Mommy is Missing...

True story:

After a recent visit from family, we are in recovery mode. Not that my house was perfectly organized to begin with, but I have worked hard to reach some semblance of order in our son's room. Books on these shelves, musical toys in this bin, trains in that basket, cars over here...

We had a blast, with our family...the cousins don't get to see each other often enough and as they've gotten a little older, the disputes over "that's mine, this is yours," have been fewer and farther in between. This trip was fantastic...the kids had a great time and played together, beautifully. But mess, madness & melee come with the territory. Where there are children, there is clutter and things are likely to get misplaced.

So this week, during the baby's morning nap time, I've tried to make it a point to have some "intentional play time" with our son...both to spend some quality time and to put things back where I had originally placed them.

As a special treat, we pulled out the whole basket of Playmobil toys...vehicles and dinosaurs and a family on vacation. I confess, I'm a little obsessive about this stuff. There are soooo many TEENY-TINY pieces that come with each set, so I've organized each one in a Ziploc bag, in hopes that pieces are less likely to be lost. Motor home with itsy bitsy cups & flatware & pots & pans, and a family with two children, Dad and Mom...

Make that two children and a single Dad.

Mom is MISSING.

I'm not in a panic. Not really. I can go to the store & pick up another random set with some other woman who can "step in"...an understudy, if you will. My son has a far better time playing with the Dad & son, anyway. But it bothers me that he is not at all upset about the Mom's absence. I'm the one who's a little rattled. Silly, I know. But...

The Mom is gone. Did no one else notice when, as all of the other family members and their bicycles and accoutrement were loaded safely into the Ziploc bag, their mother was nowhere to be found? I mean, we picked up all of the rakes & shovels & even the miniature hats that go on top of the firefighters' heads. We have accounted for the steak that goes with the dinosaur and the hunter's binoculars. But no one bothered to say, "hey, where is Mom?" The Mom got left behind. Somewhere in The Land of Lost Toys is that Mom and I am feeling a little bit obsessed about finding her.

Sigh.

I say all of this with a chuckle. No therapy is needed. I simply have been watching "Toy Story" too frequently, with our son. One quick trip to the local supplier of all things Playmobil and the situation will be rectified. Kind of.

But this whole thing has really made me think...

Is Mom really so easily replaced?

I think not.

...

Epilogue:

Mom has been found! She was hiding in the trunk of a red Volkswagen, wearing a t-shirt that says, "Beach." Perhaps Mom just needed a vacation...

I feel ya', Sister.

Babies & Baseboards

Recently, a fellow "mom" said something to me that really kind of knocked the breath out of me. I shouldn't be so sensitive, I know, but in the daily struggle of motherhood, a bit of presumptive judgement from a "sister" in this sorority can really make one question her own capability and proficiency.

I'm just sayin'...I'm my worst critic. I really don't need anyone else to make me feel a little less than perfect, when I look at my cluttered countertops or when I must deal with a sassing son. I'm really pretty good at being hard on me. And I'm working on that. I'm working hard...

But in the past month and a half, my husband has been out of town nearly as much as he has been in town. I knew when I married him, 10 years ago, this would likely be the case and I'm equal to the task. However, these days we have quite a diverse bunch in this house and no family within 600 miles...and this can make even the most sane of women feel a bit desperate, when all she really wants is 5 minutes in the bathroom, without interruption.

So, these days, I'm afraid my aspirations of "Better Homes & Gardens" must be satisfied with "clean enough" and fresh produce from our local grocer. Seriously. My house is a bit of a disaster. Not filthy, but certainly more cluttered than I would like and my master bathroom is always the final frontier of my own housekeeping routine.

Truth? I wish I could get to a point where I'm OK with only having the laundry completely "done" (& put away) for 10 minutes, OR one bathroom clean, OR the vacuuming completed, OR a magazine cover-worthy kitchen. The days of my "Saturday Sweep" with the whole house getting cleaned in one day are long gone. At least for now. And I miss those marathon cleaning days. Because, at the end, after 8 or 9 hours of scrubbing & folding & vacuuming & organizing, I had a "new house" of which anyone could be proud. Sigh.

