Twicker Tweet

"Twicker tweet, mell my feet, gimme sometin good to eat."

We had fun twicker tweeting tonight. We began the night, with the rest of the population, at the local shopping plaza. A new photography store took photos for free too. Of course the kids sat perfectly for them. Thank goodness the picture was free, 'cause I would have had to buy it. It was THAT cute! After getting candy from real estate companies, tax services, and restaurants, I thought I'd hit the gym at the shopping center to see if they were giving away candy. Nope. I wonder why?! It isn't that candy is unhealthy. I'd think they would give it all away and hope for more memberships of fattie moms (like me) and dads within 7 days.

After the shopping plaza, we headed to the many many many houses to get candy. It began to rain, then stopped, then picked up again. We were getting pretty darn wet, the kids candy pumpkins were heavy, and frankly I was tired of twicker tweeting, so we headed home. Daddy was baking cookies when we got home and cooking dinner, so we had a yummy treat.

Frank is going back to Monsterland tonight. Juliana is very upset that she will not see him until next October 1. Kevin could care less. Bye bye Frank!

Happy Halloween everyone!

End of October

The end of October has been a blast this year. We've gone to a few Halloween parties, a school field trip yesterday, celebrating birthdays, and soooo much more. Here are some pictures from the last week or so.

October 30

Having issues with my blog. I'll get back to ya after the munchkins are in bed. Late night.

Sending lotsa love

Baby Stellan is entering the world today. Click on the photo or on my sidebar "My Charming Kids" for the full story. Lots of hugs going to mckmama and little mckmuffin today.

A Miracle

WATCH THIS. Today's "Oprah" is about miracle children. One of the children features a little boy whose story put me to my knees. Click here to watch the most amazing little boy, narrated by his Daddy.

This what what the Mooney family is up to now. Click on it AFTER you have watched the video. You'll be glad you did.

Nope, not me!

This past week I did not...

I did not just read "My Charming Kids" and die laughing from her desperate make-up application process in the car.

I did not see my 6 year old climb to the top of an airplane hanger ceiling.

I did not hear the same 6 year old chanting Barack Obama over and over, simply because his name is cool.

I did not drop an enormous pumpkin on my flip-flop exposed toes and scream, "Oh sh**!" in front of my children.

I did not get home near midnight on friday just so the kids could see what daddy did at work.

My daughter did not get an offer to buy Halloween candy for 25 cents each so the 14 year old seller could buy more "weed".

My daughter did not freak out because I refused to donate to that charity.

I did not dream of making plans of going on a vacation with my girlfriends once I weigh less than a half ton.

I did not just get started on this "Not Me Monday" and forget that my son really wants to go to the gym.

Costume preview

Since we could not make it to the wedding yesterday (no babysitter), we headed for the Minney Halloween party. As always, it was so much fun! I am intentionally putting the not-so-adorable photos of the kids in this post. The cuter ones will hopefully come on Halloween.

FEARLESS

My fearless daughter! Actually the word "fearless" is not an adjective that I would have used for her until tonight. She is normally terrified of almost anything. She has the fight in her to learn new things, yet normally freaks out upon starting something new. Tonight her spark to accomplish rock climbing turned into a wildfire. She made it all the way to the top. Waiting at the top was a terrifying looking stuffed Mickey Mouse hanging upside down. She rang the bell that Mickey Mouse was holding and screamed at the top of her lungs, which sent the entire gym into hiding. GO GIRL!

Taking A Poll

I just took a daily poll on sparkpeople.com. The question...

Do you buy healthier Halloween treats?

(A) Always
(B) Sometimes
(C) Never

The results... 91 percent, NEVER!

YAYYYYYY! I'm sorry, I am on a weight loss kick, but you just can't give up Snickers, M&M's, smarties, and Skittles for Halloween. I wonder if this will ever become a partisan issue? I'll contact any and all elected officials to reach across the aisle if it is ever an issue in scary ol' Washington.

(and yes, I did delete my last post.)

Here I go again

From New Zealand to me... I am a copycat once again. This came from, "Be Strong and Courageous" on my sidebar.

