I got up and did my run. walked part but still went. My knee is so screwed that running has become more stressful than healthy. I still feel the need to burn the calories, so I still try to go, plus anyone who works out regularly knows that when you miss a few days you feel mentally crappy.

This post is going to jump around a bit, but I'm sure you are used to that with me.

I'm amazed that it is all ready July. I feel like I haven't really done much. I mean this weekend is the 4th, I got conned into working, so I won't even get to enjoy the one Summer Holiday that I love. I guess I'll buy a watermelon for work.

I figured out the border for the garden...beer bottles. I love the idea of reusing and recycling so when I saw the beer/wine bottle border I said "I'm doing it!"

I'll be using clear beer bottles and the few that I got in the ground catch the light beautifully. it's pretty neat. Ilin said we should put things inside some of them. Hmmm good idea. The whimsical garden is coming along,slowly but surely. I'm guessing by 2020 it should be done.

Next week we are driving to Grand Rapids, Mi.

Anyone have any suggestions for stops along the way. Good farmer's markets or festivals. I'll be awaiting your emails.

I'm trying to finish a shrug I started for Olive last year...my goal is to get that done before I leave so that I can start something else. :)

I have to go do some housework and then nap for the nightshift.

write ya later

Olive dressy twirls

Here's the twirly dress on.

not perfect, but good enough. if I make another I will use lighter material so it flows a bit. She likes it, thats all that matters

dresstwirl, originally uploaded by v8grrl.

Mom and Ilin day.....

I had my goals set for yesterday. I did complete them all including going to Denver for the Westword Music Showcase Awards (Bobby's band did not win, but it was great fun, free food and drinks...like the mini Grammy's)

Yesterday as I worked on Olive's dress Ilin found a flower project. Sewing little flowers. He has decided he is going to start an Etsy site to sell his little crafts. The kid is crafty, he likes to use his hands, so why not?

I told him all the chicks at school will love them.

Ilin's sewing

the first little flower.

He has a little piece of felt on the back in the shape of a heart. You can slip the flower onto a pin, headband, or barrette...cool. I'm buying one.

My thrown together little dress with the top made of eyelet. The straps are buttoned on and then tie around the neck.

I did want to show everyone this awesome gather technique I picked up. Maybe I saw it on Angry chicken many moons ago, or some other blog, but it is soooo much easier than the baste, pull, inevitably break a thread gather.

You pull a piece of heavy thread as long or not longer than the piece you want to gather. Lay in on the fabric, i wrap mine around a pin then hold it gently as I zigzag a wide zigzag over the thread. When you are done....just pull the under thread until gathered as you like. Never a broken thread again!

ok, so I know it doesn't look like much, but lets see when she gets home.

The thing about sewing for little girls is they don'e give a rat's ass. They LOOOVE anything.

done for now, just have to sew a quick hem in there and give it a try. I think Ilin made a little flower headband for her.