But hey, my kids are happy, well-fed and know Mama loves them. Anyone who judges me for the current condition of my house can just jump right off my "friend list" and into a lake.

I have no shame about putting my children above housekeeping...and I am blessed to have a husband who not only "gets" that, but encourages me in that endeavor. (AND he's not afraid to pick up the vacuum or a dish rag, himself, God bless him.) Evan & I have talked about this a lot, lately...about the fact that I struggle with guilt over the condition of our house, even though I "don't work." (HA! )

It is what it is, for now. It won't be this way, forever. It's not negligence...rather, it is a conscious decision to spend the hours that I have to exercise, prepare good food for my children and to spend quality time with them, while I have them here, with me. Slowly...ever soooo slowly, I am changing my focus.

Before my feet have hit the floor in the morning, for the past couple of weeks, I have prayed for grace. Grace to focus on the needs of my children & not my own need to achieve someone else's definition of domestic perfection. It is a conscious, daily surrender.

Do I park Landry in front of the computer & Eliza in her chair, with Cheerios occasionally, so I can clean up the kitchen or get a shower or clean a bathroom?

Yes.

Am I worried about others thinking I am less of a capable, intelligent, juggler, because my blinds haven't been dusted in 3 weeks or I have pug hair on my kitchen rug or I still have papers from last weeks MOPS meeting on my bedroom floor?

Not so much.

Girls, please be kind to one another. None of us knows what trenches the others are trudging through...or the wounds they have sustained, as a result. We need to throw down a lifeline of encouragement, not toss in a grenade. And sometimes we need to jump into the trenches & just be there with someone who can't see through the haze of tantrums & diapers & babies & baseboards.

Heck, if you can get it all done AND have happy, well-adjusted kids who are secure in their parents' love for them, more power to you. In fact, please send me a message & let me know how you do it. Seriously. I am teaching my children to "pitch in" & help, as they are able. But right now, I'm still figuring out how to juggle a teen who is now driving independently, a 4 year-old who has a bigger imagination than I do, a 10 month-old who wants desperately to walk & climb & explore, 2 pugs, a business that is run primarily out of our home and a husband who travels more than we all would like.

In the blink of an eye, my husband & I will be staring an empty nest in the face & none of our children will care if the baseboards were clean on May 15, 2010.

So, on this rainy Saturday, I'm choosing my babies over the baseboards.

And in the spirit of transparency & brutal honesty, I am posting pictures. Yep. Here it is: Reality. These are for you, Noelle & Camille & all of my other girlfriends whose homes are just a little less than "perfect." No judgement, people. No judgement.

You will notice the greenery in the upper right corner...I actually took this one, back in February. This is a "winter garland" that I put up in late October and then embellish for Christmas. I always take it down in February.

The broiler pan? From dinner, the night before. And yes, that is a mop...evidence that I did mop the kitchen floor. I just hadn't taken it out to the garage, yet. The brown bag is full of recycling. "Doing my part" does cause clutter.

And speaking of clutter...MAIL DRIVES ME CRAZY.

This...

This is just a couple of loads of laundry which landed on the counter of the hall bathroom (in which the "laundry closet" is located). I hate matching socks. (which is why you see the pile of teeny tiny ones, on top of the pantry) You will note some of it is folded, but much of it is not. Sigh. I am in a perpetual state of laundry...

This is the dining room table. We actually do eat at this table...but on this particular day, it is holding a monitor that died, my grocery bags, a puzzle which is missing a piece and baskets of toys which could serve as a choking hazard for my baby. But hey, the fruit bowl is empty, which means we ate the fruit!

My house doesn't always look like this. And even if it does, you can rest assured it is not out of laziness. This Mom works full-time to see smiles on these faces...smiles that come from making blanket tents in the living room and having laundry basket races, around the kitchen island.

They are growing up soooo fast...