1. Where is your cell phone? In my car.

2. Where is your significant other? Working. His exact location... I have noooo idea.

3. Your hair color? brownish reddish boring-ish.

4. Your mother? not sure what this is asking. She's Rosie, just in case you care.

5. Your father? My dad.

6. Your favorite thing? thing, I am guessing this means object. My favorite thing is my camera, even though I'd like a better one.

7. Your dream last night? that a friend of mine who is pregnant with a girl now, is ALSO prego with twins due in March. Strange, I know.

8. Your dream/goal? To become a professional pastry chef. Maybe I should try not using Betty Crocker box mixes all the time. There's a start.

9. The room you're in? Living room/family room/office/play room/messiest room in the house.

10. Your hobby? taking photos for absolutely no reason.

11. Your fear? Pickles, oranges, seafood, creepy crawlies, and falling.

12. Where do you want to be in six years? In a hole in the ground as I approach parenting a teenager. OHHH NO!

13. Where were you last night? Girl Scout meeting, then at home watching TV with hubby. I know, I know, soooo exciting. Don't be jealous!

14. What you’re not? A size 6.

15. One of your wish list items? a top-of-the-line Canon Camera, a GIRLS trip, and again, a size 6 jeans.

16. Where you grew up? I'm a valley girl.

17. The last thing you did? change a poopy diaper.

18. What are you wearing? jeans (whoaaa, shocking I know) and a blue/black striped shirt.

19. Your TV? is on the Food Network.

20. Your pet? is probably snoring on my mom's floor right now.

21. Your computer? is allowing me to kill time doing silly things like this.

22. Your mood? Ehhh, fine.

23. Missing someone? ALWAYS.

24. Your car? is getting old. I want a new one.

25. Something you’re not wearing? A kilt.

26. Favorite store? Realistically, Target. In my occasional dream world, Pottery Barn, Gap, and Cheesecake Factory... oh wait, you asked about stores. Back to stores.......

27. Your summer? is over, thank God. I'm not a fan of summertime.

28. Love someone? Of course I do. I love LOTS of people.

29. Your favorite color? depends on what the color is on... orange is nice on trees, but on for my car. Black is sexy, but not as lipstick. Pink is cute, unless Donald Trump is wearing it. Get my point?!

30. When is the last time you laughed? when Kevin was taking my order at his makeshift living room restaurant a little bit ago.

31. Last time you cried? I had a 30 second pissed off cry on saturday. Before that, it was about a month ago when I was driving in the car alone on the way home from somewhere. Thinking can be very dangerous for me.

Election Coverage from a 6 year old

My daughter did not just tell her 3 year old brother, "VOTE FOR BARACK OBAMA!  I AM!!"  Ok, she did just say that.  

I have two children building the Obama White House out of Legos right now.  It is not exactly white, it is multiple squares of red, yellow, green, and blue, but who notices little things like that?  I have to tell you, hearing my 3 year old chant "Barack Obama" is absolutely hilarious.  Just this summer, we were waiting for him to say "yes" and "no".  

'Lil miss is learning all about the presidential election in first grade.  NOOO, this is not some liberal conspiracy in the public schools to have Obama elected.   She is "voting" for him simply because his name is "SUPER DUPER COOL".   

I have FOX news on the TV right now, and of course the kids are hearing "Obama", "McCain", "Biden", and "Palin" over and over.  They giggle each time Obama's name is mentioned.  Haaaaaaaaaaa!  Gotta laugh, come on. 

Did I mention that I registered to vote today?  Phewwww!  There's nothing like the last minute.  I figured since I finally made my decision on who and what to vote for, maybe registering would be a good idea.   

Muahhhhh

Thank you for the many responses I have received regarding a post I made last week about my weight loss progress.  I have received a few comments on blogger, many e-mails, text messages, and comments about that specific post in face-to-face conversation too.  It means a lot.  

Muahhh, thanks.  

I have more to write for today.  Time is not my friend today.  I'll write later.  

The Pacific and some pumpkins too

The Pumpkin Festival was... well, I can not accurately finish that statement.  We never actually went to the festival today.  Three words, TOO MANY PEOPLE!  We ended up going to the same pumpkin patch that we went to last year.  No parking issues, no crowding issues, and for goodness sake, the pumpkins were cheap.  The kids had a blast running around the pumpkins, chasing chickens, running through a hay maze, jumping in monster tires full of hay, and of course, pulling the pumpkin wagons too.

After the pumpkin adventure, we went out to eat at a yummy restaurant on the Pacific.  Gorgeous views, and FABULOUS food too.  

(Daddy and Kevin outside of the restaurant.)

On our way home on Highway 1, we stopped at an isolated beach right at sunset.  Beautiful. Serene. Amazing (I hate that word). Romantic (minus the screaming kids). Chilly. Gorgeous.  We found a few mussel shells, lots of seaweed, frigid surfers, and huge coastline rocks. 

 

That's our day.  

What do you think?

As I sit here today with a sore body from head to toe, I keep thinking, "I feel different.  I hope I actually look different."  What do you think? 

I know I should not think about looking different, but I do.  I suppose it is just part of always standing out, yet invisible at the same time.  Trust me, I know I am nowhere close to looking the way I want, or the way I should.  These are just thoughts that have run through my head today.... and many many other days too.

The first photo was taken on August 9, right before I joined the gym.  The second picture was actually supposed to be an attempt at a photo session with Kevin this morning.  He bailed on me with his ball, so the timer went off with me alone.  You can even see his little legs near the gate.  Goofy kid!

They told me to!

I saw this on a blog today.  Yes, I deleted my other entry for today.  So, go to the 6th folder in your photo files, and choose the 6th photo.  Why 6?  Don't ask me.  I am just a silly copycat that thought it would be fun.  And the picture is totally cute too.  Why not?  It is a bit outta season, but hey, THEY TOLD ME TO!

Juliana- our backyard in Massachusetts in 2003.  I was attempting to get a cute photo for Christmas cards.  We didn't use this one, but it is still pretty darn cute.

Whipped into shape

First of all, today Kevin used the potty for the first time EVER.  He chose this baby book worthy experience to do at the gym today.  He told a guy he needed to go potty, so they took him to the bathroom.  Apparently, he did his duty, washed hands, and went on his merry way.  I told the guy he has NEVER used the potty.  He was really embarrassed and apologized.  I actually told him that I'd like him to come home with us.  He didn't really like that statement.  OOPS!

Speaking of the gym... I have a personal trainer.  Well not really, but I can pretend.  Her name is Kerri, and she kicked my booty.  I worked parts of my body that I have not worked since high school.  The workout was not easy, and I felt like the weakest woman on the planet, but I am hoping that my "trainer" can whip me into shape SOON.    

There's a part of me that wishes another really fat girl like me would walk into the exercise area to workout.  I hate being the weakest, most outta shape, and fattest chick-a-dee in the workout area.  When I was doing lunges today, I felt like Shamu.  Oh no, I was even wearing black and white!  %&*#(&*(#@

Maybe one day, I will look back at these days and laugh (or cry).  I'd like to think one day I'll be one of the cute girls (excuse me while I laugh hysterically) lifting weights and running endlessly on the treadmill.  

Kerri, thanks for whipping me into shape today.  I think.  :)

TV Star

TODDLER TATTOO ARTISTS. On the next episode of "LA Ink".  Check your local listings.

Fleet Week '08

It's Fleet Week in San Francisco.  We headed over to Marin County to watch the air show, more specifically the Blue Angels.  I actually think the hundreds of crabs climbing all over the rocks were much more interesting.  Last year, the view we had from the same location was much better.  Luckily we were never stuck in traffic or dealing with mobs of people.  

The Right Stuff

I can not believe I am admitting this... I went to see New Kids on the Block last night.  I can not believe I am saying this either... they put on a great concert.  

If you attend a concert, it is the perfect opportunity to do some people watching.  Picture walking down your high school hallways and seeing this....  drunken girls with Donnie pins, hot pink leggings accompanied with a Danny Wood t-shirt, hairsprayed bangs 5 inches high with a Jordan scrunchie in the hair, and the best, a maternity shirt with the entire group on it stating, "Who's the daddy?"  CLASSY, ohhhh-so classy.  Did I mention the not-so-thrilled-pot smoking-beer drinking-nacho eating-girlfriend can't dance-smelly man sitting next to me?  

Other than the gossip worthy crowd, the concert truly was a lot of fun!  The guys put on a decent concert.  I can not think of something more fun than swinging arms to the song "Hangin' Tough" with a group of friends, screaming like a 12 year old groupie, and feeling like a kid again.  Ok, so there is more to life than NKOTB, but hey, the five of us had a great time.     