The baseboards can wait.

Kreativ Blogger Award Winners!!!

Honored we are. Our friend over at http://www.nottinggrace.blogspot.com/ awarded us with a Kreativ Blogger Award. Thank you Jenny. We're honored. This makes blogging even more enjoyable. We hope that we can bring a smile, laugh or recipe to your everyday. Thank you again!



Pass it on. As an award winner it is your duty to pass the award on to seven other bloggers that you enjoy and think are creative. Here are our picks.



1. The Party Dress (http://www.partydress.net/) GREAT website for all little extras that make life special. Party, dress, decor ... everything.

2.Room Remix ( http://www.roomremixblog.blogspot.com/ ) This is a great website that allows you to not only peek at what everyone is doing in decor but gives you permission to mix it up and have fun with your decorating. We love this blog.

3. Kara's Party Ideas (http://www.karaspartyideas.blogspot.com/ ) We appreciate a well thought out party and this website shows you all about them. They are so talented.

4. Kevin and Amanda (www.kevinandamanda.com/recipes ) Yummy. My family has been very glad I have found this site. Thanks for the great yummy goods!

5. Domestically Speaking (http://www.domestically-speaking.com/ ) Creativity oozes out of this blog. Love so many things posted on here.

6. Polka dota and pirates (www.polkadots-pirates.blogspot.com) LOVE all the creativity that this site oozes! Great site for ideas!

7. The Purple Pug (www.thepurplepug.blogspot.com) This is not only a great website to get ideas but you can purchase them too. The owner is a wonderfully sweet person and will help with anything! We are glad to have found the PURPLE PUG!

These are a few of our favorite blogs. Please check them out. Great ideas, fun to look through and so much creativity. I hope our favorties become yours too!

Chocolate bath ...

This morning I had to warm my daughters Mother's Day Out teachers that she may smell/taste like chocolate ice cream. During her bath this morning she dumped out her ice cream and VIOLA .... Chocolate Annabelle! I don't know which is worse, that I had to warn her teachers not to taste her or that I gave her chocolate ice cream for breakfast ... and during her bath.

And by the way, Chocolate ice cream is still a breakfast. No is wasn't organic, no vegetable involved and we weren't all sitting at the breakfast table talking about what our day would hold for us. Hey, we're still a family though and we just do out family meals a tad bit different.

Enjoy your day!

A very Happy Birthday!

It was my son's 1st Birthday last week (sniffle sniffle sniffle). They are always so hard but I do enjoy throwing a good party. I wanted to share with you a few of the cute things I did for the party. I decided to go with an all BLUE theme and really baby boy it up. I had little sippy cups for the "Kiddie Cocktails", "Johnny's Jams" - a take home CD of his favorite music (paid for appropriately and legally). Everyone took home a cupcake too "A little treaty, from our sweetie". And what's a party without the Martha Stewart pom poms? It was so much fun!Blue was such a fun these to go with. I found way too many fun things to incorporate. The banner and pinwheel hats were my favorite. Add a little extra to the party always makes it memorable. We had "Naughty Nillas", "Johnny Juice" "Party Puffs" (see previous blog for recipe) and lots of cute decor. We took the theme from the three fold birthday announcement/invitation. With both of my children I felt like the first year was not only a celebration for them but an accomplishment for our family. WE DID IT (see adult beverages!)

Parties don't have to be stressful to throw mix a little creativity along with fun and you can enjoy yourself. When you enjoy yourself and your party everyone else does too!

Happy parties all!

Feeling like a celebrity

I'm feeling a bit like a celebrity these days. Crystal Gayle; I need my haircut and Brooke Sheilds; my eye brows are out of control. I never imagined how low maintance I would become after having children. Good trade though!

And on the eighth day he made cream cheese ... and it was good!

The world would come to an abrupt stop for me if there were no more cream cheese. When people see me buy it at the grocery I'm fairly certain they think I'm crazy because of the amount I buy. It's SO good and you can do so many things with it. Cook, clean, facial, lube job for the car ... OK, just kidding about the last ones but there really are 100s of recipes (sweet and savory) using cream cheese. Here are just a few!