My camera died after taking two pictures before we even left for the concert.  Grrrrr, I was angry!  Mandy was very sweet and shared the pins with all of us to wear.  I had a Joe pin on all night long.  Shucks, there are no pictures of that... 

Gotta Read...

If you are a teacher, you have to read the "Sausages and Flowers" blog on my sidebar.  That's not the exact name, but you get the point.  The woman is HILARIOUS, rude, and truthful all wrapped into one.  If you are easily offended, do not read.  Haaa, that makes you wanna go there, doesn't it?

Off to start my day of reliving 1989....  More later.

One little, two little pumpkins

ZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzz

I would really really love to have a full night sleep sometime soon.  It's 4am, and I have been up for at least an hour.  Grrrrrrr!  Kevin woke me up at 2:58 letting me know (AKA screaming) he wanted a mommy kiss.  I'll take kisses any time of the night, but I need sleep too.  I tend to wake up (and stay awake) when he does each night and my mind races.  Not about anything in particular, it just races about a variety of topics.  Before I know it, morning arrives and it is time to put a smile on and start a new day.  

We will see what the next couple hours brings.  I am going to attempt to snuggle with my pillows and blankets right now.  Ni night everyone........ ZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz  

 

I love October 6th!

I LOVE OCTOBER 6th!  It means many things to me.  I'll get to the most important reason why at the end.  Here are the reasons I love it....

1. It means fall is in full swing.

2. Hay rides and pumpkin carving are coming.

3. I have one month, one day until my birthday.

4. The weather is cooler.

5. Today is TORY'S BIRTHDAY!

Tory is one of my "bestest friends in the whole wide world".  I know that is a statement that only 5 year old children use, but cut me some slack here.  There are certain people in this world that define "special" and Tory is one of those people to me.  I can not explain it.  I am not sure it is necessary to explain it.  Love ya Tory with all my heart.... HAPPY BIRTHDAY!  Expect your goddaughter and Kevin to sing a full rendition of "Happy Birthday" at some point today.  

MISS YOU!!!  

Pacific views

I sat on my bed this morning wondering what I could do today.  Jason is working, so I knew I had ALL day on my hands.  I wanted somewhere within a 2 hour drive, I wanted something fun, yet with very little money attached to it.  Sooo, we ended up going to Point Reyes.  I had not been there since I was in high school, and I had never driven there on my own.  I did pretty darn good.  I was impressed with myself.  Ok, I was impressed with google maps.  

We first went to a beach that was less than "Point Reyes-ish".  Pretty I suppose, but definitely not what I was looking for. Since I paid $6 for parking, we made the best of it for about an hour. We left when a kid near us started feeding the seagulls and every seagull within a 12 mile radius came to enjoy a buffet of Lays potato chips.  It ticked me off, but it was my way out of that pathetic beach.  The kids hated the seagulls.  

We left the beach, and headed down the road.  I had no clue where I was going.  We passed hundreds of cows, and dairy farms.  Let me tell you, those cows have one hell of a view.  Those are million dolla' cows!  

I eventually found signs for the Point Reyes lighthouse, so we made the trek up the hill/mountain to the lighthouse vantage point, only to find out that the lighthouse was actually about 1/2 mile down about 1500 stairs... down a steep cliff, of course.  No way, I was not bringing a 3 year old and a 6 year old down those steps.  What goes down, must come back up... well, we'd hope anyway.  We walked back to the car, and I thought we'd go to finally eat.  

Nope, no eating.  I found a gorgeous beach.  Too bad the signs in the parking lot had warnings of sharks, strong undertow, and swim at your own risk.  What did we do?  Yes, we grabbed our buckets and shovels and headed to the beach.  We rudely interrupted a romantic champagne picnic on the beach, but oh well.  Their wine glasses ended up in the Pacific about 45 minutes later when the tide came in and took everything with it.  Luckily, we were starting to head out, otherwise we would have been lost somewhere off the coast right now.  The waves do not look too big in the photos, but trust me, they were enormous!

After that beach, we headed out of Point Reyes to find something to eat.  We ended up having Fuddruckers.  YUCK, I didn't like it!  It smelled good, it looked good, but eating it was another story.  Maybe burgers and fries are just not my friends anymore.  

That's the end of our day.

A hit with the grannies!

I'm not sure why I am writing now.  I am off to the gym in a few minutes, then have the next 2 days alone.  Well not alone, just without hubby at home.  

Kevin and I headed to see my Granny, Auntie Carol, and "Grampy" Paul today.  Such a fun visit!  Auntie Carol and Paul are back in the US of A after their spring/summer on their boat in Europe.  It is wonderful to see them before they head to their "real" home in the land of the tropics.  

Kevin was a hit with all of the grannies walking around today.   His cute personality and his motorcycle shirt were quite a conversation piece.  I can't believe how many people started mini conversations with him about his motorcycle shirt.... even after he spit coffee all over it.  The coffee incident is a hilarious story, but unless you were there, it isn't worth telling.  

Granny still looks fabulous at 91 years old, and still going strong.  I wanna be like her when I grow up!   She not only gave her great-grandson many kisses and hugs, but she leaned over for them.  She had silly faux phone calls with Kevin, she told jokes, and all that great stuff that grandmothers (and great-grandmothers) do.  I think Auntie Carol and Paul had a blast with Kevin too.  I know we had a blast with them!!!!  

By the way, the coffee stains (and the brownie marks too) are out of the motorcycle shirt.  Phewwwww!        

to hug or not to hug?

I am in a bit of a parenting dilemma.  Yesterday at school, I was pulled aside by Juliana's teacher, and asked that Juliana join us.  The first thought, "Oh no, she's starting to act out at school now.  What is happening to my 6 year old?!"  That thought quickly left my thoughts when I was told what Juliana needs to work on.  To make it simple, I was told that my daughter hugs too much.  

There are many things that I imagined a teacher telling me about my children.  You know what I mean, that dreaded "talk" about your child misbehaving and being totally embarrassed.  It left me breathless.  What do I say?  "You know it's not ok to hug anyone" in a stern voice?  No.  "No more hugging.  Hugging is not ok to do."  No.  "I'm going to take away your toys if you hug again!" No.

I left school baffled about what to do or say to my 6 year old.  I can totally understand that excessive hugging would be completely annoying to a teacher.  I know that isn't the case.  After all, we all know she adored (and still does) her Kindergarten teacher, and excessive hugging was never an issue, so why now?  I have talked to Juliana about hugging the "right" people at the "right" times, although I guess I was wrong to assume a teacher is fair game.  

The end result... I told Juliana to not hug her teacher anymore, even though she was given a 4 hug quota for the day at specific times.  If she really needs a hug, she can visit Kindergarten at the end of the day for a teacher hug.  I am not sure if I am mad, hurt, frustrated, or the opposite, totally understanding of this request of not hugging.  Like I said, I get it to a point, I guess it is the bigger picture that I do not understand.  As soon as I figure out the bigger picture, I'll let you know.  

The thought that is consuming me the most after this conversation after school is... the world needs more hugs and huggers... don't we?  

The icing on the cake was when I walked in to Juliana's room this morning to get her up for the day.  She was on her bed with her notebook.  I asked her what she was doing.  "I'm writing to Mrs. _________ to say sorry for hugging her."

TEMPORARY SHUT DOWN

I'm back now. 

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I AM GOING TO TEMPORARILY BLOCK USERS FROM MY BLOG.... too many questionable ones.

SILLY MONSTER!

FRANK ARRIVED DURING THE NIGHT!  Let me introduce you to Frank...

Frank is a monster that has lived in our house for 5 years.  Every October 1st, he creeps into our house and each night he finds a new place to hide.  We can usually find where he is hidden because he is messy with his candy corn and leaves clues where he is hiding.  Last night, he jumped onto the top of the bookshelf.  Silly Frank!  

Frank is super special because he seems to figure out when we move.  He has been in Massachusetts, Michigan, and now here.  He is silly and smart!

Juliana and Kevin were very excited this morning to see Frank.  He will lose his magic if anyone touches him, so that makes the kids a little bit sad.  Although a confused and wise Juliana said last year, "How is he magic if he has a tag on his butt?"  Even with a tag on his butt, he is still magical in this household.