Creamy Beef Stroganoff.

Quick, easy and oh so good. Try it and it will be part of your new favorites.

http://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/creamy-philly-beef-stroganoff/detail.aspxpxpx

Chicken Enchilada.

This recipe really was heaven sent. I'm not kidding. I'm pretty sure when Jesus was born God also sent this recipe down from Heaven as well.
http://www.kevinandamanda.com/recipes/dinner/creamy-chicken-enchiladas.htmlner/creamy-chicken-enchiladas.html

20 Minute Skillet Salmon

What a great light meal for Summer. With some fresh vegetables and a glass of wine, what could be better? (Unless you add a bad of peanut butter M&Ms)
www.allrecipes.com/recipe/light-philly-20-minute-skillet-salmon/detail.aspx

Bell Ringer Salsa Cheesecake

You really have to try it to believe how good this on is. You will find reasons to make it. It's that good.

http://www.midwestliving.com/recipe/appitizers-snacks/bell-ringer-salsa-cheesecake/ing.com/recipe/appitizers-snacks/bell-ringer-salsa-cheesecake/

Sausage Cream Cheese Puffs
I mean really. What is better than sausage and cream cheese. Come on now! For a little spice I like to add some chopped jalapenos. YUMMY! If I go anywhere that requires an appetizer this is what I bring. Everyone's favorite!
www.ehow.com/how_4687352_sausage-cream-cheese-puffs-party.html

Spicy Olive Dip

I will take credit for this one. Created this one in my own little kitchen and it's AMAZING if I do say so myself.

Start with two 8oz packages of softened cream cheese. Take 12 green olives, 12 black olives and jalapenos (about 6 slices) to taste. You will need two green onions, dash of salt and fresh ground pepper. For consistency put a splash of olive juice from each of the green and black olives. Mix everything together in a food processor and Viola! Oh so good and a favorite for many. We like to spread it on begal bites, crackers or it's even good on a dirty sock. It's that good.

Inexpensive, oh so yummy and unlimited possibilities. Stock up today with cream cheese and get cooking!

May your days be merry and full of cream cheese!

Energy drinks ....

A box came in the mail the other day. It was for my husband. Taking it upon myself to make sure there were no bombs in this box I opened it. No bombs, just energy drinks. Energy drinks? As my well rested husband opened the box of "energy drinks" and mixed one up, I myself in my frazzled frumpy sleep deprived state watched in question. Who's this drink for? "Don't you find it ironic that YOU are the one drinking the energy drink? I asked with one eye open because I didn't have the energy to open the other. Two teething babies + one attending mother through out the night = sleep deprivation at it's finest. It's not pretty. We both laughed as he drank his drink. I was laughing because I was delirious, he was laughing because he really found it funny.

Raise your energy drinks! Cheers!

Junk in my trunk? Try, my airbags have deployed and are not going back to original form

Too much "Junk in my trunk?" How about my airbags have deployed and are not going back to their original form. WOW! I've always heard how your body changes after childbirth but I had no idea. So if it looks good on Kim Kardashien how come I can't pull it off?

I keep asking my husband if Santa brings breast lifts to good Mommies. Can we just be Frank for a second? If your husband's personal parts were sagging or not in original form they would do whatever it takes to "rejuvenate" them. Right?
You hear all these mothers say they really are in touch with their bodies after childbirth and there's a new sense of being a woman with these changes. Well let me be the one to tell you they are on illegal street drugs. Don't let them fool you. My sister calls it being a science project. I myself just feel like a circus act at time. "Watch what I can do with this!"

I look at the women I know who have had children before me. The ones that show up in the carpool line with full hair and make up. I'm just jealous they have brushed teeth let alone makeup. What planet are they from? Why didn't they tell me what really was going to happen? I can say there are no regrets with the trade I made for my thin thighs and tight buns. These children are amazing.

Just a note of encouragment for those out there. If you're a mother that is perpetually wearing her "workout outfit with ball cap" to look like she's going to the gym but you're really just going to WalMart, you're not alone. One day we'll get it back. One day we won't be crawling on the floors with our little ones and having some sort of mystery something on our shirt and claim it's just yogurt. I know I will secretly miss this craziness though. Going to crazy thing together will make you closer. Think how close I will be to my children who are just now 2 and turning 1 next week.

Those days that you feel like a story on TLC, well ladies you're not alone. One thing is for sure I can work on down sizing the junk in my trunk but I'm pretty sure the airbags being deployed it will take expertise of a mechanic. I'm just thankful I don't live in South Beach and have to grocery shop in my bikini.

... you get the office and I get the laundry room?

So my husband is the financially responsible one between us. He does all the bills, investing, retirement, etc. I on the other hand see cute shoes and consider them part of my financial portfolio; my "investments". All of this said he is the keeper of our desk/office area. Every once and a while I will tip toe into that space with magazines, paper work (of no importance) and an occasional craft that lingers on and on and on.

He announced not too long ago that he needed the office space to be used just for his bill paying and paper work. He needed a clear organized space to keep things running smoothly and orderly. It is decided. Office = Daddy. I asked him "so what space do I get all to myself?" With the smirk on his face and without hesitation he replied "The laundry room and kitchen". Yes friends, this is not a typo. My husband declared his unselfishness by offering up my own spot in the house - the laundry room and kitchen. What a kind and loving husband to do so.

Needless to say I'm going to have a wetbar, tv and lounge chair put in the laundry room. Happy Laundry everyone!

My first grey hair...

So...it's no secret. I'm 36. I got the greatest birthday gift, last year: our daughter, Eliza B. The night before she was born, I told Evan (at 10pm), "ya know that shower you were talking about taking? I think now would be a good time. We are going to the hospital, tonight." We arrived at the hospital at 11pm and it was 3 1/2 hours from "Huh...could it be? to...TA-DA!" Yup, no time for so much as a Tylenol. So I would consider myself a pretty strong, confident woman. I actually am kinda proud of my stretch marks...they are a sign of how my body grew, to accommodate these two fabulous, amazing little people. My body has changed a bit, after two pregnancies and 36 years on this earth. I'm OK with that. I have a good eye cream for the particularly rough mornings.

However...I have not yet come to terms with the idea of grey hair. I have not, up to this point discovered any on my head. That is, until I looked in the mirror, the other morning.

I was doing the usual whisker check of the chin & therefore getting an extreme close-up in the mirror when, much to my chagrin, I saw it: my first grey hair. There it was...peeking out of my left nostril.

A Father's Wisdom

So, there are things that our parents say that we sometimes just do a mental head smack and then please them by doing as they say/ask. As a young girl, I vividly remember my father specifically telling me "Megan, eat your vegetables...it will grow hair on your chest, just like me...ha ha ha" and so I did. Well, now I find myself telling my poor daughter the same thing...funny I swore I wouldn't do that. Recently I was at work and had to take a restroom break. As I stood washing my hands I did a quick glance in the mirror...hair, check...lip gloss, check...clothing covering my body to hide my gut, check...HOLD ON, theres a stray hair that's fallen on my chest, we'll just brush it off and go back to work. Funny, it's not brushing off...so I carefully take my fingernails and try to remove the hair and much to my horror find that IT'S ATTACHED!!! I guess it's payback for all those mental head smacks. As for me and my daughter...our diet now consists of Doritos and Pizza Rolls.

Fashion Sense

My son recently decided he had definite ideas about what he wanted to wear. One morning, only a month after Eliza was born, Landry insisted on wearing his dinosaur pajama pants with the top from another pj set, that said, "My Dad Rocks."

Suddenly, I had a decision to make: do I allow him to express his personality and simply wear what he wants to wear, or do I force my own will and put him in something more "appropriate?" I had several errands to run, that day...Nordstrom's, Target and the Plaza. For those of you not familiar with Kansas City, the Plaaaaahhza is a somewhat exclusive shopping area, just south of downtown. It is home to the original Hall's Department Store (established by the Hall Family, of Hallmark fame), Burberry, St. John...and several other more "humble" stores for "real" people like me. Long story short, I usually "dress" to go to the plaza. It's not the sort of place where I typically wear my "uniform" of yoga pants & a t-shirt.

So, after a little thought, I decided I would much rather have a son who feels free to be confident in his own skin (and his mismatched pajamas), rather than a conformist who finds his security in looks and a label. Off to the Plaaaaahhza we went, proud to advertise how "My Dad Rocks", clad in dinosaur pajamas.

Rock on, Landry Boy. I couldn't be more proud of you. Love, Mom

Convenience Store

A week after the birth of our son, I told my husband, "I am a convenience store."

"A convenience store?"

"Yes, I have gas and milk and I'm open 24/7."

Spa dates to play dates

The day before I gave birth to Annabelle (our first born) I went for my usual manicure and pedicure. After proclaiming my love to the 5'' tall Oriental man that could have massaged my feet and hands until death do us part, I realized I hated the polish color he used. I vividly remember sweat beading up on my forehead as I thought about what awful things the labor and delivery nurses would think of my nail color. What trash they would think I was and not give me good treatment becuase of the retched color on my nails.
Well needless to say the nurses were amazing and that was the last mani/pedi I had for a LONG time. The closest thing I've had to a manicure is my nails stained orange from my son's babyfood carrots. Our lives change so quickly as we go through different stages. Please let me illustrate my point. My current lunch dates consist of an indoor playground and many many antibacterial wipes. My dinner dates are full of break downs and diaper changes. These are the days of my life.
The little things we don't think about and how it changes as the seasons of our lives change. You may be doing the weekly mani/pedi or just be happy to have the luxury of brushed teath. Either way be thankful for where you are and relish in the moment. I myself may be more like fermenting in the moment but whatever suits you. "This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it".
Enjoy your dates wheather it be a hot date, a play date or spa date. Happy dates all!

Reaching for reasons to shop; Haiti

If you're anyone besides my husband (which I love you dearly) you're looking for that "shopping rush" we all know and love. Don't lie to yourself, you know you have a few items safely hidden in your trunk or closet still with the tags on. The ones you say "Oh, I've had this for forever". Well I'm talking to you. Here is your chance to SHOP FOR A CAUSE! Below you will find a few vendors who have joined in the efforts to help Haiti and it's victims. If you need anymore excuses to shop please let me know. I've got plenty and by the way, your husband already knows it's new. Stop trying to pull one over on him.


The great brand of "Baby Legs" (http://www.babylegs.com/m/) is helping with the tragedy in Haiti. Right now Baby Legs is donating 100% of their sales from their O'Rose Designs to Haiti relief efforts.
Wow. Everyone wins!
You can help Haiti and your little one can look great helping too! Check them out http://www.babylegs.com/

Another great way to help Haiti victims is through your video game addition. I see you in the waiting rooms playing those games on your phone. Now you can purchase more games and it will benefit someone in need. PopCap will donate proceeds to help Haiti victims. By purchasing your computer games through www.popcap.com/promos/haiti/ you too can help. I know I'm not the only who can't stop playing "Bejeweld" so shop around and find your new addiction.

On Saturday 100% of all proceeds will go to "Partners in Health" in efforts to aid Haiti. So all you game heads can now play and help as well. Play for a cause!

One last way to shop for a cause is by purchasing a "Save Haiti" t shirt. There are many different styles, lots of colors and great graphics. There's something for everyone and who can't use another tshirt to run around in. The proceeds from the sale of this shirt will go to the RED CROSS to help with the relief efforts in Haiti.
www.zazzle.com/save_haiti_green_proceeds_go_to_red_cross_shirt.

We all can help in different ways. This is just a fun way to make a difference. If I know you and I think I do, you're going to shop. Why not shop for a cause? It's a great excuse for next time he asks "is that new".

Happy shopping!

The NON-Dairy Godmother

So, I am the Non-Dairy Godmother of The Smith Girls. Yes, I am a mother (2 step-daughters & 1 of my own) however, I have a somewhat different perspective than my sisters.

Since my daughter was 8 weeks old, I have worked full-time. Currently I work as an RN/Manager of a LARGE OB/GYN office, and I think I've seen/heard just about everything! Most recently I laughed when I thought maybe one of my sisters was calling, but this lady chose to go unidentified...she preceded to tell me she's on Birth Control (type unknown) and that she has taken 3 home pregnancy tests...ALL POSITIVE results. She asked, with a shaking voice, "that isn't possible...IS IT?". When I gave her the dreaded news "Yes it is possible" I could just picture her sinking down on the couch as one of my sisters did the day she realized she was pregnant (yet again, and sooner than anticipated for her 2nd child). She then continued to have a mini-mental breakdown with me over the telephone about how she already has 2 very young children, and this isn't possible, and what is she going to do, and what should she do because surely these 3 tests couldn't be right. Ladies...I'm here to tell you...It's possible! I've even had a young girl present to the office with an Ultrasound that confirmed the presence of a fetal heartbeat that still denied that she had sex...EVER! I can't say that I've met Mary (Jesus's Mom), but in my field I think I've come close on a day or 2 to a few "miracles".

FYI...(and this is my Professional piece of information) there's no absolute 100% safe Birth Control Method other than the one we all chose to observe for a while after the birth of our children...ABSTINANCE! Too bad our husbands don't understand how much that scares the poop out of us!

Bobby deeds a dap.

Let me first start by saying, I have a fantastic husband. He is truly my partner, my "other half" and my teammate. However, Evan must travel occasionally, to nurture business relationships & to direct/produce events for the company that we own. So, when I found myself sick this fall, and my husband had to travel 8 out of our daughter's first 12 weeks, I was miserable, to put it mildly. OK, I was desperate...for sleep, for help, for chocolate...

I couldn't shake the Nyquil-esque symptoms (coughing, sneezing, aching, stuffy head) AND I still had to care for everyone. Sigh.

Out of a sense of desperation, exhaustion & the sheer need to laugh at my own situation, I posted my Facebook status: Bobby deeds a dap.

SUPER BOWL SATURDAY!

We're quickly approaching Super Bowl Sunday. The only thing I can really tell you about Super Bowl Saturday (Kidding - Sunday) is that there is football, face paint and it last entirely too long for my liking. Yes, it's full of football and testosterone and grunting but it doesn't have to be just that. Make it an event. The men in your lives (the straight ones) will never admit it but really do appreciate a good party. Yes, even if the TV is on and there is non-high-fashion denim and sweatshirts there it can still be a good party. Take this weekend all you "not so much of a football fans" and make it something you can enjoy too! Get creative. Go to your local hardware/garden store and stock up on some AstroTurf for table decor. Don't just do the football shaped cheese ball really go all out. There are great invitations to be found on the Internet. Use some creativity girls an take back the day.

Oh you ask what we will be doing. Well Jayna has a tradition of going snow skiing each year during this weekend at Steamboat Springs CO. I myself have a tradition of always being pregnant and or breastfeeding. Not pregnant but will be breastfeeding so the cheese ball is as wild as I will be getting. That just means more time to think up more great party ideas!

Bring out your creativity in your food and decor. Ditch the old chips and dip and do it with style. You guest will appreciate it and even if they consume a tad bit too much beer to care, you will go to bed knowing you threw one heck of a SuperBowl Party.

Super Bowl Sunday doesn't have to be all about football anymore. Make it an event we all can enjoy! Now how to dress up a cag and make it look nice? I'll have to get back to you on that one. Enjoy the game!



See http://www.thepartydress.net/ for other great Super Bowl Party ideas and http://www.tinyprints.com/ for great invitations.